22. Chapter 22
twenty-two
T horne
Her command pierces through the silence, and I feel a flicker of disbelief. Release him? My gaze shifts between her and the pitiful creature still behind bars, her face resolute and unyielding. Henry stares at her too, stunned, as if he can’t believe she holds the power to release him at all.
It takes every ounce of restraint I have to signal the guards forward, my instincts at war with her command. I search her eyes, looking for even a glimmer of explanation; why this mercy? Why him? “You’re sure about this?” I murmur, low enough for only her to hear. But her answer isn’t for me; instead, she directs it to the guards who now stand at attention, waiting on my lead.
“Release him,” she says, her voice slicing through any hesitation. The guards glance at me, uncertainty etched into their faces, and I nod, barely suppressing the fury rising in my throat. Her word is law here. Our law.
The guards unlatch the cage, and Henry stumbles out, his eyes flickering between fear and twisted hope. He looks like he might weep, the pathetic creature. As he stands free, Brielle’s voice rings out again, cutting through the hollow victory swelling in his eyes. “Bring him to me.”
I catch the guards’ glances darting my way again, and I nearly bark the words, “Do not look to me when your queen orders you. Just do as she says.” They nod, each taking him firmly by the arms, dragging him forward. I watch her stand tall, head held high as she regards him like the scum he is..
“Kneel,” she commands, her voice as sharp and unwavering as the steel at my hip.
Henry’s lip twitches into a pathetic smirk, a small, disbelieving chuckle slipping past his lips. “What?”
She arches a brow, gaze chilling. “I said kneel.”
Henry’s smirk fades as her words sink in. He stands there, audacious enough to look amused, to act like he has a shred of dignity left as he stands there wreaking of piss and failure.. “Come on, Brielle,” he scoffs.
At her silent cue, the guards kick his legs, and he collapses, his knees slamming to the ground, helpless at her feet. I want nothing more than to strike that twisted, smug look from his face, to remind him just who he kneels before. But I’m quickly realizing she has her own plans.
Her voice, smooth and sharp, wraps around him, each word like a blade. “This pains you more than that cage ever did, doesn’t it? Kneeling here, forced to see me rise above you.”
He doesn’t answer, his jaw set as he glares up at her with eyes that spit daggers. My queen holds his gaze, unflinching, her presence powerful, unbreakable.
She circles him, her movements slow, predatory. “You know what I think, Henry?” Her tone drips with a cold, dark edge. “I think you haven’t changed. I think you’re still the same vile, ruthless man you always were.” She pauses, an eyebrow raised in mock surprise. “And yet, not even a thank you. I free you from that cage, and you can’t even find a shred of gratitude in that hollow heart of yours.”
He barks a laugh, defiant even now. “Thank you?” he sneers, voice thick with disgust. “I’m in that cage because of you, and his absurd obsession with you,” he spits, eyes darting hatefully toward me. “Why would I thank you?”
She lets out a low, mocking laugh. “You’re right, Henry. You shouldn’t thank me.” Her voice drops, deadly, every word laced with intent. “But maybe every woman I’m saving from your rage will.”
In one swift movement, her hand slips to the guard’s belt, her fingers wrapping around the hilt of the dagger. The guard makes a move to turn, surprised, but she stills him with a command as cold as her gaze on Henry. Her hands steady as she positions herself behind him, her voice low, final.
“You may not thank me,” she says, “But they will.”
With a single, swift motion, she slides the blade across his throat, her eyes locked on mine, steady and unshaken. The moment is still, echoing with finality, I see the shadow of our shared memory; the day I killed Nyria under her command, at last setting her free. The silence is absolute as he slumps to his knees, blood spilling in a stark, unforgiving line down his neck. This is not just revenge; this is her claiming her power taking it back in full.
The dagger falls from her hand, clattering on the floor, its echo stretching through the hall as her gaze never wavers from mine. She steps over Henry's still form, her eyes steady, head held high. Her face, her entire being, radiates a release; a severed bond, the final break from everything that once bound her.
I can’t stop the surge that rises within me, the dark, insatiable desire to claim every inch of her in this moment. She is power embodied, and she is mine.
My fingers slide into the silky strands of her hair, cradling her face as I draw her close. Her breath hitches, her lashes fluttering shut just before our lips meet. The kiss is raw, consuming, reassuring me that this is where she is meant to be. Her body softens against mine, a trembling exhale slipping from her lips as if she’s shedding years of unseen burdens. Her hands clutch the fabric of my shirt, anchoring herself as the tension in her frame melts away.
Our lips remain fused, a desperate, lingering kiss that speaks of everything words cannot. With a slow, deliberate motion, I slide an arm beneath her legs and the other around her back, lifting her effortlessly into my arms. Her gasp is soft, almost a whimper, followed by a low, breathless laugh that wraps around me.
My king,” she whispers, Her lips graze my jaw as I carry her through the shadowed corridors, the world beyond us fading into nothing. “Where are you taking me?”
“To worship you,” I rasp, my voice roughened by the hunger she ignites in me.“ As only a queen deserves.”
