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A. N. As my beta commands… grins
Deep Emotions
By Seifersfire
“We’re home.”
Ski’s head snapped up and what met her eyes made her tremble in anger. Smoke rose from the houses, people were scattered in the streets, and everything smelled of betrayal. “What’s all this?”
Christine’s eyes narrowed in rage, “Straton. Com’on!” Kicking Marian into a gallop Christine towards the mess that had once been Kendell. Ski was not far behind at all, except her hand rested on her sword hilt.
“He goes too far,” Ski yelled as they galloped towards the palace.
“Keith and Rein are already here, we must hurry! Who knows what’s going on in there.” Christine yelled back.
Kendell’s streets flew by in a flurry of browns and blacks before Ski wrenched Delilah’s reigns backwards, pulling the horse to an abrupt stop. She leapt off the horse, grabbing her daggers and sliding into the sheaths at her hip, ankle, and legs as Christine strapped her quiver over her shoulder, the bow held firmly in her hands.
As the sun set it cast a red glow over the marble steps of the palace, Ski tried to shake off the feeling that it looked remarkably like blood. Terror was beginning to make it’s way into her veins. They were about to take on a king, and all his soldiers. ‘I must have lost my mind…’ Pulling her sword from the sheath, Ski steeled herself and followed Christine into the palace.
As they advanced into the courtyard the guards standing at the end of the courtyard met them halfway. “Lady Haven, the King is in a private meeting with Prince Rein. I regretfully ask you to remain her while they conduct their business.”
Ski lifted her sword, “We regretfully must decline. Now, move or learn to walk without legs.”
Christine pulled her bow taught, an arrow in place, “I must past.”
The guards hands flew up and they’re spears went clattering to the ground. “You’re insane! You won’t get past the throne room!”
Ski smiled, “That’s yet to be seen.” Both took off further into the palace. They hadn’t even gotten around the corner before their situation became much more desperate.
“Intruders!”
Keith leaned up against the far wall, watching Straton from beneath his bangs. Straton was pacing back and forth glaring at Rein. “Who are you to waltz into my kingdom and tell me how to run it?”
Rein remained stoic, “I am your son. Tell me father, how did those people’s homes get burned? How did they end up on the street?”
Straton scoffed, “Your kidnapper had to be caught.”
“That’s rubbish, you knew I left of my own volition. You just chose to ignore that fact and had Keith and Christine not interfered Ski would be dead now, all cause you had to find a kidnapper you knew didn’t exist. These people aren’t your playthings.” Rein said placing a hand on the table that remained between Straton and himself, leaning forward slightly.
“Who cares if the girl was to die? She is worthless, nothing but a thief!” Straton said, waving a hand through the air.
“At least she only stole people’s possessions, not their lives.” Rein’s voice fell to a deadly whisper.
Straton turned and stared at Rein, “You listen to me, boy. I rule this land and no one, No One, will take it from me. Clear all delusions from your head now. Kendell is mine.”
“No, Kendell belongs to her people.” Rein hissed.
“Watch your words, you’re talking yourself into a great deal of trouble that will only end in blood, yours.” Straton pointed a finger at Rein. “A very bloody end.”
The doors to the throne room were thrown open, as Keith dove to the side. Christine strode through, her bow by her side and Ski followed dumping an unconscious guard on the floor. Rein’s gaze flickered to the doors, his eyes meeting hers, if only temporarily. “Your reign of terror ends. Very very soon.”
Straton turned an unnatural color of purple, the vein in his forehead pulsing as Rein turned from him and strode from the throne room. “Christine, gather your herbs, there are people in need outside.”
Ski put down a set of roots in front of Rein, he was working on a young boy, who had a rather large gash in his leg. “Hold the root over his leg, and twist it gently, the salve that falls from it will numb his pain.” Quietly, Ski did as she was bid. The boy’s breathing evened out and he appeared much more relaxed.
Rein leaned back, looking a tad bit haggard.
“Here,” Ski said, handing him a flask of water.
“Thank you,” Rein said, taking the flask, nearly draining it. Ski did her best to ignore the way extra water drops slid down his neck, the pale skin of his throat. Ski moved to stand up and leave. “Wait.” Rein grabbed her arm.
Ski turned to look at him, her hair falling into her eyes.
“I didn’t mean to … frighten you. Before, when you left I felt responsible. I apologize. I had no intensions of scaring you.” Rein said.
“I’m scared of my own shadow, don’t be flattered,” Ski said.
Rein chuckled, “I’ll keep that in mind. We have to retreat to the forest soon; Straton will not hide in his castle for long. Although we have healed these people’s suffering, I fear we have also brought on them a hell. Tell Christine and Keith to meet me here. We’ll go together.”
Ski rose to her feet and disappeared down the street. It was quiet and dark… too quiet…
She heard the footsteps behind her a moment too late. Next thing she knew Ski was face down in the dirt, pain racing through her mouth where she had bit the inside of her own lip. “Traitorous bitch! Imagine what Straton will give me when he sees what I’ve brought him!”
Ski fought the heavy weight on top of her, but it seems whoever had her arms had a significant amount of bulk to back up his threats. She felt a rather large hand close over her throat as she was lifted to her feet. Ski spit the blood out of her mouth. “You bastard!” she hissed. “Get your hands off me!”
“I think not,” the man scoffed.
A second set of footsteps came pounding into the alley. The man swung Ski around using her neck to turn her, as his other hand held her wrists. “Stop where you are!”
“Let her go,” Rein hissed.
“… No. I don’t think I will.” The man chuckled.
“Now,” Rein said pulling a dagger from his belt.
The man tried to move ski’s body in front of himself, his baulk however, worked against him. Ski’s body had no chance of hiding all of the man. Ski felt his grip on her throat loosen and a heavy thud behind him. Turning around she noticed the dagger that had been in Rein’s hands moments earlier was now buried in the man’s forehead.
“Thank you,” Ski said.
Rein walked up to her, tilting her head to the side. Ski’s face flared and her mind took a turn down pervy lane. “They’ll be bruises, other than that you should be fine.”
Ski nodded bring her head level again. Their eyes locked. Ski began to pull away she couldn’t deal with this it was too intense. Her eyes grew wide and panicked as Rein’s hand slid across her face to cradle her cheek. “Shh…” he intoxicating voicewashed overSki as hereyes slid closed as she relaxed into Rein's embrace.
And for the second time their lips met.
