64 Stellan Kissed Me
HAELAN'S POV
Stellan exhaled sharply as he grab hold of my arm, then he leaned forward and tossed me down. In one swift move, he laid on top of me as he held my arms up. I could feel his weight and the coldness of his armor as he press his body on mine.
"If you're this strong, why didn't you kill the mystic healer yourself?", Stellan suddenly asked as I feel his breath on my face. My heart pounded heavily like it's in a race.
"The situation was given, Galen should wield my sword to save ourselves", I said as my eyes adjust in complete darkness. I'm not sure if he could see me, but slowly, I can see a glimpse of his manly face. "Can you now let go of me, Sir Stellan? Your armor is a bit cold. Also, you're heavy", I said as I wriggle.
"Galen? You call him Galen? Is he special to you?", Stellan asked as I forgot to address the prince properly. I'm not sure if I heard him right, but his tone sounds a little bit angry as he tighten his grip on my wrists.
"I mean the Prince… No, he..", I wasn't able to explain myself when Stellan pressed his warm soft lips on mine. His grip loosen a bit, as he softly nibble on my lower lip sending me over the moon. Hearing his soft groans sent me an electrifying urgency to kiss him back, but I remained still as I get a hold of myself. This can't be right.
It was different from our first kiss which was quick and subtle. I could feel queasy with my stomach churning like some winged things were flying in. He tasted so sweet like the best ale served in the palace. I never thought that kisses would be so addicting, that as he move away, he left me wanting more.
"Sir Stellan, I am a man", I softly uttered. He pulled me up as he place his hand at the back of my head.
"I am, too. Is gender something that should stand between us?", Stellan said as I feel sudden spikes in my chest. If he knew that I am woman, would he still take interest?
"You don't even like me", I turned away as he fire a torch with his ball of flame. The scarlet incandescence of the flames gave me a breathtaking side of Stellan. Have he gone completely mad?
"Your presence enthralled me that no words could wield the matter", he left me in the hallway as he lit all the torches from the one he lit with wave of his hand.
Stellan kissed me.
Watching him walk away, I grazed my lips and thought of some wildest thoughts if I have kissed him back. But if I did, he would have known that I am a woman. That kiss brought so many memories that I have buried in the back of my mind. I wonder if his eyes were closed, for mine were completely open. I hope it wasn't too dark that time for I wanted to see Stellan's reaction.
Rushing to the privy, I cooled myself down as I bathe with ice cold water. Running my fingers through my damped hair, I keep thinking about Stellan. Imagining the possibility that if a great Paladin like him would really be with a known man like me, could he bear to stand beside me with all the prying eyes and unimaginable filthy words of other people that will be held against us?
When I passed by our sleeping quarters, Atrius and Jacomus were already face down asleep. Jacomus still have crumbs of bread and a bottle of wine under his bed. I stopped by the kitchen to grab an apple and a receptacle of water. I couldn't even eat due to the overwhelming delight stuck in my chest.
On my way to the library, I can't help but smile and giggle. My back felt ease as soon as it touched the soft cushion I made in the library. The day was surely eventful and extremely tiring, but after that kiss… it felt like I could run more miles, or climb the highest mountains.
Lying awake as I stare at the ceiling, I opposed with the most beautiful conflict Stellan started. I kept sighing with the torment of the truth that I can't be with Stellan. Not belonging in this kingdom is one thing, and being a woman is another reason. Savouring the sleepless night with thoughts of him, I am a fool if I say I don't like him.
I woke up way too soon, with the sun still haven't fully shone. Wearing an ivory chemise and a mauve tabard, I waited in the training grounds for Stellan. With so much anticipation, I waited patiently as the cloudy sky turn blue. An hour passed, I was called to report in the chancery with Lord Harlan. My shoulders dropped with my false hope, I won't be seeing Stellan after all. For the last day of my training, I'll be learning to control my powers with the lords.
"Good morrow, my Lords", I greeted them both with a slight bow.
"Ready to start, Haelan?", Lord Harlan asked as his eyes disappeared as he beam a smile.
"I thought Sir Stellan would be granting me with his presence for my training", I searched for Stellan with my eyes around the chancery.
"He's occupied at the moment, for there's a fair in Agora tonight. Everyone will be there", Lord Harlan answered as he lift the hem of his white tunic with thick black lining. He walked towards me while he scratch his chin full of beard.
"A fair? Is it a perfect time to hold one?", I asked.
"The Queen insisted to pursue the yearly Ren fair. She believes that people should not live in fear since the kingdom have the most warriors and Paladins to protect the people", Lord Callaghan said. He's wearing a black tunic with silver linings.
"What's a Ren fair?", I asked inquisitively.
"It's a tradition here in Nether that gather people for amusement. There will be a large bonfire that will be lit, some fortune-telling and crafts tents, maybe a little bit of street dancing… lots of drinking and probably mask-wearing. All will be done to ward off evil spirits and demons", Lord Harlan explained.
"Haven't your Uncle Tobias told you that?", Lord Callaghan asked as he squinted his eyes at me.
"Unfortunately no", I answered. "Can I come?", I haven't attended a festival before in my life. And I guess, it would be a great memory if I could attend th Ren fair before I go back to Aelmere.
"If it were so, we should end our training early so you could attend the festivity", Lord Harlan said. "After today, you'll be sent to the palace as a Palace Paladin. At least, you get to savor a free moment before the palace bury you in your paladin duties", he said warmly.
Without further ado, Lord Harlan placed me in front of the hearth with freshly chopped firewood inside. "Now, try to light up the fireplace using your core energy", he said as the Lords observe.