The Lost Princess

Chapter 22 || A Wee Bit Cocky

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Green clashes with blues, as I stare into his eyes trying to understand. "Arabella, I want to--" I shake my head suddenly.

"Don't. Leathan, don't," I stumble out, trying to get out of his gentle embrace. This can't be happening. He can't want that. "Tell me you don't mean that. Tell me your lying," I ask desperately.

"I'm sorry, Mo Misneach, I cannot," he smiles, but it flatters slightly.

I won't bring him into this. I can't! "Don't call me that," I whisper. He flinches back.

"What is going through that head of yours, Arabella. Talk to me," he urges, taking my hands into his and planting mine in front of him.

I shake my head back and forth, trying to grasp everything. He never wants to let me go, but he will have to. It won't be his choice or mine for that matter. Why can't he see? Why is he making this so hard?

Leathan suddenly grabs hold of my head, forcing me to keep still and look into his eyes. "If you are going to reject me, I wish to the know the reason, and if you can't think of one, I accept, then nothing you say will stop me from taking you into my arms right now." His eyes burn into mine with an intensity I have yet to see before.

I meet his gaze and want to cry. My calming storm. "I don't want to hurt you," I sob.

He rubs relaxing circles into my neck and pulls me closer. "Then, don't."

"I will, though. If we start this. I won't be able to finish it. Don't you see," I voice, trying my hardest to make him see reason, but a part of me prays he doesn't listen.

He lets out an unhumorous laugh, "Arabella, this started the day I laid eyes on you there is no stopping it now. Is that the only reason?" He questions, raising his perfect brow, a bright smile now residing on his handsome face. "Then, my queen, I am going to kiss you, and you are going to kiss me back."

I don't know what I'm feeling. Is it possible to be excited and scared at the same time? "A wee bit cocky are we, Leathan," I laugh, but my nervousness shines through.

He seemed unfazed by my comment. I, on the other hand, have never been more scared of what's to come. Accepting would mean accepting the fact that I will cause him, even more, pain, but rejecting would mean destroying any chance we have at happiness together.

I watch as he begins leaning in closer within inches of my face, I finally close my eyes, and feel soft pressure on my lips. He must sense my nervousness, for he takes me into his arms, gently caressing my neck. He's relaxing me. Soon his lips are moving, urging mine to move as well, but I stay frozen. He gently nips my lip and it shocks me to life. We are moving together.

My hands exploring his chest and back, while he rubs circles into my waist. Although the material of the dress is in the way, I can feel his rough hands and the heat they emit. I pull away for a moment to catch my breath, but Leathan doesn't stop. He continues exploring my jaw nipping and kissing down to my neck. His expert lips move right behind my ear, and I let out a soft moan. What was that? I feel him smile on my neck, as he continues his assault, nipping and licking that one spot. I can't take it anymore. I grab his face away from his new favorite spot and pull him back to my lips. Feeling more confident, I try out a little of what he taught me and nip his lip. I hear his breath catch.

Then, from somewhere I hear the sound of drunken laughter. Leathan stops immediately and pulls me to an empty alleyway. My back pressed against the cold stone with his body pressed firmly against mine, shielding me. I peek around him and see the drunken men are familiar faces from the meeting this morning but do not know their names. When they have passed and we can no longer hear their voices, Leathan looks down to me, and he is smiling, a smile I have never seen before. "Come, we should get back. You have herbs to take," he adds, trying to give me a stern look, but he cannot. His lips curve into that gorgeous grin every time. I let out a giggle at his frustrated expression, and he shakes his head, but that smile is still strong.

He begins to walk, taking my hand in his, and I can't help the giddy feeling that flows through me with each stride we take side by side. We walk as equals, as two people, who house strong feelings for one another. He doesn't falter, nor do I. When we reach Aiden and Llayla's home, I begin to loosen my grip, afraid he would not want to be seen with me this way, but Leathan's confused eyes meet mine, and I know I'm wrong, so I give him a reassuring squeeze and he does the same. We walk through the threshold.

"Leathan is that you," Llayla calls from somewhere in the house.

"Yes," he calls back, smiling at me. 

"Great, I made you a place to sleep in the living room. Unfortunately, I don't have too much room for all of you," she continues the voice getting closer. "So the men will have to sleep in the inn," she adds. We walk to find her. "Did you talk to Arabella yet?"

I look at him questioningly. He just smiles and winks at me, causing a giggle to escape my lips. "Yes," he replies.

"And?"

We finally find her putting the sheets on a bed, her backside to us. "It was a good talk," I laughed, when she turned around, upon hearing me answer, instead of Leathan.

"Awe, I'm so excited for you two!" She screams as she throws herself at the both of us. "Now, this is a ladies room, Leathan, so you need to leave. Hurry now, you both need some sleep if you are to continue the journey tomorrow." Llayla scurries off.

"So, I will see you in the morn," Leathan begins, scratching the back of his neck. I don't want him to leave. I sleep better with him close. It's something I've discovered over the past few days. I don't know if I can sleep without him. I know I don't want too.

I nod. "Till then," I smile, and he turns to leave.

"Goodnight, Arabella."

"Sweet dreams, Leathan."

He stands in the doorway, not actually leaving, and I smile at this. He takes one step back, and I hold on to the door, I need to shut but don't want to. We keep looking into each other's eyes, challenging the other to leave or shut the door first. He shakes his head, which I've noticed is what he does to clear his head. Then, he takes the first real step back and turns his body facing the stairs, but his eyes are still glued to mine.

When he is out of view, I close the door and prepare for bed. Ever so often I find myself thinking about his lips, his blue eyes, his black hair, his strong chest, his heart-stopping smile. I take my herbs and lay awake in bed. Sleep refusing to take me. I shut my eyes, and count to a hundred backward, but still no success. I listen as Aiden comes home, and enters his room. There is giggling from Llayla, and some random noise through the house, but soon it grows silent. I still can't sleep.

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