Chapter 42 Rovers

Chapter 42 Rovers
She could have died. The vampire was going to drink her blood. She was as helpless as a bug under a boot. Maybe if she had a knife, she could have at least felt like she could defend herself. Even if that were true, there were two of them. 

They were fast. She could barely even see them move. Somehow, they had smelled her and recognized her as human. 

Her shakes became slower and then stopped. Her breathing was ragged, and Caen helped her sit down. 

“Who were they?” She whispered. What if there were more? 

“Rovers. They are usually kicked out of villages or cities for breaking the law and are sentenced to exile.”

“Are there more?” She was breathless, but the fear was still deep in her bones. 

“No, but let’s go back to the palace. I'll send the patrol out to do a more thorough inspection. Caen said, looking to the horses. 

Lucy nodded but did not move. She could not move; her legs would not cooperate, no matter how many times she told them to stand. He sat next to her on a bended knee, waiting patiently. 

“Can you help me?” She whispered, feeling pathetic.

Caen carefully helped her rise to her feet and led her to the horses. She went to grab Dulcie’s saddle horn, but was soon lifted in the air. 

She was up high. Higher than Dulcie. It took her a second to realize she was on top of Shadow with Caen seated behind her. “You are in no shape to ride on your own.”

He was right, and there was no point in her arguing with him. He untied Dulcie from the tree from atop his mount and tied her reins around his own saddle horn.

As they broke through the trees, she spoke, “What do I smell like?”

“What?” he asked, looking down at the top of her head. 

“They smelt me,” She said flatly and felt him stiffen behind her.

“Vampires have potent senses. The wind must have picked up your scent when they were passing through.” His voice was stern as he spoke, as if he were gritting his teeth. 

“You didn’t answer my question.” She countered that her body was too tired to care as she leaned against him. 

What if there were more and they came for her, attracted by her smell? Could they smell her blood? 

“You smell like you.” He said nonchalantly. 

Despite herself, Lucy let out a scoff, “That’s helpful.”

Caen let the conversation drop. 

Lucy just watched as he rode back the way they came. Instead of going to the stables, he went straight towards the palace. 

The horse's hooves echoed as they hit the pavement of the palace drive. Caen steered Shadow to the back of the palace to a side door. 

There was a Porte-cochére above the entrance with guards stationed outside. They rushed to the king at his approach. 

Tossing the reins to the guards, he climbed off the saddle without a word. Lucy reached out for him to help her down, but she swept her off her feet and carried her, still wrapped in his cloak. 

The footman scrambled to open the door, bowing to the king as they did. 

Caen carried her all the way to her chambers and frightened Patricia, who was in the room putting things away. 

Sapphira arrived as the king lay Lucy on the bed. 

“Your Majesty, are you alright?” The vampire sputtered at the sight of Caen covered in blood, and Lucy, who was still partly in shock, wrapped in his cloak. 

“I’m fine. Fetch something for her to eat.” He said he wasn't taking his eyes off Lucy. 

Water was brought to Lucy. Her throat ached from her screaming. The water went down easily, and she drank too much. Soon, she became waterlogged.

Patricia left to help Sapphira, but Lucy sensed she was also afraid of the king. 

“How are you?” He asked with his eyes staring intently down at her. She forgot her fear and became self-conscious. The braid her hair was tied back in had become loose, and strands were surrounding her face. 

Caen reached out and tucked one behind her ear. He seemed to realize what he had done, his eyes widening, and he straightened, looking out the window. 

“Better,” She squeaked out. 

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” The king apologized, causing Lucy to look at him in bewilderment. Why was the king apologizing to her? She never heard of such a thing. 

Instead, he stood there staring out the window. She just stared at her feet and twiddled her hands as they waited for food. 

She had expected him to leave immediately. She actually hadn’t even expected him to escort her to her chambers, but here they were alone. 

“I’m sorry to ruin your spot.” She said in a small voice, thinking he had let her into his secret place to have it tainted. 

He turned to look at her, perplexed, “You almost died and you're apologizing?”

She shrugged, and he shook his head in disbelief. 

Sapphira did not bother knocking when she brought a tray of food. “Chef Regisus sent several dishes for you to taste to see what you prefer.”

“Thank you,” Lucy said, sitting up on the bed. 

Patricia stepped in to help serve the food. The vampire set the tray next to Lucy and began removing silver domes. There was bread, soups, and dried meats. 

“The chef suggested something light for your stomach,” Sapphira explained due to the lack of heavy dishes. 

Lucy went to the bread and tore off a piece. 

“I’ll leave you be,” Caen said before whispering something in Sapphira’s ear and then leaving. 

“My lady, what happened?” The vampire asked after the door was shut.

“We went for a ride, and the rovers found us,” Lucy said, not wanting to talk about the ordeal. She just stared at her food, picking at it but not eating. 

“Scandrels,” Sapphira said, obviously piecing together what had happened by the look of the king’s clothes. 

Patricia had a bewildered look on her face, but knew it was not her place to ask for details. 

“Lady Bethias sent word to the palace, wondering if you are alright?” Sapphira informed her.

“Oh no, I hope I did not pull her away from her plans,” Lucy said as she was about to eat a spoonful of soup. 

“We will send word that you are safe in your chambers,” Sapphira said, not wanting Lucy to worry.

After Lucy had eaten all she could, she announced that she would like to bathe. The maids quickly drew the water and then assisted her in undressing. 

After she was bathed, she decided to get dressed for bed. There was no way she was going to the last meal, so she chose to stay in her chambers. The maids echoed the sentiment.