Spartan Heart, Part Two

by Kristine Cheney

  Eliza and Taryn sobbed in misery. A stifling, maleficent air cloaked them all. Dorien looked to his brothers, especially Philip. “Watch over my girls for me.”

  “Yes, Dorien. With my very life!” Philip choked. Philip pounded his fist against his chest in oath. His head dipped low in allegiance.

  “We will always watch over them.” Paraebates promised. He did the same as Philip, his solid fist thudded over his still, immortal heart. His black eyes captured the light of the room. They were soulful and full of pain.

  It was Celeas and Thessalus’ turn. They both pounded their pale fists over the hollow of their hearts. All of them nodded in submission to their King.

  Dorien trusted them. Knowledge showered over him like a bountiful waterfall. They would take care of his wife and daughter as if they were their own.

  Demona’s eyes shone with victory. She circled Dorien like a predator about to strike. Dorien glared at her. His hatred fueled his hardened stare. The oracle dared to cup his chin. But he jerked his face away from the coldness of her hand. Demona purred in sweet seduction. “You’ve made my eternity, Dorieus. Since we’re all getting good at confessions, I have one more secret to confess about your future.”

  “What could you possibly have to say that I want to hear?”

  “Oh my pet, you’ll want to hear this one.” Demona snickered.

  His head snapped at attention. Dorien violated her mind.

  “Keep looking, Dorieus, you almost have it!” Demona’s wicked eyes widened. It was as if she relished his invasion of her thoughts like a masochist.

  Understanding jolted him. “Nay! I will never be your king! You might have the power to make me do anything, Demona, but you can never make me love you.”

  “Don’t mourn the loss of one daughter, Dorieus. I promise you we will have many children.”

  Dorien swallowed hard. The thought of planting his seed inside Demona’s body made his belly roil in revolt. He wanted to vomit.

  “D-dorien?” Eliza stammered. “What is Demona talking about…battles and statues?”

  “My men fought with me for the territory of Heraclea Minoa in the year 510. Thanks to Demona’s betrayal, she sent her minions to pre-warn our enemies of our attack. We were defeated. Demona foresaw our loss. Her minions lied in wait for each one of us all to fall. As we lay dying on the battlefield, we were all given the nectar of Ambrosia. The location of the spring is a mystical place that only the Oracles know. It is said the spring is located near the mouth of the river Styx.

  Any who drinks of the cursed Ambrosia becomes immortal. You get strength, power, and abilities you never imagined. Every immortal, other than minions, can read the minds of others. These changes are considered permanent. The only way to regain mortality is to drink of the nectar a second time. Another way is to wager it.

  You can wager immortality fully, or instead, alter it by subjecting your power and will to the one who won the wager. Any who wager their immortality is bound by the magic to honor it. When Demona gave us the nectar, immortality healed us of our wounds. The curse she placed on it trapped us in the form of statues.

  Eliza nodded. “So that is why we went to Sicily to find the statues! They were really your men!”

  Dorien nodded. “Aye, Eliza. I promised you an explanation. Because I am immortal, the babes Evan carries are half-breeds. A cut umbilical cord will cause both mother and child to hemorrhage to death. A cesarean will fatally poison them. Half-breeds are quite protective over their mothers. With all you have heard, you are now quite aware why I always know what you are thinking.”

  Demona clapped. “Bravo, Darling! I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  Tears streamed down Evangeline’s face. Dorien felt the pain that ravished her heart. Because of him, she would lose a husband and a son on the same day. She was fighting to memorize the sound of his voice. Would she ever get over the pain of her loss? Could she endure burying their son and raising their little girl alone? He searched her feelings. But the impact of her annihilation killed him.

  Evangeline wanted to die.

  Eliza placed Helena back in the warm incubator. She took Lukas from Evangeline’s arms and placed him in the spare, cold incubator next to the bed. Evangeline still had yet to deliver his placenta.

  Dorien read Eliza’s worried thoughts. “Eliza, please. Allow the placenta to expel itself.”

  Eliza nodded. “I’ll remember.” Tears flooded her pretty, glowing face.

  Demona smiled with glee. “Say goodbye, Dorieus.”

