Chapter Thirty-Five
ADAM
In the darkness where he lay he was warm. There was a small blanket that laid over him and he did not want to get up. He felt heavy, like his body refusing to listen to him; maybe it was the blanket? Maybe it was his half wet clothes. He wanted to sleep for another day if he could. He would but he needed to get Snow White from the castle.
"Snow White!" He eyes shot open with and he realized he was not in the castle or in darkness, no he was in the Dwarves' house asleep in front of a dying fire. He sat up, his half wet clothes restricting his movements. Beside him the Grumpy Dwarf slept soundly though he looked uncomfortable with his arms and legs crossed. Adam looked to the window and no longer heard the rain and though it was still dark outside the sun was definitely coming to awaken the day. He hissed a curse as he flung the blanket from his body and stood and instantly hit his head.
"Ow." He hissed in pain, greatly forgetting that he was too big for this house.
"What are you doing?" Grumpy barked as he had jumped awake. He rubbed his eyes and glared up at Adam. "Why're you still here?"
"Why didn't you wake me up?" Adam hissed and rubbed his head and tried to match over to the door while he was hunched over.
"I did." Grumpy rolled his eyes and snatched the blanket from the floor and wrapped it around his shoulders. "You just went back to sleep."
"When?" Adam scrabbled around to get his boots on his feet.
"Round three this morning." He crossed his arms and began to tap his foot. "You sat up then fell right back down and went back to sleep. Wouldn't surprise me if you fell asleep cause how hard ya hit yore head."
"Why did you let me go back to sleep?" He stood up again and his head again. He would eventually get used to that. . .
"Because there was no reason to wake you back up." He glared. "I did what you asked, it's yore fault you didn't get up."
"Do you even know- !" His anger flared as he stomped his foot into his boot.
"How bout instead of yellin' at me, ya get on outta here?" Grumpy dragged his hand down his face. "Ya gotta princess ta save, don'tcha? You're just wasting time barking at me when you coulda saved her by now!"
Gritting his teeth Adam left the Dwarves house in an angry defeat. As much as he actually wanted to yell at the Grumpy Dwarf, he could not because the Dwarf had been right. Not only had he failed to awaken, but he also was wasting time by being immature. His anger only turned on himself and provided the sufficient fuel he needed to go running through the mountains. He had to hurry, he had to beat the sun. He didn't want to keep her waiting any longer than she had to. Knowing Frederick he actually told Snow White of the plan of getting her out of there, and knowing Snow White she would have been packed and up and waiting for him. There was one thing that Snow White had always counted on Adam for and that had been that he was always early, never late.
Must beat the sun. Must beat the sun.
It was a race against the sun to get the castle, which Adam had fallen greatly behind on. As the sun rose through its clear and cloudless sky, Adam had to fight through low bearing branches and insects that were up too. He still managed to run through them, though. He would go through anything to get her safe, he only wished that he would make it on time. He was so thankful that the trek was down the mountain and not up the mountain again or else he would not have had as much momentum or speed.
Must beat the sun. Must get to the castle!
Dawn had shined through by the time he made it down the base of the mountain and as he began his trek through the villages. It was once he was on flat level ground again that his fatigue and hunger had caught up with him. Though he had plentiful sleep, his stomach was empty and he was literally running on fumes. He was sweating profusely and he did not even try to control the vapors that escaped from his body. Between the still drying coat and the squishing of his socks in his boots, his feet were already uncomfortable and his body was still heavy, as if he were running around with a boulder on his back. He was panting heavily and he was already seeing black spots; he obviously had not healed from last night's fight as much as he thought he had. His limbs and lungs were already screaming at him to stop.
"Hey mister!" A child called from out in the fields. Adam stopped to look and a blonde haired farm boy was waving his arms as he came running up to him. "Hey mister, are you all right?" He panted a little as he looked up at Adam.
"I'm fine." He regretted having to have stopped. His body shook and his lungs felt as though they were ready to explode and his heart beat far too quickly. Just how long had he actually been running?
"You don't look it." The boy tilted his head as he looked up.
"Child, I do not have time to stand here and talk with you –"
"Would you like a ride?" He asked unblinkingly.
"What?"
"My dad and me are fixing ta bring in some of our crops to the festival to sell." He explained. "Would you like a ride into town?"
He really shouldn't. He should just keep running, but he was just so tired. . .
"Y-Yes." He admitted and looked to see the boy's father standing by a horse drawn wagon, his hand on his hip waiting and watching. "I would like that very much."
"Come on." The kid smiled and ran over to his dad. Adam followed and the farmer immediately took off his hat.
"P-Prince Adam!" The farmer croaked and kneeled before him. "Oh, your highness, I hadn't realized that was you! I would have spoken to you myself!"
"I-It's fine." He waved it off and felt unnaturally warm. "I just need a ride into town. . ."
"You'll have to ride in the back." The boy said. "You can lay down and keep the vegetables from falling out."
"Eli!" The farmer snapped. "That is no way to speak to royalty!"
"It's fine." Adam waved the man's worries away. "he speaks the truth. I could really use a lie down, and if it helps you in the process I see no harm in it. . ."
"Right." The farmer looked confused. "Well, let's load up then."
The farmer took his place in the driver's seat while the boy sat in the back with Adam while Adam took the opportunity to sit. The heat was especially bothering him now and while his clothes finally had a chance to dry from the shower last night, they were pretty damp with his sweat now. He sat horizontally so as to act as a door to keep both the boy and vegetables from falling out. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes. Though the sun was greatly beating him he would still make in time. He just needed to rest for a few minutes so that his body wouldn't feel so heavy. . . just a few minutes.
"You don't look too good, Mister Prince." The boy spoke boredly. "You look pretty sick."
"I feel pretty sick." Adam answered weakly. His body felt way too hot, even for wearing his usual layers in the sun. He was sweating far too much and it was getting harder and harder to keep the toxic vapors to himself.
"Well throw up thattaway if you do." The boy's nose turned up as he pointed away from him. "I don't want all the vegetables getting gross."
"Will do." Adam snorted slightly and willed himself to attempt to sleep; but his body refused as it was trying to fight off the terrible fever that was slowing him down. Though Adam still would have preferred to have run so that he would have remained awake, it would have been terrible if he made it all the way there and then could not bring Snow White up the mountain. No, as much as he hated to admit it he needed rest, even for a few moments so he could have his fullest strength to save Snow White from the castle.
The roads were bumpy and greatly jostled Adam's thoughts along with the vegetables. What was he even going to do once he got Snow White out of the castle? How long could he actually keep her hidden in the Dwarves' cottage in the dark forest? Not forever, surely, but how long until things would be safe? He hadn't figured this much out as he originally thought. So long as the Queen lived and hated Snow White she would always be a threat and would try to kill Snow White. The Queen would rely on that Mirror to do her dirty work . . . The Mirror, Frederick had said that had originally the Queen fell into the dark arts because of the Mirror. Perhaps her powers had been linked to the grimoire of dark arts this entire time. . . If he could just find that and burn it, then he could take away her powers and that would get rid of the Mirror; just maybe though. . .
