Court of Darkness

18. Home - Alexander

Nicki became quiet after some time had passed. It could've been a few minutes or a few hours. To Alexander it had felt like an eternity. Her face was hidden in the crook of his neck while he toyed with her hair.

"Are you ready to continue or do you want a break from it?" She gave him a muffled answer that sounded like 'continue', so he did.

"I think we should discuss what happened three weeks ago." He swallowed. He really didn't want to talk about this. He wasn't ready. They both weren't but would they ever be?

"You were right, Nicki. I want to apologise to you for not looking into it myself. You've told me that someone was passing information to the rebels. The attacker was one of our own. It was Haynes. He was on duty for my room that day. He waited until the other guards had passed him on their round before he snuck into the room and attacked us." Alexander swallowed and tears ran down his face. He couldn't stop talking. If he stopped then he wouldn't talk about it again.

"The sword was silver, hence why you were in such a bad condition. He was aiming for my heart, Nicki. If it weren't for you, I would've been dead." He stopped so he could wipe away some of his tears with the back of his hand. Rage bubbled up inside him as he continued.

"A nearby guard heard the commotion and alerted the others. They've caught Haynes. He didn't get a trial. I've sentenced him to death and took care of him myself. Unfortunately he wasn't willing to talk, when I pretended to be willing to negotiate. I don't know why he helped the rebels and what information they have. I just hope that things will calm down now." Nicki was looking at him again. He saw rage, sadness and exhaustion on her face. It was like looking in the mirror.

"I have to ask it Nicki... just so I can give it a place myself. Why did you use your body to shield me, knowing that you would have to sacrifice the baby?" Nicki's face became unreadable after he had spoken those words. She just stared at him. He waited patiently. Eventually she gave him an answer, even though it was obvious that she didn't want to share it with him.

"I did it because I didn't want to lose you. That's all I could think of at that moment. Protecting you. You had managed to make me fall in love with you for the second time, Alexander." She whispered. She hid her face in the crook of his neck again. Alexander swallowed. It felt like there was a lump in his throat.

"Are you... do you... regret it? Picking me over the baby now that you remember everything?" He felt how she shook her head.

"No... I do not." She said quietly.

"Then... is there a chance for us in the future? Or did it die that night?" He closed his eyes. He was afraid to see Nicki's expression. She answered him by placing a kiss on his cheek.

"I'm feeling many things right now, Alex. I feel rage, sadness, confusion. But below all those things I still feel love towards you. I just need time. Time to give everything a place. Time to mourn. But I no longer want to be alone. Come home, Alex. I miss sleeping next to you. I know I've sent you away but please, come home." The desperation in her words broke Alexander's heart. He opened his eyes to look at her. Her red eyes were looking into his. He saw a vulnerability that he hadn't seen since the day he had transformed her. He cupped her face with his hands and carefully placed a kiss on her lips.

"My love, I was waiting until you asked me to return. Of course I'll come home. I've missed you since the moment you told me to leave." Her small smile warmed his undead heart. She placed a hand on his and accidentally let out a loud yawn. Alexander chuckled softly.

"I think we could both use some rest. It has been a long night. Please allow me to carry you to the bedroom." Nicki nodded and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck again. He lifted her up in bridal style and carried her to their bedroom. Alexander would be sleeping next to his queen again.