Chapter 4

The carriage stops in front of the Palace steps. Nurses and a Doctor are already waiting there with a gurney as I carry Allisara in my arms and run up the steps. I am glad I kept a knife strapped to my calf as I instructed Millia to cut away the yards of fabric that makes up the skirt of the gown during our rush back to the Palace while I held the love of my life steady in my arms with the help of Clarice. With only the outer layer left, Allisara became easier to carry.

Reaching the top of the steps, the Nurses help me to lie Allisara on her stomach on top of the gurney. They tell me that they have it from here and rush her into the Palace. She is so pale and still, her body grown colder from blood loss.

"Sky!" Turning around, I see Alice rushing up the steps. It seems the other's have made it back from the Cathedral.

"How is she?" Coming up beside me, Alice is bent over with her hands on her knees as she gasps for breath.

"Not Good. She lost a lot of blood." My voice cracks and I clench my hands into fists to stop from crying. She had a knife thrown into her back in front of me. Was in a room with a Rebel ready to kill her and I was powerless.

"She is so pale and cold. I..I don't know..." Tears fall down my face and Alice pulls me into her arms, hugging me. I burry my face into her shoulder and sob as I think about just how limp Allisara went as soon as she reached her carriage. She was in more pain than she let on and still went through with the coronation.

"She will be fine. The Medical staff will everything to keep her alive." Alice reassures me, patting my back. I know she is right but seeing the woman I love so lifeless is something I just can't handle.

"You need to go shower buddy. Your hands are covered in her..." A hand clasps my shoulder and I hear Kian's voice. Lifting my head from Alice's shoulder, I realize I had clutched at my friend and gotten her uniform covered in blood.

"We all need showers. I have men guarding the medical wing so don't worry about Alli. Go clean up so you can be beside her when she is out of surgery." Turning to Arian, the Asian man stares at me with sympathy. My long time friend who knew how I felt about Allisara when I searched for her. My long time friends that kept me sane when I thought I saw her in the crowd while we guarded Juden and Demitrias. I trust him. Trust that his men will keep anyone from interfering with Allisara's surgery.

"Okay. I'll head to my room and shower." I mutter out, my voice hoars from crying.

"And you will eat. Alli needs you to be strong while she is weakened." Alice adds, giving me a no nonsense stare. I open my mouth to protest not knowing if I can eat, but she glares at me and I concede. Alice is right. I need to keep my strength up to be there when Allisara wakes up.

"I am going for a shower. Ask El if she can make me something light to eat please." Alice gives me a triumphant look as I make my request. Giving my friends a half hearted smile, I catch Max and the twins coming up the stairs with Alec taking the car to the garage. I wave at them, my hand stopping when I notice the bright red blood on my skin. Allisara's blood. Taking a deep breath, I walk away from my friends and make my way to my room. I need to shower off her blood before the medical staff will let me any where near Allisara.