In the Shadows

Chapter 15: A Husband

Alexandra's POV

I woke up in the early hours of the morning. Aaron was asleep next to me. I traced his jaw line with the tip of my finger, he moved a bit but otherwise stayed asleep. I smiled before getting up. I moved quickly across the hall to my room and got dressed.

I walked out to the training area, it was nice to be back at the guild. I set out the targets, grabbed a quiver full of arrows, and grabbed my bow. I ripped off a piece of my cloak and used it to cover my eyes. I grabbed an arrow, set up my shot, and released. I heard the reassuring sound of my arrow hitting the target. I smiled, it had been a while since I practiced like that with my bow, so I was happy that I could still do it with the same accuracy. I did that several more times before I heard Joel yelling my name. I stopped and pulled off the cloth.

"Alex the king is here," he said only a few feet in front of me. He must have been keeping his distance because I was shooting.

"He is? Why?" I asked. I knew I was going to have to talk to him that day, but I was not expecting him to come into the guild. Joel just shrugged.

"Please put these away," I said as I gave him my quiver and bow. I took off running towards where I knew the king would be waiting. I opened the door to see him in the room alone waiting for me.

"Hello Alexandra, come in and close the door," he stated. I moved into the room and closed the door behind me.

"Good to see you," he commented.

"Likewise," I lied. I moved closer to him. I was standing in front of the him when I heard a commotion outside the door. I could hear Aaron's voice.

"No one will be allowed in," the king said to me. I turned my attention back to him. "I have a half a mind to not let you back in."

"Your daughter got married in my place, there is no reason I cannot be here," I replied.

"That was without my permission, I cannot believe you and my daughter planned that," he replied.

"I did not do anything Liz planned that all on her own," I replied and he glared at me. "Liz knew that I did not wish to marry him and that you and my mother were forcing me, so she took my place so that I may be happy. Besides your relationship will be better now that they married the princess."

"You need a husband, there was no need for my daughter to marry now."

I looked down. "I know."

"I might be sounding harsh, but Alexandra you need to think of your family's reputation."

"I know, just let me stay here for a while. My brother is dead, right now my heart cannot bare to think of marriage."

"Or are you hoping Aaron will wed you?"

I didn't look up and stayed silent. I was, I was hoping he would make me his wife especially after last night.

"You cannot wait for him, besides he is not right to be a noble."

"He was born one," I growled, I took a deep to calm myself down. "Please just let me stay here for a while yet."

"Very well, but you must take a husband eventually."

"I know," I replied. I turned and left the room Elliot, Joel, and Aaron were waiting for me. "He is letting me stay in the guild," I stated and I could all of them sigh on relief. At least for a while, I added silently. Aaron looked at me and I gave him a gentle smile. Elliot and Joel were called away leaving Aaron and I alone.

He closed the space between us and then caressed my face with his hand. "I was worried," he whispered and then he pushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear.