Chapter 8

It wasn't easy to put Valda to bed…

Sudden sobbing outbursts hit her twice before Valda finally fell asleep. Before Kayden could leave, the soon-to-be queen of the Sky Kingdom grabbed hold of him and begged him to kill the sorrow, to stop her from feeling all together. But of course, that would go against so many things. It would anger the gods, and who knew, perhaps even bring forth more curses.

Kayden declined as sweetly as he could saying he could only calm her enough to rest and Maris was glad he did. Valda needed to mourn the death of her mother.

As Valda begged Kayden, Maris wondered if it would be wise if she stepped in to tell her that everything would be all right. After all, Maris knew what it was like to lose a mother and even if she wished to deny it, she still carried that open wound.

Maris's hands hovered over Valda's body, wondering where she should touch to calm her. She didn't want to be the focus of her anger. As she decided what to do, Kayden stepped in, shaking his head. He would take care of this for the time being. The man pulled Valda into a tight hug, whispering something in her ear that Maris couldn't quite make out. Somehow it calmed the princess enough for her to stop crying and cling to Kayden for dear life.

"Everything will be all right," Kayden repeated, cupping Valda's cheeks and moving away enough to look at his friend's tear-covered face.

Maris silently watched as he eased Valda into the bed. Maris then locked her blue eyes with Kayden's.

"You should rest," Kayden commanded as he took one final look at Valda before addressing Maris. "You have been on duty way too long. When was the last time you went to your chamber and actually slept there?"

Maris opened her mouth to answer, but Kayden interrupted her.

"She is drained. I don't think she will need you this evening. Go. Rest. Take a warm bath. I will stay with her for a few minutes, make sure she is fine. I need to stay and overlook the preparations for the coronation." Kayden moved a chair and placed it near Valda's bed. "I know you are worried; everyone is."

"Will— will she be all right?" Maris whispered, not wanting to wake Valda and fighting the need to stay. Her hands trembled; her breath agitated. She clutched her hands in front of her, wanting to hide the shakiness from Kayden. "She is too upset and, I know what happens when someone is really upset," she muttered, a flash of her mother's tear-soaked face made its way into her mind. Maris knew what people were capable of when they felt lost.

"She will be all right; everyone will."Kayden sighed and rubbed his temples, not before he waved his hand towards Maris. Her nervousness and anxiety dissipated instantly.

Controlling herself, Maris took a deep breath and nodded. "I will take my leave. Please, do not hesitate to call for me if you need my assistance," Maris said before looking at Valda's sleeping form one last time.

Valda looked calm and Kayden was right when he said that Maris needed to rest to tend to Valda in the upcoming dark days.It wasn't going to be easy.

With a final sigh, Maris exited the royal chamber silently. The atmosphere within the halls of Oberon Castle was quiet, wounded, and gloomy. The soldiers standing guard carried a depressed look about them. Morale was at an all-time low. Their queen was gone, to be replaced by a young, blind woman. Would she be able to lead and protect them?

It took her a while to reach the servant's chambers. She pushed the door open and was relieved to see that Melvian was awake, reading a book while an oil lamp burned dimly next to her. Maris smiled when she saw her best friend's surprised look. Melvian quickly dropped the book on her nightstand and stood to greet her.

"It's so good to see you," Melvian said, pulling away from the embrace. "Are you staying the night here? I know you have been staying at the princess's chamber. Sleeping on that sofa must be super uncomfortable."

"It is. I am taking a night off."

"Is she alone?"

"No. Sir Kayden is with her. He will be there for a while. He was the one that dismissed me."

Melvian nodded. "That was wise. You have been at this for so long." She sighed and pulled Maris to sit on the bed. "Do you want me to run you a bath?"

"Melvian, you must be tired…" Maris said, embarrassed. A part of her would enjoy it if someone else ran her a bath for a change.

"It's not a problem, really." Melvian smiled. "You are my best friend. We have to stick together and help each other, and I plan to do just that." She headed to the bathroom, warming some water for Maris. Tiredly Maris followed Melvian.

