For a moment there no one moved or said anything, me and Axel refusing to let ago of our interlocked arms, Hebron's gaze focused on us like it could tear us kingdoms apart.
Axel spoke first, addressing Hebron:'' Your grace, I thought you were out this evening.''
Hebron's sharp gaze lifted to meet my eyes for a second before he turned his attention to the knight in my arm,'' Is that why you took the liberty to escort my lady behind my back?'' said he sharply,'' Aren't you supposed to be with the other newbies on patrol duty, sir Christoffer?''
'' Your grace, Her highness the princess asked for an escort and I answered. Isn't it my duty as a knight to help a lady in distress?'' Axel responded, voice tight and posture stiff. To be frank I did not expect him to stand his ground in front of the duke, as he was his superior in the knighthood and of a higher rank in society. But it seems this young viscount is a lot more than what estimated him to be.
'' And were you in distress, your highness?'' said the duke, emphasising every syllable, and looking very displeased.
I pursed my lips, acting as spoiled as a princess should. I leaned my head on Axel's shoulder, looking at Hebron with an innocent expression as I explained:'' Very! I was miserable when I stumbled upon sir Christoffer, who spared no expenses to cheer me up.'' I looked up at a confused Axel, saying in a cheerful voice:'' Isn't that true, Axel?'' I looked back to Hebron whose face got rigid and blank, a face I know to be a furious one,'' he even brought me peach tea and peach-flavoured pastries, you know I love peaches! I need to know how they managed to preserve it to this season, maybe I should talk to lady bridget.'' I grabbed Axel's hand as I asked, voice pleading and eyes naive'' Will you escort me there, Axel?''
That's when a rough hand grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back. My breath caught in my chest as Hebron's figure appeared in front of me, in no time he had Axel pinned to the wall by the collar.
'' What are you-'' coughed up a choked Axel.
'' Do not even dare lay your eyes on my lady.'' snarled Hebron, a knot between his eyebrows as he spat the next words on the boy in his hands:'' If it ever crosses your small brain to even look at Huaria the wrong way, I will kill you and make a nice jam of your crushed bones and send it to your parents. The viscount lacks taste anyway, maybe this would encourage him to rethink his choices and have better picks in the future.''
Hebron finally let go of Axel, dropping him to the ground, he turned around and grabbed the hand I had on Axel's arm moments ago, reaching for a handkerchief as he roughly rubbed my palm. His gaze was fixing on my now red palm as he gritted:'' You will not talk, see, or even think about her. If I find out you were in her proximity, and know I will, you will not even have enough time to regret it.''
With that he pulled me through the front doors and into the main hall, away from a knight with a wounded pride. I need to apologise to him, very soon. I shouldn't have dragged him into my little game with Hebron, and I still need him for a variety of other reasons.
But first I need to get rid of the iron grip Hebron has on my hand. I yanked my hand away and he held me tighter, I do not understand why he is so mad. This was supposed to be a small fun encounter but he got so furious and threatened the poor boy, nothing can excuse his reaction. We established our relationship yesterday and he is not going by the plan.
''Hebron let go!'' I yelled, unable to hold in my frustration.
He finally let go, my hand was red, sore as his ironclad one had abused it while gripping tight. I messaged my fingers, hissing at the pain I felt.
'' What the fuck is wrong with you? Have you finally gone mad?'' I angrily asked,'' This is not what we agreed upon yesterday! I was very clear when I said I-'' his arm suddenly came around my waist, he pulled me close to him, so close I felt his breath on my lips. Our noses touched, his forehead rested on mine, his cold armour pushed against my chest. His proximity was a surprise, that is the reason why my heartbeat is deafening. Could he feel how violent and chaotic things are behind my ribs?
'' What… what are you-'' I said quietly, barely able to find my voice.
'' Shush, do not speak. Just look in my eyes.'' Said he, so close his lips brushed mine with every word.
I was no longer capable of forming any coherent sentences, his scent filled my brain, intoxicating me. He smelled like Oud, a deep wooden smell, with a hint of orchid.' Does he get his perfumes from our empire?' I wondered, but I did not have it in me to ask him, at this point I could not even think. My brain was filled with Hebron, the sight of him filled my gaze, the smell of him giving me a funny feeling inside. His body, big and broad, embracing every inch of me. I swallowed, this is beyond everything I have ever imagined.
'' Listen and do as I say.'' said he in a low thick voice as his eyes fell on my mouth. I nodded my head, unable to think of another answer.
'' You were being followed, probably one of the Naib's men. I need to give him a little show to tell his master.'' He said and I felt like someone emptied a cold water bucket on my head, he continued'' I want you to slap me, you hear me?'' he muttered before putting his lips on mine.
'' kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me-'' he did not finish his sentence. No, I did not allow it. Because for the first time ever I slapped Hebron.
I slapped him so hard his grip on my waist loosened and I stepped back.
'' What the fuck is wrong with you today?''