The Beauty of Despair (Book 1 of 3)

Chapter 27

PICTURE OF JONATHAN ON SIDE ------>

By the time Josiah fell asleep, I was still wide awake. Something was just preventing me from feeling tired. In the dark, I slowly slipped out from under Josiah's arm and searched for a pair of shorts to slip on underneath my nightgown. Eventually I had to settle for a pair of Josiah's boxers which looked strange with the intricate, silky design of my nightgown. It was one of the few that Ivory insisted I keep that I liked. It wasn't tight and the I loved the silky material. Placing a gentle kiss on Josiah's forehead, I smiled before quietly slipping out of the room. I struggled to remember which direction Ivan took me when we went to see Viviane. Down the hall, I heard some shuffling and craned my neck to peer in the direction. Councilman Barnabus was in plaid pajama bottoms and a plain, black robe and walking swiftly away from me. I knew I probably shouldn't but I decided to follow him. After all, he was my bet on the traitor. He must be angrier about not having Colton's place than they thought. Barnabus made several twists and turns until we finally approached the familiar door of Viviane's room. My heart leapt to my chest to see it was cracked open. He opened the door further, not bothering to close it behind him. I watched as he stood over her still sleeping form, watching with his dark silver eyes. His hand began to raise towards Viviane and I almost called out but then her eyes shot open. Immediately Barnabus froze and Viviane's eyes darted to him. My entire body was still, wondering if I should intervene. But then Viviane's face exploded with a smile. She raised her arms up and pulled Barnabus to her chest in a hug.

"Barney!" He released a bout of rumbling laughter and my jaw almost dropped when he pulled away and there was a small smile marring his normally grim demeanor. Instead, I settled back behind the door and continued to watch curiously. Barnabus sat on the edge of Viviane's bed and she grabbed his large hand with both of her little ones, grinning widely. He seemed less stiff than usual and questioned quietly.

"How are you feeling my Queen?" She chuckled and patted his hand.

"I am not your queen anymore you silly man." He pushed back her hair and studied her face as he replied flatly.

"You will always be my queen Viviane. " Then he kissed the back of her hand and she sighed softly, laying her head back. She still stared but it was hinted with sadness.

"Well then tell me this Barney, how bad did those dreaded wolves mess me up?" He chuckled softly and replied with a wider grin.

"You are as beautiful as ever, they hit you over the head and you lost a lot of blood." She nodded and sighed, turning her head all around to study the room. Her voice wasn't surprised but extremely tired.

"I had a feeling this would happen." Barnabus's forehead crinkled and he dropped her hand, voice tighter.

"And you didn't tell us? Our job is to protect you Viviane, if anything worse had happened-"

"But it didn't Barney, I didn't tell any of you because it needed to happen. Without my assault, they would've had no clue on how to find Kristy. I was honestly expecting to be a little more battered." He laughed humorlessly and stood, hands on his hips as he gazed heavenward.

"If I hadn't shown up when I did, they would've killed you."

"I know." Whipping around to glare dangerously, Barnabus snapped back.

"And did you ever think what that would do to us? Ivan? Me?" Viviane smiled sadly and reached out a hand towards him. Face softening, Barnabus clutched her hand and knelt by the bedside. She placed her free hand on his cheek and spoke in what I assumed was her motherly tone.