Chapter 36

All These Words I Don't Just Say

'I have to say, your highness... You must have a guardian angel on your side.'

'Hmm? What do you mean by that?'

Lying on the bed, Triple H was still recovering from his nearly fatal wound. It had been three days since Stephanie viciously attacked him and Lorena, nearly killing them both. If the medic had arrived any moment later, the King of Kings surely would've succumbed to his injury. But he fought for his life, he had to. He refused to die like this; no king in the history of Rexxan had been killed at the hands of his jealous wife. When the medic and Seth had carried him inside his bedroom, a long and painful treatment followed immediately. The medic had sewn his wound shut with a thick thread, without any form of anesthesia. The only thing Triple H could do was clenching his fists in the sheets and trying to endure the pain. Lorena wasn't there with him in the bedroom, the medic had forbidden her to go inside. It would've been pleasant having her with him, but at the same time, perhaps it was better that way. She had already been through enough that night, she couldn't bear watching him suffering even more pain. After the treatment, the medic ordered Triple H to get as much rest as possible so the wound would heal. A thick scar would be the reminder of that awful night, but the most important thing was that he was still alive. And Lorena had survived the night as well.

'What I mean is, my lord... You have survived so many injuries on the battlefield, even an attempted assassination. And now that you even survived this attack, despite the fact that you have nearly bled to death... I honestly believe you must have an angel watching over you.'

Triple H let out a soft sigh and stared at the window. It was a sunny afternoon, the perfect day for a training session in the courtyard. But right now, it was impossible for him to train; there might be a chance that if he got hit with a practicing sword, the stitched wound might rip open, with fatal consequences as a result.

How was Lorena doing? The servant girl had been visiting him every day after what happened, to give him food, water and company. The only things she had marked her from that night were the bruises on her neck and a big bruise on the right side of her face, all caused by Stephanie. Luckily she didn't have any serious injuries. Lorena had asked him many times how he was feeling, and he had always told her he was feeling fine, despite the pain in his abdomen. Triple H asked her if she was doing well too, she always answered she was alright. But the King of Kings could notice she wasn't exactly telling him the truth... Her voice would sound soft if she told it to him, it sounded everything but convincing. Was she trying to stay strong, so he wouldn't be worrying about her? And Triple H found it quite implausible that she was doing fine after everything that happened; she had to fight for her life, she was nearly killed by Stephanie, she unintentionally took her life... nobody would be feeling fine after that.

'With all due respect your highness, but... what exactly did happen to your queen again?'

It didn't last long before Stephanie's body was discovered down the stairs. Immediately the news of the queen's demise spread through the castle like a wildfire and a day later, the news reached the outside world.

Queen Stephanie of Rexxan was dead.

Everyone in the castle didn't know whether to feel shocked or relieved by this. Her death was unexpected without a doubt, nobody had seen this coming. But at the same time, this also meant her reign of terror over them had finally come to an end. Seth later visited Triple H in his bedroom to ask him what had happened that night, but the King of Kings already knew what he was going to say. He could easily tell a lie to anyone here in this castle (except to Lorena, of course), everyone would believe every word he said. The king was the mightiest person in this castle, everything he said would be believed. He told Seth that Stephanie had attacked him in a drunken fit of rage and in order to defend himself, he had pushed her off the stairs, sending her to her death. Yes, he would take responsibility for Stephanie's death; if he had told the truth to Seth, it would immediately reach everybody in the castle, thus putting Lorena's safety in great jeopardy. Who knew, maybe Randy would come after her since he was a bit more closer to Stephanie than anyone else... No, Triple H didn't want to take that risk. He was the murderer of the queen. He could tell this without any fear; after all, nobody could arrest and sentence a king. Lorena had no role in the murder, she was the one who found him bleeding in the hallway and stayed with him until help arrived. The lie was believed in an instant. Everyone knew about Stephanie's ferocious temper, and when it was combined with alcohol, you'd better hide if you valued your life. So the 'fact' that she had attacked Triple H while she was drunk sounded more than plausible. And thus, Triple H's lie was believed by everyone.

