Daryl's Angel: Saviour (Book Two)

Chapter 57: Like It's the Last Night

The Kingdom is truly a beautiful place, as beautiful as a place can be nowadays, but its aesthetic charms only go so far in distracting me from the ever-present threat hanging over our heads. Every second Daryl is here with me, with us, is another second that he's in danger.

There hasn't been an alert on Jesus's stolen radio. I cling to its silence, knowing the second that it starts talking is when things get scary again.

After supper (a delicious supper with meat and fresh produce), Daryl retreats to the rooms King Ezekiel lent to our group for the evening, stating that he's tired. I intend to join him later, just as soon as I grab an extra audience with the King. Thankfully, he's not too hard to find, seated at one of the picnic tables in the dining pavilion with a young blond boy.

"Mind if I sit?" I ask.

He gestures with a kind smile, and I slide onto the bench beside him. The boy darts a glance up at me as he finishes his vegetables.

"Henry, why don't you go prepare for bedtime?" Ezekiel suggests. "I shall follow you soon."

Henry nods, gathers his plate, and hurries away. I watch him leave for a moment, scanning the room. For being a supposed King, Ezekiel doesn't have bodyguards, or at least no one who's going to sweep in and haul me away from him in the next few minutes.

"Cute kid," I comment.

"He has his charms," Ezekiel agrees. While his face is pleasant, I see wariness in his eyes. He thinks he knows what I'm going to talk about. "Now, tell me, what brings you to my supper table?"

"I'm not trying to sway your decision, regarding Rick's request..." I start, only to hesitate. "I...uh, beg the King for a favour, a show of mercy."

"Mercy?" he repeats. "I have extended no threat."

"Not like that. It's about Daryl, my husband," I say. I keep my voice low, wary of listening ears. "You heard how he was captured by the Saviours. They aren't going to just let him go; Negan isn't like that."

He watches me as he idly sips from his cup. "What would you have me do?"

"Hide him. The Saviours have no idea that we're here, so they'd have no reason to believe Daryl would be here. If you offer him sanctuary, it could buy him the time we need to sort things out, with or without your help."

He watches me with intense, dark eyes. I hold my breath, willing myself not to tremble. I'm not above grovelling, not when it comes to Daryl's life, but I choose to believe that Ezekiel is a good, kind man. He's given no indication that would tell me otherwise.

"I don't expect an answer right away," I say as I rise from the bench. "Deliver your decree in the morn, right?"

He smirks softly. "Indeed. Goodnight...?" There's questioning in his eyes.

"Hope."

"Hope. Goodnight, and may your dreams be sweet."

----------

"The hell took you so long?"

I shut the door softly behind me, exhaling. "You said you were going to sleep."

"Yeah, well, wanted to wait for you."

Daryl lies on his back on the bed, arms hooked behind his head, staring at the ceiling. He still has his boots on, and I click my tongue good-naturedly as I unlace them and wiggle them off for him. He sits up as I do so, his face still heavy with exhaustion.

"What happened after Negan brought Carl home?" he asks.

My throat tightens with nerves. I knew this was coming. I was going to bring it up if he didn't, but it doesn't make me feel any more prepared. I drop his boots next to mine at the foot of the bed and sit down beside him, exhaling.