The physician informed me of Liam’s location and I immediately headed in his direction. I wanted to make sure he would be alright. The fear I’d felt last night... The intense hatred and anger….. It was still there in the back of my mind.
Inside the infirmary, I saw a few beds lined with white cloth. The room was rather measly compared to the extravagance which masked the rest of the castle. The walls were a pale granite and the intricate furniture found throughout was missing. A few candles spread dim light across the room.
Liam laid still, a few beds from me. His face was pale and his hair knotted. His deep blue eyes were closed and I felt the burning sensation of tears, which seemed to have been coming on all too commonly in recent weeks.
If I had stayed focused and noticed something sooner we probably wouldn’t be here right now. Thinking about that night... The things he had said...What if we had made different choices? I for one know I would change plenty if I had another go.
“Alaya?”, the voice was strained. I looked down at Liam’s face. He grimaced as he tried to pull himself up. The wound on his chest probably made motion extremely painful.
When I looked at him, I didn’t realize the moisture in my eyes had already started. He was okay.
I ran to his side and fell to my knees next to his bed. My body draped across him. I gave up holding back the tears. They fell from my eyes as I held onto him. I held onto the only companion I had ever had.
“Liam… I thought I had lost you… ” I looked up at him, tears still streaking down my face.
He pressed his hand to my face. The warmth in his palm gave me more strength than I thought possible. “Alaya. I’m not going anywhere.” His voice was pained, but the smile was honest. He pressed his forehead to mine. It was obvious his strength still had not returned.
I looked up into his eyes, placing my hands on either side of his face. I felt him lean into my touch and watched as his eyes moved to meet mine. They were raw and I was overcome with relief. He was okay.
I didn’t think. I just acted.
Lightly I pressed my palms against his skin and held his face delicately, I was watching him, careful not to hurt him. I saw the surprise in his eyes as I lowered my lips to his. Less than an inch away, I slowed. Observing him carefully I noticed it, a change in his face… in his eyes. His hand ran up my neck and tangled into my hair. We pulled together and our lips met.
Gently I pressed my lips to his. A wave of warmth washed over me, rushing heat from the center of my chest, seeping into my bones. He pulled me to him. I relented, pressing into him, enjoying every moment of his closeness.
Tenderly he pulled away, pressing his eyes closed. I could see that he was still in pain, but the smile on his face had turned to something else. He looked at me, his eyes sparkling with passion. “I can’t tell you how long I have wanted to do that.”
That’s when it hit me… I’d kissed Liam.
I took my leave and left Liam alone to rest. I watched him close his eyes and a smile spread across his face as I walked away. Please rest. I needed him to get better.
I found my way back to my quarters, Eák standing guard outside. He gave me a knowing look, bowed his head and tried to divert his eyes, but I caught sight of something on his face…
When I walked through the doors, I turned to Eák.
“Eák. Come in.” I looked at him as I spoke. He seemed to want to say something, probably another joke, though instead he simply nodded and followed me into the room, closing the door behind him. “We need to discuss a plan. That attack was too close. The Queen was inside the castle!”
“Agreed!” Eák said, looking at me expectantly.
“We could stay here fending off attack after attack and never stop them, but if we are going to end this we will need to find the source.” A plan was forming in my mind. One I’m sure Liam would scold me for… that is if he ever got the chance. “We need to infiltrate the enemy. Track their movements and make them attack on our terms.”
“Okay. How do you plan to do that?”
“It has been quite some time since her royal Highness has visited her family in Persire. We should leak information of her intended travel. You and I will plan for the attack. If these men have any knowledge at all, they will attack on transport. The expectation is that she would be easier to capture outside of guarded walls.” I began, “Next we will use a decoy. I'll take the place of the queen, ensuring her safety, and capturing the attackers. Once we have attained them we will press them for information on The Sins. The more information we can gather the better footing we can gain.”
Eák glanced at me and for just a moment I saw the hesitation on his face. “It is a wise plan. But what if it goes awry?”
“We will ensure our crew is sufficiently stocked with able-bodied soldiers ready for the fight. And if anything happens I will count on you to make sure our duty is carried out no matter what.” I pressed as much power into my voice as possible. Eák simply bowed his head in agreement.
Over the next few days, we prepared for the attack. We selected our team and planned the dates. We made sure to notify a few of the common soldiers of the Queen’s plan to travel. This was the perfect way to ensure the public’s awareness of the transit.
The conversation with the Queen was the biggest challenge. I let Eák do the explanation. I needed to retain my cover. I still could not attempt the explanation on my own. When Eák came out of the chamber he seemed content with the interaction... and the plans continued on schedule.
It did not take long for the time to come. The day we were set to leave was here. Liam was still residing in the infirmary and I wanted to visit him before our departure. I hadn’t told him about the plan, I knew it would only add difficulty to his recovery.
…That and I didn’t want to risk him trying to stop me.
“Liam?” I asked, poking my head inside the entry.
He was sitting on the end of the cloth-covered bed. His hair was pulled back and his face seemed to have regained some of its color. It had only been a week, or so, since the night of the attack and he was beginning to look like himself again. His chest was bare besides the linen-draped over his wound. He turned towards me, no doubt just noticing my presence.
“Alaya!” He said, his cheeks taking on a rosy tint.
“Liam. How are you feeling?” Guilt plagued my heart. I hadn’t told him. I know I said it was because I didn’t want to hinder his recovery… But there was also a small part of me that didn’t want to see this. “Liam... I am leaving today?”
He looked at me perplexed. “Leaving? Where?”
During the next few minutes, I took the time to fill him in on the scheme. We will be taking a carriage, along the common roads, on the trail to Persire. This is a front to induce an attack. However, when the attackers show themselves we will be prepared, take them in for questioning and finally get a step ahead of The Sins. He watched me carefully for a moment before saying, “I will speak with the physician. We can be ready to depart shortly.”
“No!” I said forcefully. “You will not be attending this time.”
I am sure on some level he must have expected this, he looked at me with anger behind his eyes.
“... No…?” He lowered his gaze and his eyes seemed to pierce into me. “I’m fine! I’m not staying here.”
… There was no other way.
“Lieutenant. As your commanding officer, you are to remain at your post and ensure the safety of the Royal Capital.”
It was harsh, and I saw a deep pain in Liam’s eyes as the words escaped my lips. I could not put him in any danger. He was barely recovering, and if I did not ensure his obedience, I know he would fight me on this … And probably get himself killed…
“... Will he be there?” He asked, through near gritted teeth. I didn’t know why, but at that question, I knew exactly who he was referring too.
“...Yes.” I let my eyes fall.
I walked towards him. As my steps came nearer I saw his body tense and he looked down at me pleadingly. Close enough to touch, I raised my hand to his arm and slid it up to his face, I looked deep into his eyes. I pushed myself up on my toes and gently held his face, kissing his lips softly. He did not react. He stood as stone and did not break his eyes away from me.
Turning to leave … I saw it… the look in his eyes… He would hate me for this.
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