Beyond Castle Walls (Janiel AU)

Chapter 26: Still Here, Still Far Away, Still Waiting

Joey's P.O.V.

It's been two weeks.

Two weeks since I got him back.

Two weeks since I realised how far away he still is.

Two weeks since I understood that nothing would ever be the same.

Our childlike naivety had protected us from the harsh reality of the world until now. And now we would have to get accustomed to this. We were not above the law as I had somehow lead myself to believe despite knowing better. But I refuse to give up. 

Just because something is, does not mean it should be.

The law should not be the way it is. I am not an abomination, neither is he. I have the right to live, the right to love, and the right to be loved. And I will act on it.

Sawyer went back to the castle to try to reason with my sister and her horrid fiancé, he also took most of the Royal Guard with him, so now there are only two guards outside and a couple maids left with us at the Summer Palace. It brings me comfort that not many are here as I feel I have more control over the situation this way. Daniel has been sleeping a lot, he is gainging his weight back and his outer wounds are healing, however his inner wounds are in worse condition.  

It is always the wounds we cannot see that take the longest to heal.

I know I must be patient, but it is difficult.

So difficult...

Still, I will wait...

Daniel stirs in his sleep, his beautiful feautures scrunch up making him look adorable. He streches his legs, rolls his shoulder and streches his arms before opening his eyes.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty." I say jokingly. I have made it my goal to try to make him wake up with a smile. To my great pleasure, he lets out a short giggle, almost inaudible, but still there.

"Good morning, My Prince." He says with a smile. I walk closer to the bed, smiling brightly at his statement.

"I'm your King, Princess." I answer cheekily. To my suprise he grabs my hand to pull me down to sit next to him. We have not had a lot of physical contact since his return so any contact at this point is a sign that he is moving in the right direction and slowly healing.

"True, well then; what do you command, My King?" He asks as he sits up leaving only a small space between our lips. It makes my heart race as I stare at his plump lips that have regained their previous colorful and full glory.

"I have no commands, but I shall gladly grant you a wish, My Princess." I answer. Suddenly his expression turns serious, a determination I have not seen in a long time grazes his feautures. 

"Kiss me." He says staring into my eyes.

"What?" I ask in shock.

"Kiss me." He repeats.

"Daniel, are you sure? You have only just started to sleep through the night? Are you sure you are ready for that. You know that I will wai-" I'm interupted by Daniel's lips meeting mine again for the first time in what feels like forever. My arms wrap around his waist as the kiss depens. Daniel's hands find their way into my hair and gently pull on the strands as his tounge enters my mouth. The delicate dance is not filled with lust but pure love.

He pulls away ending our contact and I touch my lips after without realizing.

"Woah..." I whisper, feeling the lingering warmth of his lips on mine.

"I want your touch again Joey. I want to create new experiences with you. I want to wash away the old. I want to feel your hands erase his from my body." He says.

"Are you sure? I can wait forever, Daniel, you do not have to rush yourself." I answer holding his hands in mine while staring deeply into the kaleidoscope of his eyes.

"I am sure. I am done waiting. I want this."