Chapter 73

I watched Diane as she still lay on her bed, still not being able to move since yesterday when the ugly incident happened. Till this moment, I still blamed myself for what happened. Just this morning, I noticed her skin going pale and her breathing shallow. I was scared that I had caused this. I was afraid that I might have caused her the pain she was experiencing. I was still grieving about the fact that I was in search of my mother and now, this? What the hell was actually going on? 'She'll be okay. The illness is making it hard for her to have a fast recovery but she'll be okay." The doctor told us. I was relieved when I heard that. I.could easily breathe now but was still a little agitated. As I sat there waiting for her to open her eyes finally, I thought of all the ways I could help bring back my mother. I had hoped that the people of Shadowcrest would help me find her but who would help me anymore seeing that the only ruler they know is lying down, motionless on the hospital bed because of me. Maybe I was quite unfortunate and caused misfortune to anyone I met. Suddenly, I was brought back to reality by Diane's cough. She coughed multiple times that I was afraid she would choke. She opened her eyes but it seemed she didn't have a clear focus because she kept blinking them. 'Where is this place?" She asked. 'Hospital. You were brought here when you fainted yesterday." I explained to her seeing that she truly looked confused. 'Why bring me here?" She asked, about to sit up. 'I'm fine, I don't need to be here." 'No. No. Please do not get up. Get some rest." I urged her to keep her legs back in the blanket. 'How are you feeling now? Don't tell me that you're fine. I need a detailed explanation." 'Well, all I can say is that my body is so weak and I can't seem to understand why I feel this weak." 'I believe it's the doctor's drugs.." I said and strangely, there was silence and I thought of what to say. 'I'm really sorry for what happened?" I told her, taking her fingers in mine. 'Why? Did you try to kill me?" She asked, completely catching me in shock. 'No. Why would I do that?" I asked. 'I'm joking.. I'm joking.. Why are you apologizing? You did absolutely nothing wrong." She said and then laughed. 'You need to see your face." We shared a laugh. 'You don't look good. Have you sent a search party out for your mother? She asked, looking deeply concerned. 'Not yet." I answered with a mumble. 'What are you doing then?" 'Waiting for your recovery." I felt so bad that I wanted to cry. 'I had thought I lost you." Diane smiled at me, caressing my hands. 'Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm sure I'll be. Let's find your mother first." 'Gather the people and speak to them. Choose five men to go out in search of your mother." She told me confidently but I still didn't move an inch. 'What's wrong?" 'They'll not listen to me." I explained to her. 'Who would listen to a woman who had made promises to them and then failed. A woman who also caused the sickness of their ruler. I can't speak to them, they might probably stone me to death." I answered. 'Don't worry, they listen to you." She pushed me a little closer to her and cupped my face. 'Just because everything seemed to be falling on the wrong path. I want you to believe that everything will be fine and that this war will be in our favor." I watched her closely. How does she not give up on situations like this? She never lost hope that this clan would find its redemption even after it was attacked 13 years ago. I loved her faith. I took a breath, thanked Diane and went to assemble the warriors. With the sound of the bell, everyone assembled immediately since they were all anxious to know the result of Diane. 'I have good news." I said. 'Diane is finally awake." The moment of joy that I felt as I watched the scene before me was heartwarming. Everyone jumped, screamed and hugged each other for a few moments, then all went silent again anticipating the second news. 'Secondly. Most of you here, especially the elders, know Queen Isabella, my mother. She was with me on a journey to return here with me for our redemption when she was kidnapped." I said let that information digest. I could see as they murmured. 'Oh. Queen Isabella.. I miss her." 'She was an angel." I was happy to hear beautiful things about my mother. I was then sure they'd surely help me since Luna Isabella was once their Queen. 'Please, if you're interested in helping to search for her, please indicate." I was so glad when I saw so many hands in the air. I was now left to make my choice and choose the people dim fit for this job. 'Thank you, all for indicating. I want us to get this done by Tomorrow. So the search starts Tomorrow and I expect you all to be available." I told them, thanked them and left. When I got back to the hospital, Diane was being fed by a nurse. 'How was it?" She asked immediately as she sighted me from the door. 'Hmm?" 'It worked better than I thought it would and I'm grateful to you." I told her going forward to give her a hug. She threw her arms wide-open for me, accepting me. 'I just want you to never give up." She replied. 'Do you remember where the incident took place yesterday?" She asked me. 'It would truly be of great help to them." 'All I can remember was that we were already very close to Shadowcrest when it happened. I guess whoever it was followed us because I had just left to get some water for our journey the next day. I was scared when it happened and I still am." I bowed my head. 'What if something wrong happens to her?" I asked. 'I just felt that I should have never started this in the first place. ' Diane watched me sob but then smiled. 'The moon goddess would never forsake you. Trust her." I wasn't sure about anything in his journey anymore but I knew quite well that I didn't believe in the moon goddess anymore.