Chapter 11
I opened my eyes and was startled to see I wasn’t in the gardens anymore. I was inside of a tent. Allwyn was sitting next to me and rushed to my side when he heard me stirring.
“The stone.” I demanded. I felt awful for not getting a chance to contact the people. I quickly relayed my message and leaned back on the bedroll. “I feel so weak.” I told Allwyn.
“I think you overexerted your magic, which is surprising since you have such an extensive supply.” He explained. He put a few pillows behind me to prop me up and brought over a bowl of food. I tried to take it but my hands were shaking to much to pick up the spoon. He gently took it from my hands and fed me. It was the kindest gesture anyone had done for me, but I couldn’t help but be ashamed I passed out my first day and he had to feed me.
“I’m sorry, my guard.” I said in a soft voice, full of shame. He looked up confused.
“Why would you be sorry?” He fed me another spoonful of the roasted vegetables, but never took his eyes from mine.
“I’m a failure of a queen. I couldn’t make it one day before passing out.” I explained. It should have been obvious.
“You, my Queen, are not seeing yourself correctly. You immediately woke up and contacted your people. You overexerted yourself to fix your people’s lands. You have done all of this, because you care. That is exactly what a queen does. You are the most humble, beautiful and giving queen I have ever had the honor of serving.” He said reverently. I blushed at his compliments.
“Thank you, Allwyn. You never cease to surprise me.” I said with a small smile.
“How so?” He inquired with a slight grin.
“First I meet you and you hate me. Then while I’m still human, you save me. Then you pledge yourself to me and become one of my most trusted of friends. It’s funny how only a few short weeks has felt like years.” I explained. He laughed at my assessment of our time.
“I didn’t hate you, I hated humans as a whole. When we first came here, we were treated so poorly. I watched a human kill a friend and I have despised them ever since. Then this fiery little girl comes around protects me with all she is. It shocked me and intrigued me. I wanted to know you, before you were a Fae, but I pushed you away because I was afraid to be disappointed. Then you saved my life, and holding you in my arms as you changed I thought I lost you. In that moment I have never been so desperate, so scared. You have changed me, little butterfly.” He said with a smile.
“I like this side of you.” I teased, giving him a flirtatious smile. His smile changed from happy to sultry at my words.
“I have another side I could show you sometime. I promise you will like it, too.” His eyes darkened and they lowered from my eyes to my mouth. I could feel my chest heat and my face flush from his declaration. My heart was pounding in my chest. He ran his thumb across my bottom lip, before lightly brushing his lips against mine.
“You will have to wait to see that side. I would break you in the state you are in now, butterfly.” He gave me one last heated look before walking out of the tent. I let out a huge breath and tried to lower my heart rate. He had me so worked up I could feel it all the way to my core. It’s always the quiet and surly ones you have to watch out for.
“Queenie!” Jacob’s boisterous entrance snapped me away from my heated thoughts. “Wait a minute, why are you flushed like that?” His eyes narrowed as the took in my flushed cheeks and heavy breathing.
“Oh nothing.” I tried to play it cool. “It’s just a bit warm in here.”
“Well I think the warmth just left your tent, so you can relax now.” He joked, knowing exactly why I was so worked up. Leave it to my best friend to call me out.
“Alright Prince Jacob, how are you doing? How did the first meal go?” I asked, trying to deflect the attention away from me. Getting Jacob to talk about himself was the perfect excuse, and he didn’t disappoint.
“Actually, it went really well. I actually left everything unattended when I saw Allwyn carrying you in. When I went back after you were settled in here, Andras had stepped in and taken over. Then he stuck around and helped me cook. THEN! Then we had dinner together and talked.” He swooned as he told me about Andras and I couldn’t even contain the squeal.
“Stop! You did?” I did a weak happy dance for him in my bed.
The tent flap burst open, causing both of us to jump. Allwyn looked around with wild eyes, then quickly realized it was just us.
“What happened? I heard you yell!” His tone was exasperated, like I had done something wrong.
“Nothing, I was excited about something Jacob said. Chill out, Allwyn.” My eyes were wide, I didn’t think we were that loud.
“You Fae must have crazy good hearing.” Jacob muttered, his cheeks flushing.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t hear your words, I was just paying attention in case she needed me.” Allwyn reassured Jacob. He didn’t hide the laughter in his voice. “You two will seriously be the death of me. I just don’t understand you.”
“And you probably never will. We have our own language and silent conversations at this point.” I said with a shrug.
“She isn’t wrong.” Jacob added, unapologetic. Allwyn gave an exaggerated eye roll before turning and walking out.
“Did he just roll his eyes?” I asked, as I burst out into laughter. Jacob just shook his head through his laughter.
“Anyway.” He picked the conversation back up once he composed himself. “It was amazing. I know I should probably not be this excited so soon after Sam, but there is just something about that man I can’t help but be drawn too. It’s not even his looks. He is so passionate about his books and knowledge, but he isn’t condescending when he shares what he knows. He’s quiet, but also not afraid to join in with everyone. He just has a way of talking to me that makes me feel important, like I matter.” His voice got softer as he finished. I held open my arms, knowing he needed a hug. He snuggled in next to me and I wrapped my arms around him, offering silent support for a few moments.
“You matter to me, Jacob. You are the most important person in my life.” I whispered into his ear as I hugged him. It was the truth. I loved grandmother in her own way, but the love I had for Jacob was different. He loved me for who I was and never stopped encouraging me.
“I know, I’ve just been such a mess. Look at me, ruining a fun gossip session. I’m judging myself at this point.” He joked as he pulled away. He wasn’t one for lingering on feelings and intense moments. “Alright Queenie, get some sleep, I know I am.” He left my bed roll and curled up on the one next to the tent wall, leaving a space in the middle. I closed my eyes and was just starting to drift off when a familiar smell of trees and soil hit my senses. I smiled, knowing Allwyn had joined us. I fell asleep quickly, feeling safe and happy.