Page 2 of The Stolen Kingdom

“And...”

The sickening sound of bones snapping together made Maris’s stomachchurn.

“Drink!”

Maris let out a pained scream, momentarily drowned out by the forceful intake of Sealian water. She swallowed, preparing to pull away, but Isen tilted the bottle higher, urging her to drink every last drop.

The healing properties of the water took immediate effect on Maris’s arm. The pain gradually subsided, leaving behind a faint burning sensation from her elbow to her shoulder. As Maris cautiously tested her arm’s mobility, Lasmeer entered the room with the requested supplies and Melvian set to work.

Maris watched in silence as Melvian washed her hands in the basin and took the small knife in her grasp. Isen removed Valda’s torn blouse, tossing it aside. Maris hovered nearby, her hands clasped to her chest, helpless.

“Why isn’t she healed yet?” Maris asked, eyeing Melvian. “You are a blessed worshiper. One touch is all you need, right?”

Melvian’s eyes met Maris’s for a moment before focusing back on Valda. “I don’t know, but I need you to trust me.”

Before Maris could utter another word, she noticed Lasmeer pulling out two chairs, silently urging her to sit. Everything inside Maris screamed at her to stay near Valda, to look over her mate, to make sure that she was being taken care of. If she could fix her mate herself, she would’ve done it by now.

She felt useless, as useless as the day she came back home, opened her mother’s bedroom and saw her dangling from the roof. It took a moment, but Maris acquiesced, trusting that Melvian and Isen knew what they were doing. She had never witnessed Melvian’s skill and was awed by her friend. Isen stood steadfast beside her, no words needed as he moved with purpose, making it difficult for Maris to comprehend the intricate procedure taking place.

Melvian positioned several towels beneath Valda, grasping the sharp knife before plunging it into Valda’s flank.

Valda reacted to the fresh wound. Baring her teeth and moaning in guttural pain. Maris felt it deep within their bond. She stood again as if her body forced her to appease the pain Valda was in. Before she could take a step towards Valda, Maris felt Lasmeer’s firm grip on her wrist, pulling her back as Isen extended his hand, urging her to stay put.

“Stay where you are and let us work,” Isen commanded, his eyes blazing.

Maris’s outburst went unnoticed by Melvian, who widened the wound with her finger before replacing it with a straw. Within moments, a thin stream of blood flowed through the straw, and Valda took a deep breath.

Maris felt a feeble tug in their bond as she, too, inhaled. Valda’s chest rose steadily, and tears welled up in the corners of Maris’s eyes.

“Isen, come,” Melvian instructed, placing his large hand against Valda’s flank, holding the straw firmly. She then walked over to Maris, taking hold of her face, staining her features.

The smell of blood filled Maris’s nose. Valda’s blood…

“She will be fine, won’t she?” Maris asked, her voice low and strained. Her gaze shifted from Valda to Melvian.

“Kneel,” Melvian said, lowering herself to the floor and pulling Maris down with her. She clasped Maris’s hands tightly, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “Repeat every word I say, Maris.”

Maris glanced back at Valda, watching her lover grow paler by the second, feeling the bond weakening once again. Just as she reached out to return to Valda’s side, Melvian’s grip tightened, anchoring her in place.

“Asclepius, God of medicine, hear our plea. Bless our hands and minds. Send forth your sons and daughters to aid us. Help us heal, help us restore. Help—”

“Melvian...” Maris called out, her blunt nails digging into her friend’s skin. “I... I can’t do this. I’ve never been a follower of Asclepius.”

Opening one eye, Melvian gazed directly at Maris before responding, “Then today is a good day to convert, don’t you think?”

Maris released her breath and cast one last glance at her lover. With a nod of understanding, she closed her eyes and whispered, “Asclepius, God of medicine, hear our plea,” Maris’s words echoed with Melvian’s as their prayer drifted into the chilly night air.

***

Maris laid Valda on her back and cleaned her face. She brushed her hair back and made sure she was warm under the covers Lasmeer gave her.

Valda was unconscious, her breathing was somewhat regular, but her skin was pale, so unlike her usual sun-kissed tone. She looked as pale as the day Queen Rionach appointed Maris to care for her…

That day felt like ages ago…

After Maris made sure that Valda was comfortable, she sat down next to the bed, staring at her as if at any moment her condition would change. But as the minutes passed, and Valda seemed to be stable, Maris fought with the decision if she should leave her and rest herself.

Melvian told her it would be a while until Valda opened her eyes. Maris still worried she wouldn’t wake up at all. Hunger was the one thing that made her walk out and leave her mate alone.

---