The Swordswoman of Arden

Surpession

-Morganna's pov-

How dare father talk about Lex like that, she had done nothing but prove her worth since the very beginning. I was standing outside the knight's quarters by the door, still shaking slightly from the whole ordeal. I was careful not to stray too far from the building though, I didn't want to be attacked by another boar, one was enough for a lifetime.

I wasn't used to conflict with my father, up until this point I had always bitten my tongue when he made a decision I didn't agree with, he was Pâllais' king after all. I found it difficult not to feel guilty about the way I had spoken to him, it was rather abrupt and snappy, extremely unlike myself. I wanted to apologise, but stood my ground, what I said needed to be said, and it was final. 

"Morgana?"

My father opened the door, and gestured for me to come back inside. I took a deep breath, brushed down the front of my skirt and did as I was told. Lex appeared to be happy, which was strange considering the news which she'd just been given. I on the other hand was still trying to suppress a hanging sadness that accompanied the reality I was unlikely to see her again. She would travel back to Arden and that would be it. 

I would never smell the scent of sandalwood which she carried everywhere she went. Her inquisitive stare and shining dark hair... gone. Like she was never there at all. 

"I have reached a verdict which you will be pleased with, Morgana," my father spoke quickly, interrupting my train of thought.

"After thinking about what you said, I have decided to cancel the trials tomorrow. My ancient views had previously clouded my judgement, but you have helped me to see clearly again. She is talented, and I'm so proud your views aren't as limited as mine."

I could hardly believe my ears, was he admitting he was wrong out loud?

"I can make the ceremony as early as tomorrow, if you are happy with my proposal?"

I blinked widely, struggling to contain the surge of excitement that had just swirled through my insides. I kept my expression rather flat, I desperately wanted father to think I wasn't as bothered as I was.

"Wonderful news father, and I would like to apologise for stepping out of line earlier, it was most unladylike."

He waved my apology down humbly, and I turned to the tall woman leant against the wooden beam in the corner.

"Congratulations Lex," I smiled politely, relieved I wouldn't have to say farewell prematurely.

"Thank you Princess, I look forward to our time together," she replied nobly, returning the smile.

"It's been a rather long day," my father sighed, straightening the crown atop his head. 

"Lex, may you escort my daughter to her chambers for the night?"

"Of course King Creon, it would be my pleasure," she bowed, and I opened the door for us both. 

I was also tired, but exhilarated at the same time, a strange concoction to say the least. In simpler terms, I wanted to turn in for the night, but also didn't want to be alone. Lex wasn't allowed in my chambers, but she also wasn't allowed to fornicate with betrothed female royalty so I'm sure I could let it slide whilst I was already being deceitful.

"Pleased with the news?" She enquired, opening the forecourt door to the passage which led to my chambers.

"I suppose so," I replied matter of factly, pulling my cloak further round my shoulders and ignoring the brewing excitement in my head.

"Showing a little enthusiasm won't kill you princess," she laughed dryly, matching my ample pace.

Goodness, if she knew how I really felt...

"Sorry Lex, I'm afraid I'm just tired," I excused with only some truth, and she sighed as my door came into view.

"Our time is always cut short my lady, will you not allow me in your chambers even to simply speak some more?"

"Well- I'm not supposed to," I sheepishly replied, wishing she would just ignore me and walk straight into my chambers no questions asked.

"I am aware I'm not yet appointed as your protector but surely you can make an exception?" she pushed, and I nodded in agreement. 

She opened the door for me with a satisfied look upon her face and followed me inside.

"Very lavish," she murmured gazing from ceiling to floor, her eyes shining brilliantly in the candlelit glow.

There hadn't been a time yet in which her beauty hadn't pierced directly through my soul with an arrow straight from Venus herself, but tonight... Lex looked irresistible.

Her face alone could be compared to nothing less than that of a siren. It was taunting, ethereal, and frustratingly out of reach. Her inky-black hair tumbled over her shoulders in a cascade of impossibly silky tresses, and all I could do was stare. I was touch starved, and the subtle rosy shade to her cheeks roused me.

Before I had time to even process that she was walking towards me, she had tugged off her leather gloves and cast them aside, I realised the need for skin-to-skin contact was clearly a craving of hers as she unlaced my cloak with a single flick of her pointer finger. It fell to the floor in a crumpled heap, and I was sure I would have fallen right down next to it if she hadn't then unleashed all her pent-up passion onto me. Her arms were invitingly secure, but all these kisses kept happening so quickly, and I was starting to become overwhelmed with emotion. 

For some ridiculous reason, I stepped back, leaving her looking confused, hands still where my face once was. I felt small, and avoided eye-contact whilst I tried to regain my composure.

"Too fast?" She asked, reading my mind instantly. "I'm sorry, I'm not the best at concealing my enthusiasm," she tittered, being remarkably understanding. "I'll leave you alone for the night now my lady," she finished humbly, bowing briefly.

The word 'alone' struck discomfort through my body, and I managed to muster a hoarse whisper as a response. 

"Don't go."

My request was pathetic, I was a princess for goodness sake, I never thought I stoop as low as to yearn for someone's company. She did stop walking, but I could tell she was wary of coming too close to me in case it made me uncomfortable again. I was grateful for this gesture, it showed she valued how I felt, and she cared not just for passion, but also treasured me. 

"As you wish," she confirmed with a sultry undertone, and I gulped hugely, my face must have turned as ashen as the stone walls at that point, what in god's name did I think I was doing. She stepped before me once again, but this time, I could feel the lust drip from her fingertips as they brushed down my neck. Her caress was gentle and confident. She knew exactly how to reassure me, but I still couldn't be more nervous if I tried.