The Unexpected

Chapter 3 - Ajax

Three updates in one day! You proud of me!? I am planning to make this story about 9 chapters in length, so it will remain as a short story. Hope you enjoy! X

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THUD! THUD! THUD!

I desperately pound on the door, tears streaming down my face, in anger or betrayal or fear or something, I do not know what exactly. I only know that I am close to breaking, and that I have to see his face, need to confide in him more than ever before, need to be comforted.

Most of all?

I need to know what to do.

Finally, after what seems an age, but is probably only a few moments, the door opens. And he is there, just like I knew he would be, just as he always is. I know I can always depend on him. His face is concerned, eyes wide as he takes in my trembling state.

The man I love.

Ajax.

He doesn't hesitate in gathering me into his arms, just as I hoped he would. After a moment or two, once he is certain that I am not hurt, only in shock, he hustles me inside, away from the open streets and into the safety of his house.

Inside, it is warm, welcoming. If I'm honest, this place feels more like home to me than the palace ever has. It feels loved here; the palace is so impassive, so cold.

Ajax gestures for me to sit and, still shaken, I do. He sits opposite me, and waits. No questions. Just patiently waiting for me to open up, when I am ready to. One of the many things I love about this incredible man.

Just being in his presence calms me and, slowly, the tears cease, trickling instead of flowing freely, finally coming to a stop.

I wipe the last traces of them from my salt-stained, cold cheeks, and slump back into the chair, suddenly exhausted. Without realising, my eyelids begin to droop, and within no time, I am asleep.

I do not sleep for long. When I awake, everything is exactly how I left it – fire still blazing, the darkness outside fighting to seep inside, and Ajax, still waiting.

And so, now rested, with a clearer head, I begin to tell my story.