Page 89 of Scars and Burns

I clench my jaw. Trying to control myself and whatever it is about him that draws me in. I swallow. Watching his eyes trail from mine down my face following the movement until they stop on my chest. It can’t be my breasts he’s admiring because I have next to nothing.

But he knows.

He knows I have a complete Goddess mark.

I don’t know how he knows where my Goddess mark is but he exposed it in the forest the day after my Mother died. I can still feel his hands on me. His finger caressing my skin. The most gentle touch. A softness and tenderness that does not suit his demeanor. Trailing his hands down my neck. Dipping his finger in between the crossover of my tunic. Drawing it down to expose my mark. My mark that is on my sternum, halfway in between the valley of my breasts and on to my chest. I had never been so exposed to another man in my life.

That’s not the case anymore.

But what would I give to be exposed to him again? To have his eyes on me, his hands. To feel his warmth spread across my skin. Enveloping the cold cavern that my soul resides in.

“Well, Dinalia, it’s nice that you were able to spar with someone other than Christopher. I know he has not been much of a challenge for you in these last years. You being so… dedicated… to your fighting abilities.” King Elio says, pulling me from my thoughts.

I turn my head towards him, smiling, “Mmmm, yes it was nice to have another worthy opponent.”

“Who won?”

I’m almost in shock to hear his voice. Prince Proteus is a quiet young man. More observant than interactive from what I’ve seen.

Aeron clears his throat. Readjusting himself in his seat. “Well -”

“I did.” I say curtly. Cutting him off. Staring directly into his eyes. A look that says ‘try to deny it’.

The whole room freezes. I can’t tell if everyone is surprised that I won or if they are too afraid of him to acknowledge that he lost.

“You should have been there. They were both incredible but Dinalia literally slid right out from under him.” Saphrina says, breaking the silence.

Her wording intrigues me. True, I did slide between his legs but when she said that my thoughts go to being underneath him. Under his strong firm body. Feeling the weight of him on top of me. Taking control in a way I have no doubt he is capable of. A way no other ever has.

“That’s wonderful, Dinalia.”Queen Freya says, smiling at me. I nod at her in thanks.

“Yes, it’s a rare thing to beat Prince Aeron. I’ve heard no one has come close in years. Sparring or otherwise.” King Charon adds.

Aeron hasn’t taken his eyes off of me. It should be unsettling but it’s not. I feel a sort of comfort in them. Knowing he is there. Feeling him here with me.

“You should be very proud, King Elio. No one has gotten the upper hand on me in years, not even my Father. She moves and fights like no one I have ever seen before. A rare talent.”

Our eyes are locked on one another. His are endearing. As if he actually means the words he just said. Mine soften a bit. Relaxing my face and my shoulders. Releasing the tension I didn’t even realize Iwas holding there. We share an unspoken conversation. Admitting to one another that we were each worthy opponents in the other’s eyes.Equally matched.Body and mind in harmony with each other.

“Yes, I am very proud. She has always been a quick study. Putting everything she has into the lessons I have provided her with.” King Elio says.

Aeron and I have been looking at each other for far too long. I pull my eyes away. Returning my attention to King Elio. “Yes, I am very grateful. I would not be where I am today without King Elio’s generosity. Providing me with my fighting master, Christopher.” We are in the company of others. I must boost his ego as much as he does.

“And Princess Saphrina, do you have the same fighting master?” King Charon asks.

A hesitant laugh escapes her lips, “I do but I’ve never been very good. Christopher has tried but it’s just not a talent I possess.”

“And magic?” Queen Ayla chimes in.

“Dinalia is actually my magic master.”

“Oh?” Queen Ayla’s voice must have gone up a complete octave in shock.

My magic is a well kept secret. King Elio never supplied me one as he did Saphrina. I have only ever trained with my Mother and then after she passed I guided myself the best I could.

“I was not aware you had magic Dinalia.” Queen Ayla continues, “When did it first appear?”

I glance around the table. All eyes on me. I’ve never spoken so openly about my magic. Certainly not with this magnitude of an audience. “Shortly after we arrived here in the Middle Kingdom.”

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