Chapter Thirteen
Medusa sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. She glanced blearily at the clock, trying to work out why she'd woken so early. Nerves erupted in her stomach as she recalled what day it was. I'm getting married today. The three months had flown by, or that's how it felt now, in a rush of decision-making, gowns and attendants and decorations, and now the day had arrived. She swallowed nervously as she got up. Her parents had arrived a week ago, but she'd been so busy with planning the wedding (what little say she had in it) that she'd hardly seen them. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
Ambur and Rynda came strolling in without a word of approval from her. Medusa pulled on her dressing robe, eyeing them both warily.
Rynda, unusually, smiled warmly at her. "Are you excited about today?"
She nodded tersely.
"Nervous?" Ambur's voice was cheerful, but Medusa was still wary- she hadn't been able to rely on Ambur much lately. "That's to be expected. Let's get you ready!'
Ambur and Rynda ushered Medusa over to the dressing table, immediately beginning to gather cosmetics and hair ornaments, debating over which to use.
"Do I at least get to eat some breakfast first?" Medusa queried when she could get a word in edgewise.
"Food will just upset your stomach," Ambur replied. Medusa sighed heavily, slumping in the chair as she let her mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law continue beautifying her. I wonder if Blackagar's being treated similarly?
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Black Bolt hesitated before stepping into the psychiatric wing. Maximus wasn't going to be permitted to leave for the wedding but he still wanted to see his brother. He looked around curiously. The rooms here were even more sparsely decorated than his soundproof cell! A far cry from what Maximus is used to...
There were a few healers in sight, but no-one had really noticed him yet. He'd have to move fast, since he technically wasn't meant to be here... He found Maximus in a energy-bound cell. This looks like a prison! Maximus was sitting on a bed, head in hands. Crying. Black Bolt stared at his brother in shock for a minute. He'd seen Maximus angry before, but never upset like this! He debated on how to get his attention.
At that moment Maximus looked up. He abruptly stopped weeping, and his face contorted with fury, his eyes narrowed and accusatory. "What are you doing here? Come to gloat?"
Black Bolt shook his head, trying to convey his sorrow at seeing Maximus like this. He doesn't seem any different...
"I don't need your sympathy!" Maximus shouted. "Go away!"
He held his hands out, trying to calm his brother.
"I SAID GO AWAY! I HATE YOU!"
Maximus rushed at him, only to be thrown back by the energy field. He crumpled at the foot of his bed and lay there whimpering, looking around hopelessly. "Sam, Sam, where are you?"
Black Bolt stared at his brother in dismay and revulsion. Maximus didn't get a chance to say anything else though, as his shouts had brought the healers running. Black Bolt was being ushered away before he could comprehend what was happening. Dazed with shock, he was back in the main corridor of the healers wing before he could resist. The doors were closed behind him, and after a few minutes, he walked away, shoulders slumped. Maybe I shouldn't have gone there... what a thing to have seen hours before my wedding!
Head hanging, he made his way back towards his room. Agon was waiting for him. Belatedly, Black Bolt realised the healers might have informed his father that he had visited Maximus.
The king's voice was steady. "What were you doing?"
Black Bolt set his face determinedly, retrieving his usual notepad, wishing Medusa was there to translate- it would be faster! I just wanted to see how Maximus fared.
"I thought I made it clear no-one was to see him yet?"
He is my brother and I am concerned. He is being treated like a prisoner.
Agon's face hardened. "You don't know how dangerous he is... how unstable."
Black Bolt didn't hide his incredulousness. Dangerous?! He doesn't even have powers!
"That's what we thought, but it seems... Never mind. We'll discuss this again later. Right now you need to get ready for your wedding."
Black Bolt wasn't happy, but ceded the point- for now. There wasn't much time. Nerves began churning in his stomach. I'm... getting married. Today.
"Get dressed. It won't do to be late. And just wait until your honeymoon. It will be amazing, son ... at least, mine was."
Black Bolt disappeared into his room, face reddening. I really don't want details about that!
"And soon you'll be a father yourself, if the tests I managed are anywhere near correct. Medusalith is fertile. The two of you should be able to breed like rabbits!"
