The Prince's Gift

Chapter 82.

Zane's POV

"Zane, I must explain that you could die doing..." Delphine began, but I put my hand up in the air.

"I don't have a choice Delphine. This has to be done." I said, my voice tightening with each word as I felt another slight stab in my mind. Her dark eyes softened as she watched me, knowing what I was beginning to go through. "Please." I said, softer this time.

She finally let out a long slow breath before giving me one nod. "Let's get to work then."

She moved around the room, methodically pulling herbs and books as she went before bringing them all to the table and placing them down in front of me. She began muttering under her breath, talking through the steps as she began to combine the herbs together and started grinding them in a bowl. She flipped through pages, reading quickly as she pounded the pestle into the large mortar. I sat quietly, feeling a steady throb behind my eyes as I watched her work.

"Tell Ana I'll need her." She said at last, finishing her motions and closing the heavy book on the table. "Now."

I nodded and called for Ana, closing my eyes and massaging my temples while we waited for her to arrive. I had begun to relax when I heard the door open and close, and Ana's unique scent wafted into the room and wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

"What is it Delphine?" Her soft voice carried softly through the room like a smooth melody.

"I can do the spell. I'll need the Talentati together in thirty minutes and I'll need you there to help me." She said quietly, as if she was afraid to spook Ana with her request.

Ana froze, her emerald eyes cutting to me before she looked to the floor, shaking her head. "I...I can't do that. I can't risk the strain. You know what just happened to Lilith. And that was just her hearing horrible news. This is...so much more than that."

"You can find the truth. Just look and see Ana." Delphine pressed. After Ana continued to hesitate, she stepped closer, her hand wrapping gently around Ana's arm. "Child, how can you not see how powerful you are yet?" Ana let out a shaky breath before glancing anxiously over at me once more.

"I can do it alone, but it will be less painful for him if you are helping me. His chances of surviving mentally and physically unscathed are much greater with your powers present." Delphine urged.

"Ok, I'll look." She said quietly, before closing her eyes and focusing.

I watched her closely, seeing her face tense as her breathing increased, before her hands absently dropped to her stomach and her eyes snapped open. "No." She said definitively.

"What happened?" I asked in a hushed tone, getting to my feet and pausing to let my balance adjust before walking over to stand beside her.

"You survive whether I am there or not, but if I do help...the baby suffers." She met my gaze and her expression tightened. "Zane, I can't do that to her. I can't hurt her knowingly. I won't lose the pregnancy, but she will be in pain."

My jaw clenched and I knew she was right. If it came down to it, I would make the same choice. I'd already suffered the loss of my son. I wouldn't dare endanger my daughter, even if we knew she'd ultimately survive.

"I understand." I said, looking to Delphine with a quick nod. "Do what you can, but Ana won't be involved in this."

Delphine sighed before surrendering and finishing her potion and pouring it into a roll of flaky paper. "Very well then. Lets get to the others so we can begin." She said reluctantly.

"I will meet you in the cellars in a moment. Gather the others." I instructed. The door shut behind her and I felt Ana shift beside me. I turned to stand in front of her, placing my finger under her chin and tugging her jeweled gaze up gently to meet mine. "I do...understand." I said quietly.