Kros Voyeh Ch. 18

Draeseth bellowed wordlessly and charged toward the sound of the voice, knocking Ougath aside.

From down the hall, Lislora could hear the sounds of fighting and men shouting to hold 'him' back.

Her cousin found his words, "I will choke the life from you, you Phaethian demon fucking cunt! I will rip your head from your body and smash it beneath my heel! You will fuck demons in the seven hells tonight!"

The guards sounded frantic as they shouted to get her away and send more guards.

A cold chill went down her spine and Lislora clambered to her feet. Her dream. He was going to get himself killed and follow his wife into death. She started down the hall toward the sounds of fighting and Burgath grabbed hold of her dragging her back.

"He'll never forgive himself if he strikes you on accident."

"They'll kill him!"

"They won't." King Orgath held up his hand. "He may need stitching afterward but he'll survive. Ougath, go see how your brother is faring, tell him he's frightening his second Duchess."

Prince Ougath winced but dutifully went toward the sounds of fighting. After a moment they came to a stop. Draeseth came back with his brother, his hands bloodied and his face slightly battered.

"Lislora..."

She rushed forward and embraced him. He squeezed her tightly, kissing her hair.

"I think there's more than a dozen guards that need the healers, father. Rogath dragged the Phaethian poisoner back to her rooms. If she complains about the guards again I'll be surprised."

"She murdered my son, she shouldn't be alive to complain about anything," Draeseth's voice was rough and raw.

"We can go to the Temple and pray that Isonei," her voice broke and she swallowed, clearing the lump, "that Isonei will recover."

"Yes." He kissed her head again. "I want to pray."

"Your hands should be washed and wrapped first." Halloc Aurim came closer with a concerned look. "And the Lady needs to change her dress."

"Her dress is as I wish it to be." Draeseth pulled her closer.

"Brother," Burgath spoke gently, "He doesn't intend a slight, he means that you've gotten blood on it. Going in public with a bloodied dress when the Duchess has been attacked will start rumors."

His hold loosened. "That is true."

"You're distraught, I take no offense, your Highness." Halloc Aurim sounded almost placating.

"Is Krouth helping them?" Lislora asked as she gently disentangled herself.

"Overseeing her care and making certain we're all aware that she has strong and sometimes unpredictable reactions to medicines." The Halloc inclined his head as she turned to look at him. "The maid is gathering clothing and preparing a chest to be taken with her. There is a room for the gravely ill in the wing of the Temple dedicated to healing, she would receive the best care there."

Draeseth gave a curt nod.

"When Master Krouth has seen the Duchess as far as he's permitted to, send him to me." King Orgath spoke solemnly. "I want to hear what he has to say about all of this. I'll send a healer to tend your hands, Draeseth."

"I can do it," Halloc Aurim offered with a faint smile. "If I'm permitted."

"You are." Draeseth inclined his head and began moving toward her rooms leaving the man to have whatever he needed fetched.

Lislora held his arm and squeezed it. The Halloc's unkindness didn't seem important now.

They were nearly to her rooms when the Halloc came hurrying around the corner. "She's being moved now if you want to see her."

Draeseth froze and she could feel his arm tensing under her hands. After a moment he murmured, "I can't. I can't bear to see her that way."

"It's alright. I understand." Lislora leaned against him, "She would too."

He took a deep breath and laid a battered hand on top of hers.

Mes came around the corner as well, looking ill.

Releasing her cousin's arm, she approached the pale woman and reassuringly touched the Munian's shoulder. "Send for another servant to attend me. You have no further duties for today, Mes. Rest. You're free to go pray for the Duchess as well if you wish."

"I-I thank you." The maid's voice broke and she dropped into a low curtsy. Rising, she walked away as if in a daze.

"Someone will have to speak to Hodrim." The thought struck her as she watched the woman go.

"I'll see to him after I've tended his Highness' hands." Halloc Aurim ushered her toward the now open door. "If my brother hasn't done it already. He's spoken highly of the boy."

"Your brother?"

"Kamrus Rimathe." Draeseth sat heavily in a chair. "It will be explained."