Chapter 39 Morrows #2
Althea nodded, not pushing the subject. Very few knew the true nature of Alex and Rivka’s relationship; it was still best kept a secret.
“Considering how often it looks like you’ve ripped open your wound, I’m surprised it’s managed to heal up a bit.
It’ll only need a few stitches. But that does not mean that you can continue with your antics.
” Althea’s tone was quiet but serious, letting her know without a doubt that she spoke with conviction.
“And that man out there, regardless of who he is or why he’s here, is fiercely loyal to you.
I don’t know why, and at this point, it does not matter. Right now, you need his protection.”
Alex jerked forward in bed, but Althea held up her hand before continuing on.
“And before you argue, because I know you will, you are better off with any and all help offered to you than you are if you push yourself to the breaking point. You will not help Rivka that way, and if finding her is your goal, as you say it is, tuck that pride back away, and accept that you cannot do this alone.” She took a breath and then added, “Let me grab my supplies. I’ll be back with a novice to stitch you up. Do not get out of that bed.”
Alex
Althea spoke all of that without a single note of volume raised and yet Alex felt rightfully chastised.
Next to her father, Althea was the only one who could break her defenses and force her to look at what was laid bare, and she knew it.
Althea meant well, and honestly, she was right.
Finding Rivka was what was most important, and she couldn’t do it alone. Not anymore. She needed him.
Swinging the door open to leave, Althea had to sidestep Davin as he rushed back in, his gaze locking with Alex’s, unanswered questions hovering on his lips.
Alex wasn’t sure if he’d heard any of their conversation but she owed him at least a few more truths.
Lying back on her pillow, she readied for the onslaught. Three…..Two……
“How does she know you, Alex? Or should I say Alexandria?” Davin asked, right on cue. “Who is this niece she speaks of?”
Turning her head, she met his gaze, his golden eyes shimmering with emotion. “Althea is King Consort Evanar’s youngest sister.”
His face blanched. “She’s a royal?”
“She is, however, she loves her job and prefers to be treated with the respect that she earns, not just that of which her name evokes.”
“So, Queen Rivka is her niece.” Davin’s voice was quiet, the puzzle pieces in his head starting to click into place.
“Yes.” Alex shrugged, as if the rest were obvious.
“That still doesn’t explain how she knows you on such a personal level, Alex, or why she thought you knew where Queen Rivka was.
” He let his words hang in the air between them, waiting patiently for her to respond.
Alex didn’t know how to answer. She wasn’t ready to disclose this part of herself to him yet.
She knew, deep in her gut, that she could trust him with her life, yet this, this was hers to keep.
At least for now. She needed to find Rivka first. Demand the answers that she needed.
“Davin, I-”
A knock sounded on the door, before a novice stuck her head in.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She said cheerily as she glided into the room, her arms laden with supplies.
“Miss Morrows sent me in here to get you all prepped for your stitches.” Her gaze landed on Davin, not deterred by his sudden stiffness or the fact that he had moved closer to Alex, his hand resting on the bed beside her head.
“I am sorry, sir, but you will have to wait elsewhere while we stitch her up.”
Davin’s face lit with defiance. Sensing the oncoming argument, Alex reached up and grasped his hand. “It is ok, Davin. I trust them. Go find something to eat, ok?”
He looked down at their joined hands, just a moment, before leaning down to whisper in her ear. “We aren’t finished here.” He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead before straightening and heading towards the door.
Alex could only stare as he went. Her forehead tingled where his lips had just been.
Davin turned, his heated gaze slamming into hers.
“Save that look, princess–One day soon, you'll reveal every part of yourself to me, and when that day comes, you’ll regret not trusting me sooner.” He didn’t wait for her response, pulling the door closed quietly behind him.
Alex flopped back on the bed, flustered. The novice moved to her side, lips lifted in a dreamy smile. “That man is a beautiful specimen.” Her eyes met Alex’s as she winked. “If you aren’t interested, I certainly am.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly, her jealousy flaring before she felt a bubble of laughter rise in her throat.
The woman was baiting her. “Gods, he is, isn’t he?
” Her laughter echoed around the room, melting off some of the tension she had been holding for the past few weeks. “Arrogant bastard knows it though.”
The novice joined in, their laughter sounding out of place in the somber atmosphere of the Med Center.
Neither cared. They both needed it. Wiping her eyes, the novice straightened.
“Let’s get this done. Althea will have my head if you’re not ready when she returns, and I can’t afford another demerit.
Besides, the faster you are stitched up, the faster you and Mr. Gorgeous can get home. ”
“Oh, we aren’t..I mean..it’s not...” Alex stammered, tripping over her words in a hurry to deny that they were a couple, but she couldn’t quite get the words out.
The novice just smiled a knowing smile and began her prep, ignoring the blush staining Alex’s face.
By Sindu, that man is going to be the death of me.