‘Because I adore you,’ she said with a slight smile, ‘regardless of your arrogant, pushy, and brooding traits. I also see the man under your brusque mask, the kindness, warmth, and a genuine commitment to those you love and lead. It helps that you are an amazing lover, a kind man, a broker of peace, and a servant of your people.’
Her words brought a rush of emotion, an ache to his soul.
That she understood the intricacies of their society and the delicate balance he had to maintain with all their moving parts burned him up, in a good way.
Her scent wafted towards him, a blend of honey and vanilla, mingling with the perfume of fresh grass and flowers from the garden.
She went on, pushing a hand through her hair. ‘I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with you. You’re my life, Mak, and I would fight to protect you. If anything had happened today -.’
Her voice broke, and Mak leaned forward to muffle her sob with his mouth on hers.
Her kiss was warm and pliant, a perfect fit against his. Her hand curled around his arm, holding on.
Her grasp was filled with desperate longing, a yearning to silence the words and speak the language of touch, warmth, and connection.
She tasted of honeyed sweetness, her unique flavor, and he groaned.
Lost in the embrace, savoring it with a soft urgency.
At that moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the two of them and the intimate bond that was forming between them.
He pulled back when his shoulder throbbed, staring into her eyes.
He was not ready to say more; instead, he brushed his free hand across her face.
She uttered the words on his tongue as if reading his thoughts. ‘After today, myŠar, I have faith that we’ll be invincible as long as we have each other.’
Mak gazed away from her at the sky above, easing his way through the healing edges of his heart. ‘I’m beginning to believe it,’ he conceded.
She squeezed his hand. ‘Do you trust me when I say I had no clue of Tewa’s deception? Neither in the past nor now?’
Mak stroked his chin, still getting around it all. ‘There’s still much to clarify, but I’m certain you had nothing to do with it. But we must ensure we get the truth from the horse’s mouth and partner with Zolan to bring about a lasting change.’
‘You’re right,’ she murmured, looking off into the distance. ‘It won’t be easy, and we can’t let our emotions cloud our judgment. Let’s ensure we all stay grounded and work together as one. Always together.’
Mak shivered, sensing the invisible veil of mistrust and suspicion had been torn away.
The air shifted like a curtain drawn back to reveal a novel world of faith and understanding.
Their eyes met, and Mak discovered a newfound trust reflected in hers.
A new covenant now existed between them; a silent promise always to be present for one another, to protect, adore, and uphold each other.
He took an inhale and his chest rose with an unfamiliar yet welcome lightness.
His muscles relaxed as the tension he’d been holding onto for years released, as if a physical load had been lifted off his shoulders.
An unbreakable bond now bound their souls.
The secrets of the past and future uncertainties faded into insignificance as they communed, united, and unshakable.
They sat in silence for a while, taking in the garden’s tranquility.
‘It was worth it,’ Mak grunted.
‘What was?’ she murmured.
‘Fourteen years of torture were worth this moment here with you.’
