New Roots (Fate's Intent Book 8) (10 page)

Chapter 23

Darius

“I need your help now.” Zayden said. “We’ll have to lift him up.”

“Don’t ask me to help.” Troy muttered through deep breaths. “My muscles are weak. I can’t flex any of them.”

“That’s all right. I won’t need your help but it’s going to hurt.”

“Where’d you take Jaylyn?”

“She’s with Ruby. She’s calming her down.”

“Good. I’m ready.”

I nodded and got my hands under Troy’s back, pausing there as I looked at Zayden. Zayden had a bandage ready and nodded. That’s when I got some help with my strength to lift up Troy into a sitting position. He probably felt it worse. His breaths were short and quick but suffered through it while Zayden tried to quickly wrap him up so it was over with.

As soon as the three bandages were wrapped around him to cover his entire torso, he was laid back down and his breaths got slower and more relaxed. “I like this much better.”

“You’ll get used to it the more we have to do it.” Zayden said, cleaning up the bloody rags. “We’ll check on them in the morning.”

Troy was still in pain that all he could do was nod.

“Get some more rest for a few minutes. We’ve got to get some food in you before you go back to sleep.”

Troy nodded again and I helped Zayden take the stuff out of the room.

“I’ll have someone send up his food.” Zayden said. “You can give Jaylyn the okay and get to bed yourself.”

“On it.” I turned from him and walked right to my room, going inside.

“Shh!” Ruby whispered.

Jaylyn was curiously tucked away in the middle of our bed. “Is she asleep?”

“Yeah, just. She’s going to stay with us tonight.”

“Where am I supposed to sleep?”

“There’s room on the other side of her.”

I looked at Jaylyn and back at Ruby. “That would be weird.”

“It’s okay, Darius. It’s just for tonight.”

“Can we at least move her over so I can be by you?”

“No. She’ll wake up. She needs to sleep. It’s not like I’m asking you to do anything else.”

“Fine but I was coming in here to tell her she can go to Troy.”

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea right now. She was freaking out. She kept mentioning her father and how he looked like him.”

My eyes widened. “Oh, shit. Bryce was tortured to death, wasn’t he? I didn’t even think of that.”

“It’s okay. She’ll be fine. Maybe you should go tell Troy she’ll be staying with us.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back and we can all get some sleep.”

Ruby nodded and I walked back to Troy. He was still on the bed where we left him and had his eyes closed.

“Troy?”

“Hmm?”

“Zayden’s having your food sent up but I’m just letting you know that Jaylyn’s staying with me tonight.”

He opened his eyes. “With you?”

“Well, and Ruby.” I corrected myself. “She already fell asleep in our bed.”

“Oh. I thought you meant she didn’t want to see me.”

“No.” I laughed. “Nothing like that. Ruby is insisting that she stay.”

“It’s okay. That’s fine. Just don’t touch her or I’ll kill you.”

“Troy, I would never—”

“I know but I know her too. I don’t know how long she’ll be able to go when I can’t touch her either.”

“I think she’ll be fine. She was prepared for the months that were going to pass.”

“This is different because she knows I’m here.”

I paused and realized his tone. “You’re worried.”

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“You don’t have to worry about Jaylyn. She’d never want to be with anyone else but you.”

Troy didn’t get the chance to continue this conversation when there was a knock on the door.

“It’s the food.” I walked to it and opened it, taking a covered tray from a maid. “Thank you.” She lightly bowed her head and I closed the door, bringing the tray over to Troy. “Ready?”

“Have you ever tried eating while laying down?”

I just smiled as I set the tray down and stepped closer to him. “All right. Brief pain.”

Troy nodded and I lifted him up, setting him up against the pillows. He did well to keep the sounds of pain under control and relaxed when he stopped moving.  “Thanks.”

“Sure. Here.” I brought the tray over to his lap and uncovered it for him. “I’ll stay so I can lay you back down.”

“Okay. That’ll make things easier.”

I nodded and sat down on the bed while Troy began to eat. He ate half of everything on the tray and downed another strong drink before it became hard to keep his eyes open.

