Page 33 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 23
Time seemed to drift in the Sapphire Kingdom. At least, that’s how Sarifena felt. What felt like months, had only been weeks. Alex was settling in nicely to her world, yet, he still wasn’t speaking. Heath assured her time and time again, it was normal.
“Alex,” Sarifena called out, “Would you like to go on a trip?”
He peered up from his spot on the floor. He’d been quietly playing with toy cars Heath had given him. Nodding his little head, he left the cars on the floor and crawled into her lap.
“How about we take a little trip to see my sister, your new aunt?”
Snuggling into her chest, his head rested against her bosom.
“Going somewhere?”
Sarifena jumped, causing Alex to giggle. Heath could be stealthy when he wanted, making him appear almost out of thin air.
“You startled me,” Sarfiena tickled Alex, making him laugh harder, “but this guy sure thought it was funny. I thought we could go visit with Rory. I spoke to her earlier and mentioned being stir crazy. She invited us over for the day.”
“Sounds fun, but are you sure it’s safe to travel?”
“We haven’t had any more incidents, but I will take several guards with me. Would you like to join us?”
“As much as I would love to, I have to get caught up on my job.”
Heath leaned over, pecking Alex’s cheek, then settling his lips on Sarifena’s. Smiling against his mouth, she couldn’t help the giggle that slipped out when the toddler patted Heath’s cheek.
“All right, all right, little guy.” Heath brushed back her hair, “Call me once you arrive safely.”
Sarifena watched as he left the room, “You ready, Alex?”
He nodded in excitement as Sarifena scooped him up and carried him upstairs. She packed a change of clothes for both, and his diapers and toys.
Heath watched as Sarifena pulled out of the long driveway. The caravan of security around her gave him some relief, yet he worried immensely about their safety.
“Dr. King?” Commander Brady approached him, “A word, please.”
Heath turned to the man wearing a scowl that could give someone a startle. “What is it, Commander?”
“I’m afraid there’s an issue… and I don’t quite know what to do about it.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
“It’s about the boy, actually.”
“Alex?”
“Yes…” Commander Brady shifted nervously on his feet, “there is a visitor in the east wing. He is demanding to speak with the Queen about Alex. I’ve informed him they are away on business, but he refuses to leave.”
“Who is it?”
“That’s the thing, sir. He is saying he’s the boys, father.”
Heath stumbled, catching himself he shook his head, “I’m sorry… did you say, ‘his father’?”
“Yes.”
“That’s not possible.” Heath started toward the east wing, “His mother and father were killed in the explosion. Social services checked for any living family and found none.”
“Look,” Commander Brady caught up to Heath in the hallway, “You and I know mistakes have happened in the past.”
“I don’t give a god damn about mistakes. Sarifena will never survive losing that little boy.”
“That’s why I didn’t stop her from leaving.”
“You mean he’s been here since before she left?” Heath paused, pinning the commander with a questioning glare.
“Yes. I thought it best you and I handle this first. See if there is any truth to his claim before we let the Queen in on it.”
“Good thinking.”
Heath stopped just outside the door to the sitting room. His stomach churned with fear and anguish over what was waiting beyond the closed door. Sarifena would be devastated if there was any truth to the stranger's story. Gathering his resolve, he pushed open the door to find his fate on the other side.
