The Enchantress

39.

Princess Mina.

There's no way I'll let myself sleep leaning on him.

He was looking at me. He must've notice my hesitation. He then untie himself and stood slowly.

"Go ahead and lean on the trunk and then tie the rope around your waist."

He then turned and was about to climbed up but I stopped him by holding his feet.

"What are you doing?"

"Going up a branch."

He's going up to give way to me but there's just one rope. If he climb another branch and he's not tied to it, there's a huge chance he'll fall once he sleeps.

"No..." It was embarrassing but that's the only way for both of us to be safe. "It's dangerous without a rope. Sit down and tie yourself."

"But Princess..."

"Just keep your hands to yourself. End of discussion."

He looked at me as if he's surprised. But he also knew that I will insist even if he protested so he sat and leaned on the trunk before tying himself to the tree. He then looked at me as if waiting for me.

I took a deep breath, moved closer and settled myself sitting in front of him. He handed me the rope, I tied myself with it. He instructed for me to tie our legs too to prevent it from dangling. He put his legs closer to mine while I tied the rope.

After that I positioned my bow and arrow in front of me. We sat there in silence. I think it was an hour that have passed when my back started to hurt. I did some stretching hopefully to ease the pain.

"Princess, you can lean on me or soon you'll hurt your back. I promise I'll keep my hands to myself. I just don't want you to be uncomfortable."

I really don't know which is more comfortable; sitting without leaning or to lean on him.

I did not say anything. An hour has passed when the pain in my back is bothering me a lot. I turn my head slowly and looked at him. His eyes were closed. I waved my hand in front of him but he didn't move.

It left me no choice, so I moved a bit behind me and slowly leaned on him.

I felt like this is not right yet it felt right. I can feel everything from my back touching his chest, his heartbeat slowly starts to beat faster and my legs touching a part of his legs. I can't deny that his comfortable warmth feels good against the cold night.

I tried with all my will power not to dwell on the situation where I'm in, but instead I focus on being alert on our surroundings. I kept on the lookout for several minutes until exhaustion took over me.

The next day...

I woke up from the sound of birds chirping. The first thing I saw are the birds at the end of the branch where we're at. I smiled as I heard them chirp again. Then I noticed the boots near my shoes and that's when I realized I've slept and still leaning on him. I suddenly sit up straight taking my back off his chest.

I then heard him stir. I woke him up. I was about to reach for the rope on our legs to untie it but then his arms went around me, pull me back to him by hugging me.

I was so shocked on how bold he was and was about to say something but he suddenly spoke.

"Five more minutes Lady Jyung."

What! I quickly looked at him. His eyes were still closed and his head were hanging on his side.

The audacity! Hugging me while thinking I of a different woman!