Crossing Paths

8

Maven's POV
I began unbuttoning my shirt, having already removed my cloak. It was now late and after I spoke with the king I came back tired. Which was odd, considering it hasn't been a very demanding day. I rubbed at my face and then there was rapid knocking at my door. I arched a brow, it was late, couldn't this wait till morning?
I opened the door and was met with Dorian who happened to be breathing heavily. He met my eyes with a pant and threw himself at me. Thank god I had already closed the door.

He wrapped his arms around me and held me, kissing me as he walked us backwards into my rooms. "Maven. Oh god, Maven." He whined, a sound that would have drove me crazy if I had the opportunity to get drunk on it. But I don't.
"Dorian." I murmured when he began kissing my neck, looking down at him with lidded eyes. I want him, but this isn't supposed to happen.
"Care to explain, love?" I questioned for an explanation.
"It does not matter." He breathed. "It does not matter." He began unbuttoning the rest of my shirt, kissing each patch of skin that he revealed. His hands began to trail to my chest, along my back.
"Darling." I grabbed his hand. He met my eyes.
"This is not wise." I breathed.
He looked like he was about to protest.
"Why isn't it? We are together, are we not? I want you and we- we deserve to be happy." He almost begged.
"We are not in a position for this to continue." I tried. He started clawing at my chest, almost absentmindedly.

After a few more seconds, he took a step backward. "I am sorry." Tears gathered in his eyes.

"I am so sorry. I'm not one to do something like this." He began shivering, sitting down on my bed.
"Where is your cloak?" I noticed it was missing.
"With my soon to be bride." He laughed dryly.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead. "Oh sweetheart, do not be jealous." He cooed before standing, taking and kissing my hands.
If he acted like this usually, I wouldn't have minded. But he doesn't.
"Is everything alright?" I spoke softly.

He sniffed and shook his head. "No. N...no. It isn't fair. It isn't fair Maven." He cried before engulfing me in a hug. I returned it sadly, offering my warmth because I am sure he is freezing by this point.

And we stayed there, me holding my prince, protecting him from his fears.
But he couldn't escape the fear that is his life.

------------in the morning-----------

It was early when we woke. Early because we couldn't exactly stay like this when we had servants. Dorian had his face buried in my neck, his arms wrapped around me as my legs entangled with his.
"Dorian." He awoke quickly, sitting up in a hurry. Which was scary because I had not been speaking loud at all. His panting grew in strength until he was staring in fear at the door.
I touched his shoulder and he tensed.
"It is time to go back to your chambers." I whispered.
He instantly saddened but replaced his sorrow with a mask of strength. He still had to hide what he was feeling, even with me. I ignored the ache that stabbed at my chest.
He got up, straightening his coat as he grabbed his crown from off of the table. He slept with his boots on, which was not a surprise because it is obvious he is paranoid.
He nodded and turned his back, walking out. I got up too and stood in the doorway, watching him leave in steps only a prince could master.
Agile. Fierce. Quick.

All of these things because his position is most important to him.
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Celaena looked dead on her feet. I think she preferred the pants and boots to the elegant dresses, but she seemed to move slower than when she was constricted by the many layers of clothing. She was now stirring her potato and vegetable soup lazily while she rested her head on her bent arm.
"Celaena?"
She jumped."Yes? What?" She looked around frantically.
"Is anything the matter?" I questioned.
Her eyes drooped. And then it was obvious. She is tired.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness."
She is not going to answer my question so I left it alone.