The Selection of Prince Creed

THEA

I mutter to myself as I stalk the halls of the hospital. I had practically been living here ever since Tristan had been rescued.

I felt an ache in my heart.

Even just thinking about him made me want to cry.

But even though I lived in this place for a few days, no one informed me that Tristan had woken up.

Which was stupid. Because I was practically his fiancé.

Practically. In my heart I am.

That's not enough Thea.

I had thought of what I would say to him when I got to his room. If he was awake.

Of course, ever since he was rescued, I had planned on what I would say. I thought long and hard.

But as I stand right next to the door to go into his room, words are at a loss. And I suddenly don't care what I say.

I just want him to know I was here. For him.

Words can be spoken without saying anything, right? Because if I saw him awake, I think I might just start crying.

Keep it together, Thea. He needs you to be strong.

I brave it, and walk in.

I felt myself sigh. He's sleeping.

I suppose this was a mercy. I wasn't ready to talk to him. Maybe not for a little while longer. Not yet.

When I turn to leave the room back the way I came, I hear my name.

"Thea?"

It was said in relief.

I turn my head, looking over my shoulder. I see his eyes stuck on me. Never moving.

And there are tears. In his eyes.

And a smile. A big smile.

I turn fully. I take slow steps over to him, not sure how to proceed. Not sure what to say.

Which was hilarious, cause I am a writer.

I should have a script. A rough draft of what I should say.

I should comfort him. Hold him. Say soothing words to him.

But all I can do is take his hand. And stroke it with my thumb.

"Hey." I whisper.

Tears slip down his face. He looks so happy.

"Thea."

I close my eyes.

He was saying my name again.

I start to cry.

"You're here." He whispers. My eyes open, and I nod.

"Of course."

"Thea... I'm sorry. For everything." He says, and I frown.

"I'm the one who's sorry. Tristan, I-I should have said yes-"

"It's fine." He says, dismissing it.

My heart starts to pound.

"Tristan...?"

He doesn't look at me.

"What is it?"

He looks at me for a split second before turning his full attention to his legs.

I follow his gaze. I swallow as I look at them.

It wasn't ever going to be the same.

"Thea... you don't deserve this. You don't deserve me. I can understand if you still don't-"

"No!" I interrupt, grabbing of his hands, "No. Look at me." I say, and he obeys, "I love you. I don't care what happened."

"Look at me." He whispers, "Look at my legs. I won't be able to take care of you. You'd be nursing me for the rest of your days, Thea. You don't want that. You don't want me." He says, serious.

I set my jaw, "Tristan Schreave, I do indeed want you. If you'll have me." I say, firm.

He starts to smile.

"Was that a proposal?"

I chuckle, "Yeah. So?"

He doesn't even have to think. The expression on his face just shows that he was hoping I would answer this way. "I'll have you. Will you have me?"

"Yeah."

I kiss his hand.

"I'll have you."