Chapter 26

Kiss

Lord Hector only got worse from that day on. Serra had tried to console Florina, telling her that the disease he had naturally progressed this way and he'd be better soon (she hoped). Still, Florina couldn't shake this feeling that she had something to do with his progressing illness. People got worse some times when they experienced a drop in spirits. What could she do? He had told her out of the blue that he loved her and she didn't know how to react.

That was a loaded phrase. It hinged on her feeling the same, which Florina was absolutely sure she did. She had never in her life cared about someone as much as she did for Hector. She wished that she was ready. She wished that she could be what Hector needed. He needed a Lady of Ostia, and he was asking a mouse of a girl to fill that role. It was hard and even undying love would not fill all the gaps in her. She just needed more confidence. Fighting Nergal was a good boost, but she needed just a little more.

That was why she talked with Lyn and Kent. They were going out to the plains of Sacae and Florina wanted to go. She needed just a few months. She promised not to be in their way, she really just needed to go and explore and probably would end up wandering on her own than under them. After all, they were going to be a married couple. In the tradition of the tribes of Sacae, there was very little involved in marriage, simply that the two move in together. Lyn did offer to have a ceremony if Kent wished it, but he didn't seem to feel particularly strong about it. If only things for her and Hector could be that simple. Perhaps if he was only the brother of the Lord of Ostia it'd be much simpler.

There was no changing what happened now. She also had to cut her losses. She would only be away ten months, back in time for her sister's wedding, but that was enough time for Hector to decide he didn't want to be with her, or find someone else. That would hurt her to no end and she knew she'd just run somewhere else, but she'd rather Hector be happy. Florina knew she couldn't marry him now it was just premature.

Things were settled. Kent and Lyn agreed to leave as soon as Hector got better. Florina just had to see him through this. Fortunately, the lord's illness took a turn for the better within just a day of this decision and within three he was well enough to walk around. Florina wanted to avoid him for a while; she was unsure of how to react to his presence. She knew she'd see him eventually, this was his domain after all. That assumption was correct, for it was barely an hour after finding out he was up and about and she then heard he was in search of her.

Florina decided to search for him and get the hard part over with, and she found him quite easily. He was staring out a window, and still coughing. He was much paler than usual and he had dark rings around his eyes, but he could only get better from there. She hid silently behind a pillar watching him from a distance.

Hector was everything she wanted in a man, he was considerate, confident, concerned for any and all that needed help. He was strong, good looking, physically more than she could ever ask for. She pressed her body and cheek against the cold marble column and hugged it tightly. This could be it. This could be the last time she could stare longingly at him without guilt. He started to walk away from the window and she rushed forward and grabbed the sleeve of his robe.

"Hector?" she said softly. He turned quickly, eyes wide and mouth agape.

"Florina? Did you just call me, by my name, no title?" he asked. She blushed and looked down.

"I-I'm sorry—"

"Don't be!" he said quickly, taking her hands in his and holding them to his chest. Florina felt her face grow hot, oh to be able to rest her head against his broad chest...her fingers alone were tingling just from feeling the rise and fall of his breathing.

"I was worried about you," she whispered looking to the side.

"I heard," Hector answered, gently turning her face so she could look at him. Florina felt her breath catch.

"It was my fault you got worse…" she said, trying to look away from him.

"How's that?"

"You told me you…" her voice failed her, but she tried to continue. "I-I just couldn't say…I can't…"

"So…you're worried because you didn't say anything when I told you I loved you that I got even more sick?" he finished. She nodded. "That wasn't your fault. It couldn't be helped."

"I didn't know what to say…" she told him. "I still don't."

Hector squeezed her hand a little tighter. "Is that why you're leaving?"

She blinked rapidly. How did he know?

"Lyn told me that you all were going to Sacae. Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?" he asked earnestly. "You were going to leave without letting me know how you felt about me?"

Florina was shocked by the emotion in his voice. It was almost desperate for answers.

"I'm going to Sacae, but I'm not leaving," she told him.

"How is that not leaving?"

"I'm coming back in ten months," she answered. "For my sister's wedding. They're getting married and settling in Ostia so…I'll have to come back. And I'm in the wedding so…so I'll be back."

"And will you stay?"

She looked up at him and bit her lip. "Yes. I will."

A grin spread across his face and before she knew it, he pressed his lips against hers. She squeaked in surprise, she hadn't quite anticipated that reaction. His fingers threaded through her hair as he savored the feel of her lips and Florina wrapped her arms around his neck. Florina parted her lips and he took the cue and slipped his tongue in, exploring her mouth only briefly and leaving her aching for more. He pulled away only to rub his cheek against hers.

"I love you," he whispered into her ear. Florina shuddered and gripped his shirt.

"I love you too," she said breathlessly. He held her close and kissed the top of her head.

"Please, please come back to me in one piece. Please…"

"I will," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing tightly.

I will be updating next Tuesday! I'm not finished with these two yet! I've written right up to the epilogue. But what now? Lots of fluff. All the fluff you couldn't have before is going to happen from now on.