(n.) a sudden outburst of emotion

Zane could not relax as the scene played out before him and all of Gwahan. He had been worried before Raneem had established contact with him through their family insignia, but he became even more fretful as he channeled all the events in the throne room. She was angering the older woman and he could feel that she was indeed powerful. His heart nearly went into an arrest as the contact broke. The woman was trying to kill him by disallowing any contact with her until she made contact with him. Amira might find out, she said. Blast the woman for twisting his heart painfully in anticipation!

Prince Zane! The house breaker's voice rang in his head. I see the princess above me. The woman is killing her. I cannot scale up more to aid her. The walls are sheer and the vine ends a few spans below. I cannot attract attention lest she kill me as well.

Zane pushed the rising panic away from his chest, but his thoughts were tumbling demanding where they were. He wasted no time as he was told of the location. Above him, he could see Raneem's struggles were growing faint as she tried to fend off the witch. Bent over backwards, he could see the pain clearly in her face with his heightened sight. He growled and restraint fled from his mind.

Catch her. He sent the house breaker and with a roar, destroyed the wall the balcony was attached to as he ran under it, binding and gagging the older woman as he did so.

The house breaker did catch her but a chunk from the balcony hit his hand sending them both hurtling downward. Cursing, he let Amira fall toward the trees and called for the plants to create a web that would break their fall. They crashed and Zane prayed to all the gods that he knew that she was safe and alive.

He cared not a whit for the guerillas Adam gathered running in another direction in a rage, nor did he care for the raucous rioting that was beginning all around. There was nothing more important to him than to know that his Raneem was alive and well. And run with the speed of the wind he did.

Zane reached them and saw the house breaker groaning in pain, Raneem on top of him. He pushed feelings of possessiveness aside as he touched their foreheads. The man was fine but for a few bruises and scratches, but Raneem-he saw blood mar one side of her head and he gathered her quickly in his arms. Worse, contact poison was on her throat and was slowly destroying her from the inside.

Cursing, himself, Zane wished he had learned the ways of healing. But he knew that even if he did, he was not deft at it. The most he would be able to do was close her wound. He was born a fighter, not a healer. He called on one of his elves and pleaded Adam to handle whatever was going on in Gwahan, relaying what had happened after the images vanished.

A soft breeze fluttered the curtains as dawn flitted through the windows casting Raneem's skin in warm light. The touch of dawn did not reach Zane as he sat by her, his mood dark. He had come so close to losing her and sent him into a fit of madness. He could only thank Adam and Leanne for holding him back or he would have destroyed-so many things.

He held her hand. Warmer now than days before as her body took over healing itself. He twined a lock of hair between his fingers, wishing he could do more. It took all of his restraint to keep himself from sharing her bed and holding her. It will not do if she suddenly awoke or if Adam suddenly entered for another counsel with him. The man had come often as soon as he calmed down asking how he would handle nobles, questions and claims. He aided the soldier in meetings with people of import as the latter repeated whatever it was the men and women he talked to said.

All of it was a welcome distraction, but they were few and far between. Worrying over Raneem consumed most of his time, even taking from him sleep and weariness. He wanted to protect her. Shelter her from the world. He knew it was not possible to encase her, but he would protect her and surrender to her everything, including his life.

He wanted to take her to Treliron away from the politics of Gwahan. Elfin politics might be long and difficult, but human politics were swift and unforgiving. If he were to marry her, he knew that it was he who would be leaving everything. And by the gods, he would! He did not care if it took him hundreds of years to get where he was and lose it all in a heartbeat.

Raneem's eyes lethargically opened and Zane immediately hovered over her. Her hazel eyes met his and relief flooded over him, suddenly feeling as if he would collapse. But he held himself hovering on top of her.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Well, though a little tired." She said smiling. "It seems that you are the one not well, my prince."

Zane shook his head. "It's nothing. If anything, I am better. Get more rest, love."

Raneem looked unconvinced and so she asked him a different question, "How long have you been watching over me?"

"Five days. But you need not worry," Zane immediately added when she realized how long she has left Gwahan untended, "Adam is seeing to things. He has done a splendid job. I will tell you a few things only so you can relax. He has assembled the noble houses and is setting things back to rights. He also leads the planning of your coronation. The guerillas are coming to peace and are working with my kin to rebuild what short rebellion some noble tried to raise. Leanne has not been readily accepted by the nobles, but she is carrying the favor of many of the common folk and even those underground and rallying them to you. So is Silas. The thief was even hailed a hero for saving you. The woman is bound and sealed in the dungeons until you have decided what to do with her. And so you see, all is well."

She touched his cheek and he ached to touch her intimately as well. But she was sick and he might cause her undue stress. "What of you, my prince? What part do you play?"

"Nothing much."

"I doubt you are here only to watch over me. I shall not stop asking unless you tell me."

Zane smiled. Hard-headed indeed. He was going to do a lot of bending. "Very well. I counseled all of them and orchestrated the affair in your absence." He kissed her forehead. "Now sleep, my queen. There is much for you to do once you are fully well."

"The people are accepting your kin's help?"

"After your and Amira's exchange, they would rather much work with us than to work with someone like her. Perhaps the only reason if because you trust us, or my kin has charmed many women. Begrudgingly trusting, I suppose, but it is much better." He smiled.

Zane felt sender fingers close on his wrist. There were a few calluses there, but it made her all the more endearing. A woman - a high-bred lady - who does not fear to labor. "Yes, love?"

"Rest beside me and hold me," she said, her face flushed, looking away in embarrassment. "I am in need of comfort. And for once, I am not shamed to admit it. Not if it is you."

Overwhelming emotions forced his face into a huge smile. He felt light and heady, but perhaps it was his tiredness causing such headiness. But it did not matter. She wanted and needed him and he was only happy to comply.

"As my queen wishes."

He slipped in beside her and held her close as she turned back to him. He couldn't help but sigh as she pressed her warm body against him. He took in the scent of her, intoxicating him with wonderful memories of her. It took great effort not to let his hands explore her body, soft and firm in all the right places, only allowing his lips to touch the silken skin at the back of her neck. She sighed contented and for once, he was able to stomp down on all his urges to take her as violently as they roiled in his loins. The moment was just too perfect to ruin with his raging lust. He knew it would not stretch forever and so he relished every moment he spent holding her close to him until his tiredness forced him to sleep.

He would protect his Raneem, his queen. Hell itself would have to go through him if it wanted to take her. And if it did, he would come along and be with her still.

Hey, guys! I hope you didn't forget this story. Haha, I'm so sorry for making you wait for so long.

Soooo, she didn't die. Zane became the hero and came to save her on time. *Grins*

Did you liked their bittersweet moment in the end?

Honestly, I am a little upset. My readers decreased rapidly in the previous chapter. But I really wanted to know if I had really gone wrong somewhere. If you did not liked some parts or the whole chapter feel free to tell me. I really want to improve my writing. It would be really helpful.

I hope you have a nice day and don't forget vote and comment for this chapter and tell me your thoughts about it and don't forget to tag your friends to share this story. Love you all!