37 Rumors for More War (2/2)

'Lilly?' James asked touching her shoulder.

She didn't turn and her shaking increased.

He shifted beside her so he could see her face. Black stuff, almost the consistency of pitch, ran down the grooves on her face and splashed on the floor. Red streaks spread horizontally across her cheeks and made the skin look scarred.

'Lilly, will you look at me?'

She shook her head and the black stuff fell faster. He heard her whine in pain as the black stuff continued to come. It seemed to James that it would never end. Then a large blood droplet escaped and cleansed the last of the black filth from her face. Her shaking stopped and she was still.

'Lilly.'

'Thank you, James.'

He held her close for a long while then helped her to her feet so she could get cleaned up and dressed. James sat on the edge of the bed and stared away. It wasn't until Lilly touched his cheek, looking concerned, that he looked up. He pulled her close and rested his head against her stomach.

'James?'

'Yes, Lilly?'

'How did you know to bring up both Adremedian and Human desires?'

'Because you've told me more than once that you were both.' He smiled softly.

'You could have given in, for Gerrabellas and Humans make love the same way.'

'I fell in love with and married an Adremedian. I wouldn't change it for the world just because making love is different.'

'How did you know it was what I needed?'

'Your poisoned lips and the Gerrabella's reaction when I tried to kiss you. Also, after I kissed you and brought the Adremedian out it seemed like something was missing. I brought up the Human part and it became complete.'

Her hand moved over his bald head as she said quietly, 'I'm sorry you had to fight me.'

'Wrong, Lilly. I fought for you.' James stood and kissed her.

After he broke away, he lay down for a while. He slept for a few hours. When he woke, food was brought in and they ate.

Carthago came in a short while later requesting that James join him in the council room. He nodded solemnly and finished eating.

In the council room James met with Carthago and the other Generals. He looked a lot older than he was because of the scars and lack of hair, but they discussed what they had heard concerning the Gerrabellas. It sounded like they were gathering an even larger army, but they were confused as to how that was possible given that they had brought almost all of their forces this last time.

”How are they finding this manpower?” the Generals wondered.

”Reproduction,” James replied.

”That could take years.”

”By our standards. Gerrabellas are faster. The king can fill you in, assuming he kept the research.”

”I did, James.” Carthago sent a servant to grab those sheets for him.

They discussed the fighting style of the Gerrabellas and how to counteract their weapons—in one on one fighting and in fortress fighting—when James felt ill. He excused himself, but only got to the door before he collapsed. James sleep was not restful. Often he woke with his face scrunched in pain and he cried out. Lilly remained close, getting him to drink or eat something before he slept some more. More often than not, when he was awake, he just wanted to hold her and tell her how much he loved her.