Pleasing the Darkness

Ch.3

At some point, we both must have fallen asleep, because I awoke to her light breath fanning my neck as she lay motionless draped on my body like the finest satin throw. Her dark hair spilled out around us in the most alluring way possible. I knew my next actions were absolutely dreadful, but necessary just the same. I had to leave the bed, without waking the princess.

I gently began to lift her prone form from my body and gently pull myself away. I was almost completely free when she reached out to grab ahold of me. I quickly reached for one of my pillows by my headboard and let her grab that so I could better escape. I did however take a moment to make sure her sleep remained undisturbed. Well that's what I tried to tell myself but in truth I was having a hard time leaving her defenseless and unaware of her surroundings. Regardless of my qualms about leaving her, I all too quickly found myself heading for my bureau and dragging out a new corset and some tight black pants. Today I would be going out into battle and wouldn't want clothing to be my downfall. I cast another glance at my bed to "ensure her safety" before I headed to the en-suite bathroom to take a quick shower.

My shower was brief, and when I was fully dressed with my tresses of hair pulled into a tight pony-tail I finally allowed myself to go back into my room. It seemed so rude to just leave her with no explanation. I had told her previously that I had an early day, and let her assumptions run wild probably centering on my employment, which wouldn't be entirely untrue. I did not however want her to worry for my safety, and avoided telling her that I would be putting my life at risk. I do not consider war a risk, I trust my very capable soldiers to make sure all goes well, but the princess who has never been in the throes of war would undoubtedly worry.

With that in mind, I wrote a quick letter of apology for not waking her, and explaining my absence to the best of my ability:
My dearest princess, I wish you didn't have to wake to such circumstances, but sadly our people require my services. I could not convince myself to rouse you, only to have to leave you. You sleep so peacefully and you need it. Much to my chagrin, my job today brings me outside of the cavern and as heir to the throne you cannot accompany me. I am terribly sorry. I have left you one of my finest soldiers who is prepared to protect you at any and all costs. You'll do fine; I have all the faith in the world. I'll be back before dawn and regale you of today's adventure. I ask that you not try to discern my exact location or whereabouts, I wish to inform you myself. Have a wonderful day.
                     Forever loyal,
                        Vidiya.

With one last glance in her direction, I put the note on the pillow beside her, and forced myself to keep moving. I had to make sure my combat boots didn't make too much noise. Let's just say trying to tip-toe in combat boots is like trying to teach a newborn vamp that humans can actually hold crosses without their hands bursting into flames. Almost impossible.

As soon as I was outside my room, I flagged down one of the clan's messengers, and had him send for Nikanor to protect the princess as well as to tell my second in command, Elkin Salnikov to assemble the troops for our debriefing. Nikanor is a good soldier and will do well to protect the princess. He's one of the strongest in our clan, a skilled fighter, extremely loyal, and will do well to protect Princess Lavina. Not as good as I would, but I have to leave so he will have to do.

I waited for no more than a minute before Nikanor arrived in front of my room. He was the picture of calm, as always, with dark hair clean cut and pale blue eyes awaiting my command.

"What can I do for you?" His voice sounded deep and scratchy as though he hadn't had a drink in days, but his voice always sounded like that.

"I need you to oversee the princess today while I'm away. Keep her busy and don't inform her of the events about to happen. It may cause unnecessary worry that I don't want the princess to deal with." I kept my voice strict and authoritative as I do when I deal with any of my soldiers.