Chapter Six
"Black Bolt?"
He looked up to see Gorgon outside his cell.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it... It's not your fault."
He shrugged. He didn't agree with his cousin, but if it made Gorgon feel better...
"She'll be alright." Gorgon stated firmly. "She's strong. She's got through worse."
Black Bolt met his cousin's eyes, startled. Could he be talking about... but how could he know? He went to write down the question, but remembered all his writing equipment had been vaporised when he voiced his frustration.
Gorgon saw his confusion and flushed. "I know about Crystal... She said she told you?"
Black Bolt nodded slowly, thinking fast. Concentrating, he managed to use his electron-manipulating abilities to carve words in the glass.
How did you find out?
"Karnak hacked into the security systems. Although Maximus had already hinted at it... You are going to treat her right, aren't you, cousin?"
Black Bolt's eyes narrowed dangerously. Gorgon held his hands up.
"Alright, alright! I was just worried. Your parents haven't exactly been-" He cut himself off abruptly, realising he probably shouldn't badmouth the king and queen in front of their son. But the prince rolled his eyes and nodded, looking upset.
"You agree with me?" Another nod. Gorgon was taken aback. "I didn't expect... you've always been their favourite, I thought speaking badly of them would anger you."
Black Bolt concentrated again. They do many things I disagree with.
"But you've never told them?"
How can I? They don't want to hear it, and... I don't want to hurt them, really. However much I disagree.
Gorgon shrugged. "They scare me too much to say anything."
Black Bolt nodded his agreement. They are intimidating at times.
Their conversation was cut short when footsteps approached. Black Bolt quickly focused again, erasing all the words on the soundproof glass. He put his finger to his lips in warning, meeting Gorgon's eyes. Gorgon nodded, having gotten the message. Triton came into sight seconds later.
"There you two are! Everyone's looking for you. Medusa's awake."
Black Bolt was out of his soundproof cell in an instant, flying down the corridor, Gorgon racing behind him. He soon put some distance between them, however, and was back in the medical facility in seconds. Agon and Rynda were deep in conversation with a fair-haired man and an auburn haired woman that Black Bolt didn't recognise. The baby in the woman's arms gave it away though- these must be Medusa's parents, Quelin and Ambur. And the baby... Medusa's baby. Crystal.
Black Bolt walked forward and reached towards the baby. All conversation ceased, but he barely noticed. He'd never been around a baby this small! She was adorable, he thought. Golden fluffy hair, big blue eyes, a button nose, splayed starfish hands...
He slipped his index finger into one little hand as if in a trance. Her little fingers curled around his, and a toothless smile appeared on her face. She gurgled happily.
"Blackagar!" He turned to see his mother almost glaring at him.
Without a word, he turned back to Crystal, taking her from Ambur and headed into Medusa's room. Stunned silence filled the room behind him. He allowed himself a small grin of satisfaction. Crystal cooed happily, seemingly content in his arms. He smiled down at her before loking up at Medusa.
She was sitting up in bed, still pale, but alert. She smiled at Black Bolt, then gasped, tears filling her eyes, as she realised he had Crystal with him. He moved to her side, bringing the baby into her line of sight. Her hand covered her mouth and tears rolled down her cheeks even as she smiled.
"Crystal... she's already grown so much!" Crystal gurgled and bit her mother's finger. Medusa laughed gently. "I've missed you!"
Black Bolt, moving carefully as he was unsure how badly Medusa was hurt, shifted the baby so she was in Medusa's arms, then moved to sit beside them on the bed. A strange thought occured to him. This could be my family...
"Thank you..." Medusa's eyes filled with tears again as she kissed the baby's chubby cheeks. He smiled warmly at her.
Father promised you could be reunited with her after the plan succeeded. I'm only making sure he honours his word. He stroked Crystal's downy head. She's beautiful.
"Yes, she is. And she's mine. I don't care what anybody says, she's mine!"
He looked at her seriously. She could be ours.
Medusa's eyes widened. "You'd be willing to..." She trailed off, her eyes full of shock as Black Bolt nodded. "But..." It was nearly a whisper. "Your parents won't let..."
We'll make them.
"How?"
Black Bolt stroked Crystal's hair. We'll find a way.
Medusa closed her eyes. "But... what your father said, about illegitimacy... I don't know if I want that for her."
If she's our daughter, and we marry, then she won't be called illegitimate.
She slipped her hand into his, speaking telepathically to keep their words private. Are you sure you want this? What will we do if Banth says something to contradict it? That's if your parents even let us marry quickly...
Banth will be put away for a long time, he can't hurt us. I promise.
