On the couch in Cinder's room, Cinder lay on top of Wolf and gave her his undivided attention. After another extremely busy day, Cinder and Wolf decided to take a bit of time to themselves. They had been going out for a couple months now. After Kai came on board, a week after they got together, things were a bit awkward around. Cinder knew he harbored a big crush on her but she just couldn't find it in her to make the feeling mutual. Her heart was already given entirely to Wolf. Of course, Iko was not pleased at all but like any good friend, she only wanted Cinder to be happy.
On the couch, Wolf and Cinder snuggled together. It was cold and late in the evening so everyone was already asleep. Cinder leaned in to Wolf and pecked his lips multiple times. She leaned back and smiled. Wolf's shaggy brown hair kept falling into his green eyes and Cinder gently brushed them away with slender fingers. She kissed him, her lips touching the protruding fangs, sparking her curiosity.
"Did it hurt when you got those installed?" she inquired about his teeth.
"Mmm. . . it was a long time ago. I don't really remember." he replied, amused. She looked away.
"What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.
"You know I don't actually want to be queen, right?" Cinder said, a far-away look in her eyes. As their plan was coming to a close, it was becoming extremely challenging to ignore the prospect of her future.
"I know. We'll find a way through it. Don't worry." comforted Wolf, but uneasiness edged his voice. He wasn't exactly experienced in this sort of area.
Cinder gave a small, half-hearted smile. Her duty was looming over her, the weight of the world on her shoulders, as it had been more often than not in the last half of a year. She leaned in to kiss Wolf and at the contact of their lips, all her worries faded away. At least temporarily. She heard footsteps fading away, and hoped that someone hadn't been listening in on their intimate conversation.
The next morning, Kai would barely glance at Cinder. He didn't seem to hold any resentment or ill-feelings but he also didn't seem like his normal, chipper self. Cinder, puzzled, tried to talk to him but he didn't seem in the mood to chat. Later in the afternoon, she realized that he must have been the one yesterday who had walked into their relaxation time late last night. Though her own spirits were lifted from the previous night, she couldn't help pitying Kai. She didn't mean to cause him any sorrow or pain. Why did love have to be so complicated?