Paralyzer

Chapter Six

Saveria posed a threat that Mai knew would have to be dealt with immediately. Having the witch back in the kingdom would only cause death; death she could prevent, but at a price. Witches were illegal in the kingdom because of her, and despite how Luka may feel for her, Mai was no exception. She led him silently through the trees, grateful for his lack of questions as she watched for any traps. The pain in her arm was beginning to grow worse, but she pushed it aside.

It wasn't until they arrived that she allowed herself to relax. The area around her home was warded; Saveria would not find them here. Mai led Luka inside and made sure to lock the door behind them. She moved to her small kitchen and tore a piece of her skirt off to clean her arm.

"Here, allow me to help." Luka moved to her side, soaking the fabric in some water before gently cleaning her arm. She relaxed into his warm touch, letting out a breath. "Thank you, for defending me. You didn't have to do that." Her gaze met his and she could feel her cheeks heating up. His gaze moved back to her arm and to his work, and she turned her head away.

"I couldn't very well let the Crown Prince be murdered in front of me." She spoke quietly, all too aware of him. "I'm sure any citizen would have tried to do something similar." He crouched next to her and she looked at him curiously. He tore a bit more fabric from her dress before standing and giving her a sheepish smile. As he wrapped her arm, she shifted a bit. "We can return you to the palace tomorrow morning. I'm sure your guard will be able to protect you from Saveria." In truth, Mai knew she couldn't go after the witch with Luka tagging along. With him safely locked away in the palace, Mai could devote her entire attention to ending the threat.

"I was hoping you would be coming with me. Saveria is far too dangerous, and she might attack you when you're alone." He finished the makeshift bandage, allowing his hands to rest on her arms as he moved to stand in front of her. She kept her gaze down, focusing on what she'd have to do to stop Saveria. There was so much to prepare... "Mai! Look at me." Her gaze snapped up and she could see the worry in his gaze. She sighed, and shook her head.

"I'll be fine. It's you I worry about." She started to pull away, but his grip tightened just a bit. Luka pulled her close to his chest, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her hair. Mai relaxed against him with a sigh, enjoying the feel of being held for the first time in years. "Luka, I will handle this on my own."

"How? How could you possibly survive against Saveria?" His voice broke, and with it her heart. She was seeing how much he cared for her, how much he truly wanted her to be safe.

"I cannot tell you that. Suffice it to say, I will survive." She knew she shouldn't make such promises; she may be powerful, but Saveria was just as powerful, if not more. Only one of them were going to survive, and Mai had to make sure it was herself. Luka's hold tightened, and she looked up at him. "Come. I'll show you where you can stay tonight, then tomorrow I will escort you back to the palace." She pulled away and he let her go reluctantly, following her to a small guest room she had in the back. She leaned up to kiss his cheek quickly before heading to her own room. There would be no rest for her tonight; there was too much to prepare.