Page 11 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 7
Tears welled up in Sarifena’s eyes as she sucked in a breath, shocked by his question. Her voice was a mere whisper as she spoke, “I… I can’t promise you anything right now… can’t this be enough?”
Heath released her arms, rolled off the bed, and stood with his back to Sarifena. “I can’t condemn myself to the possibility of being broken into a thousand pieces, Sarifena. Don’t you see you hold my beating heart in the palm of your hand?”
“Heath…” Sarifena sat up and covered herself with the sheet, “Please, you don’t know what you're asking me for.”
Heath sighed as he shook his head, “I know exactly what I’m asking.”
He stormed from the room, the heavy door echoing off the silence that filled the space as it slammed shut behind him.
Sarefina sat stunned, her eyes transfixed on the wooden exit, as they filled with even more moisture. Her chest constricted against the breath she tried to take. She didn’t think he’d leave like that. Sarifena thought Heath understood she was trying to protect him. She couldn’t take away his hopes for a family.
Curling into herself, she allowed the tears to fall. Her heart ached for a man she didn’t deserve. Sarifena’s entire life had been upended. First, learning her father wasn’t who she’d believed him to be, then attempt on her life. The one that forced her to push the only man she’d ever love away.
Sarifena wasn’t sure how long she’d laid in bed before finally giving in to a night of restless sleep. Her dreams had been filled with Heath, making her chest hurt even more. Sarifena eased herself up, stretching her arms as she walked toward the balcony. The sun was up, shining its orange and red hues on the land below. Lost in thought, Sarifena was shocked when an explosion rocked the kingdom.
In the distance, she could see smoke and flames billowing in the morning sky. As she turned to rush inside, another explosion echoed through the valley.
“Your Majesty,” Commander Brady shoved open the door and entered her quarters, “I’m sorry to barge in like this, but,” Sarifena cut him off.
“I saw the explosions. Let me get changed, I’ll meet you in the conference room. Do we know if this was intentional or accidental?”
“No. I have several men responding to the area… I suspect it’s not an accident, Your Majesty.”
“Yeah… I figured as much. Gather the medical staff and meet me outside instead. Let’s not waste any time. I worry there are innocents injured.”
“Are you sure you should go, ma’am?”
“Commander, my people could die out there. I can eliminate the fires, so, yes – I’m going.”
Sarifena hurried into the bathroom and washed up. Quickly brushing her teeth and taming her hair into a small ponytail, she pulled on some jeans and a sweater. Yanking on knee-length boots, she ran from her room. Her heart pounding as she prayed that no one was dead.
“Commander,” Sarifena met him outside at the bottom of the steps to the castle. He’d gathered several men, including the medical staff. Sarifena scanned the faces, not seeing Heath, “Where is Doctor King?”
Commander Brady bristled, “Um… he and the Constable left already. They said they would meet us there.”
“I see. Fine, let’s go.”
Sarifena climbed into the SUV beside the Commander and buckled up. She could feel her magic tingling against her skin. Her anger had lit the fire inside her soul, turning her into a raging storm within.
It felt like it’d taken forever to arrive at the edge of the kingdom. Sarifena couldn’t help but gasp at what she was seeing. Multiple buildings were leveled entirely and on fire. There were people buried beneath the rubble screaming. Some were burning before her eyes.
“Oh. My. God.” She pushed open the door to the SUV.
“Your Majesty, wait.”
She vaguely heard the Commander call out to her, but her mind was transfixed on the carnage before her. Closing her eyes, she allowed the magic to flow. Sarifena could feel the power inside her building. The air moistened as she called the water to her. Fanning her arms out in an arch, she released the magic, causing water to rain down all around her.
A touch to her shoulder startled her, “Sarifena, you can stop now. The fires are out.”
Captain Stephens stood beside her, his palm still pressed to her shoulder. He stood still, making sure she was steady on her feet before he removed his hand.
“Thank you,” Sarifena nodded at him, “Let’s see what we can do to help now.”
