Chapter 15

ANA

Tilda's gentle hand on Ana's arm broke her focus on the duel. "Enjoying the fights?" the gnome asked, her voice barely a whisper above the clang of swords and the excited murmurs of the crowd.

Ana nodded, her gaze lingering on the swift, skilled movements of the fighters and appreciating the mechanics. Mentally, she filed away their techniques, eager to impress Quinn later.

"Quite a sight," Tilda agreed, patting Ana's shoulder. "But I must take you away. Your suitor, Zach, waits in the garden with the prince."

Ana sighed, forcing a smile. She rose and followed Tilda, her steps heavy with dread regardless of the short walk.

There, she found Zach, his fiery red hair cascading down his back. Though shorter than Quinn, his build was solid, his eyes radiating warmth despite his imposing stature. Beside him stood the prince, his arms crossed, and a scowl etched on his face. Yet, when Quinn's gaze met Ana's, his frown melted into a radiant grin that seemed to brighten the entire scene.

Zach extended a bouquet of vibrantly colored flowers, their fragrance intoxicating. "It is a pleasure," he said, his voice a touch too formal.

Ana shifted uncomfortably under his study. She offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, they're beautiful."

Zach continued, his words overly flowery. "Aye, but your beauty is a dazzling light that outshines even these blooms …"

Ana's discomfort grew. Before Zach could finish his dramatic speech, Quinn let out a low growl. Zach, startled, stepped back and presented a smaller arrangement to Tilda. "For you," he said awkwardly.

Tilda raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. "No sweet words, then?" she teased, accepting the flowers. "Thank you, but I'm afraid you're not my type."

Zach chuckled. "Just a token of appreciation."

Tilda smiled and nodded. "I will be off to put these in water."

"Thanks, Tilda," Ana said as the gnome departed.

After a peaceful meal eaten in silence, Zach played her beautiful music on his flute, revealing his talent. He then confessed his true intentions, admitting he only wanted her company and had no desire to court her, recognizing her heart belonged to Quinn. He left, expressing his enjoyment of their time together.

Moments later, Quinn's cousin, Daxos, arrived. His features mirrored Quinn's—the same sharp jawline, the same blue eyes, yet slimmer in build. But where Quinn exuded quiet determination, Daxos carried a fire within him.

Daxos, his gaze politely averted, inclined his head to both Quinn and Ana.

"Cousin," the prince acknowledged, arching an eyebrow.

"I'm here to talk with you, cousin," Daxos stated, his hands finding their place on his hips. "You've been elusive lately—hard to pin down." His gaze shifted to Ana, and a genuine smile curved his lips.

"Not to court her?" Quinn glanced at Ana.

A weary sigh escaped Daxos. "No. My heart's set elsewhere—on one I've yet to meet." He shrugged, a half-hearted attempt at nonchalance. "She's out there, somewhere."

Quinn crossed his arms. "And you're certain she's alive?"

Daxos faced the mountains, his silhouette etched with resolve. "Hope's not easily quelled. Others share this belief, yet our pleas fall on the king's deaf ears."

Quinn's stance softened. "I've argued with Father, too. He's unyielding."

"We can't abandon them. Not when hope lingers like a fragile flame." Daxos sighed. "It's a parasite that eats away at the kingdom."

"Why'd the king halt the search?" Ana sat up straighter. "Can't you do something?" she asked, glancing at Quinn.

"I'll speak to Father again." Quinn gritted his teeth. "He thinks none live, and it's a waste of resources, but I shall not stop pressing him. Perhaps he'll relent." He placed a hand on Daxos' shoulder.

With gratitude and a smile, Daxos bid his farewell.

The sun's descent revealed they'd overstayed lunch. "We need to train," she said, rising and dusting herself off.

"My apologies, I must delay your training," Quinn said, standing. "Dygo shall escort you. I have a match to prepare for." He bowed, regret lacing his tone.

Fear clenched her stomach. "You fight? Against who?"

His grin held warmth and excitement. "Guignol. He is skilled, but not a problem." He squared his shoulders. "Are you worried?" He tilted her chin, his gaze intense.

His touch sent shivers down her spine, but Dygo's arrival shattered the moment. Though horror threatened to consume her, she wouldn't voice it. It would betray the growing feelings she wasn't ready to face.

"No need to fret," he said, leaving with a parting caress. Her throat tightened.

Though none had died in the bouts, Guignol couldn't be trusted.

Dygo offered his arm. "Shall we take seats? This is a duel many shall not miss."

Ana nodded, accepting his arm.

Lost in worry, she barely registered sitting in the arena; nor did she notice the other bouts.

"Next up, Prince Quinn!" the announcer called. Amid a cheering crowd, Quinn strode out with unwavering confidence. She chewed her claws, a knot of fear forming in her stomach.

A wiry, bearded gnome presented Quinn with a gleaming sword. The audience hushed as he effortlessly drew the blade, his well-defined muscles rippling beneath his skin.

"And his challenger… Guignol!"

The advisor sauntered forward, his gaze indifferent. The cheers were less enthusiastic compared to Quinn's and quickly faded into silence. Despite his nonchalance, tension radiated from his coiled muscles and white-knuckled grip on his weapon. His lean figure held a menacing aura, his leer turning icy cold.

Quinn ignored his opponent, his eyes searching for Ana. To her surprise, Guignol followed suit, winking playfully before striding toward her. "Enjoying the show?" he taunted, flexing and winking again before returning to the center. Unease prickled her skin.

