Envy (Protectors of the Elemental Magic Book 4)

by Marnie Cate

  Chapter 14

  We left the yacht early the next morning. I claimed the rocking of the water was making me nauseous. I could not seem to shake the growing apprehension I felt. Not wanting a repeat of Snowystra's or Amaro's visits, I decided I would continue to use the pregnancy as an excuse to never return to the lake.

  During the car ride home, Roger was too distracted to notice my sour mood. He babbled on about the doctor coming to confirm my pregnancy, and the further renovations we would need to make to our suites. When we pulled into the property, I could see Dr. Collin's car in the driveway.

  “Why is he here already?” I asked. We weren't expected home yet."

  “I'm not sure. He wasn't expected until this afternoon,” Roger replied.

  Something was wrong. My mother! As the car slowed to park, I threw open the door and ran into the house. “Mother, where are you?” I called.

  “She's in her suite, Mrs. Kingston,” the butler replied. “There's been a small accident.”

  Without giving him another second to explain, I bound up the stairs. Despite my sense of urgency, I paused when I reached her door. I was scared to see what kind of accident she had been in. I slowly opened the door, and gasped.

  My beautiful mother was lying on the bed. Her face was shocking, completely bruised and swollen. Dr. Collins was wrapping her arm in a cast as I knelt by the bedside. I touched her hand softly, but she remained motionless.

  “What happened?” I demanded.

  “Your mother had a fall. It is not clear how it happened, but she tumbled down the entry staircase,” the doctor explained.

  “Why is she not responding?” I asked, trying to maintain my composure.

  “I have given her a small sedative. She was quite upset when they found her,” he answered. “This can happen with breaks of this kind. The pain and fear can consume a patient, making them act irrationally.” Dr. Collins' blue eyes were kind as he continued. “Don't worry. Camille is very strong, and should heal quickly.”

  Someone stepped into the room, drawing the doctor's attention. I, however, remained focused on my mother. I had never seen her look so frail in all my life.

  “Welcome home, Roger, Dr. Collins greeted my husband with a gruff handshake. “I was just about to tell Blanche that you'll need to have the staircase inspected for the cause of Camille's fall.”

  Roger's eyes widened. “She fell down the stairs?”

  The doctor nodded. “I'm afraid so, but thankfully, it wasn't worse. She has broken her arm, but her ankle is only sprained.”

  “That is fortunate,” Roger agreed.

  “And, as luck would have it, you have a service elevator. That will be of great help to Camille as she recovers.” Dr. Collins set a bottle of pills and a silver tin on the nightstand. “She can take two pills, every four hours for the pain, but she must eat something with them. The salve will heal her face. Rub it on her wounds as often as she can tolerate until the bruising has visibly lessened.”

  “Thank you,” Roger responded while bobbing his head in acknowledgement. “We appreciate you treating Camille, and attending to her so promptly. She's a fighter, but she is sure to recover faster under your care.” Roger rested his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it gently. “I know this may sound insensitive, but why don't you save yourself an extra trip by examining my wife now. I must admit, I'm anxious for the results.”

  “Of course, if Blanche agrees.”

  Though I didn't want to leave my mother's side, I knew I couldn't delay the inevitable. I nodded my consent.

  “Great. Would you like us to move somewhere private or is here fine with you?” Dr. Collins asked.

  “Here is fine,” I decided. Reluctantly, I released my mother's hand to take the one Roger offered, allowing him to help me stand. I knew it would be awkward to be examined with an audience, but I couldn't leave my mother.

  “First, I need to collect a urine sample.” Dr. Collins handed me a small container from his bag.

  As I went to the adjoining bathroom, Roger started to follow me.

  “I think I can do this part on my own,” I smiled, kissing Roger on the cheek.

  “Oh, of course,” he chuckled nervously. “I'll wait right here.”

  When I shut the bathroom door, Snowystra stepped out of the walk-in closet. She had blood spatters on her hands and across her cheek. Considering the mirror, she smiled and wiped the red streak off her face.

