Part 7
[Lunalea POV]
Autumn was coming. The day was windy and chilly, so I wore a shawl over my shoulders. I was heading for the infirmary, walking as fast as I could to brush off the cold. When I bumped into Lord Raphael. I nearly fell but he held my upper arms to make me steady. I gasped in surprise, then quickly backed away, bowing and saying, "Forgive me."
"It's alright." Lord Raphael smiled warmly. "Are you in a hurry?" he asked me.
"No, My Lord." I shook my head, "Do you need my assistance?"
"No, I'm just asking. Anyway, are you feeling alright? Your aura seems a bit different today."
I held my breath. "Different..in what way, My Lord?" I asked warily. The aura usually reflected a person's mood. I must admit that my mood today was more...lively than usual because of one particular person.
Lord Raphael was eyeing me intently. "I think it sparks a little red, instead of the usual calm blue." Uh-oh. I wondered if Lord Raphael knew more than I thought he knew. Should I tell him about Lord Mikael and me? But what if Lord Mikael didn't want anyone else know about the sacred marriage? It could probably ruin his image-as a strong, tough warrior.
"Uh.." again I must find an excuse. "Maybe it's because I tried to use an offensive spells.." I lied, for the second time, to Lord Raphael. I was so shameful..!
He just smiled in comprehension. "I understand if you are worried about the war, and I understand if you feel the need to be prepared for battle." He gently said, "But I hope you're not too hard on yourself. Even if the war reaches this castle, I will protect you." And with that he lightly ran his finger over my hair, making me startled. I hoped he's not being nice to me..after what I had done..
"I..I am grateful, My Lord.." I said in a weak voice.
"Don't worry, Lunalea, this war will be over soon." He told me. And I was surprised with a stern determination in his usually serene eyes.
Later that day when I was in my working chamber, someone came to see me. No, it's not Lord Mikael, it's the general who accompanied him when he came the first time. I didn't know his name. "Can I help you?" I asked him "Are you sick or injured?"
"No, Ma'am." He answered, rather anxious. "Lord Mikael asks for you." He added. I sighed; I should had known.
"Would you tell Lord Mikael that I would see him at the end of the day, after I've done my duty?" I knew that Lord Mikael was a great general, and now he was my husband, but I didn't work under his command. I worked for Lord Raphael and I'd already felt bad enough because I lied to him twice. I didn't want to leave my work now if I could help it. This is a reponsibility entrusted to me.
The general looked more anxious. "Ma'am, he asks for you right now." He insisted. "I am to escort you to his chamber."
'Sigh..guess I have no choice then.'
[Mikael POV]
I didn't like disturbing Lunalea at work, but I needed to see her at once. I had sent my general Neil to come to get her at the infirmary. I had to see her once more before I left-for how long I didn't know. Earlier that day the King requested for me due to an urgent matter. He told me he was informed that Lady Gabriel was in a trouble; her troop in the verge of destruction. Apparently she was facing an immense number of shapeshift demons. The King ordered me to come to her aid immediately.
I was sitting on my chair, polishing my sword, when there's a knock on my door. Finally. What took them so long? I didn't like to wait. After I said "Come in!", Neil brought inside the fairest lady in this kingdom. Yes, my wife, Lunalea. I was delighted to see her, even if she looked slightly annoyed.
"You may dismiss." I told Neil. He was hesitant, seemingly didn't like the idea of leaving Lunalea alone with me, in my chamber. "You heard me." I snapped. Neil nodded and hurriedly left the room. I gestured for Lunalea to come closer. She approached me and stood just about one meter away before me.
"You ask for me, My Lord?" Lunalea asked in her usual polite manner.
"Yes." I nodded. "I need you to make my cells regenerate faster. My wound has to be fully healed at least tonight." The look of shock in Lunalea's face was not unexpected.
"Are you going back to the battlefield, My Lord?" she asked me disapprovingly, glancing at the sword on the table. Was she upset because I left her shortly after I married her, or was she upset because once again I put my life on the line? I decided it didn't matter; I'd have it either way.
I leaned forward and reached for her hand, pulling her closer to me. Her sweet scent invaded my nostril and made me feel calm and content. "I hate to leave you." I told her, while staring straight into her deep blue eyes, "But the King has ordered me himself." And I told her what the King had told me.
