Her Essence

Chapter 12: His and Hers

"Leave me alone, Dorian! You've already caused enough harm," I said, trying to push him away.

"Petra, wait! You're in danger. I almost lost my life today because of you," Dorian pleaded, trying to reason with me.

I broke down in tears. "I'm useless. I hate myself, my life, and everyone! You should have killed me. We should never have fallen in love."

Dorian tried to console me. "No, don't say that. Our love was meant to be."

I pulled away. "So, our relationship is based on a prophecy? We wouldn't have met if not for it?"

Dorian clarified, "That's not what I meant."

I turned to leave. "I can't do this anymore. I don't want this life."

Dorian followed me, holding me back. "You can't do this alone Petra. Leaving me doesn't change anything.. Kron will find you."

I pushed him away. "Yes, I can."

Dorian wiped my tears and held me close. "I love you. We need each other. It's my baby too." He said, stroking my hair  

I looked up at him. "I'm sorry. I was scared and didn't want you involved in my mess."

Dorian smiled. "I've been involved in your mess since the moment you kissed me."

We shared a tender moment, and for a brief instant, our troubles faded away.

The next morning, Dorian turned to me with a determined look. "Come with me. Let's run away together. I know places where we can hide."

I raised an eyebrow. "Someone's in a good mood today."

Dorian was serious. "We can change our identities, settle down, and be safe. You'll have our baby. No one will know."

I scoffed. "You're Votan, I'm human. Everyone will know."

Dorian acknowledged the risk. "Except the union guards, perhaps."

I shook my head sadly. "Still not safe."

_______________________

"We've decided to move to Topaz tomorrow. Will you join us? I can't return to the rebel camp; Kron will kill me." Dorian said to Gus. 

Gus nodded. "I'm coming with you. Where else can I go?"

I interrupted, "I want to see my Father first. It's been 14 years."

Dorian's tone turned sarcastic. "Oh, sure, babe. Go home. I'm sure your stepmother will welcome you with open arms. I bet she's missed you dearly."

I replied firmly, "No, I'll find a way to avoid her. I need to see my Father; he probably thinks I'm dead. I want him to know what's been happening."

Dorian's expression turned stern. "You're not going anywhere. We leave tomorrow."

I stood my ground. "I'm going."

Dorian's voice rose. "No, you're not! You never listen to me, Petra. Then, when everything falls apart, you'll complain about how messed up your life is. I'm not letting you out of my sight!"

I looked at him, surprised by his outburst, and yet, I felt a thrill at his possessiveness. "You can't tell me what to do," I said, standing up.

"I'm going to see my Father, with or without you," I asserted, my voice firm.

_________________________

I turned to Dorian, seeing the exhaustion and stress etched on his face. "I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier."

He looked at me with concern. "I was only worried about your safety. I'm responsible for you now."

I nodded shyly, feeling a surge of love for him. "I know."

Dorian's expression softened. "We'll go see your father, Petra, since that's what you want. Anything for you."

I exclaimed, "Really?! You'd do that for me?"

Dorian smiled and pulled out a ring from his back pocket. "I don't know how you humans do this... Will you marry me? Be my wife? My woman... shtako! I don't know what to say."

Gus burst out laughing, and Dorian turned to him, saying, "Shut up."

Turning back to me, Dorian asked, "So, what do you think?"

I was speechless, tears streaming down my face. "Yes, Dorian! Yes! I'll marry you!" I threw my arms around him.

Dorian chuckled and said, "I know, I know. And I'm supposed to say I'll marry you too?"

I laughed and said, "No, silly! Okay, so which finger?"

As he placed the ring on my finger,  reality set in, and I said sadly, "We're supposed to get married in a church... No priest will join a Votan and human in marriage. It's illegal."

"You humans worry over nothing! I'm a votan. Anyone can lead the ceremony and we have Gus", Dorian said.