  Frowning at the dark drops of blood on her dress, she wiped her hand over the silver fabric, erasing the stains. “I do hate dirtying myself for disobedient chattel. Your mother was being very defiant. I hated to have to teach her such a cruel lesson on loyalty. If she had not tried to run away, she wouldn't have had such a fall,” she said smugly.

  “I have done what you wanted. Please, leave my mother and Roger alone,” I pleaded.

  “You don't need to bother with your human doctor. I felt my child inside you,” she said, grabbing me by my hair and pulling me close. “And you will never tell me what to do. Do you understand me? I'll not tolerate any more defiance.”

  “Yes, Goddess. I understand,” I said, fighting my urge to cry out for help.

  Releasing my hair, she smiled brightly. “Good. Now, go on. Appease your human need for confirmation. You will take great care of my child inside you or your next reminder will not end so pleasantly.”

  * * *

  When Dr. Collins confirmed I was, in fact, pregnant, Roger picked me up and kissed me. When he set me down, he danced me around the room. His giddiness was contagious.

  “Roger, stop spinning me. You are making me dizzy,” I scolded lightly.

  “Oh, you are right. I shouldn't be twirling you around in your condition,” he said, scooping me into his arms. “Instead, I should carry you gently, everywhere.”

  Roger nuzzled my neck as I pleaded for him to put me down. I hated to extinguish his excitement, but there were other matters yet to attend. Finally, he relented, and set me next to my mother. Her eyes were now open and brimming with tears.

  “You can't let her take your child,” she rasped. “No matter what she threatens, you must hide. Go far away.”

  Leaning in close, I whispered, “Mother, please stop. She may be nearby listening. You must rest and heal.”

  “She is going to kill me,” she screeched in a high-pitched voice.

  “Who is going to kill you, Camille?” Roger asked.

  I stood up, blocking him from her. “She is incoherent. Dr. Collins, please give her something to rest. My mother can be high-strung on the best of occasions, but she is obviously a danger to herself. Who knows what she might do in her current state of mind.”

  “I agree,” the doctor said, filling a syringe. “This will calm you, Camille. Soon, the confusion will lift.”

  “No,” she cried. “Save my daughter. Save her child. If you don't, she will take them both away.”

  “Who do you think will hurt them, Camille?” Roger asked again. “I won't let anyone take them from you – from us. Tell me who I need to stop.”

  “Snnnnnnnnnnnnnn…” my mother slurred her words. “Sno –” was the last thing she tried to say before passing out.

  “Who is trying to hurt you?” Roger asked, grabbing my wrist. “What is she talking about?”

  “I have no idea what she's babbling about,” I lied, ripping my arm out of his hold.

  “Roger, I've seen this before in injured patients,” Dr. Collins said. Camille just needs to rest, and then everything will make more sense to her after a few days." He patted Roger on the back before taking my hand. “I'll come again tomorrow morning to check on her. Try not to worry in the meantime.”

  “Thank you,” I said, walking him to the door.

  “It is good to see you settled down, Blanche,” Dr. Collins said, patting my shoulder.

  When the door shut, Roger sat down in a chair. His eyebrows were furrowed. He watched me as if I was a teenager who had been caught sneaking in.

  “Y
ou were quite friendly with Tom,” Roger growled.

  “Dr. Collins?” I scoffed. “I have known him all my life. He was one of my father's closest friends, for goodness sake. Don't tell me you are going to start again with your jealous behavior,” I hissed. “I really can't stand it.”

  Picking up the silver jar of ointment, I began to smooth it on my mother's cheeks. Flipping over the tin, I saw Mae Silver etched on the bottom. Will I never escape that family? I thought angrily. I wanted to toss the container away, but under my fingertips, the bruising on my mother's skin changed from a deep black to a reddish purple. Mae had infused the magic of Danu in her salve.

  I could feel Roger's eyes boring into the back of my head. “Roger, I am going to stay with my mother. Why don't you take care of the business Mother normally handles,” I suggested without looking at him.

  “You are right, of course. I'll check in to make sure everything is running smoothly,” Roger said. Stopping in the doorway, he paused before adding, “I don't know why I act this way.”

