Betrothed To Death

Chapter 28

I leaned over the toilet, heaving up the last of my breakfast. I was having the worst morning sickness. With the twins, I hadn't been that sick, but it seemed this time I was vomiting every day, multiple times a day. Accius assured me that nothing was wrong and my pregnancy was normal. I pressed my heated cheek against the cool porcelain and groaned. My chest hurt.

Orcus walked into the room, a glass of purple liquid in hand. I took the glass and quickly swallowed the foul potion Accius had left me for the vomiting. The nausea stopped and I was able to pull myself away from the toilet. Orcus helped me to my feet and pushed my hair away from my sweaty face.

"Darling, maybe you should call Accius," he said.

"I have," I snapped. "Nothing's wrong! I'm allowed to have a less than perfect pregnancy, aren't I?" Orcus stared at me.

"I'm sorry," I said with a sigh. "I'm just...grumpy." He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my temple.

"I know," he said. "I hate that you are so miserable. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Screw my brains out?" I muttered. He pulled away and looked down at me, one elegant eyebrow arched. I smiled and kissed him.

"Not right now," I assured.

"Because I am in such poor control of my libido that I cannot wait until you feel better to have my wicked way with you," he commented, sarcastically. I laughed and lay my head on his chest.

"I love you," I said. Like always, he didn't answer me. He just stroked my hair and hummed. We stood like that for a while, content in each other's arms.

"Why don't you just admit that you love me?" I asked.

"Why do you insist that I must?" he questioned in return.

"You act like it," I said.

"I suppose," he mused. "I would not know if this were really true or not."

"Would you be sad if I died?" I inquired. He looked started at the question.

"Of course," he replied. "Why would you think I would not?" I shrugged.

"Just a question," I answered. He bent down and kissed me passionately. I whimpered and clung to him, feeling my knee's begin to buckle. His mouth was so hot and his tongue pushed passed my lips insistently. His hand came up and cradled the back of my head, tilting it to give him better access. He pulled back but kept close, his lips brushing against mine ever so lightly. I panted against his mouth, my fingers locked in his shirt.

"Orcus," I gasped. I felt his lips curve into a smile. I looked up into his dark eyes and saw the desire in them.

"Let's go back to bed," I said. He chuckled and lifted me easily into his arms.

♥♥♥

Evelyn smiled at me. She reached over and hugged me tightly, kissing my cheek. Dimitri and Ilirra scrambled up into her arms, hugging and kissing her. Dimitri looked at her sadly, clinging to her neck.

"Don't go," he muttered.

"I'll be back," she assured. "Now that I know where you live I can come and visit anytime!" Dimitri sulked but nodded his head in understanding. I hugged her tightly, feeling tears sting my eyes. I didn't want my sister to leave, but I knew this was what was best. Despite my best efforts, Evelyn couldn't be comfortable in my world. She just wasn't like me.

"I love you," I said.

"I love you, too," she replied.

"Take care of Dad," I ordered.