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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
His Desire 35
~KivaA week passes and I hear nothing from Taven.Good. He can listen.Ark doesn't seem to share his propensity for keeping back, hidden. Although, he hasn't pushed me on the issue, nor has he brought Taven up.Thankfully...It's been my focus all week to keep this mate issue out of my head.So, when Caspian invites me back to his manor to go over what is going to occur at our wedding, I happily agree.Anything is to keep my mind off Ark and Taven is a good thing.“The ceremony will be outside," Caspian tells me, leading me into the backyard. It's a dreary sight out here, with the dark clouds that loom overhead and the lifeless garden that struggles to grow through the frost.“A bit cold, don’t you think?” I mumble, wrapping my coat tighter around myself.I suppose on my wedding day my temperature will be the last thing that bothers me.“It shouldn’t be too long,” he responds, breath clouding in front of him as he surveys the area.Something seems off today. He’s stiff, more reserved.
His Desire 36
~KivaI stare into the mirror, hating what looks back.Today is my wedding day. This afternoon I will be wed to Caspian, and I will be a Princess in his territory. To make matters worse, I’ll be moving in here full time.And there will be no avoiding Caspian.My door swings open, my father striding in.“Today is the day,” I muse, brushing at a few stray hairs that have fallen from my up-do. Two girls spent three hours getting me ready, and now I’m exhausted. My eyes drift to where my dress hangs. I hate it. I hate this entire time experience.“You were born for this, daughter,” father exclaims, adjusting the lapels of his jacket.“I just hope I’ll be happy,” I breathe.I don’t seem to have the energy to force a smile onto my face right now. Instead, I look solemn, like the life has been sucked out of me overnight. Father doesn’t seem to notice, though. “I’m going to miss you around the manor.” He rests his hands on my shoulders, meeting my gaze in the mirror.I swing around in my ch
His Desire 37
~KivaI stare at Ark’s imposing boots as they pace back and forth in front of me."You're not concentrating,” he points out.My quivering arms give out from under me, my stomach falling flat against the polished wood floor."How can I?" I grumble."Is this about Caspian?""No, although I'm pretty sure I married a horrible man,” I mutter tiredly, forcing myself up into a sitting position.It's a miracle I’m still able to train. I’ve made a point not to mention it to Caspian. If he knew, he would tell me to stop, although I’ve been at my father’s for a couple days while my recent husband has been away on a trip.If Ark hasn’t received such a highly regarded recommendation to remain as my personal guard from my father, I don’t think he would still be employed.Eventually Caspian will tire of appeasing my father, though.Without Ark, I’ll drown here."Has he said anything about the consummation?" Ark asks tightly, adjusting his gloves. I can hear the bite of anger in his voice, although h
His Desire 38
~KivaArk presses his hand against my back, guiding me through the darkness."I'm freezing." My teeth are chattering as my wet clothing clings to my skin.I just crossed the river back through the forest. If Ark’s training has achieved anything, it’s giving me enough stamina to cross with much more ease than my first attempt.From there, we stalked through the trees and to this dilapidated shack that is apparently a safe house.Ark shoves a door open that nearly swings off its rusty hinges. He stoops his head down and wanders inside, helping me along.The ceiling sags down, swallowing half the room. When Ark mentioned a safe house, I had other ideas. Not…this."There are blankets in here,” he assures me, waving dust out of the way."It looks empty,” I note.Nothing of worth seems to be in here except for a few empty shelves that are cracked and falling apart. Even the windows are cloudy and half overgrown by undergrowth from the forest. "This isn't the safe spot." He kicks a spot on
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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