“I think you’re ready.” I got up and set the tray off to the side. “I’m going to lay you back down now, okay?”

Troy could only nod because he was so tired and I tried to be extra gentle. I got him laid down and put the blanket up over him so he could sleep.

“Thank you. Make sure she’s okay.”

“I will. Don’t worry about her. Just get some sleep.”

Troy nodded and I left the room, getting back to mine.

“There you are.” Ruby said, laying in bed on one side of Jaylyn. “Take that long?”

“I stayed with him while he ate.” I took my boots off and started getting out of most of my clothes. “Has she woken up at all?”

“Not even a move but I’m ready to sleep now. I was just waiting for you.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I would have been back.”

“Well, you are now.” She pulled me down to her and we kissed.

“Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning, I guess.”

She laughed. “I’m going to be right here.”

“I know but it’s still too far.”

Ruby smiled as I walked around the bed and got in next to the sleeping Jaylyn. “Goodnight.”

I awkwardly positioned myself so I wasn’t touching her and tried to get comfortable. “Goodnight.”

Chapter 24

Jaylyn

I woke up from grazing the bare skin of my arm against someone and my eyes popped open, thinking I hurt Troy but instead, I surprisingly saw Darius next to me. I backed up in a hurry and looked around. Ruby wasn’t in the room like I remembered from last night. It was just us and I looked back when Darius started to move. His eyes opened and I was sitting with wide eyes on him.

“Jaylyn? Are you okay?”

“Please tell me that we didn’t—you know.”

Darius sat himself up and looked at the situation I saw and played along with a smile. “You don’t remember? You begged for it. I couldn’t say no.” I didn’t know if it was really a joke or not and I started breathing heavily in a panic until he laughed. “No! Jaylyn, relax! I was kidding! Nothing happened. You just fell asleep here last night and Ruby didn’t want to move you so we ended up sleeping on each side of you.”

“Oh! Phew! Not that there’s anything wrong with you, it just scared me.”

“I understand, believe me and Troy knows you’re here so it’s okay.”

“How is he?”

Darius shrugged. “Last time I saw him was last night after he ate something.” I got right out of bed and headed for the door. “Jaylyn, wait.”

He followed down the hall but I entered the room first, eager to see Troy.

Adele, Ruby and Zayden were in there and just finished changing the bandages.

“Look at this.” Ruby smiled. “Perfect timing.”

“Are you okay?” I rushed right over to Troy and wanted my question answered right now.

“I’m fine.” He smiled. “We were just hoping you didn’t see that again.”

“I’m over it. I think I got it all out of my system last night.”

“Well, you can rest for a bit.” Zayden said, picking up some of the old bandages. “Breakfast will be up for both of you soon.”

“We’ll keep checking in.” Adele said, giving my back a gentle rub.

“Okay.”

They left and I still had my full attention on Troy. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I said I’m fine.” He smiled. “And you?”

“I’m okay. Woke up to a shock this morning but that’s over.”

“What do you mean? Are you hurt?”

I laughed to the sound of his worry. “No. I just wasn’t expecting to wake up next to Darius. That was a little weird.”

“He helped you sleep well I hope.”

“Not that I can remember. I didn’t even know he was there until I woke up.”

Troy smiled and grasped my hand just a little tighter. “I know you were there. I allowed it—to an extent.”

“Don’t worry. That didn’t happen but he didn’t waste any time to pretend that it did. I guess he just couldn’t pass up that joke but now I’m going to be staying with you.”

“Sure you can really handle it?”

“I know I can. I said I got passed the shock of it. I just don’t want to be away from you.”

“I like that but only if you can handle a kiss with me.”

I paused for a moment and just looked into his eyes. I didn’t want it to hurt him but couldn’t say no to that look. I leaned into him and tried not touching any part of him except his lips with mine. I missed what it was like and Troy brought up his hand to my shoulder, pulling me into him so more of us would touch.

I let it happen before I realized and pulled away. “No. Stop.”