Crystal babbled and grabbed a handful of Medusa's thick red hair, making her smile.
"Thank you."
"It's out of the question." The teenagers jumped to see Rynda and Ambur standing in the doorway, watching. Medusa's face fell. She had half expected this, but it still hurt. Black Bolt scowled.
"You are both too young for such responsibility," Ambur continued. "And the court's gossip would tear you both apart."
Rynda's brow furrowed as she looked from her son and his 'betrothed', to Ambur. "What's going on?"
"They were just discussing how they plan to take Crystalia as theirs." Ambur folded her arms.
Rynda's face darkened, though thankfully she managed to keep herself from shouting.
"She is mine!" Medusa replied hotly. "She's my daughter! And if Black Bolt wants to be her father-"
Rynda cut her off. "He's not."
Black Bolt stood, and looked his mother straight in the eye, letting her hear his thoughts for the first time in years. I will be, if that's what it takes.
"No!"
"Why not?" Medusa challenged. "Why can't you let us have this?"
"Have what?" Agon had come to see what was going on. Medusa immediately fell silent. I don't think I can win an argument with him...
In answer, Black Bolt put his arms around Medusa and Crystal both. Agon's eyes narrowed.
"Haven't we had this discussion?" His voice was full of warning. Black Bolt reached for his paper, and remembered once more that it was gone. Gritting his teeth, he sent a message to Medusa. She stifled a gasp, but translated.
"He says that he'll abdicate his throne if he has to."
Agon fell back a step. "You can't be serious..."
Rynda and Ambur both looked dumbfounded.
Medusa continued translating. "She is my daughter, and the only stain of reputation that would cause is the stain you put on me."
Agon thought furiously. They're both serious about this... but I cannot lose my only heir! Giving the child back, though, wasn't something he was willing to do. He wracked his brains for a compromise.
"Medusalith," Ambur said very calmly. "I see that you are being stubborn as always. Very well, then. I think it's time for me to be stubborn as well. I cannot bear the shame that you would bring onto my family. If you choose to do this, I will have no choice but to end my own life. I won't live with my daughter's harlotry known far and wide."
Medusa cried out in protest. She couldn't tell if her mother was serious... she'd never forgive herself if Ambur died! Blinking back tears, she climbed out of bed and handed her daughter back to her mother. She got back into bed and turned her face away, not looking at anyone.
"That's settled, then," Ambur said coldly, walking away without another word. Black Bolt glared after her, and then turned to put an arm around Medusa.
Agon, realising that they wanted to be alone, led Rynda out as well. He needed to have a word with Ambur anyway, ask her what she thought she was playing at, blackmailing the girl like that...
Medusa was crying on Black Bolt's shoulder. He gently stroked her writhing hair, wishing that he could speak aloud and reassure her that it was going to be alright.
"Why does my mother hate me so much?" Medusa spoke in a small voice. "I made one mistake, and she's never going to forgive me for it. I'll never be good enough for her... for anyone." Her voice got even quieter. "I don't deserve you."
Don't think that. You're beautiful, brave and strong. Your mother's a bi- bad lady.
She tried to hide a smirk at that, but it faded soon. "I'm not beautiful, I'm ugly, and if I was smart, I wouldn't have fallen for Banth's lies in the first place."
Black Bolt cupped her face. You are beautiful. I wish I could let you see the way I see you... you're smart, you came up with the plan to stop Banth. And... I love you.
A warm feeling spread in Medusa's heart, but at the same time, fear began gnawing at her mind. She was alone with him, and helpless. The last man who'd said he loved her...
She tensed involuntarily. This isn't the same, it isn't! Then why couldn't she calm down? Black Bolt felt her tense and frowned.
Are you alright? You probably need rest. I can leave.
Medusa took several deep breaths. "No, I don't want you to leave, it's just, what you said... " Her voice dropped to a whisper. "He said that, right before..." She couldn't finish, collapsing into tears again.
Black Bolt continued to stroke her hair. I'm sorry.
Slowly, with his arms around her, she began to relax. His caressing of her hair was so soothing... Her eyes drifted shut before she knew it. Black Bolt realised she'd fallen asleep, and knew he should move away, but having her like this, safe... it felt so good! He'd stay here for a while, he decided. Just to keep an eye on her...
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Mander, Korath, Milena, Quelin and Azur were waiting when the other three adults re-emerged. Agon stifled a groan. I'll be lucky if I manage to avoid having to tell any of them the whole story! At least the boys weren't in sight, that was a blessing...
