Notes From a Dragon Queen

Chapter 16

It had been nearly a week since their escape, just past Jyxylt Ridge, maybe a less than a day's walk to Viâna, and Xavier seemed to be finding it harder and harder to keep himself upright. It was night now, and Zephrine had built a fire for the two of them.

Xavier's head lay in her lap, where she stroked back his hair.

"What did she do to you?" Zephrine whispered. She only knew half the answer. She knew what was done to his body, but his mind is what scared her.

Xavier's response broke her heart. "It could be worse."

"I fail to see how."

"She could have killed me. She probably should have."

Zephrine bit her lip. "Don't say that."

Xavier closed his eyes as she began to massage his temple. "It's true. I've never been in so much pain. I can't feel the left side of my face, my arm feels like it's on fire, my stomach is torn to hell."

"We're going to get back to Viâna, and Rhys is going to patch you up. Okay? Just try to get some rest."

Xavier, looked up at her, appearing more like a small child than he ever had, "Will you be here when I wake up?"

Zephrine brought her lips to his forehead. "I'll always be here."

Xavier started to sob. "God, the only thing I want to see right now is your face."

"And you will, soon. Just sleep." Zephrine somehow smiled through the tears. "Then you can stare at me all you want."

Xavier settled back into a comfortable position, which was, for him, resting his head on Zephrine's stomach, and wrapping his arms around her waist like a belt, and looping one of his legs with hers. She supposed this was his way of making sure he didn't lose her, so she let him sleep like this.

She stared into the embers, watching the sparks flutter up and die, waiting for the whole fire to extinguish itself. She took a deep breath, biting back a heart wrenching cry, that would have definitely woken Xavier. There was no doubt in her mind Vana had broken him.

It was then, Zephrine made a vow, that she would take Vana down, she would keep her family safe, keep Seyr safe, keep Xavier safe. She no longer cared about her safety. Only everyone else's. A few tears dripped onto Xavier's face, by thankfully didn't wake him.

"Xavier, are you awake?" Zephrine asked once the sun rose.

"I am now." His labored breath worried her.

"Hey, we're going to make it to Viâna, just hold on till then, okay? Can you do that for me?"

He nodded, then immediately, his hand flew to his forehead and he began whimpering in pain.

"What's wrong?" Zephrine lifted his chin, fear welling up inside of her. "Xavier, please, what's wrong?"

"My head! It- it hurts! There's too much pressure, I can't breathe!" Xavier started to sweat, despite the cold environment. His breath became heavy, weighing him down. "It hurts, Zephrine, it hurts! Why does it hurt so much?"

"I know, I know." Zephrine moved Xavier's hand, placing hers on his forehead as well. His skin was like fire to the touch. "Oblivisci dolorem tuum, mi amice. Amplius nocere tibi: tibi nullum dolorem sentiunt, intus vel extra, mentis et corporis."

Xavier's skin cooled down, and he calmed down, settling back into his usual demeanor, the one he carried before Vana attacked. "Let's go back home." He tried to walk faster and ended up almost getting a face full of snow.

"Woah, calm down, you're still all cut up. Be careful." Zephrine laughed for the first time in two weeks.

"I can kind of see you right now, and you are still the most gorgeous sight I've ever seen."

"Flattery won't get us back home, but it is much appreciated."

"I've missed these talks. I chase, you turn me down, they're exhilarating."

"I missed you, Xavier." Zephrine leaned in, planting a kiss on the tip of Xavier's nose. "I never realized just how much you need a bath."

"Are you not liking my musk?" Xavier looked mildly offended.

"Your 'musk' is the foulest thing I've ever smelled. You smell like a dying cat."

"How did you learn my true identity?" Xavier pulled Zephrine close as she exploded with laughter. "I missed you, too."

"But, seriously, we should head out if we want to make it by tomorrow." Zephrine smiled wistfully at Xavier. "We'll continue this conversation after Rhys does his thing."

"I'll be holding you to that." Xavier winked, using his right eye instead of his left.