My Blogging A to Z story

Chapter Ten - Aftermath

Ruya cried out, but her throat ached as if it had not been the first time. The raw feeling burned. Her heart thumped hard in her chest as she tried to sit up, but her arms were too weak to support her. In the back of her mind, she heard the beating of its heart too, and it made her hair stand on end.

She wanted to jettison the divination from her thoughts, to forget it all. Only the information gleaned was too important. It was imperative to tell Nándor what she witnessed. Never before had she seen a history. Her augur's gift was always of future events. Could it have somehow influenced her? Did that thing have that much power?

Trying to sit up, she turned to see the door crash open. She still shuddered in reaction.

"Are you all right?" Nándor closed the distance after a brief pause. He sat on the bed, joggling her. He steadied her with a gentle grip. "What's wrong?"

"Ah, I see that you've started the fun without me," Garrick japed, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorjamb. "Don't you know it's more fun with three?" A jaded sigh followed. "And after you warned me away from her too."

Nándor's head snapped to face his cousin. "Useless jackanapes! Lady Ruya is upset."

When he took in her quaking body and fearful expression, his jejune behavior vanished. Steel could have formed his face as he asked, "What happened? Did someone hurt you?"

"No." She rubbed her face with her trembling hands. "An augural dream."

Garrick sat on the other side of the bed, picking up her hand and bringing it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles. "Will you tell us, Lady Ruya?"

The uncharacteristic gentlemanlike behavior had her blinking in shock before complying. She told them about her dream. She rubbed her arms as freezing once she was done.

Garrick made a move to loosen his shirt ties. His grin was anything but innocent. "Would it make you feel better if I give you a peek?" he asked as he pulled one arm out of his sleeve. "I don't mind, really. I would be happy to show you my little juggernaut."

Ruya flushed and gaped at him before bursting into a fit of laughter. It got to the point where she sounded like both a pig and goose. "You – it's – too much!"

Garrick met Nándor's eye. "Do you think she's all right, coz?" Garrick inquired

Nándor punched him in the arm in answer. However, he could not be angry at the jocose perverseness this time.