Connected to the King

Unexpected Sighting

Marcus and I have spent our time in the war chamber afterward. It took over two days to go over strategies for the upcoming war between the green-eyed man we all assumed to be King Porter, according to Ulysses.

Over the course of those days, I found Marcus taking comfort in placing his hands on my hips, draping an arm over my shoulders, leaning against me, or even rubbing his leg against mine. The initial gesture made me uncomfortable but if it helped keep him calm then my feelings on the matter were invalid.

I stared down at the map and dusted my hands off as Marcus placed the final pieces of the ambush in place. Mumbling caught me off guard for a moment as I glanced at Marcus. His lips were moving but he wasn’t speaking loud enough for anyone to hear, not even me.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

His brow furrowed as his eyes looked over at me, his lip twitched making me pull my hand away from him. “I’m fine.” He growled before turning back to the map.

I raised a brow and pushed my way through into his thoughts telepathically.

“She’s going to be trouble. Get rid of her.” A creepy male’s voice grumbled.

“She has done nothing but help since she’s been here, why are you so keen on having me kill her?” Marcus replied.

“Blood. The taste of it the feeling of being rejuvenated. All of it.”

“If I kill her, we both die.”

“Is that so? You’ve never had a problem killing a woman before. The maiden three days ago when this thing arrived. The countless women whose blood you’ve consumed over the years. You’re a tyrant remember?”

“This one is different. She is a witch after all.”

I pulled my mind from his and shook my head. Marcus didn’t even notice my actions and continued explaining the placements on the map before us.

Marcus went over the map once everything was in place, “Three sets of six here and five here. Move to the west after your hailing arrows from the north side of the mountain… and the final maneuver. Remove his head from his body and place it on a stake at the edge of the pass as a warning to others."

“That’s a solid plan. We will leave tomorrow morning if we want to get everything set up in time.” The man beside Marcus stated.

The soldiers agreed and began leaving the room to tell their loved ones of their departure. I decided to hang back to see if I was still needed. I didn’t understand much in terms of how these battles went but I had to learn quickly.

“So that should be it.” Marcus concluded the meeting and turned to me; a wide smile formed on his lips as he wrapped his arms around me. “You have only been here for a few days, and you did an amazing job.” He winced lowering his head for a moment.

I didn’t notice his discomfort right away, but I tried to lighten the mood again and giggled as I wrapped my arms around him. “Thank you. I’m glad I could help. But that means you must leave soon too, huh?” I frowned.

Marcus sighed heavily as he picked me up, placing me on the table. “It won’t be for long. Maybe three months. That mountain range is only a couple weeks’ march from here. If you’re right and this ambush works, I will be home sooner.”

I blushed, looking up at him. Some part of me wanted more. I grabbed his face and pulled it closer to mine, pressing my lips to his. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it felt so right.

Marcus pulled away from me, his face a shade of red I have yet to see before. “What was that? I thought you weren’t ready for that.” He asked.

“I don’t know what came over me...I-It just felt like—” I stammered.

“Well as much as I would love to watch you two make love on the war table, we need to get ready to go.” Maxwell butted in, shaking his head at us from the other side of the table.

“I forgot he was still here.” Marcus mouthed to me.

I giggled and hopped off the table. I stood next to Marcus with my hands clasped together. “Well, if that is all, I will take my leave.” I curtsied before I turned toward the door.

“Wait a minute Aurora, you don’t get off that easily.” Marcus chuckled at me. “Granted I have things to do, but you still need someone to accompany you." He looked over to a man who stood as tall as Maxwell at a hefty six foot three with ginger colored hair and jutted his head in my direction.

"Emmret, you're up. Maxwell and I will be here for a little while longer. You can take her to Mariam, but I need you to keep an eye on her. I’m not taking any chances with you, not until I can confirm everything you’ve said so far today.”

I shifted my gaze to Emmret and gave him a friendly wave. This is going to be interesting. He looks scary. I thought. “Hi.” I gave a nervous chuckle as I waited for him to approach.

As Emmret and I exited the war chamber, Mariam smiled and bowed her head to me. “Milady, are we ready to go to the Village?” She asked before she placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at me. “What happened to your face?”

I had completely forgotten about the stained blood on my cheeks from the day before. “I had a weird thing flash before my eyes and the next thing I know my tears were bloody.”

Mariam raised her hand. “Ah, I see. Well, c’mon then, we need to get this settled and then off to the village we go.” She rolled her eyes at me and urged me to close my eyes so she could clean my face.

“Alright, all done Milady, now off to the village.” Mariam squealed, grabbing my arm, she practically pulled me to the front of the castle gates.

“How long until we reach the village? I’ve never been to another village other than my own. What’s it like?” I began firing off questions as we waited for Emmret to bring the carriage around. I bounced on the balls of my feet, pulling on Mariam’s arm like a child.

