A/N: Holy crap, so this AU grew way out of hand and I love every bit of it! This is a Game of Thrones AU where Reyna and Jason are in an arranged marriage. If you'll like more details, jump over to AU, my collection of Jeyna AU. It's chapter 4, Love Your Enemy. This was way too long and deserved its own story. You don't need to read Love Your Enemy but why shouldn't you? JK! Enjoy this long fic!
Other fic updates: Since it's summer, I can hopefully get some good ideas for Café Jupiter and With You Always. I have Liper fic, Summer With You, that I would love to finish. I'm halfway done with the Jeyna interlude for Summer With You, so that would be my next update!
Real life update: If anyone cares, I am officially a graduate! I got my degree and can now properly contribute to society if I can get a job. Currently polishing up my resume and job hunting. Wish me luck! Hopefully I'll get a job by the end of the summer. *fingers crossed* Now, on to the story!
Mine
"Keep your sword up!" Percy ordered over the sound of their swords clashing. Reyna grunted, blocking the blunt of the blow and danced out of his range. His sharp green eyes tracked her as she circled around. Her steps were light like whispers as she lifted her sword. It was heavy in her inexperienced hands. "I'm surprised you're not deadly with a sword as well." Reyna didn't answer as she eyed his movements. A smile graced her cousin-in-law lips before he lunged forward.
Reyna deflected his attack and stepped forward, trying to slash his knee. He parried it easily, adding a bit of unnecessary power behind his quick strike. The heavy weapon flew out of her hands. Instinctively, Reyna reached for her dagger at her belt only to come up empty. Percy slashed his sword, stopping right underneath her chin. She sucked in a breath as the cool steel kissed her heated skin. The young woman held her hands out in surrender.
"Two months ago, I wouldn't hesitate to slice your head off." Percy mentioned in a cool tone. Reyna's dark eyes were burning with anger as she panted. The dark-haired boy backed off, placing his sword against the wall of their training room. She rubbed her hand against her neck. A tiny fleck of blood smeared across her fingertips. Percy opened his mouth to apologize but Reyna cut him off.
"You would be dead if I had a spear or dagger." Reyna replied coolly as she wiped the blood against the short skirt of her dress. She dismissed him easily, tugging her long hair out of its constricting bun. Percy laughed at her reaction as he poured cool water into their cups. He knew firsthand how deadly the she-wolf of Bellona was. A playful smile graced her lips as she accepted the cup. Her eyes wandered to the window, frowning at the pelts of rain attacking the pane of glass. A storm attacked Olympus, forcing everyone inside with a rumor of a cold front coming in. Reyna frowned at the thought of snow. She yearned for the scorching sun and cool sea breeze of New Rome. "Thank you Percy for training me."
"Thank your loving husband." Percy answered as he leaned against the table. A fond smile spread across Reyna's lips as she hopped on the table, sipping her drink. She could barely remember telling Jason her poor swordsmanship. It must have slipped out during one of their late night talks right before she fell asleep. He must have noticed how antsy she was being cooped in the castle and arranged these lessons with Percy. Reyna was pleasantly surprised at how considerate he was. "Can I ask you a question?" Percy's voice cut through her thoughts.
"You already did." Reyna countered, smiling at the knight. She liked Percy. He reminded her of her cousin with his open kindness, moments of sass and willingness to treat her as an equal. He's one of the few Jupiter knights she could trust. There seemed to be hints of concern in his green eyes as he studied her. Reyna knocked her knee against his leg. "Talk, Percy. What's on your mind?"
"It's been two months." Percy started cautiously. Reyna's stare hardened, already know where this conversation was going. Two months since her 'wedding night' where Jupiter and Bellona presumably joined houses. The ladies of the castle observed her with judging eyes, politely inquiring her health. The Jupiter maids keep track of her eating habits and paid attention to her waistline. Her bedroom activities with her husband were everyone's favorite topic.
"Percy, whatever happens in the bedroom is between Jason and I." Reyna warned in an icy tone. Her eyes glared daggers at him. "Castle gossip is meaningless. It means nothing to me." Percy shook his head as he took her hand; uncurling the tight fist she balled them in. She allowed him, knowing he was addressing this because he cared.
"Rumors have to come from some sort of truth." Percy started, drawing soothing circles against her palm. "A baby between Jupiter and Bellona means the treaty is sealed. It's still fragile right now." Percy gets a distant look in his eyes as he squeezed her fingers. "It doesn't have to be Jason's baby in your belly." She could hear the warning in his words as the lingered in the air.
