The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Fifty

"Cabel?" I call out.
My face buried in his chest, I tap his arm.
"Don't look yet." He speaks, removing his hands that covered my ears.
The heavy concentrated scent of blood hitting my nose, makes me feel nauseous.
Spinning me around, I feel his built chest against my back. Covering my eyes with one hand, he takes my hand as he begins to guide me out the room.

Removing his hand, I open my eyes to see we're in the hallway.
With the silence between us, the events that happened earlier whizz through my thoughts. Finally realizing that I'm freed from Micheal's torment, I get hit with a dizzy spell—my knees collapsing under me.
Cabel catches me in his arms.
"Are you okay?" He asks wearing a startled expression.
"I-I'm okay, I feel a bit weak it all." I whisper, holding my stomach as the nausea grows with each vivid memory of fear.
Cabel's warm hand grazes my forehead, his warmth comforting me as my eyes fill with tears.
"I'm sorry I came late... It was scary, right?" Cabel solemnly speaks, his hand moving to cup my cheek.
"I'm okay... You came for me." I flash a small smile.
A light sigh escapes his lips as he tilts his head slightly. His brows furrowing as he carefully stares at my face.
"Are you really okay?" He asks.
Staring down at my hands, the painful sensation of the cuffs return. The painful hits of my father's staff hitting me once more, the chilling feeling of despair that hung over me, and the clear sight of Cabel's lifeless body in my arms.
Taking a deep breath, I meet Cabel's eyes again.
"No..." I whisper, shaking my head slightly, "I was scared... It was painful..."
Unable to hold them back, tears begin falling down my cheeks.
Using his thumbs, he wipes my tears away as he pulls me in for a hug.
"Is there a carriage on the way?" Cabel asks Cethin.
"It should be here in a moment." Cethin replies, his expression difficult to understand.
"Wait for us downstairs." Cabel waves away the assassins.
They leave down the hallway, disappearing around the corner.

I do my best to stop the tears, but my heart aches as I remember the pain.
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you..." Cabel whispers, tightening his arms around me.
"It's not that." I pull away trying to take deep breaths.
"Why are you crying then?" Cabel questions his expression torn by sadness.
"It's because you're so cruel..." I mutter through my sobs.
Cabel's eyes appear pained for a moment as he analyzes my expression.
"You think I'm too cruel?..." He mutters.
"Because you died... You left me alone! How could you willingly die to save me?" I exclaim, wiping my eyes with the back of my hands.
"That's why you're crying?" Cabel questions, a small grin grows on his lips.
"I-It's not funny!" I snap at him, looking at his amused expression.
"I'm alive now, aren't I?" Cabel looks at me astonished,
"You still died though! I had to watch you die in my arms and I kept thinking about how you wouldn't touch me again, or how you won't ever speak kindly to me-"
"Or how I wouldn't know your feelings?"

I freeze, the heart ache I felt disappears in an instant as well as my tears.
I slowly look up at him.
Meeting his eyes, I tilt my head confused.

"What was it again? 'Don't leave me alone, I couldn't even tell you my feelings', that's the last thing you said, right?" He grins, giving an arrogant satisfied look.
My cheeks grow hot.
"Y-You heard?" I exclaim.

I try to cover my flushed face with my hands, but he takes ahold of my wrists, gently pulling my hands close to his chest.
Bringing his face closer to mine, he flashes a coy grin.

"I did. I never thought the last words I'd hear before my death, would be so passionate." Cabel chuckles, pulling me close by the waist with his other hand.
"D-Don't laugh! Y-You're so mean!-" I exclaim, trying to push him away.
Instantly, a warm sensation cuts me off.

My eyes widen as Cabel's lips press against mine. His hand resting on my jaw, I close my eyes as he gently kisses me.
He pulls away slowly, resting his forehead against mine as he tenderly cups my cheeks.
My cheeks feeling warm, I can't help but make a flustered expression as I stare at his beaming-arrogantly proud expression.