The Swordswoman of Arden

Right and wrong

Lex sucked in air through her teeth as I dabbed at her cut with a wet rag. Her eyes were screwed shut and I smiled. I hated that she was in pain, but I'd never seen her this vulnerable. It was refreshing to be the one taking care of her for once.

"The pain is terrible. I am thankful for your gentle touch princess, I don't think I could sit still for long if it wasn't you looking after me," she said gratefully.

I smiled, picking up a long piece of cloth and winding it round the wound tightly to lessen the bleeding. 

"Well, you saved me, this is the least I can do to say thank you," I responded, securing her bandage with a few safety pins. She placed her callused hand on top of mine, sending tremors through my skin. I swallowed, peering up into her russet shaded eyes. I dared to keep my hand where it was, for the first time allowing my feelings to envelope me. I was tired of keeping it secret that I thought about her all the time, every day even.

"How can you be as equally kind as you are beautiful?" She calmly asked, taking her wristguard from her lap and fumbling to put it back on.

I laced it up for her, keeping my gaze averted so as not to become too flustered.

"Your opinion of me is flattering, but too high, It's my duty to behave and look presentable," I matter of factly spoke, pulling slightly on her wristguard laces to tighten them.

"You must agree that you posses a beauty like no other, my lady?" She questioned, raising a skeptical eyebrow and holding her hands together in her lap.

"I'm not sure about that," I answered, giggling softly. "I would say that you are more beautiful than I."

"I thought you were intelligent Morgana, clearly I was wrong," she teased, standing up. "I am aware I'm attractive, that's not being conceited, I'm just honest," she continued. "But you, Morgana. Your visage is the fairest kind I have ever laid eyes upon."

I could feel the blush begin to crawl onto my cheeks again, and tried to step backwards, but there was a wall behind me. Her confidence was alluring, and I noticed a strangely persistent heat all over my body that I wasn't accustomed to.

"To be stood near someone who looks like you do," she uttered, taking a step closer. "Is exhilarating." 

All my muscles were rigid, tense. The closeness was intoxicating, I wanted more. Her fingertips traced my collarbone, it was as if she had forgotten who I was to her.

"Be careful of your wounded arm," I stuttered, but she paid no attention.

"I've seen the way you look at Mattheus." She interrupted sincerely. "Blandly, with dread in your eyes, like you want the ground to swallow you whole. It pains me to see you so unhappy, you should be allowed to do what you want."

My knees were starting to wobble, I wasn't used to someone speaking to me so intensely, it was invigorating. Once again, I was lost for words. She had read me so deeply, I was unsure what to do or say.

"I... I don't have a choice, I'm royalty, I can't just do as I please."

She smiled slowly, challengingly. 

"What do you desire?"

She queried, and I could feel the suspense thicken between us.

"If I were to do what I want, would you stop me?" She fearlessly traced a thumb over my bottom lip, and was so near to me that I could see the gold flecks in her deep brown eyes.

I was breathless, faint even. I risked not speak, but also dared not move. She trailed both hands over my upper arms, and I almost visibly shivered. I wanted to taste her, more than I have ever wanted to taste anyone before, and I glanced her up and down quickly. She tilted her head down, and our lips collided together. The taste of whiskey and pure desire crashed through my veins, and I lay my hands upon her chestplate. The way her body pressed against me was purely elating. 

This was what it was supposed to feel like. She drew me in, hands grasping at my clothing firmly as the kiss became more fervent, passionate. This felt so absurdly right, even though it was the opposite of such. Everything surrounding guilt and decorum had disintegrated from my mind, and I wished hopelessly for this to never end.

"Morgana?" A voice that I knew all too well called from just outside the door.

Lex flew off me just in time, and the delayed horror that we could have been caught flooded through me.

"Oh thank goodness you are ok!" My father sighed in relief, rushing over to yank me into a suffocating embrace. 

I caught sight of Lex touching her lips lightly behind him, and her expression was still in disbelief yet also smug. What happened was forbidden, which made it all the more thrilling. She locked eyes with me as I hugged my father, and winked slyly, causing my stomach to flutter as the strange heat between my legs slowly ebbed away. 

She knew exactly what she was doing, and she was so good at it.