Hold My Hand

Trying Times

Chapter 17: Trying Times

Hector checked on the children time and again. Elio was distraught when Nico had been unconscious. Marcus and him were sitting huddled together. Lukas is yet to wake up too. Giovanni was awake now. Hector had his heart in his throat when he saw his child with burns all over him and so much darkness and grime on him that he couldn't tell the injuries at first. But now, he has freshened up and he was gently holding Marcus and Elio. Myles was playing nurse to Lukas and Nico which seems to reassure him. So, none of them stopped him.

Estevan has been in meeting after meeting. The frequency of the attacks goes to show ho much has changed since the Mantis rose again. Hector wishes he could grab his humans and go off, hide somewhere. He totally understands how Estevan felt. There is so many factors about racing Marinos to ground that they need to consider unfortunately. The social unrest and the political fiasco it would cause in itself is reason enough to not act publicly. But now, they reached this far. He doubts Marinos will be around much longer.

"How are they?" asked Estevan, quietly as he joined them.

He meant all the children and there is only one answer Hector can give.

"Quiet," he said.

"Our defenses are not holding up because of how aggressive they are being. I wish I could retaliate in the same manner," he said. That he would have in the past remains unsaid.

"We will find a way," said Hector.

Estevan nodded.

Lukas woke up in the evening. They had the best medical equipment and treatment area at Aunt Elena's practice and he knew they are in good hands. Nico and Marcus were awake and Giovanni sat with them besides Myles and Elio. He knew the emperor and the Mantis alpha must be just outside.

Giovanni was looking at him. Lukas had the strange urge to blush but he looked at his siblings who were mostly unharmed. They extended their hands and Giovanni brought them close. He spent the next hour or so assuring all the five mother hens around him that he is fine. The older two found them like this.

"You should rest. Go on lay down, Gio. You both, I shouldn't see you getting up from bed," he warned Marcus and Nico who pouted but obeyed. Elio snuggled against Nico who was happy with that development. Marcus looked at Myles with a pout, ready for a cuddle. Myles obliged him. They didn't have many physical injuries like Lukas or Giovanni.

The emperor sat beside him. Once the kids fell asleep, he looked at Lukas.

"I am the reason for this. I should have left you to your peaceful life. If you want, I can make that happen," he said, gently running a hand through his hair. Lukas took his other hand in his.

"I will not regret it. I have a family now and no matter what we will stay unless you want us to-

"Never. I am just so glad all of you are safe," said Hector. Lukas nodded with a small smile. Later, Hector left. He was still awake. He looked at Giovanni's sleeping form before closing his eyes for some rest. Lukas will admit if only to himself how the prince grew on him. When he met the man, he didn't want anything to do with him. Now though, he doesn't know.

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Giovanni woke up for a second time in the evening. This time, Elio and Nico were snuggling up to him, careful not to trample over his burn wound. He sat up and tucked them in. Lukas was asleep too, Marcus tucked to his side. He pulled the comforter around them too before deciding to step out. Baba was in the hall. He looked up.