The Lotus Trials

Chapter XXVI

Gemma's POV:
The next morning I woke to featherlight kisses on my neck. I let my eyelids creep open as the kisses traveled to my cheek. A soft peck on the corner of my mouth had me smiling. "Good morning."

"What a pleasant wake up call," I grumbled, a bit confused when I found he was laying beside me but already dressed for the day in all but his over shirt. "What time is it? I need to get ready."

"Eight-thirty. I already showered. Taylor brought your toiletries over so you're good to go. I have to get Selene up and handle a few thing so you've got some free time until eleven rolls around." He cursed. "Do you know how to change bandages or do you want me to ask a doctor to drop by? Or I can stick around and help."

"I did some volunteer work in the Eclipse hospital. I'll manage."

"Awesome," he said, giving me a quick kiss. "I'm gonna head out. See you in a bit."

"Bye." He seemed a bit off today, but it could just be the public speaking factor coming up. Then, he was the king. He should be a natural at at speech deliveries now. An unwelcome thought began creeping in that my wolf soon echoed.

"I hope he isn't doubting you and me," Raya pouted.

"It didn't really feel like that, Raya. If something important happened he'd tell me."

"You're right. Start getting ready."

I chose a lavender knee-length summer dress. It wouldn't cover the bandaging on my arm or cuts on my legs, but the major bandaging was around my torso and it would wrap thin enough you couldn't see it with clothing over it. I hopped in the shower, forcing myself to move a bit slower than usual, as Dr. Greene recommended so I wouldn't strain my abdomen and tear any of her handiwork. Keeping my stitches dry was a pain, but after taking over half an hour to finish I had managed to follow all of the precautions given and still get clean.

Dressing myself, brushing my teeth, and fixing my hair in a Dutch braid, I slipped on my sandals and headed for the busy dining hall. Lotus was big enough without competitors and family present, but what else could be expected from a pack in the capital?

"She lives!" I gave Josh a smile and little wave as he weaved through the crowd to reach me. "You look great for a girl dancing with death."

"Dramatic, as always. Thanks Josh. You scrub up nice too. I'm glad you made it through."

"It wasn't an easy fight," he admitted. "Though I don't have any enhancements. Why'd you hold out on us, Hart?"

"I'm popular enough because my parents were killed. Alpha blood plus enhancements isn't something to go spreading around."

He snorted. "Don't forget your little training sessions. You appear to be connected to the royals somehow. Probably why somebody wants you dead. I was watching trial two. Impressive time."

"Thanks. Hey, I was gonna grab a bite before the ceremony."

"Of course. I was looking for one of the other guys anyways. We might as well be playing hide-and-seek in this crowd, am I right?"

"Good luck, then. And good seeing you."

I tried to walk as normally as possible as I made my way over to the fruit area. I wasn't all that hungry today. That and I needed to get out of the dining hall. The attention I was drawing from anyone who noticed me wasn't exactly making me comfortable.

Just as I made my exit a set of hands came over my eyes. My elbow came back on instinct and I winced at the pain the jerk-reaction caused. "Shit! Gemma, it's just me."

I gasped, blushing. "Oh! I'm sorry, Darien. Instinct, I guess."

He smirked, rubbing his abdomen for a moment. "It's fine. Today holds the big announcement. You ready?"

I shrugged. "Enough people suspect it already." In truth I was scared I was getting in over my head. But Zeke believed in me. That was all that matters. And that dream. Nightmare. Curse. No. I won't think about that today. Today's a happy day. "It'll be fine. I'm happy with Zeke."

"You love him."

"He's my mate."

He smiled. "Will I sound too sappy if I say I can't wait to have something like that?"

"Oh, just a bit." I took his hand. "Come on. We should get back out to the stadium before it starts filling up."

He offered his arm, my proud escort. "Let's go, then."