Rehabilitation
POV: Lucien
Nystasia had promptly informed us that Alexandra should be awake right at that moment. We all rose from our seats and Apollo and Aphrodite went on their way to run the other errand they were sent on by All Mighty. As we were going to her room, Theodore was exiting the room. He looked startled when he saw us, “I was just about to come and get you all to let you know she is awake. How did you know?” Nystasia stepped in front of me and pointed at herself, “I knew because we were having a chat in her dreams.” I noticed that he had the items to do another exam and looked at him, “What were the results this time?” His face lit up, “It’s fascinating but the surgery was a success and she will need less blood than we initially thought. We will need a temporary reversion to do that. I do not know of any case where a pyrio needed less blood after another surgery and lost more blood.” I was happy that she could recover the quickest possible way since she would likely want to go spend the time with her grandfather. As we all walked in, she had a sad look on her face and her father ran over to her and hugged her. She sobbed into his shoulder as he stroked her back, “It’s hard sweetie, I know but we must be strong for him.” I whispered to Malinus, “Did you send the letter on my behalf?” Malinus nodded, “All you need to do is visit the General.” I sighed, “After I help her to get on her feet. From what Theodore said, I assumed that I could give her blood today and she would be fine. It probably would be a cup full like Sylphia gave.” Malinus stared at Alexandra and Reggie embracing, “Aren’t you going to comfort her?” I shook my head, “It isn’t for me to do that right now. Sometimes a woman needs her father for her to feel safe.” Reggie shot me an appreciative look over his shoulder. He rose from his hug from Alexandra, “Lucien, I think it is your turn to bring comfort to Alexandra. If you wish, that is.” I nodded, “Thanks Reggie, I take it as a serious duty to perform for her.” Reggie patted me on the shoulder as we passed each other.
As I stepped toward Alexandra, she opened her arms to me, “Lucien, you heard the news?” I nodded to her sadly, “I know there is nothing I can say that will bring you comfort but as I understand it, the family of saints are reserved as a special place in the Underworld so that when the saint dies, she may visit her loved ones. I like to think that his version of the Underworld will be something special. He’s such a good person that did so many good things when he didn’t even need to. I’m sure Hades will recognize this when he is sent to the afterlife.” Sylphia stepped forward, “I understand that Darren’s soul will be accompanied by Apollo and Aphrodite themselves to ensure Hades knows where he belongs.” Alexandra looked at me, “I’m not a saint though.” I shook my head, “In Vellum, to be touched by the Gods means that you have a purpose for our people. This means that you are automatically a saint. The people of Vellum don’t know this just yet but once the church designates you, you will command the highest respect. Higher than that of even me or Grand Pretre.” She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and a pleading look, “Do I need to be designated before grandfather dies for him to be considered special in the Underworld?” I was not sure how to answer her since I didn’t know myself. I looked at her, and wiped a tear from her eye, “I can’t say but if you want I can ask Grand Pretre to confer with you.” She nodded, “I think I can be more comfortable knowing he will be well taken care of in the afterlife.”
Theodore entered the room, “Hi all. I need to start the process of getting Alexandra healed up. I know she is eager to get on her feet and back home. You ready, sweetie?” Alexandra smiled at him through her tears over my shoulder, “Yes, I think I am.” Theodore nodded, “Your Majesty, are you ready?” I didn’t look at him but I stared straight into Alexandra’s eyes, “I am. Let’s heal our beautiful girl.” Theodore came forward with the potion in his hand, “I’m going to warn you, Alexandra. Once you take His Majesty’s blood, you will be put to sleep so that you can sleep through your reversion. We got lucky this time that you didn’t need to revert fully. That would require a much more uncomfortable situation where you would be taken to the prison hospital and strapped to a bed. Try not to get seriously hurt. Okay?” She smiled and nodded, “Okay, noted.” He directed her father and Malinus to hold her down while he placed the potion up to her mouth and she drank. She once again started to thrash about shortly after. I rolled up my shirt and held out my arm for Theodore to pull the amount of blood he needed from me. After he got the amount he wanted, he applied a healing salve to my arm. He smiled at his handy work, “Much appreciated, Your Majesty.” He pressed the cup to Alexandra’s lips and she eagerly drank from the cup. She drained and gently laid back on her pillow. She looked at me, “Lucien, my brother doesn’t know…” I shook my head, “I sent word to the Citadel. I’m going to ensure he has time with your grandfather.” She smiled at me sleepily, “You are so perfect and wonderful. Thank you, Lucien, my love.” With that, she gently closed her eyes.
