“Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I was, I mean, I AM so happy to see you, little sister.”
“Me too, big guy.” Evver said, resting her head against his leg. “Would you mind carrying me for a while? I have been running all night.”
Abow pulled open his shirt pocket.
“Climb in and try to rest.”
Using his large hand, he lifted her carefully in his awaiting pocket. She climbed in, and before he was able to close it, she was curled up and sleeping soundly. Relief flooded her senses, as she had done her duty and found help. Cassius and Aurora wouldn’t be alone in their fight.
Chapter 36
Cassius was growing more concerned.
He had searched for Aurora in all the places he could ponder. He had even made a visit to the stables. Darant had already heard the news, and was thrilled for his friend. He offered to help in the search, but Cassius assured him that he would be fine. Everywhere he went, the staff were cheering for him and bending over backwards to help.
Finally, deciding to use it to his advantage…he started sending them in search of his love. Cassius had each of them playing tag team. When they found another member of the staff they would enlist them to help also. It had been over two hours since anyone had seen her. He was trying to keep his cool, but he was getting more and more concerned. Questions pounded his mind with every step.
Where was she? Why would she run off and not tell anyone where she was going? Was she hurt? Had Tommit hurt her before he had arrived? He wished Evver was here. She might have an idea where she could be. In mid-step, it hit him. Evver. He hadn’t looked in her room yet. Cassius started running, sprinting in the direction of his little sister’s room. Ignoring the questioning looks and calls, he arrived and flung the door open.
It was dark inside, since there were no windows to let the noonday light filter inside.
“Aurora?” His plea was rewarded with silence. Not willing to give up, he entered the darkened room. “Aurora, are you here?”
Just when he was ready to turn and leave, he heard the soft sounds of breathing. It was quiet, but distinct. She had fallen asleep on him yest— was it really yesterday? So much had happened since then. While she slept, he had memorized her face, the long lines of her cheeks, the sweet sound of her breathing in and out was like a heavenly choir singing just for him.
Using his hands to feel around the room, he found her feet first.
Relief flooded his every cell. He pulled her into his arms and in the process jolted her awake.
“What?” her words were jumbled and she seemed confused.
“Aurora, what are you doing here?”
*
The sound of Cassius’ voice reminded me of all of my fallen tears. The warmth of his strong arms threatened to pull me back over the cliff of insanity. I have to stop this! My feelings for the new king were impossible.
“Let go of me!” I push his arms away from me. Needing to put space between us, I tried to untangle myself from him. I hit the cold, marble floor violently.
“What’s wrong?” The pain in his voice weakened my determination for a moment. I righted myself so that I am at least standing on my own two feet. I was feeling like a punished child, so I decide to act like one.
“I want to go home!” I marched out of my no longer safe haven, headed who knows where. All I knew was that I had to leave. Not missing a step, Cassius was right behind me. We walked in silence. Only when we hit a dead end, of yet another unfamiliar corridor, did he speak.
“Where are we going?” his voice was soft, guarded.
“Home,” was all I could manage. He stopped me from retreating any further and he pulled me to him until our bodies become one. He held me so tightly. I could feel the irregular rhythm vibrating from his chest. Heated breath escaped his trembling lips. It sent the nerves along my neck into overdrive. Warmth flooded my body.
The warmth was quickly followed by pain.
Only this morning I had thought that spending my life with Tommit was a fate worse than death. Now, I knew it would have been easier. Loving Cassius and living my life without him, wherever it was, here or home, would be a daily torture. I could feel his lips touching my forehead. His lips moved down the contours of my face, leaving a path of a smoldering fire. I tried to protest my body and mind, as they were in two separate places. My resolve was faltering, trying to fight back his lips found mine.
