''Landing''

I Love You

Henry and Bella walk through the garden in silence, none knowing exactly what to say. Bella stops suddenly.

-"This is ridiculous. We never had any problem talking to each other and now, it's like we're two strangers who have just met."

-"It really shouldn't be this complicated." - Henry smiles at her.

-"Then, let's make it simple."

-"What do you have in mind?"

-"Do you mind if I go first?"

-"Not at all."

-"Okay then. I know what happened during the battle against my father." - Henry looks away, shame fleeting across his face at her words. -"I'm glad my father is gone. I know what you did, I know you were the one who killed him, and Alexander, and that you stopped at nothing until you were face to face with him. What you did doesn't change how I see you, how I've always seen you. I am grateful that you were the one who gave me and Alexis some justice."

Henry looks at her, surprise replacing the shame across his face.

-"You thought I would look at you differently once I knew what you did, didn't you?" - She smiles at him.

-"I did."

-"As far as I'm concerned, nothing changed. You're still the man I fell in love with all those months ago and knowing that you are willing to go to great lengths to protect me and Alexis just makes me love you even more."

-"I still love you just as much." - Henry holds her hand.

-"Henry, when Jensen died, I felt like I was falling and stumbling through my life and the only thing keeping me from crashing was Alexis. But then I met you and, through all we went through, I allowed my heart to let you in."

"During that time, I realized I no longer was falling but was flying instead. And while things weren't perfect and we had our fair share of obstacles to overcome, this feeling never left."

"And now, I'm finally where I'm supposed to be. This is where I'm meant to be, with you and Alexis, in this Court, in this Kingdom. I'm landing on what I can only describe as my forever home."

"I love you, Henry. I've loved you probably before I even realized it and there's nothing that's ever going to change that. I will love you whether you're Henry or the Devil. My love for you will not change nor falter. I. Love. You."

Henry doesn't know what to say, tears in his eyes, so he simply pulls her close and kisses her deeply, a kiss that is as much a promise that he will always love and protect her, as well as a plea for the Gods above to not take the one person that truly sees him for who he is.