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His Desire 27
~KivaI’ve made a decision. One I’m going to regret, but right now it feels right.He’s going to have to admit it. He’s going to have to tell me to my face that he aligns with the rebels and that this entire time he has been lying right to my face.I should be angry about this, and yet I’m so numb I don’t know what to feel.Ark’s stare is unrelenting at training this morning.We don’t speak beyond his usual giving of instructions until I’m doing my cooling down stretches. He leans against the wall , looking down at me. “I shouldn’t have done that to you last night,” he murmurs lowly.I look up at him through my lashes coyly. “Done what?”“You want to make me say it?” He glances toward the gym door, as if someone may materialise to hear it.The problem is, I’m being destructive. And selfish.If I confront Ark, he loses his job - as he should - and I never see him again. The problem is, I want more time with him, to understand what’s going on before he decides to be less stubborn and
His Desire 28
~KivaI stare down at my feet, leaning against the frozen tree trunk.I don’t even know if my mate is going to show tonight. There’s no way for me to contact him without revealing what I know, so for the last few nights I’ve stood wistfully out at our usual meeting spot, hoping he may venture out.And sure enough, after five nights, he appears through the trees, advancing on me.I straighten.This is Ark. It has to be."You're here..." I say, heart thundering in my chest. I see Ark everyday, but seeing him with a hood and mask concealing his face, aligned with a group who want me dead is terrifying.He nods, folding his arms over his chest.“You need to take your hood off. I need to see your face," I command.He shakes his head once, like I suspected I would.If he's bothered to dress up in all this shadowy attire, when we both know what is behind the hood, he's not going to take it off now.But why? I look around and cannot see anyone nearby who may be watching on, but perhaps I'm ju
His Desire 29
~ToveToday, my father has invited Caspian over.It took a lot to get Ark to back off and give us some time to ourselves for a walk by the river.Ark was not impressed.First he insisted Caspian wasn’t capable of protecting me if someone attacked while we were on the border of the estate. Then he shifted his argument to saying Caspian cannot be trusted to be kind to me if he decides to make a move.Regardless, he hasn’t gotten his way, and has remained at the manor while Caspian and I walk together.“You intrigue me, Kiva,” he says after a few minutes of silence.My head turns. “Really? Why?”“I’ve met many Princesses, and yet none are like you.” He keeps his hands politely clasped behind his back, although I get the feeling he is itching to hold my hand. I refrain from giggling. That feels like what most men say when seducing a woman.“Is this because I tried to draw you into my bed upon meeting you?” I ask. It’s easy to joke about it. If I don’t, I’ll be raked with embarrassment.C
His Desire 30
~KivaLeaning my head back, I let out a long, slow breath.It has been an awfully long day of following Caspian around while he shows off the manor and tells me all about the history of it. It's been a nice distraction, especially with Ark being told to keep away.When he isn't there it's easier not to be reminded that he's my mate and I'm going to marry another man.Sinking a little deeper into the bath, I let the hot water soothe my concerns.Caspian and I have agreed to wed in a few weeks. It's sooner than I would like, but the less time I have to overthink this all, the better.A firm knock sounds as the door, quickly followed by it opening.I don't even bother to turn and look through the gap in the bathroom door. I already figure it's Ark. Caspian wouldn't dare come into my room without waiting for me to open it.“Kiva?” Ark calls out, sounding tense as he scans my room, realising I'm not in there.“I’m in the bath," I call out, drawing my hands through the bubbles. I knew he wo
His Desire 31
~KivaDragging my fork through my vegetables, I keep my back pinned straight and my eyes lowered.Tonight, I have three of Caspian’s close friends visiting for dinner. Each have their own political significance, and each are boisterous and loud, which is not the company I assumed Caspian would keep."You know, I've always wanted to meet you, Princess Kiva,” one of them, Charlie exclaims, grinning broadly.I shift uncomfortably. "Really?""Sure. Everyone talks about the pretty Princess who lives in that castle that no one can get to.”I swallow uncomfortably, glancing toward the threshold of the dining room where I know Ark and another guard stand.He will be hearing all of this, I just know it."You've wanted to get in to see my wife?" Caspian questions, chewing on a roasted carrot."Soon to be wife, and yeah, I thought about it." Charlie shrugs lightly, winking at me.My stomach turns. Does he think this is charming?The man beside Charlie holds his stomach as he laughs, nudging his
His Desire 32
~KivaI rub my hands down the front of my pants, fingers trembling.I’ve been summoned by an obscure letter left on my dresser to meet Caspian at his room tonight. I know what that means, but if I avoid this, like I want to, I may ruin the thin thread of trust between us.He must have taken into account his past failure when he came to my room.Thankfully Ark is off tonight. The guard having taken his place merely nodded in understanding when I told him I was heading to the Prince’s room.I just hope this doesn’t get back to Ark…I knock softly on Caspian’s door, hoping he won’t hear it and I can claim in the morning that I figured he was asleep.Unfortunately, he opens the door, grinning at the sight of me."You wanted me?"He opens the door a little wider. "Kiva. Come in."Swallowing thickly, I stride into the impressively sized room. My eyes immediately draw to the large bed in the centre of it, dressed in a dark coloured duvet.At least Caspian isn’t naked. He wears a loose shirt
