Page 31 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 21
Anthony woke with a start. He wasn’t sure where he was, but sleeping on the street in an alley probably wasn’t the safest thing to do. Glancing around, he guessed that he’d somehow managed to find his way to the Sapphire Kingdom. There were far too many lakes for it not to be Sarifena’s home.
Pushing himself up on his feet, Anthony started towards the main road. Perhaps he’d find someone that could take him to her castle or at least help him call for help.
Limping his way out of the narrow alley, he was shocked to find the Queen. She was standing next to several guards at one of the local shops. He never believed in fate, but he was quickly rethinking his stance.
“Your Majesty!” Anthony called out, stumbling toward her.
The guards surrounding her rushed him, grabbing him by the arms and taking him to the ground.
“Please… I am the commander of the Ruby Kingdom.” Anthony hit the ground with a muffled grunt. His body ached, he was pretty sure his wound was bleeding.
“STOP!!” Queen Azurite yelled, “What the fuck is wrong with you idiots? Can’t you see who that is…” she squatted, batting the hand of her guards, “Commander Blake… Jesus Christ – help him up, NOW.”
The guards helped him to his feet and held him steady. He felt like his side was on fire as he stood on his unsteady legs.
“Anthony, can you walk?” Sarifena grabbed his arm, “Officer Holberg, help this man to the car and you,” she pointed to the other man holding him up, “Call the doctor. I want them to meet us at the Castle.”
Sarifena followed her guards toward the awaiting SUV, “Captain Stephens alert Commander Brady. Let him know we’ve got the Ruby Commander and that I want to be the one to call Rory.”
Sarifena slipped into the car beside him, “Commander, do you remember anything?”
“Yes… but I’d rather wait until Rory is here to say anything. I’m just so tired,” he laid his head back on the soft leather headrest.
“Rest… I am sure Rory will be here today. If I know her at all, she’ll set fire to anyone that tries to stop her.”
Anthony closed his eyes, feeling safe for the first time in a while, “Your Majesty… how long was I gone?”
“A little over two months.”
“Fuck… Rory,” he paused.
“Anthony,” Sarifena placed her hand on Anthony’s leg, “Rest… I’ll make sure she knows you’re safe.”
Nodding, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Sarifena watched as her guards carried Anthony toward the medical wing as he needed medical attention immediately. His clothes were torn and covered in dirt and blood.
Sarifena took a deep breath and dialed the Ruby Queen’s number. This was going to be a shock and a relief all in one – Sarifena wasn’t sure if calling her directly was smart, but she knew she’d want to be first to know.
