Chapter 50 Rooted Desire

Chapter 50 Rooted Desire
I stared down at the ale swaying back and forth in the mug. With a deep breath, I swung back a drink, and the knights applauded me.
“Damn,” Russel said. “I took you for a lightweight!”
Pretty sure I am.
I thought to myself, wiping my mouth and holding in a burp. 
“Really, Erik?” Cedric snapped. “The woman is still recovering and you want to intoxicate her??”
“What? Alcohol is the perfect remedy for pain,” Erik said, smirking.
I had to agree. After a few more sips, my aching body began to ease. However, my stomach wasn’t happy with me.
“I don’t know if you’re insane or incredibly brave,” a man said. 
“Apparently both,” I chuckled, and everyone laughed. 
“A heart born with no fear!” Russel said, thumping his chest. “Now that’s the kind of woman I’d want to marry.”
I felt plenty of fear…
Another thought I kept to myself, not wanting to ruin the mood as I took another sip.  
“Hey, Robin,” Erik asked, turning to me. “What’d be the ideal husband for you?”
“E—eh??” I stuttered, almost choking on my ale. “You can’t just dump a question like that on me!”
“C’mon, humor us! Pleaseeee?” Erik whined.
“Pleaseeee?” Russel pleaded.
“Pleaseeeeeee?” the others joined in. For once, Cedric didn’t tell them to stop. Even he looked intrigued.
“Okay! Okay! Ugh. Uh…” I scratched the back of my head. I’ve never thought about it before. I was already engaged once I turned 16 years old; I didn’t exactly have the privilege to look at other men in such a way. 
The first thing that crossed my mind was the memory of the boy carrying me on his hip when I had hurt my leg in the royal garden, and the warm flicker in his hazel eyes behind his helmet.
My face felt as if it were lit on fire. I fiercely chugged my drink until the mug was empty, and I could feel myself getting tipsy. 
“The only lover ish had was the sword!” I slurred.
Cedric slapped his forehead, but the other knights’ eyes sparkled with inspiration and admiration. Russel whistled.
“A woman with a purpose!” someone randomly slurred.
A knight leapt to his feet. “I’m—” He burped. “I’m gonna train right now!”
“Sit your dumbass down!” Cedric barked.
All of us laughed and cackled. My reddening face was purely from the alcohol now, wheezing my laughs. I tapped Erik and waved my empty mug. 
“More please~”
“You’ve got it, m’lady—”
“HEY!” Jackson shouted. We went dead silent, eyes flown wide. Some even dropped their mugs. Our captain stared at us, jaw dropped in disbelief before barking again, “What the hell are you lot doing?!”
“U—uh,” Russel stuttered, holding up a mug. “Celebrating. Want a cup, Cap?”
“No, I don’t want a fucking cup! We’re not in the goddamn tavern!” Jackson snarled. We stayed silent, heads ducked. He heaved a sigh, rubbing his temple. “Whatever. Do what you will. Just don’t get so rowdy that you’ll attract bears or something.”
“Ahh… meat…” someone whispered, drooling.
Jackson rolled his eyes before his narrowed gaze traveled over us slowly.
He’s looking for me!
I quickly ducked behind Erik and Russel. The other knights pretended not to notice. Jackson huffed, grumbled under his breath, and returned to the group tent. Everyone chuckled as I poked my head out of my hiding spot with a sneaky grin.
“Now then,” Erik said, pouring more ale into my mug. “The night’s only getting started!”
Our chatter and laughter drowned out the wind as the half-moon gradually sailed across the sky. I sat between Erik and Russel, Cedric next to his younger brother. The smell of alcohol and burning wood filled my nose, but instead of it being nauseating, it strangely made me feel at home. 
After finishing several drinks, I peeked back at the group tent. I hadn’t seen Jackson leave it yet. Too drunk for common sense, I took my last full mug of ale and wobbly stood up.
“Eh? Where’re you going?” Erik asked.
“Nnnowhere. Back in a jiffy,” I said, trying to keep my voice from slurring further.
“Don’t get lost,” he joked.
“Mhm,” I said, waving goodbye as I made my way through the cluster of tents and toward the biggest one. Poking my head inside, I spotted Jackson leaning over the table with the map spread out on it. His gaze was focused as he traced his finger from one place to another, and mumbling to himself as he rested his hand on his chin.
Busy captain. Busy mind.
I stepped into the tent. He didn’t even notice until I spoke up. “Captain?”
Jackson turned around, and his face immediately fell before shaking his head. “I take my eyes off you for one moment, dame… I told you to rest.”
“I am resting,” I said, walking up to him. “Just not sleepin’.”
He frowned, his gaze narrowing. “You know what I meant.”
I held up the mug to him. “You’re the only one who hasn’t had a drink yet, Jackie,” I said and grinned. “It’s not much of a celebration if our own captain won’t acknowledge the victory with some fun.”
Jackson’s ears reddened as he glanced away and took the mug. Instead of drinking, he set it on the table. “You’ve had enough fun,” he grumbled, turning back to the map. “Go to bed.”
My smile dropped as I fumed. “There you go, treating me like a child again.” I stepped between him and the map.
Jackson’s frown deepened. “Robin—”
I placed my hand on his chest, whispering, “When are you gonna stop seeing me as a child and start treating me like a woman?”
The redness in Jackson’s ears immediately spread to his cheeks. His eyes traveled to my breasts stretching out my tight shirt and then to my hips. Jackson’s gaze snapped away as he grabbed my wrist, removing it from his chest. “…You’re heavily intoxicated, Robin.”
I should’ve taken him more seriously, but I was too focused on his face. His high-cheek bones, gorgeous skin, long eyelashes. Even his wavy hair was captivating, despite being pulled back in a bun.
“Hey—are you listening?” he attempted to grumble, but his voice sounded strained.
I reached for his face, my finger slowly grazing his bottom lip. “You’ve got pretty lips,” I whispered. They felt soft and cushiony. I wanted to know what it felt like to have mine pressed against his. 
Slowly, I leaned forward and murmured, “Can you teach me how to kiss?”
Jackson’s breath hitched. I was close enough to feel it against my lips. He leaned down and gently pressed his lips against mine. Butterflies engulfed my chest. His scent was more intoxicating than the ale. I clumsily tried to follow the slow motion of his lips against mine. I must’ve been doing something right since his breath shook and his lips moved faster, pressing harder. I couldn’t keep up. Jackson grabbed my hips, lifted me up, and sat me on the table. He positioned himself between my legs and rubbed something hard against my crotch. I gasped at the sudden pressure on my womanhood, and his tongue slid across mine.