Page 21 of Diamond Queen
“Luca,” Dimitra kneeled beside him.
“Your Majesty.” He grunted as the wound on his side oozed blood.
“We’re going to help you,” Dimitra nodded to Jason. “Can you stand?”
“I don’t know.” He looked down at the boy, “He’s just a kid. He didn’t deserve death.”
“I know…” she felt for a pulse, “he’s gone, Luca. You can let go now.”
“I can’t leave him. He saved my life… he took the blade meant to kill me.”
Dimitra cupped his cheek, “He will be given an honorable funeral, I promise. It’s time to let them take him. You need to be seen by a medical professional for your wound.”
“It’s a flesh wound… nothing more.” Jason helped him stand after dragging the boy from his lap.
“That may be, but Onika would never forgive me if I didn’t see to your care.”
“Onika,” Luca’s eyes focused as if realizing she was out there in the war-torn field. “Is she ok?”
“She is… but she is busy trying to save Rory right now, so you’re my responsibility.”
Luca nodded, “Rory? Is she…” his words weakened as he looked at the others surrounding him.
“I don’t know.” Dimitra bit back her tears, “Let’s get you to the castle so you can be seen.”
Jason helped the Captain guide him off the field to an awaiting car. Dimitra helped him into the back, “Go with him and let me know what the doctor says.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Turning toward Jason, “Any word on Dante?”
“Dante?” Jason scrunched his face up in question.
“Constable Graham.”
“Oh… not yet. They are still searching the field.”
“Let’s go find Amalee and see if we can help.”
Jason and Dimitra found Amalee standing in the middle of the field. She was staring off in a trance, unmoving.
“Amalee,” Dimitra approached her slowly, “What is it?”
“He’s gone. They cannot find him anywhere. Commander Critcher thinks he has been taken by someone.”
“Helix is dead… who would take him now?”
“Not all of Helix’s men are here… at least we don’t think they are. Our intel told us he had a hundred men, yet only ninety are either captured or dead. That means there are others out there.”
“We will find him, Amalee.” Jason pressed his hand to her shoulder.
“I will not survive losing him again.”
“Dimitra,” Onika approached them, “They are taking Rory to the castle.”
“Does that mean she lives?”
“She’s got a pulse… but whether or not she pulls through is up to her.”
