Love and War

27: Jonah

Jonah's POV:
My stomach churned when I saw the flirtatious looks Nicholas was giving Anastasia. Then he suggested that they sleep together and they continued flirting. I was done.

I didn't care who he was it took all of my self-control not to throw him over the balcony.

I threw her out of the room and turned to find Landon and Nicholas talking now. They were discussing my brothers.

"Where is Maddox now? I much prefer his company." Nicholas asked.

I shrugged still angry on the inside. "I don't know. He goes wherever he wants and never tells us, you know how he is."

"Okay... and Dimitri? I've been needing some training. I get enough physical exercise however my technique isn't as good as before." He said.

Nicholas was a good fighter. Always has been but I guess he doesn't put in time training anymore. Oh well, I guess it'll be easier to kill him then.

If it comes down to it...

I won't go picking fights where it's unnecessary.

Landon and I sat down across from him and he made himself comfortable.

"For someone who doesn't enjoy my company you sure are making yourself comfortable," I said.

He laughed. "Well those women are still in my bedroom and frankly I'm tired of them so I came here to get away. In a few hours, they'll realize I'm not returning and leave."

Landon shook his head. "Really? Tired already? I thought I'd never see the day..."

Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Believe it or not I do want to settle down someday. I don't want to be this forever. I'll find my love someday... at least one of us did."

Landon glanced around uncomfortably.

"Who?"

Nicholas motioned towards Landon. "I saw you and Serena flirting with each other."

"Oh, you and Serena?" I asked him.

He shrugged. "She's beautiful and kind. I don't know I guess we'll see."

"Be glad you told me because I had plans to sleep with a princess of each kingdom... but don't worry she's off my list." Nicholas joked.

I laughed. "And you plan on finding your wife that way?"

"She will come to me eventually... I am a single rich king. I have the right to enjoy my youth however I like."

"Who's on your list?" Landon asked.

"Princess Ivory and Princess Robin... it would've been 3 but you know." He said motioning towards Landon. "I've already slept with Princess Robin's cousin." He smiled as if remembering. "She was... crazy. However, I do not think her sister is as kinky. I guess I'll be seeing soon enough." He winked.

I didn't tell him that Robin didn't strike me as the type to go for a man like him.

But he isn't so bad after all.

***
I tightened my weapons that were on my coat and turned to face all 4 armies behind us. We were traveling by horse to redwood today. I made sure to leave Anastasia a letter explaining what I was going to do.

I didn't want her anywhere near the bloodshed. She was going to stay here with the queens and Serena.

But that would've been too good to be true.

I soon saw a head of black hair push through the crowd to the front. Anastasia showed up next to me with weapons and a bow and arrow at her side. For the first time she wore fighting leathers.

I tried and failed to ignore how they fit her body. Her curves were visible and the fighting leathers only made her look sexier. I pulled my eyes away as soon as I felt blood rushing south.

"Thought I'd stay behind?" She said mounting the horse beside me.

"You should've."

"I won't." She said sounding determined. Her eyes were fierce and I couldn't help but admire her. She truly was fearless.

Landon came up beside her and shook his head. "Please stay safe Anastasia... this is serious."

"And everything else hasn't been?" She asked. "I'll be fine. I will stay safe but I am not staying on the sidelines."

"Sidelines?" I sighed. "You won't be on the sidelines. You'll be safe."

"Don't pretend like that isn't the same thing."

She didn't give room for protest as she pushed her horse to start walking towards redwood. I followed right behind her. I was not going to let her out of my sight today.

"Alright but you will not leave my side and don't do anything stupid."

"I won't." She promised.

***
The air was quiet and the village was practically deserted except for men. They were fighting with us today and we didn't have the time or resources to evacuate them.

We set up war camps around the village for these soldiers. Us royals were staying in some of the empty homes but the soldiers were staying in the tents.

King Santiago's troops are on the way here but we won't know when they arrive until they're here. We'll be ready though.

I stayed in the same house as the last time with Landon.

I saw Anastasia walk into one of the tents but I stopped her. "Where are you going?"

"Well only royalty is staying in the houses since there isn't enough room so I'll have to sleep here."

"No." I said taking her hand and leading her back to my house. "You'll sleep here with Landon and I. I'll be able to keep an eye on you better that way."

She rolled her eyes. "Look I can take care of myself I've been doing it my whole life."

"Just do as I say for once."

"No!" She said.

I turned and she glared at me defiantly.

I was done playing games today. This is serious I don't know when these soldiers will just drop in and the fighting will start. This wait has me on edge and she's in danger just being here. If she doesn't start listening to me her life will be in danger.

I stepped in front of her and grabbed her jaw in my hand holding her face so she was inches away from mine. I wrapped an arm around her waist so she was securely in front of me.

"Behave." I demanded.

She narrowed her eyes at me and her breathing got a little heavier. "Do I look like I take orders from you?"

My face twisted into a devilish smirk. "You'll regret saying that tonight."

She gulped and stayed quiet. I knew I had her where I wanted her.

I let her go and she disappeared into the bedroom. Her hips swaying as she stomped across the house.

My palm twitched with the thought of punishing her coming to mind. If she continues testing me that may just happen.

***