Wonderful metaphor, Black Bolt thought sourly, keeping his face blank. Good thing he doesn't know about the birth control drugs we plan to use. He closed the door, wanting some privacy before the ceremony. He heard his father chuckle once before walking away. His thoughts drifted to Medusa. Spending the rest of my life with her... I can think of far worse things! He dressed in the wedding garb quickly, trying to stay calm.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Black Bolt stood beside Mander, who was conducting the ceremony. They waited at the head of the aisle, which was adorned with yellow rose petals- which signified eternal love. Agon and Rynda were seated close by, with several key members of the Council behind them. Korath, Milena, Azur and Ambur were seated a few rows back, still with a good view of the proceedings. All his cousins were nearby as well. He noticed that Azur had brought Crystal along too, and smiled. A huge crowd of other nobles and aristocrats were gathered to watch, as the wedding of the Crown Prince was not something anyone wished to miss. Looking to the outskirts of the gathering place they were in, Black Bolt could even see what looked like all the commoners of the city craning for a better look.
A low hum of chatter buzzed around, but it abruptly silenced when Quelin and Medusa appeared, her leaning on her father's arm. Quelin was smiling proudly as he led his daughter up the aisle. Black Bolt's eyes were only for Medusa however- she looked as nervous as he felt, but he thought he'd never seen her look so beautiful!
Her gown was butter-yellow with a pleated skirt, the hem of which was crusted with small diamonds. She smiled at him. He smiled back. I wish it could be different than this but at least we know and love each other!
Quelin reached out and laid Medusa's hand in Black Bolt's before stepping back, bowing respectfully. They exchanged looks, smiling, before turning as one to face Mander, who began speaking the ancient rites of marriage.
Medusa's heart was pounding. It's too late to protest now. Besides it could be worse! She studiously did not think of her wedding night. After what felt like forever, Mander concluded the ceremony, and the rings were exchanged. Black Bolt kissed her quickly, chastely, before Agon and Rynda stood and joined them to welcome Medusa as part of their family and their daughter-in-law. The newlyweds bowed before the king and queen, waiting to hear Agon's words of greeting.
"Welcome, Medusalith, to our family. May you have a long and healthy marriage with many children to continue the lineage."
She flushed, embarassed, but spoke demurely. "Thank you... my lord. I hope I fulfill your expectations." Just not yet!
Rynda smiled, looking at her son. "And Blackagar, I expect you to remember that a mariage is an equal partnership, and your wife's opinions are always to be respected."
Black Bolt nodded, though he (and Medusa) were surprised by the statement- Rynda wasn't exactly good at standing up to Agon!
Agon raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I hope you're not implying anything there?" He mock-teased.
Rynda said nothing. Agon shrugged, assuming she hadn't been serious, and the moment was broken by the rest of the family approaching to congratulate the newlyweds.
Azur hugged Medusa tightly. "You're welcome to stay with us if things become... too much."
She returned her aunt's embrace, smiling. "Thank you, Aunt, but I think I'll be alright. You'll take care of my... sister, won't you?" She was careful not to refer to her true relationship with Crystal in public.
"Of course." Azur hugged her tighter and whispered in her ear. "Don't let them hurt you anymore." Medusa nodded in reply to Azur's words, but didn't speak. Crystal began fussing, and Medusa reached out automatically, stopping herself as she felt Agon's eyes on her.
"I think Crystalia wants to give her big sister a kiss," Azur laughed loudly.
"Careful. She isn't strong enough the hold the baby's weight just yet," Agon replied with a forced smile.
Azur pretended not to register Agon's words, offering the baby to Medusa, who used her hair to support Crystal, thus avoiding straining her side. She kissed the button nose gently; Crystal cooed happily.
Agon gritted his teeth. "Hair or not her weight is still on you."
Black Bolt took Crystal in his arms, but stayed near enough for Medusa to be able to reach her. He fought the urge to smirk, rather enjoying seeing his father out-maneuvered for once. Rynda placed a hand on Agon's arm, trying to keep this civil.
