Chapter 18

                                    

                                          
Father did not engage me after we arrived at the castle. I found that a tad suspicious but I did not question it.
I had a whole day to be with my mate. I would not ruin it in the name of flimsy suspicions. 
   "Savi, where is Ally?" I asked Savi as he walked to meet me.
    "She is with Marla, My Lord. I believe she is showing her the chambers she would reside in." Savi said to me.
   "Take me to her." 
    "Yes, My Lord."
Savi led the way while I tried my best to hide my excitement. I would save that for when we were behind closed doors.
The chambers Ally had been given were not as close to mine as I would have liked but I knew there was not much I could do about it.
Not yet at least.
Savi knocked on the door. It did not take long before the doors were opened for us. I walked in and my eyes immediately met Ally's. 
She stood at my presence, lowering her head, whilst Marla remained sitting.
    "You need not stand for me Ally." I said to her.
She said nothing but simply smiled. Ally lifted her head to meet my gaze and for a moment, no one said a word. Her eyes swallowed me in and I could not focus on anything else.
The silence was thick and I could stay in it all day long. I could stay in her presence for 
eternity.
    "I will take my leave now. If you need any help Ally, I will be here." She said as she stood.
    "Yes, you do that." I said to Marla
She acknowledged me with a bow before she walked out with her maidservant 
    "Savi, excuse us." I ordered.
    "Yes, My Lord."
When we were alone, I walked to her.
    "I have not formally thanked you for saving my life." I said as I neared her.
I raised my hand to her face and gently touched her skin. Her skin felt smooth. 
    "Are you well?" I asked her, my voice low.
Ally said nothing but I noticed her breaths had become heavier. My eyes landed on her lips.
They pulled me to them. 
But I had to restrain myself.
    "Zan..." She whispered.
My name on her lips sent shivers down my spine. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
I could not take it anymore.I wanted her. 
Being in her presence made me lose my 
sense of reasoning.
I opened my eyes to see her beautiful eyes. They were gentle. Not burning with love and lust like mine was. 
It reminded me that she did not feel the bond as I did. 
    "Zan. Thank you." Ally said softly before taking a step back.
I lowered my hand and maintained my posture.
    "Why do you thank me? I should be thanking you. You saved my life." 
    "As you have saved mine." She said softly.
I smiled at her.
    "We are even now. So, tell me, do you admire your chambers?" 
She looked around before taking a deep breath.
    "It is paradise compared to the dungeons." She said with a little laugh.
    "I will take that as a yes." I said before chuckling.
    "Indeed. I appreciate the room I have been given but..."
    "You would rather be amongst the people." 
Ally nodded.
    "I believe I will feel more at ease beyond the walls of this palace."
    "Why do you say so? My family is a lovely one. And you have done such a great thing. You deserve more than just an ordinary cottage." I said, trying to persuade her.
    "I do not disagree with you but... Your father scares me." She said suddenly.
I could not stop the laugh that escaped my lips. Ally was flustered at my actions. Her cheeks turned a shade of pink and she averted her gaze.
    "I am sorry. I understand why you feel that way. My father can be intimidating but that should not scare you away. I believe he is warming up to you." I said, holding back my laugh and trying to keep a straight face.
Ally sighed.
    "I understand now that nothing I say will change your mind." She said.
I shook my head, smiling at her. She rolled her eyes at me playfully before sitting on her bed.
    "Then it is best I get comfortable. What do you Lords and Princes do to while away time. The palace is large but there seems to be nothing to do." She said, looking out the window.
I sat beside her.
    "Well, we Lords and Princes often have 
duties to attend to that steals away our time." I began.
Ally turned her attention to me. She seemed interested in what I had just spoken. Her lips curved into a smile.
    "Do you have such duties today?" She asked.
Her voice came out soft. I held her eyes in my gaze as I got closer to her.
    "I could show you." I said, my voice barely above hers.
I touched her cheek, raising her face up to mine. My heart raced at my thoughts of having her. She was mine on this bed and I wanted to claim her. 
To mark her.
    "I would love that." She said.
Her words were like a feather on my skin. Soft and inviting. Just as her lips.
But it was not in place to touch her. Not yet. Now when anyone can just walk in on us.
I slowly lowered my hand and stood up.
    "Then get ready. I have an archery lesson at noon. I am sure you would love to come along."
Her eyes lit up at the offer before she lowered her gaze softly.
    "I would love to come with you but... I believe your father, the King, will not be pleased if I do." She said, looking away.
I furrowed my brows.
    "Why do you say so?"
She remained silent. I held her by her shoulders gently. She lifted her eyes to mine. 
She was hiding something from me. I could see it. And I hated it.
    "Ally. My father has no say in this matter. I desire to have you on the field with me today and if you desire it too, then so be it. Do not be worried about my father."
She smiled a little.
    "Yes, my Lord."