  Dorien kissed Evangeline for the last time. It was too painful to say any words. Evangeline turned her head towards the wall. She wept as he left her.

  His brothers sought to comfort their Queen. Dorien picked up his beloved Helena. He sobbed as he held her tiny body close to his face. Flooding into his daughter’s mind, he filled her thoughts with the promises of his love. He knew she understood him. Helena stared up at her father. Her little copper eyes were glistening with tears. She cried in her misery. Dorien kissed his baby girl and laid her back into the warmth of the incubator.

  Dorien went to the swaddled blanket that held Lukas’ lifeless body. Cradling his dead son in his arms, he kissed the infant’s still, angelic face. His fingers touched the softest ebony curls. He cried his goodbyes to the beloved son he would never have a chance to meet. Pressure in his chest threatened to burst his body apart in pain. Dorien adjusted the baby’s blanket and placed his newborn back into the cold incubator.

  Demona’s laugh was hysterical. The door slammed against the wall as they left the bedroom. Dorien turned and stole one last agonizing look at his family. The moment the door closed behind him, he heard Evangeline scream in desperate agony.

  He had broken her heart. His decisions had left her with emotional scars that would never heal. For this, he would never forgive himself. Forevermore, his soul would belong to Evangeline. Her torturous wails were more than he could bear.

  Dorien and Demona reached the bottom of the stairs and stepped into the foyer. Dorien jerked his head. Eliza footsteps came thumping right behind them. The woman whooshed halfway down the stairs. She screamed after them from the top of her voice.

  Had the brilliant woman lost her mind?

  Demona hissed. He knew she was tired of this game. “What is it, mortal?” Her gown glided in turn towards the stairs.

  Eliza glared at Demona. “You aren’t going anywhere! Get your rumps upstairs NOW! This wager isn’t over! Dorien come quick, Evangeline needs your help!”

  “This is already over! We’re leaving now, Dorieus!” Demona screamed. Her pale hand restrained him.

  Eliza winked at Dorien. “Does two inches of a baby’s crowned head mean anything to you two? Dorien, I think we found our shadow!” Eliza turned in an instant and bolted up the stairs. Another wail of pain echoed throughout the house. It was coming from Evangeline.

  In a flash, he and Demona rushed into the bedroom. Evangeline writhed and thrashed in pain. Her beautiful face was distorted. She was straining to push out the baby that was stuck inside of her pelvis. Her affliction blinded her to his presence.

  “Dorien look!” Eliza exclaimed in excitement. She pointed at the black-curls that adorned the head that was crowning between Evangeline’s legs. This is why Lukas’ placenta never delivered. His twin wasn’t ready to be born. This looks good, Dorien, I believe this baby is identical to Lukas!”

  Demona screamed. “No! This can’t be! I saw the vision!”

  Eliza’s voice radiated with confidence. “It’s happening all right! Dorien, the baby’s having a hard time in the birth canal. As you know, he or she can’t be delivered on its own. Please help Evan get this baby out!”

  Dorien ran to Evangeline’s side. “Love, can you hear me? I’m here Evan, I’m here!” He searched her mind. She had heard him! Her psyche was pushing through the darkness that enveloped her. She was heading towards the sound of his voice. He knew what she was thinking. She feared to be hallucinating i
n her Hellish circle of pain. She was struggling for consciousness.

  “Dorien? Is it you? What’s happening?”

  “I am here, angel. Evan, you’re about to deliver another baby. I’m not leaving you until this is over!”

  “If we have a son, do we win the wager?”

  Dorien smiled with hope. “Yes, Evangeline. If we have a live son, we will win the wager. I promise to never leave your side again.”

  “Oh, no! I need to push!” Evangeline cried. She panted and pulled her legs towards her chest. She screamed as she pushed. “It burns like fire!”

  Dorien stepped past Demona. The Oracle looked as if she was going to be sick. He couldn’t help his sarcasm. “Do you mind stepping back, Demona?”

  Demona’s eyes narrowed in retaliation. “You will pay for that comment later, Spartan!”

  He no longer cared.

  There was nothing left to lose.

