Hebron and I have forever been a good pair. In the eyes of everyone we were invincible, whether it's looks, intellect, skills or wealth, we were meant to be together. Our union would be the most important event across all continents if it happened, it'd be as big as our disagreements used to be. I say used, since I no longer plan to make an enemy out of him. No, not even now. Not even when he had clearly acted out of character and crossed so many boundaries.
Firstly, he had not only physically attacked Axel, whom I intended to be my new friend, but also threatened him and his whole bloodline for a reason I am yet to be told.
secondly, he had individually put and executed a plan to deceive our target - the Naib -, and I was not made aware of it, not then and not now, I only went with my instinct that told me that him requesting to be slapped is not some perverse kink of his, but a functional logical step we ought to take in order to make things work.
Last but not least I will never, ever, be over the fact that Hebron had embraced, flirted with, and kissed. And I, a very sane, very intelligent woman, capable of paralyzing men if circumstances call for it, had very much allowed it. Not only did I allow it but I had also anticipated seconds.
I am no prude, and despite being a faithful woman I am well versed in everything body-related, including but not exclusive to physical intimacy. I am aware of a person's need to touch, I am aware of my own needs. However it had never crossed my mind that I'd have my first kiss this abruptly, and in my mind I had never imagined that Hebron would be on the receiving, or rather the giving end of it. Do not get me wrong I find Hebron to be an exemplary man, perfected in every possible way, manners excluded, but to be that close and do such things with him? That, is a fiction I never wished to come true, that is of course before it had happened. Now I know not where do I stand on this matter.
As we walked in silence, the duke and I, arms interlocked and steps hasty towards an area of the castle I am yet to discover, we received looks from everyone. Maids, castle workers, knights, they all stared at us as we walked, or rather marched, to the direction I presume Lady Bridget to be in. Once we turned a corner into a narrow hallway I let go of his arm, pushing him quickly to the wall and covering his mouth with my hand.
" Keep quite. We need to talk before we meet Lady Bridget." I whispered to him before I let go.
" Maybe you should've asked me about my opinion before abducting me." he said as he narrowed his eyes on me.
"Maybe, I would've asked if I cared about your opinion. But I don't, and it sucks to be you." I said calmly, lifting my shoulders in a dismissive way.
" I do not think we're in a position that allows us not to ask the other before acting." he hissed at me.
" And I, do not think one can eat another person's face without as much as a hint, especially. In. A. Public. Place !" I said pointedly, jabbing my finger at his armour-clad chest.
" Eat your face? We did not even use tongue." he said in a relaxed manner, a grin on his stupidly rosy lips. It's a waste of lip tint if you ask me.
" Tongue? What would we..." I asked confused, before deciding this is not what I want to be talking about. I cleared my throat, " Axel. You need to make sure he accepts you apology. We need him."
" No we do not, that kid is barely able to help himself he will be of no aid to us." he responded.
" Yes he will help us, yes we do need him, and yes you will get along with him." I said before I turned and walked away from him, expecting him to follow, knowing he will.
" Sometimes I do not stand you one bit." gritted Hebron as he came by my side.
" When that happens," I smiled at him, " you can always find me and sit on my lap." I said teasingly. Which worked, because his face turned beet-red and he lost his footing, almost landing face-down on the ground.
Before I knew it a laugh bubbled out of me, earning me an angry look from a pride-wounded Ron.
" Ha Ha, very funny indeed."
" Oh I know I'm funny, one of us had to be"
" What's funny?" a voice ahead of us said.
We looked ahead, finding no other than Lord and Lady Rawclaw staring at us with glint in their eyes. God, I wish they did not hear the sitting part.