The Crown and a Rose

His chest rose in unsteady movements. Every breath was low and uneven. He needed to stand; by no means was he getting enough air, laying flat on the floor. I roamed every inch of him, trying to find another wound, but the only one visible was the big, bloody gash above his heart.

"You need to go," he wheezed out. "Get somewhere safe."

I pressed the skirt of my gown on his wound, pressing down hard. It was one of the many things Eryn taught me. It was one of the things I would thank her for. "Shh. No one can see us."

We were underneath a table. Chaos around us, but safety underneath here for now.

"They will find me and finish the job. Please, go." He laced his fingers in my hair. My braid was a mess now, loose hair falling to my shoulders. "I always liked your hair down." His smile, that adoring smile I loved so much. His breathing hitched, and he said, "I love you." He fought hard to sit up and brought his forehead to mine, thumb rubbing my cheek. "Now go."

Tears streamed my cheeks and hit his thumb. He brushed them away, every one of them. "I can't leave you." I shook my head. "I won't."

"You must." He grimaced, his nose brushing the inside of my cheek, catching a tear. The tablecloth opened. Both our eyes turned in horror, but a familiar face emerged. Then, two. "Take her," he said to them. "Take her somewhere safe. Protect her with your life."

They nodded and didn't waver as screams and swords continued in the background. "With all that we are."

He touched my face one last time before settling back down. "I will meet you again."

His smile again, and I was wordless and frozen as they dragged me through the bloody mayhem, screaming children, and bodies that lined the room like a battlefield.

I wanted so badly to drift into a deep slumber, forget all that was around me and what my role played in it. But I couldn't. I was wide awake. And that was my curse.