I'm Quite Heavy
Elora’s words were cut off by the loud rumble of her stomach.
When her stomach growled for the second time, she quickly placed her hands on it, eyes widening in alarm. Heat rushed to her cheeks and her face reddened like a ripe tomato as she caught his eyes traveling downward to her still rumbling stomach.
Her hands pressed over it as if trying to stop the horrible embarrassing sounds. But she was only human and had gone for hours without eating. It was only normal to feel hungry. The cake she’d consumed back at the ballroom had faded a long while ago. It was only a mere distraction to her hunger.
“You’re hungry,” he stated the obvious.
She lowered her head and shyly nodded, pulling the cloak closer to her body.
The prince shut his eyes for a second, then glanced down at her stomach before meeting her gaze again.
“It would take hours if you return by carriage. But if you let me carry you, we’d reach home in no time and get you fed.
“Carry? I’m afraid I’ll tire you. I’m quite heavy.”
“I’m not human, Princess. In case you’ve forgotten.”
“I haven't.” He wasn’t human and had supernatural speed but still. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden.
“Believe me, you weigh the same as a sheet of paper.” His gaze swept over her tiny frame.
“How many hours would it take?”
“Less than an hour.”
“Oh…okay.”
He exhaled a quiet sigh of relief at her agreement and with a single stride, closed the distance between them. Shrugging off his coat, he first removed the cloak draped over her shoulders, then wrapped her in the coat before wearing the cloak back over her.
He handled her with care, like he was afraid to hurt her with even a swipe of his fingers. In contrast to him, she was fragile, tiny, and frail, like life could seep out of her from the tiniest thing.
“They would keep you warm.” After he’d said that, he leaned over and asked, “May I?”
A nod was all he needed before he swept her off her feet and leapt into the air.
“You can open your eyes now, princess. We’re home.”
Elora’s eyes slowly fluttered open. She blinked, once and then twice, looking over his shoulder to find the familiar walls of Rafael’s mansion. She let out a heavy breath. All throughout the journey, she’d felt like she was floating.
He gently set her down on her feet.
“Quite… fast,” she murmured.
“We’ve been here for a while. I was hoping you’d notice. Are you okay?”
“Yes. It was quite an eventful night.”
“We should go in, yeah?”
“Of course, we…” she paused, suddenly realizing what he meant. Her eyes widened and her mouth parted. Her hands were still curled tightly around his neck. Quickly, she uncurled her hands from his neck and instantly took a step back.
“Oh.” She cleared her throat, her eyes everywhere but her husband. “It’s getting dark, I’ll go in first.”
Bunching the sides of her skirt in her palm and dashed into the mansion. She’d barely taken a few steps when the sight of two burly figures blocking her path stopped her in her tracks.
“Your highness.” They lowered their heads and she took a wary step backward. “Welcome to Elyria, your highness.”
“Th…thank you.”
“You scare the princess with your expression, you thwart. Smile,” one of the men spoke in a hushed gritted tone, although it was loud enough for her to hear. He was brown haired and a smile was plastered on his face.
“I think your smile scares her the most,” the other retaliated. Shrugging off the first vampire, he stepped forward to her.
“Your highness, I’m Draven, his highness’s right-hand man,” he introduced, curtly bowing her head for a second.
The other pushed Draven aside and moved to stand in his position. With his smile untouched, he introduced. “I’m Adam, his highness right… could there be two rights? He gave an amused laugh. “Right or left-hand man. Any would go.”
She gazed at the two men. Vampires indeed possessed a supernatural kind of beauty, she noted. Both were strikingly handsome in their way. Although she must admit that their beauty faded in comparison to Rafael’s. She was yet to see the better.
“Elora,” she managed.
“My pleasure.” Adam outstretched his hand forward for a handshake. But just as she was about to place her hand in his, a smack sent his hand flying aside.
“Get your damn hand away, you scoundrel," Rafael’s voice rang out from behind her. He cast his men a glare as if warning them to get away. But they avoided his gaze.
Adam continued. “My lady, if you need help with anything, I’m at your service.”
Draven slapped the back of his head and dragged him backward. “You’d scare the princess and she wouldn’t bother to ask for help from someone like you. You are barely able to help yourself.”
“Does putting me down get you off? Or perhaps you need to actually get off. I suggest you go take a shower and jerk off.”
“You ruin every opportunity to have a good image in anyone’s eyes.”
While they argued, Rafael shook his head in disappointment. “Come, let’s get you fed.” He whispered, leading the walk to the dining hall. “Don’t let them bother you. They mean no harm.”
Elora shook her head. “They’re quite funny.”
“Trust me, you wouldn’t think they are after two more interactions with them.”
Finally, they arrived at the large dining hall. Her eyes swept over the long table, its chairs befitting to seat at least twelve adults. Her throat bobbled as the aroma of freshly grilled steak hit her nose.
It had been ages since she last had anything edible. Back in exile, she’d lived off bread, soup, fruits, and meals that'd barely passed for food.
Her stomach was empty and she couldn’t wait to devour the meal.
“Sit.”
A/N
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