Page 54 of His Queen

It's the grin of a man who doesn't know his brains are going to be splattered on the floor. With the gun no longer pointed at her head, I nod, hoping Falkner can see me. It can't be anyone else but him. I am certain he is as good as they come. He won't miss. He doesn't miss. He will do anything for his family.

"Yes, yes, I do," I say.

Rose is shaking so much that she can barely stand. She looks so scared. They covered her body in cuts and bruises. She has a large gash on her forehead. Her lip is split. I don't see anyone but her. It's as if everything is holding its breath as I ready myself to grab her from him. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what is about to happen and it seems as though it's been minutes or hours when it's only been a matter of seconds.

The smile on his face leaves as he is heaved backward. The loud crack of a far-off gun bounces through the house. The impact of the large caliber bullet causes him to shove her as it hits its mark. Blood sprays and his gun goes off. All I can think of is grabbing Rose before she hits the floor. My Queen has suffered enough.

I jump for her, trying to wrap her in my arms. I feel a burning sensation through my body. The pain is unbearable as I fall to the floor, cradling Rose to me the best I can.

"Vlad," Rose says, looking down at me.

I can hear the panic in her voice. She looks so frightened. I am in so much pain. I feel pain in my stomach and when I look down, I can see the blood spreading from my stomach. I can't stop it. I am losing so much blood. I can see her hands pressed against my stomach. I reach up to cradle her face. My love for her is so overwhelming.

"Please don't die, Vlad. Please don't die."

"Rose," I say, barely a whisper.

She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. "Please Vlad, you have to fight."

I shake my head and feel myself growing weaker. "Rose. I don't want to leave you." I say, barely above a whisper. "I love you. You are my life."

I see the tears streaming down her face and I can see the pain in her eyes. "No, no, you can't leave me. You promised me. You promised to protect me. You can't break your promise." She shakes her head and I can see the tears falling down her cheeks. "Vlad please."

I just look up at her and once more I feel like I am failing her because I don't know how to keep this promise. I can feel myself growing weaker. My vision is starting to blur. I feel like I am being pulled away. I see the look of terror on her face. I hate seeing her this way. It's breaking my heart. She is my whole world, and she deserves better than this. I don't want to leave her. But I can't help feeling as though I failed her. I failed her when I didn't find her sooner. I failed her when I couldn't protect her from everything.

She has lost so much in her life and endured so much. I don't know what to do. I want to stay here and hold her in my arms. I want to hold her and kiss her and tell her that I love her.

"Rose," I say, barely a whisper. I reach up and wipe the tears from her face. "Rose, it's ok. I am sorry I couldn't protect you." I say as I hold her.

I feel myself growing even weaker as the pain consumes me. I feel so hot and sweaty, barely keeping my eyes open. I hear the sounds of fighting as Demetrius and Anton try to get into the room. They are yelling for Rose. I look at her and see the look of devastation on her face. I can see her lips moving, but I can’t hear her screaming for help as I feel myself slipping away. My last thought is how much I love her.

I feel so weak. My body feels heavy. My throat is sore. My chest hurts. My stomach hurts. I feel like I am being pulled from this world into another one. I feel like my life is slipping away. I want to go home to Rose and build a family. I want to hold her in my arms and never let her go. I need her. She is my everything. I can't leave her. I just can't. She needs me.

I try to open my eyes, but they are so heavy, and my mind is so foggy. I can't remember where I am or what happened. I can't focus on anything. I can hear muffled voices. I know I should be trying to listen, but I can't. It's like I am in a dream. I can’t feel the pain anymore as I drift away. Rose.

Chapter 35

Vladimir

Iwakeupina hospital bed. I can feel someone's arms around me. I turn my head and see Rose's sleeping face. She looks so peaceful. I touch her face and see the tears falling from her eyes. I reach over and wipe them away and she opens her eyes. The look of relief on her face is heartbreaking. I wish I could have protected her. I wish I had done more. I wish I had done anything to keep her from being in this position. She didn't deserve to be treated like that.

"Please, don't cry my love. Please don't cry. It's ok I am here now. I will protect you now."

She holds onto me and shakes her head. "Thought I had lost you."

I try to move so that I can comfort her but the sudden pain is so strong it takes my breath away.

"Don't move. Stay still you were in surgery and they are working on you for a long time. Let me go and I will get someone." She says trying to move away from me.

I hold onto her tighter. "No, no it's ok I just need you here with me. I can handle the pain."

She nods and settles back into me.

"It's ok to cry Rose."

She shakes her head and starts to sob. "I don't want to cry. I don't want to be weak. I feel like all I have done is cry."

I sigh "Rose, I am a strong man but I know I couldn't survive losing you. You are the strongest woman I have ever known. Look at what you have had to endure."

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