His eyes slowly opened as he thought on this. He was in a time that wasn't his own, when the Queen was still young and not as versed in magic as she was in his time. She was still drinking people's blood as a way to renew her youth; that was still very early on her magic years. Though she left her grimoire out relatively in the open she always had a heavy and strong protection spell on it. He could remember the number of times he had tried to take it or even tried to burn it, nothing would work on it. Even she in her old age could not pick it up any longer because of how heavy the book grew with her age and years in the dark arts. . . Maybe it was light enough now? Maybe he had a chance of getting rid of it now.
"Prince Adam." The farmer called over his shoulder and Adam snapped to attention. "We're here."
Squinting in the sunlight that was cast on the town he could see that he was still just barely in time before they all went to breakfast. If he could just make it in time he could still get her out of the castle unnoticed, they would just have to lay low until Frederick could get them a way out. Adam didn't even wait for the wagon to stop before hopping off and making his way towards the castle. He stayed as best he could within the shadows and away from the people. He was still close enough to his house in the town that he could momentarily stop and grab a new weapon, or his cloak, or even a hat or something. No, if he stopped now it would just be another delay in her rescue, and he couldn't afford anymore lost time. Still he slipped in the alleys where the sun still had yet to touch and ran in the shade as long as he could to get to the castle.
He begrudgingly took the longest way, but he also took the way that would take them to the servants quarters. Snow White had not been allowed to most into the East Wing of the castle because the Queen had taken up the rooms for her closets that held everything from clothes and jewelry to things that should only ever remain in the grave; not that Snow White seemed to want to move out of her little room anyways. He had been so glad that she had not wanted to move rooms either, it made getting to her room much easier. He stepped as quietly as he could and went unnoticed as he went to her room. He found it odd that he had not seen Frederick yet, he greatly anticipated him giving Adam a scolding for being late. He tried not to think about it as he went to Snow White's room.
He knocked once.
No answer.
He knocked a second time.
No answer.
"Snow White." He whispered as he knocked a third time. "It's me, Adam."
No answer.
He blinked in surprise and gently pushed the door open. The room was empty, and much to Adam's chagrin there were two bags packed on her bed. He winced as he realized she had probably spent the better half of the night waiting up for him. His heart ached right alongside the rest of his body at the thought of her being disappointed in him. He stood there in the threshold of her door debating on what would be his best options. He could very well just barge into the dining hall and go claim her for himself, but that would cause too much of a seen. If he stayed here in her room though, they could easily slip out the servants entrance and be gone before anyone noticed them; her bed looked far too tempting.
"P-Prince Adam?" A maid asked from behind him. "C-Can I help you with something?"
He looked and could see a younger girl, no older that fifteen looking around nervously.
"Where's Snow White?" He asked calmly.
"T-The Princess?" She blinked in surprise. "She, the Queen and the Prince of Franca have gone down to the festival."
"What?" He closed Snow White's door behind him. "When? It's only breakfast!"
"t-They had an early breakfast, your highness." She stammered on. "They were all up early and wanted to get a start to the last day of the festival; especially the Queen and the Prince of Franca."
"I bet they did." He grimaced and fell back against the stone wall behind him. The stone wall was cool and felt amazing on his cheek.
"A-Are you all right, your highness?" The girl asked. "You look p-paler than usual. Yo're sweating quite badly too."
"Went for a run this morning." He pushed himself off the wall and forced himself to walk. "I'm fine."
He had never been one to believe in luck or fate because the world had always seemed to be against him. He had only ever known a dark and cruel world that only ever hated him and wanted to use him for malicious purposes for its own selfish gain. He had been content on living in that dark world, listlessly falling in the tides of anger and blood waiting until he no longer served a purpose until she showed him what living truly was. Snow White had been a light, a real genuine light that showed what actual living was. He always thought that his only purpose was ever to serve the Evil Queen, but Snow White gave him a second chance. Part of him damned the hope that threaten to come out of him, but he could not help but want another life. Killing, poisoning, torturing – he was so tired of that life, though he knew it would be hard to come back from he must change his life. He was overtly aware that he did not deserve Snow White or her kindness or even any of her affections, he cherished them greatly, but he could not allow himself to be greedy or else it would cost her her life; he couldn't bear that. Her life was too precious, too important, he must save her.
By the time Adam returned to the town everything and everyone was bustling about. Even in the back alleys he had to shove and squeeze his way through. He should have come into this with a better plan! There were far too many people in one area and even if he were able to chance himself upon Snow White and the others getting through this would be a nightmare! He did sneak his way down to the fabric wares, she really seemed to have liked them last time, perhaps she would have been looking at some new fabrics; but she wasn't there. She didn't go to see any of the jewelers, the game and animal keepers, the magic shows, or even the food stalls. She was nowhere to be found.
Where are you Snow White?
He stopped in the center of it all and just looked above everyone's heads. He was looking for some kind of sign - the carriage, her hair, even if he could hear her laugh; anything would help! His constant burning anger had deceased and turned into a flowing anxiety of torture for his mind.
What if he had been too late?
What if they had taken her already?
What if they had actually killed her?
What if – No!
He shook his head and made his brain stop and tried to allow the noises of the festival to bring him back to reality. Getting caught up in his head would do him or anyone else any favors. No, he just needed to stop and think of where they could have or would have gone if they weren't here at the festival.
"Oi!" A grumpy voice called from behind him and an apple hit the back of his head. He turned and glared down just to see the Dwarves Dopey and Grumpy walking up to him.
"What are you doing here?" He raised an eyebrow down at him. Dopey clung to his leg very happily and smiled broadly up at him. Adam only pet him on the head, as if giving him the approval that it was okay for him to cling to his leg; perhaps he shouldn't do that.
"We're selling gems, parts of our wares." Grumpy spat on the ground and crossed his arms as he glared up at him. "What the heck are you doing here? Shouldn't you be after your princess?"
"I am." Adam's anger quickly returned. "I just. . . can't find her."
"That's probably cause you missed her by a near hour ago." Grumpy harrumphed.
"What?" Adam's head was ready to split with his headache and emotions. It was getting dangerously hot being around all these people and out in the treacherous sun.
"Dopey here ran into the knight." Grumpy pointed to Dopey who no longer clung to Ada's leg and picked up the apple that Grumpy threw. He held it out to Adam, smiling for him to take it from him. He obligingly did and just held on to it. "And we got acquainted with yo're princess."
"My princess?" He really liked the sound of that and felt a flush come over him despite the heat already boring on his head. "You mean, Snow White?"
