Another wave of fear hits me, and without thought, I leave the room, heading down toward hers. Drogaem has forced her to stay in her room, the one that I set aside for her long ago. We spend as much time together as we can, but the days seem to grow longer and longer. In my mind, I know that this is purposeful, that I put this in motion by taunting Drogaem to keep him in the castle, but it doesn't make it any easier.
I stand outside of Briar's door, feeling her emotions even stronger. I knock, sensing her pause. Several moments pass, and I assume she's collecting herself. She opens the door and peeks out, a look of relief washing over her face when she sees me. She opens the door quickly, and I slide inside, closing it behind us. She locks it but doesn't turn around right away.
"I can feel your fear, your frustration. What's going on? It's stronger than normal."
She turns toward me and takes a deep breath. "Well, it's good that you're feeling those things, that makes me believe that our connection is growing stronger. But I've been trying to use my powers. I'm trying to grow them. The problem is, my fear is taking me over. My fear of the future, my fear that we are alone in this, and my fear that things will never go back to the way they were."
I watch her as she stands there, her eyes shifting to the floor. She still feels ashamed when fear strikes her. Little does she know, I don't look down on her for that fear. I understand she's human, and for everything that she has done, I think she's incredible. I force those thoughts back, though, my eyes shifting over her tousled hair and rosy cheeks. They fall on her heaving breast, and the heat bursts up the back of my neck. I lick my lips wantonly, but I know it's not the right time.
The truth is, even if I chose to do it right now, to take her like I've wanted to for so long, I'm too exhausted to barely move. But I hide it from her, remaining tall and straight, keeping my head up and my spirits high. I want her to think that I've never felt better. That Drogaem will never wear me down.
"Things may never go back to the way they were, but we are moving closer toward the time where we will have to decide what move we make."
Her eyes shift up to mine, and then she lets them fall over my body. It's not a seductive look, but instead a look of sadness. I'm sure that I look worse for wear at this point. She steps toward me and puts out her hand. There's no way I can recoil from her. I need her touch just as much as she needs to feel that closeness. She lays her hand on my arm and rubs her thumb across one of my scars. "You should be resting. You're always hurt, and it never fully heals."
I shake my head and force a smile for just a moment. "I never felt better. Drogaem can't hurt me anymore. Pain is temporary. What he plans to do is permanent. What we chose is the best course of action right now."
She steps closer to me, and I can smell the lavender from her hair. I close my eyes for a moment attempting to keep myself from latching on to her thin waist and curved hips. I can feel her small soft hands grasp both sides of my face, and she leans up, gently pressing her lips to my cheek. I feel a wave of electricity wash over me. My hand moves toward her, but I pull it back. When she releases my face, I open my eyes.
"Let me bear some of Drogaem's horror for once," Briar whispers softly. "I can take it. He will not kill me, not yet. He still thinks he needs me."
I scoff, waving my hand as I walk away from her. I stand at the window, staring out at the city below. "Absolutely not. Your powers are critical. We need you to focus on growing stronger and stronger. You cannot heal like I can."
I quickly glance over my shoulder at her, and from the way she holds her hands together, staring at the floor, I can tell she was hoping that my answer would have been more personal. Of course, I don't want her to take the pain because I care for her, but telling her that will do no good. What I told her is the truth as well. Her powers may be the key to ending Drogaem for good. Drogaem does not have enough control to stop before possibly killing her.
Silence wears on for several moments, and I clear my throat, changing the subject. I make sure my tone is softer. "Drogaem is busy elsewhere, planning and toying with whatever poor servant he has caught. I have time to spend with you."
I motion for her to come over to the window with me. I can see a brightness flash across her eyes as she lifts the front of her skirt and hurries over to me. I give in to her closeness for a moment, wrapping my arm around her as she snuggles against me. Even the bravest of warriors, the hardest of villains, and the most treacherous of criminals need comforting from time to time. She gives me that every day. Even now, giving into it for her sake is healing me in ways beyond the flesh.
I gaze at the city, thinking about Briar, where she comes from, the powers within her, and her history.
