The Demons of Our Love (Completed)

Chapter 16

the castle---> minis the town and with a steeper cliff 

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I was awakened about a half hour later by the door opening and Sarah's cry. I shot up, shaking my hair back, my eyes blurred from sleep. The cot was very uncomfortable and I was stiff. Adrian was out of bed and at her side as she sobbed into Felicity's shoulder. Felicity was awake, her eyes open, clutching her mother. 

"I'm fine." she kept saying. "I'm fine, mama, your being silly." Sarah said nothing, merely wiped her tears. She saw I was awake. and came to my side. 

"You saved my girl." she said, clutching my hand. "How can I repay you?"

"You don't have too." I said, tears forming...again. "And it wasn't me." I looked up. "Adrian helped alot too."

Sarah turned and gave him a curtsey. "My lord, I am forever in your debt."

Adrian gave a faint, tight smile. "No. It's my duty as a ruler. There is one thing though..."

"Name it my lord." said Sarah. I looked at him reproachfully.

"If you could bring your children to the castle, so my wife can play with them, I feel she would appreciate it." he looked me. "Is that alright?"

"Of course!" said Sarah. "The boys were telling me how you played with them at the faire the yesterday!"

I smiled tiredly. "Yes, I remember."

Adrian came to my side. "We had better be leaving. Please, Sarah, don't hesitate to come to castle if you need anything." He motioned for me to come. "The horses are outside."

 I ran over to Sarah and pressed a sack of coins in her hand. "Please. Take it."

"Oh, thank you!" Sarah said, her eyes filled with tears. "Thank you so much!" She hugged me and I hugged her back. "You're a kind, kind woman, Lady Catalyn."

She looked outside to where Adrian was waiting. "You have a very kind husband. He'll make such a loving father."

"Yes." I said, looking at him sadly. "He would." I bade her farewell, then left. Adrian was outside, cloaked in darkness. The moon hung low in the sky, like a silver lamp, casting it's silvery glow on the houses. 

"Only one horse." he said. "I guess they took Diamond back." I sighed. 

"How do we get back?" I said. 

"We'll have to share." Adrian mumbled awkwardly. 

"Great." I mounted and he got up behind me. We galloped off. I tried to keep myself from leaning against him, but I was so, so tired. 

I gave in, and leaned against his hard, muscled chest. He stiffened. 

"Relax." I whispered. 

I fell back asleep.

***

 I sank into a plush chair, too exhausted and sore to do anything. I had no idea what time it was, only that it was still dark. My ornate, green gown was rumpled and messy. I didn't even want to know what my face looked like. God alone knew where Adrian had disappered too. 

There was a knock on the door. I groaned inwardly, but called. "Enter!"

Leo walked in, his hair rumpled and eyes shadowed. He looked as if he'd just rolled out of bed. He bowed. "My lady."

My throat constricted. "Sir Leo. To what do I owe this...pleasure."

"A letter." he handed it to me.