*Rhys*
The wind whipped around us as I had my men push the helicopter to its limit. Saoirse's breaths were shallow and ragged against my chest, her consciousness tethered by the thinnest of threads. We were a blur of speed. Desperation pushed me toward the sanctuary of the royal palace at top speed.
"Stay with me, Saoirse," I urged. I had no idea if she could hear me. The roar of the air currents nearly swallowed my voice, but I spoke regardless. It was a mantra to keep me from losing myself.
The palace loomed into view, but I breathed no sigh of relief. “Quickly," I demanded of the pilot. “I don't… Please just hurry."
The moment my feet touched the courtyard's cobblestones, I was moving with Saoirse cradled in my arms. She seemed so frail where she was once strong. Her body was marred
