Chapter 23
She knew she was in a nightmare, the chains around her wrist feeling like ghosts rather than real and she was alone in the dark rather than staring at Mavros. Her chest heaved and she couldn’t tell if the cold on her back was from sweat or a memory from the horrific days.
Pressure on her stomach woke her from the foggy haze and when her eyes flew open, she didn't see anything. She was on her back but it was only darkness of the ceiling above her and the pressure was still there.
Turning her head to the side, she was met with Kaden’s sleeping face on the pillow next to her and she jumped in surprise.
They had never shared a bed and the closest they have been to each other, other than fighting, was the awkward ride back from the tavern.
He was out cold, his breathing deep and he was on top of her blankets with his arm stretched across her.
There had to be a good explanation for it, but her only thought was him trying to comfort her while she was having her nightmare. She also knew the last few days have been mentally exhausting for him so maybe he just meant to wake her but collapsed in the process.
Not a single hint of panic from his touch formed, and she thought it strange that there was no reaction. Maybe all the training really was making her better about physical contact, or maybe she was just too exhausted to care.
She just stared at him for a few minutes, the moonlight making his hair glow and noticed the red hue to it again. It must be connected to his eyes and she found herself wanting to touch it but stopped herself.
It would be too intimate and she would probably scare him awake if she touched him. His soldier reflexes would most likely go into overdrive and could cause them both to get hurt.
The urge was there though, and she had to look away from him before she reached out and did it anyway.
She heard a noise outside her door and then the sound of it creaking open. She hesitated to sit up thinking it was maybe one of the guards outside, but when they didn’t announce themself she moved.
She slipped out from under Kaden’s arm, his deep breathing still signaling he was fast asleep and she decided to not wake him just yet. If things got loud enough, she was sure he would hear whatever was going to happen.
Silently she padded her way to her dresser, her axe resting on the top of it and she grabbed it in a tight grip.
Whoever it was, they were not supposed to be in her room. Raine would have announced herself and so would the guards, which meant she had no idea who would try to come into her room in the middle of the night.
Maybe Emris sent someone, but then again he knew Kaden was with her and he was his best fighter.
She heard footsteps moving around, fire long burned out and a small amount of moonlight made shadows around the room. She leaned against the wall at the corner, her axe close to her chest and ready to strike if needed.
Whoever it was got closer and when she heard them about to turn the corner, she struck.
Her shoulder met with the person’s waist and they both fell to the ground with a loud hug.
“What the?” she heard a familiar voice under her as she straddle them, axe at their throat.
She pulled on her magic and let the flame burn around the axe blade, the glow from her power casting light around them.
“Silas?” she sneered, pressing the axe harder against his throat.
“What the hell Alyra?” he barked back, his hands grabbing at her arm to push the axe away.
She jumped off of him quickly, the feeling of him against her brought back too many feelings she didn’t want to acknowledge but kept her axe aimed in his direction.
“Why are you here?” Kaden’s murderous voice came from behind her, his towering presence stopping an inch from her backside.
Her flame was the only light source around them until Silas walked to the closest lantern and sparking the wick. She squinted as her eyes adjusted and turned slightly away from the light, bumping into Kaden’s chest on accident.
She could smell lilac on him, an aroma they used to have in her homeland and she paused in surprise. How did she not smell that on him before, or better yet how did he have it?
“They pulled me back from the border.” Silas said, his voice close to a snarl.
“I knew that.” Kaden snapped. “Why are you here in her room?”
Kaden knew he was coming back and didn’t tell her. She shot her eyes up to him, his gaze fixed on Silas and turned to follow his stare.
It was obvious Kaden had come from her bed area and she knew how it must look. She would let him think what he wants, she didn’t owe him any explanation.
“I’m returning to my position as her night guard, Emris gave the order.” Silas glanced her direction and she could feel the color drain from her face.
“No.” she blurted out quickly. “I don’t want you here.”
Silas leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, his face schooled into a calming expression she knew too well. Something about his demeanor had changed since he left, a more carefree feeling and even a small amount of malice in it.
“I do as my king says,” he replied casually.
