Page 16 of His Fierce Fugitive

I blink back tears, my throat tight. "Don’t say that. You’re going to make it." I sniff. "I refuse to let fate dictate who I love. But…in our case, I think fate got it right. I love you, too, Tak."

His amazing green eyes widen, and he reaches up to stroke my cheek. "There’s no way I’m not going make it now. If I have you by my side, my world is complete."

8

TAK

Iwatch as Iris finishes patching me up, her hands gentle yet efficient. She's trying to hide her worry, but I can see it in the tightness of her jaw, the slight tremble of her fingers. It's a stark contrast to the fierce woman I've come to know, and it tugs at something deep within my soul.

Shelovesme.

She wants to see me alive and thriving.

And I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my days loving her in that same passionate way.

I want to pull her into my arms and reassure her that I'm alright, but we don’t have time. Soon, Lyrica will send more guards and word will spread about us to all those looking for riches, from pirates to bounty hunters.

We’re fugitives running from a twisted justice.

The bodies of the Warden and guards are still strewn about under the ship as Iris steps forward, her grip on my arm tightening as she helps me up the incline of the ramp.

"There's no need to board that ship." A booming voice echoes through the clearing, familiar and commanding.

I turn to see Ryz striding towards us with a smile. Beside him is Zadren, the Chief of Security, ever vigilant. Relief washes over me at the sight of them, and my knees buckle slightly.

But there’s a figure running past them that makes my heart swell.

Queen Gwen rushes to Iris, her face alight with joy. I nudge Iris to let her know I can stand on my own and the two women collide in a hug, their laughter and tears mingling. Iris pulls back, her eyes shining as she looks at Gwen.

"You're really here," Gwen whispers.

Iris nods, grinning. "Of course I am! I told you you’d always have me around."

Gwen’s gaze flicks over to me, and I can see the gratitude in her amber eyes.

Iris turns back to me, her hands on my arm. "Gwen, we need to get Tak to Ydris. He needs proper medical attention for his wounds."

Gwen nods with a concerned expression, then looks over at Ryz.

"Ready the ship,” he says to Zadren. “We leave immediately."

The journey back to Ydris is a blur. I drift in and out of consciousness, Iris's voice always there, always anchoring me. When I finally come to, I'm in my own bed, the familiar scent of home surrounding me. Iris is there, fussing over me, her brows knitted in concentration.

"Iris," I murmur, reaching out to take her hand. "Just sit with me for a moment."

She looks at me, her eyes soft and nods. Her hand is warm in mine, her presence comforting. I close my eyes, letting the peace of the moment wash over me. But my mind is restless…

“I know I’ll heal in time,” I start.

“Stop that,” she interrupts. “Chom and Ferg said you’ll be fine in a couple of day-cycles, you big baby.”

I chuckle and it hurts. “Don’t make me laugh.”

She puts a hand on my cheek and grins. “Sorry, my mate.”

My entire body goes hot. I love when she calls me that.

“As I was saying…” I begin again. “I want to marry you.”

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