Lovers End

Chapter Three: Part One

In the following days, Aurora found herself in higher spirits compared to the gloom of the preceding two weeks. Emeric continued his daily visits to the tavern, dutifully tending to Aurora's requests, even though Franklin had fully recovered. One morning, a letter arrived, addressed neatly to Franklin with the wax-pressed crest of the Dracon family sealing the back. Aurora knew her father used to be a knight, but they had never discussed it, nor had they received letters from the king before. Suppressing the urge to open it herself, she took it to her father, who grumbled while watching Emeric pull pails of water from the storage room barrel. Franklin's eyes mirrored his daughter's curiosity as he opened the letter, and Aurora, being nosy, tried to read it by peeking around his arm. Franklin swore as he crumpled the paper, his gaze now more intense on Emeric. The king wanted him to join the hunt an obvious request from emeric trying to save what chances he had. "I'm too old for this," Franklin sighed.

Aurora didn't enjoy the idea of her father embarking on such a dangerous adventure. Despite being a knight, he hadn't been one in 19 years, and in that time, he had indulged in eating and drinking, perhaps losing the shape required for such expeditions. Concerned, she pleaded with him that night during supper. "Maybe he would reconsider if you just talked with him. There has to be someone else, anyone else," Aurora implored. Franklin shook his head, delving into the stew she had placed in front of him. "No, he's asked for me specifically. I can't refuse the king," he reminded her. However, Aurora, frowned at him from across the table. "You could, you just won't," she accused, getting up in a huff, leaving her untouched food behind.Franklin couldnt win when it came to her anymore, since she had become a young women she wanted things he didnt and he was finding it hard to keep up with all of it.

The next day was chilly, but the sun cast its rays with only a few clouds scattered across the sky. The bonfires, a daily fixture, were proving effective in keeping the villagers warm. Emeric held the reins firmly, riding towards the tavern with hope that the early start to the hunting season would alleviate their current resource shortage. As he approached, he spotted Aurora by the stables, diligently grooming the horses. "Good morning," he greeted her, dismounting from his horse. As he drew closer, he noticed the sleepless look in her eyes, prompting a slight frown. "You've lost sleep again, haven't you?" Emeric asked, gently stopping her hand that was brushing the horse's mane.

Aurora sighed, her gaze meeting Emeric's. His smile brought a refreshing relief to her tired expression. "Yes, its made changing the hay painful." she admitted, unable to hide it. She placed the wire brush on a wooden ledge as he stopped her hand from brushing, then moved to rest her head against his chest. "The king has requested Father to join the hunt. I don't want him to go, but of course, he won't listen to me," she buried her face in his coat for comfort. Inhaling the soft scent of cedar that clung to him, she added, "I just had the worst feeling all night."

Emeric furrowed his brows with concern, gently stroking her hair as her head found its place against his chest. He sensed her worry and wished he could share the positive anticipation he felt about what lay ahead after the hunt. Alas, it wasn't information he could divulge.

Meeting her gaze, he cupped the side of her face with his large hands. "It's just a hunt. Your father will return swiftly with more food for everyone. Smile, my love; this is a good thing," he attempted to uplift her spirits. A small smirk played on his lips. "And I can have you to myself for a while," he added, his arm snaking around her waist.

Aurora pursed her lips, not entirely pleased that he echoed her father's sentiments, but coming from Emeric, she was more inclined to listen. Suppressing a smile, she eventually relented, rolling her eyes. "Of course, that's all you thought of," she teased, biting her lip as her waist pressed against him. "Tell me, if I do let you steal me away for the afternoon, where would we go?" Her eagerness for an answer was apparent, willing to enjoy any activity as long as it was with him.