His Desire 33
~KivaI let out a long, slow breath.All the tension has ebbed out of my shoulders, as I dump my small bag of belongings onto the bed.This inn isn’t far from Caspian’s. I told him I was visiting home for a night, which he mercifully didn’t question.I wonder what he would do if he learned I was spending a night with Ark, in a small double bed in a tiny little room.“This place is nice.” I’m aware of how awkward I sound, but it’s impossible to avoid.“Some staff at Caspian’s estate told me about.”I sit on the edge of the bed, playing with the end of the patterned quilt.There is no one here to interrupt us. We don’t have to be quiet, or secretive. It’s just us, in this intimate space where our only company is this tension we can’t seem to shake.“No doubt someone who wanted you to take them here,” I say playfully, although the thought stings.Ark smiles, drawing the flimsy curtains closed. “Jealous?”"No...but it's true, isn't it?"I know girls want him. I’ve heard it from my own sta
His Desire 34
~KivaA week ago, I returned home. Two days ago, my mate sent me a letter.Ark must have gotten into my room while I was gone. I'm not sure why he bothered, since he could have just told me he wanted to speak to my face, but clearly he is maintaining the ruse that he isn't working for the rebellion.It all seems so ridiculous. There is so much pointless lying, considering the truth is so obviously laid out.Regardless, I'm heading out into the forest tonight to meet with the masked figure.Ark is supposedly elsewhere tonight. Convenient that I've been requested to leave the manor he isn't working...Ice crunches underfoot as I pick my way carefully through the forest. My skin crawls with a haunting feeling like I'm being watched, or followed.I pause, glancing over my shoulder.Nothing. Just flimsy shadows wrapped around trees, seeming to crawl their way toward me. A soft but steady breeze rustles the canopy above me, adding to the ominous scene unfolding around me.Turning around I g
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His Desire 57
~Kiva"Ark!"My head spins as I practically throw myself from the couch. Ark catches me in his arms, pressing me close against him."Hey sweetheart," he soothes, holding me for a beat before he pulls me back so he can examine me. "What the fuck happened to you?"Dark, cold anger simmers in his eyes. He withholds it well, but I can see on his face, in the tension in his muscles that he's moments from exploding. "A lot. Sit down," I encourage, pointing to the couch. It's mostly for myself because I feel like I'm moments away from fainting.He guides me onto the couch before he sits next to me, his body turned to face me. He grazes his fingers over my skin, face, gently tracing over the bruises and marks that mar me. His jaw only tightens as I wince.Slowly, his attention shifts to Louis, who stands back a little. "Did you do this?""No, he didn't. He saved me," I cut in quickly. If Ark so much as suspects Louis is involved, he won't hesitate to kill him.He frowns. "Saved you?""You n
His Desire 56
~KivaWe walk hastily through the forest, circling around the wait.We don't speak as we walk. Louis's breath is harsh as he keeps up a decent pace while still carrying Erin in his arms. My mind is still whirling, or maybe that's the blood I'm losing.It takes over an hour of us walking before we make it to Louis's home on the east side of the river. It's a simple wood cabin with two rooms and a bathroom.I would be happy for him, if I didn't know the job title that is funding this place.My legs wobble beneath me as I approach the couch, colours spotting in my vision. Louis hurries into another room, placing Erin on the bed.I sit slowly, feeling faint.I've lost a lot of blood from the back of my head. When I look down it's all over my chest, drenching the front of my shirt from where it has run down my neck."She's been drugged. She will be out for a bit," Louis says, closing the bedroom door as he comes out."It's for the best. She need's rest," I say quietly, squeezing my eyes sh
His Desire 55
~KivaI roll my head back, groaning.Consciousness has struck me harshly and quickly, dragging me back up to reality. My vision spins, something on the back of my head aching sharply.It slowly dawns on me that I was hit viciously on the back of the head.My vision eventually starts to steady, the messy splotches of colour finally piecing together to reveal my father."Kiva," he says in a calm, steady voice.I blink. I'm in the room where I saved Erin, tied down to the bed. When I lift my hands, they are weighted down by thick iron chains."Why am I tied down," I ask breathily, trying not to let panic overwhelm me."Did you follow me, sweetheart?" father asks, taking a tentative step toward me. Behind him are two guards who stare me down menacingly. "Did Ark have you follow me?"I let out a long breath, trying to process what is happening.My father now knows that I've learnt about what is going on here. I'm tied down in a place where girls before me have been tortured and murdered,
His Desire 54