“Jaylyn?”

“I can’t.”

“It’s just me.”

“But you’re not you. Not yet and I don’t want to hurt you more. This was my fault to begin with.”

I started to get out of bed and heard a completely different voice from Troy. “Don’t turn away from me.”

I spun my head back to him from the strenuous sound and rushed over with a gasp. “Troy!” I pushed him back down before he could fully sit up. “Don’t! You shouldn’t move on your own yet.”

“Then don’t move away from me.”

“Breakfast is coming. I was going to get the door.”

He sighed, resting his head back. “You should have said that.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I kissed his head. “I would never turn away from you like you were thinking.”

There was a knock at the door and Troy looked to it. “You going to get that?”

I smiled and turned from him. I went over to the door and watched Darius take the tray from the maid.

“What are you doing?”

“He has to sit up to eat.”

“Oh, yeah.” I almost forgot and followed him over to the bed and sat on the other side, taking the tray of food from Darius.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.” Troy nodded and brought up his arm.

Darius took it carefully and placed another hand behind Troy’s back, lifting him up. I set all the pillows while he did it and Troy leaned back against them.

“Good?” I asked.

“Yeah. It’s fine.”

“Let someone know when you’re done.” Darius said. “We’re going to get you walking today.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I asked. “He can barely move as it is.”

“There’s nothing wrong with his legs. If he doesn’t start using them soon, something could be later.”

I was still a little worried but Troy took my hand with a reassuring voice. “It’s okay, Jaylyn. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. We’ll let you know.”

Darius nodded and left the room.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Troy asked.

“No.” I answered honestly. “But I want you to get better.”

“Then that means I have to get use to this. I can’t just lay here the whole time.”

“I know. Breakfast?”

Troy smiled to my quickness about changing the subject. “That would be good.”

I scooted myself next to him with the tray and we shared it together.

The whole time I thought of everything he was going to go through and I couldn’t help but worry. I wanted to help him but I knew I couldn’t. This was about his honor and to fully get it back, I knew Troy had to do this. I just didn’t want it to last long. Their biannual trip to the southern colonies was disrupted for a year and I blamed myself for it.

Chapter 25

Adele

Two weeks have passed and Troy was getting well used to his limitations and was out of his room several times a day to walk and even have his meals in the dining hall like he used to. Progress was going steadily and Jaylyn was feeling better when she saw him moving around and not in excruciating pain. Everyone was seeing it as a good sign that he was recovering but Zayden was feeling the hard burden of disappointment by his people on his shoulders that I wished he didn’t have to carry. Blaming Troy for it was not something that crossed his mind. He blamed himself and dreaded what would become of it while he sat up in his room that late morning.

“Zayden, there you are. What are you doing up here? Everyone’s downstairs.”

“I know. I just don’t feel like doing anything today.”

I sighed and sat next to him, Rift being just as close like he was worried too. “Still feeling bad about staying here?”

“Should I not? Try looking at this from their point of view. It makes it seem like I don’t care.”

“Don’t say that. They know you do.”

“But that’s not how I feel.”

I didn’t like seeing him down like this. Something had to be done. A thought crossed my mind and I turned towards him, taking his hands to share it with him. “Maybe you should go anyway.”

“Now? It would be too late. There’s no way we’d be back in time for our son to be born. I want to be here for that.”

“Well, I don’t like seeing this. What about setting up your visits in certain colonies and any neighboring ones can come see you if they want? That way it wouldn’t take as long and you’d still be able to make it back in time.”

Zayden moved his hands from mine and slowly nodded his head to the idea. “Okay. That may work but we don’t know how long it would take Troy to recover enough so Jaylyn would be allowed to heal him.”

“Maybe he has already. He hasn’t really felt much of it lately.”

“But my father would be the one to make that choice, not us and I’m not sure that he would.”

“Let me be the one to talk to him then. If he knows why then maybe he’ll approve. He was the one that wanted you to go so badly in the first place.”

“Don’t make him mad, Love. I don’t want you to have to see that.”