"Let's give the newlyweds a chance to greet others," Rynda suggested. Azur nodded, smiling demurely, then conveniently 'forgot' to take Crystal back from Black Bolt as she walked away. Agon's displeasure was written plainly on his face, but he didn't comment. Korath, Milena and Gorgon were the next to approach.
"Medusa, Blackagar. I hope you have a long and happy marriage," Gorgon said stiffly.
Black Bolt inclined his head politely, wondering why his cousin sounded like he was forcing the words out.
Medusa smiled warmly. "Thank you."
Gorgon nodded once more. "I am sorry if my previous behaviour... was unthoughtful."
They both smirked, remembering his drunken ramblings all those weeks ago.
"I assure you both nothing of the sort will be happening again." Korath input dryly.
"Of course," Medusa agreed.
Gorgon scowled. "You didn't have to tell them that, Father, I have no intention of living through a hangover like that ever again!"
"You're right about that." Korath's expression was unreadable. "Drink to that excess again and you won't live through it!"
Gorgon groaned. "Can we not talk about that?"
"Of course. Triton and Karnak look like they want to congratulate the happy couple." Milena smiled at Black Bolt and Medusa. "Congratulations to you both, and please excuse our family issues." She laughed as she sheperded her husband and son away. Triton and Karnak approached, accompanied by Mander. Azur rejoined them, but hung back, as she'd already spoken to the couple.
"Congrats," Triton said but Karnak frowned at his brother and bowed.
"I wish you both many years of happiness in your marriage." He intoned formally. Black Bolt looked at him for a second, before turning to Medusa, who burst out laughing.
"Blackagar wants me to remind you that this isn't a Council meeting! There's no need to be so formal, cousin." Her eyes were sparkling with mirth.
Karnak reddened slightly, but shrugged his embarassment off- he had been taught to use formal language on special occasions, and he saw nothing wrong with that.
Triton smirked and impulsively hugged the two. "You two are very lovely together."
"Thanks." Medusa replied dryly, unsure if that was a compliment, or if Triton was teasing.
Triton winked, and then Mander congratulated the couple and moved on. It felt like hours to Medusa, thanking people she didn't know. By the end of it, her side ached terribly. She stifled a sigh, hiding her discomfort. They still had the feast to get through yet!
"Do you need a painkiller?" Agon whispered to her. "I told you not to hold the baby."
"I'm alright." She murmured back. She was not going to apologise for holding Crystal!
"I am not a villain. If you need anything just ask."
Medusa didn't reply to the first part, but nodded. "I'll ask for medicine if I need it."
Agon sighed, clearly unconvinced, but turned away. Black Bolt, having returned Crystal to Azur, took Medusa's hand.
Is everything alright?
"Yes. I think we're heading into the feasting hall now."
Holding hands, the new husband and wife followed Agon and Rynda to the high table, followed by the rest of the family.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Maximus paced back and forth in his room/cell, seething. He couldn't believe his brother had the audacity to come in here and pretend to care about him!
"With me out of the way, Blackagar has everything he could want, so of course he has to come and gloat, make me think he cares!" He muttered to himself. He looked around, still hoping to see Sam Xium, so he could prove to his healers that he wasn't a hallucination, but his friend hadn't appeared once since he came here. What if... NO. Sam IS Real, they're all liars! He had to get out of here, so he could make his family understand that they couldn't fool him. "They'll be sorry." His voice was dark.
Maximus.
"What? Who said that?"
An ally. Be patient. Remain where you are. Your freedom will be restored soon. And your enemies will pay.
Maximus glanced around, but there was no-one in sight. Was someone talking to him telepathically?
Remember: Do not attempt escape. I will arrange for your release soon. Do nothing until you hear from me again. The voice faded.
Maximus folded his arms. He sat down and waited. Nothing else happened. No further instructions came. He sighed heavily. Should I listen? He frowned. Why not? It's not like my life can get worse! I'll wait for now. But when I do get out of this place, everyone who labelled me insane will end up regretting it! The thought was so much fun that he began laughing. The sound echoed for some time. He got some odd looks from the healers, but no-one came to see what was going on.
To be continued...