"Pretty lil' thing." Grumpy's cheeks tinted a soft shade of pink. "She looked awfully sad, though. Must've been cause you ain't saved her yet from whatever horrible evils are awaiting her."
"Did you see where they went?" Adam's eyes widened.
"They went north, towards the mountain, but I don't know after that."
"What?"
"Hey, don't be pinning this on me!" Grumpy shoved his finger into Adam's stomach since he couldn't reach his chest. "You're the one tryin' ta save the damsel in distress, not me! Ya didn't even ask me to drop a message or keep an eye on 'er!"
"How would I have –" He let out a groan of frustration before taking a deep breath. There was nothing Adam could dispute this with because he had no clue Grumpy would have met Snow White, nor had he had an eye for any of the day's events to happen the way they had. Oh how he wished things would just go as he planned. . . "Never mind. I just got to figure out where they could have gone. . ."
He stood and looked around, he'd at least need a horse. There was no way that he would be able to make another trek to the mountain, especially climbing up it. He'd seriously pass out along the way, and that would not only be undignified but also a disgrace as he would not be able to save Snow White. As he scanned the crowds for a horse to borrow, the servant's uniform on a small maid caught his attention. She had a bundle of blankets and was following a few other servants into a wagon that had a wide variety of items for a luxurious picnic. Adam sprinted over to them and the smallest maid looked up at him in absolute surprise.
"P-Prince Adam!" She blinked up at him and turned a shade of pink.
"We met again." He was panting far more than he should have. He was also so tired.
"D-Did you miss the carriage, your highness-s?" She stammered and looked to the others for help; they just sat gaping and watching.
"Y-Yes." Adam nodded and cleared his throat. "Not only did I wake up late, but as a prank the Queen and the others decided to leave me not once, but twice today." Her expression eased and her face was not quite as pink. "Would I be able to ride alongside you all to the picnic?"
"Absolutely not!" A commanding deeper voice of an older gentlemen, a butler, answered as he strode over toe Adam. "Prince Adam, though I feel for you in having been the end of a joke today you simply cannot ride with the servants."
"I must catch up with the others." Adam frowned and could not control the glare nor his hands balling into fists as he looked to the butler.
"Which is why you will have to take a horse, Prince Adam." The butler confirmed. "You shall take Alptraum."
"Oh, sir that's terribly rude of you!" The maid spoke up and her face burned a shade of red. "Alptraum is a mean horse! There's a reason he's called Nightmare! The only one he's even nice to it Princess Snow White -!"
"I'll take him." Adam didn't care what this horse would be like, he needed to get to Snow White. If it was as wild and nightmare-ish as they described then that meant he was a fast horse that would get him to Snow White faster. He even had a little bit of bait since he still, for some odd reason, had the apple that Dopey gave him. Hopefully that would be enough for the horse to coerce him into running. "Where is he?"
"Well, we just brought him, your highness." The butler cleared his throat. "The Queen was most adamant about having him at the picnic."
"Take me to him." Adam commanded. He had wasted far too much of his precious time. He had so much to make up for. God he hoped and for once in his life prayed he was not too late.
"Right then, follow me." He followed the butler to the stables where several of the other servants had ropes and were holding down a solid black horse. Its mane was long and luscious, its hair glistened like silk, and in those black eyes smoldered the stubbornness of the wild that would not be tamable. Of course this was the Queen's horse of choice.
"His background is little to nothing since he's a Altwurttemberg horse." The butler explained with a shrug. "But he's always had a fiery temper and doesn't like anyone."
"One thing we've got in common." Adam huffed and had the apple in hand as he approached. "Tell me, where are the others having the picnic at? I have a feeling once I mount him I'm not going to have a chance to ask again."
"You'll go north, to the mountain, but you'll veer left down to the valleys where the flowers are in the fullest bloom." The butler hesitantly explained as he remained in place. "It's a good left turn, you can't miss is so long as you don't continue up the mountain!"
The horse pulled on the ropes, stomped in the dirt and shook its head violently to get the ropes off. It whinnied as ferociously as it could to intimidate the others, and though it worked on them it would not work on Adam. Though Alptraum's name meant nightmare, Adam had lived and breathed the things that actually made up the innocent's nightmares. A horse's temper tantrum meant nothing to him. As he approached he stood tall, defiant as he locked eyes with the glaring horse. It yelled at him as if to say, "Stay away!"
"I do not have time for this." Adam said a calm tone as he spoke to the horse. "You will calm down and you will take me to the mountains where I will release you back into the wild."
"You'll what?" The butler behind him stammered, but Adam kept his eyes locked with the horses as he still approached and held the apple out as a peace offering. The horse stopped fighting the ropes, but its entire body was tense. Raw muscle ready to burst through the gates as soon as it was released.
"Now be a good animal, and let's go see Snow White." Adam spoke in finality and the horse, much to everyone's surprise, took the apple. It bit Adam's thumb too, but it would do just well enough as a peace offering if it meant getting Snow White. It was unnaturally quiet, the only sound heard outside of the excitement of the festivities was the horse's breathing. Keeping eye contact with the horse Adam entered the stall with the horse, slid to its side, and used the walls to climb up on the horse. Because of his temper tantrum the servants were not able to get a bridle on him, not that that mattered because Adam would be good to his word and would let the horse go. The horse shook under him, ready to bolt or possibly shake him off; Adam squeezed his thighs as tightly as he could just in case he were to be thrown off.
"Open the gates!" Adam commanded and they obeyed. Much to his surprise the horse bolted and did not throw him off.
Without needing much guidance the horse practically flew on the wind it ran so fast to the mountain. It had not been comfortable nor graceful, but all that it meant for Adam was that he would make it to the mountain in a timely manner, and maybe, just maybe, he could actually catch up with Snow White. If Prince Florian got his filthy hands on her, Adam was not sure how much of himself he would actually be able to contain in front of her. He would push those thoughts away for now, he couldn't think that darkly before –
Without so much as a warning Adam was suddenly up in the air and landed on his back. His lungs gasped for air and his back ached terribly as if it had been snapped in half and all Adam could see for a few seconds was black and blue with the bright sun blinding him. He heard a whiny and he quickly rolled to the side just as Alptraum came down and stomped on the earth where Adam had been. It pawed the ground and snorted angrily at him.
"Get out of here!" Adam roared and flung his arms out. "You have fulfilled your duty! Begone!"
And the horse simply stormed off leaving Adam at the crook of a hill that divided into two separate paths, the right being the mountain and the left being the hills that would lead to the valleys. Adam could not help but groan and he sat up and air returned to his lungs. Yeah, he hadn't healed as much as he thought and the heat was beyond unbearable. He should just take off his coat. . . but he'll need it on once he gets to Snow White; the less contact she has with his skin the better for them both. He sat there in the shade for only a few moments more before pushing himself to his feet. He would just have to follow the road around and see where it goes, he would catch up to the others once he got to the end of it. . .
