The King's Shield

Chapter 33 - The Needed comfort

Time and again he had proved himself trustworthy. She wondered why he stood by her, what was it that made him think of her? Was she worthy enough for this, for his kindness?

When he picked her up and placed her on the bed she thought that he would take advantage of her vulnerability. She said she couldn't repay him. And if this was his payment she wouldn't be able to refuse. He could have easily taken her, she had no power to stop him but he didn't.

She had lost her trust in humanity but he had proven that kindness was still pervasive. She had been hurt many times. So many people before had pushed her into the dark. He on the other hand had given her light and warmth which she didn't even know she needed.

When she had escaped the palace, she had given the ring to Uncle Bhairava. She had told him to give it back to the king. She had thought that after knowing the truth the king wouldn't want anything to do with her let alone trust her. But he had kept the ring with him, and now he had given it back to her. Her heart was full, she didn't think twice before taking the ring from him. And to see him gleaming when she wore the ring was a different joyful feeling she couldn't let go of.

He kissed her hand. " You need to take rest, sleep now," he said and stood up.

She didn't let go of his hand. " Will you please stay," she said, " I don't want to be alone." She wanted to be with him, she would have spent the entire night looking at him. His presence alone gave her solace. She never knew when he had become her comfort, her beacon, her sun.

" Shiva... I cannot stay," he said.

" Why not?" she asked. It hurt her.

" I ... I...I won't be able to... It would be very difficult for me." He clenched his fists.

" Please..." She was choking on her words.

He relaxed a little and gestured for her to move. She moved to the other side. He sat beside her.

" I will sit here till you go to sleep. Lay your head here," he said, patting his lap.

She swiftly went closer, put her head on his lap and lay on her side. An odd sense of comfort she felt at that time. A peaceful feeling which she hadn't felt in years. He started patting her head with one hand. She turned towards him. He was looking down at her. She couldn't avert her gaze.

" Please, don't look at me this way. It's difficult..." He said.

She placed her hand on his cheek and caressed it. He suddenly stopped patting her, held her by her nape and pulled her close to him. His eyes were intense and unwavering, his breath was jagged. He pulled her closer by wrapping his arms around her.

" I told you... I won't be able to stop myself..." he whispered, " but now is not the time. Don't make it difficult." he said and embraced her tight.

Her eyes welled up. She wrapped her arms around him. She wanted to hold him, disappear in his embrace. She wanted to feel his warmth ever since she had seen him in the dungeon but his anger had stopped her. But now in his arms, she wished the time to stop at the moment because she didn't want to let go of him.

When she opened her eyes, it was morning already. She didn't know when she had fallen asleep. She found herself tucked in bed. But he was not around. He had left after she had fallen asleep. Why did she feel sad?

When she reached downstairs she saw that he was fast asleep on a cot near the hearth. She went to him and ran her hand across his forehead, he looked so serene. She kissed his forehead and saw that he had a slight smile across his lips. Was he awake?
She leaned in closer to see if he was pretending, but no he was asleep.