Princess of Realms {Realms Book 1}

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty

Auryn woke up fully on top of Theon and tried to jump back in surprise. Theon seemed to wake up in that moment too and kept his arms firmly around her. She lifted her head and glanced around, they were on the floor not the cot. Theon's eyes opened and he stared at Auryn, "are you well?"

Auryn blinked, "was the cot uncomfortable?"

Theon nodded, "my feet did not like it. And you found me more comfortable anyways."

Auryn looked away as her face heated, "can I get up to go to the washroom?"

Theon hesitated for a moment, but then released her. Auryn got up quickly and scrambled out of the tent. She was immediately in pain, but she was also about to pee her pants.

When she came back, Theon had barely moved. He had rolled over onto his side and was laying with his eyes closed as if he was sleeping. But Auryn knew that with the pain she was feeling she would not be able to sleep, so she didn't think he was either.

When she stepped in front of him, his hand snaked out and grabbed her ankle, "you know some matches mate just to be rid of the pain, without knowing each other first."

Auryn raised an eyebrow, "I'm not making that decision lightly, even with the stupid pain."

Theon let out an airy laugh, "I agree."

Auryn paused and then laid back down onto the ground. It was chilly, but Theon made sure to hold her so she could warm up. Before she knew it, Auryn was asleep again. When she woke up again, there was food in the tent and Theon was eating beside her on the floor while she was on the cot. He had one arm around her while he ate with the other one.

Auryn's stomach immediately growled, and Theon smiled at her, "good thing I got you some too."

Auryn sat up then slid off the cot to sit next to him on the ground. Since their legs were now touching, Theon used his hands to get Auryn's plate ready for her.

Auryn tried everything nervously and found that it still tasted weird so she tried to eat as quickly as she could. Theon didn't comment.

Eventually, Theon waited outside while Auryn changed and then they both went to see what everyone was up to. Inara was washing clothes with a few others. Kathryn was weaving what looked like baskets.

Theon looked at Auryn, "what kind of chore would you like today?"

Auryn sighed, "one where they aren't going to think I can't do it."

Theon stared at her for a long moment, "you really wanted to hunt and fish didn't you?"

Auryn looked back at him, "yes, because I know I can do it."

He nodded, "I am confident you can as well."

Auryn didn't know how to respond to that.

Theon waited for a long moment, thinking and watching Auryn. She also waited to see what he was going to say. Before he could, Kathryn yelled across the small village, "Auryn! Help me today! I would love to chat with you!"

Theon squeezed her hand, "decision has been made it seems."

Auryn nodded and Theon brought her over to see Kathryn. He was reluctant to leave, "I have to go help the others today."

Auryn nodded, "I figured."

They hesitated only a little longer and Auryn took the initiative and let go of his hand. The pain was instant but she walked towards Kathryn pretending it didn't hurt.

Theon walked away rather quickly because Auryn felt him getting further and further away. The pain was loosening, but not fast enough.

Kathyrn noticed immediately, "c'mon, basket weaving is great to keep your mind focused."