He had not even walked twenty feet before he heard a scream, wild demented laughter, and the stench of darkness with an ominous presence brooded in the forest.
"You can run, Snow White." It was Florian's voice, but there was something darker, almost evil in his voice as it echoed through the forest. "Run as fast as you can! I will find you! And when I do, I'm going to enjoy ripping out your heart!"
"Snow White." His heart hammered in his chest and he ran. He ran and he ran and he ran. He tried to listen out for her, if she screamed or if she were crying. She was probably terrified and crying, but she was smart, she would stay quiet if she were to run away from Florian. He wasn't sure what exactly had transpired within the few hours of his absence but he just knew he had to get to Snow White before Florian did. In his running Adam realized that he was running up a hill, as it was getting steeper and narrower. The path was hardly wide enough to hold him but it was a distinct path that had been walked through over many times a day over many times a year. It was a tiny path that only the Dwarves could have made. He kept running, he would get to her first, he had too! His face had windburn and had been scratched several times in the face by all of the branches; oh how he hated being tall for once in his life!
Suddenly small hooves kicked his face and he went tumbling down the side of the hill and into the watery swamps; again. He nearly choked on the water as he arose and looked up to see a mother boar running wildly through the forest. He cursed the boar and pushed himself to a stand, though it was a bit of a struggle as his clothes were wet again and he was heavy all over again. He had to stop and look and listen. He had never been more lost, never been more desperate, and had never been more wanting in his life before. He had no idea where he was, only that he had to get to Snow White and that he would do anything to get to her. He stood still and just listened to whatever was going on in the forest, if there were any sort of disruptions he would hear it.
"I hear you, Snow White." Florian's laughter echoed again and chilled Adam's blood as he stood. "I'm coming for you!"
In one direction he heard the squealing of a boar and off to the right he heard the splashing of water and gasping for air. Adam ran, doing his best to avoid the squishing spots, to get to her. He was not sure why but he knew that Snow White was in the swamp with him. Wherever Florian was he wasn't near her, but he was still close and more than likely fast approaching. The swamps were wide and vast in the dark woods and only seemed to expand with the lack of sunlight. Suddenly there was coughing and wheezing up ahead and the softest of whimpers.
"Adam." Her voice sounded wounded and strangled. "Adam, where are you?"
He almost called out to her, but he didn't want to draw Florian any closer. He looked all around, on the ground, up in the trees, he just couldn't spot her. All he saw was black water, gray muck, tangled tree roots and rocks and boulders that seemed to trap him in a dead end. He needed to get to Snow White!
"Aw, the wee princess still wants her prince, does she?" A terrible murderous laugh came from Florian just a few feet away and on the other side of the bolder that Adam stood at. He looked up and saw tree roots wrapped around the boulder. He didn't hesitate, he climbed.
Higher!
Faster!
Climb!
He commanded his body to continue forward while his body demanded rest, but he would not allow it. He had to get to Snow White, she was so close! He reached the top! He looked around and could not see anything. Darkness was all around him, the trees above were choking out the sun and only leaving darkness and shadows down below.
"Adam . . ." Her voice was quiet like she had been crying and filled with fear and trembling called out to him from below. Adam tried to study the things down below so as not to jump on her. She was close to the boulder, but he wasn't sure how close.
"Still calling for him?" Florian tutted in such a mean manner. "Hate to break it to you princess, but he's not coming."
Adam heard Florian jump down from whatever ledge he was on and landed in a few puddles from the swamp. He was at least six feet away; Adam could make that. He just needed the right leap. He steadied himself, breathing quietly and focusing his gaze in the darkness for some sort of sign where Florian was. It was then that the dagger he held glinted faintly in the tiniest glimmer of light and Adam knew where to go.
"You know, I was going to enjoy myself with you, show you what it would have been like to have been with me." He smiled like a lunatic. "But I think I'd rather enjoy myself in spite that you still love that fake prince, and that he will never have you."
"P-Please don't." She pleaded quietly.
I'm coming.
"It'll be quick." He laughed. "That I promise you."
"No you don't!" Adam lunged off the boulder and felt something sharp in his side as he collided with Florian. Snow White screamed as he and Florian splashed around in the swampy waters, rolling around grabbing and punching at each other. He didn't care what he was doing so long as he kept Florian away from Snow White. He rolled over where he was on top and punch Florian in the face, hard where he actually stopped moving for a minute. He looked up to see Snow White, ever so beautiful and shining brightly, covered in muck and swamp waters, with bruises on her arms, scratches on her face, and such a pained look as she watched him fight with Florian in horror.
"Snow White, run!" He yelled and something within her snapped and she started running again. "I'll come find you, just get away from here!"
He needed her to run away to get safe, but also to turn away from him and not witness his fight with Florian. She had seen too much already and he did not want to taint her innocent soul by witnessing him kill a man; her undeserving fiancé no less. He kept Florian at bay while he watched her run and hoped he could finish this quickly and catch up to her.
"Looks who's trying to play hero!" Florian laughed and punched Adam in his distraction and send him off to the right. Adam easily recovered and glared at Florian as he stood. Florian had a dagger in his hand and a mad look in his eye. Whatever had happened to Florian he was in a maddened state where only blood would satisfy him. He swung his arm around madly, trying to make some sort of contact with Adam, and much to Adam's dismay he did not have a weapon in which he could deflect Florian. He did however have his natural toxins and nature around him. There was a world of possibilities in the realm of killing and plenty of holes in the swamp to bury the body.
"Oh, are we just going to keep dodging?" Florian mocked him and kept slashing. Adam kept dodging, trying to think of a way out of this.
All he had to do was trip him up and he could turn Florina's blade against himself.
But what would Snow White think of him?
"Come now, Adam, I know you can do better than that!" Florian kicked up swamp water and kicked him back against trees.
All he had to do was trip him up and strangle him in the water, drown him even.
But then he could never touch Snow White again because of a defiled hand.
"Oh, how I wish you could see how worthless you are right now." Florian looked down at him with a pointedly evil glare that made him look uglier than an angler fish. Adam could only glare up at him.
All he had to do was remove his gloves and touch his face and he would die in the cruelest of ways, slowly and drawn out in pain.
How would Snow White be able to look at him again?