The way we moved together, it was like Novocain had been injected into the aching fissures in my heart. He pulled away, allowing me to catch my breath. His lips traveled down my throat—the flames spread with his touch. I could feel his lips traveling down my collarbone. A tortured moan escaped my lips. If I didn’t stop this now, then I would always regret it. I moved my hands so they were firmly on his chest, and with all the determination I could find, I pushed him away.
“Please…stop.” There was zero resolve in my quivering voice.
“Why…” His eyes burned with desire. I felt my face flush by the way his gaze made my heart feel.
“This can’t happen. You’re the KING! I don’t even belong here.” I could see the exact moment my words touched his heart. His gaze hardened and he reached out his hands gripping my shoulders.
“No, my future is with you.”
My heart swayed.
A noise came from the hallway. We both turned to see who was approaching. Rounding the corner were several of the castle guards. They were being led by someone I didn’t recognize. They stopped when they saw us. The stranger approached us. He bowed to Cassius before speaking.
“Sire, King Calan needs you in the throne room, immediately.”
Cassius looked back at me. His heart was torn; I could see it from the worry lines starting to surround his gentle lips and the fire still blazing from his hypnotic eyes.
“Go. We can talk later.” I told him; A promise I wondered if I could keep.
“I will see that the lady is returned to her room safely.” He finished his words with a gentle bow.
“And you are?”
Cassius wasn’t about to let me go off with a complete stranger.
“Apologies, your majesty, my name is Areit. I am the chief guard for King Calan.” I was surprised he was a chief of anything. He couldn’t be more than a couple of years older than me. He wore his hair shorter than most of the men in Paradan. It was the color of wheat and had amber highlights, as if he had spent some time in the sun recently. While at first his eyes appeared to be brown, there were hints of gold wrapped throughout them—as if someone had woven it in. He stood less than a foot from Cassius; they were the same height, as far as I could see. Rippling muscles threatened to burst from beneath his deep purple tunic. Black pants with black boots finished his clothing off. A large silver sword was strapped to his waist. Silver snap buttons held his shirt together. Charming dimples appeared when he smiled.
“Fine. But I expect you to keep track of my love.”
Cassius words flooded my features, leaving me feeling flushed.
“I don’t need a babysitter.” I insisted, annoyed at his implication. Areit suppressed a laugh.
Cassius leaned down and pressed his lips to my forehead, “I will return quickly.”
I wanted to yell and to stomp my feet in protest. The other guards followed Cassius.
“I can find my way.” Just as I turned to leave, his hand stopped me.
“My apologies my lady, but I have been given a task by the king and I must obey.” I really wanted to growl at him, but thought better of it.
“Fine!” I marched toward my room. When I was ready to open the door to my room, his hand stopped me yet again.
“I believe you have been moved. Allow me to show you to your new room.” His smirk infuriated me. I had never met someone so annoying. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He laughed quietly. “Princess Aura thought you would be more comfortable in another room.”
I turned to look to see if his gaze matched his softened tone.
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There was suddenly a warm kindness radiating from his features, softening my heart from my earlier negative feelings.
“It was very kind of her. Thank you.”
Areit smiled, then began to lead me down the hall. I was certain I had seen every nook and cranny that the expansive castle had to offer. I was once again wrong. Areit led me down a bright corridor. There was a large sitting room on the right side of the dead end. On the left side there was a large set of double doors that were closed. He walked to the heavy looking door. Giving me a soft smile, he spoke.
“I hope you approve.” With a fluid motion, one of the doors was open.
Chapter 37
Cassius took a deep breath before entering the throne room.
He didn’t like being summoned. Aurora was struggling with the events of the past day. It was overwhelming for him as well. But he wasn’t going to let his birthright, or his new found family, get in the way of being with Aurora. King Calan was waiting in the center of the room.
He was deep in conversation with someone he didn’t recognize. They were speaking in hushed tones. They stopped talking when the unknown troll saw Cassius enter the room. King Calan turned and motioned the troll away. Cassius got a strange sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Why was he called? The tightening in his chest told him that he wasn’t going to like the reason.
