The Baron and his Lady

Thirty-nine: Decisions

Master bedroom
Tristane's pov

After I checked Krista and confirmed she was dozing off comfortably, I went to Lucian's room. Louie unlocked the door. Claus sat by the bed while Lucian stood by the window, staring at nothing.

I cleared my throat and both men stared at us, "Now that you're awake we might as well talk about what happened."

Louie hovered behind me, still shocked by the events. I let him lean against the wall while I remained by the door.

"Krista is safe, the doctors confirmed that. She is not in a coma, thank god, but merely resting. But her mother arrived today and we had to knock her out until we can figure out what to with you." I pointed at Claus. "She wants to speak with Patrick, her husband."

"Can you reach Patrick? Tell him to come out so Dina can rest easy?" Louie asked.

Claus shook his head, "I tried. He is very far. Not even a stirring."

Louie and I exchange glances, he broke the news, "We may have an idea."

Lucian remained quiet but his eyes were wary, he let Claus talk, "What is it?"

"I know a priest who perform exorcism. I called him and he should be by tomorrow. But that would mean you—Claus—your spirit will be cast out of that body."

"You cannot remain inside his body, you know that Claus. The longer you stay the bigger possibility we lose Patrick." I saw his eyes flickered with sadness, damn, I didn't want to do this but it had to be done. "We are telling you because we want your  cooperation."

"We understand." It was Lucian who spoke. "But there is no need for a priest."

"Lucian, we cannot do it on our own. My magic is not that strong."

"And Dina will wake soon. I don't think we can keep hiding from her." Louie added.

Lucian sighed, his hands on his hips, "I say we do not need a priest. I am still the Lord of this Manor. I will not allow anyone harming my brother."

"Brother?" Louie gasped. But I already knew.

"Claus is your father's bastard." I told him.

He nodded. How could we possibly take away his only family? They just got out of Letecia's curse and had finally mended the rift between them. It was evident that they cared for each other. This was proving to be more difficult.

"Lucian, I understand you don't want to let your brother go. But the dangers of him being here are heavy. Will you risk losing Krista? Is your status more important than the woman you love who also loved you back? Will becoming the Baron of Lucian again make you happy? Tell me."

"You do realize you are making me chose between her and my only sibling?" His eyes darkened, "I care naught for my title anymore. Many years have passed and the Manor feels foreign to me. I am no longer the Baron I used to be. Krista made me appreciate the little things I have left and I cannot simply let that go."

"Then you understand what must be done."

He nodded. I could see the strain on his face to keep from getting mad. This was his home, his room, his rightful place. And we were negotiating of casting his brother's spirit out of the borrowed body. That ought to drive any man crazy. But Lucian held it all well.

"As I said, we understand but there is no need for a priest."

"Lucian.."

"No. I insist. That has been taken cared of."

"What do you mean?"

"Claus is to be taken by the demon by sundown. He has offered his spirit and he has naught but hours left."

The silence was deafening. All of us were trying to absorb what he just said. Claus refused to speak. He kept his head down. All those two days we have tended to our wounds he never spoke anything about it. He planned to disappear without anyone knowing!

"How..." Louie found his voice, "how will this...happen?"

"I do not know." Lucian moved away from the window and touched Claus's shoulders, "Perhaps, he will simply...go."

Claus patted his hand, "I have accepted my fate long ago. And I am willing to go when the time is right. I shall return Patrick to you."

Louie and I were speechless. I wanted to say something—anything. But nothing came out of my mouth. The brothers just stayed there. They were a picture of a beautiful family. I could see the painful look they exchanged. They have accepted what was going to happen.

"Perhaps we should give you time then." I gestured for Louie to come with me.

"Tristane?"

I looked back and found Claus' eyes on me, "What is it Claus?"

"I would like to apologize for what I did to you. If you haven't come back we would all be lost."

"You are forgiven Claus." I said, surprising him and myself as well. I may never forget that he killed me over my ancestors sins but I can't let myself hate him forever. Accepting his faults removed the heavy burnden I had on my shoulders. Forgiveness can do that to you.

His eyes watered, "Thank you. I will leave them to you."

"Fret not Claus. I will do my best to watch over them."

I closed the door and went away. We have three more hours before sunset. It's best they spend it with each other. That was the least we could do, for now.
****

While everyone tried to figure out what to do next, Krista woke.
****

Guest room
Krista's pov

I felt my eyes fluttered under the heavy lids. There was a bright afternoon light by the window. I sat up and looked around. I was in my room back in Penthurst Manor.

There were bandages on my arm and there seemed to be a painful throbbing on my legs. I flipped the blanket off and saw a plaster on my left foot. I hoped it's not broken. But other than that, I seemed to be fine.

I leaned against the headboard and listened. The house was quiet. Where was everybody? I remember us getting out of the portal and Claus telling me I was safe. Things happened so fast. I recall hearing voices and hands touching me. That explained the bandages and plaster.

Now that we were all back here, what will happen now? Our lives have changed drastically. I doubt we can back to what we used to be. There was the matter with Tristane's feelings for me still. He had affections for me that I couldn't return and there was Lucian.

I stared at my finger and saw the emerald ring he gave me. I am his wife now. His Baroness. His Lady.

But where do we go from here?