Captive

Chapter Twenty Seven

Author's Note: Hi friends! It has been SO long. I'm sorry if this is a slightly different writing style. I am trying desperately to finally finish this book.

I rolled over in an empty bed. The light streamed in through the window across the bed. I lifted myself up to find no one in my room. There was no sign from Zaleck's visit last night. I shifted, my feet touching the cold floor as I moved across the room. I pulled out a light weight dress and tugged it on before following it was a gray sweater.

As I made my way down the hallways to the grand staircase, I could hear voices below. As I reached the main floor my mother was talking to India. They were both smiling, but I still felt the whole in my heart from my father. Their voices quieted as I approached.

"Good morning," India said brightly.

"Morning," I responded quietly, looking towards my mother. "Have you seen Zaleck?" Part of me was hurt that he wasn't with me in the morning. Where could he have needed to go?

"Oh, I believe he is in the garden." My mother responded. She had a wry smile playing on her lips.

"What?" I asked, my eyes narrowing as I looked between the two women.

"Nothing," My mother said with a shrug.

"Fine." I said, my eyes training on India who showed no expression.

"I have a few things to tend to," My mother said. I wasn't sure what she had to do. "I'll see you in a while though." She turned away from us and started to leave the room. I glanced quickly at India.

"Why are you two acting weird?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Weird?" India said with a laugh, "What are you talking about?" She winked at me before shaking her head.

"Exactly so," I muttered before letting out a laugh.

"You should go find Zaleck," She said, patting my shoulder lightly. "He seemed a little nervous this morning."

"Nervous?" I asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Yes." India replied, making me question everything that had happened the previous night.

"Did he say anything about it?" I asked, hopeful that it wasn't about that.

"Hmm," India looked up slightly, tapping her fingers together, "He mentioned something to me, but told me not to tell you."

"What is it?" I glared up at her, doubting she would say anything.

"What did I just say he asked me to do?" She arched an eyebrow at me.

I let out a huff, hoping he really hadn't talked about our previous night with his sister. Maybe I had done something wrong, maybe he didn't like it, I wasn't sure. But every single horrible thought was going through my head. "Well now I'm nervous." I signed, glancing towards the door.

"Nah, you shouldn't be." India said, that smirk still playing at her lips. "But like I said, you should probably go see him."

"Alright, alright." I shook my head and turned towards the door. "I guess I'll see you later," I waved my fingers over my shoulder as I headed out the door.

The air was a little brisk, but not too chilling. The sun had continued to rise and was lighting up all the grounds of the castle. I moved across a stone path towards the garden. It was a maze of bushes, a multitude of flowers, and various trees. As I made way slowly through, I eventually could see the dark hair of Zaleck in the distance. He was pacing by the willow tree at the edge of a creek that rain this side of the grounds. He looked a lot nicer than he normally does. He had a dark pair of pants on and light blue button up shirt. As I approached, I watched him gingerly grab his side, his lips contorting as if in pain.

"Doing ok?" I asked, watching him startle.

"Sage," He said, letting out a small breath of air. "Yes, it's fine."

I stood awkwardly, waiting for him to say more. But he just looked down at me. "Did I..." I trailed off, unsure how to best say it. "Do something wrong?" I finally finished, crossing my arms gingerly.

"Something wrong?" He asked, looking confused. "About what?"

"Last night..." I pressed, avoiding eye contact with him. I heard him let out a bellowed laugh. "What?" I looked up, seeing him shake his head.

"Absolutely not." He said.

"Then what is going on? Why did India say you were nervous?" I glared up at him. Zaleck was still far away, not seeming too interested with me.

"Because," He finally stepped towards me, grabbing my hand, "Of," He slowly lowered, wincing in pain from his side, "This."

I looked down at him, all the breath leaving my body. My heart started racing as Zaleck held onto my hand, one knee pressed to the ground. "What..." It was a whisper, barely escaping my lips. I don't know where it came from, from a sliver of shine was being flashed.

"Sage, everything with you has been insane. But you have changed my life for the better. I was terrified I lost you. I never want to feel that way again. I would do anything for you. I love you. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

I was frozen in place, my fingers feeling number in his hands. Tears were welling up in my eyes. I stared at him. He looked nervous and I felt his fingers tighten on my hand. I couldn't breathe. A ring sat in a small wooden box.

"Sage?" His voice was hushed as his eyes landed on mine. I was so incredibly taken aback.

"Y-yes!" I sputtered, the tears finally spilling onto my cheeks. His teeth flashed as he smiled up at me. As he lifted himself up, I tossed my arms around his neck, finding his lips with mine.

"Oh thank God," Zaleck said as we pulled a part. "I was worried for a minute," He joked. "Do you want the ring?" He asked playfully as he wiped the tears from my face. I squealed, nodding my head. He pulled it out of the box and carefully placed it onto my left ring finger. The band was skinny and rose gold in color. A halo pear cut diamond was centered and glimmered in the light. "It's my grandmothers." He added as I stared down at it.

"It's beautiful." I whispered, leaning up to kiss him again.