Chapter 4: Infected

"The rag, get me the clean rag," 

The little girl fetched the needed item and handed it to Aurora. Sebastian stood to the side, hidden in the shadows. 

Aurora dabbed the forehead of the emperor gently, her other hand massaging his temples. Fire touches lit up the room and provided the heat needed. 

"Asclepius, help us. The emperor needs your healing. Oh, Asclepius, help us," she murmured, massaging his hands and feet with the healing ointment.

After several minutes, she straightened, handing the used materials to the servant girl.

"He is stable for now but we'll have to get him proper treatment when we get home," She informed her husband. A knock followed and Sebastian's brothers ventured in.

"What happened to our father?" Lucius questioned immediately, narrowed suspicious eyes aimed at her.

"He was poisoned, he said so himself. I've done a bit to…"

"And I am to trust your spoken word with no proof?" He eyed her and peered down at the emperor.

"You have eyes. See for yourself." She picked up her gown and crossed the room to her husband.

"Watch your words, princess," Thaddeus barked.

"Watch your tone, Thad. She is my wife." 

"And I am your brother."

"Father is ill but it's dangerous for us to move at night. Once the first cock crows, we leave."

Aurora stole a look at his neck but his entire neck was concealed by his collar. He showed no signs of being itchy.

*

The pleasant celebration that accompanied their arrival in the Jaresh empire did nothing to abate the worry brewing in her soul. Sebastian who had ridden for hours the first day had gotten tired after an hour of riding. She had to take the reins and pretend like he still did.

Black veins rode up his neck and jaw and she feared they would be caught.

Once they were in the privacy of their quarters, she turned to him.

"Your wound, show it to me." She demanded.

He slowly pulled off his armor and then his top cloak, with his eyes on her the entire time.

"It's spreading," she muttered when his neck was exposed and she saw the black veins. She reached out to touch it but his hands stopped her.

"Don't. You could get infected."

She withdrew and went to the little bag she packed.

"Sit," she ordered, " I'll get the poison out."

"Aurora,"

"Sebastian, sit."

He sat obediently and patiently while she punctured the wound and sucked out as much venom as she could.

"Enough."

"A little more and…"

His hands grabbed her waist and lowered her down to sit on his lap.

"I may die," he spoke hoarsely, his hands finding solace in her hair, "or I may turn into one of those hideous creatures. If I do, thrust my sword as quickly as you can into my heart, and do not wait for me to cause havoc."

"Sebastian…"

His fingers caught the stray tear that slid down her eyes.

"We only just got married and you know nothing of me yet. You'll find a suitable replacement in one of my brothers."

"No," she stated firmly, her hands reaching to grab his face, "I refuse to let you die. There must be a cure, surely there is. You do not wish to die at such a young age, do you, your honor?"

"Sebastian," he enforced hoarsely.

"Oh, Sebastian," she breathed out shakily, placing her head in the crook of his neck, "we only just got married but I find myself wanting to know more of you. How can I let you die?"

His fingers combed through her hair while she held unto him, as if for dear life.

"I also find myself wanting to know you more, princess Aurora," he spoke, lifting her head. His gaze flitted to her rosy lips and back.

She swallowed and watched as his face got closer. His mouth brushed across hers for a split second before capturing them in a swift kiss.

*

"Father only awoke long enough to give his blessings on the coronation and stamp his seal."

"Do you think it's wise to do this while our father is ill?"

"You have always been a jealous one, brother."

"Father Zeus, who rule from Ida, most glorious, most great, and you Sun, who see all things and hear all things, and you rivers and you earth, and you who in the world below take vengeance on men who are done with life, hear me as I take these oaths. I, Sebastian Deusdedit, take on the noble role of emperor and swear to protect the whole empire of Jaresh. I seal this oath with my blood…"

"Congratulations, Emperor Sebastian, your great honor,"

"Why on earth Sebastian, won't you go on a bloodsuckers mission!"

"Emperor Sebastian now. Watch your tone."

*

"Father is still ill. We should seek help from other kingdoms."

"As you wish, Aurora. All I have is yours."

*

Sebastian finished his customary rounds with the border soldiers.

"I'll take the horse, your honor," the stable boy bowed deferentially once he jumped down from the animal.

He trod quickly into the palace and into his private quarters. He itched his hair, frowning at the litany of maidservants escorting him.

"I'll take my bath privately and I wish for no disturbance."

"Yes, your honor."

He pulled down the curtain and ventured into the washroom. His bath water was already prepared but she was nowhere to be found.

He took off his clothes and soaked himself in the cleansing waters.

He could smell her, he could smell the cinnamon rose oil she used. He could hear her.

"No! Cicero stop!"

"You don't put that in your master's food."

"Good lad, now run along and tell Juno to bring the vegetables. Emperor Sebastian must be back from his rounds and hungry."

He sat up suddenly, feeling strange. How was he able to hear her with such distance between them? Why could he sniff her out? He shook his head, rinsing himself, and stepping out of the water.

The signs… the bloodsuckers' sickness… He pulled on a new tunic and then went to the little Persian imported mirror placed above the washstand.

He pulled down the tunic at his neck and looked in the mirror to see how his wounds were but he was in for more astonishing surprises.

His face, his body, no matter how he looked or cleaned the mirror, remained blurry. He stood for moments, staring at it.

"Sebastian," Aurora's enchanting voice sounded behind him, "Is something wrong?"

"Do come here for a minute, Aurora," he spoke, stepping to the side. She walked to him, her fingers holding up her long tunic.

"Yes,"

"Look in the mirror."

She shot him a bewildered look but obeyed. Her face appeared perfectly normal, not blurry, not pale, normal.