Page 65 of The Heart of the King

“It is.” He nodded one more time as they exited into their quarters. Holding her hand, they went toward their rooms, but he realized he didn’t want to be alone. Not yet.

“Jasmine?” he asked as they neared the doors where they’d part ways.

“Yes?”

“Would you wait in my sitting room for me to take a quick shower and change? I don’t think I’m ready to be alone.”

She hesitated then nodded. “I’ll meet you there. I’d like to change into something else first. I’ll be there before you’re done. I’m not sure I’m ready to be alone either.”

He squeezed her hand before going into his room. When he emerged from the bedroom portion of his quarters, she was curled up in one of the sofas in his sitting room, her head bobbing as she tried to stay awake.

This wasn’t fair to her. “Jasmine?”

She jolted upright. “Huh? I’m awake.”

David smiled at her. “Go on to bed. You’re exhausted.”

She shook her head, a bit of hair falling from her bun as she did. “No. I don’t want to be alone either.”

Holding out a hand, he had an idea. “Then come in here with me, and we’ll both get some sleep without being alone.”

She took his hand and nodded as he helped her stand.

This wasn’t exactly how he anticipated spending the second night with his wife - third if you counted the airplane - but it would have to work.

Once they were both under the covers, he curled behind her and held her close as they finally fell asleep.

Dark dreams, disturbing dreams, filtered through his slumber.

Water.

Fire.

Screaming.

Blood.

Hazel.

Jazz.

More water.

More screaming.

“David!”

He sat upright, hitting his head on something as he did.

But he couldn’t see anything.

It was too dark.

Tears were streaming down his cheeks.

“David.” This time the voice was softer.

Breathing heavily, he turned, his eyes adjusting to the dim light coming from somewhere unseen. “Jasmine?”