“Cassius. There is news.”
Chapter 38
Cassius made his way toward Aurora’s room.
He felt nauseous. As king, he should be celebrating. The news was huge. It would change things for Paradan and Fara forever. But it could also change things for the woman he loved. Waiting at the door to Aurora’s room, stood Areit.
“She’s not here.”
“What? I thought you were going to take her to her room? Where is she?” Areit held up his hands—to calm him.
“I was told to move her to another room. Your mother thought she would be more comfortable in the east wing. I can show you the way if you would like.”
“No.” He took a breath to calm his fury. “I know the way. Thank you.”
*
“She is lovely. A bit spirited, but I guess she has a reason for it, considering what she has been forced to endure over these past few weeks.” Areit’s focus had shifted. He was no longer looking at the king of Paradan, but a possible rival. King Calan had been like a big brother to him, taking Areit under his wing from as early as he could remember. Now it seemed that Calan had someone new to watch over. Areit couldn’t help himself from egging Cassius on.
*
Cassius didn’t like hearing that Areit thought Aurora was lovely. It bothered him deeply.
“Yes she has been through much. Most would have not survived it.” Nodding to Areit, he turned and made his way toward the east wing. Cassius thought about the fact that she had been brought from another land. She had told him she wanted to go home. Now there was the possibility he could grant her one wish. Could he give her up so easily? Her happiness had to come first, even if it meant destroying his own. He sensed he was being followed as he made his way down the halls. Turning back, he could see Areit was only steps behind him.
“Is there something else?”
“I thought I would check on Aurora. She seemed upset when I left her earlier.” Cassius felt his skin flush. He knew he shouldn’t be angry at him. But the fact he was able to sense Aurora’s mood so quickly had him feeling—incensed. It was his job to take care of Aurora and her feelings. Not someone she had only met today. Remembering his position of king, he forced a smile and fought to control his tone.
“Thank you. But I am more than capable of taking care of her. You are—excused.”
Areit’s eyebrow raised, he looked as if he was fighting a smirk.
“Yes, your majesty.” Areit bowed and headed the opposite direction.
Cassius quickened his pace. He needed to see Aurora. He would leave the choice up to her. He prayed that she would choose him…and their forever.
Chapter 39
I watched out the window.
The whole left side of the room was a full wall of windows. It looked over the gardens. Flowers of every color created a kaleidoscope of rainbows. It was truly breathtaking. The room was twice the size of my former room. I was mesmerized by several hummingbirds flitting around the garden dancing from one flower to the next. There were two of them and they seemed to be having a contest of which one could make it to the next flower the fastest. There was a gentle knock at my door.
“Come in.”
Cassius entered with a reserved smile on his face. I had changed into a flowing red dress. It had a lace bodice surrounding my chest and led to a mock turtleneck. My arms were bare and the skirt flared from my waist. It had been waiting for me on my bed. I brushed out my hair, leaving it in gentle waves. His eyes smoldered when he saw me.
“You look lovely.”
I felt the familiar warmth of heat flow through my face and neck.
“Thank you.”
He walked over to stand near me. I had turned back to stare at the garden. He followed my lead.
“I can’t believe there are still so many flowers blooming here. At home, most have died off for the season.”
*
Cassius wanted to postpone this moment forever. How he longed to just to have a few more moments with her before he revealed his news.
“Would you like to take a walk in the garden?”
Her eyes lit up at his suggestion. “Yes, I would love it.”
“Let me grab your cape. There is a chill in the air.” Her gaze lowered and her cheeks flushed crimson. The heat in her face warmed his heart. He walked over to the four poster bed. Hanging on one of the posts was a matching cape. It was made of a Wilit’s fur. The softest fur in all the kingdoms, a Wilit was a cross between a tiger and a bear. Incredibly warm and velvety, it was perfect to keep her safe from the cold on an icy day. With one fluid motion, the cape was off the bed and enveloped her pale skin.
