The Dark Devil and the Light

The candlelight in the room flickered, throwing shadows across Mabel’s face. *Therry:* Are you really getting married? You’re going to marry him? His voice was too quiet, like he didn’t want the walls to hear. Mabel’s fingers clenched around the edge of her sleeve. She didn’t look at him at first. *Mabel:* Yes. My father agreed to it. The queen arranged it. Therry went still. For a second, it looked like the air had been knocked out of him. *Therry:* Reject it. Mabel’s head jerked up, eyes wide. *Therry:* Don’t marry Thego. He doesn’t love you. *Mabel:* I… The word died on her lips. She swallowed, but it didn’t help the dryness in her throat. *Therry:* Listen to me, Mabel. He crossed the space between them in two steps and took her hands. His palms were cold and damp, and they trembled against hers. He didn’t let go. *Therry:* You can’t marry Thego. *Mabel:* Why? She stared straight into his eyes, searching for something she wasn’t sure she wanted to find. *Therry:* Because… He broke eye contact first, jaw tightening. He dragged a hand down his face, like he could wipe the words away before they came out. *Therry:* Because I’d be heartbroken. A bitter laugh slipped out, but it didn’t reach his eyes. *Therry:* I’d die from missing you. Mabel flinched. Her breath hitched. *Therry:* I wouldn’t be able to live knowing you’re married to him. I can’t. His voice dropped, rough at the edges. He took another half-step forward, close enough that she could feel the heat of him. *Therry:* It’s late to say this. I know it’s late. He lifted her hand, pressing it flat against his chest. Under her palm, his heartbeat was fast, uneven. *Therry:* But I love you, Mabel. I love you. The room went quiet except for the sound of her breathing. *Therry:* I love your smile. The way you scowl when you think I’m being stupid. Everything about you. He exhaled shakily, thumb brushing over her knuckles without meaning to. *Therry:* I’ve gotten through hell in this palace. But the thought of losing you… that’s the one that breaks me. He pulled her closer, not enough to touch, but enough that she had to tip her chin up to meet his eyes. *Therry:* I can’t imagine doing life without you. I just can’t. Mabel’s vision blurred. She blinked fast, but a tear slipped through anyway. She didn’t wipe it away. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, then back to his eyes, like she was trying to reconcile this man with the one she remembered — cold, distant, unreadable. *Mabel:* But… Her voice cracked. *Mabel:* It’s tomorrow. My wedding is tomorrow. Therry’s grip tightened, desperate now. He wasn’t the composed, aloof man from her memory anymore. This one was unraveling in front of her, and he didn’t care. *Therry:* Then we figure it out tonight. His forehead nearly touched hers. His voice was raw. *Therry:* I’m not losing you, Mabel. Not like this. She didn’t pull away. She couldn’t.