Disclaimer: BLAHHAHAHAHANOTMINEHAHAHAHHA
AN: e`quiajliuja;dijfeoj this is the last chapter of this story. As always, I hope you enjoy the read.
"I'll give you mine."
The words hung in the air like a veil between them. In the haze of her weariness, she thought him sincere. Then again, it could just be the dawn's light painting him in its golden goodness. It wouldn't be the first time she thought he was true only to be proven false later on. How blind she was when it came to him. She over looked so many of his misdeeds towards her. It was a disservice to herself to love him as much as she did. He hadn't known she loved him, and in truth, how could he? Henry was free with his shows of affection. She kept to herself. The extent of her love had been in the quiet ways. He should have known better than to look for extravagant performances from his shy wife. No, she wouldn't kiss him in public, but she would be at all of his training practices with gauze ready should he be injured. She'd make sure his cloaks were lined with the warmest furs in the winter. Fifty Arabian horses had arrived to the castle for his birthday one year with no note as to who had sent them. Catherine hadn't said it, but he'd known it was her from the sparkle in her eyes that had accompanied her slight smile. She'd been right. He didn't have patience, but if there was something he'd learned from these past weeks it was how to listen to her. As for now, the silence stretched like the never ending sky until in stunned relief he watched as she opened her mouth to speak.
"You already know what I fear most." She didn't need to be reminded of her fears when they stood in front of her.
He registered her meaning in the way she looked at him. "Catherine, I - "
"Don't make me say it, Henry." This conversation was difficult enough.
"Then how am I to be what you need? I want to know all of you, Catherine. I want to know the you that wakes in dreams." Where could they go from here if she wouldn't let herself be seen?
"It would be in your best interest not to confuse dreams and reality." Her voice was hard and she knew it, but he had to understand this at least. "Any hopes you have of a tender woman who will lie at your feet and tend to your whims will not be found in me."
Henry nodded at her words. "I have loved a memory in the stead of who you have become. I want to fall in love with you again."
As she took in his words, she turned the tables on him. "And you? What do you fear most?"
"I fear that I will fail you again." The strength in him seemed to leave at that. "I fear that I'll lose my patience and drive you away, hurt you as I have in the past."
"You most likely will." She replied honestly. There was no room for delusions in this.
"When I do, know that I love you. Remember that above all else." This time as he reached for her hand, she met him.
Will you stay?
Looking down into those eyes, all her meaning was shown to him. It had taken a lifetime, but he finally understood that she spoke through her silences. Silence was the apprehension of his reaction. Silence was the vessel that she took comfort in. Silence was protection. A single nod was all it took to reassure her that at least for today, they would make it through together. It felt different to be with him now that he knew everything, but he wasn't running and neither would she.
AN: So I think that's it for this story. Imagine whatever happens next if you like :) I hope all of you have enjoyed this whether you were here the whole time or came in late. It's always a pleasure to write for you all and I hate to close off stories, but I felt it was time. Don't fret my lovely readers, I'll be moving back to Stoking Embers and For the Love of a Prince. I'm not going to leave you without something to enjoy.
To PopRockShawty: No crying, sweetheart. None of that on my stories xo
To lizz204: Six days later isn't too shabby, I think. How did you feel about this ending?
To CallmeCordelia1: THANKS TO THIS ONE, THIS CHAPTER GOT RELEASED TODAY. THANK YOU STACEY, FOR BEING MY BETA FOR THIS CHAPTER SINCE IT WAS BEING A BOOGER AND NOT LISTENING TO ME.
To Guest Reviewer: Eliza Doolittle, of course! More words in this one, but I like to think that whatever happens after this story closes is bright.
To Guest Reviewer Katie: …I haven't finished Sway as of yet, but I will eventually hahhaha don't give up on me! Or The Valois Kings lol
Extra loves to:
My followers for this story: Amchen13, CallmeCordelia1, Catherine Woods, DramioneForever0117, FaerieBreath, Napstercatster, Yogurtime, allyfusionpop, baggekjr, demedicigirl, katiebug3syfy, lizz204, pickleshibby, rlokareddy, andd xokaleigh
Favoriters: Amazon Star, Amchen13, CallmeCordelia1, Catherine Woods, DutchessPolgara, Glorita, Jayleigh81, Yogurtime, Zeehana, allyfusionpop, demedicigirl, laughacholic22796, lizz204, and pickleshibby
And all my readers who've made it this far. Thank you so much for reading xo Lina loves you.