Reyna hopped off the table to retrieve her sword. Her hand shook at the thought of someone cornering her in a dark section of the castle. She curled her fingers over the hilt, turned to Percy as she held it up. "Well, a girl needs to know how to protect herself." She replied, trying to keep her tone light to mask the fear.
###
Reyna's body ached all over from the intense training Percy put her through. The motions were similar to her spear but an iron sword was heavier. The Bellona warrior let out a soft moan as she massaged her neck, easing the tense muscles. Maids in the hall scurried out of her way, wide-eyed as they watched the newest member of their house. Her training dress wasn't something a noble woman she be seen in. The dark brown fabric hugged her tone body, clinging to her sweaty body. The skirt fell mid-thigh in a scandalous fashion but Reyna could move easily in it. It was indecent but she could careless. Her chin held high as she headed towards the wing she shared with her husband.
"Ah, now who let the she-wolf out of her cage?" Reyna instinctively stiffened at the sound of his voice, deep, dark and menacing. Her right hand curled around the dagger she wore against the small of her back, the worn hilt a comforting feel against her palm. Percy's warning was still fresh in her mind. You're safe. She reminded herself, straightening from her defensive posture. She refused to show fear especially to Hercules. The massive man ambled towards her with a dangerous smile against his handsome lips. "Where did you disappear to?"
"It's none of your business." Reyna replied icily as she forced her arms to her side in a relax posture. Hercules' dark blue eyes roamed over her body, sizing her up. He inherited those eyes from his father. As Zeus' bastard son, he was only allowed in the main castle because of his skill with a sword. Jason is the true heir of Jupiter but there's a special place in Zeus' inner circle for his illegitimate son. Hercules took a step closer to her. Reyna refused to step away as his breath fanned her face. He can't hurt you. Not now, in front of everyone.
"You're only useful to us if there's a baby in your belly." Hercules murmured, jabbing her flat stomach with his thumb. Reyna's jaw clenched at his action and she reached for her dagger again. The dagger slide soundlessly out of its sheath. She was inches from burying it in his eye but Hercules shifted back, lifting his head to address someone behind her. "Ah Brother, you should keep better track of your wandering wife." A familiar hand caressed Reyna's back, warm and comforting. It brushed the hand curled around her dagger and pressed the weapon back into its case. Reyna glanced out of the corner of her eye to catch Jason's profile. Hercules bowed his head slightly, acknowledging the heir. "It's a dangerous place for a Bellona."
"Good thing she's a Jupiter," was Jason's clip response as he met his half-brother's menacing gaze. Taut lines of his jaw were prompted where he clenched his teeth. His arm slipped around her waist. Hand curled into a fist beside her hip. Reyna pressed her hand against his side; reminding him she's here. Jason's golden blond hair was tousled by the wind. He smelt like raindrops, pine needles and horses. He must have been riding earlier. "Thank you for your concern, Hercules."
"That's me, always concern." Hercules replied as he nodded to the couple before walking pass. Reyna tracked his movements until he turned around the corner. A soft sigh left her lips only when she knew he was gone. Tension left Jason's body as well as he pressed against her. He pressed his lips against her temple, whispering something against it. Reyna closed her eyes as she accepted the tender touch.
"I don't like him near you." Jason confessed against her dark hair.
"Hercules and I aren't exactly best friends." Reyna murmured back, squeezing his side before stepping out of his hold. Her arm looped through Jason's at a more acceptable distance. He lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss to the back before leading her down the hall towards their quarters.
Reyna enjoyed these quiet moments with Jason. She could pretend they were just a simple couple learning each other's quirks. His hand was warm against hers. It surprised her how easy he held her hands, twisting their fingers together until his completely hid hers. Jason seemed distracted as he rubbed absent circles around the surface of her hand.
"How was your morning ride?" Reyna asked once they reached their private room.
"Awkward." Jason replied candidly as he unclasped his riding cloak and hung it on a chair. Jason and Reyna's quarters were set up with a common room joining their two private rooms together. Reyna had only used her personal room for changing. She liked sleeping with someone beside her. Since war, she was always sleeping with either Hylla or Frank. Now, it was Jason's even breathing lulling her to sleep. The couple easily wandered to their room. "My mother mentioned how healthy you looked."
Reyna arched her eyebrow at the comment, sitting on their shared bed, and kicked off her soft combat boots. Jason shrugged his shoulders, unbuttoning his wet tunic and ran his fingers over his soaked hair. "I've always been blessed with good health." She replied, tracing the tan skin he slowly revealed. Her husband is a very handsome man. "Percy kindly mentioned it as well."