Her lips find mine again, and I carry her to my quarters, my heart pounding in time with the quiet satisfaction in her gaze, knowing that tonight, I will give her all the love she is owed — and then some. Kicking the door open, I stride inside with her in my arms, her soft laughter warming the air between us. I carry her to the bed, laying her down. She bounces slightly on the mattress, her hair spilling around her like dark silk. She looks up at me, and there’s a glint in her eyes; fierce, triumphant, achingly beautiful.
Wasting no time, I lean over her, trailing my fingertips down her face, across her jaw, and watching as her eyes close briefly, savoring the gentleness in my touch. “You were... amazing out there,” I murmur, my voice low, unable to keep the awe out of it. “I’m so damn proud of you.”
Her eyelids flutter open, and there’s a slight tremor in her breath, a shudder that races across her skin as if my words caress her as well. She arches her neck slightly, drawing me in, and I don’t hesitate. I lower myself, my lips brushing against the soft skin beneath her jaw, letting my breath ghost over her pulse, feeling it quicken under the feather-light contact.
“You are everything,” I murmur, trailing kisses down her neck, slow and deliberate, relishing every small gasp she gives. “Every bit of power, every ounce of strength; I saw it all. You were incredible.”
Her hands find my shoulders, fingers digging in, pulling me closer as her breath comes in soft, shaky waves. I kiss along her collarbone, leaving warmth in my wake, tracing every line, every delicate curve. “Thorne…” she whispers, and her voice cracks slightly.
“You don’t ever have to hide anymore,” I tell her, my voice a soft growl against her skin, each word heavy with promise. “Not from me. Not from anyone.”
My hands move down, skimming over her waist, drawing her closer as I kiss her deeply. Our mouths meet in a slow, searing rhythm. I take my time, savoring her like she’s a treasure I never thought I’d find, like each kiss is a silent oath.
“You deserve this,” I whisper against her lips, fingers tracing her ribs, feeling the way her body trembles under my touch. “To be worshiped, adored, shown how magnificent you are.”
Her cheeks are flushed, desire tethering us as she holds my gaze, a quiet challenge in her eyes. “Then show me,” she breathes, the words half-daring, half-vulnerable, like she’s letting down the last of her defenses.
I shift lower, my lips finding the sensitive dip at her collarbone, trailing further down as her breathing deepens. Her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer, urging me on as I worship every inch of her skin. She gasps as I press my mouth to the softness above her heart, feeling its strong, wild beat beneath my lips. When I finally lift my head, I see her looking back at me and gods I never want her to stop looking at me like this.
"I’ll show you every day," I promise softly, running my thumb along her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. "You’re my queen. Always." I peel the dress off of her, trailing kisses over every inch of exposed skin. Stepping back, I take in the sight of her as she lays bare before me, a vision of strength and beauty that seems to steal the air from my lungs, the very air from this fucking room . The way her eyes watch me, unguarded and utterly fearless, makes me realize just how deeply I’ve fallen. Henry was a fool, a damn fool, to ever let her slip away, to ever diminish her.
"You are perfection made flesh," I murmur, my gaze locking with hers. "And I get the honor of losing myself in you.
Dropping my own clothes, I’m back at her side in an instant, diving into her embrace with a hunger that’s both fierce and tender. My hands explore her skin, sliding down, memorizing every curve and dip until I find the place that makes her breath hitch, her soft whimper slipping out as I press into her warmth.
“Brielle,” I growl, feeling her already slick and ready beneath my touch, “you’re so wet for me.” The words come out low and unrestrained, almost as if they’re pulled from somewhere deep. I slide my fingers into her, setting a rhythm that has her back arching and her breaths coming faster. Her body responds to every movement, and I watch, mesmerized, reading every little gasp, every clench, every part of her unraveling beneath my touch.
I dip my head, letting my lips close around the soft peak of her breast, my tongue flicking against her rosy nipple. Her taste is intoxicating, a blend of warmth and sweetness that makes my chest tighten. My fingers don’t falter, keeping their unrelenting rhythm as her body starts to quiver beneath me. Each gasp she breathes fuels me. She clenches tighter around my fingers, and my cock twitches with jealousy. I can feel it; the trembling edge she’s so close to tipping over. But instead of letting her fall, I draw back, my fingers leaving her just as she arches, desperate for release.
Her whimper cuts through the air, sharp and needy, her flushed cheeks and heavy-lidded eyes locking onto mine. The frustration in her look is matched by the hunger in mine. God, she’s stunning—completely undone and needing me. Completely mine.
“I was so close,” she whimpers, her voice rough, almost desperate, and it sends a thrill through me.
I don’t keep her waiting. Sliding forward, I guide myself to her, pausing for just a heartbeat to savor the anticipation reflected in her wide, expectant gaze. Then, with one slow motion, I push into her, her warmth enveloping me completely. A low, broken moan spills from her lips as her body arches to meet mine, her head tipping back, exposing the delicate curve of her throat. “Fuck” the word falls from my lips. She feels like she was made for me, every inch of her molding to fit my cock and I don’t know how long I will be able to control myself.
