Arcadia's Ignoble Knight: Dark Elf Arc

Chapter 36

When Caspian returned to the Peacekeeper's headquarters with Christo and Cassidy, several Peacekeepers were waiting for them at the entrance. They were a mixed bag of men and women. All of them saluted when they returned. Not even one of them looked at the sleeping Elincia with scorn in their eyes.

"Lord Caspian." One of the Peacekeepers stepped forward. She was a severe-looking woman with orange hair and sharp eyes. "I do not know if you remember me, but I was involved in the incident with Matthew Davidson."

"You were the commanding officer when we went to subdue the murakumo attacking the city. I remember."

Caspian nodded as he shifted Elincia a little when she began to slip from his arms. The girl mumbled something in her sleep before leaning forward and pressing her nose against his neck, making him resist the urge to suck in a breath.

The woman seemed to recognize his actions for what they were, and the smirk she threw him made Caspian somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, the woman was smart enough not to pursue this topic.

"Commander Feral is currently making his rounds, so he isn't here at the moment," she began. "However, we have been asked to provide you and Lady Elincia with a place to stay." Her eyes suddenly looked back at the sleeping princess in his arms, but then she looked back at him, that smirk once more in place. "I assume just one room will be enough? We don't have much space, so that's all we can afford to give you."

"One room is fine," Caspian said, trying not to sound embarrassed. It was okay. He and Elincia had been sleeping together for awhile now. Sharing a bed was nothing.

If the commanding officer was shocked by his words, she didn't let them on as she gestured toward him. "Then follow me."

"Right." He turned to Cassidy and Christo. "I'm going to put Ele to bed. I'll see you two later."

"Take care, Caspian! See you tomorrow!" Christo waved at him with the enthusiasm of an idiot.

"Please let me know if you need anything, Master Caspian." Cassidy clasped her hands in front of her and bowed. "I will do anything you request of me!"

"I know. Take care."

Caspian left Christo and Cassidy, following the orange-haired woman into the foyer and up the stairs. He was led to a door in what he guessed was approximately the center of the Peacekeeper's headquarters, which he realized belatedly was the most defensible position. They were probably trying to surround Elincia with as much protection as they could.

"This will be your quarters for now." The woman opened the door before handing him a set of keys. "It comes equipped with its own restroom and shower. You may use these quarters as you see fit for foreseeable future."

"Thank you very much," Caspian said before entering the room. He glanced around as the door shut behind him. The room was quaint, but it was also nice, well-maintained, and had the basic necessities. He wouldn't want for anything, though Elincia might want to redecorate it to make the space look less bland.

Walking over to the bed, Caspian laid Elincia down, and then stood back up. He frowned for a moment as the elven beauty rested on the bed. She was still wearing the outfit they'd gotten in Axium. The green dress with white underdress and brown boots with open toes didn't look very comfortable, but he also remembered what happened last time--and he wasn't drunk enough to think stripping her was a good idea. That said, he did take off her boots and undo her bodice, which he hoped would allow her to breath more easily.

Now that Elincia looked a little more comfortable, Caspian pulled off his own boots and sat down. He reached out and carressed Elincia's hair. It was easily the softest thing he'd ever felt. There was also something innately therapeutic about it. He couldn't really explain it with words, but just stroking her head like this calmed his nerves.