Chapter 48
It had been a little over a week since the battle with Drax. Avelyn sat in front of the mirror, staring at her red eyes. She had spent so many of her nights crying, she couldn’t remember what she looked like without red eyes.
“How would you like your hair today, m’lady?” her maid asked. Avelyn didn’t answer. She didn’t know. Usually Demina had done her hair, picked out what style she should wear it in. She swallowed, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes.
“I don’t know. However you wish to do it,” she whispered.
Demina was gone. The pain came back in full force as she remembered the look on Demi’s parents’ faces as she told them about their daughter. It was still so hard to believe and today was the day it would become real. Today was the day they would bury her. Avelyn sighed. This was all her fault. Demi would still be alive if it hadn’t been for her. She should’ve insisted that Demina stay back. She should’ve been more forceful.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, ma’am?”
“No,” Avelyn said, looking away. Remembering her manners, she turned to the new maid, “Thank you...”
She drew a blank on the name. The maid smiled and curtsied.
“My name is Ayleah, your highness. I’m very sorry for your loss. I know a little something about it myself, so I can understand how you feel. If you ever need anyone to talk to...well, I’ll be here.”
Avelyn nodded.
“Who did you lose?” she asked.
“My mother. She was sick for a long time. It was very hard.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Ayleah and thank you.”
The girl curtsied again and left, gently closing the door behind her. There was a small moment of silence before the door opened and Jaxon stepped through. Avelyn stood up and ran into his arms, not saying a word. Jaxon’s heart fell to the floor and shattered. He hated it when she cried. Pulling her closer, he brushed her hair and rubbed soothing circles on her back.Jaxon felt tears sting his own eyes. He had never felt so helpless. He wanted to help her, but he didn’t know how. When Drax had hurt her, Jaxon could hurt him back. But he didn’t what to do. He couldn’t fix this. The only thing he could do was hold her as she cried.
“It’s alright, Love. I’m here.”
“It’s all my fault, Jax!”
“Avy! Don’t you dare say that! You were not the one that stabbed her. You didn’t force her to come with you. Demi...Demina made that decision herself.Avy, this is not your fault, love," Jaxon repeated, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She didn’t reply, her shoulders shaking. After awhile she calmed down and just stood in his arms, burying her face in his chest. Jaxon gently pushed her away from him, “It’s time Avy. Can you do this?”
Avelyn nodded bravely, raising her chin.
“Yes. I can.”
Jax kissed her forehead.
“That’s my girl.”