  “It's tiring, Roger. Please, figure out how to stop it before you push me away.”

  His face paled at my words. I would not entertain a grown man acting like a child. I had enough to worry about.

  “You may leave, Roger,” I said coldly.

  He simply nodded, and left.

  “You were too hard on him, Blanche,” my mother rasped. Her bruised eyes were so swollen, she could only open them a slit.

  “Don't worry about him. We need to get you healed,” I said, soothing the concoction over her eyelids.

  “Viv sent this for me?” she asked, softly smiling.

  “No, Genevieve is dead, Mother. Her daughter made this,” I corrected.

  “Oh? I don't remember her stopping by.”

  I sighed. “She didn't. Dr. Collins left it for you.”

  The magic slowly seeped into the swollen bruises around her eyes. It didn't take long before I could see her beautiful green eyes. I still disliked the Silver family, but in that moment, I was thankful I hadn't thrown her ointment away.

  When my mother struggled to sit, I scolded her before relenting and helping her. “You need rest.”

  “I need to sit up, and talk to you about my grandchild,” she insisted. “She is not going to stop with one child, Blanche. I told her I would stop her anyway I could, and look what she did to me.”

  “She pushed you down the stairs?” I asked, fearing her answer.

  “No, she snapped off a banister rail and began to beat me with it. She continued to attack me as I crawled down the stairs to get away from her. I refused to let her push me down it and snap my neck,” she said, flinching in pain from the memory of the brutal attack.

  “Mother, you must not anger her anymore. Promise me,” I demanded sternly.

  “I deserve this, but you are innocent,” she whispered. “I won't promise you. If I need to protect you again, I will.”

  Chapter 15

  Days of nervously waiting for Snowystra's return turned into weeks, and then six months had passed with no sign of the Goddess. Sadly, Jameson was missing as well. I was convinced he had abandoned me despite his promises, but I was unable to drown in my sorrow. My mother was fully healed, and immediately, threw herself into renovations. As if that wasn't bad enough, she spent hours and hours with Roger on business issues.

  As my body began to grow, I became more obsessed with staying fit, and not gaining too much weight. To help with this, I walked the Drygen Estate, finding areas I had never noticed before. On one particularly warm day, I stumbled across an area of blue and white flowers. The ground swayed with the sweet-smelling blooms for miles and miles.

  During this period of isolation, I had allowed myself to believe Jameson's absence meant Snowystra was gone. I would tell myself that she would leave us alone now. I couldn't have been more naïve.

  “Morning glory. Aren't they gorgeous?” Snowystra asked from behind me. “It is a shame these won't grow in my Winter. They hide and wait for the warmth of spring.”

  “They are very beautiful,” I agreed.

  As she came closer to me, I tried not to tremble in fear. A kick from inside my womb reminded me to be strong. Breathe, I warned myself.

  “My, how you have ballooned up,” she said, staring at my protruding stomach. She placed her hand on me, and closed her eyes.

  I could feel her magic swimming through me. The child inside me began to kick, and anger fueled me. She was scaring my child, and I could do nothing to stop her. I was just about ready to move away from her touch, when she opened her eyes and smiled.

  “My son will be a fighter,” she purred. “I feel the elements and the Winter stirring inside him. He will be the key to releasing me, I'm certain.”

  “Son? I'm having a boy?” I asked, trying to contain my excitement.

  “You are having nothing,” she spat her words at me. “You are carrying my child.”

  “Yes, Goddess,” I said flatly.

  Slap.

  “You should thank my child. I would end your pitiful life now if weren't for him,” she screamed. Her eyes changed to a dark black, and her beautiful face contorted into something evil.

  I bowed my head. “I am sorry, Goddess. You have been too kind to me. Please, forgive my confusion.”

  She moved closer to me, and I flinched, but she appeared calmer. She put her sharp nail under my chin and forced me to meet her eyes, which had returned to the dazzling silver color. Though she was prone to rapid mood swings, she seemed to have composed herself.

