Chapter 12

Erhan

The village square was a modest and quaint area with children running around chasing Gallus and being scolded by their mothers.

Villagers walked around, having private conversations loudly enough for everyone to hear, effectively spreading gossip and rumors.

Erhan glided along slowly, allowing Kleena to keep up with him. Normally, he’d be moving much faster, but his current situation had forced him to consider her frustrating speed limitations. He sighed softly, his tongue flicking out to taste the air. He couldn’t sense any immediate danger, but his eyes noted every entry and exit point.

He offered his arm to Kleena, who gave him a bright smile that he knew was fake. He smiled back, fully aware of the eyes on them.

A pair of women walked past them, and he heard a snippet of their conversation.

“An odd couple but clearly very in love… so cute…”

He smiled, satisfied.

Kleena leaned in and whispered, “I’m not seeing anyone suspicious. Are you sensing anything out of the ordinary?”

Erhan shook his head, his eyes scanning the village square. He kept his voice low. “Don’t let that make you complacent. They could be hiding in plain sight for all we know.”

She nodded and rested her head against his shoulder, looking the part of a happy wife.

“The fresh air is so invigorating. We should go on walks every day, honey.” She spoke loudly enough to be heard by the strangers around them.

Erhan nodded. “You’re right. And the sun on your skin makes you look like you’re glowing. A true sight for sore eyes.”

Despite knowing the compliment was fake, Kleena blushed a little, eliciting a slight smile from him. She smacked his shoulder, her eyes telling him to shut up.

After an hour of subtly patrolling the village, Erhan guided them back to Calla’s home. Erhan held the door open for her. She nodded her thanks and entered with him following behind.

He found his eyes drawn to the sway of her hips. What a hypnotizing manner of walking…

Frowning, he quickly shook his head. He had no time for such thoughts.

Kleena helped Calla clean up after another hearty meal while Marcus discussed his day’s adventures with Erhan.

“We found a whole group of brox near the pond and chased them around for hours! I almost caught one, but it slipped right out of my fingers.”

Erhan listened, amused. He remembered his own childhood escapades and misadventures. “If you remain focused, you’ll catch one soon enough. Don’t give up.”

Marcus gave him a toothy grin and nodded enthusiastically. “I won’t!”

Erhan excused himself, eager to clean off the day’s dust. He entered the room he shared with Kleena and saw her relaxing on the bed. “Enjoy that while you still can. Tonight’s my turn on the bed.”

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “No, it’s my turn.”

His face flushed red. “It definitely is not your turn. We agreed on me taking the bed tonight.”

Kleena jumped off the bed, stomping over to him. She glared at him, ignoring the fact that she had to look up to do so.

“I don’t think so. I’m taking the bed tonight. End of story.”

He gritted his teeth. This woman and her stubborn streak will be the death of me!

“I will take the bed tonight, and you will sleep on the floor. You can have the bed tomorrow night.”

“Argh! You’re just a spoiled bratty prince who always has to have his way. Aren’t you? Privileged and obnoxious!”

Erhan’s blood started to bubble. If she didn’t submit soon, he knew his blood would be boiling sooner rather than later. “You know nothing of my life! Don’t pretend to even have an idea of who I am!” He had worked hard to become the proud warrior he was, and he’d be damned if some female was going to call him a brat of all things.

She stood on her tiptoes, a shit-eating grin on her face. “What’s the matter? The prince can’t handle a little criticism?”

His tongue flicked out, angrily flicking from side to side. She took a step back, unsure what his reaction meant.

Erhan stared down at her, his heart beating fast. The way she refused to back down was admirable but exasperated him to no end.

Her vibrant spirit and tenacity are impossible to ignore. I’ve never met a human like her. She would make a great soldier in our military if not for her lack of brute power.

He took a deep breath and turned away.

“Fine. Take the damnable bed.”

Kleena made a noise of satisfaction. “Don’t expect me to thank you.” He could hear a triumphant grin in her voice.

Grateful that she couldn’t see the smile on his face, Erhan glided to the door. “It’s our turn to collect water tonight. Come.”

Kleena joined him outside, and they headed off in silence.

As they approached the well, an unspoken tension filled the air. Without a word, they fell into a rhythm, their movements mirroring each other with an effortless grace.

He handed her the bucket, and their fingers brushed lightly, sending a jolt through both of them.

She lowered the bucket into the well, and he took hold of the rope, their hands aligning perfectly. As they drew the water together, the rope sliding through their hands seamlessly, they found themselves moving as one.

Neither of them spoke, but words felt unnecessary.

Their eyes met over the rim of the bucket, and for a brief moment, the world around them faded.

As they lifted the bucket together, their hands brushed again, lingering longer this time. The electric connection was undeniable, and they both felt it, a palpable spark that made their hearts race.

Erhan quickly took the bucket and started gliding home. Kleena quietly walked next to him, her face flushed.

Marcus met them outside, running to Kleena. He handed her a wildflower. “For you. It looks pretty, like your eyes.”

She blushed and gingerly took the delicate little flower. “Thank you so much, Marcus.” She sniffed it and closed her eyes, the smell clearly pleasing her.

Marcus glanced at Erhan before looking at Kleena again. “I wanted to give him a flower too, but Mom said he might not like that very much.”

Kleena’s laughter rang through the night, clear and beautiful. Erhan found himself softly laughing too, the infectious sound making it hard for him to remain expressionless.

For a few moments, Erhan watched her interaction with the young boy. Marcus had clearly grown fond of her in the little time they spent together.

A sudden surge of warmth toward her took him by surprise, his eyes shining brightly.

She would make a perfect mother. I could see myself with her and our own child, creating the most wonderful memories.

He coughed, hoping the act would clear these thoughts from his mind.

Get a hold of yourself, Erhan. This is no place for such daydreaming.

Marcus entertained them with more stories of his exploits with his friends until his mother called him to wash his socks.

The sun had fully set by now and Erhan’s gaze traveled up to the sky glittering with stars. He sat down on the grass, taking in the beautiful sight.

Kleena joined him, sitting close to him. His tail covertly curled behind her back.

“I’ve never bothered to learn about all the different constellations, but I still think stars are very pretty.”

He glanced at her. “Do you want to learn?”

She laughed, waving a hand. “Nah, I’d just forget them all again. I’ll just admire their beauty. That’s enough for me.”

He chuckled softly and shook his head, watching her as she looked up at the sky. The moonlight gave her an almost ethereal glow, highlighting the beauty of her eyes.

“They really are stunning,” he murmured, lost in the moment.

Kleena didn’t look at him, her focus on the stars.

He followed her gaze. “Were you a good student? Back at home, I mean.”

She turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden interest. “I was okay. Not the smartest, but I did well enough. How about you, Your Highness?”

He grimaced. “Please, don’t call me that. I was at the top of my class. I had to be. It was expected of me.”

“That must have sucked. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m proud of my achievements.” Erhan told her more about his childhood, and Kleena shared stories of how she grew up.

He often glanced at her, his eyes going softer. He felt a genuine connection with her in those moments, something that went beyond their pretense.

They talked for hours, getting to know each other a bit better.