Part 25
The fog of sleep was difficult to shake. She felt heavy, like she was made of stone, but she was aware of the angry voices around her. She was also aware of a hand holding hers and the tenderness of the gentle caresses as someone wiped her forehead.
“You IDIOT! You knew what could happen to her!” growled Kevin. “You NEVER think of anyone other than yourself.”
“Back off, Kevin!! I had to protect her and I couldn’t do it in the shape I was in.”
“It’s not going to matter if something happens to her or the baby!! This is exactly what her father wanted!” Pacing the floor angrily, Kevin continued to rant, “Where the hell is Nickolas? I TOLD him to bring her something to eat.”
“Both of you need to calm down,” warned Howard. “Kevin, Alex did what was best, the same as you, and she trusted him.”
“That trust is going to cost ALL of us.”
Samantha could hear the fear in Kevin’s voice and she knew she had to reassure him. Softly, without opening her eyes, she called for him. “Kevin.”
Howard heard her. Moving to allow Kevin to sit with her, he said, “She’s calling for you, Kevin.”
Kevin moved swiftly to her side. “I’m here, my lady….right by your side,” he reassured, his voice softened by his love for her.
Slowly, her eyes opened and when she focused, she could see all the emotions she’d heard in their voices. “You can not be angry with one another or my father will destroy you all.”
“We’re just worried about you, my love,” explained Howard.
“How are we going to defeat your father?” questioned Alex. “He’s too powerful for us.”
Samantha struggled to sit up and Kevin helped her. Patting the bed, she instructed, “Sit with me.”
Alex sat opposite Kevin and Howard at her feet as Kevin asked, “Are you strong enough?”
“I’m fine, just tired.” Looking at her three lords, she smiled, “I love all three of you so much. You DO have the power to defeat my father…you just have to believe in yourselves the way I believe in you. You aren’t the evil of all the legends. You’ve proven that to me and you’ve gotten past the hurt that drove you to evil in the first place. Knowing my father’s weakness will help also.”
“The Source of all Evil has a weakness?” asked Alex in disbelief.
“Yes, and his weakness is your strength.”
“Our love for you,” spoke Howard.
Samantha nodded and then closed her eyes resting her head on Kevin’s shoulder.
“You’re tired. Why don’t you lay back down and rest?” suggested Kevin.
“Not yet. Before my father arrives, you three have to be together….no traces of anger. Kevin, you’re still furious with Alex for using me.”
“He knows better and YOU know what can happen to you,” scolded Kevin tenderly.
“Yes, I do know but I trusted him. Kevin, Alex had to do this….to show that he has pure love in his heart now. He was looking out for me and to stop before he had fully regained his strength showed that he wasn’t just thinking about his own needs.”
“But what if something had happened to you? What if this has harmed the baby?”
“And what if my father had come after me while Alex was so weak? My crystals could only protect us for so long before my father found a way around them. Please, Kevin, this wasn’t about what he did….you were jealous that I picked him to go with me and you were scared that something had happened….just tell him that.”
Kevin looked up at Alex. “She’s right. I was jealous but now that I know why she picked you….I’m sorry.”
“I understand. I would have felt the same."
There was a timid knock on the door and Nickolas entered carrying the broth Kevin had instructed him to make for Samantha. Seeing her sitting up cheered him and his blue eyes lit up.
“Here’s something for you to eat.”
“Thank you, Nickolas.”
“Sire…more guests are arriving for the celebration,” announced Nickolas diverting his eyes from Kevin as he spoke.
“Alex and I will go greet our guests. Kevin, stay here and make sure our Lady finishes her broth.” Howard winked at her as he stood and then left with Alex behind him.
Samantha took a sip of the broth and then placed it on the table beside the bed. Taking Kevin’s hand, she placed it on her belly so that he could feel the movement. Affectionately, she said, “Your son is just fine, My lord.”
Kevin’s eyes danced with joy as he felt the baby moving under his hand but he was still concerned for Samantha. “You should be resting.”
“I need you, Kevin…in my dream wasn’t enough to sustain me.”
With a wave of his hand, the two were transported to his own chambers where he helped her shed her clothing. Pulling her tight to his own lean body, he held her as she sought the strength she needed in him. As she nourished herself, he closed his eyes. Her body next to his was all he needed and as her strength returned, he felt his own powers surge. They would defeat their enemy and protect what was theirs.