  “Of course, I'll forgive you,” she said. “You are very important to me, Blanche. You have been a perfect chalice for my child.” Her icy voice sent a chill down my spine that became more intense with the sight of her sickening smile. “You have succeeded where you mother failed. You have pleased me so greatly, but I will expect a daughter the next time.”

  I fought to hide my reaction. My mother had been right. Snowystra would not stop with one child. She would take all my children.

  “Do you have nothing to say to me?” she snapped. “Why do you look so displeased?”

  Do not anger her. Thank her for the gift she has given you, Jameson's voice rang through my mind.

  Hearing his voice again after such a long time made tears fill my eyes. Quickly, blinking them away, I knelt before Snowystra. “Thank you, Goddess,” I said. “Forgive my mistaken words. I am honored that you are allowing me to carry your children.”

  “Of course,” she said. “Your silly human hormones are probably getting the best of you. When should I expect delivery of my child?”

  “I…I do not know. Two or three months,” I struggled to say.

  Sighing, she said, “In order to receive my perfect child, I will be patient as he grows. I will just have to find another way to amuse myself while I wait.” She tapped her finger against her lips as she pondered for a moment. “Have you grown tired of your husband yet? I can get rid of him, and allow you to pick another mate.”

  “No, I am very happy with Roger,” I said too quickly.

  “ `Very happy', hmm. We will need to work on that. Too much joy will spoil my child,” Snowystra snapped.

  My mind raced. What had I done? Of course, she wanted me to be unhappy and tormented. I need to fix this somehow.

  “Goddess, I lied,” I quickly admitted. “I only said what I thought you wanted to hear, but the truth is, my husband doesn't love me. He only talks about the beautiful woman he saw on the beach. He is obsessed with you, and I cannot blame him. After all, I cannot compete with your great beauty.”

  “How delightful to hear your husband desires me.” Her eyes lit up as she looked down on me. “Now, stand up. A vessel of my child will not grovel.”

  Slowly, I stood, waiting for what she would do next.

  “It seems I was too quick to offer you an exchange. Roger has helped produce my strong son. You will need to have more children with him before I will free you.” The Goddess tilted her head to the side
. “How sad you must feel to love a man who will never desire you as deeply as he does me.” She chortled happily as she waved me away from her. “You should be resting and caring for my child.”

  She held out her hands, and a strong wind surrounded us. A mist of black slithered from her fingertips, wrapping me. I held back a scream as cool vapor trailed along my skin. When I could bear no more, she was gone and I was standing alone in my bedroom. Or, at least, I thought I was alone.

  Jameson's arms wrapped around me. He settled his hands on my stomach as he kissed my neck. Murmuring against my skin, he said, “You are safe now.”

  Turning around, I hugged him tightly. “Why did you not come to me? I have missed you each and every day.”

  He wriggled uncomfortably. When I looked at him, I could see his face was cut, and covered in bruises. What has happened, I wondered, and then, slowly, I began to unbutton his shirt.

  He held my hand, and said, “No.”

  Ignoring him, I withdrew my hands, and removed his shirt. When I did, I gasped in horror. His skin was cut and oozing from an apparently vicious attack.

  “What has she done to you?” I whispered.

  Guiding him to a chair, I gathered the necessary items to treat his wounds. I had even grabbed a tin of Mae's ointment. There was no time to be petty. Her salve worked, and Jameson needed to be healed.

  “This might sting,” I said, dabbing the wounds with witch hazel.

  He hissed as I gently cleaned off the excess blood. I scooped a generous amount of the lavender-scented healing cream out of the tin, and began to spread it on his wounds. The cuts were ragged, unlike his previous injuries. He jerked at my touch.

  “What happened?” I asked as I treated the last of his lacerations.

  He didn't answer. Instead, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me. His kiss was hesitant at first, but soon his tenderness turned frantic. I knew I should resist, but I was in the arms of the man I loved. The man whose child I carried inside me.

  When I thought my lips could bear no more, he said, “I am proving to her I am strong enough to be her Shah.” When I looked at him with a confused expression on my face, he added, “King. The king of her domain.”