The Keeper Of The Drifted Rose

chapter 13 A risky gamle

The sound of the approaching guards' hooves grew ever louder, sending a chill down Liam and Elise's spines. They huddled in the dimly lit cottage, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination.

Liam's gaze met Elise's, his eyes filled with a steely resolve. "My love, I have a plan, but it is a risky one."

Elise's brow furrowed with concern. "What do you mean, Liam? What are you planning to do?"

Liam's lips curved into a grim smile. "I'm going to distract the guards, to give you a chance to escape."

Elise's eyes widened with horror. "No, Liam! I cannot leave you to face them alone. We must flee together, or not at all."

Liam grasped her hands, his grip firm and unyielding. "Elise, listen to me. The King's men are searching for both of us. If I can draw their attention, you may have a chance to slip away unnoticed."

Elise shook her head vehemently. "I will not abandon you, Liam. We are in this together, no matter the cost."

Liam's expression softened, and he pulled her into a fierce embrace. "My love, you must understand. This is the only way to ensure your safety. You are the future, the hope for a better life. I cannot let them take that away from you."

Elise's eyes brimmed with tears as she clung to him. "But what of your future, Liam? How can I go on without you?"

Liam pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You must, my love. You must live, and fight for the life we dreamed of. I will hold them off for as long as I can, but you must be ready to run when the time comes."

Elise's heart shattered at the realization of what Liam was asking her to do. "Liam, I cannot... I will not leave you to face them alone."

Liam's gaze was unwavering, his voice steady and resolute. "You must, Elise. For the sake of our future, you must go."

The sound of the guards grew closer, their shouts echoing through the forest. Liam squeezed Elise's hand one last time, his eyes filled with a bittersweet love.

"Go, my love. Run, and never look back."

With a heavy heart, Elise watched as Liam stepped out of the cottage, his tattered cloak billowing behind him. She held her breath, her fingers trembling as she heard the clash of steel and the shouts of the guards.

Summoning every ounce of her courage, Elise slipped out the back of the cottage, her feet carrying her swiftly through the dense underbrush. She ran with a purpose, her mind filled with the memory of Liam's sacrifice and the promise of a future that they had once dreamed of.

As the sounds of the battle faded into the distance, Elise's heart ached with the weight of her loss, but she knew that she had to press on. For Liam, and for the life they had fought so hard to protect.