The Lady of Shadows

The process continues

    As it turns out, Lilith went ahead and broke off to settle the town while Dominic and I handled the castle. By the time we joined her there was cheering in the streets. Dominic took the public's eye as the Prince, which made it easier for us to set up the new orders to help them in the events to come. We worked hard over several weeks to weed out the corruption and get the city back on track.

When it finally started to pay off and things were settling down Dominic made the announcement. A large gathering formed when he called for the city’s attention. I stood next to him as moral support.

    “Hello, it has been a long time since I last stood here…. I can remember it like yesterday…. My father, a proud man, declaring that I would soon sit in his throne. It was a horrible day for me if I am to be honest. I know nothing about leading people or caring for a nation. Up to that point the castle was all I had known in life, and as a result, when the attack came I was helpless. I could not save my family, myself, or the kingdom. It is because I recognize this weakness I have come to an agreement with Eslantu, our land will merge with their outer lands, to bee overseen by Countess Celine. She is a lovely person who I have had the pleasure of getting to know. The outer lands are more welcoming to the idea of all races living equally, and by living peacefully in this new kingdom we can spread that peace. Even the Princess herself wishes to get a taste of our culture and learn about us. I have agreed to this because I am not fit to be your ruler. I truly believe this is the best action to secure the future of our people. That and… my heart pulls me to another way of life. I wish to travel with my friends who have helped me free you, I wish to be a part of something more along with them. They helped me realize my goal, and now I long to return the favor.” He took a deep breath unsure of what else to say.

    “People hear me when I say that this new order of things will benefit you. I personally saw to the rise of the outer lands before hand selecting Celine to oversee it when I turned the land to the king. I will also be claiming a home in these lands for when our travels bring us home. I, as well as Dominic and our friend Lilith, will all be active in the communities when we are home. We will not allow others to tear down what we have worked so hard to build.” I spoke out for him. Slowly people began to clap and cheer. With the approval sounding Dominic relaxed and smiled at me. 

    “I was so worried they would hate me.” He whispered. 

    “They could never hate you, after all you are thinking of them first and trying to ensure their future.” I answered him. 

    As the celebrations continued we began our preparations for the merger. The documents had all been signed and all that was left was to have them delivered and acknowledged. The three of us agreed only one of us would be trusted with it, so we drew lots and Lilith was sent to visit Celine. 

    As the week passed Dominic and I spent time with the girls his uncle had assaulted. We tried to find a way to deal with the trauma they suffered. There was little we could do, but still anything we could do, we didn’t hesitate. 

    The night before Lilith came back I had trouble sleeping so I went for a walk. I was in the garden sniffing flowers and enjoying the night breeze. I was finally feeling peaceful when Dominic cleared his throat.

    “Hello there.” His voice was gruff sounding.

    “Hi, how long have you been there?” I asked. 

    “About an hour. I used to come here when I had a lot on my mind… Old habits. Anyways what are you doing out here? And dressed like that?” He asked. I looked down, I had forgotten that most of the nightwear I had was thin fabric, almost sheer. The gown I wore at that moment was black, form fitting till it reached my hips where it simply fell till my knees, on the side was a single split up to my hip. It was closer to sheer than other gowns I had so Dominic could see nearly all of me. I crossed my arm to hide some of my body from his view.

    “I couldn’t sleep.” I answered and turned away from him.

    “Shadow…” He sounded strained, but before I could turn to look at him he wrapped his arms around me and pulled my back flush against him. I felt my face heat up as he did so, “I know things are just getting started, and I now you have both me and Lilith competing for your affection, but you make it so hard to be calm.” 

    “I-I-I didn’t do anything.” I stumbled over my words. Dominic tucked his head besides mine, his breath brushed against my ear as he did.

    “Everything you do is amazing.” He whispered. It sent a chill down my spine. I felt my insides heat up and just as I was beginning to get uncomfortable with the sensation, he let me go. He was still standing directly behind me. I took a shaky breath and turned to face him. 

    “You are such a pain. I did nothing to earn your praises and I don’t….” He silenced me when his lips hit mine. I was stunned. His lips were so demanding as he leaned into me. His kiss was gentle in nature, but Dominic himself was hungry for the affection. When I accepted the kiss, his tongue found its way into my mouth and suddenly the kiss wasn’t so gentle. He pulled me close and I rested against him. When the kiss ended Dominic held me close while I tried to breath. He put his forehead to mine and in the moment we were peaceful. 

    “Dominic, I… have no idea what I am doing. Fighting, magic, overseeing a nation… all easy, but this… between you and Lilith…. I am completely lost and have no idea what is happening or what I am supposed to do…. I mean that was my first kiss, ever….” I tried to put the words together in my head. I couldn’t understand exactly what I was trying to explain. 

    “I know, honestly, I am lost as well. I have never been much of a romantic, but I know that when I look at you all I want to do is make you smile.” He said, “If that isn’t worth chasing, I don’t have any clue what is.” I looked up into his eyes, they were beautifully crimson, and they drew me in… 

    “I-it’s late.” I managed. I shoved him away and ran to my room. Once there I leaned against the door and slide down to the floor. I wasn’t able to sleep that night…. Shocker.