Nothing Good Ever Lasts

Chapter 18

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I woke up to the stupid beeping that was giving me a major headache. I tried to sit up, but I felt a shock wave that went through my whole body, making me give up on the idea. I shrieked slightly as someone approached me spastically.

“Your Highness!” The doctor exclaimed, bowing ninety degrees before standing back up. “You’re… alive!”

“What, was I not supposed to be?” I breathed as I slowed into the position that was currently the most comfortable. “Where is everyone?”

“I think everyone is outside.” He informed, and I looked over at the door, but heard nothing. “And I mean everyone.” He groaned as he stepped aside, and then I saw the bed next to me. I saw the beeping machine next to me, and saw my daughter attached to the wires.

“Nessa?” I muttered, trying to reach her but my whole body was in pain. “Nessa!” I cried weakly, watching her machine beep over and over. “Nessa, why won’t you wake up?”

“We think she’ll be fine, your Highness.” The doctor informed me, and I smiled without my face hurting too much. “Your husband actually saved her.”

I remembered the reason I was in this bed in the first place. “Cylak…” I muttered angrily, remembering the look on his face as he watched me suffer. But then again, I wondered how I got here in the first place. “Is Aaron out there?”

“Yes your Highness.” He answered, and I nodded slowly.

“I need to talk to him.” I informed, and he nodded quickly and exited the room. I breathed in deeply as I heard the multiple voices that were outside the room. It took a while before they actually got him in here, though.

“Calia!” He exclaimed, rushing over to me and hugging my neck. I flinched at the pain but didn’t say anything. “Oh my God, I’m so, so sorry.”

“You shouldn’t be.” I breathed, feeling pain every time I moved. “It wasn’t anybody’s fault.”

“Yes, it actually was.” He argued, but I didn’t want to believe him. “It was Cylak. It was all Cylak’s fault. He did this to you, and to Nessa.” He told me softly, stroking my hair. “It’s a miracle you’re even alive.”

“Yes, but I always live through the worst things ever.” I pointed out, knowing it was true. “But what about her?” My voice was wavering as I looked over at Nessa, who still hasn’t woken up. “What if she doesn’t wake up?”

“She will.” He assured me, but I heard the reluctance in his voice. “Or else somebody else will die with her, and that’s a promise.”

“No.” I answered more loudly, but even talking hurt. “Don’t kill Cylak, I don’t care what he’s done. He at least tried, and he loves us…” I gestured to Nessa and I, who hasn’t moved since I first saw her. “I know he was trying to be good.”

“I think he tried to get you both killed.” He muttered rudely, but all I could do was glare.

“He tried to keep his past a secret.” I corrected softly, ignoring the static feeling that rushed through my body again. “He didn’t want us to know about his past, and when they kidnapped Nessa, he went back to save her.” I explained, but I saw the doubt that shown in his eyes. “You’ve gotta believe me, Aaron.”

“Explain it to me then, Calia.” He ordered, and I felt the ground shake, making me shriek at the pain. “I don’t see how the hell I, or anyone in this family, can trust him ever again.”

“Just talk to him, listen to his story.” I suggested, but he scoffed at the idea. “I’m pretty sure you people have already attacked him, haven’t you?”