"Did he now?" Jason pondered, sliding the fabric off his broad shoulders as he tossed it over to the wardrobe. His back was turned to her as he looked for another shirt, allowing Reyna's eyes to roam his expansive back. Jason turned to her, smiling over his shoulder. "But more importantly, how's training? He's not pushing you too hard."
"I wouldn't learn anything if he didn't." Reyna replied, flopping on their soft bed. She stretched her arms over her head, arching her back until it cracked. A soft groan escaped her lips as the tension eased. There was a notable pause from her husband. She could feel his warm eyes drinking her in. A smirk tugged at her lips as she sat up on her elbows, giving Jason a coy look. His blue eyes dipped to a shade darker as he roamed her body with open appreciation. "I don't think I thanked you properly for arranging the lessons, husband." She mentioned, licking her lips slowly.
Instead of replying, Jason marched over, pulled Reyna up to the edge of the bed. She balanced on her knees, placing her hands on Jason's shoulders. Their breath mingled as Jason slipped his hand behind her head. "Jason…" She whispered, looking at his lips before meeting his blue eyes. Jason pressed his lips hungrily against hers. Reyna arched against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His other hand slid over her back, holding her flush against him. Reyna could feel the hard pane of his body against her curves. His body radiated intense heat. Reyna returned Jason's open mouth kisses, curling her fingers through his hair. Jason pulled back slightly, dragging his teeth over her lower lips. Reyna let a throaty moan escaped her lips as she cupped his cheek.
"God, you're so beautiful." Jason breathed as Reyna grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him onto the bed. He loomed over her; pressing open mouth kisses to her neck. He was a warm and welcoming presence between her legs as she lay on the bed. Her right arm reached for the headboard looking for something to hold on to as her other hand clawed to pull his shirt off. Jason rocked against her as he peeled the fabric of her dress down, trailing kisses along her collarbone. His slight scruff dragged against her smooth skin. A breath moan escaped her lips as she arched against him. Jason groaned against her skin as she brushed him through his pants. Their eyes met as Jason pulled back. "Reyna…" He whispered, asking something in his voice as he reached out tucking a piece of her dark hair out of her face.
Reyna leaned forward, pressing her lips against his and rolling them over. Jason didn't resist, settling under her as she straddled him. His hands cupped her waist as she balanced over him. Her dark hair created a curtain around them as she hovered above him. She panted as she placed her hand on his bare chest, looking down at her husband. Jason's chest rose and fell under her palm. His hands lingered at the back of her thigh, underneath her dress as she shifted forward. Her pulse thumped wildly as she looked down at him. "Jason…" She whispered in a breathy tone, sliding her body against his.
"Reyna! Jason! You in there?!" The heavy knocking jarred the couple. Reyna turned her head, glaring at the door just outside of Jason's room. Reyna groaned in frustration as she buried her head against crook of his neck. "I hope you're not making a baby right now. We have business." Dakota's muffled voice called out as he continued pounding the door.
"This better be good, Dakota!" Reyna shouted. Jason sat up as well; still hold her in his arms. He pressed his face against Reyna's bare shoulder. His body shook, as he laughed silent against her skin. Warm puffs of breath caressed her shoulder in a distracting way.
"I better go." Jason whispered against her skin as he gently shifted her to his side. He pressed soft kisses against her shoulder, tugging her dress up to cover the bruised skin. Reyna had half the mind to ignore Dakota's frantic shouts and drag her tempting husband back to bed.
"There's a war council that Jason needs to attend." Dakota shouted through the door, pulling her husband's attention away. Jason shook his head as he smiled against her skin before standing up. Reyna crossed her arms over her stomach, watching his movements.
"I'll be there in a bit!" Jason called out as he pulled on a clean shirt. "Duty calls." He smiled at Reyna who frowned in response. Jason wandered over and pulled her into a leisurely kiss. Reyna hummed against the slow pace as she tilted her head up. She grabbed the open flaps of his shirt, holding him close. Jason pulled away, pressing his forehead against hers. "Come with me. This could be important."
"Only if someone helps me out of these clothes." Reyna whispered back playfully, hooking her leg behind Jason's. She smirked at the dark look in Jason's bright blue eyes. He shook his head as a sensational smile tugged at his thoroughly kissed lips.
"If I help, we'll never make it to the war meeting." Jason replied, dragging his hand down her bare leg before unhooking from his. Reyna groaned and flopped on the bed as her husband laughed his way into the other room. She shook her head but hid a smile behind her hand.