  Dorien snapped on a fresh pair of latex gloves. Celeas filled his hands with lubricant. He nodded to everyone that he was ready. His hand cupped the bottom of the baby’s head and slid deep inside Evangeline’s body. His wife belted out a blood-curdling scream and fought against him. But Celeas and Paraebates held her still. Thessalus spoke to Evangeline gently. He strove to talk her through it. Like a brother he was holding her hand so tender. Philip stood next to Taryn.

  Taryn held Evangeline’s other hand. She wiped her best friend’s brow with a cool washcloth. Evangeline’s head thrashed from side to side. Taryn dropped her washcloth. Her hand flew instinctively to her belly. The simple act didn’t escape Dorien and Philip’s attention. Reading her thoughts, Dorien’s head jerked towards Philip. They both knew in unison.

  She feared surviving her own immortal birth.

  Taryn closed her eyes in agony. She prayed in desperation that she carried only one baby. The thought of being held down in childbirth made her blood run cold. Thessalus would become a father in August. Tears of misery fell down her beautiful face. Dorien and Philip acknowledged Taryn’s delicate predicament. Dorien studied Thessalus; he knew nothing of his impending fatherhood. He was completely absorbed with helping Evangeline.

  Another scream from Evangeline brought Dorien’s attention back to his wife. Feeling for a place to grab onto the baby, he looped his finger under the baby’s armpit.

  He found what he was looking for.

  “Push now, Evan!”

  Evangeline tried to push out the baby who didn’t want to budge. Dorien felt the muscles of her womb contract. He gently pulled the infant while listening for the give of her body.

  “Another push, love, you can do it!”

  “I can’t! I’m so tired, Dorien. I can’t do this anymore.”

  “Do this, Evan, or Demona will win!”

  Evangeline flashed a venomous glare at Demona. The fire in her eyes was back! Dorien swore they blazed hotter than the furnace of Hades. “You can’t have my husband, witch!” Evangeline propped up on her elbows. She pushed with every fiber of her being.

  “The baby’s almost here!” Dorien promised.

  Evangeline screamed as her body released the baby’s head. Dorien pulled harder and delivering a shoulder for his efforts. Evangeline panted as she tried to catch her breath.

  “One more push and it’s over, wife! Give me this baby!”

  Evangeline grit of her teeth and threw her head back. She yelled from the bottom of her soul. Infant and amniotic fluid gushed out in a liquid rush. The baby delivered into Dorien’s arms.

  Eliza threw a blanket over the infant and rubbed the baby clean. The newborn was stimulated and opened its mouth. Their babe sucked in its first breath. The room filled with the joyous sounds of a precious newborn’s cries. Everyone choked in relief and elation, except for the one who scowled misery. They had done it! It was over! Evangeline survived the birthing of the babies.

  Dorien shouted out loud. He was the father of another healthy immortal baby. But he and Eliza stared at each other. They were breathless with anxiety. The baby had delivered so fast that neither of them had a chance to see the sex of the baby.

  Demona pushed her way between them. Desperation and fear filled her face. She grabbed at the swaddled baby. Dorien blocked her attempt to assault the crying infant. With a strong shove, he pushed the oracle back. His brothers assumed a protective stance in front of Evangeline and the child.

  “What are you hiding, Dorien?” Demona accused between their muscled shoulders. “Are you afraid to show me your new daughter?”

  “Dorien, is the baby alright?” Evangeline moaned. Her voice sounded so weak.

  He knew what she was really asking. If only he could soothe her fears. The truth was that he couldn’t answer her question. He didn’t know the sex of the child…yet. “Don’t you hear those lungs?” he encouraged.

  Demona hissed. “Remove that blanket at once, Dorieus!” Her confidence was a blow to his resolve. Dorien laid the baby on Evangeline’s chest. Her protective arms wrapped around their squirming baby.

  Dorien closed his eyes in tension. “Are you ready to look, Evangeline?”

  Evangeline bit her bottom lip and nodded. Liquid misery filled the loveliest eyes he had ever seen. He could feel it, the devastation of her overwhelming fear. Dorien’s hands shook as he reached towards the infant.

