‘I love you, Saba,’ he repeated, this time with more conviction, with a depth of emotion from the core of his being.
Her smile widened, and a tear glistened as she reached to cup his face.
He stumbled onward. ‘Your presence has shown me countless blessings since you entered my life. There hasn’t been a single moment of sorrow or melancholy in my days. I hope you understand that I will go wherever you lead me. The intensity of how much I adore you astounds me, and if you ask me, I will accompany you to the ends of this universe and beyond. You’ve transformed my world for the better. With you, it’s been goodbye sorrows, hello tranquility - every day is incandescent thanks to you. It is an incredible sensation to be loved by you.’
He fell silent, overcome with a depth of emotion, and vulnerable, the raw honesty of his heart laid bare.
He caught the warmth in her eyes, which reflected his feelings.
They were a stark contrast to the loathing he’d mired himself in, believing her to be a calculating, manipulative woman.
Nothing was further from the truth than now.
‘I love you too, Maklan ‘Mak’ Essen, myŠarand King. My passion for you will never die,’ she whispered back, her voice filled with a resonance that reverberated within him.
He gazed into her eyes, seeing only integrity and vulnerability.
At that moment, he was grateful that their journey had led them to a place of genuine connection and understanding.
The barriers that had once stood between them had long crumbled, and a foundation of devotion and trust had emerged in their stead.
He slid to one knee and reached into his back pocket with his free arm.
With some effort, given his bandaged shoulder, he managed to retrieve an object.
He caught her hand, glancing into her incredulous face as he slid his prize onto her finger.
She jolted in shock, staring at the sparkling band with her original sythyra diamond. ‘You got it fixed?’
‘I did,’ he growled. ‘Still with the locator, but not the tightening mechanism. No more torturing you, my love; your love quenches that thirst in me. ‘Sides, I suspect you’re never leaving me, so will you marry me?’ he added with a smirk.
A slow smile spread across her face, lighting up her eyes. ‘Naam, yes, yes, yes.’
They laughed as he reached out to take her hand, intertwining their fingers in a silent vow of unity.
He rose and took her mouth in a long, endearing kiss that had their souls flying.
Later, he sprawled back on the divan, relaxed and content.
Sunlight flickered through the canopy above them as he reclined beside his woman.
Water splashing from the pool’s fountain nearby filled the air, a soothing backdrop to this intimate moment between them.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over them as they sat in silent communion.
No longer lost and mired in doubt or hesitation, only in the certainty of their love weaving through the spaces between them.
Mak placed Saba’s hand over his heart, the warmth of her touch grounding him in the reality of their growing intimacy.
With every beat, he was reminded that love is not just a word spoken in fleeting moments but a commitment to stand by each other through all trials and tribulations.
A sacred devotion for life.
Saba leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss on his lips, sealing their unspoken vows with a tenderness that spoke volumes.
She had become his unexpected wife, soulmate, best friend, and partner in this sanctified yet savage life journey. He was thankful for the war he’d fought within and without her.
For it had delivered to him the sacred bride of his dreams.
