Hey guys, sorry about the late update; I really do try with this but you have to understand I've got a very busy life and it's hard for me to update as often as I'd like to. I didn't realize that my not updating causes many to stop reading! I would never want that to happen but if you have thought about this please feel free to read it when I am done with the entire book, that way you are not left in suspense! Otherwise, I don't know what to say.

For those of you who are patiently sticking with me on this, no matter how much you want to scream and shake the crap out of me (but not doing it) you don't know how much that encourages me! Please keep doing what you're doing! I can't ever express how appreciative I am of you guys; ALL MY FANS. Thank you so much guys.

So, enough talking more reading. Enjoy!

Anna

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Chapter 20

“Powerlessness is an excruciating pain; it is torture insurmountable.”

- Richelle E. Goodrich

*Hadrian*

“Where is she?!” Hadrian roared as he entered the parlor of the Delmont’s Manor. The butler, O’Rourke, sputtered in indignation at the commotion Hadrian was causing. Hadrian snarled at the man, demanding for his wife.

“Hadrian!” Hadrian looked up and found Lady Delmont’s shocked expression tinged with weariness.

“Where is my wife, Annabel?” Hadrian asked. He managed to reign in his chaotic emotions that were crashing down on him like waves. Annabel’s eyes widened as tears became prominent in her eyes.

“Oh, Hadrian,” Annabel cried, collapsing into her friends arms. “It all happened so swiftly, one moment she was there and the next-”

Another sob tore through her throat. Hadrian felt his own throat closing in on him. He just needed to see her, and hope to God she was alright. “Show me where she is.”

Annabel pulled back and nodded; she led him upstairs into the yellow room where one of the guest beds laid. She looked up at him and then hesitated. Hadrian wanted to shake her senseless, and open the damn door himself. She finally looked away and eased open the door.

He held his breath in anticipation; in the middle of the room, on the bed, laid a small figure. Hadrian clenched his teeth, suppressing the rage that engulfed him whole. He stiffly walked towards his wife’s sleeping form and couldn’t help but realize how small she was in the king size bed, it nearly swallowed her.

His hand shook as he leaned down to brush away the golden strands of hair. He gazed softly at her face and felt tears threatening to come forth. His unoccupied fist clenched at the helplessness he felt at seeing her and not having the ability to aid her.

He was relieved to see her steady breathing and gave a sigh of relief when she let out a soft moan in protest as he brushed the bruise upon her temple.

“Oh, Rhea,” he whispered. He leaned down and kissed her lips gently.

What the hell happened to her?

“My lord?” Hadrian stiffened as he became aware of another being in the room. He turned and found a man garbed in a doctor’s attire.

“Yes?”

“Are you the missus husband?” he asked carefully.

“I am. Lord Hadrian Vale,” he greeted. The doctor nodded and put his bag on a nearby settee. He approached Rhea from the opposite side of the bed and began to do an examination.

“I am Doctor Humphrey, my lord,” Doctor Humphrey smiled lightly.

"Do you know what happened?” Hadrian demanded.

“I’m afraid your wife had taken a frightful fall in front of Lord Grisham’s carriage.” Doctor Humphrey explained.

Hadrian sucked in a breath, “Dear God,” he glanced at his sleeping wife and felt a sharp pain in his heart. He almost lost her; his wife almost died.

The doctor paused, gazing at Hadrian before continuing cautiously. “Fortunately, Lord Grisham’s driver managed to stop moments away from seriously injuring your wife. Lady Delmont and Lord Grisham assisted your wife in Lord Grisham’s carriage and brought her here, which happened to be close by, and summoned me.”

Hadrian took a while to comprehend what had happened. Incredulously, he felt his entire form shaking and was shocked to find that it was due to the terror of what his wife went through. Finally, getting his wits about he inquired about Rhea’s health.

“Thank the Lord, she was not injured significantly. A minor bruising along her temple and forehead and a few on her form but she shall be fine. My major concern, though, was the blow to her head. Although she was bleeding she seems to be well, no sign of a fever but I shall return in a few days to ensure that all is well.”

“Thank you, Doctor Humphrey,” Hadrian said softly, turning back to his wife.

The doctor nodded his thanks and then, wishing him well, left the room. Hadrian was alone in the room and the silence was welcomed. It assisted him in his need to overcome the emotions that were threatening to spill out. Hadrian leaned forward and captured his wife’s small, pale hand and held it, letting his thumb stroke the soft skin.

Nearly a few moments later a knock sounded on the door and Hadrian called out for the person to enter. Annabel and her husband, Devin, entered the room and approached him and Rhea.

Annabel gave a small cry at the sight of Rhea and wrapped her arms around Hadrian, pleading for him to forgive her for not taking better care of his wife. Hadrian was speechless, unable to utter a sound and Devin, seeing his complication, pulled his wife away and calmed her nerves.