“Don’t worry.” I leaned in and kissed him before getting off the bed. “I’ll make this right.”

“I’m surprised that you even approve of me leaving again.”

“I know why you have to and I’ll be fine. Promise.”

Zayden smiled back and I left the room. I walked down the hall to find the King and kept my mind on what I would say. I was positive I could make Izin agree and allow things to progress as they should.

I made it all the way downstairs and the conference room was my best bet to find him. It was where he spent most of his time. I walked right in and he was surely in there but he wasn’t alone. Seni’s General was standing to the King’s right when Izin looked up to see me just closing the door. “That’ll be all, General.”

“Yes, your majesty.” The General nodded, taking a few papers from the King and walking around the table. “Princess.”

“Hello, General.” I smiled politely as he passed with a simple bow.

We both waited until the General left completely before either of us spoke.

“What do I have the honor to help you with, Adele?”

“I’d like to speak to you about the trip Zayden was to make south, your majesty.”

“Adele, please. We’re family now. There’s no need to use formality titles. Don’t you agree?”

“Sorry, Izin.”

“Better. Now, what about it did you want to say?”

“I’d like to request for fulfillment of that trip to be reopened and have you permit them to complete it.”

“It’s too late.” He said, looking down at the remaining papers in front of him. “That time has passed.”

“But it hasn’t yet.”

“They would not be back in time for the births and that doesn’t seem like something you would encourage.”

“Please. Zayden needs this. He’s feeling guilty for not being able to go. There would be time if it was split up. Organize certain meeting points and anyone who wants to see them can.”

Izin sighed, meaning he didn’t fully agree yet and looked up. “Let’s pretend that would work and they came back on time. In order for that to happen, realistically, they would have to leave within the next few days and Troy is not nearly ready for that.”

“Don’t you think he’s suffered enough? He’s hardly reacting to it anymore. We’ve all seen it. Give your consent for Jaylyn to heal him and restore his title. They’d be able to leave within the next few days.”

“But will he allow that?”

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“I never wanted to authorize his torture, Adele. Understand that. He insisted on it and gave me no choice. I’ve wanted them to go because it’s their job but now Troy has to be the one to decide that he’s ready. This is his honor he’s fighting for. I cannot be the one to feel he’s gotten that back. He has to.”

“So, if I get him to, will you allow the various visits to be acceptable enough for them to complete their job?”

He stalled from answering then nodded. “Of course but Troy is the one you have to convince.”

“I can do it.” I said abruptly.

He sat back in his chair and smiled. “I admire your determination. Now, let’s see if you can fulfill it.”

“Watch me.” I started to turn.

“Good luck!”

I left the conference room and headed back upstairs to see Zayden first.

“Back already?” He had just stepped out of the closet, fully dressed.

“He agreed.”

“But?”

“But—we have to get Troy to agree which means he has to feel he’s gotten his honor back.”

“That may be hard.”

“But we’ll get him to do it. He should agree that this is all for the better.”

“All right. We can try. When?”

“I was thinking after lunch. We get him alone with all of us where there’s nowhere for him to walk away. He’ll have to talk.”

“You’re very determined to have this happen, aren’t you?”

“I want you to feel like you again. The people aren’t going to hate you for this because you’ll be able to go. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Then let’s be sure this goes smoothly.”

I smiled and took his arm to join him for lunch in the dining hall.

It went quietly as I mentally prepared to explain reason to Troy. All I could hope for was that he saw what we did. Just coming up with the punishment and accepting it gave Troy back honor but he had to be the one to see it. I had to make him. It was what’s best for everyone. Moving on from this was the only way.

“Maybe we should talk to Darius about this first.” Zayden said while were sitting in our room just after lunch had ended.

“Why?”

“It would be great if we convinced Troy but I want to know what he thinks. It will mean he won’t be here for Ruby.”

I sighed and got up to pace. “I didn’t even think of that. Well, let’s ask him. Maybe we can think of something.”

Zayden nodded and we headed straight for Darius’s room. “Hey, can we talk?”

