Chapter 33: Requiescat in Pace
Adina entered the dimly lit room cautiously. Inside was a bed, and on it lay her mother. Her garments were tattered, her hair a knotted mess, and she was all bloody- just like in Adina's dream! Beside her knelt- "Hogwart!"
"It's Hoggle, yer Highness," he greeted her solemnly. "Her Majesty, I've been takin' care of her." He turned away, to give mother and daughter some measure of privacy.
Adina nodded a thank-you, and slowly took her mother's hand. "Mother, it's me," she gently said.
The Queen's eyes flickered open. "Adina, sweet," she wheezed, trying to smile. This action sent her into a coughing fit. "Dear heart, why did you come?"
"To save you," Adina helped her mother into a sitting position. "You're okay now."
The Queen considered that, and smiled. "Oh, Adina, you're going to be such a fine Queen. I know you will make your father and me so proud, so very proud."
"Mother, don't talk like that." Adina was fighting the growing panic inside of her. "You're going to be fine, once I take you back home, and heal you." Please no, I'm not ready!
"Your being here, it's already made me feel better." The Queen slightly shifted. Then she saw a dark shadow outside the room, and began to tremble. "No," she whispered in terror. "Keep him away, now! I forgive him, I do, but keep him far away!"
"I will, Mother, I promise!" Adina cried, sending peaceful thoughts and feelings to the Queen, trying to calm her down. "Just stay here with me! I need you!"
The Queen seemed not to hear her daughter, she was trembling so. She gazed up, saw Adina, and died. Adina, I love you. Know that……………………………………
From where he stood, Hoggle slowly turned, tears rolling down his cheeks. Of all the things ta happen, why to her? "Your Highness, I'm so sorry."
Adina stared at her mother's body, not wanting to believe she was truly gone. She shouldn't have died, especially like this- in torment, mentally and physically. It's not fair!
She slowly raised her head, feeling a deep rage emerge, one that had been growing for quite some time. Adina turned, eyes aflame, to leave the room.
"Your Highness! Adina!" Hoggle called out. He'd seen her face, and didn't like it one bit. "Where are you goin'?" She continued slowly walking; either she was ignoring him or didn't hear his call. Uh oh. Most definitely not good.
Author's Note: Poor Adina! She can't win, can she? Please review!