Chapter 22
The door burst open with a sharp crack, and my eyes flew open at once.
"Father Edgar has summoned everyone to the nave. Hurry now, his temper brews like a storm," Sister Juliara called, then vanished as quickly as she had come.
My lower back pounded with a heavy pulse. But it was the soreness at my rear that made itself most known. My rosebud throbbed with a bruised heat. Walking, I imagine, would be a challenge.
After intimacy with Her Highness, she helped me back to my chamber. She then wiped my body and anointed my sore flesh with a soothing balm. She had asked that I leave the kingdom with her. At the time I had whispered yes as I was too exhausted. But now that the thought returned to me, it brought with it a flurry of concern. What of my parents? Perhaps… perhaps…
An idea bloomed in me. Why should we not go to Baymoon? She and I could leave the kingdom, and there I might be with both her and my family. Yes. Why had this not occurred to me before? The thought filled me with a sudden longing for that day to come.
"I am positively starving," I heard Sister Alethea groan.
I flinched and snapped my gaze to her.
"Why must Father Edgar summon us so early without even a crust of bread?" She continued.
"Sister Alethea, when did you return?"
"An hour ago."
I released a silent sigh of relief. She had not been here to witness Her Highness and my great sin.
I turned gingerly on my side as Sister Alethea trudged to her dresser. That small effort made me wince. I sat up slowly. I could barely hold myself upright. Every small movement was a careful negotiation with pain.
With great effort, I swung my legs over the side of the bed. The moment my feet touched the floor, a jolt surged through my lower back, and I stiffened. My knees trembled beneath me as I stood, and I fought the urge to press my hand to the sore spot at my lower back.
I felt my beloved's essence slipped from my rear in gentle streams. I blushed furiously. She had poured so very much into me.
My steps to the dresser were labored. I could not bring my legs together properly, and each motion stirred the soreness between them. Dressing proved a quiet ordeal. As I lifted my night gown, I saw the mess upon my thighs.
I took a towel and wiped myself as best I could, wincing all the while. My eyes flicked toward Sister Alethea, ensuring she remained turned away. If she saw what dripped from me, I would not know where to hide my shame.
Once I was fully dressed, I was already damp with sweat, the effort far too great for such a simple task. Still, her seed trickled from within, soaking into the drawer beneath my habit.
Sister Alethea fastened her cloak with brisk hands, and I hurried to do the same.
At last, as we prepared to depart, Sister Alethea turned her gaze upon me. "Are you unwell?" she asked, her brow slightly furrowed. "You are walking rather strangely… and you are quite flushed." She stepped close and wrapped her arm around my waist.
"I slept poorly," I lied, striving to keep my expression calm.
"You look awful. Lie down. I shall speak to Father Edgar."
"No. That would not be fair. The others will resent me." I smiled. "I shall be quite fine."
She sighed. "You truly must cease being so unreasonably kind."
She kept her arm around my waist as we made our way toward the nave. Each step I took was met with a wince. Meanwhile, Sister Alethea's stomach growled loudly. Together, we walked beneath countless glances from the others on our way to the nave. I tried not to meet anyone's eyes.
When we arrived, there were no seats remaining. We were to stand. I was secretly grateful. Sitting would have been unthinkable.
Father Edgar stood behind the altar with a dark expression. His gaze swept over us.
"Which one of you defiled the nave?" he thundered. "A physician has confirmed this substance is no mystery. It is, without doubt, the seed of man."
He pointed to a large stain upon the floor before the altar. Pale, slightly cream in hue. My knees weakened.
"By the sheer amount," he continued, "this was no mere tryst. This was the act of multiple men!"
My face was aflame. My ears rang. I thought… I thought that was simply normal. I had not known it was… equivalent to many men.
I ducked behind Sister Alethea, though she was far shorter than I. I knew I was not hidden well.
"I saw Brother Nohall slip away just after his nightly prayer," cried a voice from the crowd.
"Nonsense!" Brother Nohall snapped. "I merely went to fetch some water!"
"I passed Sister Mirelle in the corridor as I returned from the washroom," added another.
"Where is your proof?" Sister Juliara demanded coldly.
"And where is yours?" the voice retorted.
"She was with me," Sister Juliara replied, stepping forward and drawing the frightened Sister Mirelle behind her.
The chamber erupted in a clamor of accusations. Voices overlapped, fingers pointed, tempers flared. I clutched my hands together and prayed silently for calm.
Beside me, Sister Alethea swayed slightly. "I require sustenance," she murmured faintly. "Even a drop of water might preserve me…"
In the end, no culprit could be named. There was simply no evidence strong enough to convict. I exhaled, my heart finally loosening within my chest.
---
Days passed. At last, I could walk with more ease. And sit.
And today… today was the day my beloved was to arrive for me. I found myself pacing the room with trembling delight. In secret I had already packed a small basket with a few coins and simple garments, leaving the rest behind. I have written a letter to Sister Alethea, asking that what remains be spent upon the children.
But before Her highness could arrive, we were all summoned to the nave.
Father Edgar stood solemnly before the altar with a grave expression. "Loyal servants of Ombrithar," he began in a low and heavy voice, "I have gathered you today to share grievous news. Our beloved King and Queen have passed from this world, as of this morning."
A collective gasp swept the nave. I could not even gasp. I stepped back, struck too deeply by the shock.