“I always figured…I’d d..die somewhere warm. Some beautiful paradise.”

Hot blood was trickling from his mouth. He couldn’t move without wincing. She held his hand in her’s, stroking his short, messy, white hair. She used to tease him for it, saying he looked like a grandpa.

“You shall not consume the fruit of death, no matter how sweet it may seem. I won’t let you.”

He raised his scarred hand to her face. Tightening his jaw with pain. “I’m so glad you came back.”

His words caught her off guard. She was surprised at his affection. She tried desperately to wipe away her tears. She couldn’t bear to watch him die again. She wanted to be back home, walking beside him through the rose gardens.

Elsewhere the soldiers charged through tunnels. She could hear the metal footsteps echoing.

“We’re in here! Please! He’s hurt!!” She screamed as loud her lungs could bare, squeezing his hand tighter.

The soldiers found them and helped her to carry him to safety. Her leg was broken and her head was still bleeding.

She slept for days. She only knew cause she startled the maid changing the pillow case. The maid told her what day it was. She put on a simple dress and limped through the intricately decorated halls. She checked his room, but he wasn’t there. He wasn’t in the garden or the throne room either. Finally checking his study, she found him. He was half asleep. Resting his chin on his hand, paperwork scattered on the desk. He didn’t wake up when she walked in.

“Greetings, your majesty.” She bowed and waited for his response. He blinked awake.

She could hear the sound of footsteps as he walked closer. She felt a hand on her shoulder and rose her head. She couldn’t read the expression on his face. Concern? Regret? He hugged her gently. As always, he smelled of sweet roses and honey tea. She smiled and squeezed him tightly. He winced slightly and she began to let go. He wouldn’t let her. As if she would leave again. She slowly bent down so they were both sitting on the floor, glad to get off her leg. They sat there for several minutes.

Neither of them let go. She leaned her back against the comfy armchair. It wasn’t till she stroked the hair out of his face that she noticed he had fallen asleep. Her leg fell asleep after ten minutes. One of the maids came in and she signaled for her to be silent and for her to come closer. The maid came closer and upon seeing the sleeping king, snickered. The maid had never seen him so peaceful or trusting of anyone. She quietly asked for a blanket. The maid helped her put the blanket on him. She rested her head on his and fell fast asleep.