(Completed) Seraphina [The Lost Queen Series: Book #1]

Chapter 14

"Plans and life, day and night"
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Time seemed to stretch as we gazed at each other. My heart raced as Caspian stepped closer. Stepping back I tried to keep my distance. That didn't last long since Caspian has long legs... I noticed a moment too late that I had trapped myself between the tavern and Inn. My fear was a distant memory as an old sensation flowed through me.

"I'll give you a chance to be forgiven if you comply with me. All I want you to do is rest. If you refuse then I'll have to punish you...", his deep voice sent chills down my body. I bit my lip hard as he caged me into the corner. "What will it be?"

"I deserve to be punished for what I've done and what I will do..." My back felt hot against the cool stone. "I have one request... I'd like for you to give me a head start." It's no fun to be chased from a corner...

"I'll give you 10 seconds...", his chuckle sounded like a growl. Taking a few steps back I was allowed out of my corner. "1...2...3..." My bare feet pressed against the ground as I ran around the tavern front and straight into the stables. It was quite on the inside which was expected. Shade was snoring softly as I sneaked into the stall next to his.

I sat down on the hay and placed my sword beside me. This stall was clean to my surprise as I felt around. A perfect place to rest for the moment. Footsteps walked around outside the stable before entering slowly. Each step grew closer by the moment. It was almost pitch black inside so it was hard to be seen.

Slowly I moved back as the footsteps in front of me. "I can see you so come out." He waited a moment before entering. "...You enjoy making this difficult, don't you?" Caspian crouched down and chuckled.

"I hurt you... Why do you insist on finding me instead of leaving?" It makes no sense... How could he come back after what happened... His feelings should be of hate and anger.

"You can hurt me as you see fit but running away from me isn't an option. I will always find you..." My heart tightened as he grabbed my chin. "Now that I've calmed down a bit I think it's time for your punishment...", Caspian licked his lips before pulling me to him. His amber eyes shined as he gave me a quick kiss. His lips felt like a soft silk against mine.

"Don't... You know that we can't... You will be leaving soon and I'll be like a bad dream...", tears gathered in my eyes as I spoke. "You need a princess or someone who fits into high society... I can't do that...it's not who I am." He silenced me with another kiss as I let the tears go. Pulling away I could feel all the emotions swirling around. Sadness, fear, happiness, lust, and...love. "Caspian... I plan on giving myself up tomorrow... If I don't, another woman will die in my place..."

"I won't let you die if that's what you're doing. I'm not leaving this kingdom without you!", his voice cracked a bit as he took a deep breath. Now I can understand his pain... To lose someone you love with every thread of your being...

"I won't put you or your people at risk for me. You will return home without me because it is your duty as a prince. Your kingdom will always come first. That's the role you take when you wear the crown." Wait, that's it! "Caspian I know what to do! Listen carefully...", I pulled him close and whispered the plan into his ear. When tomorrow comes a new page will be written in the stars...

I'm not sure what happened after telling Caspian the plan but I woke up in bed with him. My body still felt tired but the sight of his sleeping face made my heart ache. I cannot allow him to get hurt! A knock from the door caused me to jump. "What is it...?"Caspian's sleepy voice called out.

"It's time to go... We need to return to the guest house and wait until we're called.", Erron huffed. "...Are you going to speak with her?" I glanced over at Caspian as he slowly sat up.