ততততত

𝐈 𝐌 𝐎 𝐆 𝐄 𝐍

Here I stand before my people as the cure to the disease that has overthrown our kingdom. Only now, this is no ailment. The disease has become personified to one man and his bitter desire for power, for domination. Today, our kingdom submits to his greedy demands, but he will never truly reign victorious.

As I stare into Leighton's blue eyes, I wonder what could've caused such a vicious cycle of destruction. Everywhere he goes, he leaves a trail of debris in his wake. He's only one man, and yet he's uprooted the lives of thousands upon thousands.

The priest rambles on behind us, dictating ancient laws and decrees that will seal our marriage, but I ignore every word.

Tobin is dying somewhere, trapped in the grasp of Leighton and his men. He'll never be able to see daylight again. He'll never know the beauty of what lies inside of me.

I forever carry a piece of him, and nothing will ever take this gift from Tobin away. It's mine, just as once upon a time, I was once his. Those days are done, and I now begin a new chapter fighting to keep the love we once had alive.

Our child doesn't deserve to be raised in that hell-lorn kingdom, but our child will become everything we need to repair the darkness that shadows over it. I can't let my people fall into desperation because the man who threatens them shows relentless swords and cannonfire.

Tobin, you are everything, so forgive me what I'm about to do, forgive me for agreeing to something we thought would break me in half. Now, you've built me stronger. I'll make sure Leighton never forgets my name, as in the night, you smithed me into the deadliest of weapons.

If you're still alive... if you make it to daybreak... just know that I love you.

I'll say it again.

I love you.

It's why I have to say these two words: "I do."

𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐍𝐄

── •✧• ──

Stay tuned for upcoming news on the next book [it WILL be happening quite soon, as I left OAN on quite the cliffhanger.] as well as a brief sneak peek/epilogue on what's to come.

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