I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO THE CW NETWORK. THIS IS A WORK OF FANFICTION BY OMEGA WHITE.
FORBIDDEN CHAPTER 7
Flags flew at full-mast, symbolizing the proclamation of the new king, while flowers scattered the streets of Elsidora. People gathered in en masse, holding candles, praying for the speedy recovery of their new queen. Intel gathered stated the queen was shot with a sniper rife fitted with a suppressor. Details were withheld on the specifics of the injury until the culprit could be found and arrested.
King Vincent entered Elsidora Memorial Hospital, heavily flanked by security. His carefully constructed facade concealed the emotional storm brewing within. A private elevator transported the king and his security team to the wing of the hospital reserved for the royal family. Security saturated the floor occupied by her Majesty. Vincent walked back into Catherine's room after being called away on business an hour earlier. Catherine's mom sat by her bedside, holding her hand, signs of fatigue displayed on her face.
"Has there been any changes, since I left?" Vincent asked in a gravelly voice.
"Nothing," Vanessa answered solemnly.
"Why don't you take a break and I'll send for you if she wakes up."
Vanessa hesitated, reluctant to leave her daughter. Finally she conceded, realizing Vincent wanted some privacy with his wife. She exited the room and headed toward the cafeteria.
Vincent looked at Catherine, tubes everywhere as she lay perfectly still. He caressed her hand, struggling with his composure. He gazed at the wedding ring he had lovingly placed on her finger the day before, blaming himself for her current state. Thoughts of renouncing the throne briefly entered his mind. Promptly tamping down the guilt, he vowed to leave no stone unturned. Whoever shot Catherine was in for a rude awakening. Justice would be served swiftly and lethally.
A light knock on the door interrupted his musings. Looking up he gestured to his head of security to enter the room.
Raul bowed. "Your Majesty, we have new intel on the perpetrators. Your advisor took the liberty to schedule an emergency meeting at 1500 hours. May I advise him of your attendance, Sir."
"Yes. I will depart within the next hour. And Raul, assemble a small tactical team. They are to be on standby for tonight. Inform them that further plans are contingent on the outcome of the meeting."
"Yes sir, I'm on it."
"Thank you. That will be all for now," Vincent stated, dismissing Raul.
Raul gave a short bow, executed an about-face and left the room.
Vincent leaned over and kissed Catherine. "Baby, I can't do this without you. If you can hear me, know that I love you more than life itself. You are my wife, my queen, my everything."
"Vincent, I can hear you. I love you too."
A startled Vincent looked at Catherine's face. Her eyes were closed and she still lay in the same spot. "Catherine, did I just imagine us communicating. Please tell me I'm not crazy," he pleaded, half afraid he was losing his grip on reality.
"You're not crazy. I can hear you."
"But how can I hear you?" Vincent asked, still in shock.
"Where am I? Why can't I see you?"
He leaned forward and spoke in a low voice. "Listen baby, I don't know how long we will have this window of opportunity, so I must be straightforward. You're in the hospital because you were shot. You've been in a coma for two days. I have to leave in a few minutes to attend an emergency meeting to discuss new information obtained on your case, but I'm guessing you probably heard Raul. I promise you, I won't stop until the person or persons involved are apprehended."
"I heard Raul, but I didn't realize you were talking about me. Do your job and come back to me. Just be safe."
"I don't want to leave you. I keep thinking of the years I lived without you and how close I came to losing you again. It's breaking my heart to see you lying here so helpless."
"It's okay. I'm not going anywhere. Kiss me and then go to your meeting. I'll feel better when the people who did this to me are arrested."
At that moment Catherine's mom walked into the room. "How is she doing?" She asked.
Vincent looked over at Catherine. "I have a feeling she's going to be just fine."
He looked up to see Dr. Vanes walking in the room. "Hello, how is my patient today?"
"No change as of yet. Is that normal?" Vanessa asked?
"She slipped into a natural coma after being shot, so there is no reason why she shouldn't wake up soon. Many times after a traumatic event, patients slip into a coma, but only for a short period of time. I will explore other options if she isn't awake in a couple of days."
"I have urgent business at the palace, but I want to be notified immediately if she wakes up or so much as moves her hand," Vincent stated in a tone that brooked no argument.
"I understand, clearly, Your Majesty," Dr. Vanes stated.
Vincent made eye contact with Vanessa. "I don't know how long my meeting will be, but I will return as soon as time permits."
"I'm sure she'll be happy to settle for me until you return. I know she loves you, but she wouldn't want you forsake your duties either. Everything will be fine.
He kissed Catherine on the lips and whispered in her ear. "I love you."
"I love you too. Be safe," she replied.
Vincent smiled as he turned and left the room. The ability to communicate with his wife in her condition was overwhelming. With meetings to attend and and decisions to be made he didn't have the luxury of examining the phenomenon.
THE PALACE
Vincent entered the palace study, and found his advisor, along with his father and several members of security already seated. Everyone stood and bowed, acknowledging his presence.
"As you were gentlemen. I am of the understanding you have information that is highly beneficial to me. Forgive me if I am brisk, but surely you must understand my need to resolve this matter quickly and efficiently."
His advisor spoke. "Your Majesty, if I may address the room.
"Proceed Payne."
Payne stood and placed a folder in front of Vincent. "Sir, this is the intelligence dossier on an individual by the name of Alexander Foray. He is suspected of ordering the hit on the queen. Through surveillance photos and informants, we have triangulated a location for the suspect."
Vincent scrutinized the data in front of him, committing every word and image to memory. His anger rising as he looked at photos of the man, who allegedly ruined his wedding day.
"Do we know if there is a motive for his actions?"
"No yet, Sir."
Vincent's father interjected. "If I may have a word in private, I believe I can shed some light on who and what we're up against."
"Leave us," Vincent ordered, prompting everyone but his father to exit the room.
Seconds later Vincent paced back and forth, barely able to restrain himself from going to find Alexander and kill him with his bare hands.
"If my suspicions are correct, we have a problem. I believe Alexander is a descendant of Amelia. If so, then his motive is quite clear, he wants to be king. I am certain he is aware of the curse and by you marrying Catherine, it threatens his chances of ever sitting on the throne. Catherine was probably shot to prevent you from producing an heir as well and ending the curse. I'm willing to bet he had you kidnapped as well. But I have a plan though. You see Amelia may have put a curse on our family, but fortunately for us, she couldn't foresee how the curse would affect the DNA of future heirs. From what you've told me, you're able to control the beast and it could work to our advantage."
Prince Allen paused briefly.
"I'm listening," Vincent said.
"It's time to unleash the beast." He moved a book on the shelf and a door opened. "This is a secret passageway that runs into the city. You have about thirty minutes, before I notify security of your disappearance," he said before handing him a flashlight.
"Thank you, Father. I will try to be as discreet as possible."
"I would prefer we arrest Alexander and his henchman, but if the the situation warrants it, do what you must. You have made me a proud father and I know you will make the best decision possible. Be safe, my son.
"Always," Vincent said as he entered the passageway.
"Vincent," Prince Allen called out.
Turning around, he looked at his father. "Yes."
Prince Allen rushed over and hugged him. "I love you."
"I love you too," Vincent said before he disappeared into the darkness.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER. THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS AND I HOPE YOU WILL KEEP THEM COMING. THANKS FOR READING.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!