ROME
Rome stared down at Elora as she slept in his arms, drained from their intense lovemaking the night before. Conflicting emotions warred within him as he admired the tranquility on her face. Bruises from their lovemaking marred her creamy skin but they only made her look even more beautiful than ever.
Last night had been monumental and it only served to confirm that indeed she was his mate.
If that hadn’t been true, his beast would have torn her to pieces with the mood he was in. She had looked so glorious naked in the moonlight that he couldn’t resist her.
Even now as he thought back to her creamy smooth skin bathed in the glow of the moon, his desire quickened for her again.
Would this ever end?
Would he always lust after her as he did now?
A cold draft passed over them and he saw her shudder, drawing closer to him.
He needed to get her inside before she caught a chill.
He lifted her in his arms and walked towards their balcony, scaling the walls with one jump and landing softly on their balcony.
He placed her on the bed, ticking the covers gently around her before sliding in beside her. She curled into him and he smiled down at how peaceful she looked in sleep.
Golden rays of light on his face alerted him that a new day was beginning so he stood to leave but not before drawing the curtains closed to ensure she wasn’t woken once the sun rose.
He gave her one last look before stepping through the adjoining door to his chambers, shocked to see Teriel and his sister in the room.
They both share stunned looks but turn to give him privacy as he dons a robe.
“Good morning, Teriel. Riley. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit this fine morning?”
Teriel smiled and pushed Riley forward.
“My mother sends her greetings,” Teriel answered. “She made your favorite biscuits.”
“Ah.” He laughed. “I thank her for the gift then. Do tell her not to bother so much about me in the future. She should rest and take care of her health.”
“I will send your greetings but you know how stubborn she is.”
They shared a short laugh but stopped when they noticed how unusually quiet Riley was. She hadn’t flirted with him yet which was rather odd for the girl.
“Is everything alright, Riley?” He asked stepping closer to her. “You’re unusually quiet.”
Her eyes widened as if he’d startled her and she stepped back.
“Everything is alright, Your Majesty.” She answered. “I’m sorry I have to go check something.”
She handed the pack to her brother and scurried out of his chambers.
“I wonder what has happened to make her so,” Teriel asked with a frown.
Rome frowned also looking at the door she just stepped through.
********
Riley let out a deep breath as the doors to the king’s chambers closed behind her. Her face heated up again as she remembered how glorious he had looked standing proud and nude before he had worn the robe.
She frowned down at the letter she had spied on his desk. It was unmarked but the annoying scent of roses clung to the paper.
Surely it would be from that disgusting slave, Elora.
She made to open it but heard her brother’s voice call behind her and shoved the letter into the folds of her dress.
“Are you alright, sister?” Teriel asked looking down at her. “You gave the king and me quite a fright when you dashed off like that.”
“Of course, I am, brother.” She answered smiling. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
************
ELORA
As I made my way down the ragged steps leading to the back of the Castle, my mind was made up. I still had so much to lose if I was unsuccessful in my plans to save my mother on my own. Especially not when I could have the King behind me. Surely after he reads my letter, he’ll believe me.
I spied a tall dark cloaked figure leaning against the stone wall of the castle and hurried down the last few steps, taking a cautious step back when I saw the look in Gael’s eyes.
“Gael… are you alright?” I asked sending him a concerned look.
He shook his head and sent me a small smile.
“I am.” He answered. “Are you ready to go? I already saddled a horse just up ahead.”
I bit my lip hating that I’d have to kill the hopeful look on his face.
“I’m not going, Gael.”
“What?” He asked looking at me incredulously.
“I’m not going to Alkarod with you.”
A dark look flittered across his features, his voice cold as he spoke.
“And why is that?” He asked stepping closer, almost menacingly. “Is it because of the king? Have you fallen in love with him? Is that it?”
“No!” I answered startling myself and him with my volume. “No, it’s just…”
“Just what, Elora?” He spat. “Have you forgotten what those bastards did to you? What do you think your mother would have endured all this time? How can you leave her to them?”
“I can never forget what they’ve done. Never.” I answered my voice thick with emotion.
“So why don’t you want to go and save her?” He asked gripping my shoulders. “Don’t you want to take revenge on those monsters?”
“Oh, Gael.” I sighed. “I haven’t forgotten. I still want to get revenge but I chose long ago not to dwell on the memory of what they did to me because I wanted to heal and get strong enough. Isn’t it funny that after all this time I’m still not strong enough?”
A lone tear fell and traced its way down my cheek but I brushed it off looking up into his dark eyes.
“I never sought revenge because I had too much to lose if I wasn’t successful. The people who go down the path of revenge have nothing to lose. I can’t be that person, Gael. Not for a while. My siblings are too important to me. My mother would never forgive me if I came to save her and I left my siblings at the mercy of strangers. I cannot go with you, Gael. I hope you understand that.”
“But Elora…”
“No Gael. My mind is made up.” I refused, shaking her head, “You on the other hand can be free from all of this. You can live a good life. You can go to the Blackfoot. The king won’t think to look for you there.”
He sighed taking a step back from me, turning back with a warm smile that melted my heart.
“It’s alright, Elora.” He answered. “I understand. Can you give me a goodbye hug? Just for old times’ sake.”
“Oh, Gael.” I smiled walking into his open arms. “Promise me you’ll be careful, alright? And don’t forget to write to me.”
“Of course, Elora.” He said tone dark just before I felt a hard blow at the back of my head. “You’ll be hearing from me.”