###
Jason straightened the collar of his shirt as he stepped out of his quarters. Dakota leaned against the opposite wall, arching his eyebrow at the heir's tousled appearance. They nodded to each other as Jason left. A smirk tugged at the older man's lips, telling Jason he heard more than he should have. Dakota was part of Reyna's original guard. She could deal with him.
"Married life suits you. But to be honest, a life without war suits everyone." The heir of Jupiter smiled at his sister's tone as she approached him. Her dark hair framed her sharp face. A silver circlet held out the loose strands out of her blazing blue eyes. "Your wife's keeping you happy?"
"We keep each other happy." Jason answered as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. "If Father called you back from the border, things must be rough." Thalia shrugged her shoulders. The silver cloak she wore was splattered with mud on the edge. Her riding boots were caked with it as well. Her short sword and dagger were strapped to her side. She looked worn out from the long ride with dark circles against her pale skin.
"Just a little uprising. It should be solved in a month but Father wants to test out his alliance. How is she?" Thalia asked kindly. A smile spread across Jason's handsome face at the thought of Reyna. It grew wider imagining what he could be doing to her right now. His observant sister didn't miss much. "Is she that good in bed?"
"Thalia!" Jason hissed sharply surprised by her bluntness. A red blush appeared on his tan face. Thalia grabbed her brother's arm, tugging him to a stop.
"You two haven't slept together?" She whispered, keeping her tone low. Jason turned away from his sister's judging gaze. An angry noise escaped her lips as she slacked his arm. "Jason, how difficult is it to bed your wife?"
"Very, surprisingly." Jason murmured sarcastically, thinking about a few moments ago. Thalia fixed her brother with a glare as she tapped her boot against the stone floor. "Look, we weren't in the right mindset. I thought she was going to slit my throat back then but now…" Jason paused, recalling the soft understanding look in Reyna's eyes on their wedding night.
"You really like her." Jason stifled a laugh, finding that statement funny. Yes, he really did like his wife. Reyna's a gorgeous woman but Jason didn't want a pretty wife. He wanted someone who he could connect to, a woman who looks at him and doesn't see his titles, wealth or bloodlines. It's funny how I have this connection with a woman who nearly destroyed my family. Jason thought as he touched the ring on his left hand. "Just put a baby in her soon, Jason, or else Father would find a way to."
"He won't touch her." Jason growled with a restrained rage in his voice that surprised both siblings. Thalia reached out but Jason turned away, opening the door to the war room.
Four men reacted as the heirs of Jupiter stepped in. Hercules stood beside their father, tall and powerful with his hand resting on the hilt of his long sword. Percy tapped his feet against the floor, eyes dancing over the maps of the lands Jupiter governed. Zeus sat at the head of the table, chin balanced on his laced fingers, glaring at the pieces. What surprised Jason the most was Frank, Mars heir and Reyna's beloved cousin, leaning against the window's sill. His amber eyes lifted up meeting Jason's. His arms were crossed, showing off the tone muscles underneath his tunic.
"Frank, it's good to see you." Jason greeted as he held out his hand to the tall young man. Frank still wore his traveling cloak and garments. His black hair was wet from the stormy weather outside.
"I wished it was under better circumstances." Frank replied kindly as he shook Jason's hand. He nodded towards the map. Jason drank in the faded lines and symbols of major cities, troop lines and battles. A mess of red blotted the northern edge of Jupiter's borders, marking losses. Familiar sigils of eagles for Jupiter and wolf heads for Mars/Bellona troops sat in key positions. A bronze statue of a bare tree were positioned near the north, a house Jason didn't recognize.
"Can we start?" Hercules grunted impatiently as he gestured to the map.
"Calm down, Hercules." Reyna's voice floated into the room as she entered. She changed out of her scandalous brown dress to a simple pale purple one. Her hair fell into an easy braid over her left shoulder. A polite smile tugged at her lips before she noticed her cousin. "Frank," she breathed, softening at the sight of her cousin.
"Girl, if you're done sighing, I'll like to get to business." Zeus barked as he glared at Reyna. His steel blue eyes lingered over her flat stomach. Jason shifted besides her, meeting his father's gaze. "Gaia is pressing down from the north, raiding towns and spreading rumors. She's from a minor house. How dare she…"
"The house may be minor but she has an old claim." Frank interjected, tapping the key towns the traitors captured. "She's part of the old houses before Jupiter, Bellona and other houses were established. People may rally behind her cause."
