Chapter 6: A Final Wish Granted (Part II)

Ella POV

There, asleep and breathing lightly, his face smooth and lit with a beautiful smile, was the angel of my dreams; the one who's deep brown eyes and beloved smile made my heart beat faster when they shone just for me. My love, the one I would endure years of servitude for, the one I would gladly die a hundred times over for than to let him suffer any pain, any sorrow, any tears. The one who my heart would always belong to, long after it stopped beating, to the end of time and beyond. Char.

I saw nothing but Char; my eyes focused on as I wondered in a dazed manner how this could possibly be real. I tiptoed, slowly, painfully slow, as to not disturb him after spending what felt to be an eternity drinking in his marvelous features. I wanted to run to him, to be engulfed in his sweet scent. I wanted so badly to be held and to cry into his shoulder and listen to his soothing, caring words in the arms of the one I would give anything to protect.

I took one last step and found myself staring down at Char. I reached out my hand, but then quickly retracted it. How would I survive doing this to myself? What I felt for him would just hurt me, the kingdom, and most importantly, Char. I thought love was suppose to be wonderful I sighed internally as I closed my eyes and turned away, trying to stop the tears from falling, but my love just hurts the ones who matter the most to me. I was so close to leaving and making sure I never interfered in his life again for as long as I lived, when I heard his voice whisper a word so full of love and anguish that it froze me to my core.

"Ella."

I turned to face him, quickly trying to come up with an excuse to why I was in his room in the middle of the night, when I saw he was still fast asleep, his face now unhappy and frowning. My heart wept, begging to stop his anguish, to hear him laugh and watch him smile again, but I could only watch as I realized he was speaking to me in his dreams.

"Ella, please…please don't, don't cry." He murmured, as the frown on his face deepened. All I could do was watch the one sided exchange as my heart fought against its bonds, trying to help him. And yet I continued to stand there cruelly and do nothing, even as my heart pleaded with my mind to help him. He said nothing more, but the distress on his face grew until tears lightly trickled down his cheeks.

I could watch no longer. I leaned in and traced his jaw, whispering that I would always love him no matter what. I smoothed a lock of hair away from his beautiful eyelids as his face became peaceful and smiling once more. I ran my thumb across his cheek, wiping away the tears as light as a butterfly.

This was the last time I would see him before I died, I knew in my heart. This was my final goodbye, the last chance to see his face and feel his skin beneath my fingertips. I leaned in, memorizing his face and bent to his ear.

"This is the last chance I'll get to tell you this Char, but I want you to know I meant every word I wrote to you, and now I mean every word I'm about to say." I whispered as quietly as I could while trying to hold back the tears. "I love you, and because of my selfishness in loving you, I will break your heart. My love will only hurt you and the kingdom, and for that I can not be with you. My life is drawing to a close Char. You will never see me again, for I don't wish to bring any more harm to you than I already have. I just hope you can accept my decision and forgive me if I have broken your heart. Goodbye."

I looked down at him once more, and then I gently kissed his cheek. The feel of his skin on my lips sent what felt like a jolt of electricity through me, and with a breaking heart, I turned to leave. I will not look back, I will not look back I chanted to myself as I tiptoed back to the secret passage way, allowing the tears to flow down my face silently. I was attempting to close the door, when it creaked, a murderously loud noise that could wake up the dead. With a quick tug I pulled it shut, but not before I heard Char wake up. Now I've done it I thought as I listened intently, my heart beating so loud I was afraid he would be able to hear it. But he won't be able to find it I told myself hopefully, it blends in perfectly with the rest of the wall on that side; no one can tell that it's not a real wall… My breath caught in my throat as I sensed him standing on the other side of the door. Please don't let him find it; I couldn't stand to have my heart broken again I wished. It was ironic; a large part of me wanted to fling open the door and run into his arms, but I knew for his sake and mine I had to stay hidden, even if my heart was crying out.

I could hear his muffled curse as he ran his fingers over the door. He knows there's a door here I realized. All I could do was stand against the door like a fool, frozen in shock as I listened to Char try to figure out to open the door. Then, without a moment's thought, I began to run down the passage way, grabbing the still burning candle stub as I passed it, fear of being discovered overpowering my sense of safety. Behind me I felt, more than heard, the door swing open as Char stepped into the passage way. From behind me I could hear him call down the passage, his beautiful voice echoing all around me.

"Ella!"

I had to run faster; he would catch me in an instance if I didn't continue dashing like a rabbit from a hound. Slowly, fatigue and lethargy filled me, and with horror I realized I was falling into the deep slumber from which I would never rise. I didn't want Char to see me like that, but I began to slow down. I could hear him catching up, but I could barely keep my eyes open anymore. No, I don't want it to end like this! I thought as I staggered, swaying as the world spun around me, my grip on the candle loosening until it slipped through my fingers and rolled away into the darkness. I turned around, and found Char was almost to me. I could see him in the darkness and all of the emotions written on his face as he stared in shock and disbelief.

"Ella, I-"

"Goodbye Char," I whispered, as I fell forward, the warmth of his arms surrounding me as he caught me and I slipped into unconsciousness.