It was hot in Norta. Not just a high heat, but a sticky and humid one that made my hair stick to my neck.The Premier and Farley were already speaking with Julian and Anabel about war tactics and rebuilding Norta the way it should have been.
A safe place for Reds. A place where we didn't have to cower to a broken King. A place where my family could have lived instead of a mud town.
I sighed through my nose. I left Kilorn and my family to come here. Although I know I'm only staying for a week, and this will most likely be my last time here, I still can't help feel guilty for leaving them. I'm trying to make up for my absence while being Mareena, trying to kill Maven, being captured, and almost dying during the war. I love them more than anything and know they forgave me for leaving and care for me. They understood why I needed to come here.
Who I needed to come for.
If only for the last time.
I walk through the halls that had me imprisoned while pretending to be a princess I was not. I walk up the marble stairs to my old chambers. I open the door without a thought, only to find tall, broad shoulders, and dark hair I've had my hands in.
Cal.
He turns to me in one smooth motion. His red-gold eyes burn my pathetically brown ones.
"Aren't you supposed to be in the meeting?" I keep my voice firm and try not to stutter. I would expect him of all people to be there. He had many thoughts and war tactics after we won. So why was he here instead?
He only holds my gaze as he stands from the bed and starts my way. I force myself to stand still. Instead of moving away. Or forward.
He nears closer and my heart beats a dramatic drum. He pulls me into a tight hug I've wanted since the beginning of everything. One that I've wanted to enjoy. And one I would have if not for his heat. His skin was blazing hot.
"Sorry," he steps away from me and trys to control the temperature from which he contains.
Once the room cools, I sit on the edge of my bed I used months ago. I fiddle with the matress, the sheets long gone. When a familiar heat washes over me, I look up to see him standing over me.
He looks down on me and I suddenly remember another prince. One that had locked up in a plush cell. One that took my heart and burned it with his bare hands. One that, despite his mother being dead- dead by me- was still a monster.
As if sensing my thoughts, Cal quickly sits down next to me.
And so we sat there. Arm to arm. Until we were lip to lip. Chest to chest. Heart to heart.