Chapter 43
Reyna didn't sleep, she couldn't, her mind was filled with concern for Damien, if a titaness almost as old as time itself didn't know how to reverse the magic that Marsyas had cursed him with, Reyna didn't hold much hope for Samson to find a cure.
She had been raised on Circe's island surrounded by magic, she had seen the Goddess do amazing things but she had never leant the dark art herself, not many had the gift to be able to do so. There were a few children of Hecate in the legion but they did not practice magic, it wasn't the Roman way, they are warriors, they fought hand to hand, it was not honourable to hide behind magic, but now she wished more than anything that she knew someone who could cast magic.
A thought struck her, an idea that could get her dismissed as Praetor, but it would save Damien, she sat up on her bed, staring out of the window at the sky
"What do I do?" she asked the empty air
You do your duty as Praetor
A voice echoed in her mind, Reyna froze, she knew that voice, she sat a little bit straighter
"Mother"
You have let your feelings for this boy cloud your judgement as Praetor for far too long, this cannot continue Reyna
Reyna could feel her anger boiling up inside of her at her mother's harsh words, she clenched her fists together and held her tongue
You know my words are true
Reyna remained quiet, she did not think she could control her voice at that moment
Reyna, you have worked so hard to become the woman that you are, to raise yourself to this level, I have seen your mind, do not throw away everything for the heartless boy
"He saved my life and if he ever wakes the council will kill him" she whispered "This is not fair"
He deserted the legion
Reyna closed her eyes, taking a deep breath
"He was brave-
Yes
Bellona answered
He fought well but that does not excuse his past crime, if you do not want him to die by the hands of your legion then let him be as he is, this is a battle you cannot win
A thought crossed Reyna's mind
"I may not be able to win" she muttered quietly "But that doesn't mean I can't save him"
Reyna
Her mother's voice now a warning
If you do this, it will be the end of your Praetorship and possibly your life, do not do this
Reyna rose from her bed, her mind made up
"Then that is what awaits me" she said coldly as she left her room, her moithers voice leaving her
She started to walk out of her building, she headed straight towards the medical building, she could hear others greeting her, but her focus was only on the task ahead, she would not falter, once she set her mind to something she would do everything in her power to make it happen and more than anything else in this moment she wanted to save Damien
She could feel eyes upon her as she entered the medical building, ignoring everyone as she made her way up the stairs, heading for the private room, she came face to face with two guards outside of his door, guards she didn't post there
"Praetor" they greeted, stepping aside so she could enter
"On who's orders are you here?" she asked, keeping her voice steady
"Senator Caius" one answered "He wanted to be informed right away if any progress was made"
"Of course he would" Reyna muttered as she pushed the door open, her eyes instantly finding Damien, motionless like when she had left him an hour ago, Reyna stood there for a moment, reliving what had happened
"Reyna?"
Reyna spun to see Hazel sitting in the corner, her spatha in her hand, her eyes were tired but still she was alert
The shorter woman rubbed the sleep from her eye, she looked back up at her friend and saw a dangerous look in her dark eyes
"Reyna what are you doing?" she asked slowly, never seeing this look before, the normally calm praetor had a slight crazed look in her eyes
"I need to ask something of you" Reyna said, ignoring the question
Hazel tilted her head slightly "What is it?"
Reyna swallowed "I need to get Damien out of Camp Jupiter"
Hazel's jaw dropped
"He isn't safe here Hazel" Reyna added quickly "If there is any way for Samson to revive him then he faces discipline from the council… he deserted the legion"
She didn't have to explain to Hazel what that meant for Damien's future
"Where would you send him?" Hazel asked, still not totally convinced that this was a good plan
"Camp Half-blood" Reyna said in a hush voice, her eyes glancing back to the door
"Are you crazy?" Hazel said grabbing Reyna's attention back to her "You know that Caius is not happy about the Roman and Greeks working together, he is looking for any reason to start another war and if he even thinks that the Greeks have anything to do with Damien's disappearance then he will not hesitate"
Reyna fell silent, she knew that Hazel was right, but as she looked towards Damien again, she knew that she could not just leave him here
"Have you even spoken to Annabeth about this?" Hazel questioned
Reyna shook her head, she looked out of the window on the door "Where are they?" she said searching for the two Greeks
"They went to get some food, Frank is with them" Hazel explained
Reyna nodded "I need to go find them" her hand went to the door but she was intercepted by the small roman
"Reyna, please think this through, you may not care what happens to you but you are putting both camps at risk if you do this" the smaller girl pleaded with her friend
Reyna took one more glance at Damien before leaving