My face flushed with frustration. I wanted to prove to Arthur that I was worthy of standing by his side, that I could help. – WHAT?! HOW?! Why? I'm one of the strongest here. Why do you want me to stay?! I will be of much help! Even the queen will, why can't I?! – I demanded, my brows furrowing in determination.
Arthur simply stared at me, his eyes cold and indifferent, devoid of any concern for my feelings. His silence pierced through me like a knife, and I felt a wave of inadequacy wash over me.
I averted my gaze, unable to meet his icy stare, and lowered my head. It felt like I was looking at a mountain, an insurmountable peak moving further away from my reach. I wanted him to know that he wasn't alone, but how could I convey that when he wouldn't acknowledge me?
– I'm sorry, Arthur... – I whispered my voice trembling as I clasped my hands together, the wide sleeves of my blue gi hiding my clenched fingers.
Arthur stood up, his presence towering over me. I looked up, desperate to catch any hint of warmth in his gaze. – You're very rebellious! Arrogant and overconfident... – he said, his voice cutting through the air. He stepped closer, too close, and cupped my cheek, forcing me to look at him. – Be a good future wife and stay here in Camelot to protect my territory...
I felt a rush of embarrassment, my eyes darting to the ground. – B-But I wanted to help in the battle... – I whispered, my voice shaky and uncertain.
Arthur' strong hand moved to my chin, lifting my face until our eyes met. His golden eyes bore into mine with an intensity that made my knees weak. – You help me when you do not get in my way. You still do not understand? – he asked, his gaze unwavering.
The proximity was overwhelming, making my breathing heavy and my face flush even redder. My mind raced, knowing exactly where this was heading. I never liked all this control he had over me. He could tell I was blushing, my white skin made it clear.
Where did he learn this? In books? That's not possible! Making me weak just with a touch, a stare? Like Selena says... "He's too hot..."
"This again?" I thought, feeling both dread and longing. – A... Arthur... – I whispered, my eyes drifting to his pink lips.
He closed the gap between us, his left hand resting on my waist and pulling me closer. I closed my eyes first, surrendering to the moment. His right hand gently held my chin, and the other hand keeping me glued to his body. I felt his lips brush against mine. They were as soft and perfect as always, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Ahh" I couldn't take it anymore.
I placed my hand on his cheek, deepening the kiss as I inhaled his intoxicating scent—a mesmerizing blend of sandalwood, cedarwood, with a touch of leather and a subtle shade of fresh pine. His scent denoted his strength and resilience, making me feel both safe and exhilarated.
Arthur's hands slid slowly to my hips, and I admit, I blushed even more. But just as quickly, he pushed me away, breaking the kiss and the moment. – Enough! Now go! – he commanded in a cold voice. He had already achieved his goal, leaving me feeling both hypnotized and disappointed.
I wanted more. I looked at him, my eyes pleading for another taste of his touch, his scent, his kiss. But his disinterested face made me hesitate, I didn't want to look like a pervert. – It's okay, – he convinced me. – I've never been so happy after hearing a no... – I muttered, bouncing out of his tent with a smile despite the bittersweet ache in my heart.
Simply, Wow...
…
Hearing what had happened, Selena looked at me with envy. – How envious! I want him to give me a kiss like that so badly... – she said, puffing out her cheeks in what seemed like a mix of sincerity and jest.
A vein throbbed on my forehead as I screamed. – SELENA!!!
She giggled, scratching her nape. – Jus a joke...
I crossed my arms and looked away, still flustered. That's when Merlin arrived, her presence marked by the scent of grapes. Her dark purple gi and wavy black hair only added to her irritating charm.
– Delirious just because of a kiss? Typical of the unloved... – Merlin teased, chuckling.
I sighed, knowing she only wanted to provoke me. – What do you want, Merlin? – I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
Selena looked at Merlin with her arms crossed and commented. – For a person who doesn't speak Latin well, you're very fluent...
Merlin laughted. – Hmph! My pity over you awakens my Latin. Delirious for my fiancé, who I kiss whenever I want...
I couldn't hold back my anger, and no, it wasn't jealousy. My anger flared, and I stood up, veins bulging on my face. – You liar! Arthur would never get involved with you! – I exclaimed, glaring at her disdainful smile.
Some noble Amazons and British, next to Merlin, laughed at me. That made me even more frustrated. I didn't want to get into a fight, knowing Arthur would be even colder towards me if I disobeyed him, he would leave me for good.
– Says his toy... You're just a toy for my Arthur. An exotic fruit. – Merlin taunted, walking around me, analyzing me with an arrogant smile. – If you think I'm lying, answer me something: He's always the one who kisses you, but he won't let you kiss him, right? She stopped in front of me and asked with her hand on her waist.
I clenched my fists, not wanting to admit the painful truth. She touched my wound; the man I love won't even let me touch him.
Selena looked at me and saw my reaction. Her pitying whisper. – H-Hera... – only confirmed it.
Clapping, Merlin laughed. – I'm right, as always... I kiss him whenever I want. Remember the party? You know he and I lived together, right? And what do you think we did when we had no occupation? – She licked her lips and walked away, the nobles following her with mocking smiles.
I refused to believe Arthur slept with her, but the doubt gnawed at me. – This woman annoys me! Why doesn't she leave me alone?! Better, why did Arthur bring her?! – I exclaimed, pacing angrily.
Selena looked at me with a pity. I'm sure what was going through her head. " Arthur bringing her? It's more than clear that the two of them are more than friends, so you can deduce why he brought her..." She sure thought that. – Stay calm, she just wants to get into your head. Don't give her what she wants... – she sighed.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. – You're right, Arthur wouldn't do that... – I sighed, but the doubt lingered.
Laughing nervously, Selena agreed, but her eyes betrayed her thoughts – Y-Yes... – I understood what she meant.
"The Arthur of the past wouldn't do it, but the one of today, well..." But I didn't want to believe that. I crossed my arms, the anger giving way to sadness. "Am I not enough? Why doesn't he care about me? I want more than kisses and promises..." I thought.
…
ARTHUR TREADWAY
Days later, still here on the battlefield, I had already sent two to three hundred thousand troops, with a hundred thousand dead. The Union had lost more than one million, and we were holding our ground despite the casualties.
In the center of the battlefield, Commander Astrid cried with Laden's hand on her belly. She looked at the father of the pregnancy with tears streaming down her face, terrified. Laden's touch sent shivers down her spine, her gasps audible even from afar.
– O-Orion, forgive me... – Astrid whispered, her voice trembling.
Commander Orion, seeing a sword at his lover's neck and another man's hand on her belly, threw down his sword and stretched out his arms. – KILL ME! LEAVE HER ALONE!! P-PLEASE KILL ME INSTEAD!! – he begged, kneeling on the ground.
I clenched my fists and teeth at that moment. I knew that many called me cold and calculating, some even called me Ice Cunning Cold King. And I understand, I don't deny that I might be, but the scene before me didn't please me. Stirred something deep within.