The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Thirty

(Trigger warning: Read at your own discretion.)
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I do my best to stay awake, kicking, and attempting to push Micheal off.
I close my eyes, my cheeks wet with tears as I realize how weak I've become. Unable to breathe, my arms and legs drop to the ground as if made of lead.

"Ack!" A sound escapes Micheal's mouth.
His grip on my throat loosens as I can finally take a breath.
I open my eyes to look up at him. His blood splattered onto me as a giant spike penetrates through his shoulder.

"Luna!"

The room door is smashed into pieces as Cabel runs in.
In an instant, he lunges his sword at Micheal's head. Micheal avoids the attack, releasing me from his grip.
He holds his shoulder from where he was stabbed.

I cough and gasp, turning onto my stomach, attempting to catch my breath.
Cabel lunges across the room at Micheal, who instantly disappears into a black fog.
Cabel stops, looking around the room.

"That bastard!" Cabel yells enraged, his eyes glowing bright red.

My body begin to shake as the adrenaline wears off.
I sob, beginning to hyperventilate as I realize the pain throughout my body is real.
Cabel quickly runs by my side as he looks at me with concerned eyes.

Lost in my panic attack, my mind strays to replay sounds of Micheal's voice, the sounds of rattling metal as the feeling of shackles around my wrists begin to appear.
Cabel calls out to me, but is drowned out by Micheal's voice repeating the same sentence through my mind.

"It'll only hurt more if you fight it."
"It'll only hurt more if you fight it."
"It'll only hurt more."

I lose my consciousness as I listen to those words play through my mind, eating away at my sanity.

Opening my eyes, a gentle light hits my face. Looking around, I realize I'm on the floor.
The marble statue pieces scattered around me. I turn to see Cabel, sitting calmly beside me. A pained expression on his face as he looks back at me.

"You passed out... I didn't want to touch you in case it would make you more uncomfortable." Cabel gently speaks.
"H-He was still alive?"
Cabel nods slightly, looking away frustrated.
"When we got to your castle, we found your mother and father, but your brother and sister were seen running into the woods... We couldn't locate them anywhere."

I look at his expression as he leans against the wall, his face seeming troubled and lost in thought.
I stare at my hands, blood splatters covering them— the blood, the darkest shade of black.

I move my arms, trying to push myself up. A sharp pain quickly shoots down my back, making me drop myself to the ground.
Cabel quickly moves close to me.
"Can I help you up?" He asks, worried.
I nod.
He takes my hand gently, effortlessly helping to bring me to my feet.
I wobble as I try to stand, tightly holding onto Cabel. He avoids touching me recklessly as he watches me balance myself.
The pain shoots down my spine again, effecting my lower back.
Stumbling, I can't help but wince in pain.

Before I fall, Cabel catches me, gently helping me stand back up.
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable... But will you let me carry you?" Cabel cautiously asks.
Giving a small nod, I do my best from crying.

Cautiously picking me up, he carries me like a princess. I wrap my arms around his neck and shoulders tightly as he walks through the halls. My eyes water up as I stare down the hall, watching the door grow farther away.

"My lady, please have some medicine. This will relieve any pain you have for now." Lance holds out a saucer with three pills in it.
Lance helps me eat the medicine. A bitter tastes left in my mouth and I think about Micheal.

I lie back down, feeling my eyes water again.
"Has he always had powers?" Cabel asks, leaning on the window sill.
"N-No, I wouldn't know if he did though... I don't remember seeing him much, except once or twice a year." I quietly speak, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Cabel sighs, standing up.
"Lance, speak to Captain Arron. Tell him we'll be doubling the night patrol, and ensuring the day patrol will be tripled. Arrest and interrogate anyone without an invitation, and kill anyone who approaches Luna without identifying themselves." Cabel sharply speaks.
Lance nods and bows.
"Right away, your highness. My lady, please call me if you need any further assistance." Lance speaks gently.
"Don't worry, you can rest once you've spoke to Captain Arron, I'll be here." Cabel speaks as he walks closer to the bed.
"Yes, your highness. May glory of Helios rest upon you."

Lance leaves, through the silent room, I listen to Cabel's gentle breaths as he thinks to himself.
I glance over at him as he leans against the nightstand, an angered expression on his face. His eyes begin glowing as he's lost in his thoughts, his aura emitting a dangerous angry tone.

"Cabel?" I gently call out.
His eyes dim back to normal as his head turns to me.
"What is it? Are you in pain?"
"A bit, but will you come closer? I want to distract myself from today." I give a weak faint smile.

His eyes give a saddened gaze as he nods, pulling a chair with him. Sitting down beside my bed, he leans forward, staring at his hands.
Watching him, I can't help but giggle lightly to myself.
"What's so funny?" Cabel asks, glancing up.
"I just thought of how different you are, from when I first came."
"How so?"
"You wouldn't have been there to save me if we never talked, and you would never be sitting by my bed like this... You seem more approachable than before, but I can't remember when I started to feel comfortable with you."
Cabel smiles lightly as he thinks to himself. He gazes back at me fondly.
"Is that good?" He questions.
"Yes..." I whisper, giving a small nod, "Do you feel the same?"
He looks back at me with eyes almost unreadable. Pausing for a moment, he simply gives a smile, holding out a hand.
Placing my hand on his, I give his fingers a light squeeze.
"I do." His voice almost in unheard.
A small pained expression appears in his eyes, his brow furrowed slightly, and a small dimple in his cheek as if he's biting his lip.
"Cabel?" I call out, tugging on his hand lightly.
"You should sleep. I'll be here."
"Oh no, I couldn't possibly have you stay-"
"I said I would, so there's no need to object. Just rest." Cabel speaks, holding my hand.
His eyes focus on the fire that illuminates the room.
A tight sensation appears in my chest as I look back at his solemn expression.

"Why do you look so sad?"
Unable to ask, my question for him is left unanswered as I close my eyes.
Feeling safe and protected by his presence, his expression plays with my mind as I fall asleep.