DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 20

---Nikolai's POV---

Nikolai sat at the edge of his bed; his gaze fixed upon Mara's serene face as she lay unconscious. His heart clenched with worry, knowing the risks she had taken to free him from the grip of the shadow demons. He held her hand gently, his fingers tracing the delicate contours.

After that night in the town, Nikolai had carried her through the streets until they were found by the palace guards. Quickly rushing them into the palace. Nikolai firmly commanded that Mara be placed in his chamber rather than hers. Which is where she lay peacefully, always there when Nikolai returned from his endless meetings and duties of the day. But every time he came back. 

The palace healer approached cautiously; his face etched with concern. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice laced with apprehension. "The drug Mara ingested during the ritual... it is a substance of great potency and rarity. Its effects are not well-documented, and its long-term consequences are largely unknown."

Nikolai's grip on Mara's hand tightened. "What are you saying? Will she be alright?"

The healer's eyes met Nikolai's, filled with a mix of sympathy and uncertainty. "I cannot provide a definitive answer, Your Majesty. The drug's influence on the human body is highly unpredictable. It has the potential to cause severe side effects, both physical and mental."

A surge of worry coursed through Nikolai's veins. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Mara or seeing her suffer. "What can we do? Is there any treatment?"

The healer shook his head gravely. "I am afraid there is no known cure or antidote for this particular substance. All we can do is monitor her closely and provide supportive care. Pray that her body can withstand its effects and recover."

Nikolai felt a mixture of anger and helplessness welling up within him. He refused to accept that there was nothing more they could do. "No," he stated firmly, his voice tinged with determination. "We will not give up. We will find a way to help her."

As the healer nodded solemnly, Nikolai's mind raced with possibilities. He couldn't bear to see Mara suffer, and he was willing to do whatever it took to find a solution. His duty as a king was not only to protect his kingdom but also to protect the woman he loved.

With newfound purpose, Nikolai rose from the bedside, his mind set on finding answers. He would seek out scholars, healers, and any resources available to uncover more about the mysterious drug Mara had taken. No stone would be left unturned, no avenue unexplored.

Days turned into nights, and Nikolai delved deep into research, tirelessly seeking any glimmer of hope. He consulted ancient texts, engaged in discussions with experts, and even sought counsel from those well-versed in the mystical arts. He explored every avenue, driven by love and the desperate need to save Mara.

Days passed, and during that time, Mara's condition remained precarious. Nikolai spent every spare moment at her side, whispering words of encouragement and holding onto the hope that they would find a solution. He refused to let despair overtake him, fueling his relentless pursuit of answers.

Nikolai's gaze filled with worry as he gently brushed a strand of hair away from Mara's face. She looked so peaceful in her slumber, yet he longed for her to wake, to see those vibrant eyes that always held a spark of determination. He sighed deeply, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and exhaustion.

"How is she today, Genya?" Nikolai's voice trembled with a mixture of exhaustion and anxiety. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Mara's forehead.

Genya sighed softly, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the fabric of her sleeve. "Physically, she most likely will recover," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But the toll this ordeal has taken on her spirit is significant. She poured every ounce of her strength into freeing you, Nikolai."

Nikolai's heart swelled with gratitude as he contemplated the depth of Mara's love and sacrifice. The weight of his responsibility as both a ruler and a partner settled upon his shoulders, and he vowed to do whatever it took to protect and support her.

"She still hasn't awakened, Genya. It's been days." Nikolai spoke, his voice tinged with unease.

Genya, who had been diligently attending to Mara's needs, placed a comforting hand on Nikolai's shoulder. Her eyes mirrored his concern, but she tried to remain optimistic. "She did what she had to do to free you, she knew how important you are to this country. And how important you are to her as well."

Nikolai nodded, his gaze never leaving Mara's sleeping form. "Oh, you brave, stupid girl." He mumbled, his eyes filling with tears.  "I need to believe in your strength, just as you believed in mine."

Genya silently excused herself, leaving Nikolai to his thoughts. He looked over Mara's face, frowning as he fidgeted with the cuffs of his shirt. He slowly inched forward, carefully climbing onto the bed, and laying beside her. His gaze staying on her sleeping features. He curled himself against her body, burrowing his face into the crook of her neck.

"Mara? Can you hear me?" Nikolai whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek. 

This was all his fault. She had risked everything for him and had countlessly forgiven him for everything. He wrapped an arm around her, cradling her face in his hand. Brushing away a golden lock of hair.

"Listen to me, you need to wake up." He spoke, his voice breaking. More tears falling off his cheek onto her pillow. "I need you to open your beautiful eyes. I need to propose to you. I need to marry you; I've been carrying this blasted ring in my pocket every day. I long to see it on your hand." He bit his lip, choking back more tears. "I know I'm stubborn. I know that I pretend to be heroic, but you're the hero Mara. You saved me. Open your eyes and I will kiss the floor you walk upon. I will let you win every argument. I will make sure that not a second goes by where I do not tell you how important you are to me.  You just need to wake up, please darling," He swallowed, squeezing his eyes closed. "I need to tell you that I love you."