It would have been my same response.
We keep trying until she stops fighting.
She’s still fighting. Every day, she’s still in this game.
“Okay, well, let us know if you need anything else,” Lara says.
“Thank you.” I put away my clothes in the dresser provided in the room. I don’t plan on going anywhere. They left my hospital bed in here in case I wanted another place to sleep, but I haven’t used it. I’ve been plastered to Lilly every night because I know that’s what we both need.
“Oh, we also spoke to Runa,” Ottar says. “And about the night of . . . of the shooting.”
“You did?” I ask, standing tall. “How did they find her?”
“Rolant and Sveinn cut them off on the road. Saw the palace car and held them at gunpoint. Threatened to take out the king if they didn’t let them in the car. Runa assumed since we were at Harrogate, that we would be able to help take them down.”
“I just wish I had acted quicker,” Lara says.
“You acted quickly enough,” I say, reassuring her. “We were trying to gain the truth. We didn’t know they were going to shoot. I honestly didn’t think they had it in them.”
“You didn’t?” Lara asks. “After everything they put you through? You didn’t think they would shoot?”
“They never did the dirty work. They just gave the word.” I drag my hand over my face. “Although, Rolant did look unhinged.” I shake my head. “I still can’t believe it was them. What has come of Arkham?”
“The ITO has been talking about going to war.”
“Really?” I ask. “What about all of those innocent people?”
“That’s what they’re trying to figure out. It’s complicated, but there will be repercussions. Elias has been very cooperative in giving us as much information as he can, as well as the Sotherbys. It all points at Magnus, Rolant, and Sveinn.”
“What about Evan?” I ask, curious about where he lands with all of this.
“Had no clue,” Ottar answers. “He was trying to please his parents. He wasn’t a part of the deception.”
“Do we trust that?” I ask.
Lara nods. “Yes, he’s actually resigned from his position in the Sotherbys and is helping Marsdale with the investigation. He wants everyone to be brought to justice. He’s been a valuable resource.”
I nod. “Okay.”
“Hey.” Lara forces me to look at her. “He wants nothing more than to watch you two walk down the aisle once Lilly wakes up. Okay?”
“Yeah . . . okay,” I answer.
Ottar yawns and wobbles on his crutches, giving Lara concern. “Time to get you home.” She pats his back.
“Where are you staying?” I ask.
“In an apartment down the road. We’re close, so truly, if you need something, let us know.”
“I will. Thanks. And, Ottar, don’t push yourself too hard.”
“I’m going to say the same thing to you.” He sighs. “It’s over. All of it. Focus all your attention on Lilly now.”
“I will.”
We say our goodbyes, and when they’re out the door, I walk over to Lilly’s bed, and I slip under the covers with her, wrapping my arm around her, and once again, I kiss her cheek, the side of her head, anywhere I can get my lips on that doesn’t disturb the wires she’s hooked up to.
“Come on, love,” I say softly. “Come back to me. This isn’t how we end. There’s so much more of our story to be told. For one, we need to get married. I need to see you in your wedding dress, staring up at me with that gorgeous smile of yours. We need to go on our honeymoon where we spend every waking hour in each other’s arms. And when we return, we have to move into our own place, where we can start a family.” I run my nose over her jaw. “You’re going to be an amazing mum. Our kids will know what a fighter you are, how strong you are, how you’ve never given up on anything, even this.” Again, tears fill my eyes. “They will know how you’ve overcome the odds and how you came back to me, because we’re supposed to be together, Lilly. You and me. Like you said . . . we matter most.” Tears fall down my cheeks. “We matter most, love.”
