a/n: finals guys. sorry for the absence!
part three of shelter
She reached for his downtrodden countenance.
"Bash," she said. "You're nothing like them."
He caught her hand while it traced down his jaw, held it there.
"You're different."
He was- different from anyone she'd ever encountered.
She looked at him. He looked at her. Their eyes meeting- like light, finally realizing the dark, and winning out. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned toward her, and she did not back away. His nose brushing hers, her eyes on his mouth, their breathing intertwining, he waited for a moment. And he kissed her.
"Whatever is on its way," he said, holding her. "I promise: I will protect you."
There would be no denying it now- he wanted her to stay. In these days, he'd fallen for her. Because he saw in her what he wanted to see in himself- gentleness, strength, tenderness, sincerity, goodness- real, honest goodness- and the ability to believe the same of others. He wanted to believe those things existed in people...
"I cannot ask for that," she said. The firm, steady beat of his heart comforted her.
"Mary," he lifted her face to look at him.
He didn't want her to go.
"I can keep you safe." He smoothed the hair from her face. "I have the resources. If I take you back-"
"Bash," she said, shaking her head. "I can't ask you to go back. That isn't the life-"
He planted another kiss on her lips, tenderly quieting her.
"I left because I felt alone, so I wanted to be alone. But with you," he cupped her cheek in his hand. "I don't." She tilted deeper into his palm. "So I will, for you." He kissed her forehead.
They rode along a small path, parted from the main road. But, it was not enough- as in the distance, a vague mass gained on them.
"My lady has sent her guard," Mary whispered, slowing her horse. Now she would be the death of them both. They would never out run them. She gazed desperately to her kind protector, sorry for the ruin she'd brought on him.
But, he pulled out his sword. He could not lose her now- because, though he'd nursed her back to health, it was she who brought him back to life.
He edged out in front of her, ready to meet them.
The guard stumbled to a halt, having expected a chase.
"Our lady demands we return with the girl," One of the guard said; he pointed toward Mary.
"Your lady is mistaken," Bash said. He edged out farther ahead, shielding her from the men's incredulous gaze. "This lady is my wife." He glanced back to Mary, just long enough to see blush color her cheeks.
"Aye, sir, and by what authority-"
"Tell your lady that this girl is under the protection of the House of De Poitiers."
"Forgive me," he said as they ambled in the direction of his home- his proper home. "For improvising."
"It's all right," she said, gazing over to him. "I will never be able to thank you for-"
"Marry me," he said, like a realization animating on his lips. He pulled his horse to a stop. He climbed off his horse, coming to stand next to her. "If you have come to love me, as I have come to love you, then stay with me, and I will protect you all your days."
She did. She loved him more than she could understand.
"Yes." She nodded. Her heart fluttered in her chest. "Sebastian, yes."
For a second, he beamed- happier than he had been, than he thought he could ever be again, since he walked away from who he was. He placed his hands on her waist, spinning her into the folds of his arms, where he kissed her.
And the town was stunned when he returned- and with a strange young woman no less. But, he came back to his rightful place, welcomed by the people. With the help of his young bride, he ruled kindly, justly. He took his title back with purpose: to right the wrongs of those before him.
He was a beloved leader. And the two lived happily, never forgetting the refugee they found in each other.
a/n: cheesy and convenient ending? yeah yeah yeah. whatever. i need me some happily ever after.