"May the best fighter win!" the announcer declared, waving the flag. The combatants bowed, their eyes locked in an intense stare. The bell rang, and the fight began. Ana's hands grew sweaty.

The clash of swords echoed through the arena. She winced but couldn't tear her gaze away. Quinn evaded an attack and retaliated, drawing blood. "Point for the prince!" the commentator roared.

Guignol, eyes burning with anger, lunged forward. Quinn effortlessly blocked the blow, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Ana gasped, clutching her throat.

The battle raged on, the only sounds the clanging metal, grunts, and heavy breathing. Quinn's movements were a blur, but concern shadowed her admiration.

"Two to zero!" the announcer boomed.

With each clash, she flinched. Quinn's agility showed, earning him two more points just as narrowly avoiding a close call. Sweat glistened on his sculpted body, igniting a primal urge within her.

"One point for victory!" the commenter bellowed.

Quinn's tail swiped Guignol, sending him flying. As he fell, his feet flew up, flinging sand at the prince.

"No!" Ana cried, gripping the seat.

Quinn stumbled back, blinded. Guignol charged, sword raised. But in a flash, Quinn dodged and retaliated, anticipating the move.

"Victory to the prince!" the announcer roared.

The crowd erupted, and gnomes swarmed the arena. Guignol stormed off, his eyes locking with Ana's in a chilling stare.

"You're doing brilliantly," Quinn praised as she continued her flight practice. "Use the air currents to glide and conserve energy."

He hovered nearby, a reassuring presence, as she focused on perfecting the maneuvers. "Magnificent," he called out again. "Now, turn and come back."

Focusing intently, Ana adjusted her tail, but the movement summoned a tremor through her. As she concentrated on correcting herself, a sudden shadow eclipsed the sun. A large bird, wings outstretched, swooped down with a piercing cry.

Her heart hammered. She veered sharply, losing her balance. The bird, oblivious to their near collision, continued its descent, capturing a small rodent in its talons. Yet the brush of danger had already sent Ana tumbling, the world blurring into a frightening kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.

She screamed and squeezed her eyes shut, helpless to control her plummet. Then, strong arms enveloped her in a warm embrace, snatching her from the plunge. A gasp escaped her as she inhaled the familiar scent of Quinn, his intoxicating aroma a grounding presence.

He twisted mid-air, shielding her from the force of the impact as they hit the ground. With a practiced roll, he absorbed the brunt of the landing, his body coming to rest on top of hers.

The adrenaline rush left them both breathless, their gazes locked for a moment before she finally broke the silence. "Uh, thank you."

Ana's cheeks flared warm under his gaze, and her body thrummed with the aftershock of the near fall. Her heart pounded a frantic rhythm against her ribs, and her breath came in shallow gasps. Above her, Quinn's chest rose and fell in sync with hers.

He chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Anytime," he replied.

Despite the lingering fear, a different kind of awareness bloomed within her. The way his hand lingered against her lower back, the slight tremor in his arm holding her, sent a subtle tingle down her spine. It was a sensation both thrilling and unfamiliar, leaving her tongue feeling thick and clumsy.

The weight of his body against hers thrummed through her like a live wire, creating a delicious pressure. The echo of fear and relief tangled with the spark of cognizance. As she tried to untangle herself from the embrace, their chests brushed, the warmth of his skin eliciting a shiver. Quinn's grip tightened with possessiveness, causing her lower region to tighten with lust.

The touch of his velvety flesh against hers sent a whirlwind of sensations rushing through her. Despite another attempt to wriggle free, their bodies rubbed against each other with increasing intensity. His seductive scent wafted around her, unwinding her like a drug. Flames ignited in her core, spreading a consuming fervor.

Her nipples perked, and a flooding passion surged through her, leaving her breathless. Every instinct screamed at her to get away, yet her body seemed anchored to his.

Quinn breathed deeply. "Exquisite," he murmured, his exhale a warm caress against her ear. His low, rumbling voice further fueled the flame within her.

Her breath hitched as his gaze dipped to her lips, the predatory glint mirrored in the sudden heat rising in her cheeks. He leaned in, ever so slightly, hovering a hair's breadth from her. The air crackled with unspoken desire, the tension thick enough to slice. Her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs, a drumbeat echoing the pounding in her ears.

Defeated, she let out a sigh and surrendered to his embrace, her willpower deflating. As his hand buried in her hair, he gently pulled her head closer to his. With a predatory snarl, he claimed her mouth.

As his touch intensified, she quivered with need. She undulated her hips, grinding into his. His manhood grew harder, flaring her excitement and lust. The world around them faded as their passionate connection deepened. She parted her lips, allowing his tongue to thrust into her mouth.

A shiver coursed through her as his fingers traced the curves of her body, fueling a fiery passion within. With a whimper, she clung tightly to him, her arms wrapped around his neck. Adjusting his head to the side, he intensified their kiss, his skilled tongue coaxing hers into a sensual dance.

Her hands slid over his skin, tracing every contour of his muscular frame. She was spellbound, lost in a delirious enchantment. A wild, primal emotion surged within her, and she knew only Quinn could satisfy the hunger it brought. Eagerly opening her legs, she rubbed herself against the bulge in his leather pants… forgetting about any previous concerns. The prince growled as his touch ventured further.

Icy water drenched over them, causing her to gasp for breath, the shock of the frigid cascade saturating her clothes.

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