by Lily Thomas
“I do.” She didn’t need to think about it. Since he’d captured her, he’d captivated her heart.
“So we both can now have what we want. You’ll give up your revenge to have me, and my father will keep his life.” Now she could be with Daerrin and not worry about him trying to kill her father.
He nodded. “We should leave before he wakes. I don’t want to battle my way out of the castle.”
“Give me a second to change to some darker clothes.” She glanced down at her father. “Sorry, but I can’t stay here.” She rubbed her bulging stomach. “I have to keep this child safe now that I know you won’t ever accept it. Maybe someday we can discuss this further because I still hope your attitude will change.” She caressed her father’s cheek and then rose.
Quickly, she changed into one of her darker riding outfits. It would allow her to move freely and would help her blend in with the dark shadows.
“Ready?” Daerrin asked as he checked the hall for anyone lurking about.
“Ready,” Roxanne confirmed. She couldn’t believe she was doing this, but her heart thudded with the excitement of this adventure.
“Come and remain quiet.”
Daerrin led the way out of her room and through the castle. It was scary how good Daerrin was at getting them past guards, and then out of the castle grounds. He was a silent deadly ghost.
He guided her over the field and into the forest where a horse waited for them.
As they rode back to the fire giant castle, she had to thank him for convincing her to leave. That may have been her home at one time, but it wasn’t meant for her anymore. “Thank you for not killing my father. I know the choice must have been a hard one for you.”
He shrugged his shoulders behind her. “Surprisingly not as hard as I thought it might be. Because of him, I had no family, but now I get another chance. He gave you life, and now I get to enjoy that life with you and…” He rubbed her stomach. “Whoever this might be.”
Roxanne’s heart swelled.
“Did you find your answers?” Daerrin asked.
“Yes, and you were right. My father is a monster when it comes to destroying fire giants. I’m sure he wouldn’t have accepted our child, but I hope his mind will change with time. He was a good father… he just needs this war to end, and maybe he’ll get it back.”
“I’m sorry he couldn’t be what you wanted, needed, right now.”
Roxanne’s eyes widened. “Why?”
“I wanted you to know the truth about him, but at the same time, I hoped he might spin a lie to hide you from the truth. He is your father after all, and I’ve seen how highly you think of him.”
Roxanne leaned back against Daerrin. “It will get better in time. Maybe someday I can reunite with him, but we will see. For now, I’ll look forward to being with you and meeting this child of ours.” Because she was excited about the baby growing inside her.
Daerrin wrapped an arm around her waist and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