He had no reason to deny his wanting to play the hero because he was the best option that Snow White had to save her from her nightmare, but oh how badly had he wanted to play the villain. It was his best role; Afterall, and Florian had had this coming for a long time now. If he let Florian live he would just go crawling back to the Evil Queen and feed her information that she did not need to know about he and Snow White and how he helped her escaped and even fought Florian to let her escape. It would be so easy to kill him, to get rid of the thorn in his side once and for all. . .but the thought of truly never being good enough for Snow White ate at his very soul. He was already undeserving of her, just thinking of her damned him enough. But he wanted to be good, he wanted to be good for her. She accepted too much of him already as it was, but he knew that she could never accept him for killing a man that she knew and was arranged to marry. It would never sit well with her, her affections would change against him. . . Yes playing the villain was tempting, and it would be so easy to do so, but he would never be able to be with Snow White; his chances were already slim enough as it was. No, he would play the role of the hero for her, it was agonizingly hard for him and he had to fight every fiber in his being to do so, but he would do it for her.
"The role of a villain suits you better, Adam." Florian raised his dagger high. "Being a hero has made you weak!"
He brought the dagger down and Adam caught his arm. No, he would not be a villain, but he would use his anger to assist Florian.
"I am not weak." Adam stood, his grip firm though his arm shook as he held Florian in place, the dagger a few inches just away from his skull. "I am not worthless." He shoved Florian back into the swamp and held the dagger tightly in his own hand. "I am a far cry from being a hero, because you have no idea how much I would love to kill you and leave you for the maggots to enjoy." He walked closer to Florian and Florian scooted back, fear painted on his muck covered face. "I am a man who is stronger than you because I know what it is like to play a villain, how easy it is to slip into the evil. I will not go back to that life anymore because I have something to fight for; and that makes me strong."
"All this for a pathetic girl?" Florian spat, shaking in his mud hole.
"All this for the princess of Apfel, the rightful ruler of this country." Adam glared down at Florian. "And for you to not see that is what makes you a fool."
With dagger in hand he slammed the blunt end of it into the side of Florian's head and the fool fell back unconscious into the swamp. Adam stood there, gripping the dagger, using every ounce of self-control to keep from giving into his bloodlust, because oh was it high. He bent down and picked Florian up by the collar and dragged him over to the boulder where he had Snow White pinned in fear. He threw him against the boulder and dropped the dagger in front of him. He could spend a mere few minutes to dispose of the fool's body, but that would have been a waste of time, he had a princess he needed to save. Besides the Queen would have a much more worse punishment waiting for him for his failure, which Adam counted on.
He had not realized he had been panting heavy or how sluggish he felt as his much denied fever made him sway where he stood. He placed his hand on the boulder and his other went to his head as he regained his footing and tried to stable himself. He didn't have the time to be sick, he didn't have the time to rest, he needed to go after Snow White before she got into anymore trouble. He pushed himself from the boulder and forced himself to job in the same direction that Snow White had gone in early.
"Snow White!" He called as loudly as he could, panting heavily as his lungs screamed for air.
Was she all right?
"Snow White!" He called again, hearing his voice echo in the forest. "Where are you?"
Had she made it out safely?
"Snow White!" He forced himself to run faster, his exhaustion demanding he stop, but his anxiety for her lack of response pushing himself forward.
Was she injured?
"Snow White!" All he could see around him was darkness, he hadn't realized it but the sun was going down so the already dark forest only grew darker.
Was she still alive? How long had he been fighting?
He came out to a small clearing, still in the swamps and now the frogs were croaking their songs and the insects were coming out. He stood still, his heart drumming in his ears as he strained them to listen for her, for any sound she would make. He could hear all of nature trying to mask her in its darkness, but he wouldn't allow her to be trapped in the dark, not when she had a light that shined so brightly. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, he needed to hear her.
Amidst all the croaking, the splashing of turtle, the creaking of the trees in the blowing wind, the faintest sound of crying was just off to the right. He opened his eyes and looked to the right, he couldn't see her, but he could definitely hear her.
"Snow White?" He called softly, to make sure the forest wasn't playing tricks on him. Quietly and carefully he approached the sound as it got louder, more distressed even. How his heart ached at the thought of her sobbing. Large tangled bramble bushes blocked his way, but he pushed past them as he got closer to the sound.
"Snow White –" He called as he pushed himself through and finally came to a clearing. There, in the midst of darkness she found her. The yellow was resting in the smallest amount of light the forest's branches allowed. She was curled up in a ball, her face in her hands sobbing as she leaned up against a tree trying to somehow hide. He could see her trembling and he dared not be loud as he approached her. He didn't want to spook her anymore than what she already was. No, quietly and slowly he approached her not making a sound as he stepped over branched and mud holes. Once he was a few feet in front of her, he knelt and tried to peer into her face through her hands.
"Snow White?" He said softly and she jerked so violently she nearly jumped up the tree. Those doe brown eyes were full of fear, almost feral like as she was ready to run. Her chest heaved quickly as she breathed heavily, anxiously.
"A-A-Adam?" Her voice cracked as she blinked at him. "I-Is that really you-u?"
"Yes, my darling." He held his arms out for her, inviting her into the safety of his arms. "It's me."
"Adam!" She lunged herself at him and he enveloped her into a strong hug. Oh how she clung so tightly to him, scared to let go. Oh how he clung to her, scared to ever let go of her again. Oh how it felt to have her in his arms again, to hold her safe, to keep her there. She trembled in his embrace and sobbed in his chest, he merely pressed her to him, willingly ready to fight her fears away. His knee shook as it gave out on him and he fell back on his behind, but he merely scooped her up into his lap and held her. She was there, he had her. She was his again and safe in her arms. With his hand resting on her head he rested his cheek on his hand as he rocked her, shushing her.
"Are you hurt?" He asked softly in her ear, gently patting her back while keeping her head pressed to his chest.
"Y-Yes." She nodded and clung to him tighter.
"Oh, my Snow White." His anger flared at that, but his heart ached and felt heavy at that. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry."
She pulled back, he allowed her to, but held her still in his arms. Her hands till trembling rested on his shoulders and her tear stained face which broke his heart searched his eyes for answers.
"W-Why?" Her voice wobbled with a sniffle. "Why did you leave me?"
"Never." He shook his head and his hands went to her cheeks, holding her there so she could only look at him. "Never would I leave you, my darling, Snow White. I went to prepare a place for you, to keep you safe. But the storm got so bad, when morning came I –"
"Prepared a place?" Her brow furrowed in confusion. Her tears more or less stopped, but her sniffling would not. How he wished he had a handkerchief for her, if he did it would be filthy.
"Yes." He used his thumbs to wipe under her eyes, ever so carefully so as not to actually touch her eyes. "I had to go prepare a place for you to hide in. It just took me longer than I thought it would. . ."
"I though. . ." More tears and finally a smile came through on her face as she looked at him, utter relief echoing in her eyes. Her small hands went to his large ones and he felt his own relief come to him. "I thought that y-you hated-d me – "
"Never." He shook his head as he held her gaze, but she didn't stop.
"A-A-And that you were never coming back." Her hands gripped his and she laughed slightly, almost ashamedly.
