The morning went by quickly enough for Ares. The Princess had escorted him the King's Pavilion and praised him to the King, which ended in Ares being appointed her personal bedside guard, a new title never before given in the Kingdom. After that, the main part of the morning consisted of following Princess Yavia around, eating, and helping the guards pack up camp. If all went well they should reach the Capitol by sunset with ease.
The day was long and hot, and the road seemed to last forever. Even the breeze brought in through the silk coverings of Yavia's carriage was warm and moist. The princess herself fell asleep long ago on his shoulder, which he dare not move for fear of waking her from her slumber. She was so trusting, it was almost absurd. Had she known what he really was would she be this infatuated with him? He doubted that highly.
The sun was high in the sky when the carriages came to halt. Ares brushed aside the silks to see guards coming down the sides of the carriages carrying large trays of salted meat left over from the night before.
Ares' stomach growled, waking Yavia who looked up at him with a soft smile. He enjoyed her smile, relishing in it's tiniest detail.
" Is my handsome protector hungry?" she teased playfully, but softly, as she ran a finger up his chest.
"I am sweet princess," he smiled back at her.
Yavia blushed deeply hearing her words, this was the first time he had ever spoken to her like that, and it made her squirm with delight inside. She adored this seventh son, and felt like she needed him close to her side for many years to come. Is this what first love feels like?, she mused to herself.
"Princess, your food has arrived," a firm voice said from outside the carriage.
"Very good," exclaimed Yavia. "I was just telling Lord Blackfyre how famished I was.". She winked at Ares before pulling back the silk covering.
"Greetings young Lord," said the Captain coldly, eyeing him with suspicion. "The King has also sent a platter for you as well."
The Captain handed them the trays through the window of the carriage, Ares passing the first one to the lap of Yavia, and taking the second one for himself.
"If that's all Captain, I would like to enjoy my meal in private with Lord Nobaru," she said flatly, but not without etiquette.
"Yes my lady, as you wish," the guard said respectfully and took his leave.
Ares eyed here with approval, she really did seem to have these guards under control, she would make a fine Queen someday.
Yavia, noticing his gaze looked up into his eyes, noticing his smile.
"See something you like Lord Nobaru?" she teased playfully and winked at him.
"I'd be a fool not to admit that you are fairest woman in all of the land my sweet Princess," he replied casually. "I consider myself lucky to be able to drink of your beauty for many days to come."
Her breath caught in her chest for a moment, and all rational thought had left her mind with his words. Before he could react, her arms were around his necks and her lips pressed firmly against his.