A Spark Of Hope

46: His Point Of View

A hot shower was doing wonders to the ache clinging to Kaiden's body. As steam fogged the glass, he ran a hand through his hair and leaned back, allowing the water to flow down his face. His tight muscles were unwinding, the knots smoothing out and he couldn't help the soft groan of pleasure from escaping him. The sound of the water's steady thrum against the shower floor was also relaxing in a way he hadn't ever noticed before.

It had been a little over four months since he had made it back home. After a month of skipping training, he had been pushing himself beyond the limit every day, and finding the pain in his muscles unforgiving.

The quest he had undertaken had definitely taken it's toll. Upon arriving back home and being treated like a hero for retrieving the chalice, he had eaten the first hot meal he'd had in weeks: rice, dal and a mixed vegetable curry. He would never forget the sleep he'd had that night in his own bed.

On the return journey, he had begun to catch up with his younger brother about the years they had lost. The two of them had shared many hugs, stories and memories, and they had taken care of each other. Having his brother sent away when they were both children was extremely difficult to deal with, and having to pretend they didn't even know each other even more so. Having Kieran home made Kaiden feel complete.

He had tried not to think about a certain green-eyed girl, but he had failed miserably. She flickered in and out of his thoughts like a moth, and he was sure that the expression she last wore before he'd left her would forever be etched in his brain, like a tattoo.

"What was real?"

More than you think.

"Why don't I believe you?"

Kaiden stopped the memory before it could complete, leaving it on that bitter note.

He had told her he would do anything for his kingdom, and she had declared the same. Their potential friendship was merely collateral damage, and in the long scheme of things, ending the war was the most important priority.

They had both agreed on that many years ago, in a star-lit garden.

Still, he had trembled with restraint the whole ride home, forcing himself to not turn around, take that girl into his arms and keep her safe, warm, comfortable.

Kaiden sighed and shut off the shower, grabbing a large towel and stepping out onto a plush white carpet. He dried himself and wrapped the towel around his waist before unlocking the bathroom door and entering his chambers.

He made his way to the cupboard, when a familiar voice he had been trying so hard to forget pierced the silence in the air.

"Hello Kaiden."

He whirled around, clutching the towel tighter around his waist.

He was met with the sight of Aila leaning against the double oak doors of his chamber. She was twirling a dagger in her hand and sported a small smirk that drove him crazier than he'd ever admit.

She looked healthier and happier than he'd ever seen her. He wondered how it was possible given the circumstances in which he had left her. Her body was without a doubt sharper, honed with more muscle and power, an edge he couldn't quite identify.

She was here.

In his chambers.

"Aila, what are you-"

"I'm going to tell you a story," Aila interrupted. She lost the smirk and took a purposeful step forward.

"How did you get in here?" His eyes widened at the dagger she still held in her grip.

"That's not important," Aila continued. "Like I said, I have a story to tell you."

Kaiden opened his mouth to call for the guards, but was surprised to find no sound come out. Shock and fear bubbled within him when he tried to inhale but even that seemed impossible. Choking, he turned a desperate gaze to Aila, who watched the ordeal with a flicker of sadistic pleasure in her eyes.

And suddenly Kaiden understood.

As Aila ripped the very air from his lungs, she spoke again.

"And you're damn well going to listen to me."

*your reaction*

*my reaction*

~ MaddyWilson 💙