Reign

31. Roses

Note: Phew.... Finally I managed to finish it... So sorry for the late uupdate guys... As soon as we proceed to the end it's getting more and more difficult for me to write. But don't worry. I will create something fresh. Completely different, in a different time and probably much dakrer... I have chosen the title, the names of the heroes and I found the actors. But I'll never love any other story more than "Reign." I will never love other readers more than I love you, guys.

Unknown to me or not, you helped me reach 22.500 reads. A thousand in a day, two thousand in three days and another 800 reads during the week. To celebrate the 20.000 my dearest @TheWizardGuy prepared a wonderful banner! Thank you! Furthermore, another friend @Zazelle finished his story "Sibling Spies" wth great success. Please check it out!

This chapter is dedicated to @Ravishgem! Thank you! Your comments are very deep and true. Check the Pinterest blog. I've added doctor Mineo and of course Ellinor! Check them out! Oh! And I love that song. Please listen to it!

31. Roses

"To be sure, an ordinary passerby would think that my rose looked just like you --- the rose that belongs to me. But in herself alone she is more important than all the hundreds of you other roses: because it is she that I have watered; because it is she that I have put under the glass globe; because it is she that I have sheltered behind the screen; because it is for her that I have killed the caterpillars; because it is she that I have listened to, when she grumbled, or bloated, or even sometimes when she said nothing. Because she is my rose."

The little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Who the hell was holding him? Who was caressing his hair? Although his sleep was uncomfortable and troubled, an essence of security was overwhelming him. His head was resting on a familiar bosom and his palm was touching a female soft knee. As soon as his nostrils filled with the same annoying hospital smell, Alexander realized it wasn't a dream. He was still outside Roselyn's room.

He blinked confused and his vision mirrored a same pair of shining blue eyes. The kind face of Ellinor, with the fair complexion and the aristocratic features, was above his head, while his body was outstretched on a solid metal bench.

"Mom? You are here?" Alexander groaned sleepily and the elegant woman smiled, a rare thing for her the last decade.

"My flight arrived an hour ago and I immediately came here. I found you sleeping on the floor, darling."

"Rose? How's Rose?" he asked clearly alarmed and tried to get up, but Ellinor prevented him and smiled reassuringly.

"The nurses said she is stable. She slept well and there are no complications. She is still asleep. The doctors will visit her at around eight."

He nodded satisfied and glanced around him. Outside was still dark and unlike yesterday, the room was quiet and empty. He exhaled in relief, as the presence of the others was enervating.

"The Giffords went to their hotel," his mother said softly, like she had guessed his thoughts and stroked his cheek affectionately. "They left their assistant here and they will return late in the morning. Your father... Well, your father went to the hospital cafeteria. Try to get some sleep. It's only a quarter to six."

"Why did she do that, mom?" he asked after a few minutes of deep silence, allowing Ellinor to touch him for the first time in many years of distance.

"Oh, I think you know why."

"I didn't want her to do that for me. You know, I was so angry at her yesterday and I was blaming her for being selfish. And now... God, how will I repay her now? What will I say to her? That I am coward?"