5. Catch Me Before I Fall

High in the black sky, the moon was full and glowing, its beauty complimented by the millions of sparkling stars dancing around it. I’d never seen such a view, and I felt myself get a bit teary as I made my way to the stone railing, my steps slow and thoughtless. When I reached the edge, I placed both hands onto it to steady myself as I continued to take everything in.

Below the dark sky, the moonlight illuminates all of Valehelm, the largest walled in city in Thames, the capital of the land. Its roads are softly lit up with the flickering fire of lanterns that are guiding the Kingsguards as they patrol, as well as leading the last few stragglers home. I could hear the faint clanks of dishes and occasional shouts from taverns, and the clashing and sizzling of metal from the blacksmiths finishing their work for the night.

Just outside the walls are miles of trees, their leaves turning shades of orange, red, and browns. I squinted to see a bit further, but the tree line all blended in with the night, revealing nothing more than emptiness.

I remember when I lived out there though, and for a moment I suppose I was looking for home; somewhere with people who loved me.

But the hardest part is remembering what it was like.

I’d been a servant since I was 8 years old, and after 12 long years serving the castle, I’d forgotten what family was like at all.

I leaned over the railing to look down. I still wasn’t sure what corridor I was in, but I did know I needed to leave. Below, a line of small boulders ran along the wall before turning into a large section of rose bushes bordering them, a lovely deter for those who wished to get close. But just pass the bushes was a dirt path that circled the castle; one I knew would lead to the gates to the city.

And then I’d disappear again, possibly to another land to be safer this time.

It was only a 2-story drop, but my nerves and the thought of falling started to get my heart rate up fast. I knew the bushes would surely catch me, but the thought of being forcibly stabbed again, if even just green thorns, wasn’t a fond thought, let alone the small leap I’d have to make just to get stabbed. I took another deep breath and stepped up onto the lower bar exhaling as if it gave me courage; the top of the railing holding me back from only my navel and below. I’ll have to swing myself around to drop into the roses, the least likely way I’d break anything serious.

Hopefully…

I hastily swung my right leg over, sliding my belly across the rail as I started hoisting my other leg overtop too. But the moment I gained traction with both feet, I heard something snap loudly just as the bar shifted hard underneath me.

My stomach knotted up.

I need to get back!

I immediately started trying to throw myself back onto the balcony, though as soon as I pushed off the bar, I heard another booming snap.

There was no time to think.

The entire bar started crumbling out from under my feet in an instant, the chunks crashing against the rocks below with loud bangs and thuds; my body soon to join them.

But in a desperate attempt to save myself, I threw my arms out to try and grab the railing one last time.

My fingertips only grazed it.

I was already too far down.

I let out a quick, sharp scream as I started to plummet, closing my eyes as I began preparing for impact.

I held by breath.

Will it hurt?

But just as I did, I felt my body jerk to a halt, forcing the breath out until I gasped for more.

Someone had managed to save me, their grip strangling my right wrist as I dangled just above the boulders below.

Except, something about their touch started to numb the fear, the desire to leave. A warm touch that I’d never felt before, nor ever wanted to leave behind again.

I opened my eyes, and for a second, I believed I did die.

Looking down at me was King Vaylor, his once cold eyes now soft as he stared into mine, as if silently asking if I were okay. It was like I was seeing an entirely different King than the one who watched his Queen sentence me.

I could only nod as he motioned for me to give him my other hand, doing so without question.

He pulled me back onto the balcony as carefully as he could with one strong pull, keeping my body close as he placed his hands around my waist.

Does he feel this too? This fire inside…

Underneath the light of the moon he didn’t look as mean as he did in the throne room.

I raised my hands to his face, the stubbles upon his chiseled jawline tickling my fingers as I glided them back towards his hair. But as my fingers intertwined into it, lost in its softness underneath the weight of his crown, he lowered his head towards mine, his forehead stopping upon my own.

My hands paused at the back of his head, my nails gently digging into his scalp as his breath was warm against my face.

“Why are you trying to kill yourself?” He was soft spoken, gentle, and was looking deep into my eyes. I never expected him to be capable of anything but brutality, given his reputation alone, but it made it all the more soothing to my ears.

But it was also getting harder and harder to see him like before.

He’s saved me numerous times, and now he’s holding me like I belonged in his arms.

Merciless ruler?

I opened my mouth to speak.

But then I remembered.

I hastily pushed myself out of his arms, my back hitting the railing and cracking it more as I shoved him away. He quickly reached back out, catching me again with his strong hands just as the railing crumbled behind me and onto the boulders below. He let out an annoyed huff.

As I stood in his arms once more, I turned my face, red and embarrassed. This was all just a trap, and I just fell for it hard. Though I can’t deny I like this.

No….

Love this.

“You’re trying to kill me!” I squeeked out in a failed attempt to sound powerful as I stood in his arms, trying to comprehend what just happened. “This is all just to find me guilty so Queen El-“

King Vaylor cut me off, his hands cupping the sides of my face, “I hate you for what you’ve done to me, mutt. But I can’t fucking resist your scent, your screams; your presence alone feels like a million arrows piercing my chest all at once each second we aren’t together, and I despise this so fucking much. But I need you like lungs need air.”

Before I could attempt to try and say anything at all, I felt his lips press up against mine as he moved his hands back down to my hips, pulling me closer. The heat of his body began to make me sweat, but it was like I was under a spell; I couldn’t resist.

I don’t want to resist.

I grabbed fistfuls of his shirt and pulled myself into him, just as I could feel him get hard against my leg through his pants.

I knew then that this wasn’t a trap.

Alpha Vaylor was mine.