Page 72 of Awakening

“Moonrise will be upon us soon. Where are they now?”

“Paying Endelyn a quick visit.”

***

Lady Margaret stood over Queen Endelyn, feeding her some broth when Marc and Trystan entered her chamber. She had remained very weak and, according to the doctor, was still fighting a fever. Her condition had worsened with each passing day. Marc sat at the edge of the bed while Trystan stood close by.

“Mother,” Marc said, touching his hand to her cheek, grateful for the chance to see her again, still alive.

“Marc,” she whispered, her voice weak. “Have you followed the path laid before you?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Let me speak with him.”

Marc stood and motioned for Trystan to sit next to his mother. He sat down and took Endelyn’s hand in both of his.

The Queen felt a sudden flow of energy throughout her body. A moment of clear mind and strength returned as her pain subsided.

“Thank you, Trystan,” Endelyn said softly. Content, amber eyes looked up at Trystan.

“For what, Your Grace?”

“For taking away the pain. Though, try as you might, you cannot heal me.”

Trystan’s eyes widened. He looked around the room. It was empty. Only he and Marc had remained. “You know of my healing ability?”

Endelyn took a labored breath. “I know of much more than that. I know that you changed my life the day we first met. It was always my destiny to die this way, but had I not met you, I would have suffered this fate many years ago.” She paused, her breaths arduous, and looked up at Trystan with somber eyes. “And had I died then, you would have never met my son. Your paths would have never crossed.”

She paused for a moment, her tearful smile cutting through the pain. Endelyn inhaled deeply and motioned for a drink of water. After quenching her thirst with Trystan’s help, she continued.

“I know what lies ahead on your path. You will no doubt be tested, but you need only remember who you are. You are a strong, brave young man. The son of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. And I have no doubt that you will fulfill your destiny and become one of the greatest rulers this kingdom will ever know.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“The path will be arduous for you both and filled with difficult and heartrending choices, but trust that in the end, you will have everything your hearts desire.”

“Everything?”

“Everything,” she whispered. Her amber eyes held his as Endelyn spoke with a conviction deep within her soul, and Trystan wondered if her words would ever be true.

“We must be going,” Marc said, gently squeezing Trystan’s shoulder. He leaned down and kissed his mother on the forehead. “I hope to see you well again, Mother. Rest now.”

***

“Post guards at every entrance,” Emrys instructed. “Once I leave, the high priestess will be the only one remaining with the Prince and his mate. No one enters unless I am present.”

The commander of the king’s guard turned his glance to King Locryn beside him. The King nodded.

“It will be done, my lord.” Commander Locke bowed before the King and left to relay the orders to the rest of the king’s guard.

“Are they in danger, Emrys?” Locryn asked once they were alone.

“Yes. Trystan in particular. There have already been multiple attempts on his life, but I dare not take this night from them. Their future as well as the future of this kingdom hinges on the strength of their bond.”

Marc and Trystan entered the garden dressed in linen robes. Trystan carried his bow in one hand while Marc carried Excalibur sheathed in its scabbard.

“We didn’t think it wise to leave these weapons unattended,” Trystan said as they halted before Emrys and the King. “Will you guard them for us?”