The Blue Assassins

XXXV

"When are you going to figure out the cure? Do you realize my wife is dying? I need this cure now!" River shouts and the people in the lab bow their heads in shame.

I grab his arm. "River, calm down. They're doing the best they can. I still have a month left."

  "A month?" River cups my face. "'My queen, that's not enough time. They have to hurry before you..."

  "I know. But rushing them won't help. Keep them motivated, ask them if they need any equipment, and leave them be. Got it?"

  "Fine." He grumbles.

  I smile, my hands around his neck. "I'm going to be okay, River. Don't worry."

  "I can't help it. I care too much."

  "Thank you for that." I kiss his cheek. "You're the best husband ever."

  He shrugs, grinning. "I know."

  "Cocky much?" I chuckle as I touch his hair.

  "Very. Now, I'm going to stay here for a while. You can hang out with your friends. They keep complaining, saying they miss you."

  "Okay. I'll see you tonight?" I ask and he nods.

  "Of course." River pecks my lips and hugs me tightly. "Remember to have your pills."

  I sigh, nodding. "I know, I know. Bye, River."

  "Bye, my queen." He grins and I walk away, towards Alexis' room.

  She squeals once she sees me.

Yes, you read that right. Alexis Ashmore squealed!

  "I haven't seen you in so long! River has been so possessive lately. Was he holding you captive?" Alexis hugs me and I laugh.

  "No, I was with him willingly."

  She shakes her head. "You're crazy. I cannot survive that boy. He's so annoying!"

  "I think he's bossy." Sam says as I give her a hug. "But don't tell him I said that."

"Your secret is safe with me." I wink.

I look around Alexis' room, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Where's Cody and Drake?"

Sam chuckles. "They're on cleaning weaponry duty."

"What?" I give her a look. "That's a thing here?"

"Yup. I had to do it once as a punishment from my grand old uncle." Alexis says with false enthusiasm.

"I had to do it twice for raiding the kitchen." Sam suddenly brightens, grinning at me. "Hey! You should talk to the leader about that. Convince him to take it away!"

I smile nervously. "Uh, I'll try."

"Oh, thank heavens. I'm pretty sure I'm next on duty." Alexis sighs in relief as she plops down on her bed. Sam stares at me then gasps.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, BA!" She gently pushes me onto the bed. "I forgot about your whole, um, situation. You shouldn't be standing around."