Fallen Star

Fallen Star Chapter 25

The song within is called "I Must Live All Alone" by Lesley Nelson-Burns.

Enjoy!

VVV

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

"For all the times I tried for this
And every chance at you I missed
I've been known to go my way
But I confess it made me miss you more

I drew my line across the sand
And set my flag in no-man's-land
But here I am, the one man band
With a song that's meant for two

And there is a light from a higher window
Shining down on you tonight

And the music floats on the breeze
Bringing an easier time
And all of our cards are on the table
Tell me what you want to do
Just don't tell me that it's too late
For me to love you."

-Higher Window

Jane sat on the edge of her bed, gazing out the open balcony at the clear blue sky. The cool morning air drifted in, and she could hear the larks chirping in the gardens.

She had not slept all night. She had lain in bed sobbing for several hours, and after she had run out of tears, she had turned restlessly back and forth, flinging the covers off only to pull them back over herself—and once or twice she had gotten up and paced back and forth, trying to exert some energy so as to make herself tired. Her midsection had panged all the while.

At the break of day, she had gotten up, washed, put on a long green dress with a sash, brushed out her hair, made her bed, and sat down and waited for Thor. She knew it would be a long wait—he'd said he would come at midmorning—but she couldn't face anyone else before she'd seen him, and she had no appetite and no desire to go out on the grounds or lose herself in the halls. She glanced over her shoulder at the stained helmet, and the cistus that lay beside it. The petals remained just as beautiful as before.

Knock, knock.

She jumped. Her heart leaped into her throat. She stood up, and, her body shaking, hurried to her door and opened it—

Thor stood outside, smiling at her.

But he wore the same maroon clothes he had for dinner the night before.

And though he looked as if he had cleaned up, he was tired.

She frowned at him.

"Thor? What...What are you doing here?" she glanced past him. "I thought you weren't coming until the middle of the morning."

"Please forgive me," he said. "I couldn't wait any longer."

Jane went cold.

"May I come in?" Thor asked, stepping toward her. Helpless, Jane nodded, then drew back and opened the door further to let in his towering form. He strode past her, then turned and faced her.

"Do you mind if we...If we go out there to talk?" Thor asked, pointing to the balcony. "I believe I need a bit of fresh air."

Clasping her hands in front of her, her stomach flipping, Jane nodded, and followed him as they trailed out onto the balcony, into the cool breeze and sunshine. He stepped up to the railing and braced both hands against it, taking a deep breath. Jane came up beside him, watching him, her brow tight. He took another breath.

"Thor—" Jane stopped him, though her chest tightened. "There's something I have to—"

"Jane," Thor cut in, turning to her. "Jane, I came here to tell you something very important. And before you say anything, I want you to listen to me."