Page 80 of Bewitched

“Don’t worry about that,” said Medea with a smile. “I’ll always have my powers to protect us both from someone like King Osric. Just leave him to me.”

Twenty

By the time Medea awoke the next morning, Rhys was already up and dressed.

“Rhys?” she said sleepily, having had a wonderful night’s rest in her lover’s arms. “Why are you already awake? It looks like the sun has just started to rise.”

“Something’s wrong,” he told her, strapping on his weapon belt. I think Darium’s raven is trying to tell me something.” He nodded at the raven sitting on the window ledge. It squawked and flipped its head around. “All right. I’m coming,” he told the bird. “You are just as impatient as my brother.”

“What do you think is wrong?” She sat up, pulling the sheet up around her naked body.

“I can’t be sure, but my guess is that Evandorm and Sethor are preparing their revenge because of the attack by the dragon yesterday.”

“War,” she said, getting up, wrapping the sheet around her and walking over to the window to look out. The raven flapped its large wings and headed off into the morning sky. “Rhys, this is all my fault. Many are going to die now, because I couldn’t control my anger and the darkness welling up inside me. I have to do something to stop this. I don’t want anyone to die because of me. I’m coming with you.”

“Nay. Stay here for now, Medea. Leave it to me and my brothers, sweetheart.” He put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a quick kiss.

“But why? I am powerful and I can help you.”

“I know that, Medea, but to be honest with you, I’m afraid your dark side will take over again and possibly make things worse. Until you learn to control it, I think it would be better not to get involved.”

“Mayhap you’re right,” she said, letting out a deep sigh. She had already made a mess of things, and she didn’t want to be the cause of more damage or deaths. “Be careful, Rhys.”

“You know I can take care of myself. There is no need to worry.”

“Lily-Rae,” she said, her head snapping around to gaze out the window again. “She might be in danger.”

“She is with my mother. The baby is fine.”

“Will they be staying in the Whispering Dale?”

“My mother is bringing the baby to Darium’s cottage this morning so I can spend time with her later.”

“I want to see our daughter too, Rhys.” Medea put her hand on his chest. “She’s going to grow up so fast, and I don’t want to miss it.”

“Medea, it’s nice to hear you talk that way.” Rhys looked deeply into her eyes. When he did, she saw the concern within them.

“You’re worried about something. What is it?” she asked him.

“I’m a father now, and soon to be a husband as well,” he told her. “I am just worried about my family, that’s all.”

“Rhys, you know I can protect myself as well as the baby. I want to go to the cottage. I need to see my child.”

“We will. But later. Together,” he replied.

“My lady?” came a voice from the corridor as well as a small knock on the door. “I am here to help you dress.”

“It’s my handmaid,” Medea whispered. “I’m not sure it’s good if she sees you in here.”

“You’re right. I’ll leave by the window,” he whispered back.

“My lady? Are you awake?” The knocking continued. “The door seems to be locked and I cannot enter. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a minute, Henriette,” she called back to the woman. “Rhys,” she whispered. “I’ll stay here right now, just so the King doesn’t become suspicious and send his men to the cottage to find you. I don’t want him to find the baby. But please, hurry back with word on what is happening. And protect our child. Our little Lily-Rae.”

“You know I will.” He kissed her once again, and used the rope with the grappling hook to lower himself out the tower window.

“My lady?” The latch on the door jiggled as Henriette tried to enter. “Is something wrong?”