[color=f49ac2]“Cas, he didn’t know, he just thought I was willing to go back to the districts as I didn’t think I was good enough for you.”[/color] Iris tried to reason with him, who knew how it would have played out had she told the security guard about her blackmail but ultimately, he was looking out for Cas in other ways even if Cas couldn’t see it. [color=f49ac2]“I was foolish. I thought if I did. If I went back to him, I’d be protecting you."[/color] Muffling out her response into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him unable to hold herself back from physical contact with him. It was comforting to be in his arms once more and even more so knowing he didn’t seem to hate her right now.  

[color=f49ac2]“Cas... I love you. I’ve never stopped loving you.”[/color] Love had made her do so many reckless things, think so many insecure thoughts because she thought he deserved better. Her feelings had not changed about him and seeing him with another woman or even entertain it had made her feel jealous and she knew her heart still belonged to him.  

[color=f49ac2]“Jacob saved my life again Cas, he didn’t even know if I’d make it. Recovering took a long time, he brought me back to his condo and we both. No, I thought it was best you move on from me.”[/color] Iris sighed softly knowing it wasn’t something he likely wanted to hear, but as much as Jacob believed they shouldn't be together, she had also agreed to it herself so she couldn't put the blame entirely on the security guard as it wouldn't be fair. [color=f49ac2]“I know you say it doesn’t matter, that you don’t care, but I wanted you to have the best chance at being a King without constantly fighting those who disapproved of me. I wanted you to be free to be the King, I believed you could be.”[/color] Her own happiness hadn’t mattered when she thought it was in his best interest. “[color=f49ac2]I honestly believed that me not being there would be better for you. I only cared about you.”  [/color]

Iris hoped he would understand her reasoning, that she believed it would be his best chance to not have her around. [color=f49ac2]“I watched the event you held; you looked stunning in that suit. Then I can only assume the rebels again? I made up my mind then to search for answers. To come talk to you and apologise and hopefully give you something to help bring them down after everything I had done to you.”[/color] Her voice was so sincere as she tried to explain everything to him, so he knew the full truth and there’d be no more lies or secrets between them.  

[color=f49ac2]“I understand if you don’t forgive me, but I had to tell you truth about everything.”[/color] Iris tried to smile at him, tears threatening to spill once again because she was still emotional seeing him after all this time. Her feelings hadn’t changed, she’d never stopped caring about him and even though her actions where quite strong she had meant them out of love for him, wanting him to have better. To do better.  

[color=f49ac2]“Cas, I love you. Nothing will ever change that.”  [/color]