I love you.
The thought is there, but it never makes it past his lips, not when he sees her battered and bruised. This is because he didn't protect her, because he left after stepping down from the throne. Without even a goodbye or another word Tiphon faded into the open air and took the opportunity to experience a life without burden or responsibility except to keep the sun bright and warm for them.
Except he's realizing now how much he actually failed.
His brows furrow as a stabbing pain shoots through him; he isn't injured, but he is disappointed in himself when he stares into her sweet, longing eyes. "I failed you," he breathes the words into her skin as their bodies finally connect, "again." This all seems so familiar; it has happened before. Tiphon wants so bad to cradle her close for eternity, but his mind is unable to wrap around his faults. There is someone who could protect her better and not disappear so often as he has. A thoughtful bite of his lip is concealed from her view before he murmurs into her neck, "I can heal you. I can make the pain go away," he actually isn't sure of his full capabilities. A long time ago he was able to delay a stallion's death, but it was something present and active. Her wounds are old now but the scars are still there, beaming at him like spotlights. They make his stomach lurch. She was once unmarked, untouched. It doesn't change his view of her; she is strong to have escaped whatever power entered her mind. Lurking inside her is a soldier that he didn't know existed.
He embraces Elysteria more tightly now with his cheek pressed against her. "Only because I'm here with you again," her presence elicits an extra brightness inside him, added joy that he cannot hide no matter the circumstances. Despite his shortcomings and faults Tiphon is still able to smile when their eyes meet again until he reminds himself by sparing a glance to her scars. "I've failed you so many times. There are so many others who wouldn't fail you, who wouldn't let you get hurt," his voice weakens as he feels vulnerable and weak, "and yet I can't ever let you go."
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