บท 68: The Count Down
When I open my eyes and see that I'm back in the room that Weimin gave me, I slowly lift my arm and place it over my eyes. Flying with Abell and the other dragons all night was something I'll never forget but it also got me wondering.
She can't be the last, she just can't.
Maybe, just maybe I can find others in other worlds. If I was able to find this world, that means there are others. What if I could find dragons from other worlds and bring them back? Or... bring Abell there.
"You're awake. Are you hungry?"
I slowly lift my arm and turn to silently glare at Weimin. He ignores the glare and offers me a cup of water. I turn away from him, giving him my back as I silently tell myself that this will all be over soon.
I'm grateful, really. I've always had to count on my own strength to survive and never had anyone to lean on but for the first time in my life, I've found myself powerless, but I also found someone who was fighting for me.
The thought of Bolin coming gave me strength when I felt like I didn't have any.
Weimin sighs and says, "You've been asleep for two days. If you don't eat or drink anything you'll only grow weaker." When I hear that it's been two days, I pause. Does that mean tomorrow is the winter festival thing?
I slowly sit up and turn to find him still holding out the water. I glance down at the water before reaching out to take it. Weimin watches with calm eyes as I drink the slightly sweet water. I didn't notice it at first but there was an odd, sweet flavor that lingered after.
He gives me a smile and says, "There will be a winter celebration tomorrow. The King will announce our marriage at that time so we both need to be there. I have prepared everything for you, including your dress and accessories."
I watch him closely as I nod my head. Was I missing something? I look down at the cup in my hands with a frown, feeling that something wasn't quite right.
Later, while having dinner, I noticed the tea was rather sweet. Was it just me? I didn't feel off or anything. I decide to only drink a single cup of tea. That night before bed, I drank another cup of water but found it was still sweet.
Why was it sweet? Was I getting sick? I decide to push it aside for now and try my best to get some sleep. Tomorrow was going to be an eventful day. I smile to myself when I think about Bolin and his dark eyes and wicked smile. Yes, it was finally time.
__________
A female servant bows before Weimin and says, "Everything is ready, young Master." Weimin nods before pulling out a small feminine jar. He hands it to her and says, "Make sure there are no mistakes tomorrow." The servant takes the small jar and bows before saying, "Yes."
The female servant walks all the way back to the room and silently slips in. She looks over at Lyra sleeping silently on the bed and walks over to the table with all the makeup. She reaches out and picks up a similar jar and replaces it with the jar Weimin had given her. She glances over at Lyra once again before silently slipping out.
_________
That morning I was woken up super early by the maids. They force me to bathe, pick and poke at me for hours and before I know it, it's time for the event. After getting dressed, they plopped me down in front of a mirror.
My excitement can easily be mistaken for nerves, but I still try to hide it. They fix my hair in a complicated way, but I had to admit, it was still beautiful. Just not my style. They then started applying makeup, eyes, blush, and even lipstick.
I silently sit through it all as my mind races with thoughts of Bolin. As soon as they're done, Weimin appears behind me and says, "You look absolutely beautiful. You'll be the most beautiful woman at the celebration tonight."
He lifts his hand and holds it out to me. I sigh as I take his hand and stand up. I allow him to lead me all the way to the main palace as I try to remain calm. Once we arrive, they announce Weimin and I as we walk into the large building. I ignore all the looks and whispers as my eyes silently scan the large crowd.
Weimin leads me to a small table and seat, not far from where the King and Queen are currently sitting. As I sit, he sits beside me and asks, "What are you looking so intently for?" I look down at the food on the table and ask, "Can't I look around?"
Weimin smiles but doesn't say anything as he pours me a cup of wine. Might be a good thing because my nerves are all over the place. I pick up the cup, take a sip, and frown. It's so sweet. When I turn to look at Weimin, I see him watching me with a smile.
My hand freezes as I look into his eyes. I'm missing something, but what? What have I overlooked? Suddenly, I feel someone staring at me from within the crowd. Someone walks up to us and says, "Young Master Weimin, please meet Councilor Bou and his wife."
Weimin walks off as I turn and scan the crowd. When my eyes land on a pair of dark familiar eyes, my heart nearly stops. My hands shake as I slowly place the cup down and stand up. I turn and find Weimin still talking with the others, so I silently slip away.
My heart is beating so loud, I can barely hear anything around me as I make my way over. With every step I take, my heart flutters faster and faster. He had wrapped the shadows around himself so others wouldn't notice him, but he made it so that I could see him.
His dark eyes watch my every move with an intensity that shakes my very core. As soon as I'm only a few steps away from him, he lifts his hand out. I quicken my pace as I reach out and as soon as my hand lands in his, I'm pulled into a familiar warm embrace!
The shadows wrap around us, giving us privacy as I bury my face in his solid chest. His arms wrap all the way around me, holding me tight against his chest as he whispers, "I'm sorry I took so long." I shake my head and say, "I was a fool for not waiting until you came back."
When I look up at him, tears burn in my eyes as I say, "It feels like it's been a lifetime." His face crumbles in pain as he reaches up and wipes my eyes softly saying, "It's over now. I'm here and I won't let them hurt you anymore."
My chin trembles as I struggle to smile up at him. This... this felt like home. So this was what everyone spoke about when they said home is where your loved ones are. He holds my face, taking me in as he leans down.
My eyes flutter shut as his lips take mine. His kiss starts out soft, but he quickly deepens it before ending it by lightly biting my lower lip. He pulls away a little as he asks, "You didn't let that bastard kiss you, did you?"
I lightly chuckle as I shake my head and say, "No, never." He gives me a warm smile before saying, "Let's get out of here before someone notices. We will settle the scores once you've recovered." My smile grows as I nod my head.
He takes my hand and starts walking but only after a few steps, he staggers! I reach out, trying to steady him with concern and confusion. I ask, "What's wrong? Are you okay?" When he looks back at me, he frowns.
I frown in confusion as I look back up at him but when I see his lips darkening, I gasp! I reach out, about to touch him when suddenly the shadows around us fall away and Bolin's knees buckle!
Everyone gasps as I fall with Bolin. The guards come rushing over as someone yells out "Intruder!" I try to help Bolin back up, but his eyes were unfocused, and his lips were nearly black! My voice shakes as I quickly ask, "Bolin, what's wrong? Tell me what I have to do to help you."
Abell's voice breaks through my panic as she gravely says, [He's been poisoned.]
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