Chapter 50 (Cora)

I woke up as the sun was just peeking above the horizon, as I always did. My body felt heavy and I tried to turn around only to find the heaviness was coming from an arm draped around my very naked body curling around me and keeping me in place. As I struggled to turn around Ara stirred letting go of me to stretch out his sleepiness. His eyes slowly opened gazing down at me he smiled letting out a groggy good morning.

As I realized both of us were naked, the blush crept up to my cheeks. The memories came flooding back to me about what we did last night. I stuttered out a quick good morning as I tried to calm my nerves.

Chuckling he leaned over to give me a quick peck on the forehead before getting up to go get ready for the day. I couldn’t help but look at him. His body was definitely comparable to that of a War God. His figure was sculpted and muscular. He had tan lines where the sun had kissed his skin from all his time outside and the scars that decorated his skin told a story of how hard his life had been so far.

Once he had left our chambers to look for his clothes I got up wrapping the sheet around my body as a makeshift dress. As I wandered into the lounge area to find Ara, I could hear him talking to someone at the door.

Trying not to be seen by whoever was at the door, I let myself sink down into the chaise lounge I had come to love so much, and waited for Ara. As he turned around to find me where he found me last night his eyes seemed to darken at the memories.

“Lydy was at the door, I had her go down to the kitchen to grab some coffee and breakfast for us so we can eat up here.” he told me as he came over to sit next to me.

I appreciated that, I wanted to enjoy some peace and quiet with him before we left today and we wouldn’t have any time alone again till we reached Count Caswell’s estate. Lydy quickly returned with our breakfast, excusing herself after telling me she would be back in a little bit to get ready for our long day ahead of us.

Ara grabbed the tray from her setting on the table in front of the chaise I had curled up on. He sat on the other side of it. Propping my legs into his lap to make room for both of us on it. He handed me my coffee, letting me take a sip while he started to cut up some of the egg and sausage into bite size pieces. Taking a small piece of fruit first he leaned over so he could feed it to me off of his fork.

Blushing at the jester, I bent down slightly to take the fruit from him. As I let the cold tart juice of the blackberry wash over my tongue, Ara fed himself a bite of food. We repeated this process in silence till both of us were full and our plates were cleaned.

“I have something to show you before we head out but for now, why don’t you tell me a little bit more about that book from last night.” Ara, pointed at my book I had abandoned last night to the side of the chaise lounge.

“That is my favorite one, it is a herbal journal that my father kept. I’m told he was a kind man who had an odd love for plants. When he died my mother kept all of his beloved books and when I was born she would read them to me.” I looked at the book as if it held my parents within it reminiscing about the times my mother would read it.

“She must have loved him dearly to keep such a personal thing of his.” He looked over at the book as if he could see my memories as well.

I instinctually rubbed my necklace I hadn’t taken off since putting it back on. I could see Ara’s eyes glance at it while I was holding it. I wanted to show him the person I missed the most, but I didn’t want him to know what she looked like. He seemed to sense the hesitation I had about showing him what image was in the pendant and didn’t pry any further.

I was just starting to trust him, but until I knew for sure that he was not going to use her to blackmail me I wanted to keep her far away from him. I wanted to keep her image locked up in my pendant away from him until I knew for sure I could continue trusting him.

After breakfast Ara went to clean himself up and to get the staff ready to head out. He called for Lydy to help me change and get ready, instructing me to find him outside afterwards so he could show me the surprise he had gotten me.

Just like the outfit I had worn the day after I got here I had Lydy braid my hair back so it wasn’t going to get in the way and put on the sleeved satin tunic that would be easy to ride in and my trousers and riding boots.

“Are you sure about this plan, Your Majesty. I think you should have asked His majesty first.” Lydy’s concern was written all over her face. Today I was determined to ride on Ara’s horse with him, even if he didn’t want me too.

“It will be fine, Lydy. I am their Queen. I should be seen as Ara’s equal. I won’t hinder Ara in any way.” I squared my shoulders, wanting to look confident.

I didn’t want to burden his men by having to use more horses than necessary. Especially to pull a carriage that would be only used by me, when I was just fine riding on Ara’s steed. I wanted to show his men that I would not hold them back in any way and that I was worthy of being called his Queen.