She’d been there for hours, digging through rubble, searching for people, and praying to the Goddess Rhayne that the ones they found would be safe.
But those prayers fell on deaf ears.
Body after body, pile after pile, hope that they would findsomeonealive dwindled away.
When she’d found Piper amongst the throngs of people clambering for answers, relief flooded her chest. After pulling her into an embrace and making sure that she was okay, Auraelia sent her back to the castle for food, water, and any other supplies she could find. And she’d come back with more than Auraelia could have ever asked for.
Not only had she brought food and water, but she’d brought carts full of tools and helping hands. Chef Liza and her entire kitchen staff set up a makeshift kitchen and began cooking hot meals for everyone. Guards piled people into carts and brought them to the castle for hot showers and clean clothes. Though they extended the offer of a warm place to sleep with a roof over their heads, most declined, opting to stay in the provided tents so that they could be close to what was once their home.
It was nearing midday when Piper finally pulled Auraelia away, forcing her to take a break.
“You need to rest, Rae,” she whispered as she shoved a canteen into Auraelia’s hands.
Sighing, Auraelia lifted it to her parched mouth. She’d meant to take only a sip to appease her friend, but as the cool water hit her lips, thirst gripped her throat, and she began to drink deeply.
Only when she had drained the last drops did she reply, “My people need me, Piper. I can’t abandon them.”
“They won’thavea queen to abandon them if you run yourself into the ground!” she scolded, placing her hands on her hips as if that would emphasize her statement.
“Piper—”
“No. We’re not doing this. You’ve been out here since before the sun was up, and you were awake before I even came to get you. Youneedto rest.” She paused for a moment, her hands dropping as her eyes softened into a pleading gaze. “Please, Rae.”
Nodding, Auraelia handed Piper the canteen and stood. Exhaustion slammed into her like lightning striking a tree, causing her knees to buckle and her head to throb.
Piper lunged for her, but before she could get there, an arm—strong and familiar—wrapped around her waist and lifted her from behind her knees. “I’ve got her.”
As she leaned against his chest, Auraelia breathed in the scent of ocean and sandalwood and sighed.
Daemon.
“Where have you been?” she muttered, her body and mind succumbing to the fatigue that was sweeping over her.
“I was with your brother. I didn’t think you’d want me to leave him alone.”
At the mention of Xander, Auraelia tried to sit up and nearly fell out of Daemon’s arms.
“Easy, Princess. I’ve got you. I’ll take you straight to him.”
And with that, swirls of sparkling darkness consumed her sight.
Daemon stayed with her while she sat vigil by Xander’s bed. He’d gotten him back to the castle and into Ser Aeron’s care just in time, and her army commander was certain there would be no permanent damage.
Still, she remained.
From what Daemon had told her when they arrived, Xander had gone unconscious from the pain and blood loss before they’d reached the castle. And he’d been that way ever since.
“Auraelia, you need to sleep.” Daemon’s soft tone was like a blanket of warmth wrapping around her.
“I don’t want him to be alone. I need to be here,” she muttered as she squeezed her brother’s hand, silently urging him to open his eyes so that she knew he was alright. But not even the loud creaking from the door opening stirred him.
“He won’t be alone, Rae. I’ll sit with him.” The comforting chime of Piper’s voice filled the room, but when her friend placed her hand on her shoulder, Auraelia lost it.
Lost the hold she had on the tears she’d been trying to keep at bay.
Lost the ability to stay strong so that her brother saw a smiling face when he finally woke.
Gone.
