Page 22 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 15
The next few weeks passed by without incident. Heath and Sarifena spent every moment together, including their nights. Still apprehensive about committing to anything, they avoided the conversation of their future. Sarifena continued to distance herself from her mother, unsure how she could move past the lies and hurt.
Sitting in the library, she was reviewing some additional information on the deadlands. Several of her men had made it across the border into the territory, but still found no trace of Dimitra. She was sure they’d missed something, so she was looking over the maps and notes again.
“Sarifena,” Heath ran into the room, nearly breathless.
“Heath,” jumping to her feet, “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“There’s been another attack.”
“Where?”
Heath gathered his breath, “Sit down first.” He pointed back toward the couch.
“You’re scaring me, Heath. Just tell me, what’s happened?”
“There were multiple attacks made on the border between the Amethyst kingdom and ours,” he paused.
“Oh, God.” Sarfiena covered her mouth.
“Several homes have been destroyed. Sari, it was your mother’s village.”
Sarifena dropped to the floor, the air whooshing out of her lungs. Heath was there, wrapping his arms around her body. Lifting her into his lap as he pulled them both into the seat.
“My mother…” her voice cracked, “Is she…”
“I’m so sorry, Sarifena.”
Sarifena’s body shook as the sobs wracked through her chest. The tears poured from her eyes like a never-ending waterfall.
“Your mother died trying to rescue another woman and her child. The roof collapsed on top of them, killing everyone inside.”
“Oh God,” she clutched his body like it was the only thing anchoring her to the earth, “I never told her I forgave her. Heath,” Sarifena cried into his chest, “she died, thinking I hated her.”
“Shhhh,” Heath kissed her head, brushing her hair with his hand, “She knew you loved her. Your mother understood you needed time, Sarifena. But don’t for a second think she was angry with you. I talked with her often, and she told me how proud she was of you.”
“You… you talked to my mother?” Sarifena wiped her eyes.
“Often. I wanted her to know how much I loved you. I enjoyed hearing stories of your childhood, and she was happy knowing you had someone that would take care of you.”
Sarifena pressed her head against his shoulder, “Can you take me to see it, the village.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Sarifena. There have been multiple explosions since. I wouldn’t want to risk your safety.”
Sarifena peeled herself off him and pushed to stand, “I need to see it, Heath. Please.”
“Fine, let me call Commander Brady. He is still there and asked me to come and speak with you. Constable James is tied up in a call with the Amethyst Kingdom’s constable. He’s trying to get some aide from them.”
Sarifena stood with her arms folded across her chest, “Where is my mother now? Her body, I mean.” She hiccupped a sob, trying to force them at bay.
“She will be brought here. Do you want to wait to see her before we go?”
“No… I need to be strong for my people.”
Heath nodded, “Let’s go.”