"It is a shame what is going on," Melvian said as she placed a cauldron over the small stove.

Maris nodded and looked to the ground, thinking. "I feel so bad for Princess Valda, Melvian. Losing her sight and her mother." She shook her head. "She is devastated. I am surprised she hasn't thrown a tantrum like when she found out she was blind."

Melvian turned to Maris and nodded. "She tends to destroy things."

"I can't blame her, though…"

"How are you, though? Has she… you know?"

Maris scoffed and shook her head. "She has been nothing but respectful. Yes, she flirts, but nothing out of the ordinary."

Melvian arched a brow.

"I flirt back," Maris said, shrugging. "I enjoy it."

"Maris," Melvian clicked her tongue.

"She needs a distraction, Melvian. If I can provide her with it, why shouldn't I?"

"All I have to say is, be careful."

"I am. She is nothing like the old warrior princess that killed anyone that tries to overstep their boundaries."

"Which worries me. Do you think we are doomed?"

"Doomed? I don't think so. Vulnerable? Of course. I believe the Princess knows this, and wants to go back to training as fast as she can, bu—"

"A blind ruler? On a kingdom with a lot of civil unrest?" Melvian shook her head before grabbing the hot cauldron and pouring its content into the small tub. "I don't know. You must remember that she is the army commander. All our wars have been won thanks to her. If she is blind…" Melvian sighed. "It sounds like a recipe for disaster. I've heard rumors that the group of rogues responsible for King Bronte's death are still at large. Can you believe that?"

"I thought he died when the Sea Kingdom fell due to the hurricane."

Melvian shrugged. "That's what I've heard. People are not happy with how high the taxes are. Many are going hungry, especially on the southern side of the kingdom. There are people that were never happy with Bronte's ruling. When he died, they wanted nothing to do with either Rionach or Valda. People are scared that Valda won't be strong enough to keep a coup from happening."

"A coup? Why would there be a coup? Is there someone out there that would dare challenge Princess Valda for the throne?" Maris asked, dread digging into her chest. The mere thought of someone challenging Valda to a duel in the state she was in petrified Maris. Valda wasn't easy, but she didn't deserve what was happening to her. Even now, Maris wanted to go back to Valda's chamber and make sure that she was alright.

Grief can break a person. The absence of a loved one tears apart at the very heart; at the very soul, leaving in its place an empty husk. The emptiness can be suffocating, enough to drive someone to do drastic things.

And Maris was petrified that Valda would do something drastic like her mother did.

Shuddering in a breath, Maris crossed her arm under her breasts going back to the conversation with Melvian "Is there even someone strong enough to beat Valda?"

Melvian bit her lower lip and shrugged. "There are a lot of things that we do not know about being locked up in this place. We are sheltered from the outside world. Last thing I heard is that more royal guards and soldiers are deserting the monarchy and heading south. Valda's last battles were there. She was trying to dissipate those traitorous groups."

Maris frowned and tilted her head in confusion. "You sure know a lot."

"I have my ways. I ask a lot of questions."

"Still…"

"Maris…" Melvian pursed her lips. "I am trusting you with this information."

Waving her hand, Maris dismissed her friend's hesitation. "You are my only friend, Melvian. Your secret is safe with me, but I can't help but wonder if you know more."

Melvian nodded. "Oh, there is."

"I am all ears."

Biting her lower lip, Melvian sat on the ground and stared at Maris. Her dark eyes rolled over Maris's face, studying her before saying, "They think the heiress to the throne of the Sea Kingdom is still alive."

Maris unfolded her arms from her chest. "What?"

"Well, it's more of a legend. They said that the Princess never truly died but was brought to our kingdom to live as a commoner. Then again, a lot of kids were brought here after the destruction. So, who knows," Melvian said before walking towards Maris and grabbing her forearm. "Let's get you off of these clothes."

Maris stood, giving her back to Melvian. Fingers work the buttons at the back of Maris's uniform until Melvian took away the dirty clothes, leaving Maris with only the necklace with her parents' ring dangling from her neck. Maris quickly moved to the tub and slipped inside, letting the warm water untie her tired and sore muscles. She let out a loud and content sigh before leaning back and closing her eyes.

