“Rhys!” she screamed, begging for him to save her.
But he could not. The expression on his face was indescribable as he focused on her; a world of pain and longing filling the brilliant blue eyes even though his overall manner continued to remain stoic.
“Elizabeau,” he said in a strong, yet strangely tight voice. “Calm yourself, angel. I do not want my last memory of you to be of screams and tears. Do you hear me? Be a good girl and stop crying.”
Elizabeau was struggling; that much was evident. She was trying so very hard to be brave but could not seem to master it. She focused on Rhys, his handsome face, and labored to stop the tears.
“I… I am trying,” she swallowed hard, summoning courage. “I will try.”
He smiled faintly. “My sweet angel. That’s a good girl.”
He watched her face as two soldiers suddenly pulled his hands behind his back and tied off his wrists. He knew what that meant; he would be the first one to the block. But as he stood there, mentally preparing himself, he watched Lewis move to Elizabeau and take her by the arm. It wasn’t a harsh move, nor was it gentle; it was simply a task.
“I will not tie your hands if you give me your word that you will not resist,” he said to her. “I should not like to have to restrain you. It’s simply not proper.”
She swallowed again, her hysteria fading, as she looked into the man’s pale face. “I… I will not resist,” she murmured. “But… but I should like to kiss Rhys one last time, if I may. I promise that I shall go quietly if you will simply allow me this last mercy.”
Lewis almost refused her. But he could look into the deep green eyes and see a lady of beauty and wisdom and strength. He’d seen that from the beginning of their association those months ago. In truth, he was rather disgruntled by this entire event but he was following orders. He was doing his duty, distasteful though it might be.
He saw no harm in her request and took her gently by the arm to lead her over to Rhys, several feet away. He stood back as Elizabeau, now calm, focused on the massive knight.
There were a million unspoken words in the air as Elizabeau gazed deeply into the brilliant blue eyes, feeling the familiar emotion wash over her. He was such a wonderful man, so wise and honest. She was more smitten with him now than she was the first time she realized she felt something for him. Time had only increased those feelings. Although she knew their lives hung in the balance and she knew that this day could easily see one of them leaving the other in death, all that seemed to matter was this moment in time where they were lost in each other’s eyes. She could see, feel or hear nothing else but him.
“I will only love you more beyond this life,” she put her arms around his neck, pulling herself up to his lips. She kissed him with painful tenderness, trembling, a lingering kiss that for all intents and purposes was to be their last. “There is only happiness for us, my darling. No pain, no sorrow. Only happiness.”
He responded to her kiss, feeling tears sting his eyes. When her lips brushed his cheeks, he thought he might lose his carefully held composure. But he had to remain strong for what was to come, the hazardous undertaking they were about to follow. All he cared about was her safety. But at this moment, all he wanted to do was wallow in the deep love and devotion that was flowing between them. He could literally inhale it and feed off of it. It gave him strength.
“I love you,” he murmured, his lips against hers once more. “With all that I am, I love only you in this life or any other.”
She pulled back, smiling bravely at him and he nearly came undone. But he fought it. This is not the end, he told himself. This is not the end!
“Until we meet again, then,” she kissed him one last time, touched his cheek, and moved back to where Lewis was standing. She was trying so hard to be brave but it was difficult. Resolutely, she squared her shoulders. “Do what must be done.”
Lewis’ gaze lingered on her and if one looked closely, there was some sorrow there. The red-haired knight nodded faintly to the men surrounding Rhys, who suddenly grabbed him and kicked out the back of his knees, forcing him to kneel. Someone threw a rope around his neck to restrain him. As Elizabeau watched with concern, Lewis suddenly took her by the arm.
“This way, my lady,” he said quietly.
It was then that they both realized that Elizabeau would be the first one to go to the block. She was startled at first but admirably steeled herself. She didn’t dare look back at Rhys, terrified of what she would see in his eyes. She didn’t want to see him come undone. She had to stay strong.
“I am ready.”