Nobody would find out the true story behind queen Stephanie's death.

It was all covered up with a lie, a lie that would go into the history of Rexxan.

'She was foolish enough to attack me while she was drunk.' Triple H answered. 'I had to defend myself.'

'Oh yes, right...'

'Could you please leave? I need to be alone for now. I want to rest.'

'Of course, my lord.'

The medic, who had visited the King of Kings to check if the wound hadn't got any infections before he would remove the thread in a couple of days, walked away and exited the bedroom, leaving Triple H all alone. He closed his eyes and breathed out through his nose.

God... who knew this would happen in his life? He had never thought of this would happen when he picked Lorena up from the streets when she was still a homeless. A worthless homeless woman, that's what he thought of her back then. And yet it was that woman who changed his life forever. It was that woman who showed him what true love was, she gave him kindness, warmth, trust. Things Stephanie had never shown to him throughout ten years of that hellish marriage.

The medic spoke about a guardian angel earlier before he left... could that angel have been Lorena?

She was his entire world... she was his angel.

Triple H tried to relax, wanting to get some sleep.

The door opened with a creaking sound, causing Triple H to wake up from his nap.

A soft gasp could be heard. 'Oh, I'm sorry... I didn't know you were sleeping.'

Triple H managed to smile upon hearing that familiar voice. No matter in how much pain he would be, that voice would always soothe him. 'It's alright...' he replied. 'You can come in if you want to.'

Lorena nodded and entered the bedroom, holding a jug filled with water and a chalice. He looked better on each day as his recovery continued, thank God. She honestly thought she was going to lose him on that nightmarish night, she had never been that scared in her entire life; the servant girl would be forever grateful her love was still alive. She had barely slept these nights, when she would close her eyes she would see the bloodstained floor and Stephanie's broken neck.

But it was not only that which kept her awake at night...

'I thought you might be thirsty...' Lorena said as she sat down on the bed, pouring water in the chalice. 'So I brought some water for you.'

'Thank you, Lorena. That's very sweet of you.'

'Come here, I'll help you up.'

'No need to, I can do that myself.'

The King of Kings sat up, but let out a soft groan of pain. He accepted the chalice of water and took a big sip. Drinking was bit painful a couple of days ago, but now it went a bit better.

'How are you feeling, Hunter?' Lorena asked.

'I'm feeling fine, just a little bit sore, still.' Triple H took another sip from the chalice. 'I think I should be fully recovered in a week or two. And you...? How are you feeling?'

Lorena slightly bit her lower lip and stared at the ground. 'I... I'm fine too, thank you.' she replied in a soft voice. 'Do you want some more water?'

'Lorena...' The King of Kings laid his hand on top of the servant girl's and looked her straight in the eyes. He didn't look upset or anything, and yet Lorena had the feeling he had seen right through her. 'I don't feel like you have been honest to me lately. Are you hiding your true emotions from me? You don't have to be afraid of upsetting me. Please, tell me Lorena... how are you really feeling?'

Damn it... she couldn't stand hiding her emotions from him any longer... All this time, Lorena pretended she was doing fine so she wouldn't make things any worse. From the inside, she was almost rotting away from remorse.

'Hunter, I...' Lorena sighed in frustration. 'I still can't believe it... I killed Stephanie, Hunter. She is dead because of me!'

'Listen to me Lorena, you had no choice. It was either you or her. You have done the right thing, believe me.'

'How...? How could you possibly justify this, Hunter? I killed your wife! Her blood is on my hands!'

'Why are you even feeling remorse in the first place? Remember how Stephanie had treated you throughout your stay in the castle? She abused you, she humiliated you, she even tried to kill you one time!'

