Page 96 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"Only in the early days of my employment, but I grew weary of it," Levon replied, his tone somber. I nudged his shoulder playfully, taking in the crisp night air as his expression turned serious. "You had me really worried earlier. I didn't realize the depth of it all. I…I don't know how to break you out of this—"

"I don't expect you to break me out of anything," I interrupted, halting abruptly. Clinging to hope, I refused to let despair about the future take hold—a future without him.

He turned me to face him and gently lifted my chin with his fingers. "My Regina," he whispered into the warm night air. "You are still worth every agonizing year of waiting, and I can wait a little longer." Cupping my face in his hands, his eyes filled with concern for what tomorrow might bring, for the inevitability of Jesri's tight grasp. "I will not fail you, Eliah. I made that vow long, long ago, and I will uphold itforever."

My heart raced at his proximity, longing for his lips to draw nearer, wishing to escape into a dream world where we were just ordinary people again, untouched by the complexities of our current existence, where we could defy the odds and live a simple life together.

With a heavy heart, I closed my eyes, feeling a wave of despair wash over me, and gently pushed away from his embrace.

"No matter what path I choose, you're not a part of it," I said bitterly. The pain in my words cut deep. It surged through me, coursing through my veins and settling in my heart. "We were never meant to be. This," I gestured between us, "was never supposed to happen."

I took a deep breath, my voice trembling. "Jesri will find out. And I can't allow myself to letyouthrow your life away forme.Save your money, your estate, your people—" Faces flashed through my mind: Saasha, Elise, Aveal, Edmon. "They need you."

"I need you," he retorted, his eyes darkening with an irritation I hadn't seen before. He stepped back, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I need you," he repeated, his voice strained.

His face contorted with the growing despair of a life neither of us wanted. A life thrust upon me, filled with dark Magics and relentless pursuers of the Onyx Market.

It was unfair, all of it.

My frustration grew, with tears threatening to spill. How utterly exhausted I was of this life.

"I need you, Eliah. We all do," he said, his voice barely audible over the clamor of the crowd behind us chanting a song. "You—" he paused, reconsidering his words. "I…I know your—"

I waited, staring into his eyes, full of confusion and remorse. His mouth opened and closed as he struggled to find the right words. My thoughts were a tangled mess, my heart raging in all directions, torn between hope and despair.

"Your life isn't ideal," he began, his voice trembling with emotion as if he was withholding something from me. "It keeps dealing you a bad hand, over and over again. But you keep going. You still believe in a better world, a better life." He steppedcloser, taking my hands in his, his grip warm and reassuring. "Youwillachieve that life, Eliah. I know it. With all my heart, I do."

The tears flowed freely, my raw pain mingling with hope, reopening that crater within me that still longed for that world, whether in this life or the next.

He took my face in his hands and gently kissed away my tears. "Don't lose sight of that dream," he said softly. "One day, you'll understand everything—the pain, the anger, the training, all the depressing days, and the long hours. It will all make sense. Keep fighting, keep going, and remember who you are: my Regina."

"I'm falling for you because of your light, Eliah. Be the source of light in this darkening world, and know that you are abeaconfor goodness. Don't succumb to the darkness. You fight—let your anger guide you rather than try to suppress it. Embrace this unrelenting side to you and let it ignite your spirit. When you do, itwillfree you."

He pressed his forehead against mine, and his own tears began to fall. "I promise you," he whispered, his lips brushing mine in the faintest touch. We shared a breath before he pulled away, wiping his tears.

We lingered in that shared moment, drawing strength from each other, ready to face whatever came next.

"We should head back. Casmir needs to talk with us, and Admearin demands to see you before…tomorrow."

I nodded, letting his words sink into my racing heart as he led me back into the crowd of sweaty bodies.

We found them by the long table of sweets amidst the chatter of other guests who were at Levon's party. As they spotted us, their faces lit up.

"Eliah!" Admearin exclaimed, hurrying over to pull me into an embrace. Her short hair was elegantly pinned up with goldbeads, complementing her flowing purple gown that hugged her figure.

"You looked like a true queen up there," she remarked, admiring my stunning dress and the king's black gem necklace that still felt like hands around my throat. "It's not fair for someone to look that beautiful."

"I'll say," I replied, gesturing to her equally stunning gown. She blushed but said nothing as she led me over to Casmir and Levon, who were already engaged in deep conversation.

Admearin cleared her throat, catching Casmir's attention. He looked up and took me in with a warm smile.

"You were spectacular up there. A true star," he said, kissing my hand gently.

I blushed, feeling a wave of warmth at his compliment. Glancing at the massive but fading crowd, I took a deep breath. Admearin looped her arm through mine, leading me away from Levon's worried gaze. I could sense his silent message:Later,his eyes seemed to say as he returned to his conversation with Casmir. My stomach coiled.

"Please tell me you've tried the confections? The flavor is exquisite," Admearin exclaimed with a grin.

I shook my head, mustering a smile. "I can't imagine stomaching anything right now, if I'm honest."

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