The Blood Prince

019

Tatiana...

I angrily stomp towards Nadia's quarters, hearing Taron's footsteps still behind me.

Once I reach her door I pound on it three times.

She opens it and then does a curtsie as she sees me.

"Your majesty, what are you doing here so late?"she asks, closing her sleeping gown.

"Take me to my husband."I demand.

"I..I need to see him."

She sighs and then looks back at Taron, who only shakes his head.

Nadia scoffs and then grips my hand.

"Only this once your majesty. But then you must leave the king to rest."she says.

"Yes, I will. Just let me see him."I say.

....

After a short walk down to the sick bay, I see the outline of Xavier's face from the thin curtain he was behind.

I gasp as I run over to him.

His face was sweating, and his babbling was incoherent.

I become overwhelmed with emotion as I see him.

I cup his cheeks lightly as I look back to Nadia.

"The crown did this?"I ask softly.

Nadia only nods.

I lean down and place my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat fast.

I shake my head as I cup his cheeks again.

"Xavier?"I say.

"You mustn't -"Taron was cut off by Nadia quite literally slapping him in the mouth.

"Let her try."she exclaims as Taron covers his sore lip.

I gently rub the back of my palm against his cheek and he winces.

"Xavier. Open your eyes my love."I say softly, my voice shaking.

Briefly, he opens his eyes to glance at me. His eyes close again as a small smile creeps to his face.

"Tatiana.."he mumbles, making me smile and sit up a bit more.

"Yes, it's me."I chuckle as he smiles again.

Nadia, shocked that her brother had spoken sensibly speaks.

"Ask him where he is?"she says, causing me to look back at her.

"Quickly!"

I turn back to Xavier and cup his cheeks again.

"Xavier, do you know where you are?"I ask softly as I rub my thumb against his cheek.

He takes a long, deep breath and then releases it before speaking.

"I'm with my wife.."he says softly before opening his eyes.

"Where are we?"he questions, looking at me.

"In the sick bay, my love."I say softly, causing him to roll his eyes and shutter a bit.

"I wish to go to my room. I want to be with my wife."he mumbles.

I smile as I look back at Nadia's face, that was concerned.

"Are you sure you're comfortable with that, my lady? After..what happened?"she asks.

Xavier's drunken smile fades.

"....what happened?"

"Nothing. Yes, I'm fine with it. He's to be transferred to the kings quarters immediately."I say, sitting up.

"I highly advise against this."Taron says, causing me to look back at him.

"The king's word is law, is it not?"I say.

Taron, again, releases a disappointed huff.

....

The next day...

I smile, bringing a few chilled towels towards Xavier who was resting in our bed.

I climb into bed with him and he slightly opens his eyes.

"Hello my love."he says sluggishly.

"How are we feeling?"I question, placing one of the cold cloths on his neck.

He hisses and the cold cloth sizzles as it touches his skin.

"...stronger.."he says.

I smile, leaning down and pressing a kiss against his lips.

"You look stronger as well."I smile, making him chuckle as I straddle him.

He brings his gloved hands to my thighs and smiles.

"Do I?"he smiles as his hands move towards my waist.

I immediately hiss, pulling his hand away. It causes a concerned look to grow on his face.

"What's wrong?"he questions.

"The gloves, they're a bit hot."I chuckle, placing his hands back on my thighs.

He sighs softly as I wipe a bit of sweat from his brow.

"I'm sorry I let this happen, Tatiana."he says quietly.

"I just...I wanted to be able to touch you...I like touching you."he slurs, causing me to chuckle a bit.

"You don't need to apologize, Xavier. You're already forgiven."I say before pecking his lips a few times.

"I just need you to get better now, that's all."

....