Nuada rolled his eyes, as Cathaldus and Ahearn looked back at the Aos Sí following them. She had been doing so for about a half hour. The Elf prince was trying his best to lose her in the forest, however, it proved to be more difficult that he expected.
Finally, he had had enough and spun around. He stormed over to Kiara, who only stood with her hands behind her back, her head cocked and eyes narrowed.
"Go back to the palace, Princess," he spat.
"Aw, poor Nuada," she mocked, her voice slightly higher and more innocent. "Perhaps you would enjoy the company of a promiscuous Elf maiden than in the company of your future wife and consort, who only happens to be an Aos Sí."
He crossed his arms, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. "So, you admit that you are jealous."
"I am not jealous," she retorted, her hands placed firmly to her sides. "It is improper to do such things when one is about to be married!"
He only smiled, passively. "Very well then, Princess, if there is someone you would wish to keep company with, then you have my permission."
Her eyes flashed. "I do not need permission from the likes of you!"
Ahearn stepped in-between them. "Perhaps we should continue this lovely banter, on a later date. For the moment, your highness," he said, giving Kiara a bow, "would you do the honor of being in our company?"
Nuada gave him a glare. However, the Elf ignored the prince and held an arm out to the Aos Sí. She gave a sweet smile and took his arm.
"I would be honored," she said, giving her future husband a mock grin.
He rolled his eyes, following the others.
Finally, they reached the river. Cathaldus removed his tunic.
"I beg your pardon, you highness," he said, looking at the Aos Sí, "but I need to cool off from this heat."
She glanced at the river, only giving a slight nod. Ahearn let go of her arm, removing his vest and tunic as well. He smiled, giving her a wink and nodding towards Cathaldus, who was removing his boots.
Ahearn slowly crept up behind his former friend, before giving him a shove. The Elf fell into the water, giving a yelp. Of course, his friend laughed.
"You," shouted Cathaldus, coming up for air. "You are a dead Elf!"
Ahearn only walked into the water, his arms spread. "I could not help myself, my dear comrade!"
They were soon in a wrestling match. Nuada removed his tunic, setting it under a tree. He turned his gaze towards Kiara, who was staring into the water. He walked up behind her.
"Are you going to stand there for the rest of the day, or are you going to join us," he asked.
She didn't answer for a very long moment, her eyes glued to the water. Slowly, she shook her head.
"I will remain here," she answered, quietly.
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning from her, to the water and then back again. A wry smile appeared on his face.
"You are frightened of the water, aren't you, Aos Sí," he mocked, using her name with a hint of maliciousness.
She stepped back, looking into his eyes with sudden anger. "I'm not afraid!"
"Then step into the water," he said, giving a very slight shrug.
Kiara looked at the water again, actually swallowing. She didn't move. Nuada's smile grew larger. In a flash, he scooped her up into his arms and she was soon gasping and flailing in the water.
Cathaldus and Ahearn stopped what they were doing, not being able to help but laugh. Her arms were flapping and flying everywhere, as she kicked. She finally seemed to touch the ground with her feet and then seemed to leap out of the water. Nuada watched her run past him, but then trip over a root.
He crossed his arms, amused. The Aos Sí was finally put in her place.
That was before he saw the look of pure terror on her face, as she backed up against a tree, holding her knees against her chest. Her breathing was very quick and loud, her eyes wide Her whole body trembled and shook, uncontrollably.
"Princess," asked Nuada.
She didn't respond. Concern filled him, as he walked towards her. She let out a screech and took off, running back towards the palace.
Cathaldus and Ahearn came beside him.
"What happened," asked Cathaldus, gazing in her direction?
Nuada didn't answer. He was not so sure himself. Quickly, he put on his tunic and ran after her.
"King Balor?"
Balor looked up from his papers, upon hearing the calm voice of his future ally. Eldon entered the room, slowly.
"Ah, your highness," greeted the Elf, setting his feathered-pen aside. "Come. I have not seen your daughter."
"Neither have I," admitted the Aos Sí, sitting in the empty chair. "Truthfully, that is not what I wished to speak to you about." He looked towards the door, as if making sure it was closed. "I am concerned with your ally."
Immediately, Balor knew of whom Eldon was speaking of. "You have met the Vampire Prince?"
"No," he answered. "But I know of him. I do not trust him."
"Vampires are an interesting sort that can be dangerous, but I know the Prince's Father, my lord," assured the Elf King. "He is not of the Old Ways. He has decreed a new law, among Vampires, that they are only to feed on the blood of animals. If they do otherwise, they will be put to death."
The Aos Sí's eyes darkened. "You may think that they are honorable, my lord, but I do not wish to be associated with this… rabble, you call a kingdom."
Balor stood, feeling frustration appearing within him. "With all due respect, Aos Sí, you know very little of Vampires or their ways. If you wish to be in this alliance, then you will also treat King Nazar and his son with respect."
Eldon only looked at the Elf with a blank stare. He then stood, resting his hands on the desk and leaning in.
"Do not trust the Vampire," he said.
He then left the room.
Nuada made his way through the palace, following Kiara's water trail. She was a rather fast runner and managed to outrun him… although he would never admit it. He could not imagine what she would say about that.
The trail turned towards the library door. He sighed, annoyed. An over-emotional female was not who he wanted to spend his time with. However, he needed to make sure she was well. Slowly, he opened the door.
Darkness filled the library. The Elf scanned the room, not seeing his future bride.
"Princess," he called, his voice echoing off the walls.
There was no answer.
He sighed. "Kiara!"
A sniffle appeared. "Leave me alone."
She was crying. He could barely contain a groan. Guilt spread across his body. He had hurt her, somehow.
Kiara was sitting in a corner, her knees against her chest and her head buried in her chest. She made little sobs, so emotional and wet that it would stop the heart of any cold-heart male. Cautiously and carefully, Nuada knelt near her.
"What is wrong," he asked.
She lifted her face, tears streaming. "You threw me in the river!"
He grimaced at her near screech. "And? You said that you weren't afraid."
Anger filled her eyes. "You should have known better!"
"Oh, and what should I have done, Princess," he demanded, growing angry.
"You could have asked why I was so afraid," she retorted, her voice very cold and quiet. "You could have asked why it is a childhood fear. You could have asked me why I still have nightmare about it. You could ask why I have not gotten over my mother's death!"
His eyes widened at her outburst. She began to shed new tears and started to stand. However, Nuada gripped her arm, keeping her from going anywhere. She fought back, but found that she was too emotionally spent to fight back. He moved closer to her, making sure she wasn't able to flee.
"Your mother drowned," he asked, quietly.
She looked at him, tears streaming down her cheeks and nodded. "She wanted to take me swimming, but… but the current was too strong. She… she couldn't fight it. I tried to help her, but…"
Her sobs came again, rendering her unable to speak. Nuada studied her poor, trembling form, his eyes suddenly compassionate. What childhood had she gone through? What horrors were hidden in that fragile mind of hers?
Slowly and rather awkwardly, he wrapped his arms around her, bringing her against his chest. She immediately clung to him, burying her face in his tunic. He was surprised at how at ease she was around him, actually filling him with even more guilt.
How he managed to find the words, he had no inkling, but he leaned his head to her ear and whispered, "I am sorry."
She nodded, sniffling hard, showing that she understood.
In silence, he held her, allowing her sobs to fill the room.
Author's Note; Here's an emotional chapter for you. Hope you all enjoy it! Review!