"I would never leave you, my Snow White." He shushed her and allowed his thumb to run over her lips. Oh how he wanted to press his lips to hers to calm her; but he still couldn't. "I'm so sorry I was late. I should have -"
"You came." A light shined in her eyes as she smiled so brightly. "That's all that matters."
She leaned her head into his right hand and kissed the palm of his left. A new flame, of one that he was hardly familiar with, warmed his heart and eased the aching that was there. She kept her eyes locked on his and slowly leaned closer. The flame in his heart burned as she got closer, but was quickly snuffed out as a pained look came across her face and she fell on his shoulder.
"Too soon." She groaned and held her side. "My ribs . . ."
Not really needing any explanation Adam gently scooped her up in his arms and carried her like the princess she was. She was surprised, but said nothing in argument as Adam held her firmly against his chest as he made his way to the Dwarves cottage.
"You're really warm. . ." She said quietly, her head resting on his shoulder. "You're radiating quite a lot of heat."
"Been warm all day." He admitted. Only now that it was brought up again and his adrenaline rush for blood lust was gone he was feeling it. Despite wearing three layers of clothes his skin had chilly goosebumps, his muscles ached, his body felt heavy, and all he wanted to do was sleep off the migraine that had replaced his headache. "It's fine though. We're almost there. . ."
She was a far cry from heavy and almost seemed to be lighter than the last time he had carried her; this concerned him greatly but he didn't want to push her. He didn't truly want to ask her about Florian and what happened because he already knew that the Evil Queen had put him up to it and he was just following suit with the permission she had given him. He wished he would have simply gotten rid of the fool early so none of this would have happened!
"H-He tried to kill me." She spoke up, her voice sounding cracked and not at all like her. "He was really going to kill me. . ."
"I wouldn't have let him." Adam's grip was gently but firm on her as he held her tighter. "I would not have let him kill you. I regret that I wasn't there sooner to prevent any damage from happening to you at all. . ."
His guilt fueled his shame and fueled his anguish for being weak and actually listening to the Grumpy Dwarf instead of moving forward. Had he just left when he said and planned to none of this would have happened. Yes he might have gotten sick, but Snow White never would have been hurt and would have already been in the safety of the Dwarves' cottage. He had to get stronger. There was a terrible storm brewing in the castle of Apfel and he had to get stronger, or Snow White could very well be killed. Now that he was no longer in the castle, he had no idea what to do next, where to go, or even how to act. He just knew that he needed to get her to the Dwarves' cottage and pray she stay out of the Queen's radar so he could get a handle on things
"Adam. . ." She spoke softly. Her voice shook, as though she were scared to speak. He felt her hand tighten on his shoulder. "Can I. . . Can I ask you something?"
"Of course." He nodded as he ducked under some of the low hanging branches.
"Were you hired to kill me?" He froze in his tracks. He could not conceal the shock that was evident on his face and could only stare down at her. She would not look at him, and that drove him crazy.
"What?"
"I heard, you and the Queen. That day in the library . . ." She was blinking back tears. "W-Were you r-really going to k-kill me?"
He wanted to bite off his tongue, he wanted to drop her off to safety immediately and throw himself down the side of the mountain. His heart felt as though it had been stabbed and his breathing suddenly hitched, he found it very difficult to breathe.
"Y-Yes." His own voice shook as he forced himself to look ahead. "Yes I was hired to kill you."
"B-By the Queen?" She pressed.
"By the Queen." He nodded.
"So, we're not cousins?" Her voice was so quiet, like something within her shattered.
"No. . ." It was a very complicated thing to answer since his own origins meant that he was truly not related to anyone but was a slave to a cruel master. "No, we're not related in any sense or form of relatives."
"Was everything you told me a lie then?"
"No, not all of it." He paused and debated on setting her down in case she wanted to walk, to be away from him. "The Queen, in a very round about sense raised me, though I'm not really her child. So I know what it is like to suffer her wrath when things did not exactly go her way."
Her tiny hand tightened on his shoulder, gripping the fabrics of his coat and she knew she was trying to hold onto something, anything, that would give her gravity in a shattered reality. Ever so gently he set her down on a log that was on dry land and gave her a moment to herself. He could see that she was fighting back tears as well as fighting his gaze. She would not look at him and it hurt so much so see.
"Were you going to kill me?" This question was a whisper but it might as well have been a scream in Adam's ears.
"I couldn't." His mouth was dry, and he felt as though he had swallowed cotton. "I was supposed to, but I just. . . I just couldn't."
"Why?" Oh how he hated the pain in her voice; oh how he hated that three letter word! He had been asking himself 'why' from the moment he stepped foot in this Realm! He was supposed to kill her, every fiber in his being knew that, yet as he got to know her, understood her, helped her even, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He enjoyed his time with her, in fact, they were the best moments of his own miserable life! He wasn't sure whether it was his fever finally getting the better of him or his own emotions, but as he stood there holding her his entire body began to shake.
"I don't know if I can tell you, honestly. . ." He answered, hoping she would satiated with that; but she wasn't.
"Why not?" She demanded for the first time in anger, or perhaps it was anguish.
"Because it isn't good for you to hear. . ." He was scared to answer now. For once in his life he was actually willing to listen to his heart and not his brain to reason out things, to not be practical, to actually live in a moment. A moment that would free him of all the bonds around his heart but also would endanger her life further. "Please do not persist –"
"I will persist!" She raised her voice standing and finally looked at him. Those doe brown eyes showed that she was trying to be strong but he knew she felt so weak. "Why couldn't you kill me, Adam?"
She was right in front of him, looking up at him, covered in dirt and muck and everything else terrible, and he couldn't look away from her she was both fiery and beautiful. His eyes burned as an unfamiliar sensation of wanting to cry washed over him as he took a small step forward. She didn't budge and only seemed to ground herself further in her determination to get an answer from him. He wanted to reach out and hold her again, but he felt especially undeserving to do so.
"Because, you never did anything wrong." Now his voice was barely a whisper and she looked so surprised. "From the day I met you you showed me nothing but kindness and have always been honest with me on everything. I looked for any fault you could have made, anything that would have given me an excuse to do so. But I just couldn't, I wouldn't. I won't." His hand balled into a fist at his side and a war of emotions played in her doe brown eyes. "I would never hurt you, Snow White, let alone kill you."
"You've had plenty of chances to kill me without a reason, Adam." Her face fell, kindness replacing the hardness in her face. "Prince Florian, who I never expected to truly be the way he was, was ready to kill me because I told him I couldn't love him . . ."
"You . . . you told him that?" His heart was suddenly drumming in his ears, it was literal music to his ears and made his heart far too happy. He did not deserve to be happy, especially not now when she knew what he was supposed to do. Yet he just could help but feel both relieved and just so happy to hear that she did not have any affections towards the fool; or if she did they are no longer there.
