The Princess Choice

Chapter 23

Richard slowly walked up to the last door feeling as though he could not breath, this was it if they were not behind this wall there was nowhere left to look.

Richard opened the door and his breath caught as he looked in and saw her laying on the bed with their little boy on her chest. They both looked so peaceful and cozy, how could such a huge moment hold so much peace in it?

"Annalise..."

Nothing.

"Annalise... My love..."

Nothing.

"Annalise please..."

Richard felt his heart shattering how could the two greatest things in his life be gone? Then as the tears slid down his face, he saw his sons' eyes shot open, he looked around in fear and then his eyes landed on his and shined with happiness. His son reached for him, and he watched his queen mumble reaching out for her son and whimper before he could place him back.

Her eyes shot open and she sat up faster than he could blink searching for her son and then calming when she saw who was holding him and then almost comically shoot open as she took in the sight of her husband.

"Richard..."

"Anna..."

"You stupid stubborn man!" she sobbed as she lunged into his chest as he held her as tight as he could with one hand.

"Annalise please forgive me... I have been such a fool..."

"Clean slate... we start over no more going back Richard I cannot do this anymore..." I cannot be separated from you and hurting like this again. I was so scared for us, scared we would die but also scared that I would never see you again." 

"I will have to kill him Analise I am so sorry..." Richards eyes turned pained at the thought of her in pain but it was the only was to guarantee that it would never happen again.

"He killed Kathrine..." she waited for him to have a reaction.

He did not even flinch "she took my son and caused me to lose you I won't lose any sleep." He kissed her head "Let's get you both home please."

As they exited the hallway Analise stopped short as she looked at Francis on his knees and she felt tears come to her eyes, she looked up at Richard for permission and with a nod the room was cleared off all including their son.

"There was a time where I swore you were it for me..." Annalise whispered the heartbreak clear on her voice.

"Then he stole you!" Francis felt rage.

"Then you choose hate over me... you choose your fathers twisted games over me... I love you Francis I always will in a way because you were very important to me, but I am in love with Richard he is my start and finish... he is my world. I always hoped you would find happiness and I am so sorry you didn't. Goodbye..."

"Will he kill me..." Francis asked fear laced in his voice sounding ones again like the boy from her childhood.

"Yes, he will..." she whispered feeling pain. "I won't live in a world where my child is in danger."

"What if I promised..." he began whispering.

"No... and your people have suffered enough they need someone who will protect them above all else... Goodbye Francis."

She smiled at him and walked out slowly towards Richard and her son. "Do what must be done... we will head home with George but hurry to us so we can finally be together." She smiled at him kissing his cheek and walked out of the castle feeling pain and freedom from the boy she once thought would be her husband forever.