A Queen's Sacrifice (Book #5)

Chapter Fifteen

"That should do it," Leanne said as she finished wrapping the fabric around Henry's wound. She patted it as if admiring her own work, and then smiled at him. "It was almost too deep, but yer gonna be a'right."

Henry winced when he tried moving his arm. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

Leanne stood and assured him he could come back to her if it didn't stop bleeding. Then she left, and he sat there, trying his best to remember what had even happened. The last thing in his memory was locking himself in the old nursery with Avery and Alaina. Everything else became hazy after that. Before he knew it, he was being chased by Godwin.

"How are you, Henry?" Ashton asked, appearing in front of him.

Henry shook his head. "I'm unsure if I can use my arm." He looked down, watching himself move his fingers. He could hardly feel anything, though, and the movements were subtle, like he wasn't trying. "I can't use a bow or a sword. Leanne says I'm fortunate it wasn't deep, but I still cannot do anything. Where is the luck in that?"

"I am sorry." Ashton frowned. "It will heal soon, though."

"And if it doesn't? If... if it is not the same anymore?"

"That will not happen."

Henry rose from the log he was sitting on and gazed out at the crowd gathered nearby. Many of them were suffering with wounds of their own, but they were alive and managing. He supposed he would, too. However, thinking like that felt impossible when he felt so horrible and useless.

Useless again.

He'd gone with Avery to assist him in rescuing Alaina. He had no idea where they were now. Nobody did. He'd done nothing useful except cause them trouble.

"The important thing right now is that you are safe and alive," Ashton spoke. "Everyone made it out of there alive. Avery and Alaina are most likely running through the forests, searching for us."

"How can you say that so confidently?" Henry questioned, squinting at him.

"I have to. I have to think positively because..." Ashton lowered his eyes to the ground.

"Because?"

Ashton looked up and furrowed his brows. "I spent my entire life thinking the worst, and everything went horribly wrong. I didn't believe I could do anything, so I let down the people I loved. I will not let you do the same thing."

What good am I to anyone, though?

Henry widened his eyes and looked into Ashton's. I am hardly any good... but you are.

"You made it to them," Henry said. "You came back stronger than before."

Ashton smiled. "You will, too—"

"We don't have time for that. Ash, you need to use my body."

"No. I am not doing that again. Elouise already said—"

"I know what she said, but I am pleading with you. Ash, you need to be me. You can heal this arm and make use of it."

Ashton shook his head and looked away. "That doesn't mean I will inherit your talents. It does not work that way. I was not that great of an archer."

"Then use a sword if you must. Ashton, please. I can't do anything right, but this I can. I can give you another chance at defeating Godwin."

Although Ashton raised his brows, and his expression softened, he still sternly said, "No." He still didn't face Henry either.

Henry sighed and took a step back. "At least we can switch when necessary. How does that sound? You should be able to fight, too." He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders as Haven walked up to them.

"You two just going to keep standing over here and exchange secrets?" she teased.

"Of course not," Ashton responded, his eyes never leaving Henry's. "We were just about to join everyone."

"We are thinking Avery and Alaina are hiding out near the next village on the list," Haven explained. "Avery is probably hoping he will see us there. I think it's hilarious how confident everyone is about this idea, but I'm tired of arguing for once."

Henry tore his attention first and nodded at Haven. "I wish I could remember something else. Avery knows the routes better than anyone. He can get himself and Alaina to safety."

"Right." Haven grinned. "Now let's go. I hate waiting." She hurried back to everyone else.

"Ash, can you at least think about it?" He asked, but he didn't see Ashton anymore. And he frowned. What was he supposed to do now?

---

Elouise wondered how many times she would have Udolf in her grasp before she finally did what she needed to.

Kill him.

It was supposed to be the simplest task for her. He betrayed her, lied to her, and continued to side with Godwin. Killing him would rid of one problem for her. He was nothing, anyway. His only role in this game was taking her crown. Other than that, what was he? He didn't use magic, and he wasn't a descendant of any angel. He was disposable, yet it seemed neither her nor Godwin could get rid of him so easily.

"Elouise," she heard Henry behind her.

Elouise closed her eyes and sighed. "Not now, Henry. I do not feel like speaking to anyone. I am merely waiting for everyone to prepare so we can leave."

"You have a lot on your mind," he continued.

"We all do, certainly. What else do you expect?"

"We will find them."

Elouise turned to him and narrowed her eyes. "Do you honestly not remember how you were separated from them?"

"I wish I did." Henry frowned. "I have told you everything I know."

"I have a difficult time believing Alaina would escape without her father." Elouise eyed the duke sitting beside Aaron. He'd been found alone in his bed chamber, frailer than she remembered him being. He hadn't seen his daughter since the morning, but he had the commotion that'd occurred when Henry and Avery had gotten inside.

"We searched the grounds countless times. We would have found them."

"I know, Henry. I believe Godwin got a hold of them, and they are at the castle." Elouise balled her hands into fists and squeezed. "Nonetheless, we must keep moving." Much to her surprise, the corners of Henry's lips rose. She raised her eyebrows, and he stepped closer to her.

"You do not need to keep a brave face through this," he said softly.

"What do you mean? I am doing what I must."

"You can only go so far before you completely lose yourself." Then he leaned in even more. "And it would be... incredibly shameful for you to forget who you are—who you truly are."

Elouise stared hard into his eyes. They were the same as they'd always been—warm, bright, and a glorious blue green like the sea. Yet, somehow, she felt as though she was looking at a stranger. She exhaled slowly and moved away from him.

"We need to leave," she said. "I want to forget about what happened today and leave it behind."

"El—"

"Henry, I didn't ask for this."

He blinked and nodded, then mumbled an apology before walking away from her. Elouise bit down on her tongue and gazed up at the sky. Dawn was approaching.

A new day... another start.

She would do better this time. 

How many times would she tell herself that, though?