The primal satisfaction surges through me, possessive and heady, but I don’t stop. Leaning back slightly, I let my thumb find the tender swell of her clit, circling it in teasing, measured strokes. Her breaths come faster, more uneven, her hips rocking in time with mine as I thrust deeper, each movement deliberate, each stroke designed to bring her closer.
I watch her slowly unravel, her body trembling as she flirts with the edge, again and again, her cries spilling out in waves. And then, she breaks; her release tearing through her, and I feel her pulse around me, pulling me deeper.
Her release ripples through her, and I lean down, pressing a deep, tender kiss to her lips as I continue thrusting, steady and unrelenting. She’s still trembling beneath me, her body pulsing around me, and I pull back, my gaze locking onto hers, dark and filled with intent.
“Good girl,” my voice a low, rough whisper against her skin. “Now give me one more.”
Her eyes, already lidded with pleasure, widen at my command, a flicker of surprise and anticipation lighting in them. I run a gentle hand along her cheek, tracing her jaw as my pace remains deliberate, my movements building her up all over again. Her breath catches, and she lets out a soft gasp, her lips parting.
“I’m going to… I’m almost…” she breathes, her voice breaking as her eyes flutter closed.
I tighten my grip on her, my pace increasing just enough to push her to that edge again. And then, with a shuddering cry, she tips over, her body tensing and releasing in a way that drags me with her, each pulse of her release pulling me into my own. A growl rumbles in my chest as I finally give in, letting the force of our shared climax wash over us both.
As the last waves of our release ebb away, I linger over her, brushing my lips softly against hers, savoring the quiet hum of satisfaction between us. This woman is everything I have ever wanted, ever needed. If I wasn’t crazy about her before now I’m simply mad. A lunatic wrapped around her every word, her every breath. When I finally pull away, I take a step back to look at her. The sight of her, bare, relaxed, and glowing, leaves me breathless.
My gaze dips to where my release still lingers, and a thought rushes through me, unbidden but potent: the image of her carrying my child. It’s unexpected, but something warm unfurls in my chest at the thought, like she’s become the center of my world, my future, in ways I’d never let myself imagine.
“Stay here,” I say, my voice calm but firm, holding her gaze as I step away. She watches me, her eyes soft and searching, tracking my every move as I head to the bathroom. When I return with a warm towel in hand, she’s lying back, her body relaxed, her skin glowing in the low light.
Kneeling beside her, I begin wiping her down, the towel gliding over her skin. Each movement feels like a privilege, a quiet moment to care for her. She shifts slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. “You don’t have to,” she says, her voice soft but clear, a mix of protest and gratitude.
“I want to,” I answer, my tone steady and certain.
Her body yields to my touch, her hips lifting slightly as I finish, allowing me to pull the wrinkled blanket from beneath her and toss it to the floor. I take my time, savoring the quiet between us as I climb back into bed.
As I settle beside her, I press my lips to her forehead, then her nose, before finally finding her mouth in a kiss that lingers.
She smiles, her gaze softening, and I feel her melt into me, her fingertips trailing over my chest like she’s trying to memorize every line, every heartbeat. “No one’s ever treated me like this,” she whispers, her voice raw with wonder, as if she can hardly believe it.
I brush my thumb across her cheek, “I’ll make sure you never go without this feeling,” I promise, knowing it’s a vow I’ll spend my life keeping. She deserves to feel wanted, to feel loved. How anyone could not see that is beyond my comprehension. How can someone see a beautiful soft flower and instead of taking in its beauty, they stomp on it? I will never understand that and I will spend the rest of my life erasing the memory of him, the damage he has done. Staring into those eyes, I know he did damage but one thing is for certain is she is not damaged, she has grown so fiercely and pride swells my chest.
I pull her close, my arms circling her, and without thinking, I begin to hum. The melody slips out, a lullaby I sang to her so many nights, quietly, in the shadows, wishing for the day I could do this in person.. My voice is low and soft as the words flow from me:
“I saved you, my sweet, you won’t cry anymore, I came for you, through darkness and war.Rest now, my darling, the night is our friend,I’ve taken you away, the pain has come to an end.”
She shifts in my arms, her face lifting, eyes wide and glistening as they meet mine. “It was you?” Her voice trembles, thick with emotion. “You were the one… I never thought; never knew.”
“I’m sorry it took so long, my queen.” I kiss her deeply, pouring every promise, every ounce of devotion into it. “I’ll make it up to you everyday, for the rest of our lives.”
She nestles against me, fitting perfectly as though she belongs here, her breaths soft and steady. I hold her close, feeling a peace I’ve never known as we drift together into the kind of quiet only she could ever bring me.
This kingdom is ours now; a kingdom forged in shadows, bound in blood, wrapped in a love that defies every cruelty we’ve survived. Lying beside her in the quiet hours before dawn, I feel the weight of our journey settle between us, fierce and unbreakable. I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss that carries every silent vow, every promise of devotion and surrender I never thought I’d give.
The future stretches before us, rich and endless, waiting to be written in moments like these. The reign we will share is one of unspoken power, endless passion, and a love that will carry us through whatever darkness lies ahead. Until the very end, we are bound together. She is the light to my dark, the warmth that expels the cold that lingered in me for so long. Finally, she is mine and I am so hopelessly..hers.