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Author's note: I told you I update faster with reviews and I got one for the last chapter within 24 hours of posting it so here's the next one. (As far as reviews go I just want to know that people are still reading and if they feel like telling me what they think.)
Ch7. Messenger
Ezmerilda rode hard and fast through day and night to reach the kingdom of Mundite. She arrived midmorning on the third day. She was greeted at the gate by and old friend.
"Lady Ezmerilda. I'm afraid you've come at a bad time. The kingdom has been in a state of unrest since a messenger arrived for the king a little over a week ago. His Majesty is quite put out," he said as she dismounted.
"That's what I'm here about. I'm in a hurry so I must request an immediate audience with my brother," she walked the tired horse to the stables just within the gates of the main city.
"My Lady please, King Malachai is angry enough as it is. Don't anger him more. Surely whatever it is can wait until he is calmer," he begged.
"My niece is dieing Sebastian. Yes, Jareth has a child of his own and she's sick. Without that medicine we will lose her. The queen is dead. There can be no other heir," the woman yelled.
The man was shocked, "The lady of the labyrinth is dead?"
Ezmerilda gave him a sad look, "She died giving birth to the new princess, Jarethella."
He nodded, "I'll drive you to the palace."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Malachai was fuming about his younger brother's nerve whilst he worked his way through other important documents in his study when Ezmerilda entered without even giving a servant a chance to announce her.
"Sister, to what do I owe this unexpected visit," he looked up at her, trying to appear calm.
"Oh, cut the crap Malachai. You received my request for aid. As you have not answered I am here to inform you of the full detail as to why it was sent in hopes that you'll be swayed to help us," she jumped straight to the point.
"It is quite an extensive list. Trade for it will not be cheap," he pointed out.
"Jareth will ensure that you are satisfied with what you receive in return," she assured him.
"I know you care for your patients Ezmerilda but what makes you think Jareth will cooperate with a trade this large," he inquired.
"Because my patient is his daughter and all he has left of his late wife, Sarah. She died giving him a child a little over nine years ago and now without these medicines the child will die. If his protectiveness of Alessa and I is any indication then he will give anything to save her," she informed him.
He looked at her in surprise, "Surely you jest sister. The lady of the labyrinth has changed her mind?"
She held out a crystal, "See for yourself."
He took it and looked at the scene within. A blonde child lay motionless on a small bed. The blizzard-like wind that swirled around her indicated that a snow sprite was controlling her fever. The girl was thin and beginning to show signs of the shadow of death in her small features. Holding her hand was Jareth. He looked as though he were struggling not to cry. A mortal boy was serving him lunch. The boy looked stricken with grief as well. The girl breathed but other than that did not move. Jareth looked dreadful as well. Though he ate with no prompting from others he still looked ill nourished. This could only mean he was giving his nutrients to her. Malachai returned the crystal.
"I will accompany you with supplies back to the goblin city first thing in the morning. For now you need rest. You know where your room is here. I will have a servant wake you for dinner," his brown eyes locked on her blue ones for a moment.
"Thank you," she said relieved.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Ezmerilda stood by the truck watching the men load the supplies. She carefully ran through the list in her head. Everything Ella needed or may need was there.
"Ezmerilda," Sebastian ran up to her.
She turned towards his voice just as he drew her into a hug. They held each other tightly for a few moments and over his shoulder she could see Malachai pretending not to notice the exchange though she knew he did.
"I wish you would return when she is better. Why do you stay there when your heart is here," he whispered to her.
"Jareth is too protective he will not let me leave his kingdom to live somewhere else," she replied.
"I would protect you. I would keep you safe," he promised.
"I know you would but my brother trusts only himself," she reminded him.
He sighed in mournful acceptance, "I under stand…I love you."
"I love you two," she returned.
He pulled back enough to kiss her gently on the lips. She kissed back for a few moments before pulling away. She didn't want to leave the comfort and safety of his arms.
"Sister," Malachai said, "We're ready when you are."
She untangled herself from Sebastian's arms and got in the truck that was pulling the horse trailer with her stallion in it.
"You can leave the goblin realm you know," Malachai pulled himself up into the drivers seat.
She shook her head, "Jareth won't allow it. He only lets me leave when he knows I have to return."
"Then stand up to him. If you love Sebastian you owe him more effort than this," her brother suggested.
She sighed, "The only woman he ever listened to was Sarah and that's only because her words had the power to take her away from him."
He raised his eyebrows, "Once she became his wife that power would no longer have worked."
"She refused to marry him without a few promises. He was bound by his word to give her ten years to be ready to be his queen. He couldn't even check in with a crystal. That's why he didn't know about Ella until recently," she explained.
TBC…
Author's note: What do you think? Who has questions? I might have an answer and also you might point out details I didn't notice were missing or made no sense which helps me improve on the story. Also updates come faster when I receive reviews.