Chapter 88: I'll Be Your Executioner, Love

[AWUOR]

"You're so stubborn," Hawi said as she looked at Rukiya.

It was honestly tempting to make a move on Rukiya, but just like Rukiya, Hawi figured that this wasn't the best time for the both of them. Then again, maybe they all just had to clear the air about everything and embrace each other, right?

But what was there to be cleared between the two of them?

"No Hawi, I just love you, so much it breaks my heart to see you in this state. Please don't push me away," Rukiya said softly as she watched Hawi.

She loved this woman so much it hurt her and wanted to reign in it. And at the same time, she also knew that Hawi wasn't the kind of woman she could force herself on, because she would end up with a lot of bruises and frankly, she wasn't on a mission to be broken.

"What if someday you're wrong about what you feel right now? What if it's because you just don't have a mate yet? What if all of this has to stop when you meet your mate? Then what, Ruru. What will I do then?

"What will we do then?" Hawi asked as she gently pulled Rukiya towards her.

Hawi could see the sincerity in Rukiya's eyes and she knew it was the kind that couldn't ever be faked. Having Rukiya this close to her made her feel like she could face anything in the world. She could go up against everyone and win. That much she was certain of.

"I never had a mate, Hawi. I never knew one was even possible, especially after what my father did. I haven't known what love is, for a long time, until the first time I saw you in the free lands woods, covered in banana leaves.

"At first, I thought it was because I'd watched everyone have mates, and I hadn't met mine. I thought that maybe my loneliness was the reason I was attracted to you, the girl who didn't have a home to go back to.

"I thought maybe you were alone and I was alone, and that's what I wanted you so bad. But it's more than that, Hawi. I know you feel it too. This, us, it's different from the normal mate bonds," Rukiya said as she carefully leaned closer to Hawi.

"If that makes you uncomfortable then I can promise to never mention it again. I'd hate to do anything that makes you feel like you don't have a choice. With me, you always have a choice, love.

"I want to see you happy and alive; free and without any worries and burdens. I want to—" Rukiya said and Hawi put a finger against Rukiya's lips, instantly shutting the woman up.

Hawi could see the turmoil and confusion in Rukiya's eyes and she could tell that there were already a hundred things going through her head at the moment. And Hawi wanted to clear them all, but she needed to take a stand too.

"That is a burden that comes with the thrones we have long sat on, Ruru. Though if they try to hurt you, then I'll have no other option than to burn them all."

"What if—"

"Yeah, what if you let me kiss you right now. I know the past two times, I acted out rashly. So I'll try to be civil this time. Can I... Can I kiss you?" Hawi said, and this time, her voice was no longer filled with hopelessness and a desire to leave Greyson, no.

This time, she had something to protect, someone to live for, someone to take the high and lonely rough road for. She had someone to walk on fire for, and she wouldn't even complain.

"Only if you let me fight beside you."

"Well—"

"I'll be your executioner, love; Just point me in the direction of everyone and everything you want gone, and I'll take them out for you."

"I have something in mind."

"Who?"

"But I don't want you to kill it, because I'll be damned then."

"What is it?" Rukiya asked worriedly, given she couldn't think of anything that could leave Hawi damned anywhere right now.

"I love you," Hawi said and this time, Rukiya didn't waste any time smashing their lips together.

She was happy, and so was Hawi.

"Always."

"Always, my Ruru, always."