Color of Roses

Dilemma

Chapter 17

I slowly open my eyes to find myself inches away from Alyn's face. Did last night really happen or was it just a dream? Curious for an answer, I lift the blanket up and peek inside. Sure enough we're both naked. I quickly lower the blanket and Alyn stirs in his sleep.

"It's so cold," he mumbles and I quietly attempt to remove myself from the bed but he only pulls me closer. "Not yet; stay like this a little longer," he murmurs into my hair. I lay still in his arms until he begins to wake up.

I tilt my head up to find his tired eyes watching me. His lips form a small pout and I'm unsure why. He sits up and lifts the blanket off us. I gasp and quickly cover myself but he isn't looking at me. He examines his leg and the bandages seem to have helped stop the bleeding. He runs a hand over the wound and winces as it's still too tender.

"Damn, it still hurts," he says.

"It most likely will until it's fully healed," I explain.

He looks at me, the color returning to his eyes. A soft smile plays at his lips and he reaches for the blanket but I back away and collapse onto the floor. "Ouch," I grumble. I reach for my dress and stand up quickly and toss the blanket over Alyn so he can't see me.

"I don't know why you're embarrassed after everything we did last night. I've already seen you," he says after pulling the blanket off. I know he's right, but I was caught up in the moment at the time.

"You should hurry and get dressed too," I say and toss him his clothes. I don't have to look at him to know he's rolling his eyes at me. We both get dressed and I suggest Alyn leave his armor off to help ease the weight on his leg. I pack a few more aloe leaves in case I need to make more cream.

He's able to manage climbing his horse and has me ride behind him. We proceed towards the area where the camp was last and after a few hours' ride we make it. The other knights approach Alyn's horse and help us dismount.

"Where the hell have you been?" Giles says furiously. "Do you know how worried I was, Aria?"

I bite my lip but I know it wasn't completely my fault. "That servant kidnapped me and I was taken to a camp with Stein soldiers. A man there said King Byron wanted to marry me," I explain to Giles.

Giles looks to Alyn and examines his injured leg. "How did this happen?"

Alyn puts weight on his good leg. "I fought off some men guarding the campsite but some guy got the better of me."

"That's a first. You're one of the greatest swordsmen in Wysteria," says one of the fellow guards.

"Enough, change his bandages. We need to get going before the King begins to worry. He's in no condition to stress in his health." Giles ushers me into the carriage. "Alyn, you'll be riding with us as well. Your leg won't heal on horseback."

"I'm fine, Giles," Alyn argues but Giles gives him a look and Alyn sighs as he enters the carriage. He sits beside me and I feel my heart clamoring in my chest. Giles asks us questions about the incident and Alyn gives him a brief explanation, excluding our romantic night together of course.

"What would Stein possibly want with Aria? What gain would they get? When we return to the castle we'll need everyone on guard for anything suspicious. Someone told them we'd be here and Aria's safety is our top priority."

"Right," Alyn replies. "I'll guard her personally."

Giles eyes Alyn's injury and raises a brow. "In your current condition, I think that would be difficult, even for you. Have someone substitute until you recover."

"I can fight with one leg," Alyn argues but Giles stops him. "That's an order, Crawford."

Alyn doesn't retort but gazes out the window. We ride the rest of the way in silence. One of the guards supports Alyn and Giles commands they take him to his room. "I'll have the king's doctor examine his leg," Giles says. I watch as Alyn limps away with the knights leaving me standing in the courtyard with Giles.

"We best get you back to your room as well. I'll see to it someone guards your door," Giles says as he escorts me back to my bedroom. I enter my room and find my luggage has already been replaced. I plop down on my bed and happily pet my lazy cat. She purrs at my touch. I continue scratching the top of her head when Alyn's face appears in my mind and a twinge of pain fills my chest.

If I wasn't stupid enough to wander away, none of this would have happened. Alyn wouldn't have been injured. I sigh and roll over and cover my face with my pillow. I hear a light knock on the door and Leo enters my room holding a bouquet of flowers.

"I heard what happened, princess. I'm glad you returned safe and sound," he holds the flowers out to me but I don't take them.

"If only it were the same for your brother," I reply.

"My brother will be fine. He's too stubborn to die."

I glare at Leo and ask what's on my mind, "Why are you here? I told you I didn't want to see you."

"I told you I would prove to you that I treat you differently than anyone else, didn't I? This is just the first step."

"I've already chosen so you can quit trying. I won't change my mind no matter what gifts you give," I stand up and open the door and motion for him to leave.

"You're just as stubborn as my brother. I'll have you know I'm a hard one to say no to," he winks at me before leaving my room. Furious with his intrusion, I stomp around my room. I hate being confined in here. I try to leave but the guard says I'm to stay put as an order from Giles. I angrily yell into my pillow scaring poor Snowflake who dashes under the bed.

I want to see Alyn. I take a deep breath before attempting to persuade the guard to take me to Alyn when Giles steps into my room. "I've spoken with the king and I told him everything. He wants you to remain under guard supervision at all times and Alyn will be your personal guard once he's recovered. I'm heading to see Alyn to ask who will have watch over you in the meantime."

"Please let me go with you," I plead. Giles sighs, "I had a feeling you'd ask. Come with me."

I follow behind Giles as two guards stride behind us. I think of many things to say to Alyn when I see him, to tell him I'm sorry he got involved. We near the guard barracks and Giles knocks firmly on a big wooden door. It opens and Alyn stands leaning against a wooden cane. His clothes are changed into his casual uniform and his bandages are fresh. Giles enters before me and I can't find myself to make eye contact with Alyn.

He's surprised to see me but doesn't say anything at my presence. He closes the door and remains standing. Giles is the first to speak up, "I've spoken with the king and he appreciates you rescuing Aria from Stein's men. He sends his sympathy regarding your injury. He's asked that you choose someone to watch over Aria's well-being until you're fully recovered and can do it yourself."

Alyn glances at me, his scarlet eyes yearning for me. "I'll have my second in command watch over her. I trust his skills more than anyone."

"Very well, then, I'll go talk to him. I'll escort you back to your room, Aria," Giles says as he heads to the door.

"I'd like to have a quick moment with Alyn alone, if that's okay?" I ask. Giles lightly shrugs, "I'll have a guard escort you back to your chambers when you're finished."

After Giles closes the door, I throw myself at Alyn. He staggers a bit but places a gentle arm around me. He places a soft kiss on the top of my head. I mumble into his uniform and he chuckles softly.

"If you're worried about me, I'll be fine. The doctor said I should be able to return to my duty by next week."

"I'll try to see you every day," I mumble and Alyn smiles at my words. "I'll hold you to it," he says softly before planting a kiss on my forehead. I wave goodbye before returning to my room.