Page 57 of Dark Princess: Shadows

At least, she hoped not.

Her mind drifted to Annani and the stories her newfound sister had shared about their father's arrival on Earth, and his mission of a new start for his people and for the humans who had looked up to the gods for leadership. When Morelle asked what had happened to him, Annani was saddened and said that this part of the tale could wait for another time.

Ell-rom seemed to know the rest of the story, but he'd left with Annani, claiming that Morelle needed rest. He hadn't been wrong, and she'd felt the effect of her prolonged wakefulness and how it drained the small reservoir of energy she had, but she'd had enough rest for several lifetimes, and she needed to push through the lethargy that was dragging her down.

Her mother's words echoed in her mind; it was time to wake up.

"I'm trying, Mother," she said to the empty room. "Although I don't know what you expect me to do in this world. It would be nice if you visited me again during sleep and gave me some concrete advice. I'm lost here."

The door opened, and Bridget walked in. "Were you talking to someone?"

"Myself." Morelle shifted her gaze toward the medic. "I want out of this bed. What do I need to do?"

Bridget chuckled. "You are truly a princess, not a spoiled one, but you expect your commands to be followed."

Had she stepped out of line? Perhaps the medic was someone important in Annani's community, and she needed to be addressed with more deference.

For all Morelle knew, medics were regarded like priestesses in her world and were to be addressed with utmost respect.

"Forgive me. I did not wish to be rude. If I spoke too forcefully, I apologize."

"It's okay," Bridget said. "I like assertive people who know what they want. Since you are taking liquids well and holding them down, we can take you off the intravenous line. We can also remove the other line that disposes of the fluids, and if you have trouble getting to the bathroom, we can provide a basin, or Gertrude can carry you."

"I want to walk." Morelle glanced at the machine, still gently bending and straightening her legs. "This is supposed to strengthen my leg muscles, which means that my legs should be able to hold my weight."

Bridget regarded her for a long moment, and Morelle held her breath, hoping she hadn't pushed too far.

Finally, the medic nodded. "We can try. If what you want doesn't work, we can always do it my way."

Relief flooded through Morelle. Bridget was a reasonable person, willing to let her try rather than forcing compliance. "Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to accommodate my wishes."

The medic nodded. "After the device is done, Gertrude will disconnect you from all the tubes and wires, take you to the bathroom, and after you complete your business in the toilet, she will give you a proper washing. How does that sound?"

Morelle couldn't wait.

"Wonderful. Thank you."

38

BRANDON

As a flurry of activity swirled around Morelle's door, Brandon paced the waiting room, trying to stay out of the way of the medical staff and not worry too much.

Every time Bridget or Gertrude emerged, they offered brief updates about what was going on that only increased his anxiety.

Morelle wanted the tubes removed.

Morelle insisted on getting up.

Morelle was demanding independence mere hours after opening her eyes.

He ran his hands through his hair for what felt like the hundredth time. If the medical staff hadn't been wearing filtering earpieces, he would have suspected compulsion at work. But no, this had to be just Morelle's force of personality bending the formidable Bridget to her will. Somehow, she'd convinced the physician to disconnect her from everything.

It made no sense.

Bridget was not the type to cave to capricious demands. She was notorious for being unmoved by anyone's demands unless she saw merit in them. So why was she yielding to Morelle's wishes?

She couldn't possibly think that this was a good idea.