Soul Healer

Chapter 11 - The library

CHAPTER 11

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Tens of thousands of books surround you placed in the polished lavish deep red mahogany cabinetry. Hardwood bookshelves many stories high on every wall from ceiling to floor, compliment the library creating a unique and beautiful grand room. A rolling library ladder provided for the many upper levels.

The stunning ornate marble floor, decorated with huge colorful thick carpets complete the decor.

Bored out of your mind your sitting in front of the big marble fireplace in the library. Curled up in a big chair, you scan the pages of the book you decided to read. Yawning the words on the page begin to swim. With a sigh, you turn the page, hoping the next section will be just a little more interesting than the first. Your wonder if that's possible.

Looking outside through one of the windows of the library you watch Istaq playing. Yawning once more you decide to try and read a few more pages. With a sigh you turn another page. Eyes drop and within a few minutes your sound asleep.

With a soft thud the book drops to the floor.

Hours pass and your blissfully unaware of the chaos at the palace. Everybody are trying to find out where you are.

When Ares came to your room he was surprised to find you gone. With full-blown panic his first thought was you had decided to leave. Catch up with Bane to go and visit the Kimleen. With a roar he summoned some servants asking if they had helped you pack. They denied. Examining your bedroom, none of your belongings were missing.

Running to the stables, no horses were missing either. Within minutes he has ordered an all hands on deck searchparty. For hours all search in vain. Leaving Ares more and more desperate. In a frenzy he calls for Istaq.

The little dragon is puzzled by the uproar and panic. With a growl Ares asks the dragon if he knows where you are. Tilting his head as if to ask why, Istaq looks at Ares.

With a grim frown Ares speaks, "You know where she is?"

With a happy chirp Istaq agrees.

Outraged close to loosing control, Ares roars with anger. Quickly everybody leaves the room, not wanting to be near him when he's so angry. "Take me to her. Now!", he demands.

Hissing, Istaq stares at Ares, His emerald green eyes blaze as he glares at Ares not moving a limb.

Trying to calm himself, body shaking, Ares closes his eyes. "Istaq, we have tried to locate her for hours. We thought she was either hurt, or had decided to catch up with Bane". Taking a deep breath, he continues, "Please take me to her".

With a snort Istaq turns around and leads Ares to the library.

Stopping in front of the huge library doors, he opens them. A furious frown on his face. With fiery strides he walks into the grand room. Set on giving you a good and loud verbal earful.

Seeing you peacefully asleep in the big chair, he stops and stares at you. His eyes instantly turn soft, and a low chuckle escapes his lips. "Pequena estrela, will you ever stop to amaze me?"

Quietly he walks towards you, not wanting to wake you from your slumber. But Istaq wants you to wake up. With a loud chirp, he lands on the armrest.

Startled you wake up, in the process knocking down a glass of wine. Cursing you watch as the red-wine soils the beautiful carpet.

Stretching your soar muscles you stand up. Still unaware that Ares is in the room.

His dark voice makes you jump. "Do you need a massage, meu encrenqueiro?" Walking closer he continues. "Do you know you had us so worried? We have been searching for you for hours. All this time Istaq knew about your whereabouts and said nothing. Had us running around like headless chickens".

Wide eyed you stand as Ares steps closer. Stopping a mere inches in front of you. Cupping your face he makes you look into his eyes, filled with pure agony "Do not do it again". Before you can answer, his lips brush across yours. Then he wraps his arms around you, pressing you hard against his body.

"I did not know", you speak. "I was trying to read this incredibly boring book, and I dozed off". Looking out of one of the windows you say, "Have I really been sleeping for hours?". All were trying to locate you he said,. This is way out of control.

"By all that is holy, you all have to stop fuzzing like that. I am not made of cotton. I guess I was just exhausted.", you continue rather annoyed.

"We thought the Ceenaq had somehow managed to take you", Ares speaks with a strained voice. "I thought they had taken you from me". One hand in your hair, he forces you to rest your chin again his chest, while holding you so close, it's difficult to breathe.

"Ares you gasp, I need air to breathe".

With desperation he holds you. His breath mingles with yours as he gasps, "Amore, se foi. Pensei que estivese en perigo. Meu amor, eu teño que saber o seu seguro sempre. A miña vida".

"Stand at ease soldier", you shout gasping for air. Finally managing to get his attention. But not the kind of attention you thought you'd get.

Strong arms pick you up with ease. Carrying you bridal style to the big chair in front of the fireplace. Taking a seat, he makes you sit in his lap. Totally unaccustomed with such behavior you do not move a muscle. Gently he cuddles you against his chest, muttering the same over and over, "Amore, A miña pequena mágoa". Feather like kisses brush across your cheek. His fingers reach underneath your shirt. Gently caressing your back, making you shiver.

Holding you seems to calm him down, so you slowly relax. Besides it's rather nice to be held like this, even though it would be very difficult for anyone to make you admit it. After a while you feel how then tension slowly leaves his body. His breath slowing. His strong hold easing a little.

He's sleeping you realize. With an amused grin, you guess all the exercise has worn him out. Gently kissing his chest, you hear him rumble with joy. Even while sleeping he's aware of your touch. How adorable. Your heart beats faster, and you feel a lump in your throat as you watch him sleep. Every now and then he stirs a little. His arms tighten around you, only to relax when he feels your still there, resting in his arms. Even in his sleep he's protective.

Hearing a low click, you look towards the library doors. A servant stands in the doorway holding a tray with food. "Shh," you whisper, pressing a finger against your lips.

The servant silently puts the tray on the table, then leaves the room as quietly as he entered.

Quietly you snuggle closer into his arms. Careful not to wake him. With a content sigh, you close your eyes, and doze off.