Maris heard Melvian walking about the bathroom. She opened one eye just as her best friend grabbed some soap and a cloth and placed it within reach. "I think that's it," Melvian said before patting Maris's wet shoulder. "I am heading to bed."

"Thank you so much. I really appreciated it," Maris mumbled, almost on the edge of falling asleep.

"Of course. Scream if you need anything," Melvian responded before leaving Maris.

Though Maris didn't have many thoughts, the Sea Kingdom's legend did catch her attention. She closed her eyes again and let out a tired moan before grabbing the cloth and the soap, yet she didn't get much cleaning done. She fell asleep before she could wash her legs.

After what seemed like seconds, Maris gasped, pulling herself from the now freezing bathwater. Her lower jaw trembled, and she cursed softly before slipping out. Melvian was nice enough to leave a robe out for her, which she quickly pulled over her shaking shoulders. Maris frowned, wondering how long she had been in the tub. She made her way to bed. Melvian had fallen asleep, and someone was knocking at her chamber door.

Weird,Maris thought before grabbing Melvian's watch to check the hour. Who could it be? She opened the door to find a red-faced Valda, holding on to the door frame for dear life. Maris smelled the alcohol. The damn woman was too blind to navigate her room but wasn't too blind to find the liquor bottle feet away from her bed, nor too blind to find the help's quarters. How in the world had she made it this far without waking a soul?

"Princess!" Maris half whispered, half screamed.

"Good. I finally found your room," Valda said, pushing the door open and taking a clumsy step inside.

Maris turned to Melvian. Her friend was knocked out cold. Maris prayed to the gods that she was a heavy sleeper.

"Princess! You shouldn't be here. You should be resting," Maris said, placing her hand on Valda's broad shoulders and pushing her to the door.

"I rested, then I got thirsty," Valda explained, taking another step. She loomed over Maris. It was at that moment that she noticed how big Valda was. Her broad shoulders and tautframe pressed to her, like a wall. She was unmoving and strong. So fucking strong. And for the first time, Maris was petrified of what she would do now that she had alcohol in her system. Anger and alcohol could make a horrible mix.

"Why aren't you in my room? I needed your help, and you weren't there. I called out to you, and…" Valda paused. She swallowed hard. "I was alone."

Maris stared up at Valda, studying her face. The soon-to-be queen of an entire kingdom was petrified of being alone. Maris would not have cared if it was someone else, but Valda? It only proved her humanity. She wasn't a wall, she wasn't a goddess, she was a regular woman, with real fears just like anybody else. The past weeks have proven just that, but to think that Valda sought her attention, her companionship, made Maris's heart ache.

"Sir Kayden told me to rest. I was following orders," Maris managed to say, stumbling over her words.

"You take orders from me, not Kayden!" Valda snarled, reaching for Maris but she was faster.

She dodged Valda's hand and grabbed her wrist before lowering it. "Princess, you shouldn't be here," Maris repeated. "This is the servant's quarters. Did you need something?"

"Of course, I do. I need you back in my chamber." Taking another step forward, the princess tripped over her own feet, stumbling to the ground and taking Maris with her.

She found herself underneath Valda. Strong muscular arms and thighs caging her in. Maris swallowed hard as she realized the position she was in. The princess was in her chamber, on top of her. Maris was just wearing a robe. If Melvian woke up, she would probably give her an earful after Valda left.

Looking up, she watched Valda bare her teeth in both anger and pain. "I need you back in my chamber."

"Princess, I—"

"Now!"

Maris swallowed hard at the desperation in Valda's voice as she lowered her body to hers. Valda moved her hand again, this time finding Maris's collarbone.

Her callused hand heated her skin instantly. Closing her eyes, Maris prayed the princess wouldn't notice what she was wearing. The anger in the princess's face dissipated as her rough hand rubbed against still wet skin.