Theodore looked over at me, “Your Majesty?” I looked up at him, “Yes?” He looked over at Alexandra then at me, “Is something wrong with Darren Batiste?” I nodded and sighed sadly, “Reggie was told that he is dying.” Theodore looked startled, “Really?! Darren was instrumental in the growth of House Befent. He sent me a teacher when I was small that taught me everything I know about magic. Sadly, he disappeared a few years ago but he was an excellent teacher. I credit Darren with my own growth. If it would be okay, I would like to offer my services in caring for Darren.” I looked over Reggie and Talia who were having a serious conversation, “You must seek the approval of House Batiste. You get that and I will give my permission by default.” Theodore got a determined look on his face and whirled around to the couple. He placed a hand on his heart and bowed, “Your Grace, I would like to humbly offer my assistance with your father in his time of need.” Reggie looked over at me and I smiled and then nodded at him. Reggie smiled down at Theodore, “After seeing your skills at treating my daughter, I will gladly accept your assistance young Theodore.” Theodore smiled up at Reggie, “Thank you, Your Grace.” Reggie chimed in, “On one condition.” Theodore was startled at that declaration and asked, “What is that condition, Your Grace?” Reggie smiled, “You have to drop the honorifics while in Blackwood Manor. I insist.” Theodore looked over his shoulder at me. I got up from the bed and walked up next to him, “I think that that is a reasonable request, Theodore. Do you think you can do that?” Theodore sighed, “It goes against everything I know about showing respect to those I truly do respect.” I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, “I believe this is a sign of respect to Reggie in his home. Knowing what I know of him, he likes to create a home welcome to all.” I emphasized my last word and Theodore regarded Reggie with another level of respect, knowing that he was safe to be who he was while at Blackwood Manor.” Theodore nodded after a while, “Okay, Your Grace, if this is how I show my respect to you in your home. We have a deal.” Reggie smiled at him, “You are most welcome to come by anytime you need to. If you feel you must stay over, please do so as well.” Theodore looked at him stunned, “Truly?” Reggie only smiled at him and nodded. Reggie looked at me, “Now that Alexandra is on her way to recovery. I believe that we should head back to our home to see if my father is awake.”
The couple left the room with Malinus and the two princesses following after them, each having something to take care of. It was only Theodore and I in the room together. He was staring at the door, “Your Majesty?” I looked at him, “Yes?” He looked back at me straight in the eye, “Is Blackwood Manor really inclusive as you implied earlier?” I smiled, “Yes, I don’t know if you know this but Darren came up with the law that gave inclusivity in Vellum.” His eyes widened, “No, I didn’t know that. I thought that was your father.” I shook my head, “My father signed it into law but Darren was the one who gave the idea life and drafted it. Darren’s own brother was a member of the gay community. He was murdered by those who hated what he was. They caught the culprits who were part of The Order. Since there was no harsh punishment for crimes like that, they got to live in prison. Now the law is under the House punishment system.” Theodore nodded with a determined look in his eyes, “Then I must do everything in my power to lengthen Darren’s life so that I can properly thank him for allowing me to be myself in Vellum. I do have a question, Your Majesty.” I nodded indicating for him to go on and he asked, “How did you know I was gay? I haven’t told anyone but my parents.” I sighed, “Rumors and well…the Goddess of Love. I hope you aren’t offended, Theodore.” He shook his head vigorously, “No, Your Majesty. I knew of the rumors, I was caught when I was a young teen kissing a commoner boy in an alleyway. I never saw him again though. I guess the Goddess who I worship would know best. It seems natural that I would become friends with Alexandra.” I nodded, “Yes, Aphrodite confirmed that your friendship will be important to her.” I waved my arm at Alexandra, “She asked me not to be jealous since I had nothing to worry about. You see, I am in love with her.” Theodore giggled, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but that was obvious how you feel about each other. You make an adorable couple by the way.” I laughed, “Okay, now that you know my love secret, do you have your eye on anyone?” Theodore blushed, “Oh, he’s in the Citadel but I doubt he would like someone like me.” I shook my head and sighed, “You never know, Theodore. Knowing Alexandra, she will find a tactful way to find out if this guy is into you. She may manipulate Meldon and Derek into finding out for her.” He gasped, “I don’t know if she should do that. What would they think of me? I’m afraid that they will hurt me for being…well…me.” I sighed, “I know those two personally. Derek will be friends with whoever Jess tells him to and Meldon has a special connection to House Batiste, you need not fear anything from either man. You need never fear from our friends, they would die for you once you are in the circle. Her most of all, that’s what makes her special.”