"You wench!" Azur seethed at Ambur. "I heard the whole thing! How could you manipulate your daughter like that?"
Korath looked around. "Will someone please explain what's going on here?"
"None of your concern!" Ambur said haughtily.
Agon sighed heavily. "No, I think this needs to be explained." He glanced around. "On the condition that what is said here does not leave this room. Understood?"
Everyone nodded, all looking curious or wary. Agon began to explain. Ambur stood rigidly, her eyes flashing. Azur, on the other hand, was fighting the urge to take Crystal away from her grandmother and march into Medusa's room, to reassure her that everything was going to be alright. The other adults who didn't already know this story, reacted with horror and disbelief, though, Agon noted, none of them seemed to hold Medusalith responsible- all blame was directed at Banth. Perhaps Rynda and I have been too hard on the girl...
"Is he going to be punished?" Azur demanded. Agon shook his head.
"No. His family holds too much political power, as one of our oldest bloodlines. If he were publicly dealt with, the rebels would only increase in number."
"But Banth is a traitor, surely that changes things?" Milena still looked stunned, but was trying to think logically.
"Nothing can be done without putting Medusalith in danger," Rynda replied. "And I'm sure none of us wish for anything to happen to the girl."
A collective silence fell, which was broken by scuffling noises from just outside the room. Agon and Rynda immediately looked infuriated. They guessed what this sound was and wished that for once those boys would have done as they were told! The other adults seemed oblivious.
"What was that?"
In response, Rynda marched over to the door and pulled it open without warning. Gorgon, Triton and Karnak almost fell into the room. The assorted parents instantly claimed their own children and scolded them quietly.
"We already knew about Crystal," Gorgon declared boldly.
"How?" Korath demanded.
Agon tried to conceal his anger; Rynda wasn't even attempting to hide her own. Maximus... it had to be.
"Karnak hacked the security system and found Rynda threatening Medusa." Rynda opened her mouth angrily, but Mander spoke first, staring at his sister in disgust.
"Threatening her?!"
"Not like that!" Agon's face was furious. "It was just at first, because we didn't know whether or not she was loyal to Banth's cause."
"You threatened my daughter?" Ambur snapped at Rynda.
"You just threatened her!" Azur pointed out.
Ambur glared at her sister. "She's my daughter, I'll discipline her how I please, but-"
"You gave her into our care." Rynda interrupted. "How she is treated is no longer your concern."
"Now wait just a minute!" Quelin's voice was angry.
Gorgon caught Karnak's eye. "How long do you think it'll be before everyone's arguing with everyone else?" He half mouthed.
Crystal's face balled up and she started screaming. The crying grew louder as the adults' 'discussion' (arguing) continued. No-one even heard the door to Medusa's room opening.
Black Bolt stepped out and looked around, incredulous. And we're meant to be the immature ones? They're going to wake Medusa up! Without warning, he slammed his hand into a nearby table as loudly as he could. It didn't hurt, and it had the desired effect- all noise ceased. He raised an eyebrow in question, though he couldn't exactly ask what was going on.
Crystal's wails quieted to whimpers and it looked to him as if she was stretching her tiny arms out to him... He moved to take her again, but Ambur moved away from him.
"You don't need to trouble yourself with the infant, your highness, she's fine."
"No she's not, not if you're going to raise her the way you've been treating Medusa!" Gorgon interjected.
Ambur went white with rage. Agon decided it was time to intercede.
"Alright, enough. I think we all need to take some time to calm down."
"How I raise my children is none of your concern!" Ambur exclaimed, ignoring Agon.
"ENOUGH!" The king shouted. Everyone jumped in surprise- Agon raising his voice was rare. He took a deep breath. "I mean it. Medusalith is fine. There's no need for everyone to linger here, and there's no use in continuing this quarrel. We can talk later when everyone is feeling more rational."
Korath, recognising the signs of his brother being on the verge of losing his temper, sheperded his wife and son out of the room. Mander collected his sons and led them away. Azur followed with a final glare at Ambur, who had now turned her attention to Crystal. Rynda stalked out too, plainly still incensed. Agon made to follow her, but realised his eldest was still there. Black Bolt had sat down on one of the chairs, and plainly had no intention of leaving.
"Blackagar, I think Medusalith's parents might want some time alone with her." A head-shake was his only response. Black Bolt didn't trust Ambur after what she'd just done to Medusa, and he wasn't going anywhere. Agon sighed, shooting Quelin an apologetic glance and left. He'd retrieve his son later... The room suddenly felt very awkward when the young prince was alone with Quelin and Ambur. Crystal's babbling was the only sound for a long time.