He told her that Rhea would be perfectly fine and that it was not good to strain herself with the baby to take care of. After settling down from exhaustion, Annabel excused herself and left to lie down. Devin stayed behind, kissing his wife gently and sending her off with the assistance of her maid.

Hadrian sat back down from getting up earlier and sighed; a frustrated sound escaping him. He urged Rhea to awaken from her stupor, admitting to himself silently that he did not know what he would do if she did not.

"I am very sorry, my friend,” Devin whispered. Hadrian almost didn’t hear him as how it was so low.

Hadrian was quiet for a long time before he answered, “It was not your fault . . . neither was it Annabel’s.”

Devin nodded tersely and got up to go to the small setting where the brandy and bourbon lay. Devin poured two glasses filled with bourbon, he carried one to Hadrian who muttered his thanks and threw it back without flinching; numb from the events that had taken place.

“She will be alright, she just needs rest; as do you. I have opened up my home to your advantage, please, get some sleep. You cannot possibly be able to assist her if you are not in a good state yourself.”

“I am a man, not a babe. I shall take care of myself,” Hadrian muttered. Devin stood, finishing the last of his drink and strolled to Hadrian, laying a hand on his shoulder. “We are here for you; Rhea is like my sister, I shall ensure that her needs are fulfilled during her stay.”

Hadrian throat constricted with intense emotion. “Thank you,” he choked out. Devin nodded and departed silently.

Hadrian occupied the chair for another two hours before stripping himself of his clothing and entering the bed, holding his wife in his arms, praying that she’d look up at him with her beautiful eyes that he was already longing for.

He shifted closer to him and stared at the top of her head and closed his eyes.

*Rhea*

Everything in her form ached and throbbed, she winced slightly from the sting of pain upon her head. Rhea laid still for a moment more before braving the outside world; she cracked open an eye and scrutinized the area around her.

A soft moan escaped her and she studied the unfamiliar capacity around her. Unable to make further deductions from where she was, she looked around for a glass of water; her throat parched.

Not able to find any beside her, she lay back against the soft quilt and exhaled loudly. When she tried to turn her head she groaned and refrained from doing so again. She let her hands explore the bedstead she was on.

She started, in surprise, when she came into contact with a soft fur. She opened her eyes and looked slightly to her right and saw her husband; half of his form lying beside her while the other half occupied the chair next to the bed. His face was facing towards her and she let her hand skim down his head to his cheek.

She stroked his cheek and watched as he murmured something too soft for her to hear. She smiled faintly and let her thumb skip over his full lips, relishing how soft they were.

She stayed in that position for quite a while before she felt Hadrian stir under her fingers. She waited for him to open his warm, caring eyes and look into her own.

Hadrian moved and stretched languidly over Rhea, before he slowly; reluctantly, opened his eyes. Rhea observed as he froze, seemingly in shock, and stare boldly at her.

His mouth appeared to be forming words but nothing came out of them. She was alarmed at his reaction and began to panic. Had something serious happened? He looked like he saw a phantom.

“Rhea,” he whispered brokenly. “You are . . . are you . . . oh, god, Rhea!”

Rhea felt Hadrian scoop her up into her arms and hold her tightly against him. She felt a monumental amount of pain at the action and cried out. Hadrian immediately removed himself from her, pulling back to watch her carefully.

"I’m sorry, my love; I was distracted,” he apologized. He gazed at her for a few more moments before clasping his hand in hers. “Thank god, you are alright.”

“Hadrian, what is the matter?” Rhea asked, confused by his words.

Hadrian gave her an incredulous look. “Do you not remember?”

“Remember what?” She inquired. “Did something occur? Did someone break in? Oh, lord, where is all this pain coming from, and where am I, Hadrian?”

“Rhea, love, you were in an accident,” Hadrian said slowly. “You do not recall what happened?”

“I do not-” Rhea paused, suddenly remembering everything; the outing with Annabel to the time she was pushed out into the thoroughfare. Everything occurred so quickly that she did not have adequate time to react.

“Rhea? What is it?” Hadrian asked, tightening his hands on hers. Rhea winced slightly but did not let him take notice of it.

“I reminisce what befell,” Rhea whispered. She turned to her husband frantically. “What happened, Hadrian?”

“Lord Grisham’s carriage nearly killed you . . .” Hadrian paused, an unusual expression crossing his face. “The carriage managed to stop soon enough, before you were seriously injured. They succeeded in bringing you to the Delmont’s abode and bring in a doctor. Fortunately, you were not injured extremely, other than the fall on the road.”

Rhea reveled in the events that had befallen and fell silently; not able to comprehend everything that had been spoken. “How long have I been here, my lord?”

