The Princess & The Lord

Part 20

Elena kept herself from falling asleep. She didn't want to close her eyes and risk returning to the darkness.

She listened to the beating of his heart and focused on slowing hers to match. Nyx kept her pulled close to his chest. His chin resting on her head as he gently stroked his hand down her back, as though he was trying to heal her wounds.

They were quiet for a long moment. Nyx was there, to remind her she wasn't alone. To remind her where she was, with him- what felt like home.

He was patient with her. He didn't push her to talk. He didn't force conversation. They sat in a comfortable silence taking in all they had relived.

Elena was the first to speak, "In the weeks since I escaped, I pushed the memory further and further away. I locked the chains tighter and tighter. I didn't ever want to remember."

"I'm sorry. I am so sorry." She could hear the pain in his voice.

"There were so many times I wanted to give up. I wanted it to end. But there was something in my heart-in my very soul- that wouldn't let me give in. Something that kept me fighting," she thought back.

"Well whatever it was, I'm glad it won. I'm glad you're here." He pulled her closer. He held her tight like he'd never let go.

"You didn't run when you saw what they did to me." Elena stated. All she'd asked him to do, was unlock the memory. Once he unlocked it, Nyx could have pulled out of her mind. It was a horrible, terrifying memory to relive. And he had stayed by her side for every moment of the nightmare. He had chosen to relive it with her.

"I couldn't let you face that alone. Not again." He said solemnly. "I wish there was some way I knew. I wish I could have done something. I wish I could have helped you. To know you were out there being-" he couldn't finish the words. "I know now how horrifying it really was, but you-you were so strong."

"I need you to make me a promise." She sat up and looked in those deep violet eyes. She swore she could see the stars gleaming back at her. "I won't go back there. I won't. I can't. And he can't have the keys. If he tries to take me again, promise you'll kill me." She said.

"No. I won't ever let that happen. He won't take you, I won't let him. " Nyx said as he shook his head.

"But if he does, Nyx, please-" Elena begged.

"You can't ask me to do that." Nyx said, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "It's not fair. I won't ever let him take you. Never." A protective growl rumbled from his chest.

"I know it's not fair, but these keys, they are bigger than you and me."

"I won't do it. I can't bare the thought of hurting you," Nyx said as a tear lined his eye.

"You would be saving me, saving the world- all the worlds." She said quietly.

"I can't make that promise, but I will make you a different one. I promise that you won't ever go back there and he won't lay a finger on those keys. I swear it." Nyx lightly laid his hand on her cheek, rubbing his thumb along the curve of her jaw. "I swear it," he repeated.

"Shall we make a bargain then?" Elena said with a small smile. "I could use another tattoo."

Nyx let out a joyous laugh and Elena could feel the weight in her chest lessen.

"I am a lord. My word is my honor." He put his hand to his heart.

"A promise to a Princess is binding," Elena said with a smirk. "If you break it, I can have you gelded."

"Well that wouldn't be fun for anyone," Nyx smirked back.

Elena rolled her eyes and sunk down into the covers. She could feel the vibrations from his laugh.