“Settle down, you’ll see when we get there. It’s a wonderful place, word has already spread of your arrival.” She playfully elbowed me, “They all know why you’re here.” Mariam chuckled, pulling the carriage door open for me before climbing in herself.

The carriage ride to the village reminded me of the first night here with Marcus as the trees and wildlife passed us by. The meeting in the forest, the most delicious dinner ever and an amazing yet strange bath.

We’re connected now. We can feel each other’s emotions and… well everything now. Everything about blood bonding was no more than just a fairy tale growing up. The women in the coven use to talk about how the blood bond was meant for lovers, like my mother and father. But she was a High Witch, so her connection to my father was there, regardless. I don’t love Marcus, he scares me. I don’t think I could love him, not as he is now.

I sighed. I wonder how he’s doing… I pray he doesn’t get hurt while he’s away. I miss him, wait what? How can I miss someone I just met three days ago? Are these his feelings? I thought, pouting my lips.

“Aurora, what are you thinking about?” Mariam nudged me, “You’re blushing. Maybe a certain someone on your mind? Or are you thinking about the bath.” She raised her eyebrows at me before we both broke out into laughter.

“Oh my, you know me so well, Mariam, and yet I know nothing of you.” I blew out a long breath as I came down from my laughter.

“My dear, in due time. In due time.” She patted my leg and then pointed out the window. “We are almost there.”

I turned to peer out of the window, my eyes lit up as my jaw dropped. The village. So simple yet so elegant from afar. The massive rustic buildings and shops had me in awe when the hand carved wood on the sidings came into sight. Dirt pathways and small bunches of dying grass were scattered between, I was surprised at how well kept it looked. Red, blue and purple drapes and decorations riddled the tops of the buildings. The sound of children laughing, and the sight of other humans caused me to smile. As the carriage came to a rolling halt Emmret had hopped off of the driver’s bench and opened the door. Extending his hand to each of us as we climbed out.

The villagers nearby froze as I stepped out from the carriage. Some ran in fear, others approached with caution. The children had no clue who I was and came running up to me. Smiles painted across their faces.

“Hi!” a little girl with the brightest of eyes squeaked as she waved at me excitedly.

“You aren’t from around here, but you are really pretty.” A young boy whispered.

I smiled at the children and crouched down to get on their level. “Hello there, I’m Aurora. I’m a visitor of—”

“You’re King Marcus’ new plaything.” An older disgruntled woman had finished my train of thought.

I rose and smiled, trying to keep my composure as I clasped my hands together, “I guess you can say that.” My eyes scanned over the woman as fear and discomfort radiated from her.

She wrinkled her nose at me, “You’re the witch everyone was talking about. How did you manage to tame him?” she sneered.

“Oh, Agatha, leave the woman be. Since her arrival he’s been nothing but kind these last couple of days. He even gave the village extra supplies to last the winter.” Another older woman resembling Mariam approached from the side.

Mariam stepped forward with her arms opened. “Lily, how have you been my dear sister?” she cooed.

The two embraced one another. The woman named Agatha rolled her eyes, crossing her arms with a huff.

“Mariam, you dare bring this woman to the village. She’ll be the end of us all.” Agatha spat with venom.

I turned my attention to Agatha and shook my head. “For what it’s worth, I’m not here to cause any harm to anyone. I’m here to help wherever I can.” I extended my hand to her. “I promise.”

As more villagers approached Agatha whined like a child before stalking off, grumbling under her breath. Common folk and elders were excited and nervous to approach me. I knew Marcus had been a selfish tyrant and I’ve only just arrived days ago. But from what I’ve been told by multiple villagers, things have changed for the better.

Once our introductions to the villagers had passed, I glanced over to Emmret who had been standing by the carriage seemingly bored out of his mind.

“Hey Emmret, you want to come wander with us?” I hollered over to him.

Simply shaking his head, he leaned against the carriage and waved his hand to shoo us off.

Mariam and I looked at one another and shrugged it off as we interlocked arms and ventured farther into the little village. There were a mixture of all aged groups. Children ran between the stalls that older men and women tended to. The younger group of merchants were mostly in charge of the harvest items and from what I was told, this season’s harvest was much better than the previous.

“Oh, it looks like we are going to have a good feast season!” Mariam exclaimed as we trotted through. We came to a stop in front of a fabric merchant.

I raised my brow to Mariam, c*****g my head to the side as I examined the multiple rolls that laid before me. “What are we doing here?” I asked.

Mariam touched every single roll before settling on a deep blue colored fabric. “This one will do for now. Marcus wanted me to make you a winter wardrobe. It’s already getting cold out and you don’t have anything warm to wear for the colder season.”

My lips simply formed an ‘o’ as I scanned the area around us. My eyes landed on a hooded figure between what looked to be an alleyway between shop buildings. Who are you? I thought.