"We need to stop it, fast." Reyna added as she stepped beside Frank, observing the towns. "If she captures any of your port cities, there could be trouble. She would have access to sellswords, better weapons, more influence and resources. If she gain anymore ground, House Jupiter could be seen as weak, letting this uprising sprawl out of control." Zeus pursed his lips together at the comment.
"How many troops?" Zeus asked, meeting Reyna's gaze. Jason's wife and Frank traded glances. They didn't say anything. Years of spending time together showed as they silently communicated together. Frank shrugged his shoulders, tilted his head back and forth. Reyna bit her lower lip and nodded her head before turning back to Zeus.
"Send out a few key Mars and Bellona troops and this uprising would be over in a month." Reyna promised, confidence and proud dripping from her words.
"Since you can't give me a grandson, you can at least crush an uprising." Zeus commented, looking down at the map. He missed the dangerous gleam in Reyna's dark eyes and how Frank's hands curled in fists.
"She's not going." Jason overruled stepping up. Reyna turned her head sharply, glaring at Jason.
"What do you mean?" Reyna asked, crossing her arms. "Of course I'm going. These are my troops."
"Which Frank can easily command as well," Jason countered before looking towards his father. "She's not coming. Hercules, Frank and I should be enough to quell this tiny uprising." He could feel the anger rolling off of his wife but she bit her cheek, staying quiet. Hercules arched his eyebrow but didn't say anything. Zeus contemplated his heir's words before agreeing. Jason let out a soft sigh, still ignoring Reyna's heated glare.
The rest of the meeting was planning for the campaign. They aimed for a week of preparation in Olympus before marching towards Half-Blood, the next town in Gaia's path. Thalia and her scouts would continue tracking Gaia's movements while Percy and Frank gathered and train the combined Jupiter and Mars troops.
As everyone filtered out of the war room, Jason tried to touch Reyna's elbow but she jerked away, walking over to intercept Frank. Jason frowned as Frank gently touched her elbow, whispering quietly to each other. Percy stepped up beside Jason, also watching the cousins' interaction. "I made a mistake." Jason admitted, meeting Percy's green eyes.
"Yeah, you did." Percy confirmed as he shook his head before giving Jason a reassuring pat. Percy tapped Frank on the way out. The taller dark-haired boy nodded his head and squeezed Reyna's shoulder before following the Jupiter knight out. The couple stood there in an uncomfortable silence.
"Reyna…" Jason started.
"No." Reyna ordered, her dark eyes blazing. She stepped forward, jabbing her finger against his chest. "You have no right to tell me I can't come on this campaign. You have no right to overrule about my decision. Do you know those troops you're fighting beside? Do you know those men? What right do you have to order them to their deaths? I know them. I know their weaknesses and strengths. I know who's waiting for them back home. You have no right to order me." She spun around and stomped out of the room. Jason sucked in a breath as he slumped into a chair, running his fingers through his hair.
###
Jason tossed in his large bed for the third time. He sighed as he stared at the ceiling, wondering how two months of sleeping beside someone threw off his rhythm. The rest of the day Jason and Percy started gathering men. A few were still thirsty for glory. Frank handled the Bellona troops. A few men mentioned seeing his wife with her cousin.
Jason pounded the pillow, frustrated with himself. Reyna has been avoiding him since the argument in the war room. He invited her to dinner but she declined to spend more time with Frank. The tenderness from before iced over to a cool politeness. Reyna still acted like a dutiful wife, kissing his cheek and bowing her head. There was no teasing smile or lingering touches as she departed with Frank.
Jason sat up. The soft sheets slid over his bare chest. He ran his fingers through his blond hair. Everything in the room reminded him of Reyna. She really carved a place in his room. Jason smiled at the mess of needle and thread on the table. Reyna tried to stitch something but failed miserably. One of her dresses hung off the chair. Jason convinced Percy to train her. She was antsy not doing anything in the first few weeks. She laughed gleefully when Jason mentioned the lessons. She was always happy learning about weapons. It was all second nature to her. Daughter of war. Lady of death. She-wolf. The names Jupiter's men gave her were fitting. Jason should have known she would be mad at him, ordering her to stay.
"She's more useful with us." Frank told Jason when they met up to create the full roster. 200 Bellona/Mars men were part of their troops to quell Gaia's uprising. It was an impressive list longer than Jupiter's. Frank adjusted his cloak as he looked over the Jupiter roster. "Reyna helped pick these men, spoke to them with me. She knows them like a second family. They're young, hungry and resourceful but above all they would do almost anything for her. We need her with us. She can inspire. Are you really going to keep her trapped here?" Jason didn't have an answer for Frank. He knew the Mars heir sensed it before he left the barracks.
