Page 43 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 30
Sitting across from Sarifena at the table, Heath drew in a deep breath. He’d struggled with whether to tell her about the mysterious letter. It’d only been twenty-four hours since he’d received the note that would change everything.
“What is it?” Sarifena bit into her omelet.
“Hum? Did you say something,” Heath shook himself from his thoughts, realizing she was speaking to him.
“Wow… whatever is on your mind seems serious.”
“Sarifena,” Heath began, but Commander Brady burst into the room.
“Dr. King,” the commander glanced between the Queen and Heath.
“I’ve told you to call me Heath. What is it?”
“My men have located him.”
Heath stood abruptly, the chair falling over and crashing with a loud thud.
“Found who?” Sarifena’s expression was filled with confusion.
“Sarifena…,” he swallowed, “I received a note yesterday indicating Nicholas Brigham wasn’t who he said he was.”
Pushing up from her seat, “What do you mean, Heath. He took Alex.”
“Your Majesty,” Commander Brady placed his hand on her arm, “We’ve got him. Alex is safe.”
Gasping, she nearly tripped over her chair, “Where… where is he?”
“He’s here?” Heath hurried around the table and pulled Sarifena’s hand in his.
“Yes… Captain Stephens located Mr. Brigham outside of Onyx Kingdom. He called for help, and let’s just say, Onika is not one to trifle with.”
“Onika helped?” Sarifena rubbed her head, “I don’t care… take me to him, please.”
Commander Brady led them to the opposite end of the Castle. As soon as Sarifena stepped inside, she found Onika standing at the window, holding Alex.
“Alex,” Sarifena dropped Heath’s hand and rushed toward the toddler. He turned, his smile melting her heart, and reached out to her. He nearly leaped from Onika’s arms before she reached them.
Sarifena tugged him tightly against her. Her face buried in his hair as she rocked him. Her tears were from the joy of having him back in her arms. The sound of shouting drew her from the bubble she was in. Spinning on her heel, she found Heath on top of Nicholas. Captain Stephens was trying to pull him off, with no luck. Even a blind man could see and felt his rage.
“Heath,” Sarifena called out to him, “HEATH… please. Alex needs you.”
It was like a damn breaking its hold on the water. Heath turned, fist paused in midair, as his eyes found hers. He jumped to his feet, rushing toward her and Alex, and wrapped himself around them, sealing them off from the outside world.
“Heath, baby, you’re smothering us.”
Releasing his hold, “I’m sorry. How is he? Is he hurt?” He began checking the tiny human over, searching for any signs of mistreatment.
“No…, he seems fine.”
“Your Majesty,” Commander Brady spoke, reminding Sarifena they were not alone.
“Hold him,” she reluctantly passed Alex into Heath’s arms, “I need to see the man who dared fuck with me.”
“This will be good,” Onika propped herself on the edge of the couch. Her smile sent chills down Heath's spine.
Sarifena grabbed Nicholas by the shirt, “Why. Did. You. Do. This.” She gritted out between her clenched jaw.
