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AZARIAH sighed, not saying anything.
Adriana stepped closer, her voice filled with a desperate plea.
"Please, princess. I can't bear the thought of losing you again. You're everything to me. You're the only thing that matters. I'll do anything, princess, anything. Just give me another chance, give us another shot."
Azariah gulped. "I..I don't know. This is extremely risky and I can't lose my family."
Adriana's shoulders slumped, her expression faltering at Azariah's uncertainty. She took a step back, her eyes full of defeat.
"I understand, princess. I know it's a lot to ask, and it's a big risk. I just... I just hoped that you might give me another chance. I love you, princess. You know that, right?"
The young woman looked down. "I know." She mumbled, confused, and hurt.
Adriana's heart ached at the sound of Azariah's mumbled affirmation. She wanted to reach out and pull her close, to comfort her and tell her everything would be alright. But she held herself back, knowing that it wasn't her place to do so.
"I'll give you space, princess," she said softly. "But please, just think about what I've said. Think about us. And if you change your mind...you know where to find me." She turned and walked quietly back to the window.
This was the first time Adriana didn't fight for her, the first time she didn't push.
Adriana paused at the window, glancing back at Azariah one last time. In her eyes, she saw the conflict and confusion on her face.
She knew better this time than to push her, to pressure her into something she wasn't ready for.
With a heavy heart, she climbed out the window, disappearing into the night without another word.
Azariah sighed, walking to the window and closing it. She was conflicted. She hated how the woman had came back into her life after disappearing for years. She hated how her mother killed Adriana's parents, she hated how Adriana begged her to get back with her. And she most of all hated the affect Adriana had on her.
For hours, Azariah tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find sleep. Her mind was filled with conflicted thoughts and turbulent emotions, as she wrestled with the decision that lay before her.
Was it really possible to reconcile with Adriana, to have a future together despite the obstacles that stood in their way?
And all the while, a tiny part of her heart whispered to her that she missed the woman, that she longed for her touch and her presence.
She sighed, getting out of bed and walking to her door, when she opened it there stood her mama. "Mom why are you outside my door?" Liliana had looked down.
"I couldn't sleep but I didn't want to disturb you."
Azariah raised an eyebrow, her surprise at her mother's presence tempered by concern for her obvious insomnia.
