The Last

On the way back to his room Caldwin was pulled away early to the meeting. Amira reassured him that she would be there momentarily and that it was fine. She could of course get dressed on her own. She chose a simple lavender colored dress that was floor length and had a low cut back. She let her hair down in gentle dirty blonde waves and made her way down to the meeting room nude heels clicking softly on the marble.

As she approached, the guards opened both doors for her with a respectful bow of their head’s to which she mirrored in return. As she silently glided into the room the commotion immediately assaulted her ears. There was a long dark oak table set in the center of the room with all kinds of advisors and leaders seated along its edges all dressed in varying levels of robes and cloaks. None of them wore the typical fighting leathers Amira was used to seeing on the guards and wondered if any of these men and women were warriors at all. Caldwin sat at the head of the table, his back to her, Zara and Farquin to either side of him. Still no sign of Rue. No one seemed to have noticed her arrival and the Princess didn’t mind. They were all in deep discussion, trying to come up with a solution for something that Amira did not know. She approached Caldwin quietly and the open seat that was left beside him at the head of the table.

Zara noticed her first. The Heliki Princess’s face was drawn and tired, but the fire behind her eyes still remained. She didn’t bother hiding her scowl and looked away from her quickly, not maintaining their eye contact.

Amira didn’t blame her. She had killed her mother after all. She stepped around the chair in time to catch a small sympathetic smile from Farquin as he glanced in her direction. Well, maybe they all didn’t hate her, she thought. Just as she was about to sit, Caldwin stood abruptly and took her arm quickly, fingers wrapping around her bicep tightly preventing her from sitting. The room immediately plunged into silence,

“What do you all think you’re doing?” He demanded not needing to raise his voice to be heard as his gaze swept around the table. “Do you not rise and acknowledge when a royal enters?” He snarled at them, eyes a blazing crimson, not looking at Amira to which he still held onto by the arm. “Well?!” He demanded, his voice rising to a low boom that echoed throughout the room and quickly the advisors and leaders’ chairs were sliding back screeching on the ground as they all stood heads bowing, all mumbling various apologies and greetings to the Princess.

Once he was satisfied, Caldwin looked to Amira and offered her a small smile, “You look stunning.” He commented, eyes sweeping over her once before he gestured to her chair gently letting go of her arm. “Thank you for joining me.” Amira offered him a small smile in return, and nodded her head.

“Of course, and thank you,” she said softly, looking away from him for a moment to hide the intense blush she felt nearly overwhelmed her features. She took her seat and Caldwin took his, the others sat following. Conversation resumed, but Cal wasn’t paying attention to them anymore, his elbow rested on the arm of his chair and his body was angled so that he could easily speak with Amira.

“How are you feeling?” He asked softly as to not be overheard by the others nearby,

“It’s been less than an hour Cal,” she chuckled softly, shaking her head amused by his concern, “I’m still quite fine,” she reassured him. “What are they all talking about?” She asked gaze shifting out to the others gathered around.

“The Hollows,” Caldwin replied with an annoyed sigh, “With tensions so high it is unavoidable in that I will be challenged, but the event has not been held in over 70 years, there are a lot of logistical problems that must be sorted out along with those who do not think I should accept a challenge at all.”

“And are you going to? Accept the challenge I mean?” Amira asked with no judgement in her tone. She wouldn’t blame him if he declined it, risking his throne and position at a time like this would be incredibly dangerous.

“Yes, I am,” Caldwin answered honestly onyx gaze searching her golden one for any kind of hints or clues about how she felt on the matter. “This is our tradition, our culture, if I do not honor it what kind of King would that make me?”

“A living one,” Zara snarled, cutting into their conversation. “You nearly died two weeks ago, you are in no shape to be fighting Caldwin.”

“I’ve recovered Zara and you know it,” Cal hissed back at her gaze shifting to meet hers. “I’m doing this and you’re either going to support me or get out of my meeting.” The silent stare down between the siblings was enough to make even Amira uncomfortable. The Princess reached out a hand and placed it on Caldwin’s arm causing his focus to shift to her once more.

“What are the Hollows?” She asked, changing the subject slightly, she had a general idea, but did not know the specifics. Cal glanced back at Zara, but she had already turned away once more so with a soft sigh returned his attention to his mate and began to explain.

“Long ago, our packs were formed on the basis of strength. Much like the way the werewolves do with alphas and more family centered groups. Unfortunately, unlike them we weren’t able to coexist side by side with one another. There was constant fighting between the packs until one day a truce was called. The leaders of all the packs met in the hollow of a ravine, the remains of what had once been a great battlefield. They agreed to unite their packs under one ruler, but the ruler had to be worthy, had to be the strongest and best of them all. So they set up a tournament. One on one match fights, to the death, or the conceding of the losing party.” Amira nodded in understanding as he explained realization slowly starting to sink into her skin, “anyone was allowed to participate, from the lowest beta to the highest alpha, anyone could bring a challenge. Eventually, there was a winner and he became the first Heliki King. Anyone can invoke the challenge of the Hollows at any time, and many have throughout history, to ensure the ruler is the strongest and fittest of us all.”

“I see… so you will have to face countless challengers to defend your throne?” Amira asked to clarify,

“No, I only have to fight the last one, the one who has defeated all the other challengers.” Cal answered watching the Princess process all the new information. She fell quiet for a moment before she looked back to him, a slightly playful grin on her features,

“Does that mean I could challenge you?” She asked raising an eyebrow teasingly, Caldwin barked out a laugh that had concerned advisors looking their way quickly but then averted their attention just as fast as Cal shook his head smiling openly as he looked to her,

“Not in the Hollows Princess, you aren’t a hellhound, but I will spar with you any time you like,” he offered, attention moving away as one of his advisors asked him a question. He answered them swiftly and was raising a glass of water to his lips when Amira spoke.

“In bed or out of it?” Amira teased coyly, looking away from the man as she listened to his heartbeat jump and looked back to see his fingers tighten around his glass. She hadn’t forgotten what Farquin had said about the first time she had worn a dress in front of him, and certainly hadn’t missed the small glances he had made where his eyes deviated from her face.

“Whichever you should prefer,” Caldwin answered levelly, finishing raising his glass to his lips he carefully took a sip and set the cup down once more before he spoke again. “You should be careful of making such statements in public, Princess, you wouldn’t want to scandalize these poor advisors,” he added softly only for her to hear as he appeared to be paying attention to the conversation at the table once more, yet Amira knew she had his full attention.

She thought for a moment on what she was about to do next, just for a moment. This meeting was boring, the men squabbling with each other had mostly reached a consensus and largely Caldwin did not need to make these minute details. She wanted time with him, alone, and there was only one way she knew for sure how to get it. She bit her lower lip and she caught him watching out of the corner of his eye, she smiled sweetly and could already see the concern rising in his gaze. He couldn’t do anything to stop her though as she rose from her seat and moved to slip into his arms siding into his lap to sit there instead. She felt him tense beneath her but that mask of calm on his face did not move an inch. Oh, she was having fun now.

Caldwin knew she was about to do something the moment he saw that innocent smile on her face. He didn’t stop her as she climbed into his lap, instead he wrapped his arm around her, his other hand falling to gently rest on her leg as he kept his focus on the advisor he was speaking with. Yes, everything was to be done like the old days, yes they would have increased security. The man continued speaking, on and on but his voice was far harder to concentrate on as the Princess shifted around slightly in his lap. For all the world simply looking as if she were to be getting comfortable but he knew she was toying with him. His hand gripped her leg tighter when she moved again, a silent warning. If she were to carry on with this, there would be consequences. She stopped for a moment and for a second Cal felt like he could breathe again, after holding his breath to help resist the urge that was her.

Amira smiled softly and leaned her head into his chest looking out at the gathered people. Most were ignoring her presence. Good, she preferred when people underestimated her anyways. Caldwins warning had been loud and clear, but Amira wasn’t quite done with pushing his buttons just yet. She tilted her head upwards lips mere inches away from the skin of his neck as she softly murmured,

“Anytime I like, hm?” She shifted one of the hands she had laced around his neck to slip around and pass down over his chest into his lap in a rather casual manner that to any onlooker would appear as if she was tired, exhaustion preventing her from maintaining her grip. However the motion was entirely purposeful, “and what would you do if I said I would like to now?” She asked, smiling softly as she watched his nostrils flare, eyes flickering down to her, for a brief moment before he was forced to look back at the other advisor now addressing him. His hand squeezed her leg tighter and she knew she had won.

Perhaps she had pushed him a bit too far as he looked down to her finally eyes shining with that kind of hunger that wouldn’t be ignored.

“Well then I would do this,” he said to her calmly before looking back up to his advisors. “If you would excuse us, the Princess and I have other matters to attend to,” he said, not offering them room to argue as he stood placing Amira down on her own feet the others rose as well, bowing to them both as he took her hand and guided her out of the room. Once they made it to the hallway the guards specifically averted their gaze as Cal spun her into his arms closely and quickly stepped in forcing her to step back until her back hit the wall.

His hand slipped under her chin and he lifted it to make sure she looked at him. His gaze traveled from her lips downwards observing everything to back to her lips once more. He leaned in even closer reaching to brace one hand above her head the other gently resting on her hip. “Now that Princess was quite wicked of you,” he hummed, desperate to touch her, to taste her, with how worked up she’d gotten him, but yet wouldn’t move a muscle without permission.

Amira’s heart pounded in her chest, her mouth dry with anticipation. However she blinked up at him innocently fighting off and shoving back her own burning desire. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she claimed. “I just wanted to spar. I’ve been resting far too long.”

A soft chuckle left Caldwins lips as he learned even closer. Their breaths mingling bodies pressed against each other. “I don’t need to be blessed by your goddess of truth to know that’s a lie,” he breathed softly, “I can smell it on you,” he mumbled as if speaking too loud might make either of them do something rash. “You want me as badly as I want you.”

“So do something about it,” Amira spoke, her voice so soft, but at the same time confident. Her eyes closed just before he kissed her for the first time. The sensation traveled down her spine and filled her whole body with such a comfortable warmth and correctness everything just felt right. She kissed him back, arms reaching up to wrap around his neck to pull him closer. That moment of serenity passed quickly replaced by an unending hunger that had her pulling him closer and closer.

When they finally broke apart his eyes burned crimson and her own were violet before they faded as they regained their breath. Caldwin learned forwards gently pressing his forehead into hers quietly breathing her in the two of them simply soaking in the last of that moment. He was far too aware of the guards that lingered in the hallway, and desired no kind of audience for what he was about to do to the princess. He pushed off the wall creating space between them before he slipped his hand into hers.

“Let’s go,” He offered, angling his head towards the hallway. Amira followed him hand in his as they walked through the castle. They didn’t speak but it felt as though the air between them was charged, both restraining something they couldn’t quite control or explain. He pushed open the door to his room, and the pair quietly entered. Cal didn’t let go of her hand as he guided her into the middle of the room. The Princess followed hesitantly wondering what on earth he was up to. He finally dropped her hand to begin unbuttoning his silk shirt. Amira’s eyes widened and she nearly opened her mouth to say something in protest but he had already swiftly removed the item of clothing exposing his bare chest. It was the same as she remembered, tattoos and muscles ever present but there was also -oh gods- Amira’s gaze flickered up to his uncertainty shining behind her eyes but his held nothing but a calm reassurance.

He gently reached forwards and took up her hand and placed it over his heart directly above the permanent burn mark that had resulted from her saving his life and held it there.

“I never properly thanked you,” he said, thumb tracing over the back of her hand in gentle arches, smiling softly to her. Amira was stunned, she didn’t know what to do or what to say. Her eyes were glued to his chest where he held her hand under his. At last she looked back up to him and he continued, “You came back, and you saved my life. I am forever in your debt.”

“But I-” Amira started but was cut off as he leaned down to kiss her again, the action overwhelming her thoughts and soothing her racing mind.

“But nothing,” the Prince mumbled, lips brushing hers as he spoke. “Let me show you my appreciation,” he proposed, moving slowly kissing her cheek and then her throat just beneath her ear giving her time to stop him to push him away or say something yet the Princess did not.

She stood precariously still as he kissed her. As he moved down her neck, her eyes fluttered closed and she hummed softly in approval. Her fingers splayed out on his chest and he let go of her hand allowing her the freedom to run her fingers over his skin. His hands wrapped around her waist and drew her closer, breaking away from her neck to find her lips again kissing her passionately. He slowly started to back her up with every step forward she took one back, neither of them breaking contact with the other.

The back of her legs hit the edge of the bed and Amira was thoroughly entwined with the Prince. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her hand running up through his silky hair earning her a small groan of approval against her lips. The sound only encouraged her; the Princess broke their kiss to kiss his neck, biting and nipping at his skin. He groaned softly, rocking back on his heels as he relished in the sensation before he moved so fast she could hardly follow the motion.

His hand snapped forwards to wrap around her throat gently, fingers squeezing ever so slightly. His eyes were crimson as he looked down on her excitement causing his control to slip.

“No,” he told her, gently pushing her back to cause her to fall back onto the bed. “I believe I promised to make you beg.” He purred as he took a step forward standing between her legs he bent down to run his hand up along the inside of her leg sliding her dress up along with it. “Not the other way around,” He smirked as he watched her expression shift from confusion to anticipation and then annoyance as he stalled fingers idly brushing on the soft skin of her inner thigh.

Amira’s nostrils flared slightly as she breathed heavily, heart pounding in her chest. How could he make her feel this way? She had never wanted something so badly in her life, no male had ever come close to making her feel as she did now. No respectable thoughts crossed her mind, at this moment it was only her and Cal. There was no one else, no war, no pain, only bliss.

That was of course until there was an insistent knocking on the door. Caldwins lips paused on where they had begun to kiss up the inner side of her thigh and let loose a low growl that reverberated through the space causing nervous tingles to shoot up her spine. She moved to sit up but Cal placed his hand in the center of her abdomen and pressed down, forcing her to lie back down on the edge of the bed where she had been before.

The knocking came again, although this time it was much harsher, and was accompanied by a voice. “Put your pants on,” Zara called through the door, perhaps the only one remaining here with the balls and the strength to challenge Caldwin outright. “Our brother is home, and he’s brought guests.” Her footsteps trailed away from the door and Caldwins attention returned to Amira, however the Princess had already shaken off his grip and sat up.

“They can wait,” a half hearted attempt was made but Caldwin knew that it would not be successful. Amira looked at him pointedly and the male sighed, slowly rising to his feet rolling his shoulders before adjusting himself, features flickering with displeasure.

Amira stood quickly and ran her fingers through her hair, straightening her dress the best she could with her hands. She tried to rub the color out of her cheeks but she knew only time would do that and hoped the walk down to the foyer would be long enough for the redness to diminish slightly.

“Ready?” She asked Caldwin as she turned to face him observing as he buttoned the last few buttons on his shirt. A brisk nod was her only answer before the Princess hurried through the door. The last she’d seen of Rue she had left him at the entrance to the infirmary. The last she’d seen Rollo… he was fighting for his life and she had abandoned him there to whatever fate may befall him.

She moved swiftly through the halls, Caldwin only a step behind her. She rounded the corner walking into the extravagant entry way, slowing to a stop to stand by Zara and Farquin who were already waiting in the center of the hall. Neither of the royal siblings turned to look at her but she didn’t mind, everyone’s attention was fixed on the massive black and gold doors before them. Caldwin stood by her side, his arm casually yet possessively wrapping around her middle as if he couldn’t stand to be not touching her.

Bolts slid with a metallic hiss and hinges groaned as the doors opened before them. Sunlight poured into the space filled quickly with a dark silhouette marching up the steps with a determined stubbornness came Rue. The youngest Prince looked haggard, covered in dirt and smelling of what only could be blood and gore, yet his eyes were still bright as he entered the space. Crossing the room Rue stopped short of his family and Amira and offered the group a small bow.

“May I present the long lost Rollo ___ and his prisoner Bastien Lightbringer.” Rollo appeared then, his face unshaven, covered in soot, grime and blood, hauling up a protesting Bastien dragging him by his hair. He dropped the traitor to the ground just in time to catch Amiria as she flung herself into him. Her arms wrapped around his neck like a vice and she crushed her face into his shoulder with a soft cry of relief. Rollo hugged her back gently, lowering his head slightly to place a gentle kiss to the top of her head, drawing in a deep breath of her warm and comforting scent before he looked up slowly, finding crimson eyes staring daggers into his head. Aptly reminded that the two were not alone in Druha anymore. He carefully released his hold on the Princess while maintaining eye contact with the Prince. He would not back down from him. Not anymore. As officially Amira’s rider he was of the same station of royalty as she. He would never go by a Prince’s title, but should their kingdom ever resurface it would be the amount of respect he deserved.

Amira’s hold on him loosened as well and she took a step back to take him all in.

“You’re alive,” she breathed a soft sigh of relief as Caldwin approached from behind her having already greeted his brother, his best friend was next.

“Rollo,” Caldwin greeted the male eyes returning to their typical onyx color, holding a hand out formally for him to shake.

“Cal,” Rollo mirrored his greeting, shaking his hand calmly before following the Prince’s gaze to the bound male spewing insults at their feet. With a wave of his hand Caldwin summoned guards who approached and dragged Bastien to his feet. They began to haul him away, but paused when Amira called out,

“Wait!” the Princess approached the man, hanging in between the arms of two guards and smiled softly to him. “I’ve been where you’re going,” she told her cousin, the memories of the dungeon below more vivid than she cared to admit. “Just one piece of advice, don’t talk to the others.” A wave of her hand and the guards dragged him off once more and the Princess turned back to the gathered group and clapped her hands once. “Well then. That’s more than enough excitement for one day. How about we all get dinner?”