One More Chance

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Her eyes were closed when he entered the tent. Whether she had really slept or was just pretending, he didn't know. But he wasn't complaining, it suited him just nice. If she was awake, things would have been awkward. Christian removed his shirt and tossed it to one side. He walked over to extinguish the lamp and laid on his bedroll.

It was too close to Catherine's. He could smell the lavender soap she had used that morning. The same one that he had a caught a whiff off during his marriage ceremony. Even after all these hours, it still lingered in the air and taunted him. He was tempted to take the soft feminine bundle into his arms and cuddle her. She was his wife for god sake! He could if he wanted to. But he wouldn't. Christian was a man of word he reminded himself. He would not break his promises and he did promise to keep himself off her, didn't he? He summoned his strength and with great effort turned to put his back to her.

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Catherine let out her breath slowly. Her senses had been heightened the moment he had re-entered the tent. She had kept still and pretended to have fallen asleep to avoid any awkwardness. If only she could have really fallen asleep. Now it seemed impossible. Warmth was radiating from him and proved welcoming in the chillness of the night. She was tempted to move closer to him to share his body heat. But she did not dare. She had no idea what he would say if she did that and Cathy wasn't sure she wanted to find out. It was with great effort that she closed her eyes and told her mind to count sheeps, and focus elsewhere on anything except on the huge gorgeous male next to her who was her husband.

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Christian opened his eyes. From what he could see from the small opening of the tent, it was early dawn. He turned around and got up slowly, not wanting to disturb Catherine. It was then that he noticed that the bedroll next to him was empty. How was it possible? He was such a light sleeper. He blamed it on falling asleep late last night. He had kept awake for a long time thinking about Catherine.

He quickly pulled his shirt on and left the tent to look for her. What happened? Had the rebels got to her? Oh god! The consequences to the King and the Kingdom was too great and he would have failed in his promise to keep Catherine safe. Oh, no, he thought in slight panic.

The camp was still. His men had not waken up yet. It was still early. Only those who were on patrol duty were around. He approached them hurriedly to ask if they saw anything suspicious. It was then that she suddenly appeared from behind the tree. She walked back towards the tent and smiled to one of the knights on duty who nodded his head in return. She trudged back to the camp, waving at another knight.

He released a huge breath in relief. She was safe. In a moment, he was angry. Where the hell had she gone to? Hadn't he told her about the danger? He walked briskly towards her and grabbed her hand harshly.

"What?" She started as he pulled her roughly into their tent.

"Where the hell did you go? Haven't I told you enough about the danger that could befall you? How could you be so careless? Couldn't you have brought someone with you?" Christian ranted in anger.

"Fine!" She yelled back. "The next time I need to answer the nature's call, I'll call a group of your knights to come and watch! Ok?" She asked back angrily.

It was like a douse of cold water on his anger. His anger subsided immediately and he felt embarrassed and chided himself for not thinking about her needs. Well, it wasn't quite his fault was it? He hadn't been around female company for any substantial amount of time. Yet, she still could have been in danger.

"But, it was still dangerous," he said much more softly.

"I have a dagger strapped to me. And for your information, I know how to use it as well as my sword. You know I can protect myself. I didn't go defenseless," she retorted.

"But still, the next time, pls call me to go with you. We can't be safe enough as it is, given that the rebels want to overthrow this kingdom with a huge ferocity," he replied.

"Fine," she retorted and walked out of the tent.

He had messed that up. Well, it was not like he was trying to be in her good graces was he?

Then, why did he feel like an idiot?