FORBIDDEN 2

The blood still ran from the fresh wound as she stood there, shaking, too stunned to even move. She understood what was denied him. Things she took for granted, like a simple walk in the daylight; the soothing warmth of the sun on an upturned face; the sparkle of light on the water. So much had been taken from him for ever, but perhaps, in some way, she could help him experience them again, even if only vicariously. Trying to speak, to force the words from a throat raw with emotion, she pleaded with him. "Not the sun! Please,Louis, I could not

bear it." Choking back the sobs as she continued, "We need each other." Looking into those eyes, trying to read what was hidden in their depths. They were clouded, their brilliance dulled by what? Was he still angry?  Her own gaze travelled over his features, mentally breathing a sigh of relief that no burns marked that beloved face. But how long before he attempted something so rash, so dreadful again.?  As if from a distance, she heard his gentle voice asking for her forgiveness and saw his gaze drop to the floor. A floor splattered with her own blood. "Louis," she spoke equally softly, body grateful for the support of the wall, fearing her legs would not support any attempted movement. "Please look at me." His head slowly lifted and she held out her hand, reaching to grasp the cool fingers that had so recently brought such delight... "I can't lose you now. I won't," and with those words everything around became hazy, the last remaining strength left her legs and she spiralled down into welcome darkness.

In an instant, he swept her into his arms. He had come to need this delicate woman. Yes, need. She had said it herself. They needed each other. Carrying her across the floor, he lay her down gently on the bed. Slipping his arms out from beneath her, he brushed a few unruly strands of hair back from her face..She was a vision to behold, even now; beauty in its purest form. For if there was such a thing, he gazed upon it at this very moment. The guilt of the pain he had caused her consumed him. Thinking only of himself, he hadn't taken the time to think what his actions would do to her. "But next time, I will". he vowed, as he stared down at her, the words whispered before he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, kissing them softly.  Kneeling over her, he licked the wound in her neck, cleaning the blood from it as it began to heal beneath his tender care.  Turning towards the heavily curtained window, he could see that the sun shone brightly against it. The very thing that had the capability to bring about his destruction. And it would have, had she not stopped him in time. The eternal curse of darkness would forever be his, no matter how strong the yearning for the light, for never again would he take the risk of bringing her unneccessary pain. She did not deserve such cruelty. Slowly and carefully he stretched out his body beside her, an arm draping across her tiny form. Then he pulled her to him, holding her in the protective shelter of his arms as the heaviness of sleep fell upon him.. In the moment before closing his eyes, he whispered as though she could hear, the words rich in sincerity as he said them. "I love you...my princess..I love you" and then followed her into the peacefulness of slumber.