We fell into step behind The Rawclaws, them hand in hand, us interlocking arms. By this point I Got used to this level of closeness with Hebron, something I would have never foreseen six years ago. I did not mind him being so close nor did I mind the feel of his arm. When did this man get so big? I can feel the muscles ripple under my palm, my skin is buzzing, which happens whenever we are near. As much as I'd like to believe that Hebron changed, deep down I know he is still the same, he will always be the same. Cruel and unforgiving, the type to hold a grudge as long as he has a breath in his lungs. So am I. I will never, ever, forget our past. I will not forget the humiliation and misery he put me through, I will not forget nor forgive his mistakes, no matter how many times I saw myself avenging, no matter how many plans I drew in my head and never finished. I will never forget who this man really is, even if he looks like the prettiest dream a person could have, even if he looks like my fairest fantasies.
"Did you talk to Axel yet?" I started speaking, running away from my own thoughts.
"You mean sir Christoffer?" he said back, his head loosely leaning my way.
"Same thing. Did you? Or shall I apologise to him on your behalf? I heard you're quite bad at apologies."
He sent a pointed look my way, but a small smile took over his face,"Yes, I have spoken to him. He seems to understand."
"Understand? Understand what?" I asked him, trying my best to keep quiet.
"That you," he said while looking me in the eye," are not in need of a knight, that you already have one, and that knight is me. Do you understand it as well?"
"My knight you say? You're enjoying this role a bit too much, don't you think so?"
"I think you have the wrong idea, my dear." My dear? Did he just call me his dear? " That was no pretence. In the eyes of the law I am bound to you for a decade. It is best to get comfortable around me, I am never to leave your side, even when you do not want me by your side."
"I will never want you by my side." I hissed, barely managing to keep my voice low.
A side-grin appeared on his face, he looked like a very charming villain walking his captor to its final destiny.
"Do not worry, sweetest of them all, you will, and then you will seize to. Either way I will be by your side."
Before I could ask him about what he could possibly mean we stopped at the end of a narrow hall, the lord proceeded to open the door as Hebron's hand slid into mine. He squeezed my hand, once, twice, then held tight. I looked up at him, his face was all sharp angles, the light was dim, a lonely lantern standing far, and it all made him look irresistibly kissable, more than usual. I raised my eyebrow in question, why are we holding hands? Why does it feel more intimate than it is supposed to? And why does looking so arrogant suit him the best?
I hated the mask he wore in front of others. I hate him in his noble-self more than I do when he acts like his usual evil-self. To be completely honest, I take some pride in being the only one to know him for who he really is, despite how ugly his personality can be.
"This way your highness, your face." the lord ushered us into the room.
"Huaria dearest," Bridget said as we sat around what looked like a conference table," what did you have in mind for our trip?"
"A trip? Are you taking her sight-seeing? I thought you disliked this weather." Lord Rawclaw said thoughtfully.
Bridget's face turned bright-red, matching the luscious curls that framed her head,"I do not dislike it exactly, I just prefer it when it's more moist."
"I suggested we head to a boutique, the lady offered me a tour." I added with a smile, sparing her any embarrassment.
"I see, we will try our best to accommodate your needs, your highness. My knights are under your command, any of your requirements shall be immediately met. Worry not, your highness." the Lord answered, one would mistake him for a noble-born if heard speaking with such eloquence.
"Thank you-" I started before Hebron cut me off to say:"Thank you, lord Rawclaw. But as you and her ladyship witnessed yesterday, her highness has her own knight, me. I shall accompany my lady when she requires company."
I turned to look at him, bewildered. How could he give such a brazen statement after the lord's generous offer? But I could not contradict him now, or else they would catch on to us. I said instead,"You can definitely tag along, I bet you will love this winter's collection of dresses. We can find something to your size, or maybe order us some matching dresses, my treat." I put my hand on his arm in a comforting gesture as I sent a wink Bridget's way.
A knock sounded from the door, and a slender tall man with blond hair walked in," Your grace, you must come with me this instant. An issue requires your attention."
Hebron squeezed my hand quickly before he stood," I will be back shortly." , and just as quickly he left with the man.
"I am thankful for your offer, Lord Rawclaw. However I believe that his Grace alongside our knights from Tanery are more than sufficient to protect me. I would love however to get the company of one of your knights, sir Christoffer I believe was his name."
"The Viscount," added Bridget," he and her highness are already well-acquainted."
"Very well then, he shall be free of duty once you request it." said the lord.
"I am grateful. However this was not the matter we wanted to discuss with you."