Chapter Six - Valerie

Although I have every reason to leave, I don't go just yet. Now that I'm free, with the door open, I find I want to discover more about Eldan. To help him at least come to terms with the fact that the brother he looked up to was not who he seemed upon the surface.

I know the world is at my feet, though if I'm honest, it gets tiring with the constant wandering, and never having somewhere to settle. I don't think I'll be staying in this castle, not whilst there's the slightest chance I might be identified, despite my change of looks. I've had a few talks with Eldan. Now that he sees me as a person, rather than a demon, he's more nervous to touch me, to do what he did back when he saw me as dirt.

The dumb thing is, I actually miss it. The roughness of it provided a perfect distraction from my memories, from all the bodies I've seen, and for the guilt I feel for inadvertently angering Yartusk enough to slaughter his captives in that twisted basement.

When I was tossed into jail, I fully expected to die, but the long time waiting gave me repeats of that nightmare, of dreading that someone else like Yartusk might come along. Perhaps even wondering if his entire family might be responsible for this, and were covering him up. Suffice to say, Eldan had no clue. Neither does his parents, who I've only glimpsed once or twice, since I avoid the main wings of the castle.

I keep telling myself I'll go soon, but I keep staying one extra night. Eldan makes it easy for me, giving me coin to buy from the markets, a personal driver for out of town trips, and he has even offered to let Jara be my slave if I'm planning to stick around, though I think I prefer to see her as a friend who is a little bit more competent at doing house chores.

I'm given fresh clothes, those of a noblewoman's, which is a high step up from the rags I used to wear. I no longer look like a slave, but like someone dignified and wealthy.

It seems neither of us seem to want to leave one another's sight.

Perhaps because now we all share the same nightmare.

I wake up gasping one night, and Eldan's hovering over my bed, blue eyes wide in concern as he's shushing and stroking my short black hair. Dimly, I register the small chamber I sleep in, separate from Eldan's, and the sweat Eldan's mopping off my brow, and my frantically beating heart.

“It's okay, it's okay,” he says, trying to soothe me. I swallow air, brain vaguely remembering the nightmare, then I sigh.

“Sorry. I've been having these kind of dreams on and off for a while.”

The bear prince examines the gray ceiling with a dour look upon his face. “I noticed you having nightmares. I'm a light sleeper at best, so when I hear noises, I always go over to check on you.”

It doesn't surprise me. I clutch onto Eldan's arm now for support and comfort. “Just a shame it took you so long to believe. Not that I blame you for wanting to see your brother as someone good.”

His expression droops. “I feel bad for having treated you as I did. You were right all along. But it doesn't matter if you're right. You'll be killed if word gets out on who you are.”

“It's why I need to go,” I say, though my statement is half-hearted.

“Yes,” he murmurs, his blue eyes observing me for a moment.

Testing the waters, delving into the hidden reason why I'm so reluctant to go, but less willing to admit to myself, my hand snakes around his neck and pulls his lips close, so I can touch them with mine.

We've not kissed before. The contact sends electric shivers through us. His musky, wild aroma trickles through my senses, enticing me to him, and my lips continue moving against his with delicacy, taking the time to get to know him through his kindness.

He's patient and adapts to it, and I can tell he's melting into the moment as much as I am. Already, my panties are becoming soaked, and my hands trail along his taut, corded muscles, and the bump of bone in his elbow. His erection becomes noticeable, and I help tease him out of the confines of his pants, letting it spring free. He adjusts so he's on top of me, shoulder muscles rippling as he gently grinds against my body, kissing me in earnest, sometimes diving into my neck. I sigh into the embrace, and undress myself for him, the emotions in my stomach floating, as if I'm drunk on desire.

I like the tenderness of this. I enjoy the roughness, the primal lust that rages inside us, but I also enjoy the finesse of foreplay, of the intimacy shared in moments like these. In a way, it's scarier than being dominated, because your heart, your secrets are far closer to the surface than ever before.

His strength, which normally is frightening, is well in control as he positions himself, and peels off my wet panties, before allowing his hand to reach up and massage my breast.

When he enters me, I sigh, because it feels to me as if he belongs there. Our breaths pant into one another's faces, and our eyes keep hazing in lust and ecstasy, as we entwine, and come together without any hard, damming feelings between us.

My climax comes like a lap of waves upon a beach, sending a smile upon my lips, and Eldan isn't so long in coming as well.

When we lie on either side of the rather small bed, his huge, rough hands keep threading through the short locks of hair on my head.

“I think I know why I'm stalling,” I say to him then, prompting a beam of happiness from his lips.

“Just one more night, then?” He says, a twinkle in his blue eyes.

“Just one more night,” I agree.

We both know it's a lie.

There's a lot to work through between us. Not to mention the fact that without the truth of their sadistic dead prince coming to light, I'm number one on everyone's hit-list. That is, if they realize I'm still alive.

I suspect it will be up to Eldan or some other whistleblower to reveal Yartusk's shady dealings. But I do agree that smearing the royal family with his legacy isn't the best way to help keep the faith in the people.

Maybe some secrets are meant to be buried. Or maybe they'll always find a way into the light, no matter how hard people trample on them.

Either way, it seems one way or another, I've thoroughly tangled up my fate with Eldan's. Maybe we'll learn to love. To open one another's hearts, to become something cohesive and strong together. Or maybe not.

Guess I'll follow this road and see where it goes.