Our gazes locked. His eyes looked like mine. His figure was mostly hidden by his cloak, but his hair was snow white resembling my own. Could it be? Sebastian? It was like he heard my thoughts and took off down the alleyway.

“Wait!” I called out as I reached for the man, but he had disappeared into the shadows of the alleyway.

Mariam tapped my shoulder, “Aurora what’s wrong? Who was that?” her expression was one of worry.

Is that who this mystery person was? Is he here to save me from the mad man? I sulked, feeling a tug in my chest.

“Milady, are you ok?” Mariam asked as she wrapped a cloak around my shoulders. “It’s getting colder, we need to get back. Marcus will surely kill me if you get sick.”

I nodded in agreement and turned around to check, maybe just maybe that man would be there. I wondered if I would see that man again. But with the impending war over territory or even power, I doubted I would.

The entire carriage ride back was silent. Thoughts ran through my mind at a million miles a minute. The thought of my brother being alive warmed my heart. It had been over a decade since we last saw each other. He left the covenant ten years before they announced the Harvest ceremony for this coming feast day. Once word got back to him about the event things got really ugly between him and the covenant. I just wished I knew what it was about.

Not realizing we had arrived back at the castle. Marcus poked his head into the doorway and smiled at me.

“Little one, is everything alright?” He asked, extending his hand to me.

I faked a smile and nodded, taking his hand I exited the carriage and took a deep breath. “I’m alright, just a little chilly is all.” I shivered, leaning into him. “Oh, you are so warm, Marcus.” I groaned.

Marcus chuckled, lifting me into his arms. I curled into a ball, melting into him as he strode into the castle and straight to my chamber. The fireplace was lit, the warmth emitting from the flames helped put my body at ease as he placed me down onto the fur rug in front of the little inferno.

“We haven’t slept since the other evening… Aurora, are you sure you’re okay?” Marcus asked as he sat beside me.

My gaze was fixated on the flames dancing in the fireplace. My lips parted, hesitating to ask him this question that could get me into big trouble, but something inside of me was wondering and begging for an answer. As soon as I felt Marcus’ presence I was pulled from my trance. I leaned onto him and closed my eyes. “Marcus, why did you seek me out?”

His body went rigid against mine. “I was told to be at a specific place at a specific time, I don’t really know what I was supposed to find and since Mariam is my most trusted maidens here, I did what she had asked me to do. I honestly didn’t know what I was going to get myself into.”

I pushed away from him and shifted my eyes up at him, “So you had no idea that I was out there.”

“I didn’t even know you existed until that night. But once I saw the condition you were in, I couldn’t leave you stranded in the woods. I may be a ruthless bastard, but there was something about you… I don’t know what just yet.”

I lowered my gaze to the bearskin rug and slumped my shoulders. Exhaustion was taking over, and I knew I needed the rest.

I felt Marcus shift beside me, one arm under my neck the other was under my knees. He lifted me from the floor and carried me over to the bed and laid me down gently. “Marcus, what are you doing?” I slurred.

Marcus pulled away from me and sat down on the edge of the bed with me in his lap. “I’m not letting you sleep on the floor, little one.” he whispered to me as he stroked my hair.

“Are you going to stay?” I asked, reaching up I grabbed his hand and interlaced our fingers. “You’re going to be leaving tomorrow morning, aren’t you?”

Marcus let out a low sigh, “Yes, I will be leaving tomorrow morning, but I will be back. I promise.” He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the small part of my wrist.

A smile crept onto my lips. “Will you… stay here just for tonight?” I asked shyly, my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

“Sure.” He simply stated as he moved me onto the bed and rose. Marcus unclasped his cloak, throwing it over to the chair he occupied a couple of nights prior. He then slipped out of his leather boots and tunic before looking down to my own feet. Marcus smiled as he gently grabbed my ankles, pulling off my slippers one at a time.

I giggled as his fingers grazed the underside of my small feet. “Marcus, stop that.” I playfully pulled my feet from him and tucked them under the comforter.

Marcus reached down and searched for my feet, I pulled them higher and higher under my gown, his hands and body followed onto the bed. Rough skin grazed my legs, trailing up to my thighs causing me to gasp and shiver.

“S-stop that, it tickles!” I couldn’t help but giggle as I attempted to roll onto my side. Marcus pulled me onto my back and pinned me underneath him. Our gazes locked; his eyes darkened.

I smiled lazily at him, “What are you doing?” My gaze traveled from his beard to his lips then up to his eyes. My core ignited, the way he looked at me with caring, yet lustful eyes triggered a response within me. With that, the dancing flame caused all rational thinking to fly out of the window.

Pulling him closer to me, our lips met and danced their loving dance as his hands roamed over my body. The wooden bed frame creaked with every movement. The chamber was filled with my soft moans and his groans before we both whisked off to sleep hours later.