adelaidekcnes:
       she hadnât had time to say much else, not that she felt she could anyway seeing the state that they were in she couldnât possibly find something insightful to say so she did what she knew she could: she hugged the love of her life back, dropping the box she had been holding on to on the floor and she held on for dear life in a small attempt to comfort him, to let him know that she was there. at his side, just like she always promised she would be. â sim, estou bem. â she confirmed doe eyes instantly overflowing with tears as he kissed her forehead and then she listened intently an inaudible gasp slipping her lips as she looked from her love to her husband.
leaning her face into her husbandâs hand she closed her eyes for a brief moment before reaching up and taking his hand in hers squeezing it softly, before stepping forward and whipping the traces of tears that were in his eyes with her fingers, before wrapping her arms around him as well. her husband might not be the man she was in love with, but he was someone she loved. they had become partners, confidants and best friends, they were her family. â estou aqui. vamos a encontrar uma maneira sim? â she replied as she pulled away from gus, doe eyes finding her way to the blue of declanâs as she reached for his hand as well, lacing it through hers as she held on to gusâs own.Â
feeling trisâ hand in his, he gave it a small squeeze before turning his attention to augustine. âdo not, brother---â he tried, using his free hand to grip his baby brotherâs shoulder. âtis not our fault, and tis certainly not yours.â the two of them had their issues, so many it was impossible to count, but declan would always go to bat for augustine. always. he looked to tris, placing his fingers beneath her chin and lifting her eyes to his. âshe will be alright... she must. we all will be. we are together... alright?â his voice was reassuring, looking back and forth between gus and tris.Â
âyour grace...â a strangers voice drew them to attention, gus immediately stepping forward as one of the physicians exited esmeâs room. flustered, the young duke folded his arms in front of himself. âhow is she?â he asked. the doctor took in a deep breath. âshe is STABLE, and sleeping. but she has lost a lot of blood. we worry for her recovery.â it took all of declanâs power to not begin cursing right then and there, to not allow his anger to overtake him. he figured he would let gus do the talking. âmay we see her?â augustineâs worry was overwhelming, though he tried to remain calm. the physician nodded just slightly before the doors were opened to the three of them. âi only ask that you be careful, and quiet. she must rest before all else.â but the final sentiment was nearly ignored as declan and gus both rushed inside; declan still holding tightly onto trisâ fingers. esme was silent, still, sleeping soundly with a serene look on her face; just as peacefully beautiful as the boys had always known her to be. there were bandages wrapped around her shoulders, and bruises on her cheeks, but the rise and fall of her chest left the boys feeling calmed, even if only a little.
