'I know, I know she was a horrible human being, but still...' It was all true what Triple H said. There was absolutely no reason to feel sad about Stephanie's death. That woman was pure evil, perhaps even the devil in human form. Not only did she make Lorena's life a living hell, but also the lives of the other servant girls and Triple H. The queen's tyrannical reign over everybody in the castle had ended, Lorena and Triple H were free to be together, but still... She was the one who ended her life. Never in her entire life, Lorena thought she would ever kill somebody. But she didn't mean the kill her... she wasn't like the queen, she wasn't a monster who wouldn't be afraid to take a life... Lorena wished so badly to justify it just like her lover did, but she couldn't do it.

Lorena didn't know what else to say.

Triple H saw she was fighting to hold back her tears. 'Look... I understand you are upset right now, Lorena. But one day, I think you will see the truth. You need time, that's all. But don't be afraid... nobody knows it was you who did it. And nobody will ever know.'

'I know, Hunter. You took the blame for me... I can't believe you've done that.'

'Hey, I would've told them a thousand lies if that would protect you.'

The King of Kings hoped that would at least make the servant girl smile a little bit, but that didn't happen. Lorena stared at the ground, slightly biting her lower lip. She had been thinking a lot about this at night... was it the right thing to tell this to him?

For a moment, it was quiet in the bedroom.

'I... I have to tell you something, Hunter.'

'What is it?'

'This is all my fault... You could've been dead because of me. Everything that had happened that night was my fault. I didn't give her enough wine, I couldn't prevent her of stabbing you... I have caused so much pain and misery to you. I honestly think it's better if I would leave the castle. For good.'

'What?' Triple H slightly widened his eyes in surprise. Did he just hear that right? Lorena wanting to leave the castle?!

'You can't!' he exclaimed in shock. What the hell was he supposed to do without her?! She was the woman who changed his life, who gave him so much happiness. If she would leave him, he would probably go mad with loneliness. He still had all the wealth and power in Rexxan, but he would never see Lorena again... and he couldn't live with that thought. He would never hold her petite body against his own body, kiss those addictive lips or whisper loving words in her ear ever again. His life would be meaningless without Lorena. She had given him everything he needed, she was the one who opened his eyes.

He couldn't go on without her.

'Just look at yourself, Hunter!' Lorena replied, tears emerging from the corners of her eyes. 'You nearly bled to death that night, you could've been killed! I can never forgive myself for that, I have brought you in so much danger. You are better off without a failure of a lover like me...'

'That's not true... dear God Lorena, not one single word you say is true!'

'I will go back to the streets of Wrestar, like that I won't cause you any more pain. I hope you can forgive me for what I have done... but I'm not sure if I can ever forgive myself for this.'

'Lorena...'

Triple H reached out and gently touched the servant girl's cheek, making her turn her face to look at him. Lorena saw the hurt in the King of King's brown eyes, oh God, this made things so much harder... She loved him with all her heart, she never wanted to cause him so much pain. If she would get out of his life and go back to surviving on the harsh streets of Wrestar, this would never happen to him again. But just by looking him in the eyes... it made her heavily doubt her decision, feeling even more regret because of what she had said to him... Was she really making the right choice?

'You haven't caused any real pain to me, my love.' Triple H spoke with a calm voice. 'Because the pain that I'm feeling right now... wouldn't even come close to the pain I'd feel if I would lose you. When I met you on that day we returned to the castle, I never thought you would be the woman who would change my life forever. Despite everything what had happened to you, no matter how miserable Stephanie and I made your life, you still retained a golden heart. I didn't see it at first, but you truly do possess one, Lorena. You are the most wonderful human being in the world, you were so much different than any other servant girl that had worked here. You were willing to save my life, even after I was as cold as ice towards you. I was able to share secrets with you that I wasn't able to share with anybody else, because I found trust in you. You understood me, supported me... things Stephanie had never done. You were always there for me, Lorena... And after that one kiss that night, I did something I had never expected to do... falling in love with you. You are my entire world now, Lorena. Nothing would ever change that, even if you'd leave the castle. You will be the only woman in my life I will ever love, and it will always be like that. I... I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Lorena.'

