As a protector or a lover, whatever she wished.
It’s a beautiful fantasy, but one that is not to be. Once I am free of this curse, I will be gone from this land forever. I must make peace with my decision.
It’s what's best for both of us.
"You need to sleep," I say from across the fire.
Pink lashes tickle her round cheeks as they flutter.
I should be resting as well, but with her being so close, it's proving difficult to relax. Under her gaze, my insides feel shredded apart. Perhaps if she were sleeping closer to me, I would?—
"Fairies don't need to sleep. We can stay awake for days at a time."
I tuck that kernel of information away. Stretching my arms beside me, I roll onto my side. Stars twinkle between the thicket of trees. The Queen is framed by grass and glowing bugs that buzz between the tall strands.
"As thrilling as you gazing at me all night is, I'd prefer you dreamed of me instead, Queenie."
A dark green flush breaks out across her face.
I have to curl my fingers into the ground to stop myself from hauling her towards me. My mouth waters at the thought of tracing her flush with my tongue. Of discovering exactly where that coloring leads.
She and Elwood may not be together, but she has certainly been with other males. It would be a crime for a female like her to be ignorant of wanton pleasure.
Bringing her said pleasure would be a privilege. If things were different, I have no doubts I’d be a better man for the job than her guard.
He'd be too eager to please, asking for reassurance instead of just knowing what she needs. I’m confident I could make Queen Arden scream. My treasure hunting skills are only marginally better than mine as a lover.
My cock stirs in agreement. The beast in my stomach snarls his approval. I will them both to calm and push my hedonistic thoughts aside.
"Will you tell me a story?" Arden asks.
I choke on a laugh.
"What kind of story?"
"With your startling amount of accolades?—"
"All well earned, Queenie. I promise you."
Her smile is indulgent.
"Surely you have good tales of adventures." Her eyes blaze from the flames of the campfire. "Tell me more about you. Whatever you're willing to share."
The levity bleeds from our conversation like an open wound.
"Is that wise? Given our time together will be short-lived."
Would it really be so bad to stay?A small, pleading voice whispers in my mind.
Yes,I growl back.
The lengths I've gone to in order to procure this wish cannot be ignored. All I've ever wanted is my freedom from the gnawing inside me. It would be a waste to throw it all away.
Besides, this realm is no place for a human, even one as capable as me. Once I’m cured, I'd be wise to make haste in my departure.
Arden doesn't answer my question.
Rolling onto her elbows, she gazes upwards. Starlight swirls between the gaps in the trees. Night air mixes with Arden's sweetness and the dew coating the ground. Meadowmist is quiet save for the crackling of the fire. The moment stretches before Arden's head turns towards me.