Valda's breath hitched, and she moved closer, circling her large hand around Maris's throat as she pulled her smaller body against her bigger one. Her pinky brushed against the metal of Maris's necklace and she groaned a noise Maris couldn't quite pinpoint. Moving even closer, the princess's nose bumped against her temple. She was so close Maris could smell the alcohol and feel hot breath against her.

"What were you doing?" Valda asked, her hands squeezing just enough to make Maris whine.

Maris closed her eyes tightly. Valda's warm touch upon her cold skin was exhilarating. Even though she knew the Princess wasn't in her right mind, she couldn't help but take advantage of the situation. She had wanted to feel more, to experience more for such a long time, but she never dared. She could have flirted harder. Her touch on Valda's skin could have lingered longer. She had known Valda slept with the help, Melvian had made it more than clear on more than one occasion. And yet, this was the first time her hand had ever been on Maris with an intention other than to be guided…

With trembling hands, Maris tugged on her robe, revealing more skin for Valda to touch. She was only away from Valda for a couple of hours, and yet, something called to Maris, undoing her and crumbling her walls. Her body ached, wanting, no, needing Valda's touch.

"Maris!" Valda squeezed again.

"I was taking a bath. I was just heading to bed." Maris wasn't sure how she was able to form a coherent, complete sentence.

"You shouldn't sleep here. You should be at my chamber at all times. If you are going to do your job, do it well or—" Valda's words died in her mouth. Her hand slipped further down Maris's neck, as if discovering she wasn't wearing much. She closed her eyes, taking a mouthful of air before her hand trailed lower, over Maris's collarbone, down her cleavage and the valley of Maris's ample chest.

Opening her eyes again, the whiteness of Valda's eyes seemed to search for something, anything. Breathless, she raised her hand, cupping the underside of Maris's chest, her thumb brushing over an already aching nipple.

Maris shuddered, her fingers circling over Valda's thick wrist, trying her hardest to regain an ounce of self-control.The other woman's touch set her skin ablaze, the coldness she felt moments ago in the tub dissipated, leaving an aching down between her legs.

She wanted this, she wanted Valda's touch and as much as she wanted to enjoy it, Maris was still in her chamber, with Melvian sleeping a couple of feet next to her.

"You are not wearing anything…" Valda said, confusion forming on her face in a frown.The princess's nose bumped Maris's collarbone, and she inhaled. She held her breath, closed her eyes and released a racking sigh before moving her hand back to Maris's throat. "Were you waiting for me, my little seashell?"

Maris tensed, her eyes narrowing as her brain processed what was happening. Little seashell? Pet names? Since… when?

"Gods, you smell so fucking good…"

Maris felt Valda's strength through her hand as she squeezed her throat, firmly yet not aggressively. At the slight pressure of Valda's hand, she opened her mouth to breathe, to take a gulp of air, and a moan escaped her parted lips. Valda's body radiated might, violent might, and warmth, which she took in like a flower soaking in the sunlight.

"Gods, you like my hand on your neck?" Valda asked, her lips caressing Maris's cheek.

It wasn't until she heard Melvian moving in her bed that she reacted, grabbed Valda's hand, and pushed her away. Fear crept its way into her mind, pushing away the fog of lust clouding her better judgment.

Valda growled softly when her hand was peeled from Maris's skin, yet she found a place on the curve of Maris's waist, which she held firmly.

"Princess, you should leave."

"Not without you," Valda said, squeezing Maris's waist tightly, probably leaving a bruise.

"My bed is here. I have been sleeping on a sofa for far too long. My back is suffering."

"I will order your bed to be brought in," Valda snarled as she moved closer.

"Wait! I—"

"Or you could sleep right next to me." Valda spewed lust with no shame whatsoever, and Maris drank from it. "Share my bed. If you do, you will be protected at all costs. No one will lay a hand on you. I must…" The princess shuddered as she moved her hand from Maris's waist up to her exposed breast, leaving goosebumps in her wake. "I must have you close. I need you close," Valda muttered, lowering her large frame over Maris's. "I know you want me close too," Valda whispered, trailing her lips over the curve of Maris's ear. "I can smell how wet you are for me."