Words couldn't describe how Lorena was feeling right now.

No... she couldn't do it.

She couldn't leave the castle.

If she would leave, then... she would never see Triple H again. The first and only man she had ever loved. There would be no point in living anymore if she would go back to the streets, what would she be trying to survive for? She had nothing back then, the same would happen again. She would go back to a life where she would constantly look over her shoulder at night, stealing food and isolate herself from the other homeless. A life of hunger, fear and loneliness would be awaiting her... Stephanie was dead, she had nothing to fear for anymore. She and Triple H were free to be together, nobody who would be standing in their way. She may have failed to protect him that night... but she was sure she was not going to fail again. She would give her life for him if she had to. And if he would be suffering any more pain, she would be there for him to ease it, no matter what. This time, it was Triple H's turn to open someone's eyes. Hearing those words from him... Lorena finally saw the truth. She didn't only cause him pain, she had helped him so much with her kindness and love. She had never felt so happy in her entire life when she able to spend time with him during those loving nights, no other man would ever make her feel like that.

She wanted to spend the rest of life with him, Triple H. The love of her life.

'Hunter...' God, she had been such a fool.

Leaving Triple H would be the biggest mistake she'd ever make in her entire life.

The servant girl scooted closer to the King of Kings, leaned over and kissed him on the lips. He immediately responded by closing his eyes, giving into the kiss. Did she change her mind? He'd be so glad if she did so... but judging by the way she kissed him, with so much love, it seemed like she had opened her eyes.

'I'm sorry...' Lorena softly spoke after breaking the kiss. 'I will not leave, I want to stay here, with you. I hope I didn't upset you too much with this...'

'Don't worry about it.' Triple H gave her a small smile. 'I'm already glad you have decided to stay.'

Despite her tears, Lorena managed to chuckle, smiling from ear to ear. It was so good to hear that. She lied down and nuzzled her face against the King of King's neck, resting her body against his. He wrapped his arm around her, pressing her closer against him. Such a wonderful, relaxing moment...

After a short while, Triple H decided to ask her the question.

That one question he had been thinking about so much, he was dying to ask it to her.

'Lorena?'

The servant girl looked up. 'Yes? What is it?'

Triple H gently ran his fingers through her long hair, looking her straight in the eyes. It were those blue eyes he loved so much, along with everything else about her. Yes, this is what he wanted, he was sure of it. He wanted to spend of his life with this amazing, loving woman.

'Will you marry me... and become the queen of Rexxan?'

What...?

Lorena's eyes widened as she sat up. Becoming the new queen of Rexxan? Her? She had to be dreaming... but she didn't wake up. This was real, Triple H was really asking her this. But if she became queen, then it meant... she would also become Triple H's wife! Lorena, the young woman who was born and raised on the poverty-stricken countryside, lost everything she had twice, was forced to live on the streets for three long years, found shelter in the castle of the king and queen of Rexxan, abused and humiliated by the queen, formed a close friendship with the king, fell in love with him, accidently took the queen's life when their affair was unraveled... There was not a single drop of royal blood in her body, she didn't know a thing about ruling a country!

'B-but Hunter...' she stammered. 'W-w-what if I can't do it? I-I-I...'

'Don't be scared... I think you would make a fine queen.' Triple H replied with a smile.

Upon hearing that, Lorena felt a whole lot calmer. Hunter would be there to help her and teach her everything she needed to know about being a queen. And marrying Triple H... God, she didn't want anything else.

Lorena smiled and nodded. 'Yes... I will.'

Triple H thought his heart would explode with happiness. She said yes... she wanted to marry him!

Lorena pressed her lips against the King of King's once more as a tear of happiness trickled down her cheek.