To Kiss a King

Chapter 29

It was morning when Fiora awoke for the first time, she vaguely remembered being nestled in Rafael’s arms as they rode on horse back. But now she was back in her own silken sheets...or so she thought. She sat up wincing at the pain in her back, arms and her head. Just about everything hurt and she closed her eyes as the room spun about her. 

When her sight stopped spinning she looked around the room, it wasn’t her room after all. It didn’t have the dank coldness of her once stone prison but instead was warm and masculine. There was a roaring fire with an impressive mantel resting in the corner. Large over stuffed leather arm chairs and a large desk occupied the middle of the room. Fine burgundy rugs littered the floors and exotic tapestries decorated the walls. 

Fiora noticed with a start that Rafael was hunched over in a chair by the large bed she now lay in. His back was heaving slowly and hair fell messily over his face. He was sleeping in the chair, Fiora felt mildly puzzled but lay down to rest some more. She nuzzled into the warm sheets...they smelled like Rafael. 

She woke up again later on blinking frantically in the sunlight. She couldn’t understand what had woke her until she noticed someone was changing the bandages on her arms.  Her head flopped over to the other side of the pillow and she looked up.

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Rafael began to gently change the dressings on Fiora’s wounds. He had been so lucky that he found her just in time, anger coursed through him as he remember last nights events. The image of her curled up in a ball utterly defenseless and broken still tore at his heart. 

She stirred slightly beneath his touch and he watched as she turned over. Her eyes met his instantly, she was so beautiful even in this state. Rafael watched as her eyes roamed all over his face and he did the same to her. Her silken hair was sprawled out over the pillow, her face covered in dirt and scratches. 

“Hello” Fiora broke the silence first. 

Rafael’s heart beat quickened at the sound of her voice. His heart soared at the fact that she was safe now...he would never let her go again. His hand outstretched and he tentatively placed his palm on her face. He stroked her soft cheek gently 

“Hello.” He replied smiling down at her. 

She gave him a warm heartfelt smile in return. Now was not the time to talk, they had all the time in the world to talk. Right now Rafael just wanted to enjoy this moment. He had ordered no doctors, he wanted the duty of taking care of her. It might be selfish but he thought it was about time he did something for himself. 

Her smile still tilted the corners of her mouth as she let her eyelids close. He brushed a piece of hair from her face and she sighed contentedly, slipping once more into slumber.  

After he finished cleaning and re-bandaging her wounds he turned to leave the room. 

“Wait” Fiora’s voice was small and gravelly. Rafael whipped around thinking just moments ago she had been asleep. “Don’t leave.” Her brows knitted in worry making Rafael’s heart break. 

He bounded over to the side of the bed gathering her small hands in his. “I wont leave you” He vowed whispering fiercely “Ever again.” 

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Sorry for the delay on this chapter! I've been so busy lately! As always thanks for the votes and all your support- it gives me the drive to write more and more :)

Comment, vote and fan :) 

~ Dani