"He tried to tell me I could love him in time." Her doe brown eyes looked so sad. "I – I even tried to imagine it, and though I think I more than likely would have come to love him out of the duty of being a wife, I don't think that I would ever have truly loved him, nor would I have been happy." Her right hand went to her ribs again while her left one fidgeted with her skirts. It pained him to see her in pain and he would have done anything to take away her pain or endure it for her. He knew pain very well and he could handle it, he would take all the pain in the world so long as it meant she never had to suffer from it.
"You deserve someone who will make you happy, Snow White." He spoke gently to her and dared to take a half step forward. "You should never settle for anything or anyone else whenever it comes to your own happiness. I truly wish you would be just a little more selfish when it came to your own happiness."
"I haven't been unhappy." She argued with a half forced smile that fell quickly. "It's just that making others happy is so much easier, simpler even. I feel happy once I've made others happy. I feel as though I would have been a rotten person if I allowed myself to be selfish in finding my own happiness."
"You could never be rotten, my dear, Snow White." He dared to touch her and gently tucked a stray curl behind her ear. She did not flinch away from him, but instead stared at him, eyes watching him carefully. "You're far too sweet and far too kind to ever be rotten."
Even covered in mud and muck he found her alluring, and those red lips that were smiling at him, that porcelain face that blushed at him, and those doe brown eyes shining with something he hardly understood drew him to her. Oh how those red lips tempted him. . . His hand went to her head and the other to her shoulder and he pulled her to him in a firm but gentle hug. She almost seemed to melt into him as her thin arms wrapped around him and returned the embrace. He wanted to convey his wishes of her happiness, that he would guarantee her happiness, that he would do anything and everything within his own power to provide that happiness; that would allow himself to happy.
"A-Adam." She croaked out a gasp as her hands tightly grabbed his coat. "Y-you're hugging me. . . just a little. . . too tightly."
He released her and saw that she was still wincing in pain.
"I'm sorry." He internally scolded himself for not being rational and taking her straight to the Dwarves' cottage. He had been too caught up in the moment that he forgot that she had gotten hurt. He was an idiot. "Come here, I'll carry you the rest of the way."
"B-But you're hurt!" She tried to argue and Adam decided to not listen to her and scooped her up in his arms again, being careful not to jostle her.
"You're far worse than I am." He chided her and refused to let her go. "It is a man's duty to bear the pain in order to protect the woman. I have already failed you once in that regard, I will not fail a second time."
"Please don't say that." Her little hand went to his cheek and turned his head to look at her. "You haven't failed me."
"You would not have been injured or harmed in any sort of way had I been there when I was supposed to." He argued, his anger scolding himself for not being better. "I failed to protect you – "
"It was out of your control." Her eyes were so serious, so sincere and those doe brown eyes simply captivated him. Those red lips tempted him again. "You came for me, that's all that matters. If it is forgiveness that you're looking for just consider yourself forgiven."
"I can't. I failed - ." He closed his eyes to the temptation and gently turned his face away from her. Her hand forced him to look at her again. She was so beautiful and captivating. . .
"I have already forgiven you." Her other hand reached for his face and held it there so he had no choice but to look at her. "Isn't it time you did a little of the forgiving?"
The sincerity in her eyes was so raw and passionate that it touched his heart and made it tender. He felt weak yet strong at the same time and for once in his life actually wanted to forgive himself of some of his crimes. . .
"The things you do to me. . ." He whispered and closed his eyes, forcing himself to gain control of himself again. If he were to look into those doe brown eyes any longer, he was not sure what control he would have left; he barely had any to begin with her.
"What things?" Her own voice was a whisper and sent a shiver through Adam. A new heat roared within him and he needed to get her to the Dwarves cottage quickly. Adam's hand reached up and gently removed her hands from his face; his skin immediately missed her touch the moment it was removed. He had to though or else he would do something he wouldn't be able to take back and would regret if he harmed her.
"I need to get you to the cottage." He spoke in finality, more to himself to remind himself of his mission and purpose and all of the threats and dangers at hand. "Just rest. No more questions."
Without another glance at her beautiful face to keep himself strong, he set his eyes forward and began to climb through the swamp, up the valleys, and deeper into the mountains until he was able to finally come across the Dwarves' walking paths. She was actually good and remained quiet for the rest of the way, but he could feel her gaze burning a hole through him. He could tell she had more questions that she wanted to ask, but he wasn't sure if he were truly ready to answer any of them. He was very grateful that she was behaving and allowing him to go into an autopilot mode to get her to her safety. She rested her head on his shoulder, her hand holding the other, and just held on like a sleepy child that felt safe.
When he finally got to the surface of the mountains again and free of the Dark Forest, the air seemed to return to his lungs and he could breath easier as the Dwarves' cottage was within sight. He had done his best to keep it at a regular pace but his breath had been very ragged with the climb up the mountain. His fever had decided to kick in again, and he had decided that he was go into ignore it until he got her to safety. The sun was already setting and the sky was growing darker soon. It was in a safer part of the forest and was still tucked away enough behind the trees where it was difficult to find if he hadn't already known where it was. It still allowed enough sunlight into the home but was well hidden in the trees to remain out of sight from unwanted visitors; though the Dark Forest did an excellent job of keeping unwanted visitors away.
"Is that where I'll be staying?" She perked up as they approached the cottage.
"Yes." He nodded. "I have some acquaintances here that have agreed to let you stay here until things are finally settled and safe for you to be at the castle again."
"Will it be too long?" Her voice was quiet and just as unsure as he felt.
"Not if that fool of a prince actually goes home as he was scheduled to." He grit his teeth at the mere mention of the fool. "Though I can't say for how long it will be necessary while the Queen still reigns."
She said nothing more as they approached the house. He stooped down under the low hanging branches and set her down as soon as he felt they were both close enough and safe enough out of sight. She walked up to the cottage very curiously looking excited at all of the details and the tininess of the cottage.
"It's so small." She commented and stood at her full height. "Even for me and how short I am I can tell that it's small. Do children live here?"
"No." He snorted a laugh. "But Dwarves do."
"You're friends with the Dwarves?" She whirled around and her skirt twirled around her as she did.
"I'm acquainted with them." He admitted with a nod. The motion suddenly made him dizzy and he reached a hand out to the walls of the cottage for support. "Though I do thing 'friends' is stretching it a bit."
"Adam, are you all right?" She rushed over to him a she held his head in his hand.
"Fine." His entire body was trembling as he used the cottage to support his weight. "You should get inside before it gets dark. They'll be home soon and I'd rather you rest up before they get back."
He pushed himself off the cottage and to the door and was surprised that it was unlocked; then again they lived miles away from society in the mountains so it should not have surprised him. He had to stoop as he stood in the foyer, and even Snow White had to as well. Much to his chagrin they had not cleaned the place up since his visit last night and it was terribly filthy. He walked in the living room and sat against a wall and enjoyed how cool the wooden floors felt. Snow White joined him at his side and looked around.
