Sebastian
I don't know how long I sat there, holding her. I didn't care. The rain cascaded down on us as the barrier disappeared. I wrapped the cloak around her as she softly snored into my chest.
Troy came running up to us. He stopped as his eyes widened to the surrounding bloodbath. He saw how I was clad nude. He removed his cloak, bringing it up to me and offering it to me. I took it in one hand as I cradled Lilith with the other.
He then went up and started collecting my armor that was on the floor.
"Cranston brought down the barrier so we could get the troops in here. I had everyone wait until it sounded like... your fight was done." He shot a glance towards me, then continued. "We collected the women in the back, and are bringing them back to your palace until we find another place for them," Troy explained as he knelt next to me. I put my finger up, hushing him so he wouldn't wake up Lilith. I pushed up off the floor, adjusting her in my arms as I stood up. Troy took the cloak from my hand, then wrapped it around me, and tied it off in front of me.
"There's a cart here we can take back to the palace, sir. I'll drive." He guided me to the back where the empty cages were. He unhitched the cage to the cart, then opened the back for me to climb into. I sat there, gazing down on her as he hitched up a horse.
My heart was pounding against my chest as she rubbed her face against my skin, her hand slowly rubbed the scar on my chest. I kissed the top of her head as she groaned. The carriage lunged forward as we started our trek back. I leaned my head back, letting the rain splash onto my face. I finally felt alive, after all these years.
I must have dozed off, because I came to as Troy softly shook me. I groggily looked around, we were in front of the palace, the rain had stopped, and the guards were busy guiding the people we saved to the barracks for them to stay in. I slid off the back of the cart, tucking Lilith closer to me as I carried her inside. I slowly made my way up to the staircase.
"Sir... I'm sorry to bug you..." Troy whispered as I halted at the bottom of the stairs. I turned my head towards him, too tired to snap back. I let out a small grunt.
"The guards will sleep in the courtyard tonight while the... people we rescued... stay in our quarters. We need to figure something out for them permanently though."
I rubbed my cheek on top of Lilith's head as I sighed. "Tomorrow. We'll figure it out tomorrow." I said bleakly as I turned to head up the stairs. He saluted me and then headed to take my armor back to the armory.
I felt heavy as I climbed the stairs, Lilith's scent was making me drowsy. I landed on the second floor, looking down towards her room. I grunted and turned the corner, taking her to my quarters. I slowly pushed the door open, taking her to my bed. I laid her down gently as she groaned and rolled over. I reached out, sliding a piece of her hair behind her ear. She slowly turned towards me; her eyes half open. She kissed my hand softly, then rolled her head back over.
I made my way over to the other side, too tired to remove the cloak or bathe off the grime. I pulled the covers back, climbing in. I turned, pulling her into me as I worked the covers up and around her. She pressed herself into my body as I wrapped my arms around her. I drifted off to sleep, finally having a restful night for the first time in a long time.
I don't know what time it was when I finally awoke. The sun was streaming in through the curtains as I squinted, moving my arm up to block it. My body was sore. I grumbled as I turned, my face inches away from Lilith's. She was still asleep, her soft lips parted and brushing against my shoulder. I didn't want to move. She fit perfectly in my arms.
I shifted slightly, turning onto my side as I placed my forehead on hers. A small knock came at my door, causing me to roll my eyes. I grumbled, as I slowly moved my arm out from underneath Lilith. I gently placed her head on the pillow as I mumbled to myself.
I flung the door open; a maid was standing there. Her eyes widened as she flung her hand up to cover her eyes. I looked down, realizing I was still naked. I pulled the cloak around me, holding it closed as I sighed.
"Yes... What is it?" I coldly said as I tapped my foot impatiently. She bowed, then reached into her pocket and pulling out a piece of paper.
"A crow came this morning; it's from your parents." She stood up, holding her hand out. I snatched the paper from her.
"Can you bring some food?" I questioned as I opened the paper. The maid nodded, then quickly turned to leave.
I read the note, whispering the contents as I headed to my desk.
" Dear Sebastian,
We hit the small-town Elise; we'll be reaching the city Estra in a day. We'll send a crow when your uncle Edwin accepts us. Please behave, there are rumors already reaching this far stating how you've gone off the deep end and are torturing dukes. Your father doesn't need a mess. I trust you'll clean this up.
Love,
Mom"
I chuckled as I set the paper down. Of course, there are already rumors spreading that far. I turned back to the bed, heading towards it. I climbed back in, the warmth from Lilith was welcoming. I snuggled up against her, she wiggled her way into my arms, as she pushed her head into my chin. I chuckled as I ran my hand through her hair.
"You move a lot in your sleep..." I whispered, not expecting an answer. She tilted her head up; her eyes were half open as she groaned. She flipped over, backing her butt up into me. I froze, then grinned as I wrapped my arm around her chest.
"Don't do that little lamb..." I whispered into her ear; she shivered as she moved a little bit away from me.
"Don't worry, I'll let you rest. Promise." I stroked her cheek as she moved back to her spot against me. I closed my eyes as I soaked in every moment I held her. I found my hands tracing her body, running over the scars and cupping her curves.
A soft knock came at the door again. I kissed Lilith's cheek, causing her to nuzzle into me. I groaned as I slowly moved away from her again. I kept the cloak tightly around me this time as I opened the door. A maid was standing there with two plates of food. I took them, nodding at her as she turned on her heel and left. I took them to my desk, setting it down. I didn't want to keep disturbing Lilith, even though I wanted to crawl back into bed with her.
Sighing, I went to my closet, pulling out a set of clothing as I headed to the bathroom to bathe and freshen up. Azazel was still sound asleep as I turned on the water, letting it warm up. I stuck my fingers under the running water, as I stared into the tub. Last night's events kept running through my head.
I sucked my teeth as her writhing body still felt like it was pressed against me. I undid the cloak on me, tossing it to the side as I slipped into the tub. I let the tub drain while the water ran. Watching all the blood and dirt circle the drain. I was snapped out of my reminiscing as I heard the soft pitter-patter of footsteps approaching. I turned my head, stunned at Lilith standing there.
She bit her lower lip as she slowly approached me.
"May... I..." She looked down at the floor, shifting her gaze to the side. "Join you?" she whispered out as she clutched the cloak around her. I smiled, as I nodded.
She slowly took off the cloak, dropping it on the floor. I ran my gaze up and down her body as she made her way to the tub. She quickly slipped in, sitting on the opposite side where the drain was. She tucked her knees under her chin as she averted her gaze from my naked body.
I shifted, causing her to flinch. I leaned forward, reaching my hand out and placing my palm on her cheek as I rubbed off the blood caked on her. She pulled her brows together as she looked at me. I chuckled as I ran my wet hand through her hair.
"You should dunk your head, you gotta get those pesky innards out of your hair," I picked out a piece of dried-up flesh out of her hair. She stiffened up.
"I need to do the same," I smiled as I pulled pieces of the hydra out of my own hair. Her mouth turned into a soft smile as she giggled. God, that giggle was so sweet. It bounced off the walls, making my heart flutter. She scooted forward, leaning her head back, letting the water run through her hair. I couldn't help myself; I ended up running my hands up her legs, placing them on her knees.
She slowly raised her head, water dripping from her face as she looked at me. The look sent a jolt through my body, causing me to lean towards her. She looked, for the first time since she'd been here, she looked happy. She leaned towards me, adjusting herself and sitting on her knees. She placed her hands on my chest as she moved closer.
"Your turn," She smiled down at me as I gawked up at her. I snapped my mouth shut, chuckling as I grabbed her by her waist, moving her around me so she was now sitting where I was at.