17. Chapter 17

OPHELIA

I'm barely standing, my brothers carrying the brunt of my weight as I take a step forward. Everything hurts, pain nearly blinding me. I grit my teeth, waiting for the inevitable ‘you're too late' or whatever other lies King William would like to throw at me.

I'm not ready for the flurry of green that thrusts itself at me, pain exploding through my body but I wrap my arms around Juliette anyway. My brothers crowd around the two of us to keep me standing but I'm running out of strength. Any minute now, I'll crumple to the floor without hearing Juliette's yes.

King William's growl can be heard from here even as Juliette pulls back whispering a sorry and then shrieking at my state. I must look terrible, my face bruised, the bandage around my side doing very little to cover the gash. Queen Helvania stalks up toward us but is stopped by Kusovanian guards, ones that I've grown up with and cherish.

"You're supposed to be dead," she states accusingly.

"And yet, I'm not. By some miracle," I croak. "So, King William has to keep his deal."

The gala remains quiet, watching the tension rise in this room. King William takes several moments to answer, no doubt wanting to dismiss the deal. However, there were too many witnesses, two of which are Queen Daniela and her wife. "I did say that but-"

Queen Daniela shakes her head. "And so it will be honored. King William, you heard the new addendums just before. All countries shall adhere to Kusovania rules while here for the gala. You waged a bet with one of our soldiers, Ophelia Havemeyer, that she could ask for Juliette's hand if she won that fight you called a duel." Her gaze narrows at him. "She's here. She won. Ophelia, are you asking?"

There is no warmth in Queen Daniela's voice, right now. Juliette is staring up into my eyes but now her hands are clasped together against her chest, silently pleading for me to say yes. A weary grin spreads across my lips. "Yes, I'm asking." My words are barely more than a whisper but the hush in the crowd allows for me to be heard.

Juliette's entire face brightens as we wait for Queen Daniela's next words. "And Juliette, the final choice is yours. Who do you choose to be your mate? I've been made aware that there were three other suitors that came to ask for your hand."

Queen Helvania looks none too pleased with that statement but this is no longer her show to run. Juliette searches my expression and I'm afraid she's going to throw herself at me again. I might truly pass out if she does. "I choose you," she whispers, looking for my acceptance.

"You don't have to, sunshine. We had one night together and many beautiful moments. I just didn't want your choice stolen from you."

"But you want me?" Juliette asks and I nod. She twists around to face the rest of the gala. "I choose Ophelia as my mate and the woman to stand beside me." Cheers erupt through the hall and I can see that there was only hope that Juliette would be able to find her freedom here in Kusovania. This place is full of love and acceptance in a way that I've always cherished.

Queen Daniela nods to us just as the last bit of my strength wanes. Blaise is right there, gathering me up in his arms, Juliette shrieking behind us when he departs down the hall. "I don't know why you insisted on walking, Pheli. You're bleeding again and-"

"But I saved her," I mumble. A soft hand finds mine, holding it as we walk. It isn't until Blaise sits me back on my bed that Juliette crawls up to my good side, stuffing her face into the crook of my neck. I accept the pain when it comes with her touch. "I'm alright, sunshine."

"You're not alright. You… they hurt you. You were just protecting me and I love you even though we barely know each other." Her words are strained as she clings to me, her precious tears coating my skin as she sobs. "I thought you might not come back, that my father would get his way."

"A few knicks won't hurt me. Besides, I have so much to live for."

Juliette pulls away and smacks at the tears lingering on her cheeks. Slowly, I reach up to caress her cheek, the wetness beneath my thumb making my heart break. This beautiful piece of sunshine was nearly destroyed by greed. She leans into my touch before I sit up just enough to angle my head forward. Juliette gladly offers, kissing me softly, oh-so-delicately. Her tongue tangles with mine and I groan, wanting more and not being able to do anything without hurting myself further.

"Juliette, you can stay by her side," Blaise begins, "But the doctor needs to check her out. Your mate decided to attend the gala before getting checked."

The princess' eyes widen to saucers as she scrambles backward before her entire expression morphs into concern. "You shouldn't have come. You should take care of yourself first. Why-" She cuts herself off as her gaze wanders my form, stopping at my side. I can feel the sticky wetness clinging to my dress so I don't have to know that I've bled through the bandage. "Ophelia!"

I snort and then regret it as my head starts to pound. Blaise and Artemis have to calm Juliette as the royal physician steps up to the side of the bed. "Full house, hmmm?" He asks and I can only smile at him. It is.

But it's a full house I'm looking forward to.