Coreopsis 19 b

   Orion’s head was spinning. His stomach was on fire. Any minute now he was going to die. She wanted a divorce and she was having an affair. Though he wanted a divorce; his heart leaped for joy at the thought of it. She was the mother of his child. He drew a long slow breath before his world became dark.

   He heard voices in his head. He felt coldness in spots on his body.

   “Thank you David.” Was that voice James?

   “You are welcome.”

   He heard a female sigh, “From what I can tell, he has passed out. Nothing more.” That was Sarah. 

   “What a day this has been my old friend.”

   Sarah looked at the Count in amazement. There was that phase again, ‘Old friend’.

   Orion opened his eyes to see King James staring out the window, the Count standing at the foot of the bed, Dr. Carter was leaning up against the wall, and Sarah was sitting beside of him, right where he needed her to be. A bright green stethoscope hung off her neck. She was glaring at the Count. 

   She turned to look at him, “Welcome back sleeping beauty.”

     “Don’t be mean to me.” 

   James turned to look at him.

   Orion batted his eyes, trying to get them to stay focused. “I deserved that.” He moaned sitting up in the bed. He looked down at his naked chest. “Where is my shirt?”

   Now that he was awake, Dr. Carter excused himself and left the room.

   “We were examining that nice rash you have on your back?” Sarah’s voice was cold. “Well now that you are awake, I will be going.” She offered.

     “Rash?” Orion interjected.

     “Yes, the redness from the other day has developed into a rash. Does it bother you?”

     “No.”

   “Stay, he might need your services.” James walked over, sitting on the edge of the bed. I had a visit from Floria today.” He sighed.

   “I know.” Orion offered. 

   “She said she had your permission.”

   “Freely.”

   “You do know what this means?”

   Orion lowered his head. “I am aware of the repercussion.”  

   James jumped up off the bed. He looked at David, “he is aware of the repercussions.” He started pacing across the floor. “Repercussions indeed. “Monarchs have been having affairs for years.” James stormed.

   “Have you?” Orion asked.

   “No.”

   “Then why is everyone expecting me too.”

   “What?” James stopped pacing staring at his son.

   “Floria gave me permission today to have an affair.” 

   “With who? As if it is her permission to give.” James roared.

   He closed his eyes, pressing his lips together, “Sarah.”

   “As if,” she was already put out with him. 

   David wished under different circumstances the children would get together. He had great respect for King James. 

   “You have some questions to answer.” James went to the door, in a few moments Rao stepped into the room. She was visibly upset.

   Orion leaned against the headboard staring at the footboard.

   James offered his wife a seat, when she sat down he started the inquisition.

     “Could I get a shirt?” Orion asked. 

     Sarah wanted to take this opportunity to say mean things to him, but she didn’t. She simply handed him a shirt. 

     “Thank you.” Rao smiled. 

     “You’re welcome.” James kissed the top of her hand.