Izzy woke up the next morning in a comfortable mattress and an unfamiliar environment. A warm body next to her seemed to move slightly but she knew he was asleep.
Her eyes looked around the room and then landed on the man next to him. Alex was still asleep, his eyes closed and his hair ruffled like a little child. She was freaked indeed but the sight of his vulnerability made her sigh. His sleeping features made him look years younger and her eyes landed on his soft lips. She had the urge to close the distance between them and see what it felt like to have his lips on hers again. She shook her head at the thought. She knew it wasn’t her place.
“Are you liking the view?” Alex suddenly spoke, making Izzy kick the covers and get out but he held her arm before she could escape. Izzy’s eyes went to his half naked body. He had slept without a shirt. “Izzy?”
“W-Why am I in the bed with you?” Izzy asked horrified. She had almost no recollection of the events from last night and she began to grow worried. Had something gone wrong?
“I don’t know if I should be offended!” Alex laughed, getting up from the bed. He pulled on a simple shirt and came over to where Izzy sat with her hands in her face.
“Did something happen yesterday?” Izzy asked, her voice shaking. She felt Alex’s hands wrap around her and tug into a small hug.
“No, nothing happened,” Alex assured. “You were on the verge of consciousness and tired that I let you sleep on my bed. I did not even have to ask again because you fell asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow.”
“I-I’m so sorry,” Izzy looked away sheepishly and stood up and look the other way to cover her face.
“No, it is fine. It was nice to share the bed with you.” Alex continued grinning, loving Izzy’s innocence and purity. She was still a virgin.
“Your bed belongs to you and your wife,” Izzy stated, feeling the grief of guilt.
“This is my old bed that I used to sleep in when I was a child. This is not the bed I share with Annie,” Alex pointed.
“You know what I mean.”
“Maybe I do not want to.” The mischievous sound of Alex’s voice made Izzy turn around and face him.
“You may want to play around with me but I am sick of this. My duty is to protect you and I cannot be distracted!” Izzy said boldly but she felt her insides twist. It hadn’t been entirely true but she knew she had to push Alex back to his place.
Hurt crossed Alex’s face and Izzy began to regret what she had said. Despite his feelings, he reached out for her but she shrugged him away, sighing.
“I should probably go,” Izzy said quietly before exiting the door.
She knew the castle was safe when she checked up with a maid and took the advantage of the early morning to go back to her room to wash up. After freshening up herself, she took off towards the practice arena where she knew Timothy would be… and Treyton. The thought of Treyton made her feel guilty and relieved at the same time. She knew Treyton could distract her from Alex.
As Izzy trudged along the grass towards the practice arena where the men were already packing up, she saw Treyton.
“Isabelle.” Treyton beamed as he met her. They exchanged a quick hug and a kiss to Izzy’s cheek. She felt herself blush and she had to regain her thoughts before speaking.
“What’s happening?” she asked, noticing the men packing away their things.
“We are all getting suited up for battle. There will be another attack soon and Timothy wants us to protect it from the outside. Of course there will be some soldiers behind to protect the castle,” Treyton replied with a grim expression.
“You’re leaving?” Izzy knew the answer but she still had to ask.
“Yes, I am. I must lead my men to protect the throne… to protect you,” he said quietly, taking Izzy’s hands into his. He wanted to show her how much he cared for her.
“Stay safe Treyton.” Izzy couldn’t help but hug him. Even though they hadn’t known each other for a long time, she felt a connection with him. None like she had ever had with anyone.
“You too Isabelle,” he whispered, kissing her forehead.
“General Treyton, I hope you are not taking advantage of Izzy.” Izzy saw Timothy with his hands crossed and Izzy felt her cheeks flush.
“No, of course not Timothy. I was only worried,” Treyton said easily but his tone stayed cool and bitterly harsh.
“I expect our departure in ten minutes. Gather up your men,” Timothy ordered and Timothy saluted and winked at Izzy before leaving to attend his men.
“How are you Izzy,” he said indifferent.
“Timothy, don’t give me that tone when you’re leaving me in a few minutes,” Izzy said sadly, her voice faltering.
“Oh, Izzy. Don’t cry,” Timothy said, taking her into his arms. “I didn’t mean to sound so harsh.”
“It’s not that,” Izzy sniffed. “I’m afraid you won’t make it back.”
“You know I always do. I’m invincible,” Timothy smiled, poking Izzy but a smile didn’t lift her face.
“This is the Vauldins.” Izzy wanted to force him to stay but she knew his duties were elsewhere.
“They killed my father.” Timothy’s eyes grew dark and she noticed his hair was in need of a haircut, growing past his eyebrows. He looked like an avenging angel.
“I know,” Izzy said before hugging him again. She felt the same familiarity and warmness as she had towards Maliki. “Just promise me you won’t be reckless.”
“Of course.” He sighed into her shoulder, taking in her scent. “I see Alex and Zachariah coming over.”
They let go of their embrace and met the two boys who looked like they were in a deep conversation. Timothy sighed as he saw that their previous fight hadn’t stopped them from cutting off all connections.
“Hello, Timothy, Izzy.” Alex greeted to each of them with a nod.
“Oh, Alex. Why the politeness? We are all close friends,” Zachariah grinned, slapping Alex and Timothy’s back hard. Alex let out a groan and Timothy flashed his friend a quick warning look.
“Zach, you need to stop with this,” Alex grimaced but Zachariah didn’t seem to notice.
“I told you I hate being called Zach.” He wrinkled his nose in distaste and pulled everyone into a hug. Izzy felt herself being pulled and Zach let out a sigh. “Just like the good old days.”
“Seriously Zachariah, there are people watching us,” Timothy said tense. Izzy only laughed, letting the old memories of their friendship fill her with warmth.
“I will let go if you all tell each the person to your left that you love them,” Zachariah suggested, holding them tight. Izzy felt uncomfortable and she felt Alex also stiffen to the right of her.
“I love you, Zander,” Zachariah started with a grin on his face. Alex rolled his eyes at him and looked at Izzy. Their faces were closed as they were still in Zachariah’s embrace.
“I love you, Izzy,” Alex said and they held each other’s gazes longer than they should have. Izzy finally turned and looked at Timothy.
“I love you, Timothy,” Izzy said with a smile and Timothy beamed.
“I love you, Zach,” Timothy laughed as he said the nickname Zachariah loathed. He let them all go but pouted at Timothy.
“You will never drop the nickname, will you?”
“Not likely,” Timothy chuckled but his smile easily faded. “I should be going now. I have to go with the army.”
“Good luck, mate,” Zachariah said, pulling Timothy into a one armed man hug. “Come back whole.”
“Good bye. Take care,” Timothy said at last before making his way back to his men.
Timothy stopped in front of another man and talked with him briefly before mounting a horse. He gave them all an easy smile before he turned around and left with the other men, towards a battle that will determine all their futures.