The Way Back (Champions of the Crystal Book 4)

Chapter 10.1

While Aurora went off to attend Mara in her negotiations, Sabrina arrived at the infirmary to find a crisis on the point of exploding. Ford had indeed awakened and was resisting the efforts of two doctors, a nurse, and a young, frightened-looking lieutenant to get him to remain in bed.

"What is this?" Sabrina said, wavering between stern disapproval and amusement at the scene. Everyone except Ford whirled around to stare at her and then salute, looking rather overwhelmed; Ford took advantage of the distraction to slide out of bed and grab for the small cabinet that must contain his clothes.

"Ford! Back in bed, this instant," she ordered.

"I'm perfectly well!" he retorted. "There's no reason for me to malinger here when my ship doubtless needs repair."

"There is every reason," Sabrina replied. "Your mother has instructed me to see that you remain in bed today. And since she's not only your mother, but your liege lady—not to mention mine—I intend to see that she is obeyed. Even if I have to have you forcibly restrained."

Ford eyed her warily, trying to decide whether she was bluffing. Then he heaved a sigh and slid back into bed. "Very well, for now! But I won't be fussed over."

"I have no intention of fussing over you," she said. He reminded her of nothing so much as the bevy of spoiled princesses she had eventually turned into household staff for the Queen. "Now be quiet a moment and let me speak to the doctors."

Ford shot her a look that made one of the doctors, a quiet, gray-haired woman, wince but that made Sabrina want to laugh. She concealed it, though, and turned to the doctor who'd winced. "How is he?"

"His Royal Highness needs rest," she replied. "His body cannot heal itself if he makes constant demands of it."

"And how is Lieutenant Lndor?"

"Physically, he is weak and in need of a great deal of sleep. Her Majesty is working with him twice a day to restore his mental functions," the doctor said. "We are monitoring his condition."

"Thank you," Sabrina said. "I'm sure you must have a great deal to do; you may leave His Royal Highness to me. I assure you, he'll rest."

"Thank you, my lady," the doctor said, and the medical staff dispersed in relief. Sabrina turned back to Ford, who was sitting up in bed, his arms folded and his face set in a mulish expression. But his eyes were twinkling, and she knew he had enjoyed watching her take command—though he was still perfectly prepared to resist her himself. She stifled a sigh, then noticed the young lieutenant standing uncertainly nearby. "Can I help you, Lieutenant?"

"Ma'am," she said nervously, swallowing hard as she saluted. "General Baryan assigned me to Her Majesty, and Her Majesty assigned me to you. To help you adjust and get you anything you might need. I, um...is there anything you need?"

Sabrina took pity on her nervousness. "No. Not right now anyway. I'm just going to sit here and talk to my cousin for a bit, if there's anything else you need to do, Lieutenant...what is your name?"

"Bria Atasha, my lady."

"Bria. That's a pretty name."

"It's, ah, actually short for Sabrina. My mother's name. And my grandmother's." She paused, then finished breathlessly, "My great-grandfather knew you. He wanted the name passed down in the family, always."

Sabrina was silent for a moment, as it sank in. Aurora's comment about history coming to life hadn't really fazed her, but having her name passed down through three generations of a family brought her face to face with the legend she had evidently become. It wasn't an entirely pleasant sensation. "And...who was your great-grandfather?"