  Eliza continued to work on Evangeline. The baby’s placenta throbbed. Within seconds her body expelled it. Anxiety grated Dorien; now his whole body was shaking. He slowly unwrapped the crying baby from its protective blanket. Glancing at his wife, tears glistened down her face as she nodded. Their whole lives hung in the balance. Everything depended on the gender of this newborn babe. The last fold of blanket fell away. Everyone held a frozen breath. Evangeline and Dorien cried out in revelation.

  Dorien sobbed aloud. “It’s a boy!”

  The room filled with yells and cheers. Dorien claimed Evangeline’s lips and kissed her hard. Evangeline purred to mimic Demona. “Hey, Demona! I would like to introduce you to our son, Elias Orion Agiad.”

  Demona screeched. She clawed her way towards the baby. “This can’t be! I saw the vision! There must be some mistake!” The Oracle tried to snatch Elias from Evangeline’s arms.

  Dorien charged Demona with the strength of his body. He slammed her against the wall with a loud, solid thud. “The wager is over, Demona! I demand you to honor the agreement! Pay up now!”

  Demona stammered. Dorien felt the seeping of her courage and the toll of her emotional loss. She was used to winning. In an instant, her immortal strength weakened. The magic would hold her accountable for her end of the bargain.

  Demona gritted her teeth and shivered. “A-all right, Dorieus. I-I have no choice but to comply with our wager.” She reached into her pocket and withdrew two vials of Ambrosia.

  Dorien snatched the vials from her hand. The plastic of their tubes clinked together. He slid one on the vials into the safety of his back pocket. Celeas and Philip held Demona against the wall. Dorien held his forearm on her throat. The cork popped off the vial with a sucking gasp. He pressed it hard into her mouth.

  Demona winced and choked. She was fighting the rush of liquid flowing down her wretched throat. Dorien held her chin to prevent her from spitting it out. The nectar gurgled its way into her belly. It only took seconds for her body to start to shake. Her teeth gritted hard enough to break. She collapsed into Celeas and Philip’s muscled arms. But they stepped back and allowed her to crumple in a heap on the floor.

  The Oracle’s body shook with violent convulsions. Gorgeous peacock blue eyes rolled back into her eyelids. Dorien touched her arm. The temperature of her skin was growing warm. Her coloring darkened to a soft rosy blush. Demona’s face filled with a healthy flush. Tears rolled from her eyes. Crimson red blood flowed from her nose. Sweat beaded her whole body. Every cell was coming back to life. Evangeline, Taryn, and Eliza watched in disbelief and horror. Demona’s body fell still before suddenly bolting upright.

  Demona sucked in a deep
breath of air. She choked and sputtered. Her eyelashes fluttered fast as she gazed around the room with dark blue mortal eyes. Dorien gazed into the cast of a stranger. He marveled at the difference of her softer features. The beauty of her face was free of anger and hatred. This new state left her weak and disoriented. Dorien denied the urge to feel sorry for her.

  She deserved every consequence for her actions.

  Dorien searched Demona’s mind. She stared at her shaking hands and new mortal body. Completely beside herself, she was mortified. Dorien felt her fear. Her nervous intakes of ragged breaths echoed in his ears. The muscles of her body looked stiff. She was trying not to cry in front of them.

  It was hard for her to collect her bearings. Her chest heaved in unfamiliar exertion. She struggled to get up off the floor. With the loss of immortal strength, she would now have to rely on mortal muscles to move. Demona finally made it to her feet and leaned against the wall for support. Dorien felt her embarrassment. The Oracle stepped back from her stunned audience and bolted out the door.

  Dorien and Philip gave chase and ran down the stairs. Demona stumbled when Philip tripped her with his foot. A cry of fear escaped her lips. Her body tumbled down the stairs. She slammed face down onto the tile at the foot of the stairs.

  It was a struggle to get up off her knees. She dared to glance back at them. They smelled the copper stench of blood as it trickled down her chin. Demona ran from the house. Philip turned to follow after her. But Dorien placed a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “She is mortal, Philip! We have won. Let her go!”

  Chapter Seventeen

  The cries of hungry infants woke Evangeline from her slumber. The sting of burning pain throbbed in her swollen, engorged breasts. She slipped out of bed and gave up on fastening the top of her robe. The shuffle of her lamb slippers followed her into the adjoining nursery.