The Elven King's Consort

Chapter 38: Camp

The morning sun shone brightly within the tent, warming my face and stirring me out of a deep sleep. Waking groggy and heavy, I looked around. My hair was disheveled, and the shirt Cesteil gave me was large and loose; I practically swam in it. One shoulder was completely exposed, and the rest clung to the side of my neck. The flap to the tent was tightly rolled up and secured, and the grass and trees swayed with the wind, their vibrant green color mesmerizing.

Shuffling within the tent captured my gaze, and I saw Cesteil finished dressing himself. He stared off into the distance towards the entrance, but I couldn't take my eyes off him. His dark Auburn-red hair just barely touching his shoulders held lazy waves, those long eyelashes protecting the golden orbs resembling the sun, a strong jaw line barely rippled with a five o'clock shadow, and those hands and arms that held me all night long, burning each spot they touched. He was tall and lean but broad and firm. His gaze turned to me, and I froze like a doe watching a wolf from too close a distance. But when his eyes warmed and a broad smile spread across his face, I couldn't help but melt.

His strides were long and short, taking only seconds to reach me. One rough, calloused palm closed in around my cheek, and his thumb rubbed under my bottom lip; I nuzzled into it, so relieved he hadn't changed the way he had been acting overnight.

"You look adorable right now. If we didn't need to head off soon, I'd keep you busy today, too."

He winked, and I blushed so hard. Why was he toying with me? My heart can't take much more of this.

I tried to push up, but my legs ached and burned. Hissing in pain, I looked up at him, worried, and he frowned.

"It seems I took it too far. No matter, I'll pick you up and carry you around."

"In front of everyone?! I couldn't face that type of embarrassment! They'll know!"

"Are you regretting all of it?" He said, looking hurt.

"No, of course not. But they'll talk."

"Let them."

"How can you be so shameless?"

"I am their leader, Nadalia. There future king. They'll overlook just about anything."

"What of me? A simple concubine for your sport? That's what they'll think of me."

He stood on one knee, leveling with me, and I nearly gasped. Taking my hands in his, his face coming close to mine, and for a second, I thought he'd kiss me but felt disappointed when he didn't.

"You are not my concubine, Nadalia. It seems I have to spell things out for you to understand, my sweet dove. I plan to marry you once this war ends. The title of queen belongs only to you."

A ray of emotions swam through me like a typhoon. I was confused by what he was saying but also happy and surprised. I didn't know which one to react to or what to ask first for a long moment. His hands warmed my entire body, and the thumb that rubbed gently under my chin now repeated atop my hand. Breathing in and out, I calmed myself enough to think straight again.

"I have so many questions."

"We will have time to discuss them on the way to the enchanted forest. But for now, let's get ready to meet the others."

"I can't speak to them in your arms, Cesteil. It will be awkward; at least help me on a horse. That way, I can look more put together."

He chuckled, helping me take off the overly large shirt; my breasts bounced from the action, and his smile died. I could tell how much he wanted me again, and I couldn't help but cover myself, looking away from those piercing eyes. I didn't regret anything from last night. I, too, would have liked to be enveloped within him again, but we weren't done yet with this fight.