She felt her body start to shake and she couldn't tell if it was from anger or fear. She didn’t want him around, didn’t even want to look at him and yet he is adamant about staying close to her.
She felt Kaden shift behind her and he stepped around her without contact, his shoulder now blocking half of her from Silas. That faint pull in her stomach tugged and she let out a long breath
“You can stay here all you want.” Kaden spoke. “However, I will be staying too. Might want to get an extra couch or cot brought in for you.”
Silas glared at him, his eyes noticing Kaden’s protective stance in front of her and he flared his nostrils.
“What is wrong with this couch?” Silas pointed.
“That’s where I sleep.” Kaden snapped.
“So the empty spot on the bed is open?” Silas’s eyebrow lifted, his voice mocking and she felt her flame flicker on the axe again.
“Come close to me or my bed and I won't hesitate to slice open your throat.” she warned, her eyes narrowing on Silas.
He just chuckled and pushed himself off the wall towards the fireplace. She watched him casually place some wood on the coals burning and within a few seconds, flames flickered around it.
“I guess I shall go wake Raine and have her bring me a bed.” Silas stood and stretched his arms.
“Absolutely not.” she spat. “She doesn’t deserve to be woken in the middle of the night because of you.”
“Then I guess I will sleep in the bed with you since the couch is taken.” he smirked back.
“No.” Kaden growled, a low rumble coming from his chest and she could see his shoulders tense on his back. “You can have the couch until morning.”
She watched Silas’s eyes glare back at them but he knew he couldn’t argue. If there was to be a fight between the men, Kaden was the sure winner and Silas knew it.
Sleep was pulling at her eyelids even though she was on edge, the emotional rollercoaster taking its toll on her and she turned to head back to her bed without another word. She heard Silas say her name but she didn’t turn to acknowledge him, he wasn’t worth her time anymore.
She pulled her blankets back and welcomed the warmth that still radiated under it.
Words were still being exchanged around the corner but she didn’t have the capacity to try and listen.
Sleep was taking her quickly, the last thing she remembered was the feeling of the bed sink next to her and the scent of lilac filling her nose.
- - - - - - - -
Sunlight was bright on the other side of her eyelids and she put off opening them for as long as possible.
Her bed was empty and the smell of lilac gone when she first awoke from her deep sleep.
She knew it was later than she would normally wake but she didn’t care. They had been going non stop for days trying to plan the city defences, and trained every single day before that.
Kaden could be mad at her all he wants, she wasn’t training today.
“My lady.” Raine’s voice sounded a few feet from her and she opened her eyes to see the blonde maiden standing on the other side of the bed. “I’ve been told to take you for a walk today.”
“A walk?” she said in a sleepy tone.
“Kaden was asked to see the king without you and Silas went with him. You have two guards waiting outside to escort you.” Raine set a formal dress on the edge of the bed and she gagged at the look of it.
“I’m not wearing that.” she groaned.
“I know.” Raine chuckled. “I brought it to you to alter. I’ve been researching what your kingdom used to wear and thought you might be able to make something of this.”
She raised her head and looked at the dress more closely, the chiffon fabric a light pink color and the silver ribboned edging something she knew she could work with.
“Can you get me more of this?” she asked, pointing to the silver edging.
“Of course.” Raine bowed and headed back out the door.
She sat up and grabbed the dress, dragging it into her lap and inspecting it closer. It was definitely meant to cover almost every part of the body, but she could fix that. If she was to play the part of an obedient ally, then they would have to deal with her culture as well.
An hour later she was finished, the dress cut and stitched back together in a few different places.
Raine had found a leather corset that she was now fastening behind her over the pink fabric of what was left of the dress.
She had removed many layers from the inside of the dress leaving a single slip under the chiffon fabric, took in the seams so it hugged her every curve, and the corset helped push the top of her breast out.
She had cut the sleeves off, leaving a thin strap over her shoulders and the light fabric hugged her hips just below the corset.
In true fashion that she loved, she also cut a slit down the leg, similar to her ball gown that started at the point of her hip all the way down.
The silver edging lined the slit, drawing attention to it.