Jason sighed, shaking his head. Rolling today's events over and over in his head wasn't helping him sleep. There was training tomorrow and he needed to make sure his men were well equipped. A visit to Leo and his blacksmiths was due. Jason swung his legs over his bed, grabbing a robe to pull over his bare shoulders. He needed something to drink to calm his mind.
The solar room was still with soft moonlight filtering in from the window. Jason almost didn't notice the figure at the circular table. The light made her naturally tan skin looked milky pale. Her dark hair tumbled her shoulder in soft curls. A stream of steam floated from her teacup, filling the room with an herbal scent. One of his shirts wrapped around her shoulders like a cloak. "Are you going to stare at me all night?" Reyna asked in a soft voice, still looking at her drink.
"Just make sure you're real and not a fragment of my imagination." Jason replied, stepping into the room. Reyna watched his movements quietly, reaching out to touch his hand when he was close. Jason wrapped his warm fingers around her colder ones, tangling their fingers together. "Can't sleep?"
"No," Reyna answered, shaking her head. She rested it on her shoulder, looking at Jason like he was a puzzle. She was always a mystery to him especially during the war. No one knew why the Bellona's daughters fought. They were deadly on the battlefield with their silver armor, spears and horses. But they were more lethal outside of their armor, slipping into camps, ruining their food supplies and assassinating key figures in Jupiter's army. Jason knew Reyna would be useful in the field but to him she wasn't just an asset. "I don't sleep very well without someone beside me."
"Why?" Jason asked, fascinated by this little nugget of information of his wife. Reyna turned away, looking out the window. A cool breeze blew in. The storm has passed for now, revealing a starry sky.
"If you think about it, we've spent half our lives fighting in The Twelve Year war." Reyna started. It was true. Jason could hardly remember when he wasn't clad in heavy armor or sharping his sword. His earliest memories as a twelve year old was watching men march outside Olympus' walls to their death. Once he was old enough, he stood beside his father and Hercules as a squire in the camps as they march towards New Rome, eager to capture the enemy's capital and end the bloody war. "When we set up camp, I've always slept with either Hylla or Frank. It's harder to assassinated two people in the same bed. Their warmth and presence was calming, reassuring that I wouldn't die that night." An ironic smile tugged at her lips as she looked at Jason. "And here I am, sharing living quarters with my sworn enemy."
"I hope we've moved past that." Jason said, pressing his lips against her hand. Her smile grew genuine at the gesture as she stroked his cheek. "I'm sorry, Reyna. I was wrong at the meeting."
"You were. I thought we understood each other." She whispered.
"I would like to think so." Jason replied, holding her hand to his cheek. This woman craved a spot in his heart in two short months. His eyes flickered to the white gold ring on her left finger. She was his and he was hers. "I reacted badly. Just the thought of you in danger, me unable to do anything, it made my blood run cold. Reyna, I know you can protect yourself. You are more than capable but I want to protect you. I want to keep you safe for everything. I want to protect a possible future of us. I'm falling for you."
The confession hung in the air until Reyna moved. She stood up, cupped his face and kissed him tenderly. It was different from the hungry kisses they shared earlier. It was chaste, innocent and meant so much more. The pressure against Jason's heart eased at her soft touch as he held her close. Reyna pulled away, still looking at him as she curled onto his lap. They sat there, enjoying each other's company, lost in their own thoughts.
"I joined Mars campaign when I was sixteen." Reyna's voice was soft Jason may not have heard her if he wasn't so focused on her even breathing. Her hand drew patterns against his chest as she spoke in an idle tone. "At first, I joined because I was willing to do anything for my House. But the real reason was I'm terrible at waiting. Every time we left New Rome, there were crowds of women at the walls, biding their husbands or sons goodbye. I spent four years before that waiting like those women, wondering if Frank or my uncle would return on a horse or in a casket." Her voice faltered like those dreadful images still haunt her. Jason tightened his hold on her, grounding her to the present. "I hate that feeling, Jason. That helplessness. Placing the lives of my loved ones in someone else's hands." Reyna sat up, cradling both of Jason's cheeks in her hands as she stared deeply into his eyes. He met her unwavering gaze.
"Don't make me feel that, Jason. I know you want me safe but I want to know you're safe as well. I need to know because you're important to me. Let me come. Let me be by your side. Let me protect you."
