In the kingdom of Aeziris, a rebellion is rising, but its reins are not in the hands of its citizens. With a fine string entwining her heart with that of its chieftain, Esméralda must walk a knife-edge while navigating her way through a palace of ma...
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E s m é r a l d a A l b y
"The sun has not even risen yet. Stay." I mumbled, clutching Aedric's pillow now that he was gone. The pillow was cold. I made a face, but eventually sat up, holding his warm quilt to my chest.
He came over, pecked my lips, then got back to dressing himself in his travel clothes, a shirt and warm jacket.
"Can I say go tomorrow?"
"No," he chuckled, buttoning up his jacket.
"Go tomorrow."
"If I did, you'll still say the same."
I sighed. I would.
"Moreover, by the time I return, it'll already be the beginning of snow. That attack belated everything."
He wasn't yet gone, and I awaited his return already.
I picked my chemise, sliding it on before stepping down. I shivered as soon as my foot came in contact with the floor, but somehow, it mattered naught. I wrapped my arms around Aedric from behind, resting my head against his back. "I'll miss you."
He turned me around. "I'll miss you too, my sweet. I love you."
"Then stay." I paused to ponder, later shaking my head. "Don't. Come back as King. Aeziris needs you despite whatever theories they have."
"There, my Queen has spoken."
I playfully hit his chest, wishing I could travel back a month and he'd be with me all day, even if it was as a strict teacher because afterwards, he'd be a delicate lover, worshipping my body like I was his temple, I was his salvation. He'd whisper in my ear, bite my earlobe, make us laugh sometimes, then kiss me like I represented in flesh all his desires. He loved the parts of me I hated, telling me how all my insecurities were created by someone else's idea of perfection, someone pitifully puny. Then I'd kiss him again, loving myself a little more.
I tiptoed, cojoining our lips for what could be our parting kiss. He held me tight as I did the same. For Aeziris. For our future. It was only about a month or so.
"I'm scared, Aedric," I whispered, "of everything. Archduke Gabriel, my father's letter of termination," and Mrs. Pearson and Lady Celeste, "and all my paranoia. What if something happens and you're not around?"
He pushed my astray hairs back as if clearing my face for his view. "If your father has taken no step in a month, there are high chances he won't at all. Also, Emmett has instructed Andros, he'll be following you throughout, and even if it feels intruding, bear with it. Steer clear of Gabriel as much as you can. I can't predict him anymore, he's not the person I knew. Moreover, Gabriel has authority. Andros would barely be of help there. I want you safe, Esmé, although I do not like ordering you, or asking you to be a coward."
