The Fire Burning Within

Chapter 15

We get an early start, moving out before dawn breaks. Isaac and I are inseparable the entire time, walking side by side and talking about everything from favorite foods to childhood memories. I think Jim and Malik sense my nerves, because they tease relentlessly the entire way to lighten the mood. 

"Amara, lass, you should refrain from watching the Commander's backside so closely, lest ye trip over something," Jim murmurs, smirking, and Malik adds, "He's right, madam, it's for your own safety." At this point, even Isaac has a smug grin on his face. Alright, they want to try embarrassing me? We'll see if they can handle this snarky southern girl. 

"Oh, boys, don't be jealous, it's just unbecoming. I mean, if you had an ass as exquisite as Isaac's then I might admire you as well. Also, don't worry; you will both grow into your big ass heads one day." The soldiers close enough to hear are roaring with laughter, while Malik and Jim are beet red and ducking their heads.

I hear a mixture of "I'm not bloody jealous" and "Too much bloody information" and I can't stop laughing. I look to Isaac, expecting to see his face sporting a deep shade of purple, but he is doubled over, barely making noise because he's laughing so hard. It makes me smile to see him so carefree now. I grab his hand, pulling him ahead of everyone else, so that we can hear each other talk. 

"I showed them, didn't I?" I wiggle my eyebrows at him, making him laugh again. 

"You truly are one of a kind, darling. Also, for the record, I enjoy admiring your arse as well," he says with a wink. I smile, "I love this side of you. It makes me happy to know you're happy. Thank you for making today easier for me." He kisses my hand, and we continue in silence for a moment. 

Suddenly, Isaac tells the men to rest a moment, before making the final push to Redmond. He pulls me ahead and off the path, until we are in a clearing far enough that we won't be disturbed, but are still within shouting distance. 

Isaac pulls me into a deep kiss, tangling his fingers in my hair, and I cup the back of his head. After a few moments, Isaac usually stops, but this time he backs me up, pressing me against a tree. One hand slides from my hair to cup my face, while the other gently squeezes my hip. 

Finally, we separate, for no reason other than to breathe, and Isaac rests his head against mine. "I'm sorry, but I needed to kiss you one last time before we reach the castle, and I may have gotten carried away." I give him a gentle kiss, then we separate so Isaac can take a few deep breaths and try to will away the discomfort beneath his armor.

"Isaac, what's my brother like?" He pauses for a moment, thinking, before he answers.

"Jonathon has always been quiet like myself, but he is able to fall seamlessly into crowds at balls and such. He's a very good leader, and cares about his people. However, he is very easy to persuade and often believes whatever he hears, which can be dangerous for someone with his power. Why do you ask?"

"I never had siblings in the other world, so I kind of just wanted to know what he's like and what to expect. Honestly, I just didn't want to be disappointed if he was an asshole." Laughing, Isaac rolls his eyes, kissing me again.

Shortly after that we get back on the trail, getting knowing grins from the jokesters, but fortunately they keep quiet. The closer we get, the more nervous my stomach feels. An hour later, we step out of tree cover, and across a field, up on a large hill, is Redmond. We finally made it.