Lunalea inhaled deeply. "I understand." She said, drooping her head. "But I'm afraid I had to ask something from you, My Lord.." her voice was frail and cautious.
I became wary myself, but then I said, "Anything, My Lady.." what she could probably ask anyway?
Lunalea blushed a little. "I ask for your permission...to place a protective ward on you, My Lord..." her voice faltered when she saw my eyes slightly narrowed. "I-I don't mean to offend you, My Lord, I just-"
She didn't finish her sentence, because I suddenly wrapped my right arm around her waist and pressed my head against her belly. I heard her gasp, and I chuckled. Actually, I was surprised I didn't feel that offended; instead I felt rather glad because I knew she care for me. "Fine." I whispered, just loud enough for her to hear, "Do as you see fit."
I was thrilled when I felt Lunalea's slender fingers ran through my hair, stroking it gently. It felt so good. "Thank you, My Lord." She whispered back before she bent down and placing a kiss on the top of my head. It made me happy that she took the initiative.
Approximately fifteen minutes later, Lunalea had done channeling her power to make my cells regenerate faster. Regeneration was not an enjoyable process. For some, it would feel like being pierced by thousands needles and most of the time this process caused a high fever. I told Lunalea that I could handle it, but she said merrily that I might not have to undergo that suffering because I wasn't most people. I smiled realizing that she meant it to be a compliment.
The next thing was the protective ward. I had never placed one before, so I didn't know the process. I knew though, that the ward was usually carved into the skin like a kind of tattoo, like the insignia of sacred marriage. Lunalea placed the ward on my back, a few inches below my neck.
"Do you need anything else, My Lord?" Lunalea asked me.
"Yes." I held her wrist firmly, as if I would lose her if I let go. "You." Her eyes widened and her cheeks blushed pink, then she slowly nodded.
Lunalea still looked shy and a bit scared when I brought her to my bed. "I'll be gentle." I promised her. She placed her cool hand on my cheek and smiled. "I know.." she said. I took her hand and kissed its palm. I was grateful that the regeneration process only made my back itched and my body a bit fatigued. That didn't hold me back.
Soon enough I had her moaning and writhing under my touch. Her voice was like the sweetest music in my ears. This time she wasn't as passive as before; she moved her hips to match my move..and God it felt great. Judging from her blissful expression, I knew she enjoy this as much as I do. She's driving me insane, but I knew I had to handle her with care because she's so delicate. It still amazed me how she could give me so much pleasure.
I closed my eyes and leaned down to indulge myself in her ecstatic scent. I felt her grip on my upper arm tightened as I went faster. Her ragged breath felt hot on my face. She was getting close, steadily bringing me with her. Then she was there, screaming my name, and I muffled her with a rough kiss. I gave her a few more powerful thrusts before waves of raptures washed over me and I heard myself grunt.
I moved my body from on top of her and laid by her side. She was panting and it took some time before her breath was back to normal. Then she turned to face me and smiled; I swore her eyes looked glowing. The glow of happiness, I hoped. I smiled back at her and gently brushed aside her hair from her temple. It was sticky with sweat, but I still thought it's lovely.
Lunalea snuggled up to me lovingly. We didn't say a word and were just enjoying the calm silence. I absent-mindedly ran my fingers up and down her back-they glided smoothly on her silky skin-, thinking how lucky I am to have her.
We stayed like that for a good twenty minutes. I almost forgot that I had a duty to the kingdom. And when I remembered, I slowly moaned in dislike. "My Love," I called Lunalea. She looked up at me and was surprised I called her that, but she also looked pleased. "I have to go." I told her.
I saw a cloud in her eyes, but it's quickly gone. She nodded, saying "Yes, I understand.." she entangled herself from my arms as I sat up. Lunalea was sitting up too, but I, seeing her still exhausted, prevented her.
"Sleep here for tonight." I told her. She complied. I gave her a chaste kiss before I left.
Later that evening, as I was riding my stallion Red Hare out to the battlefield once more, I had a new determination within me. I would end this war, no matter what, and brought back a land of peace where Lunalea and I could live together in harmony.
***
owwright..,just about now Mikael is standing behind me, glaring at me with arms folded-so scary! Hey, in life you can't always get what you want, right? ^^; I'll reunite them, I promise! Meanwhile, review and comment please..I'd really like to know what you're thinking bout this story, 'kay..