Daughter of the Moon

IX. Glory

Anastasia awoke, stretching her limbs as she felt every muscle in her body relax—that is, until her hand hit something solid, and she realized she wasn't alone in her bed. She turned to her right to find Andreas next to her, eyes fluttering open.

He smiled softly at his soulmate, eyes half open, hair unkempt. She smiled back, rolling back over to be in his arms once more.

Instinctively, she leaned in, her lips finding his and moving with them in harmony—until she pulled back when she realized what she'd done.

"Er– Was that okay?" She asked hesitantly, letting out a sigh of relief when she saw the grin on Andreas' face.

"It's a good way to wake me up, that's for sure. But you know, the men usually make the first move," Andreas teased, kissing her forehead gently.

"You should know by now that I don't have time to coddle your ego, Chief Andreas."

Andreas lifted an eyebrow, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he tucked Ana's hair behind her ear.

"My ego isn't what I wish for you to coddle–"

"Enough!" Anastasia exclaimed, sitting up with a laugh. "You disgust me, Sebastian."

"Oh, so we are using last names now, Maleo?"

Anastasia leaned over him, her lips dangerously close to his. "Mm, just keeping you in check."

She grinned before getting out of bed, stretching before grabbing her armor for the day. She grabbed her linen pants and undershirt, slipping out of her sleepwear. When she'd realized she'd forgotten new undergarments, she turned to grab some. Only then did she realize she had just disrobed in front of the Chief, and she flushed.

"Don't stop on my account," Andreas said with a smirk, leaning on his elbow and waving for her to carry on.

"Out. Now," she demanded of him, and he knew better than to stay behind.

"I'll meet you downstairs in 10 minutes," he told her with a laugh, closing the door behind him and going to change himself.

Anastasia gathered her personal weapons: a dagger, her quiver and her bow. After she was dressed, she met Andreas downstairs in the kitchens. They each had a breakfast of fruit and bread before walking together to the training grounds. Hundreds of warriors were gathered in the field, and Anastasia became uncertain.

Feeling the shift in her mood, Andreas reached for her hand, taking it in his and turning to face her.

"What is it, Ana?"

Anastasia shook her head, looking to him before looking back at the men. "They will all misjudge me, Andreas. I can tell. I don't know how, but I have a feeling someone is going to get hurt. And it's not going to be me."

"Well, if they challenge you, I will hurt them," he said with a shrug.

"No, you will not. Do you not understand? I know you are Chief, but do not undermine me today, Andreas. They must take me seriously. They must know I don't need their Chief fighting my battles."

Andreas nodded, though he didn't know how well he could control himself if someone threatened her.

He and Anastasia approached the grounds, and all the men gathered to listen to their Chief. She heard chatter, and looked behind her to see her sisters approaching. She smiled at them, grabbing each of their hands as they took their places beside her.

"Aye, we've got to deal with all three of them?"

"Hope these cunts don't expect us to listen to 'em."