Page 111 of His Realm

“Get ready to drink, my son.”

I saw the blade because Decimus lifted it in front of my face, probably to terrify me but I was beyond that. I wouldn’t beg, I was only frightened for the queen and the scream that came out of her tore at my heart as blood rained down over her face.

Decimus laughed and laughed as my vision grew dark.

“No!” The cry rose above the din and suddenly I saw Decimus’s head, and his son’s, were on the floor.

That was good, I thought. Now they could rest. It was the best thing for all of us.

TWELVE

The courtyard was beautiful, with an enormous patio of brown-and-ivory checkered marble, columns with arches connecting them above, and below, a high carved-stone balustrade. When I crossed the floor, I saw stairs leading down into clear, placid water. I wanted to swim there. It would be so soothing.

“Why are you here?” came an irritated voice I knew well.

Turning, I saw Nerilla, and I couldn’t breathe. The same short hair, flashing eyes, and flawless tan skin. The lavender gown she was wearing was long, hugging her curves and puddling to the floor. She was a vision.

She scowled at me. “Answer.”

I could only stare. I was so happy to see her.

Rushing over, she hit me hard in the chest. “I saved you, and this is how I am repaid? How dare you!”

I grinned at her. “You’re not really here. This is only the last of my synapses firing before I die. I have to say, though, my brain can conjure up some great stuff, and you look amazing.”

She crossed her arms. “I was called from the side of my love by the need to come to the halls of the dead. I thought perhaps for my father. I am appalled to find you here.”

“I really missed you,” I said, opening my arms for her.

“No,” she replied, stomping her foot. “You need to return.”

I glanced around. “I don’t know how to do that.”

She exhaled sharply. “You understand I’m very happy to see you, I simply wanted you to be old and wizened like a prune the next time I laid eyes on you.”

“That’s terrible,” I teased her.

Lunging forward, she squeezed me so tight, and I hugged her back as hard as I could, the tears coming fast.

“I love you so much,” I told her.

“I know,” she murmured, leaning back, her hands on my face. “But you can’t live in the past with me. You have to go forward. Ode’s going to have a baby.”

“Yes.”

She wiped my tears away. “You and Varic will have a baby too.”

“You can’t know that.”

“But I do. Ask Keres when you return.”

“If I return,” I reasoned, taking hold of her hand.

“Whyever would you not?”

But I couldn’t say because it was weak, and I always wanted to be strong for her.

“Jason,” she persisted. “Tell me now.”