Terms of Peace

And The Flavor You Taste Depends On How You Treat Her.

Aileen POV

I relaxed into his arms as they drew me closer to his chest. Never in a million years would I ever have imagined that I would be standing in the palace of my sworn enemy, in a room with only him, kissing him willingly. I couldn't help the tear that escaped my eye as I stood here feeling like I was betraying my older brother by kissing the man who was responsible for his death But I couldn't seem to pull myself away, his lips were intoxicating. He pulled back slightly and used one of his thumbs to wipe away my tears, "tell me what's making you cry princesita". Leaning his forehead to mine I meet his gaze before speaking "I miss my brother" and I started to sob burying my head in my hands.

"I will bring him here as soon as I can princesita".

"Not Chase" I choked, "Clay". I would have fell to the floor as my body shook but luckily he caught me before I hit the floor, sitting on the floor he pulled me into his lap and I buried my face into his chest. He just held me as I sobbed, rubbing my back gently and whispering sweet little nothings into my ear until all the tears I had in my body left.

"I know there is nothing I can ever do to replace the hole his death left in your heart and I will never be able to make up for being part of the reason he's no longer here with you. But I swear on my life and on my kingdom that I will never let you be hurt like that again". I don't know what possessed me but I looked up to his face and saw a tear rolling down his cheek and I wiped it away before kissing his cheek where the tear had been. There was no words I could say, I couldn't forgive him fully yet, he still had to earn my full trust. But there was a part of me that truly believed he was telling the truth and that he would keep his word. I stood up and extended my hand to him, smiling he took my hand and I pulled him into a standing position. Kissing me on the forehead as we hugged he then pulled me over to his desk chair and sat me down in it as he sat on his desktop, just as we were settled the door opened and Denise and Maria came in, arm-in-arm laughing.

Followed by Zabdiel, Joel, Ethan, Erick and even Johnathan. Zabdiel and Ethan went and pulled chairs from a table on side of the room so we could all sit around the desk as Chris and I had made ourselves comfortable. Once everyone was had sat Chris stood up and made his way behind the chair I was sitting in and put a hand on my shoulder which I left alone, got to keep up my reputation of being a strong independent woman who didn't care about man. Ethan was shooting daggers at Chris the whole time and I wasn't the only one to have noticed because Maria quickly jabbed her elbow into his ribs and he hissed in response glaring at her. 

"I wanted to talk a little bit about preparing for the wedding and announcements. People here kinda know about the peace terms but I think it might be best if we do an announcement similar to what we did in Kildare. I want people to meet Ro and her to meet the people".

"I think it would be a wise move, plus it gives everyone a chance to see how Kildare is as dedicated to  peace.  Not that any of us doubt you" he shot me a reassuring look to which I smiled back. Ethan continued to sit silently but I ignored him, if he was gonna act like a sulking child then I would treat him that way. 

"I would like to do that very much, I want to be able to meet the people of my new home and get  to know the people of my new home but I want to speak for myself to them" looking up at Chris I spoke to him, "you can introduce me and what not and maybe say a little about the situation".

"I think I can handle that my dear. So I also want figure out a time that we be good for us to take Maria and Aileen around the city to get to really know the people here. I haven't gotten to go out among the people on awhile so it'll kill two birds with one stone". 

"That would be enjoyable" Maria exclaimed turning to her other side where Joel sat, "would you be able to come along with us? I really don't want to be third-wheeling those two" gesturing her hand towards where Chris and I sat or well in his case stood. 

"I will certainly oblige you my lady. To be fair I wouldn't want to third wheel either".

"What about their protection"? Ethan finally spoke up but his tone held such hostility that Maria and I both leaned away from where he sat. I was really confused as to why he was being so rude today. Must have gotten his man period.

"Johnathan and I will be there the whole time, plus if Richard is available he might be able to join us as well. Of course you are free to join us as well but rest assured both Her Royal Highness and Lady Maria will be well taken care of" Erick said in a much sterner tone than I had heard him use before. Johnathan shook his head in agreement as Ethan huffed and returned to his silent state.

"I think Ethan should stay here, it will help him to learn the layout of the palace more and get to know more people around the palace that we will be seeing more frequently". I looked him in the eye and gave him the look that I know usually scared him out of his boots and he nodded in acknowledgment. "As for the wedding I think that the ideas Denise presented a few days ago were great ideas. Going into the city will provide an excellent opportunity to meet potential dress makers and flower arrangers as well as anyone who can decorate the venue and such. Which means I think that Denise should come along and Zabdiel if he wants to join".

"I might stay here there's things that need to be done planning wise and keep Ethan company". We were interrupted by Maria and Chris' stomach both growled loudly at the same time causing everyone including Ethan to laugh. "I think that's our time to go find out if lunch is ready yet" as Zabdiel stood he reached for Denise who took his hand in hers and the left the room whispering in each others ears. Joel and Maria followed suite doing the same thing as the couple that walked in front of them. 

"I'm sorry for my outbursts today Ro" Ethan apologized, " I don't know what's come over me lately". 

"It's fine just please don't cause me any more trouble, you know this is hard for the both of us. Come here and give me a hug and call it all good, we want to get there in time for there to be plenty of food". We hugged and I walked beside Ethan feeling more content that everything seemed to be going good.

Two updates in one day! If you haven't checked out my other story Forging Alliances please do! Its a Zabdiel story for one of my best friends Denise! Im going to try to update a couple more times before the weekend is over since I don't have a lot of time usually during the school week. Don't forget to comment and vote mis amores!!