His Queen

Chapter 57 - Alana

Alana sat in the dimly lit healing wards, her body hunched over, her head resting gently on the edge of Faramir's bed. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated their peaceful surroundings, casting shadows that danced across the walls. Alana's hand reached out and lightly brushed against Faramir's cheek, feeling the warmth emanating from his slumbering form. She closed her eyes and breathed in the soothing scent of herbs and medicine that filled the air. Her heart ached as she watched him sleep, her mind filled with memories of their time together before he was wounded in battle. But now, in this quiet moment, she could only be grateful for his steady breaths and steady heartbeats that assured her he was still alive.

Alana's eyelashes fluttered open, like the delicate wings of a butterfly. Beneath her touch, she could feel Faramir stir, his body awakening from slumber. His eyelids slowly lifted, revealing those piercing blue eyes that held her heart captive. A small, but genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips as his gaze met hers, sending a warmth through her body. The lines and creases on his face told the story of his struggles and victories, making him all the more handsome in her eyes.

"You're here." he whispered, his voice hoarse from disuse.

Tears welled up in Alana's eyes as she nodded, unable to find her voice. She gently took his hand in hers, interlacing their fingers. Faramir's grip was weak, but the contact sent sparks of electricity through Alana's body. She leaned in closer, her face mere inches from his. "I'm here."

Faramir reached up with his other hand, caressing Alana's cheek with a tenderness that made her heart flutter. She leaned into his touch, savoring the feel of his calloused fingers against her soft skin. In that moment, nothing else mattered - not the war raging outside, not the uncertain future that lay ahead. All that existed was the two of them, lost in each other's presence.

Unable to resist any longer, Alana closed the distance between them, capturing Faramir's lips in a gentle, loving kiss. It was a kiss that conveyed all the emotions she had been holding back - the fear, the longing, the relief at seeing him alive. Faramir responded in kind, his lips moving against hers with a passion that ignited a fire within her soul.

But as quickly as the moment had begun, it ended. Alana pulled back, her eyes flashing with a sudden burst of anger. "How could you?" she demanded, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "How could you leave on a suicide mission without me? Without even telling me?"

Faramir's eyes widened in surprise at her outburst. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before meeting Alana's fiery gaze once more. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I did what I thought was right."

"You had guards withhold me?! You went off to get killed! You said GOODBYE!!" She was yelling now, her grief taking hold. "I hate you for doing that!"

Faramir flinched at the venom in Alana's words, each accusation striking him like a physical blow. He could see the pain etched across her face, the betrayal shimmering in her tear-filled eyes. His heart clenched with guilt, knowing that he was the cause of her anguish.

"Alana, please," he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I never meant to hurt you. I only wanted to protect you, to keep you safe from harm."

"And what about you?" Alana retorted, her voice cracking with emotion. "Did you even consider how I would feel if something happened to you? How devastated I would be if I lost you?"

Faramir closed his eyes, unable to bear the weight of her gaze. He knew she was right. In his determination to shield her from danger, he had failed to consider the depth of her love for him. It had been new and he had hoped in the moment that she would be able to move on. He had been selfish, putting his own sense of duty above their relationship.