✓ | POOR JUDGMENT (A.FORRESTER)

Dreams. Chapter One.

A/N: Will be updating soon i promise, have just tweaked this chapter ever so slightly.

The man smirked at her, his grey eyes reflecting the nearby fire as they stared down at her smaller frame. She had waited so long to lie beneath him, stare up at him and all his beauty with no body to witness her longing gaze that always latched onto him. His private chambers had now become their own little world, in which the only things that mattered were one another. The smirk remained on his face as he watched her eyes scan over his chiselled chest and stomach, amused by the shock that glimmered in her deep brown eyes. It wasn't as though he hadn't caught her staring before; he had frequently noticed how her eyes were mesmerized by his strong arms, that he would purposely flex when he knew she was watching. It had become his own little game, finding it amusing when she'd blush and force herself to turn away. He knew of her feelings towards him - it had always been clear to him, since they were children, that she was attracted to him - and he had at one point intended on marrying her, though things didn't exactly turn out as planned. But tonight wasn't about the past, it was about her in that moment. The way her golden hair splayed out under her head and stray strands lay gently against her face. The way her brown eyes stared innocently at his toned body, causing more pink to rise upon her face. The way her body curved perfectly underneath him, and her hands tangled gently into his short, ruffled hair. Tonight, he was mesmerized by her.

Her legs easily tangled around his waist, pulling him down towards her, his hard chest pressed against hers, their faces mere inches apart as he began to whisper to her. "Are you sure, my love?" His accent was so rough it distracted her long enough for him to plant a soft kiss upon her lips, his beard tickling her chin in the process. "I am," She murmured back to him, a small smile grazing her lips as his eyes brightened more. They spent a moment gazing at each other, his fingers coming to her face in order to gently brush the strands of hair from her cheek. "Cyn..." He mumbled, his eyes more stern. "Asher..." She muttered back curiously.

"Cyn!"

She jolted awake, eyes wide as they quickly landed upon Talia who lent over her. The young girl's stare showed concern yet her face was soft. "Were you having a bad dream?" She questioned softly, eyes still displaying worry. "Yes, I must have been," Cynthia sighed, bringing a hand to her face. "What is it Talia? Is something wrong?" She asked curiously, turning back to the small girl. "I...I had a bad dream, I didn't know who else to go to," Talia whispered, gaining a sympathetic smile. Cynthia shifted further along the bed, sparing room for Talia. "What about your mother?" Cynthia questioned once Talia had settled into the warm sheets. "She has enough to worry about without fretting over my childish problems," Talia sighed, not looking Cynthia in the eyes. "And your brothers?" "Ethan wouldn't wake up when I tried, and Ryon needs his sleep." Talia mumbled, her eyes fluttering to a close briefly. After a moment, Cynthia turned to the smaller girl and smiled, "You should try and get some sleep," Talia nodded, borrowing her head into Cynthia's neck before closing her eyes once more. "Goodnight Cyn," Talia mumbled in a hushed tone, not faltering from her settled position. Instead of following her own advice, Cynthia stayed awake. She lay, staring at the ceiling in thought; she could remember every inch of her dream so vividly, which was rare for her. It was true, she had always been attracted to Asher Forrester but she never acted upon it, and the only person to know was Rodrik, Asher's older brother. But realisation had hit several years ago, Asher fell for Gwyn Whiehill, and Cynthia lost all hope in the relationship she had dreamed of so frequently. Not long after that, the love of her life was exiled by his father and she was never to see him again. She would have loved to say her fantasies of him after that had died but she would be lying. Her heart still yarned for him, despite her arguments against it.

When morning came, Cynthia awoke to an empty bed, and Ethan sat beside it. "Mornin' sleepy head" Ethan smirked, standing slowly. "Morning," Cynthia hummed, stretching her arms out. It was then she realised the absences of a certain young girl. "Where's Talia?" She asked almost immediately, eyes wider than they had initially been. "Downstairs, eating with mother and Ryon," Ethan chuckled, making his way to the door. Cynthia sighed, lying flat on her back, head resting against her soft pillows. "Garad has returned, he arrived earlier this morning - you'd best get ready if you wish to see him," Ethan stated before exiting the room completely. "Gared?" Cynthia questioned, but it was not answered. She sat up quickly, heart beginning to beat slightly faster. "Gared.."