Rivals

Chapter 14: Blood

Kaden

"What do you mean they are all dead?" Kaden asked angrily. He wasn't going to take this for an answer. All their hope, he would not allow it to be crushed. He would lose Evangeline.

"After one of the lords had gotten his hand on the amulet, he did not want a chance of someone taking away his newly earned powers. He ordered the inhalation of anyone of Zanix blood. He killed every last person of Zanix," she explained. Odette looked at her sister with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry Eva."

"There has to be another way. What if we reverse it by awaiting another solstice? I know a great astrological book--"

Julien was cut off by Odette who was looking at her sister worriedly. "That sounds good, you find that book. Eva and Kaden, how about you two bathe and rest. I'll have one of the servants bring you nice meal. Julien and I will do some research, I'm not leaving you Eva. Even if we don't find another way, there is no possible way I am leaving you."

Evangeline nodded and hugged her sister tightly. Odette led her sister out while Kaden was left with his brother.

"So you and Odette?" He asked again. He couldn't believe it, Julien had always been so strict and rule abiding. He always shut down Kaden's motives of doing anything with Evangeline. Now he was with Odette? If he didn't see it, he would have never believed it.

"Yes," he said void of emotion. "I already had this argument with father, I don't need it from you too. We both decided to share the royal title when we wed."

"Defensive," Kaden said teasingly. "Congratulations brother, I am happy for you."

Kaden thought about what his brother said. To share the title. He wondered if Evangeline would like that too.

"Good, thank you Kaden," Julien sighed in relief, as if appreciating his brother's support. "Now go rest while I set up a meeting with the king. He should learn what you have told us."

Kaden nodded in agreement. The typical protocol was to go to the king first, but when it came to Evangeline, Kaden couldn't think straight.

He went to his chambers where he showered and changed into new clothing. It was these little things that made him realize what a blessing he had been living. A meal was placed in his chambers ready for him. He finished up quickly, he had been starving for days now. He had only eaten to keep him going, but now he could eat to satisfy himself. Devouring every morsel on his plate, Kaden quickly made his way to Evangeline's room.

He knocked on the door only to hear Evangeline yell, "I told you I wanted to be alone Odette."

Her voice came out shaky. Kaden took in a deep breath before opening the door.

"Eva? It's me," he called as he entered.

Evangeline jumped off her bed and ran towards Kaden throwing herself in his arms. He wrapped his arms around her torso pulling her tightly against him.

"He's still in my head Kaden, I can't get him out," she said, her voice laced with pain. "I need to stay away from everyone."

"Shh... it's alright. Everything is going to be alright. We have a meeting with the king--"

"No!" Evangeline's head shot up from his chest to meet Kaden's gaze. "I can't meet him! What if I kill him? He was always like a father to us, he's a good person Kaden, I can't hurt him!"

Kaden cupped Evangeline's cheek with one hand while the other stayed wrapped around her body. "I will be with you the whole time. I will hold your hand the whole time. If I feel like you are slipping, I will pull you back. I will protect you, I promise."