Chapter 9
Once making it to his room, she pleaded with him again not to leave.
Robert stopped her simply with a kiss, but this time it was slow and sensual. "I can't let you go alone. Don't you understand? I have to be there."
She could see he was about to collapse. How he had lasted this long, she couldn't imagine. She helped him to his bed. "Why?" She had wanted to know why he had followed her to Blackmore and risked his life to save her, but had only been concerned with getting him home and his injuries looked after before it was too late. Then when he kissed her, she didn't want to let herself believe the feelings she felt from him then were genuine. "And why did you come after me?"
"Because I love you."
Emerald was stunned. "But - But I thought -"
"What you thought was wrong. All those women, it's not true. It may have started out that way many years ago. I was searching for something. Trying to fill the space in my life, but now I keep to myself and the people can only make up stories of my private life. Yes there are women who will try anything to get in here and experience the myth that they themselves have created. I'm sorry you had to be here at such a time, but since I met you that endless darkness is disappearing. You're all I can think about. All I want. I can't lose you. He sang to her . . .
"Dance by me close, tell 'em, all to go
Once for the money, but I'm, through with the show
An' move with me gently, oh so slow
Hold me and maybe, oh, we'll never let go
Never let go
I'm through with sneakin', been cutting it close
Through with the two-step, oh where the rhythm is lost
Through with the two-step, where the rhythm is lost
Oh, yes, it's love in any key
You opened up the door, now I know it's got to be
Now my cards on the table, hands on the deck
Now "A" is for able, oh, pause for breath
My willing baby, now can't you see
Little girl, it's not for me
So you waltzed into my life, one two three
Warmth of your smile, oh, let it please be me
Please let it be me
You switch and swirl, oh, swing and sway
Stay till the sun comes, and, don't go away
Stay till the sun comes, and, don't go away
Stay till the sun comes, and, don't go away
Don't go away, don't go away
Please don't go, oh
Baby, please don't go."
Before Emerald could say anything the doctor came in followed by the locksmith. They patched King Robert up and removed the clamp from Emerald's neck. The doctor recommended King Robert rest though he knew very well he wouldn't.
King Robert's eyes darkened at the scrapes and bruises around Emerald's neck which the doctor had looked at as well. "If I wasn't able to stop him when I did, I . . ." His jaw tightened and his fist clenched. He looked away so she couldn't see the angry tears in his eyes, that he may have let that happen to her.
Her hands found his face, turning it back towards her. "He didn't." She looked into his eyes. "You saved me. I'm here and I love you too. I'm not going anywhere." They kissed again, but too soon they had to leave for Blackmore.
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King Robert introduced Emerald to King Valhaller as they headed back for Blackmore castle. As it turned out there wasn't much of a fight. Most of King Darius's men were opposed to him, but followed his rule for fear for their lives as well as the lives of their families.
Emerald and Robert lead the way to the dungeons and Emerald was so happy she cried when she saw her family was still alive. From the cells people cried, "The Enchanter! The Enchanter has saved us!"
King Robert turned to Emerald. "The Enchanter?" Even in Evermore he had heard of 'The Enchanter'. The one who had organized attacks on King Darius's men, and caused various other problems for the King.
"Yes. That's what they call me. My family are gypsies you see."
Emerald was 'The Enchanter'? Well, he supposed from her fight and determination to help her people he could believe it. And she was a gypsy too. Robert laughed. He had gotten more than he bargained for.
"This is King Robert," Emerald made the introductions to her parents. "He saved my life. King Darius is dead."