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Price of a Shield

Chapter 26: Price of a Shield

-Aragorn's POV-

"You trust Rishardo? Out of all people him?! What in the world are you thinking, Aragorn?!" Fili came over and screamed at me. I backed away with my hands raised, signaling surrender.

"You don't understand," Aragorn whispered. "He was our only chance at getting our Sapphire back. He's the only one close enough to get her back."

"Why though?" Kili found himself thinking about it and not intentionally speaking his mind. "I mean... why did he even help us. Doesn't he like, hate us right now?"

Aragorn found himself in the predicament he didn't want to end up in. He had done something he wasn't the proudest of. Sapphire was 16, possibly the best age for this type of deal. Aragorn found himself lying before anything else happened. Lying about what though, was a different matter.

"He didn't do it for us, he did it for her, because he loves her," he said in a small whisper, not sure what he was saying. The others just stared at him, not sure how to react to this. They all knew he had lied. Kili, Fili, Bones, and Thor all looked at each other, then back at Aragorn.

"We know there's something your leaving out... but we'll wait for you to tell us," Kili said, and he was being very truthful. How could Aragorn be able to say such an embarrassing and horrible truth? What would the others think of him if he told them the truth?

"Thank you. You guys are so understanding, and I'm sorry I can't tell you right now what is happening," Aragorn bowed his head to the others, showing them his respect to them.

-Rishardo's POV-

A/N: I've never done this point of view before so, I hope you guys like it.

I feel like Sapphire understood something was going on that she doesn't and couldn't understand. She seemed so calm about it, but that's just how she usually is about things. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't try to explain what the heck was going on. Thu could be the only chance I get to prove my love for her. That's the only reason I did this... I wanted a second chance. I wanted to tell her how much I loved her, without her replying, "Joseph would be ashamed," or, "I can't go against the love Joseph and I shared." I must have unintentionally gripped my hands into fists because she immediately seemed concerned.

"Are... are you ok? You seem, angry... distant," she said. She had always known how to understand how I was feeling and she still had that power, even if she didn't remember it.

"Yeah," I replied. We had been walking do hours and although I wasn't, Sapphire looked exhausted. "I'm fine, but you look tired. There's a little hotel a little way up, we should stop there and stay the night."

"O... *yawn* Ok," she replied rubbing her eyes. We headed to the little hotel. I walked up to the receptionist's desk, her behind me.

"What rooms do you have open?" I asked in a low voice, because it was after quiet time. The girl looked at Sapphire, then back to me and smiled. She handed me keys and whispered in my ear.

"No cost for the cutest couple I've seen," she said, and I could feel my face blush. I took the keys and beaconed Sapphire on. We got to the room to find only one bed. Before I could say anything, Sapphire collapsed into my arms. I lifted her up and put her in the bed and covered her in the blankets. I took my hoodie and shirt off, then got under the covers with her. I just layer down next to her and held her against my chest. She started breathing softer and relaxed against my chest. I smiled, feeling for once, warmth against my heart. This was perfect, the best night I've had forever... and it was with the love of my life.