"You said Dwarves live here?" She whispered, just in case someone was there to overhear.
"Seven of them." He nodded and was glad that the house was dark, it eased his headache and the cool floors felt amazing. He closed his eyes and felt his body demanding rest.
"Seven?" She blinked in surprise. "Well that explains a few things. . ."
"I'll make sure they clean up this evening." He rested the back of his head on the wall and slouched a bit. "They'll be here shortly, so you should rest up."
"I think you should be the one to rest. . ." She argued softly and placed her hand on his forehead. Her hand was cool and it felt nice; but he could be sweating and she didn't need to touch him if he were. "You're burning up."
"I'm fine." He shook his head and grabbed her hand and held it in his hand. "You need to rest. I know you didn't sleep. You've got circles. . . under your eyes."
"Shall we rest together then?" She proposed as she scooted closer to him. He heard her wince as soon as she did though. He peeked his eyes open and saw she was grimacing and holding her side. He gently tugged on her hand and she looked at him with a pained smile.
"Come here." He said softly, urging her. She did as she was told and it must have been the fever that compelled him to do it because he situated her in his lap where she would be leaning away from her bruising ribs instead of on them. Her head rested on his left shoulder and her legs were on the right of him, his arms held her in place by her head and her knees. He sighed in relief as her coolness eased his heat a smidge.
"I-Is this all right?" She whispered as her hand rested on his chest. He wasn't entirely aware to notice if she were comfortable or not, and in his fever he was more selfish than he normally would allow himself to be. He wanted her close for more than one reason, but if she were there in his arms he knew he could keep her close and keep her safe. He also really liked the way she fit inside of him and he really liked holding her.
"For this moment, yes." He leaned his head on his hand and embraced how cool she felt. "Just until they arrive. . . please. . . just stay like this for this moment."
He knew he should be allowing himself this moment of happiness, especially not after her gaining the truth and knowledge of his previous intentions. But he could not help but enjoy the fact that she was there with him, far away from the castle, finally safe and sound and in his arms no less where he could protect her best. He would blame the fever for his actions, then again he should more than likely thank the fever too for without it he would never have dared to do this.
"A-Adam. . ." Her voice was quiet, but he listened to the sweetness of it.
"Hm?" He couldn't bring himself to open his eyes. His body was finally relaxing despite the fever, and he felt the greatest relief of having her there with him.
"May I ask a question?"
". . .No. . ." He hummed. He wasn't as conscious as he would like and he was not able to censor his answers if she asked too deep of a question. "I said no more questions. . ."
"Just one?" She pleaded, her little fingers on her little hand traced a circle over his breast pocket. "I promise I'll rest after I just ask the one."
"Only one?" His brow furrowed.
"Just one." There was a quiet giggle in her voice.
"Hm?" He grunted as his brain argued with his body to stay awake.
"Why. . ." She hesitated and her hand stopped making circles on his chest. He wanted her to continue that.
"Hm?"
"Never mind . . ." She shook her head. "It's silly. . ."
"Go ahead." He urged her in his sleepiness.
"No. . . I'm scared to hear the answer."
Adam inhaled as he sat up and looked down at her. She had her face turned into his chest, trying to hide from him. His right hand moved from her knee and gently brushed her cheek, coercing her to look up. He kept nudging and rubbing her cheek until she peeked one eye at him.
"Don't do that. . ." He tried to study her face, but he was so tired he couldn't properly read her. "Don't hide your face from me. . . I don't like that. . ." She looked at him and the deepest pink tinted her cheeks and even her ears. It only deepened as he traced his own circle on her cheek with his finger. "You don't have to be scared. . . I'm not going to hurt you. . ."
"Oh dear heavens. . ." Her face turned red and she seemed to be holding her breath. He was worried that he might actually be scaring her by looking at her, so he settled back on the wall and held her again, pressing his cheek to his hand on the top of her head and enjoying the way she smelled. She didn't smell like anything from the swamp.
"Adam?" She tried again.
"Hm?" He hummed as sleep threatened to take him again.
"Why did you say you wouldn't kill me?"
"Because I can't." He said sleepily. His mind was desperately trying to remain awake and terribly failing. Between the exhaustion and the fever he was much more vulnerable than he liked and he was far too willing to tell her whatever it she wanted.
"Why?"
"Because. . ." Even as tired a he was he was scared to tell her anything. He was scared how she would react. He was scared to know what it would be like if it were out in the open. He would be exposed, something could break between them if it hasn't already with her new knowledge.
"Because why?" She pressed and he didn't want to fight any more. He was glad his eyes were closed because he more than likely would not have been able to put up a fight in his state.
"You already. . . already asked a question. . ." He fought weakly and clung to her tighter.
"But you didn't answer it. . ."
"Because I can't. . ." His mind screamed at him to fall asleep while his heart told him to tell her the truth. When would he ever get this chance again? He almost prayed he wouldn't get this chance again; almost. "You're too special to me; you're the most special person in all the Realms to me. . . If I said much more I fear I would ruin you. . ."
"'The most special person'?" She gasped quietly.
"Please, my darling. . ." He shushed her as he felt himself nodding off more. "Please . . . just be patient until things are safe before I tell you anything else more. . ."
"I will try." She sounded so happy at that. "I will really, really try. . . But Adam?"
"Hm?" His body grew heavy, his mind was getting fuzzy, he could hardly hear what she was saying.
"You're the most special person to me. . ." She whispered. "I hope you know that. . ."
"Mmmmm. . ." He wished he could hear what she was saying.
"Adam. . ." He felt something soft brush against his ear and her voice was the only thing he could hear. "I – I love you."
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you've enjoyed the story so far!
This was actually a very difficult chapter to write. I had at least three other ideas that I had in mind for this particular series of events, but the story dictated this particular route. I hope that these recent chapter haven't been too long for you. In the current time in which I have been writing this (which is before my wedding) I have been rather stressed and haven't had much time to write, but it has been therapeutic for me to write again. I've enjoyed writing this story thus far and am just as excited to see the end of it with you.
In case I don't publish this at the exact time and week that I have scheduled, my wedding will be September 5, 2020 and the honeymoon will follow suit after. So if during the week of September 7 there is no updates, please bear with me and be patient because I assure you that I am still writing, I would also just like to enjoy a little time to myself as well.
I would also like to thank everyone who has sent me messages and left me reviews of your thoughts, given me suggestions, and asked me questions. It warms my heart greatly to see them and be able to communicate with you either one on one or publicly through here. It has been a great encouragement to me to receive all sorts of feedback and it has been very helpful to me. Please continue to write reviews and send me feedback.
Thanks for coming along the journey with me, stay tuned for more!
Ko-fi/SarahtheWriter