It was the first time Maris had heard the princess be so vulgar and she loved the fact that it was because of her.

"Say yes, and I swear you will be taken care of." Valda's hands trailed over Maris's shoulder and down her arm. She clutched her hand and pressed it to her chest, over her heart. Her white eyes drifting shut. "I will not allow anyone put a hand on you." Her voice lowered.

Maris frowned as realization dawned on her.Her eyes shot from Valda's face to the hand pressed to the princess' chest.

Was Valda asking her to be her heart mate or mistress?

The fact that Valda wanted to fuck Maris right there and there didn't bother her. What bothered her was that she was seconds away from agreeing to it. She shook her head to dissipate the fogginess of her arousal. The same arousal pooling between her legs. She was bombarded with images of having the ruler of the Sky Kingdom, almost a goddess, between her legs, holding Maris's hips down with her callused hands while Maris grabbed on to her short, dark hair to keep her steady and guide her mouth until she saw stars. She had wanted Valda since the first day she laid eyes on her, but Maris was petrified that her want went above physical desire.

Maris shuddered and looked at Valda. She wore a sleeveless black shirt, showing off the strength in her shoulders and arms. Her legs were covered with loose, navy-blue pants that thinned at her ankles. Even though the princess was more covered up than Maris, her desire did not placate. Maris touched the taut muscle on Valda's forearm and pulled away, enough to give herself some space to breathe anything but Valda's scent. The smell of clean linen and cinnamon was imprinted on Valda's skin, making her deliciously irresistible. She sighed, cupped Valda's face, and pushed her away.

"No." The word tasted like poison on Maris's tongue. "Princess, you are drunk. You smell like alcohol."

Valda leaned on her knees and the ball of her foot, eyes open, searching for Maris within her darkness. Her teeth were bare, feral, and raw. Maris stared. Anyone would be afraid to face Valda like this, but Maris took in every small detail. The scars on her arms, her messy hair, her moist, parted lips, the lost look on her face. With how Valda's eyes moved, Maris knew that she wanted to do exactly the same thing. It was confirmed when the princess whimpered longingly.

"I want to see you," Valda whispered, her hand once again moving, searching to touch Maris. "If I could see you, then I would know if you were my mate." Her desperation was evident. It was the first time she verbalized her need to see again.

"Princess," Maris began, moistening her lips, wanting to press them over Valda's skin to taste her. But not now. Now she needed to get Valda out of her chamber and back to her own. "Please. There is someone else in the room with us," Maris said, holding Valda's forearm and pulling her up to stand. "Please. You should rest. Come, I will take you to your room."

"You don't want to be my heart mate?" Valda winced. "I—"

"I don't desire a mate," Maris replied, her truth just beneath the surface. The concept of a soulmate was often portrayed as the epitome of love and connection yet it had a shadow Maris couldn't ignore. Witnessing her mother lose her soulmate revealed the darker side of such bonds. Maris wasn't sure she could endure the loss of her soulmate.

A heart mate was different, where choice and affection prevailed over predetermined souls. Yet even this choice came with its own brand of pain. If she committed to being Valda's heart mate, what if Valda's soulmate appeared later? What if Maris's soulmate appeared?

Squeezing her jaw, Maris shook the idea of Valda being with someone else. She couldn't bring herself to imagine the other woman in someone else's arms.

"Let's get you to your room, Your Highness."

Valda jerked her arm away violently, her frustration evident, as well as her state of arousal. "I know the way. I managed to get here by myself, didn't I?"

"Of course," Maris muttered and watched the towering woman leave, closing the door behind her.

Maris let out the breath and shuddered before closing her robe tightly. She touched her neck, jaw, and ear. Her skin reacted, goosebumps trailing over her. She closed her eyes tightly before turning around and slipping under the covers of her small bed. She took one last glance at Melvian, whose covers seemed to hide her up to her shoulders. She was rather thankful that she wasn't a witness to that. Now all that was left was to try and get to sleep.