Chapter 10
915 Words
Theo’s POV:
Marcus’s body went rigid as I moved us swiftly through the castle corridors, stopping only when we reached my door.
The moment I loosened my grip around his midsection, he sucked in a quiet breath and nearly stumbled forward.
I scanned the hall once more—empty—before opening the door and guiding him inside.
My lips curved into a small, unplanned smile the second Aurora’s eyes lifted to meet mine.
Then her gaze slid past me.
The color drained from her face.
“Marcus?!” she cried, pushing herself forward on the bed.
He managed the faintest smile and lifted his hand in a shaky wave.
“H-hey, Aurora,” he said, relief breaking through his voice.
Her expression shifted rapidly—confusion, then horror—as she took in the bruises and dried blood visible beneath the towel.
“What—” she stopped short, swallowing, “What happened to you?”
Her eyes found mine, silently asking for an explanation.
“I’ll explain in a minute,” I told her gently, then turned to Marcus. “I’ll have food and clothes sent up while you shower. After that, I’ll look at your injuries. You’ll rest for a bit before we leave. Does that work?”
He nodded quickly. Twice.
“Yes—” He hesitated, then added quietly, “Theo… thank you.”
He bowed his head, unnecessary but sincere, before carefully making his way toward the bathroom. These rooms were all designed the same—he didn’t need directions.
Aurora and I stayed silent until the bathroom door closed and the sound of running water filled the space.
She leaned back against the headboard, worry etched into every line of her face.
“Theo…”
I rolled my shoulders as I crossed the room to her.
“Lord Lucas decided Marcus would be his next source of entertainment,” I said evenly, sparing her the deeper truth. “I recognized his scent on you after the clinic. Once you told me you were friends, I knew I wanted him with us. And—he can drive.”
I joined her on the bed once the shower fully started, closing the space between us.
She’d said she’d continue where she left off earlier, and I planned to hold her to that—at least until I needed to tend to Marcus.
“So you broke him out,” she said softly, her hand lifting to my cheek as I leaned closer, “and you’re sneaking him out with us without the Lord knowing?”
“Mhm.” I covered her hand with mine. “Once we arrive, he’ll be the highest-ranking servant on my floor. He’ll always be nearby if we need him. And… I wanted you to have someone familiar when I can’t be with you.”
Her smile was slow and radiant.
“Thank you,” she whispered, settling back against the pillow, her hand still in mine.
I studied her for a moment.
“Anything for you, sweetheart,” I murmured, propping myself on one elbow above her.
“Does he know about us?” she asked.
I shook my head.
Marcus might suspect—but I wasn’t foolish enough to confirm anything. Secrets only stay secrets when they’re held close.
The thought tightened my chest.
I didn’t know what I’d do if this ever came out.
I wouldn’t risk it.
I couldn’t risk losing her.
Aurora’s fingers slid into my hair, brushing just above my ear, pulling me from the spiral.
“You okay?” she asked softly, her icy blue eyes full of concern.
How could I not be?
I leaned down, savoring her quiet gasp as I kissed her neck, then her jaw, finally her lips—lingering there longer than before.
When I pulled back, warmth flushed her cheeks.
“I’m more than okay,” I said quietly.
I settled back into our earlier position, feeling her fingers tug lightly at my hair, as if she were debating returning the affection tenfold. Her eventual sigh told me she wouldn’t—yet—and she resumed stroking my hair instead.
“You didn’t go back to sleep?” I asked, wrapping an arm around her lower back.
She shook her head.
“No. I’m too excited.”
“Excited?” I echoed.
“I am,” she laughed softly. “I keep thinking about all the things I’ll get to do there… all the things we will.”
Her hands began massaging the back of my neck, and I let my eyes close. A soft purr rumbled from my chest as we lay there in silence.
“Is this really going to work?” she asked suddenly.
My eyes snapped open.
“What?” I asked, careful to keep my tone neutral.
“Leaving without Lord Lucas noticing,” she clarified. “Once Lilith tells him what happened and he realizes we’re gone… won’t he come after us?”
The tension eased instantly.
“He can’t,” I said calmly. “His authority ends at his borders. Once we’re in my territory, he won’t touch us.”
“So he’ll just… let it go?”
“He’ll be angry,” I admitted. “But he’ll realize there’s nothing he can do.”
She hummed thoughtfully.
“So once we leave… we’re safe?”
I laughed softly and pushed myself upright as I heard the shower shut off.
“Yes, Aurora. We’re safe.”
- Writer
