Page 52 of Labyrinth of Broken Vows
Her body yields to my touch, her hips lifting slightly as I finish, allowing me to pull the wrinkled blanket from beneath her and toss it to the floor. I take my time, savoring the quiet between us as I climb back into bed.
As I settle beside her, I press my lips to her forehead, then her nose, before finally finding her mouth in a kiss that lingers.
She smiles, her gaze softening, and I feel her melt into me, her fingertips trailing over my chest like she’s trying to memorize every line, every heartbeat. “No one’s ever treated me like this,” she whispers, her voice raw with wonder, as if she can hardly believe it.
I brush my thumb across her cheek, “I’ll make sure you never go without this feeling,” I promise, knowing it’s a vow I’ll spend my life keeping. She deserves to feel wanted, to feel loved. How anyone could not see that is beyond my comprehension. How can someone see a beautiful soft flower and instead of taking in its beauty, they stomp on it? I will never understand that andI will spend the rest of my life erasing the memory of him, the damage he has done. Staring into those eyes, I know he did damage but one thing is for certain is she is not damaged, she has grown so fiercely and pride swells my chest.
I pull her close, my arms circling her, and without thinking, I begin to hum. The melody slips out, a lullaby I sang to her so many nights, quietly, in the shadows, wishing for the day I could do this in person.. My voice is low and soft as the words flow from me:
“I saved you, my sweet, you won’t cry anymore, I came for you, through darkness and war.Rest now, my darling, the night is our friend,I’ve taken you away, the pain has come to an end.”
She shifts in my arms, her face lifting, eyes wide and glistening as they meet mine. “It was you?” Her voice trembles, thick with emotion. “You were the one… I never thought; never knew.”
“I’m sorry it took so long, my queen.” I kiss her deeply, pouring every promise, every ounce of devotion into it. “I’ll make it up to you everyday, for the rest of our lives.”
She nestles against me, fitting perfectly as though she belongs here, her breaths soft and steady. I hold her close, feeling a peace I’ve never known as we drift together into the kind of quiet only she could ever bring me.
This kingdom is ours now; a kingdom forged in shadows, bound in blood, wrapped in a love that defies every cruelty we’ve survived. Lying beside her in the quiet hours before dawn, I feel the weight of our journey settle between us, fierce and unbreakable. I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss that carries every silent vow, every promise of devotion and surrender I never thought I’d give.
The future stretches before us, rich and endless, waiting to be written in moments like these. The reign we will share is one of unspoken power, endless passion, and a love that will carryus through whatever darkness lies ahead. Until the very end, we are bound together. She is the light to my dark, the warmth that expels the cold that lingered in me for so long. Finally, she is mine and I am so hopelessly..hers.
Epilogue
Brielle
The garden flourishes around me, a gentle, vibrant rebellion against the years it once spent wilted and forgotten. Here, among roses and ivy, I feel her presence; Thorne's mother. Her statue watches over this place with quiet reverence, and as I tend to the blossoms that rise beneath her gaze, I feel a whisper of her strength, guiding me.
A warm, familiar voice breaks the stillness. "You’ve got another package from that old man," Thorne huffs as he strolls into the garden, his brow furrowed yet softened by a hint of a smile. He greets me with a kiss, and I take the package from his hands, my fingers lingering over his for just a moment.
“I’ve told you many times,” I say with a smirk, untying the string, “his name is Alaric.” Thorne just shakes his head as I open the letter attached.
"Dearest Brielle," it reads. "I loved the book you sent. I can guarantee I've already finished it by the time this reaches you. I found this one on the shelves and had to send it your way. The main character reminded me of you, strong, fierce, and determined. Please let me know what you think. Until next time, sending all of my love."
I clutch the letter to my chest, smiling softly. The weight of his kindness wraps around me, a reminder of the man who showed me compassion when I needed it most. Thorne watches me with that familiar, amused look.
“Their knights are still trying to conquer our maze, the bones line the walls, and here you are sending letters and books with one of the townsfolk.” He smirks, and I reach up, touching his face with a warmth that feels natural.
"Alaric is a sweet man. The only one who showed me kindness when I was at my lowest; you know that.” I place a gentle kiss on his lips, savoring the moment.
He brushes a strand of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear, his gaze holding a rare softness. “Yes, and that’s why he’s allowed to live,” he murmurs with a smirk, and I laugh, swatting at his chest.
After I settled here, I forgave Alaric for what happened in the past. I always knew he was only trying to protect me. He isn’t my father, but he’s felt like one, and now we share stories andletters, a bond that threads back to a time when life was much darker.
“Be careful,” Thorne says, his voice gruff but tender, “if they find out what he’s done for you...”
I nod, knowing his concern is real. "He’s careful, my love.
He gives me that familiar, soft scolding look. "Come inside; it’s hot out here, and you need to eat,” he insists, gently resting his hand on my swollen belly. Since learning we’re expecting, he’s been extra protective, watching over me like I’m made of glass, making sure I eat enough, not letting me overheat, rubbing my aching feet every night. Not that I’d ever complain about that last part.
“I’m fine,” I protest, trying to hide my smile. “Stop worrying so much.”
He raises an eyebrow, his expression amused yet unwavering. “It’s noon, your cheeks are rosy red, and I’m hungry. I can’t enjoy my food without your company, it doesn’t taste the same when you’re not there.”
His hand extends to me with a playful bow. “So, my queen,” he says, grinning as I slip my hand into his, “let’s eat.”
“Fine,” I say with a sigh, feigning reluctance as he leads me toward the house. Just as we cross the threshold, I hear his voice mutter, “Difficult little thing, I swear.”
I chuckle softly, savoring the warmth of his arm around me. My life has transformed in ways I never dared to dream. I escaped the shadows of my past, found not only love with this man but also a sense of belonging I thought lost to me forever.
