Page 21 of Bonded By Moons

With shaky fingers, I clutched tighter to the silk covers and tried not to stare at him. Looking anywhere but at him, I asked, “This is your room, isn’t it? We’re in the palace?”

He nodded but remained calm and still. An anchor to hold onto while I felt as if the walls were crashing in on me.

I’m in his bed.

I’m in the palace.

I’m near that disgusting king.

His room smells like heaven.

There’s something strangely familiar about this place.

He has so many books. I love books.

Why do I feel so at home?

Shaken out of my spiraled thinking, Willow reaches a hand so softly to the right side of my head. Feather light touches caress my welt and I hiss in pain.

“I’m sorry, this will only take a moment.” He whispers, fully concentrated on the wound at the side of my head.

I risked the opportunity to look at him while he’s distracted. He stares at me with a sense of softness, and a strong feeling of protection and comfort radiates off of him like waves of calming medicine. He is also nervous, maybe that I’d run from him again. I’m not sure, but it's endearing.

He seems to be drinking me in just as much as I, him. This is the first time we truly have gotten to look at eachother, like really look at one another, since the night of the initial bond. I ran from him so fast, so anxious to get away from the reality of that cursed day.

My lips parted and I thought about the touch of his fingers on my wound. He looks so brutish, so strong and overpowering, but really his touch is lighter than a feather. His caress is even smoother than the silk covers that envelope my body.

Ember, get yourself together. He’s just a strong brute with beautiful icey eyes.

I exhale a breath of frustration and break our eye contact. I clear my throat.

My head already feels better but he seems to have gotten the emotion I was conveying and stood up. “Well, that looks better. I think with another day or two of bed rest, you’ll be good as new. Guess you’re stuck with me so we can get these acquancy rituals started.”

My jaw drops.“One, it’s funny you think we’re completing this bond. Two, What? Another day or two!?” I gawk at him. I can’t stay that long. Who does he think he is? I have to notify the others and get back to base. They’ve probably already started preparations to rescue me. I haven’t checked in since last night. But it wasn’t last night. “You can’t keep me here.”

“You’re right, but also I’m the prince, and there’s guards surrounding the castle grounds which I have notified them to not let my pretty pink flame anywhere out of sight.”

I choke out a cough-gurgle and gather my composure. “That is considered imprisonment, you know. I can heal and rest perfectly fine at my apartment. We don’t need to be near each other.”

“Why? Because you can’t think straight around me? Because I’m your mate and you can’t resist the pull between us? Or is it because you’d rather us be together at your apartment, where I can watch over you more intently and take advantage of our privacy?” He is seeping amusement and adoration for me right now. It tastes like cream and strawberries in my mouth. Shit, that feels good.

I ignore his emotional projection. “Don’t be ridiculous. That was not what I intended and you know it. Also, I'm not even a fire faerie so stop calling me stupid pet names.” I scoff and roll my eyes, staring at his expansive collection of books across the room.

He laughs and man does his laugh sound beautiful. Deep and luscious.

A thought occurred to me. There could be an advantage to staying here in the palace for a few days. I could take the time to investigate the happenings in the castle, and I could get the mate bond taken care of and prove to the prince that this will never work out.

“Hmmm. You know what, maybe we should just get these rituals out of the way. Once we're acquainted, maybe you’ll see just how imperfect we are for each other.” I smirked at him.

“Oh, little flame. You’re sorely mistaken. You’re the only perfect thing in my life.”

My heart warmed at the confidence exuding from his body. He truly believes we’re destined to be together. The first few things he’s learned about me is that I hate him, my parents are dead, and I’ve sworn off love and mates. We’re off to a great start.

“Can I take some time to freshen up and process this shit show?” I ask him impatiently.

He crosses his arms and contemplates my request. “Yes, of course. I will go gather some breakfast and a new change of clothes for you and then you can explain what you were doing prowling the streets the other night. If you like books, please help yourself to any of the ones in my personal collection. The fire will stay glowing and vibrant even while I'm away.” He dropped his arms, turned around and left the room. He was actually quite a gentleman about that. He looked pained to leave me alone though.

Once I heard the door click, I lay back into the pillows and let out a deep breath. Listening to make sure no one was near the door, I lazily twirl my hand to summon my communications orb. It bobs and glows above the bed sheets before me.

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