Kestrel made it to the harbor, down to the docks. Where Arin waited.
He, unlike her, had been able to move swiftly through town whereas being a runaway, Kestrel had to move slowly through the shadows.
She couldn't see any weapons on him and she couldn't believe he came unguarded. She reached behind her and grabbed the flower pot shard.
As soon as she put it in front of herself she could see the hurt on Arins face and knew she could never hurt him. He could see it in her eyes that she couldn't. His face softened slightly but the look of hurt didn't.
Kestrels hands shook as guilt coursed through her. She couldn't harm him but isn't going to the empire to tell about the rebellion the same thing.
Suddenly the world was starting to spin. She had promised revenge to Tess but could she go through wih it? Arin had killed tons of her people, but those where the same people that imprisoned and killed his. Who was right? Who was wrong?
Colors swarmed around her and everything was a blur. Kestrel felt like she was falling.
And then there he was. Arin caught her before she hit the ground and lowered her down. She sat on his lap and cried. Kestrel cried for Tess, sick in bed, for Ronan, locked in a prison maybe even dead, for Irex even, his child now an orphan.
And she cried for herself, for foolishly falling in love with Arin. And not being able to stop the feeling that coursed through her.
Arin held her tight, not willing to let go. He wrapped her in his arms to try and protect her from everything going on outside them. He knew he was a foolish man. For falling for the generals daughter. For kissing her and saving her from death. But he couldn't help it. He loved her. Would die for her.
Soon her sobs subsided and Arin knew she had fallen asleep. He carefully picked her up and carried her onto his horse. Javelin followed closely behind. Once he got to his home he took Kestrel upstairs to her room. He went out and into his own so as not to cause rumor to spread, which he assumed probibly already had, and went into her room through the garden entrance.
He went to her bed and stroked her hair. She still had tear stains on her cheeks.
Her eyes fluttered open and she quickly sat up.
"I'm sorry,"she whispered.
"Why did you do it? Why runaway? I know you don't like being here under these conditions but I thought you were getting used to it. I thought things were going to be ok." Instead of answering his question Kestrel asked one of her own.
"Are you going to have me whipped?" Arin was appalled. How could she think he would do that to her? She must've seen the disbelief on his face because she went on. "I'm your slave right? When slaves try to run away the get whipped and beat." Arin takes Kestrels hands in his.
"Do you really think that's all you are to me? A slave? Kestrel I thought you knew that it was only a cover. To keep you alive. I would never treat you like a slave. You mean everything to me." Tears start down Arins face. "I'm sorry if I hurt you, I didn't mean to. You have to believe me." He puts a hand on her cheek.
"I do," Kestrel says as a tear falls down her cheek.
"I know it's hard to believe because of everything going on but... I... I love you." She puts her head on his chest and he cradles her gently.
"I love you too," she whispers into his chest. Kestrel pulls away quickly and fear is written across her face. "Me not going to the Empire has only saved you a little bit of time. My dad will be back any day now. I hate to say this but his army will crush you." He holds her tighter against him.
"It's ok, we'll deal with it when it comes. For now let's just worry about us."
"But Arin don't you understand? It's my dad, he did so much for me I can't betray him. But I can't betray you either. He risked so much on me."
"What do you mean risked so much?" Arin can see Kestrels eyes shift to the ground. He knows she didn't mean to say anything. "You can tell me anything Kestrel." Her eyes shift to the wall.
"
