“Who does he think he is?!” Arryn snaps.
“Her husband,” I point out.
“Husbands don’t make demands,” Arryn growls.
“Malakai isn’t like everyone else,” Olivia sighs, “I’m going to need to get back today. I have things I have to sort before I go through with all of this.”
“We can figure it out,” Arryn begs, “You don’t have to do this.”
I don’t correct her even though I know Olivia does have to go through with it. She agreed to a bargain, Arryn’s life for her hand in marriage. She signed a contract. There is no do over, no way out, I know for a fact the contracts the Farrow’s dish out are loophole free with no exit. If Olivia wanted to see Arryn remain alive, if she wanted to see her happy, she would have to marry the devil himself.
“You and I both know I do,” Olivia says gently to her sister. “Is there a ferry today?” She asks Torin who had joined us sometime in the last few minutes.
But before he can answer, I say, “I’ll take you.”
Everyone turns to me, “I’ll do it.” I repeat, “I’ll make sure she gets there safely.”
“Thank you,” Olivia smiles at me.
It isn’t selfless. I need the time, and I know time on the water, despite it making me seasick, will be good to clear my head. Vanessa doesn’t want me near her, and I won’t lie, that shit hurts. It’s too hard not to go to her so if I remove myself from the place, then I won’t be able to go to her until it’s time.
No one disagrees, and Torin trusts me enough to captain his boat, so within the hour we’re packing the little belongings Olivia has and hauling them into Torin’s vessel.
I stand at the edge of the dock, a witness to their farewell. It’s standard up until Arryn has to say goodbye to her youngest sister.
“Call me as soon as you get home,” Arryn demands.
“I will,” Olivia placates.
“No, you won’t,” Her sister laughs, but it sounds off, like it’s leaden with weight, “I just need to know you’re safe.”
“He won’t hurt me,” Olivia says with determination, “I plan on making his life hell.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Arryn replies.
I help Olivia onto the boat after her bags are stowed but don’t bother to say goodbye to my brothers.
This isn’t goodbye anyway. I’m taking a trip to clear my head, not leaving for good, and I’m more than happy to show the woman who saved my own brothers life, back to her own world.
The journey there is uneventful. Olivia and I have nothing to speak about, so we spend most of the journey in silence though it’s not uncomfortable, and when we land on the mainland, the boat anchored up at the dock I ensure her safety by showing her through to The Lauder Hotel.
She’s greeted by a crowd of employees, all smiles and warm welcomes and when I know she’s okay, considering the circumstances, I leave her to settle back in.
My thoughts are on Vanessa.
I start the boat, replaying the scene from this morning and come to a decision.
I’m not letting it end this way.
Her and I, we are built for forever.
I’m going to fight for her, no matter the cost.
I will prove to her what happened before, and what will happen now, are not the same.
She is my moon. My stars. My forever.
For as long as the night lives and the moon shines, I am hers.
