Chapter 96 Chapter 96

Chapter 96 Chapter 96
Aira.

It had been over a week since the king had left with Eiran to scour the kingdom and assess things. During that period, I had focused on my recovery and had soon started to see the results. Most of the soreness had abated, and the bruises I had gotten from that night had faded into existence. I could move freely now, although there was nowhere to go because we had to stay hidden. With Eiran gone, we had no information on what was going on in the kingdom, and soon we began to grow worried. I spent most of my nights thinking and praying for the king's well-being.

One day, tired and growing restless of being cooped up in the dark, musty cave, I decided to take a short walk to the spring nearby, armed with a bowl so I could fetch some water while I was at it.

"Let me come with you. You know we're unprotected now," Helen hastily offered, but I shook my head.

"It's alright... I just want to be alone this time, you know. I promise I'll be careful and quick."

"I insist. We can't afford to let anything happen to you, you know. Besides, you just recovered from that night," Helen insisted.

"All the more reason I should go on this walk alone. I have been cooped up in this cave all week. It's driving me crazy. Don't worry, I promise I'll be careful," I said.

She finally let me go with a defeated sigh. "Okay, but make sure to come back on time. If you spend more time than necessary, I promise to hunt you down."

Helen threatened, and I chuckled. "Of course. I'll be back."

I turned around and left the cave, walking the familiar route that led to the spring, careful not to make any noise as I looked around me. The woods were definitely calming, as it didn't take long for some of my fears to move to the background. The smell of wet earth and fresh vegetation filled my chest.

"I'm so glad I came for this walk," I muttered to myself as I reached the spring, getting ready to fetch my water when I heard the unmistakable sound of something moving behind me.

I straightened up immediately, my gaze darting around as my heart began pounding in my chest. Not spotting anything, the unease in my stomach grew. Not wanting to take any chances, I picked up the barely full bowl and began to rush back to the cave.

I paused when I felt the uncanny sensation again, the hair on my neck standing on end. Someone was watching me. This time, I broke into a run, my feet barely hitting the ground as I whizzed through the forest.

I heard more than saw something move past me, and before I could register it, cut through the bushes, stopping right in front of me. I screamed, stumbling over my footing, heading face-first to the ground when something swooped in and caught me. Filling my lungs with air, I got ready to scream when a hand clasped over my lips.

"Relax, it's me," came the familiar voice. Kael?

I turned around to look at who it was, and sure enough, it was Kael, standing before me, a soft expression on his face. What is he doing here? That didn't matter. I immediately wrapped my hands around his neck, pulling him into a hug. My heart exploded with happiness.

He seemed startled, his body stiffening at first, but soon he relaxed and hugged me just as tightly. "You're here!" I squealed into his neck, unable to contain my excitement.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, pulling away to look at him. He had a tiny, almost shy smile on his face as he gazed at me.

"Oh... Nothing. It turns out, my training grounds at the moment are really close to this place. I was going for a run and caught your scent, so I came to look for you. And, here I am," he explained, and I chuckled, feeling my cheeks grow warm.

"That's great to hear. I missed you," I muttered, hugging him again before pecking him on the cheek. His eyes sparkled at the action, and I giggled.

"Oh, how's the kingdom? Lord Mortis? Is he out of the picture yet?" I asked as I gazed up at him.

His smile dimmed at the question, his hold tightening on me, anger flaring in his eyes. "Mortis is still around. We're preparing for a full-scale battle to start at the moment. I... Didn't want him to die that quickly yet." He groaned, his lips turned downward in a frown.

"Well, you do you. I'm sure you have your reasons," I said, and he chuckled.

Pressing his forehead against mine, he kissed my nose. "How are you? I missed you. You were all I could think about while I was away." Furrowing his brow, he added, "Is that normal?"

I smiled at him, holding his face. "I have nothing to say to that, except I missed you just as much. If not more. It was why I went on this walk. I was going crazy worrying about you and overthinking everything. I'm so glad to see you're alright."

"I'm fine..." He growled, his gaze dropping to my lips, his eyes darkening ever so slightly.

I swallowed, feeling myself grow warm all of a sudden.

"Although, I think that now that I'm here, with you, I feel just a little unwell. Lovesick. I think that's what they call it."

He murmured, reaching in to kiss my lips. Luckily, I was on the same page as him. I let out a soft moan of surrender, letting his tongue slip into my mouth in a soft, slow, sensual manner. His tongue roamed my mouth, tasting, claims, drawing my breath as his own.

Heavens, but I was already getting addicted to his kisses. He claimed my lips, gently, thoroughly. I lost sense of time and space as I clung to him, craving more.

By the time he pulled away and my senses returned to me, I found myself pressed against the trunk of a tree. Lifting me up, he slipped himself between my spread legs, locking them behind his torso.

"Is this alright? Are you okay with... " He started to say but I cut him off.

"It's very fine. I missed you." With a blush, I added, gently kissing him on his lips. "The old woman mentioned one night may not be enough." I whispered, grinning.

"I have feeling you're lying, but okay." Without wasting another second, he slammed his lips against mine.