Hadrian hesitated, appearing uncertain, before he answered, “About six nights,”

Rhea gasped; six nights? Had Hadrian been with her the entire time? Rhea glanced at her husband and took in his appearance, noticing the rugged attire and weary expression. At that moment, her stomach let out a loud rumble and Rhea blushed.

Hadrian scowled, “Forgive me for my lapse, my lady, let me acquire something for you to eat and request for the doctor.”

“That would be wonderful, my-” Hadrian gave her a warning look, Rhea flushed and glanced down, “Hadrian.”

Hadrian stood up and strolled toward the bell pull and tugged on it. A few moments later, a servant entered the room and looked to Hadrian.

“You summoned, my lord?” the young girl asked, gazing bashfully at her husband. Rhea frowned and glanced at Hadrian who had come to stand by her.

“Yes, please fetch something to eat for my wife and send someone for the doctor,” Hadrian answered.

“Right away, my lord,” the girl curtsied and left. Rhea felt a slight tingle along her arm and watched as Hadrian stroked her arm gently. She looked up and caught his gaze; various expressions flitted across his face. His hand came into her sights and he leaned forward, brushing her hair away from her face.

“Rhea . . .” he said gently, a painful expression upon his features.

Suddenly, a loud knock jolted them and they rotated to the door, watching as Lady Delmont and Lord Delmont appeared before them.

“Rhea!” Annabel cried, rushing across the room to where Rhea lay and clutching her hand lightly. “Oh, Rhea, I’m so sorry,”

“Annabel, please, do not burden yourself with this; ‘Tis not your fault,” Rhea assured.

“Oh, if only it were true!” Annabel protested. “I should have agreed with you on the coach, but I did not and look what has befallen!”

“’Tis not true, dear, you had nothing to do with the accident. If you had been the one to cause my fall and not another, then you would have been at fault.”

Annabel sniffled and nodded. Hadrian glance at his wife sharply. “Still, I should’ve-”

“Enough, you could have not foreseen what had happened. Do not blame yourself so carelessly.”

Annabel sighed and finally nodded at her friend and regarded her. “How are you feeling?”

“Quite alright, considering, just a few bruises and aches, but nothing to be-”

“Rhea, what do you say; your fall caused by another?” Hadrian gawked at his wife.

Rhea paused, she stared at her husband peculiarly, “You mean you did not know?”

“You had never mentioned the cause; I believed you to have taken a fall.”

Rhea shook her head, “T’was not what happened, someone forced me into the street, causing me to fall.”

“Do you recall seeing a person, my lady?” Lord Delmont interrupted, seeing that Hadrian was recovering from his shock.

“I do not; I had not seen the man,” Rhea said, reluctantly.

“T’was a man, you saw?” Hadrian asked.

"Not for a certainty; I did not see anyone; he was behind me, though I know for a certain it was a man, he had the might of one.”

Hadrian spun around and paced furiously, he clenched and unclenched his fists. Another knock sounded upon the door and Hadrian barked for the person to enter. The servant girl entered with a tray of beef stew and a loaf of bread. Hadrian received it from her and made himself settle down, unwilling for his wife to witness him out of order.

He carried the tray the rest of the way and laid it beside his wife. She gave him a slight grin and began to consume the food. Rhea felt unusually ravenous, though, considering her long slumber it was natural.

“My lord, the doctor is here.”

“Send him in,” Hadrian requested, watching his wife. An instant later, the doctor entered and beamed at Rhea.

“Your Grace, how do you do?” he asked, looking toward Rhea.

“Honestly, doctor, I have been better,” Rhea admitted.

“Understood, child. You seem to be doing remarkably well, though. I shall do a swift examination and prescribe a few herbs, should there be any additional problems.

Not a second to late, the doctor ensured that Rhea would make a swift recovery and only ordered her to have a certain dose of a natural herb ointment to treat the bruises and head injury.

“Should you have any further problems, please have someone summon me.”

Hadrian nodded gratefully, “I appreciate your assistance in my wife’s recovery, Doctor Humphrey, and I shall pay you handsomely for your time and help.”

“My lord, I chose this position because I knew I would be able to help those in need,” Doctor Humphrey smiled, “I do not need additional payments, I live quite well, but I thank you for your graciousness.”

Soon after assuring Hadrian that Rhea was well enough to move back home, he took his leave and so did everyone else. Rhea finally felt exhaustion overcome her and fought the closing weariness, not prepared to sleep just yet.

Hadrian, seeing her struggle with exhaustion, moved forward to soothe her. “Sleep, my love, I shall be here when you wake up. Do not worry, I will always be here.”

With those comforting words, Rhea succumbed to the inevitable and slept blissfully.