“Sure.” Darius said. “What do you need?”

We walked in farther and Ruby was curled up in bed.

“Is she all right?” I asked.

Darius briefly looked back. “She’s just not feeling well right now.”

“Okay. Well, we came to talk to you.”

“About?”

I glanced at Zayden and started to be the one to explain. “We’ve gotten Izin to agree to let you finish what you started before all of this happened but things will be done a little bit differently. First, after we convince Troy to get his life back, the colonies will arrange combined meetings so it won’t take as much time but—”

“But it may mean that you still won’t make it back in time.” Zayden said. “And I wanted to know what you thought before we even went to talk to Troy.”

Darius paused and looked back at Ruby on the bed. She laid still and wasn’t a part of the conversation at all like she was asleep. “If that’s what you want to do then I’m fine with doing it.”

“But is that what you want? I don’t want to force you to miss something this important.”

“I’m surprised you’re even talking about going. It must mean that you really want to and I’m not going to stand in your way.”

Zayden sighed loudly in frustration and turned away.

“Okay, let’s think about this.” I said, pulling him back to the conversation. “There has to be some middle ground here somewhere. What if you went and got back before Ruby gave birth?”

Zayden and Darius looked at each other.

“But she’s only like two months away, maybe less.” Zayden said. “How could that be enough time?”

“Make it a fast trip like I suggested be for.” Darius replied.

“And I already told you why we can’t. We always travel with an announcement party. They don’t know what we can do. It’s something that needs to be kept quiet.”

Darius rolled his eyes and I cut in before he could say anything. “Okay, why are they necessary?”

“It’s an image. Shows approaching authority.”

“But why is that necessary? People take one look at the three of you together and they’ll know exactly who it is.”

“And what about just appearing out of nowhere?”

“Simple. You stop outside of town before you can be seen and ride in, doing the same thing when you leave. You should get through them and be back on time.”

Darius smiled. “She does come up with some pretty good plans. It sounds like it could work.”

Zayden paused, pacing back and forth and thinking about every detail. “All right. Do you agree in going if I say we’ll try that?”

“I agreed anyway. We just had to find something that made you happy.”

“Fine. That part is done. Now we just have to talk to Troy. Come with us?”

Darius nodded. “We’ll force him to listen if we have to.”

“Great!” I smiled. I was happy this turned out okay and was ready for our next trial. “Come on.”

We went to Troy’s room and he was sitting on the edge of the bed with his hand on his abdomen and Jaylyn right behind him all the way on the bed.

“Hey, what do you need?” Troy asked.

“We need to talk.” I said.

We spread ourselves out, blocking Troy’s view of the door.

“What’s going on?” Jaylyn asked.

“Well—” Zayden began. “We’ve decided to go on the trip this year after all.”

“Without me?” Troy asked. “The King allowed that?”

“No. You’ll be coming with us.”

Jaylyn gasped. “What are you saying?! He can’t go!”

“He can if he accepts what everyone else already has.” I said with my eyes on Troy. “You have regained your honor. Let us help you so you can help them restore what should have been.”

“And if I don’t feel what you do?”

“Well, what do you feel?” I sat down next to him and was ready to do anything I had to get him to see our way. “The pain isn’t much for you anymore. The suffering part is over. You’ve accomplished what you wanted.”

“What about you, Darius?”

Darius smiled and took a few steps forward. “Don’t try to use that as an excuse. There’s a plan. Now we’re just waiting on you.”

There was a long pause and Troy sat silent, making everyone wonder what he was thinking. It was hard to tell by his expression because it was blank until he took a long breath and turned his head to the side, looking behind him. “Jaylyn.”

She smiled and looked at us. “Leave.”

“Ooh.” Darius joked as he started to turn. “Think we know what you want.”

I smiled just from that comment and got off the bed. “Let me know when you want proof of your title back.”

Troy just nodded and I gladly left to let them reunite in their own way. I was just happy that everything worked out and Zayden would soon be himself―well after he gets back. That was most important to me.