Raised by the Darkling

Chapter six (a new family)

Darkness was everywhere. Pain was all Hadrian felt. Slowly voices began to rise of he was finally hearing something. He was not able to recognise what they were saying but there were two feminine voices and a muscling voice

He felt a hand on his cheek moving to his head and rubbing it softly. Two hands were holding his hands one on each side . A moment later he began to recognise some words

~you should go now, the ship sails in fifteen minutes and you haven't packed yet~

~no I can't!~ the other voice cracked ~my apologies my king but I... I don't have the ability to leave. It is all my fault. I ...I...I took him there and did not pay enough attention for the consequences ~

Slowly Hadrian opened his eyes. The vision was blurry

~Son!~ he heard the strong muscling voice say fill of worry

~Hadrian~ he heard a sad feminine voice the felt a wet face snuggling on his

~my prince~ he heard the other feminine voice

Little by little his vision became clear it was his father on his right stroking his cheek and holding his hand. On his left was Genya crying while snuggling and holding his other hand. In front of his bed stood Teddy with tears streaming on his cheeks

~thank the saints you survived my prince ~ she said full of hope and guilt at the same time

~how do you feel, son?~ his father asked softly

~w... what... happened?~ he was barely able to speak he felt his mouth dry

~we were attacked by Drüskelles~ said someone entering the tent. He bowed ~your majesty ~

Hadrian tried to look at the boy but he could not especially with Genya's head now on his chest ~I am glad your majesty is finally conscious~ he said with his head down ~I apologize because of the smoke bombs I was unable to see which leads to my inability to heal~

~Ikmala, take Mohiete and go back to the little palace ~ the Darkling commanded firmly

Lauren bowed and grabbed Ted by the hand. Hesitantly she did a curtsy and left. The Darkling turned to look at Hadrian. His eyes were full of tears he was trying to hide

~I am sorry ~ his voice cracked as he said it smoothing his son's hair

~why?~ he whispered

~you are not ready to East Ravka, I pushed it on you~ he whispered

"Oh it's ok" it came in his baby voice in English full of love and innocence "I love,Papa"

The Darkling's heart melted at Hadrian's words. Who would believe the most dangerous monster in the world will have his tears streaming down by a little boy
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Tedmiral was holding some her stuff, she was supposed to pack them but her mind was too busy thinking of the little prince

Lauren was the one to actually pack her trunk. He stopped and looked at her ~I'm sorry I couldn't heal you right away but you saw the situation ... I was trying to protect... and... I.. almost forgot I'm a healer ~ he giggled at the last part with a tone of irony

~they were coming for me~ she said in a realization tone

~what?~

~few weeks ago, before the announcement of the prince I killed.... I killed some of them . They came for revenge~ she cried silently

Lauren took what she was holding and put it in the trunk. He locked the trunk and they walked saying goodbye to Cassian who was still with the healer they got on the ship
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11 August 1984 Ravka