The Knight's Rose

Chapter Thirteen ~ The Protector of a Rose

Chapter Thirteen ~ The Protector of a Rose

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I waited by the pathway that leads to the bridge I had crossed multiple times. Nikolai had told me he wanted to pick me up from my 'town'. I didn't tell him that I didn't actually live there but on the outskirts of Chuvaria.

He didn't need to know.

I waited by the bridge I had once crossed with my siblings and Milly to see the Knight's tournament. Now, I'm awaiting the arrival of the champion of the tournament. If anyone had told me I'd be out gallivanting with a royal knight, I would have laughed and told them that tall tales were for immature children.

We had our searing kiss a few days ago, and I constantly replayed it in my mind. Not that remembering it came close to the actual kiss, but I could sometimes feel the heat that had plunged my veins with fiery lava. It was probably the most amazing thing that ever happened in my dull poverty life.

I can't believe I kissed a knight.

I can't believe I kissed a royal knight.

I can't believe I kissed Nikolai.

Just the thought of him brought an uncontrollable smile and I could feel my cheeks tingling with pink. I loved his piercing aqua eyes that gazed at me with wonderment, his warm smile that lit up his face, his broad shoulders that proved his reliability and strength, his muscled arms that wrapped around my waist providing a sense of comfort, and his calloused hands that managed to hold me so gently.

Nikolai was perfect.

I stared at the pathway, and my mouth perked up into a grin when I saw the black nightmare stallion trudging towards me, its owner wearing a brilliant smile. When his black horse, Maxine, stopped in front of me, I took a step back. Though I was used to horses, I wasn't used to this magnificent black beast of a horse.

Nikolai hopped off his stallion and walked toward me. Before I had any chance to say anything, his hands were on my cheeks and he bent his face toward mine. His soft lips connected with mine in a warm greeting.

It was over in a second but the feelings that arrived with it felt like they would last a lifetime.

I blinked at him in shock, wondering if I was really just graced a kiss from his plump heavenly lips.

"What?" I asked, my mind still trying to grasp what happened. The heat from his lips stained my lips and caused my heart to beat irregularly.

"To be fair, I did warn you that I would kiss you when you least expected it," Nikolai said, reaching out for my hands. His large hands engulfed my own like a protective cover.

"Hello," he whispered, in his husky voice that did a number on my quaking heart. I blushed, wondering if he was simply greeting me or mocking me from our last kiss.

I hastily curtsied, having to remove my hands from his. I did not forget my manners. When I looked back at Nikolai, I could see him slightly grimace before taking my hands in his large ones once more.

"How were you these past few days?" Nikolai asked, brushing his fingers against my temple and over the unnoticeable scar that I had. Odd, nobody outside my family ever noticed it.

"I've been doing well, thank you for asking. I can't say the same for my father. He's been tired these past few days," I let out, worry seeping into my voice.

"Oh? Is he ill? Has tending to the horses tired him out? I can only imagine the hardship that he must bear alone," Nikolai spoke, genuine concern written on his face.