A WAR AMONGST THE STARS

CHAPTER FOUR

If someone had told me the morning after I last woke from a restless night's sleep, that not only would I go on to avenge my family's murderer once and for all, but also find her in the same day, I would have given them the cold shoulder for such false hope.

I jump off the table and turn towards her.

With one arm behind her knees and one around her back, I lift this beauty with little effort.

Her eyes, a piercing stare and mine, locked and transfixed on her own, neither of us blink, nor dare break this deep, penetrating gaze of ours. No. How could we? How can anyone look away? How can anyone deny this—this power that holds us hostage to a force that I do not have the words to describe? "It is only you and I, little one. I am going to take care of you now."

My large hand finds its way around her torso, stopping to lay flat against the ribs beneath her breast.

Her small arms wrap around my broad form and the touch of her tingling skin... the feel of her palm pressing upon my chest... I can feel those sparks even through the thick material of my clothing and my stars... it nearly brings out my primal, beastly form. A form that I do not wish for her to witness. At least not yet. Not until I know she will be willing to accept it without judgement or fear of the unknown.

As I walk on, away from the medical ward, I notice how relaxed not only she is, but I am.

All is calm. All is peaceful. All is right. At last, I know peace. At last, I can breathe. I can finally, breathe.

"Good evening, Commander Zurhen," someone greets, but I do not acknowledge, nor dare advert my eyes from the beauty I hold. I cannot look away. It is almost impossible, yet when her eyes begin to blink, struggling to remain open, I realize that this stare of ours will not last for much longer.

She yawns, her tired eyes closing right after.

"Sleep, little one. You need the rest," I whisper.

My lips tug lightly at the corner when witnessing how comfortable she is in my embrace. To sleep in the unknown arms of a foreign stranger, signifies a level of trust that surprises me. She does not know me yet feels comfortable enough to expose herself to being vulnerable.

Her actions speak volumes, and I will not take her trust for granted, but will nurture it, allowing it to grow bountifully.

My hand reaches up to rest tenderly upon her cheek.

I hold it there, bringing her head to lay against my chest.

She sleeps peacefully, breathing softly, but bless the stars, she is breathing. That I can find grand relief in.

I arrive to my royal quarters.

Positioned outside my door, I allow for security to scan for facial recognition. After recognizing me, the heavy door slides open, allowing us to enter.

As the door closes, locking behind, I contemplate laying her on my bed but disregard that idea for the sake of having her wake and assume the worst, so instead, I walk her to one of the chairs in the sitting room.

Carefully, I set her down as gently as I can so that she does not wake. After, I take a step back, admiring the adorable situation.

My hand flies to my mouth, attempting to cover a giggle.

Even our chairs are giant in comparison to her small species. When we return home, I will see immediately to having her own custom furnishings built to her size. Home... will she enjoy my home? Will she wish to stay there? There are many questions that need answering but in time, for we have a long journey ahead of us for when we do, finally arrive home. "You are too adorable," I quietly speak.