Page 104 of Spirit Trials
“But all those people that died—” I can’t say anything else; the words get stuck.
“Exactly.” His words are stern. “We didn’t, and we’re going to celebrate their memories by living our lives to the fullest. We will celebrate every moment we have together, because we’re not guaranteed tomorrow.”
“But Lox—” I grit my teeth and blink against the tears threatening.
His hands come up to cradle my face. “Was my very best friend until you came along, and he was happy to take second place. He gave me the greatest gift...you. He saved your life for me, and I am going to honor that sacrifice by never taking you for granted.” I’m shocked to see that his eyes appear moist. Suddenly, the wall of emotion I’ve been holding back releases. The tears start, and they just won’t stop. He wipes at the first few, but then they come faster and faster until a sob rips through my chest. He pulls me tightly against his chest, wrapping a large hand against the back of my head. “I know, Sweetheart. I know.” I know that the guards from the castle are waiting, but I just can’t seem to stop.
I don’t know how long I cry against Rysden’s chest, but finally, my tears slow to a stop. Rysden continues to hold me long after I stop. I pull back slightly, and he drops his hand from the back of my head. I look up into his eyes and see the concern there. Something unlocks inside of me and wraps itself around me, and I realize I would kill for this man right here. I would do anything to keep him alive and at my side. A fierceness rises up in me at the same time shock does. My eyes widen, and his eyes narrow. “What’s wrong?”
I swallow.Hard.I recognize this fierceness; it’s the same fierce loyalty I have for my mom, my brother, Harper and Kinsley. It's...love.The ground seems to rock under my feet.
“Farrah, what is it?” There’s concern in his gaze but also danger, like he’s looking for the threat and is ready to eliminate it.
I stare up at him as a slow smile spreads across my face. I reach up and put my hand along his strong jaw. “I just realized something, Rysden.” He goes still beneath my fingers, and his eyes search mine.
“What?” It’s barely a whisper.
I don’t look away from that intense gaze as I say three simple words that will change everything between us. “I love you.”
Chapter 53
He stares at me, like he doesn’t believe me. So, I say it again. “I love you, Rysden.”
“But I kidnapped you.”
I laugh, my heart lighter than it’s been in a long time. “You did. Probably not one of your best moves, but I can’t be too mad because it brought us together.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t ever do something like that again,andwe’re going to have to figure out a way to get my brother and mother here. That’s a non-negotiable.”
“Done, but Farrah, I’m not a good person.”
I shake my head. “Rysden, you’ve believed that lie for far too long.” I reach up and put my hands on his strong shoulders. “I’m going to spend my days proving to you that you are.”
“I’m really not.”
I stare up at him and recognize that it’s going to take him a while to really believe that I actually love him. His father has done a number on him. I cock my head to the side. “So, are you going to let me go then? Since you're not a good person?”
He tugs me forward. “Absolutely not. Anybody that tries to take you from me is dead.” I smile.
“There we go; that’s the Rysden I know and love.”
A knock sounds at the door. “Um, hey guys, it’s Kinsley. Again. The guards are waiting for you, so you know, if you could just...you know finish whatever it is you’re doing and come down, that would be great.” There’s a pause. “Okay, that’s all.”
I laugh into Rysden’s chest; I can’t help it. He runs his hand up and down my back. I push on his chest. “Come on, Prince. You’re needed.” He lets me go, and I walk around him to hiswardrobe and pull out clothes to wear. “Thanks for putting clothes in here for me.” I grab what I need and head towards the bathing room.
“Farrah, wait.” I turn back to him. He covers the distance between us in two strides. He frames my face with both of his large hands. “I don’t deserve you. You are far too good for me, but I won’t ever let you go. I will protect you until my dying breath. You are everything that is good and right in my world, and I know I’ll mess it up. But I'll keep trying. Just don’t give up on me.”
“Never,” I whisper.
Then he says the words my heart’s been waiting to hear. “I love you, Wildheart. I have since the moment you shot my father’s cup out of his hand.” He kisses me again, and I lose myself and all reality of time. Finally, I push him back.
“They are going to kill us. Go!”
He smiles at me, and my heart threatens to burst because I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him fully smile. “Let them wait.” He kisses me again. “Go get changed; I’ll head down and see what they need.” I grin up at him and walk over to the bathroom because if I don’t, I’m going to jump him; and then we’re never going to get downstairs. “And Farrah...” I turn back. “You’re wearing my shirts to bed every night.” His words are low, and the look he gives me? I shiver and head into the bathing room. After I hear the door close and know he left, I take a few minutes to put myself together.
A little later, I head downstairs and outside when I see the front door open. The smile drops from my face when I take in the guards in crimson talking to Rysden. Rysden’s arms are across his chest, and he does not look happy. I walk over to stand next to him. At first, I think he’s unaware that I’m here, but then he shocks me reaching out and taking my hand in his. Something settles deep inside of me, realizing I’m no longer alone. I glanceup at the gorgeous man beside me. He’s not alone either. Not anymore. It takes me a moment longer than it should to realize he’s not holding my hand out of love. I take in the guards’ expressions.
“What’s going on?” I ask, keeping my voice low and calm.
One of the guards steps towards me. “Lady Mercy, you’re to come with us.”
