Chapter 38
Nerissea was once again sent to the duchess and returned 3 days ago. She was healing more slowly this time, and I, I wasn't in a good situation myself.
Queen Yseldra took her place upon the throne and had me kneel before her, in full view of the royal ministers. I wore nothing but my garter and stockings.
"Now, spread those shameless legs and strike that wretched little cunt of yours," she said from behind with amusement.
I swallowed hard, shame washing over me like a cold tide. My heart felt heavy in my chest. Her desires had grown stranger with each passing day, and I feared what they might yet become.
Before me stood a hall filled with noble faces. They were all adorned in finery, each bearing the royal crest pin upon their chest. They stared. They smirked. A few noblewomen chuckled behind their fans, murmuring to one another. I could not hear every word, but what I caught pierced like needles.
My body trembled beneath their gaze. The silence within me turned to misery.
But I loved Queen Yseldra still.
I parted my legs and moved a shaky hand to my dry folds. I dared not raise my eyes again.
Then a guard entered the chamber.
He walked down the aisle and dropped to one knee. "Greetings, Your Majesty the Queen. Dr. Dunwren found out the reason."
"Come here," she leaned forward in seriousness.
He stepped close and whispered something in her ear.
She rose to her feet at once in fury. "That vile pervert! We are leaving, Naevia."
She strode past me in anger.
The soldier removed his cloak and draped it around my shoulders. I gathered it close and hurried after her, praying that her anger was not with me.
We passed through corridor upon corridor, climbed several flights of stairs, and at last came to Nerissea's door. Her Majesty opened the door and swept inside. I followed close behind.
Aenira had just finished pulling the blanket over Nerissea's body.
"Nerissea," I called, dropping to my knees beside the bed. Her complexion that had begun to return only yesterday was now gone. Her skin was ghostly pale. My voice quivered. "What has happened?"
"She gave me an aphrodisiac," Nerissea said softly, offering a faint smile.
"Dreve," Aenira added with a tired breath. "It forces the body into a state of unbearable arousal, followed by immense pain few days later. In most cases, it proves fatal."
My hands trembled.
"Nerissea, why did you not tell me?" Her Majesty asked, placing her hands on her hips, frowning.
"You did not ask, Your Majesty," she replied.
"Fortunately," Aenira continued, "it can be treated easily with Gillose herb. A humble ingredient, common even in kitchen stocks. I am certain the palace has some. I shall return shortly."
She offered a bow and departed swiftly. Mr. Blightmere entered a second later.
"Your Majesty," he said with a respectful bow, "the ministers are displeased by your abrupt departure. There is unrest in the throne room."
"For fuck's sake, can they not contain themselves for a moment?" Her Majesty exclaimed, storming out, muttering curse beneath her breath.
Mr. Blightmere followed swiftly behind her.
I turned back to Nerissea.
"Nerissea," I scolded gently, "you must speak to Her Majesty when something so grave occurs. What if no one had been here to report your condition?"
"You are here," she whispered.
"I beg your pardon?"
"You are here now."
I blinked in confusion. "I do not follow."
"You are no longer on display in the throne room. You are here now, with me."
My eyes widened. "You knew I was there?"
"I overheard the maids speaking of it. Truthfully, I had already taken the Gillose herb this morning."
My brow furrowed. "Then why are you still in such pain?"
"I took a Wyreen herb. It counteracts the effects of Gillose." She sat up slowly and pulled the edges of my cloak closer around me. "I did not wish for you to be humiliated before the royal ministers… I am sorry. I acted too late. Forgive me, Naevia."
My vision blurred. My heart swelled with emotions I could not untangle. I rose and sat beside her upon the bed, leaning into her warmth.
"Do not do that again," I murmured against her shoulder. "It was far too dangerous. I will be all right. So please… never do that again."
She wrapped one arm about my waist tightly, the other at the back of my head.
And then I remembered that smile she gave me. The one so familiar to my parents'.
"D-did you… that day… you came for me, did you not?"
She hugged me tighter. "I was late then, too..."
I wrapped my arms around her, though they trembled with the force of what I felt. She had been willing to suffer just to spare me shame.
Oh, how dear she is to me. I shall never forget such kindness. I swear it unto the heavens.
"May Ombrithar bless your gentle heart," I whispered. "May She cast Her light upon you. Oh, I pray… may Ombrithar see your goodness. May She love you, Nerissea."