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His Desire 28
~KivaI stare down at my feet, leaning against the frozen tree trunk.I don’t even know if my mate is going to show tonight. There’s no way for me to contact him without revealing what I know, so for the last few nights I’ve stood wistfully out at our usual meeting spot, hoping he may venture out.And sure enough, after five nights, he appears through the trees, advancing on me.I straighten.This is Ark. It has to be."You're here..." I say, heart thundering in my chest. I see Ark everyday, but seeing him with a hood and mask concealing his face, aligned with a group who want me dead is terrifying.He nods, folding his arms over his chest.“You need to take your hood off. I need to see your face," I command.He shakes his head once, like I suspected I would.If he's bothered to dress up in all this shadowy attire, when we both know what is behind the hood, he's not going to take it off now.But why? I look around and cannot see anyone nearby who may be watching on, but perhaps I'm ju
His Desire 29
~ToveToday, my father has invited Caspian over.It took a lot to get Ark to back off and give us some time to ourselves for a walk by the river.Ark was not impressed.First he insisted Caspian wasn’t capable of protecting me if someone attacked while we were on the border of the estate. Then he shifted his argument to saying Caspian cannot be trusted to be kind to me if he decides to make a move.Regardless, he hasn’t gotten his way, and has remained at the manor while Caspian and I walk together.“You intrigue me, Kiva,” he says after a few minutes of silence.My head turns. “Really? Why?”“I’ve met many Princesses, and yet none are like you.” He keeps his hands politely clasped behind his back, although I get the feeling he is itching to hold my hand. I refrain from giggling. That feels like what most men say when seducing a woman.“Is this because I tried to draw you into my bed upon meeting you?” I ask. It’s easy to joke about it. If I don’t, I’ll be raked with embarrassment.C
His Desire 30
~KivaLeaning my head back, I let out a long, slow breath.It has been an awfully long day of following Caspian around while he shows off the manor and tells me all about the history of it. It's been a nice distraction, especially with Ark being told to keep away.When he isn't there it's easier not to be reminded that he's my mate and I'm going to marry another man.Sinking a little deeper into the bath, I let the hot water soothe my concerns.Caspian and I have agreed to wed in a few weeks. It's sooner than I would like, but the less time I have to overthink this all, the better.A firm knock sounds as the door, quickly followed by it opening.I don't even bother to turn and look through the gap in the bathroom door. I already figure it's Ark. Caspian wouldn't dare come into my room without waiting for me to open it.“Kiva?” Ark calls out, sounding tense as he scans my room, realising I'm not in there.“I’m in the bath," I call out, drawing my hands through the bubbles. I knew he wo
His Desire 31
~KivaDragging my fork through my vegetables, I keep my back pinned straight and my eyes lowered.Tonight, I have three of Caspian’s close friends visiting for dinner. Each have their own political significance, and each are boisterous and loud, which is not the company I assumed Caspian would keep."You know, I've always wanted to meet you, Princess Kiva,” one of them, Charlie exclaims, grinning broadly.I shift uncomfortably. "Really?""Sure. Everyone talks about the pretty Princess who lives in that castle that no one can get to.”I swallow uncomfortably, glancing toward the threshold of the dining room where I know Ark and another guard stand.He will be hearing all of this, I just know it."You've wanted to get in to see my wife?" Caspian questions, chewing on a roasted carrot."Soon to be wife, and yeah, I thought about it." Charlie shrugs lightly, winking at me.My stomach turns. Does he think this is charming?The man beside Charlie holds his stomach as he laughs, nudging his
His Desire 32
~KivaI rub my hands down the front of my pants, fingers trembling.I’ve been summoned by an obscure letter left on my dresser to meet Caspian at his room tonight. I know what that means, but if I avoid this, like I want to, I may ruin the thin thread of trust between us.He must have taken into account his past failure when he came to my room.Thankfully Ark is off tonight. The guard having taken his place merely nodded in understanding when I told him I was heading to the Prince’s room.I just hope this doesn’t get back to Ark…I knock softly on Caspian’s door, hoping he won’t hear it and I can claim in the morning that I figured he was asleep.Unfortunately, he opens the door, grinning at the sight of me."You wanted me?"He opens the door a little wider. "Kiva. Come in."Swallowing thickly, I stride into the impressively sized room. My eyes immediately draw to the large bed in the centre of it, dressed in a dark coloured duvet.At least Caspian isn’t naked. He wears a loose shirt
His Desire 33
~KivaI let out a long, slow breath.All the tension has ebbed out of my shoulders, as I dump my small bag of belongings onto the bed.This inn isn’t far from Caspian’s. I told him I was visiting home for a night, which he mercifully didn’t question.I wonder what he would do if he learned I was spending a night with Ark, in a small double bed in a tiny little room.“This place is nice.” I’m aware of how awkward I sound, but it’s impossible to avoid.“Some staff at Caspian’s estate told me about.”I sit on the edge of the bed, playing with the end of the patterned quilt.There is no one here to interrupt us. We don’t have to be quiet, or secretive. It’s just us, in this intimate space where our only company is this tension we can’t seem to shake.“No doubt someone who wanted you to take them here,” I say playfully, although the thought stings.Ark smiles, drawing the flimsy curtains closed. “Jealous?”"No...but it's true, isn't it?"I know girls want him. I’ve heard it from my own sta
His Desire 34
~KivaA week ago, I returned home. Two days ago, my mate sent me a letter.Ark must have gotten into my room while I was gone. I'm not sure why he bothered, since he could have just told me he wanted to speak to my face, but clearly he is maintaining the ruse that he isn't working for the rebellion.It all seems so ridiculous. There is so much pointless lying, considering the truth is so obviously laid out.Regardless, I'm heading out into the forest tonight to meet with the masked figure.Ark is supposedly elsewhere tonight. Convenient that I've been requested to leave the manor he isn't working...Ice crunches underfoot as I pick my way carefully through the forest. My skin crawls with a haunting feeling like I'm being watched, or followed.I pause, glancing over my shoulder.Nothing. Just flimsy shadows wrapped around trees, seeming to crawl their way toward me. A soft but steady breeze rustles the canopy above me, adding to the ominous scene unfolding around me.Turning around I g
His Desire 35
~KivaA week passes and I hear nothing from Taven.Good. He can listen.Ark doesn't seem to share his propensity for keeping back, hidden. Although, he hasn't pushed me on the issue, nor has he brought Taven up.Thankfully...It's been my focus all week to keep this mate issue out of my head.So, when Caspian invites me back to his manor to go over what is going to occur at our wedding, I happily agree.Anything is to keep my mind off Ark and Taven is a good thing.“The ceremony will be outside," Caspian tells me, leading me into the backyard. It's a dreary sight out here, with the dark clouds that loom overhead and the lifeless garden that struggles to grow through the frost.“A bit cold, don’t you think?” I mumble, wrapping my coat tighter around myself.I suppose on my wedding day my temperature will be the last thing that bothers me.“It shouldn’t be too long,” he responds, breath clouding in front of him as he surveys the area.Something seems off today. He’s stiff, more reserved.
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