Aelethia's Hope. Leandra Martin
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swept her into his arms and carried her away to a place that she had longed for for months. A place she felt secure in and never wanted to leave. He paused briefly when he noticed the bandage and felt her quietly wince when he slid his hand down her side. He looked into her eyes and frowned. “What in the hell happened?”
“We were ambushed on the road. Fallon came to me in my mind again and knew I was out in the open. There were seven guards.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry. I’m fine.”
“That wince of pain a moment ago didn’t seem like everything is fine to me.”
“I think my sensibilities are more damaged than my flesh. I should’ve never let that guy through, never let him get in a shot.”
“Even the best of us aren’t perfect.”
“It was a stupid miscalculation.”
“Obviously not. If it had been, a small scar and bruised rib would be the least of your worries. I’m proud of you. You rest now and tomorrow we can talk some more.”
“I don’t want to rest. I need to be with you. I don’t care about the pain, only that I keep you by my side for as long as I can.”
“Okay. I think we can do this without a lot of undue discomfort,” he said smiling sensuously at her.
They were awake most of the night and slept in until late morning. No one disturbed them. The staff knew that Dain and Melenthia needed the quiet time together because there may not be too many opportunities left. Soon they would all be wrapped up in war and strife. They needed to be wrapped up in each other while they had the chance.
***
The next morning, Dain opened his eyes and could tell by where the sun was hitting the window that it was late morning. He felt a warm body next to him, could hear her rhythmic breathing. He carefully rolled over so he wouldn’t disturb her and wrapped his arms around her. He buried his face in her hair and could smell the light scent of flowers. It caused his heart to beat faster, for he was truly relieved to have her home, to touch her skin and kiss her lips. He missed her so very much when she was away from him, and each day that passed, his longing for her warmth and love intensified. He thought toward the end that he would be consumed by it. Feeling her now, warm and soft next to him, he knew that he would never let her leave his side again. He decided that he would make it permanent.
After a few minutes, he felt her stir and heard her quietly sigh. She moved and wriggled herself closer to him. He tightened his hold on her and wrapped her up with him. He pulled the blanket closer and tucked it around them. She was staring at the window, and he could just see a ray of sun falling on her face from a small part in the heavy curtains. She looked like an angel, the soft glow lighting her features, gleaming in her golden red hair. He buried his face again and took in a deep breath, sighing. After a few more minutes she moved around to face him. He ran his hand down her side, being careful of her tender ribs, tracing the outline of her body with his fingertips. She smiled sensuously at him, purring her pleasure.
She looked into his eyes, leaned in and kissed him long and hard. When they parted she smiled. “I feel you next to me, your warm hands on my skin, but yet I feel like I’m dreaming. I wanted you in my thoughts every moment of every day, but when I had to put you aside in order to study, I felt lonely.”
“What happened while you were there?”
“I had to learn to use the power of my surroundings, all the living things of the earth, in order to have the strength and the power to fight. I will need this in order to win over Fallon and his evil.”
“I know things must have been difficult for you.”
“There is something you should know, something that I have only found out myself. My mother.. she was an Elvin princess.”
He lifted his head to look at her. “What?”
“I found out that my father married my mother with a special blessing by her father, the king of the elves. It was the first union between a human and an elf in over five hundred years. I have Elvin blood flowing through me.”
He smiled and touched her cheek. “That’s what makes you so extra special.” He kissed her.
“You don’t feel differently about me knowing that?”
“Why should I? It doesn’t change who you are. Besides I feel honored to have the love of an Elvin princess. You are very extraordinary, Melenthia.” He kissed her and paused for a moment to let the news sink in, then, “What else happened? What has you distressed?”
“While we were traveling Fallon came to me again, in my head.”
“You said as much last night. Tell me about that.”
“I was able to fight against his grip this time, to push through his hold. It was difficult. He’s getting stronger, but I finally overtook him and broke the connection. He will try again, I know. Why he hasn’t yet I don’t know. He told me things, terrible things.”
“Like what?”
“I fear most of the people at Lachlan Castle are dead. The staff.” She choked on her words. “Lucan, my dear friend, Lucan. The only person whom I could talk to when I was growing up. The only other person I trusted. Fallon said he killed him, that he went bravely, no whimpering or begging.” She let out a ragged sigh, a tear falling down her cheek. “How many people are going to die because of me?”
He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “No one is dying because of you, Melenthia. They are dying because Fallon is evil and has chosen to sell his soul to the dark. You can’t prevent what’s happened so far. If you had been in the castle, you would be a slave for him, an aim for his scorn and rage, or worse, dead.”
She sobbed in his chest for a few minutes, realizing how much pain of the news of Lucan’s death affected her. When she calmed, she continued. “It was a long road and a heavy burden but with your love surrounding me now and the strength from the earth and all its life, I will endure.”
“I’m sorry it was difficult for you, but I know you can do this, Melenthia. Especially now, knowing who you really are and what your purpose is in this world. I have faith in you and in your strength. You will always have my love. That you will never have to doubt. In fact, there is something I want to ask you. I…” He was interrupted by a knock. He sighed. “What is it?”
A muffled voice came from behind the large doors. “I’m very sorry to disturb you, Sire, but there are five riders at the gate.”
“Can Alastair not handle it, or Emerick?”
“They are from Pembroke, Your Majesty, from General Thorne’s garrison. They request an audience with you.”
“General Thorne?”
“Yes, Sire, from his garrison. They have an update on the general’s movements.”
He looked at Melenthia, then called out, “I’ll be right there. Please ask them to wait in the hall.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
He frowned. “I’m sorry. I was hoping to never get up out of this bed except to eat, but it looks like I have business to attend to.”
She kissed him on the nose. “King first, lover second.” Her tears were dry now.
“If you need to sleep more, don’t get up. Your presence, except for my support, is not pertinent at the moment. Take your time. Rest your body.” He leaned over and kissed her again. She responded, and he found his loins coming awake again. It was hard for him to pull away. “As much as I desperately want to stay here wrapped up in the sheets with you, I have duties.”
“I know. I’ll join you within the hour.”
“Okay.” He swung his legs out of bed,