*
My body felt flushed. I wasn’t sure if it was from my new cape or from having Cassius’ arms tighten around me, as he helped me put it on. Maybe we could make this work. After all, it has been said, “Love conquers all.” Could our love conquer everything, including my self-doubt? He walked around to my side, and then offered me his arm. I wrapped my arm around his and felt as if it belonged there. He led me out of my room and over to the empty sitting room.
“When I was searching for Evver, I found this.” his eyes shone mischievously.
He moved a candle holder on the wall, and then suddenly a door appeared. It opened up to a spiral staircase, which led us right into the garden. As the door opened to the outside world, my senses were assaulted by the fragrant blooms welcoming us. Walking through the sea of rainbows of flowers, it was breathtaking. I was stunned by the most exquisite orange flowers. I had never seen anything like it. A mixture of a calla-lily and sunflowers it’s hue matched the ripest orange. And the scent was heavenly, just like an orangesicle.
I was so caught up in the beauty of it all that I didn’t notice Cassius retreat from my side. Startled from my reverie, I felt the soft petals of a flower against my face. I turned toward it and could see Cassius. He had picked a rose the color of my dress. With the slighted bow he offered it to me. I took it and pulled it to my face, closing my eyes as I tried to memorize the scent.
When I opened my eyes, his face was only inches from mine. His eyes were on fire. His gaze erupted an inferno across the surface of my skin. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. There are moments in life where, if you could freeze it and live there forever, you would. It would be like living in heaven: no pain—no pain and no problems, just—bliss. This was one of those moments.
His lips touched mine and the world was gone…only Cassius and I remained.
Chapter 40
Our moment was disturbed by shouts coming from the direction of the spiral staircase.
“Ki
ng Cassius! King Cassius!” I turned to see who had, once again, stolen a perfect moment with Cassius from me. It was Areit. Of course it was! I glowered at him. When he saw my face he covered his grin with his hand. I wanted to punch him in the face!
Cassius growled.
“What is it?” He asked, annoyed. I could see by his expression that he was just as frustrated as I was about being interrupted, yet again.
“King Calan set me to inform you it’s time. He has already left.” Time? For what? Whatever it was had Cassius’ entire body tensing up until it felt like I was holding on to a rock. Looking up at his face, it had turned into an unreadable mask.
It was scaring me.
“Already?”
I thought I heard him curse under his breath.
“Fine—we will follow them.” Gripping my hand so tightly, it began to throb from the lack of blood flow. He started pulling me toward the open staircase.
“Sire?” Areit called. Cassius swung us around violently. None of the events were making any sense. Why was he so angry? Where were we going? Where was King Calan? The only time I’d ever seen Cassius angry involved Tommit. Did he escape? Was he coming back? The thought terrified me. “I was asked to escort you.”
“I will be fine on my own.”
“As you wish, but I could take Aurora…” he didn’t even finish getting the words out of his lips. Cassius let go of me and used both of his hands to push Areit back. For some reason he was prepared for it and stayed in place.
“I can take care of her! She will be going with me!” I felt bad for Areit. Cassius was overreacting, at least in my opinion. Something was going on and I didn’t like it. Something had unhinged Cassius in the time since he had been called to talk to King Calan.
What could he have told him?
“Stop it!” I jumped between them. “What is wrong with the both of you?” They shared a knowing gaze which only frustrated me more.
“Fine. If you insist on escorting me, it will be up to you to keep up.”
A strange smile crossed Cassius’ lips. He led me through the castle until we found our way to the stable. While Areit was saddling his horse, Cassius smiled down at me. “Wait here a moment.”
He leaned down and softly brushed my lips with his.
He rushed toward the back of the barn; I knew just where he was heading—Darant. No horse could keep up with him. I waited, wondering what twist my life was about to take this time. I was lost, deep in my thoughts, when I could feel a presence behind me.