Chapter 26: The End of Beginning
Previously-
Sophie stepped forward, placing a hand over the blood-stained edge of his bandage. "I don't care about your heroics, Alexander. I care that you come back. Whole. Alive. Not just for me, but for them too." Her eyes flicked toward where the children had gone.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. It was barely audible.
She leaned her head against his chest, careful not to press against the wound. "Don't do it again, if you do, I will skewer you with a thousand thorns"
His arms wrapped around her slowly, like he didn't feel he deserved to. "I won't," he promised, whether it was a vow or a hope, neither of them knew.
But in that quiet hallway, for a moment, they let the weight of fear and love settle between them, unspoken but understood.
******* ******
The doors to Alexander's chambers burst open with a loud slam.
"Alexander!" Edward's voice rang out as he stood in the doorway, panting and disheveled, his coat clinging to him due to sweat.
But the room was quiet—no Alexander in sight.
Instead, pairs of eyes turned to him from their places around the hearth, the warmth of the fire painting golden light on their faces. A beat passed... and then smirks bloomed like flowers after a storm.