“We’ve got to do what’s best for her, and if that means we force her into the hospital, that’s what we do,” Brandon said quietly. “It’s the last thing I want to do, especially three days from the pinning ceremony. She’s worked too hard to miss it, but she won’t make it if she’s dead.”
“God, don’t say that.”
“I’m being honest. Listen, I love our girl as much as you do. This is killing both of us.”
Rori pushed the blanket off and sat up, remaining on the edge of the bed as the room spun and grayness filled her vision. She took a few deep breaths before she pushed to her feet, slowly straightening up, and shuffled to the door. Her heart beat rapidly, a rush of weakness batting at her muscles. She grabbed the wall and waited for it to pass, then reached the door and pulled it open.
Cassy and Brandon both spun toward where she leaned against the doorframe.
“I can hear everything,” Rori said, her voice thick andraspy from her raw throat and dry tongue. “Why don’t you discuss these things with me instead of amongst yourselves? Since they clearly involve me.”
Cassy whimpered, crossing the short distance to her. She grabbed Rori’s hands, threw Brandon a glance, then turned the full power of her worry on Rori.
“You haven’t been willing to listen to anything I’ve said for the last two months. You won’t even talk to Brandon outside of class or work. And work, Rori. You’ve called out the last three days. Carl’s given you leniency because we both told him you’ve been really sick, but he’s not going to let you come and go as you please. Brandon and I think that maybe we should bring you to the hospital. Yes? Maybe some fluids will help.”
“I drink.”
“And you throw it back up.”
“And I drink again.”
Cassy huffed. “Not enough. You fill your mug once a day. That thing isn’t a thirty-two ouncer, either.”
“I’ll fill it more often. I promise.” Rori squeezed Cassy’s hands. “I’m fine, okay? I’llbefine. You’ve nothing to worry about. I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be out shortly and we can talk, okay?”
Cassy managed a small grin. “Okay.”
Rori straightened off the doorframe and reached for the door. Her heart raced and the room spun. She stumbled, her legs folding under her. The floor came up beneath her fast, but the room had gone black by the time she hit. Somewhere in the distance, Cassy and Brandon yelled, but their voices grew fainter with each second.
The last thing she remembered was a hand pressing to her forehead before she fell into unconsciousness.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
The methodical noise greeted her when she roused. A strange ache had taken up a place along her shoulder. She groaned, turning onto her side, stretched her arm as she opened her eyes.
She froze.
“Cael was worried, and rightfully so, I’m afraid.” Shaye lifted a steaming mug to his nose, inhaled, and held it out to her. His mercurial gaze held hers steadily as she slowly sat herself upright. “Drink this. It’ll help with the nausea and start to replenish your body.”
She hesitated but finally took the mug from Shaye’s outstretched hand and brought it to her lips. It had an herbal aroma with a hint of sweetness that carried over to the hot sip.
“I went through this pain with my sister. When Bryce was killed in his previous life. ’Tis a difficult journey, losing youranamcara. One of the worst types of agony to endure. ’Tis the only reason Thaddeus refused to bond with you. He would have without question had the circumstances been different. The loss is no less painful, but it allows you free will to try and move on. You will never feel complete with another, but you can still find happiness.”
“I doubt that,” she murmured into the mug, taking another sip of the hot tea. “He ruined me for anyone else.”
Shaye chuckled, leaning back in the chair. “That I don’t doubt.”
“You left Moira back at the castle?”
“Nay. She insisted upon coming along. Your friends have her and our boys down on the beach. Chase has never seen the ocean before.” The genuine pleasure he found in his children’s joy touched a bittersweet place in her chest. It wouldbe something she’d never experience with Thaddeus. “Moira and Rihanna worry about you constantly. They detest that you insisted on coming back here. Cael gives updates often, and his last one was worrisome.” He flicked a finger toward her. “Drink, Rori.”
“What a snitch.” She took a drink, the warmth soothing her throat and settling her belly. “I’ll be fine. I’m just working through this.”
“When you faint because you’re so weak, you’re no longer fine.” He leaned forward, perching his elbows on his knees. “Failing to take care of yourself would do Thaddeus’s sacrifice a disservice. It would destroy him if he saw you in such a state.”
“Remarking on a woman’s state is right up there with commenting on a woman’s weight.” She lowered the mug to her lap and pressed her lips together. “Hasn’t Moira told you that?”
“I’m sure she has in one fashion or another.” He grew serious as he stood up. “Mourn for his loss. Grieve as you may. But don’t lose hold of those precious memories you two made together by wallowing in darkness. Find comfort in the time you had together and remember that you were given a special gift, regardless how short a time. I’ve instructed Cael to ensure you finish your tea, and for you to drink several cups throughout the day. He has plenty for the time being. I expect you will accompany us to dinner in a few hours?”
