-Mature Content Warning!!-~KivaPeeking around the doorway into the infirmary, I see Ark laying in the furthest bed.A smile touches my lips. He’s alive. I knew he would be. And he’s laying in bed, a rare sight for such a strong, healthy man.As I approach, I wince, noting the intensity of his wounds."You look terrible,” I observe, my attention grazing over him, over the white bandages wound around his limbs.He laughs breathily. "Thanks, Kiva."The wounds on his face are the most offensive to look at. A large, deep indigo bruise spreads over his right eye and cheek, accompanied by some minor scratches.They didn’t hold back with him. Like they didn’t hold back with Andri."How are you feeling?” I ask uncomfortably. I don’t know how he responds to kindness, since I’m so brash with him all the time."Better than I deserve. I can't believe they bested me,” he mutters, frowning deeply."There were eight of them, all armed apparently. Nobody could have fought them off,” I assure him. We

~KivaThere’s only one thing that’s going to get me through tonight.Rifling through the cabinet, I push various cans and preserves to the side before my hand grasps the exact dusty bottle I’ve been looking for."Look what I found,” I sing out, straightening to examine the bottle in the light.I learnt my fathers proclivity for hiding his whiskey amongst the pantry foods that he figures I didn't like when I was a teenager. Now, it’s going to get me through the night with Ark."Put that back where you found it,” Ark warns.I pop the top off it. "Why?"He studies me from the far side of the room. It’s clear he wants to get through this night with as little annoyance as possible on his part."You are not drinking,” he mutters, as I wave the bottle around, trying to tempt him."We have been here for hours and both of us are bored,” I wine, sniffing the bottle, trying not to wince at the strong scent it emits."Have you drunk before?" Ark questions irritably.I narrow my eyes on him. He th

~KivaArk’s presence looms behind me as I’m invited in the foyer of Caspian’s massive palace. It’s not his place entirely. There are the King and Queen, but they are not here during my visit.Father sent me here for one reason alone.To convince Caspian to propose to me."Caspian, it is wonderful to see you again,” I exclaim, seeing him stride across the foyer toward me.He looks vaguely handsome today, all dressed up like a Prince in his baby blue dress shirt and dark coat. I swear his eyes are brighter, hair lighter than I remember."You too, Kiva. Thank you for visiting,” he greets."I brought my personal guard with me as well. I'm sure you understand why.” I motion behind me at Ark.Caspian’s smile vanishes as he takes in the imposing sight of my guard. Ark merely dips his head of way of greeting, of showing his respect to a Prince.Instead of acknowledging him, Caspian turns his attention to me."Oh Kiva, what has been happening to you is just horrendous. Truly...I cannot imagin

~KivaBeing back home feels good.But my feelings of doubt about Caspian have chased me all the way back here.You’re a Princess. Don’t forget your duty.I grit my teeth as my fathers voice echo’s through my mind, collapsing onto my stomach, unable to hold my weight up any longer.Ark crouches down beside me, flicking my forehead. “You’re not focusing.”“It’s hard to with your grating voice in the background,” I snap, pressing my check against the floor as if I can feel the frozen ground beneath.“I hardly speak during training.” I can hear the frown in his voice.Heaving myself up into standing position, I collect my throwing knives, flipping one over in my hand.“I’m just feeling light headed, okay?” I mutter. And I’m tired, and not climaxing daily really is starting to bother me, although Ark doesn’t need to know that detail.“Drink water.”“I have been,” I grumble. I drink water, I eat food. It’s Caspian that has muddled my head, and most importantly, it’s the weight of my obliga

~KivaI stare down at the folded piece of paper on my vanity, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.How exactly this got here, I don’t even want to know. I suspect I know who wrote it, as I carefully pick it up, laying it flat to examine the hurried print.I need to see you, Kiva.I’ve been a terrible disappointment to you. The last thing I desire is to kill you, or to hurt you.I need you to trust me.Meet me tonight, across the river.Your mate.My blood goes as cold as the snow falling outside.I’m going to see him again.I’m not sure if I should be excited or scared. Last time I met up with him, a terrible thing transpired between us and a tree he was pressing me against.That won’t be repeating itself. Not if I can help it.“Kiva.”I jump, turning to see my father standing in my doorway.I rest my palm over my chest. “Dad. You scared me.”He steps into the room, looking around it. If he’s good with anything, it’s privacy. He doesn’t often come in here, nor does he inquire too deeply ab