Queen of Darkness WATTPAD VERSION [Inter-Universal Protectors: Book 3]

60

Amneris was far from fine. The only reason Kayla had said that was to keep Hathor in place and away from the sight. There were rooms beneath the Palace few people knew about. One of these rooms was mostly empty, excepting the large tank filled with bright blue liquid as well as monitors.  Some of the older Healers, Colt, and Lvaane were standing in the room. Kayla, having just entered, leaned over the shoulder of one of the Healers to have a closer look at the monitor. Her hazel eyes flicked up to the tank, to the figure floating inside it. 

"Any change?" she asked.

"She's healing," Lvaane said. "The process is slow but there are signs of her recovery."

"It is a start." Kayla turned her attention to Colt. "Perhaps you should wait upstairs."

"I'm staying."

Kayla tapped her fingers on the tank. "This is possibly deadly to you and I can see your energy being drained from being so close."

"I'm staying," he repeated. "If you want me to leave, knock me out."

"Suit yourself," the Healer said, deciding it was best not to mention she was considering the suggestion. She leaned closer to Lvaane. "If he does pass out, I will be dragging him out of here." He nodded his agreement.

Movement from the tank. Amneris opened her eyes weakly, her gaze landing on the three. Colt placed his hand on the glass. She smiled. He returned the motion. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I was thrown into a pit of acid," she said quietly. 

He huffed. "Close enough."

"Is Hathy okay?"

"She's fine," Kayla said. "Awake and everything."

"That's good to hear."

The Zer woman nodded. "You focus on resting. Your body took a lot of damage. I can't say for sure how long it will take to be fully repaired, but you are going to be in there for a while. A few hours, at least. Just . . . try to relax."

"Relax." Amneris managed a small laugh. "Sure. I'm only in a tank of liquid crystal. What could possibly stop me from relaxing?"

"At least you can see out of it?"

"That is true." She closed her eyes. "Maybe you could bring me some headphones or something."

"Tali, half your face is missing. It would be difficult to use them."

Amneris rolled to her side to look at Colt. She raised a hand to her face, pulling away quickly. "You could have mentioned that." She held that same hand in front of her before looking down at the rest of her body. "Ouch."

Lvaane crossed his arms. "Are you glad the blue crystal stops pain?"

"Very much so." She grimaced at the look he was giving her. "Sorry."

"Sorry is not going to cut it this time, young lady. Once you are out of there, we are going to have a very serious talk about your recklessness."

"Yes, Father . . ."

Kayla and Colt looked at each other, coming to a silent agreement. Kayla placed a hand on Lvaane's shoulder. "We should let her rest. There are visitors to the Palace who need your attention more than she does."

Lvaane let out a long breath. "Very well." He turned to Colt. "If you insist on staying with her, make sure she stays in there until told otherwise." The Terpolite nodded as the Old King was led from the room.

Amneris waited until he was gone before speaking. "Suppose I should thank you and Kay."

"If you two are going to argue, you can do it in private," was all Colt said. 

"You're pissed too?"

"At Nephthys and Aurelia, not you." He shook his head. "Never mind that. You do need to rest."

"Guess you're right."

"And I am sure you will be out of there in no time," he said with a smile.

"That's the plan."

* * * * * * * * 

The sun had long since set by the time Amneris was able to leave the Chamber. The Healers and Kayla had given her the all clear before ordering her to take it easy for the next few days, just in case. 

Amneris tugged her hair in thought. There was something bothering her. Something that didn't make sense. Nephthys wanted revenge on the world, that much was obvious. But there was something else. Amneris had always thought Nephthys would want to revive the Dark King. Even that was beginning to look more and more unlikely. There was something she was missing. Something very obvious.

"Mum!" Hathor jumped into her arms, grasping her tight.

Unable to help herself, Amneris laughed, picking her up and spinning around. "You okay?"

Hathor nodded. She pulled away with a grimace. "You're all slimy."

Amneris looked over herself with a sigh. "After effect, I'm afraid. What?"

"Sorry," Hathor said. "I've just . . . never seen you with straight hair before."

She grinned. "It'll go back to normal in no time. I need to de-slime first."

"And put clothes on."

"Yes, I don't think seeing guests in just a robe would be good for my reputation."

"You have a good reputation?"

Amneris' eye twitched. "Why don't you go to dinner and I'll meet you there."

"Sure, mum." She kissed her cheek. "Love you."

"Yeah yeah."