~KivaSteadying myself, I head through the front door.Initially I planned to burst in and confront my father, to threaten him. However, once I enter, hearing voices drift down the hall, I decide to slow play this.Pressing my back against the wall, I inch closer to the room, keeping my eye out for anyone who could pass by.This place seems like any other home. Aspects of it have clearly been changed to suit a business, with what looks like a waiting room in the old sitting room and a reception in the foyer.I will investigate the intricacies of the place later. For now, I want to hear what my father is saying.“How do we know they don’t already have something on us?” The unfamiliar voice sounds panicked.“If this were about the business they would have killed my daughter.”I draw in a breath. They are talking about the rebellion. Father would never openly tell me what he thinks, so I listen keenly.“Maybe they were planning to.” The other voice sounds like they are pacing.“She doesn
His Desire 53
~KivaThe dining room opens up around as I approach where my father sits, enjoying his breakfast.A shaft of sunlight cast through the towering dining room windows gives my father a deceptively ethereal glow.He looks innocent. He couldn't be further from that.His eyes lift as I wander in. "Good morning. Feel better?"I school my expression into a smile, remembering the story. I was kidnapped, and now I am home and terrified the rebellion is going to come for me."I feel...fine," I exclaim stiffly, sliding into my chair.Father's gaze feels heavy as I carefully select my breakfast. A piece of toast I'm going to smother in spread, accompanied by some fruit.It's what I would choose if I weren't hiding something. It's what I would choose if I weren't moments away from throwing up on the polished floor."You have been through a few hard weeks, haven't you dear?"I ignore the bite of pain in my stomach. His sincere tone doesn't help the situation. I must fixate on Ark, his sister and all
His Desire 52
~KivaMoments later, a figure emerges at the window, clambering through.I tense, watching Ark duck his head under the glass, snow dusting his shoulders and hair. I admire the ease at which he climbed up the trellis considering the amount of times I have fallen from it.He removes his cloth mask, breath clouding in front of me as he meets my gaze.His expression immediately softens. "Hey, are you okay?"I look down at my hands, unable to face him. This is the most horrifying discovery I have ever made and I am still reeling from it."I...no."He's crouched in front of me in an instant, grabbing my hands in his gloved one's. The ice still lingering on the fabric burns at my skin, but I welcome the distraction."What happened?" he asks gently."I found something. Bad," I tell him, fighting past the lump in my throat to say it.I feel so stupid. How many years was this going on and I never knew about it? Ark allowed me to hate him for weeks, trying to protect me from the horror that I wo
His Desire 51
~KivaI walk through the manor doors, shoulders back, chin tilted up.The guards stare in wonder and confusion, making to say something, but I wave them off. I don't want a fuss."Get my father," I tell one of them.The nod, rushing off toward his office.It's early evening and I'm finally returning home. I spent my entire childhood in this home, and now it just feels vast and empty, void of everything that once pleased me.Ark and I spent the whole day coming up with a plan for tonight. I've come here to find evidence of what Ark has alleged.Not even a minute later my father is rushing down the stairs toward me.Only a day ago I would have rejoiced at seeing my father. I may have felt overcome with emotion, grateful to have been freed from the rebels.Now, I feel nothing but repulsion."Father," I say, trying to sound relieved, although it comes out rushed and a little rehearsed."Kiva...oh my baby, you're home." He ushers me into a hug, holding me close. I let him, fighting the urg
His Desire 50
~KivaI let them come to me first.Their faces are concealed by shadows, but I don't need to see them anyway. They are just more rebels who would rather kill me than risk allowing me redemption.The tallest one lunges for me first.Anticipating their attack, I slash the shard of glass along their arm in a similar fashion as with a knife. Ark's training rings in the back of my mind, giving me some confidence in my ability to get out of here.The rebel hisses in pain but barely flinches, still advancing on me. They manage to grab my arm in a firm grip, holding the glass away from themselves.Someone kicks me in the lower back, a jolt of pain accompanying me in my fall to the floor.I hadn't even realised someone had come up behind me...The rebel who kicked me climbs on top of me, trying to wrestle my arms behind my back while another readies the rope to wrap around my neck.With my cheek pressed against the cold floor, I try not to let my panic exhaust me.They really are going to do i
His Desire 49
~KivaThis is bad. Really bad.Ark has taken me back to the compound again, letting me calm down. I haven't slept, unable to stop replaying the events of the other night over in my head.Caspian is free. I'm free from him, although not free from Ark.But that is the least of my concerns. Ark's accusation rings in my head. His sister is dead, and somehow Caspian is involved, and so is my father.Did they kill her? My stomach churns at the thought.Rolling over in bed, I tuck my knees to my chest, wanting to sob. I have no reason to trust Ark, and yet I believe him. Seeing his expression, hearing the way he spoke has made it clear to me that whatever is going on is terrible.I just can't wrap my head around how my father is involved.The sound of voices drawing near has me sitting up. The guards that are usually posted outside my room don't speak much, and don't dare come in.Not like Ark did...It's strange to think that he once guarded my door as these people now do. I don't even know
