Chapter 9
Analeigh only had two hours before midnight, before Rostov and the Storm Brewers made their move.
"What do you want?" Caspian asked, still avoiding Analeigh's gaze.
A knot was pulling itself tighter in Anaeligh's stomach. What was this? Guilt? She needed to warn the king about the Storm Brewers, but the way Caspian was acting made Analeigh want to apologize and explain herself again.
When she didn't say anything, the king took the moment to glance at the girl beside him, who was staring at the sand. The look on her face was complicated; that much he could tell. What was she thinking? Did she forget what she wanted to say?
"I'm sorry…"
"For what?"
"Everything… I just… I wish we would have met under different circumstances. Maybe then, you wouldn't hate me as much."
Caspian reached over and gently grabbed Analeigh's hand. "I don't hate you."
Analeigh shifted her gaze to find Caspian staring at her with his soft, chocolate-eyes. He didn't hate her! There was still hope, but for what? Analeigh had almost forgotten what she had to tell Caspian.
"There is something I need to tell you."
"…"
Once again, she lost herself in his eyes, the beautiful brown orbs that seemed to penetrate into her very soul. How could she have lied to him? Before she could stop herself, Analeigh found herself leaning down towards Caspian, who instinctively cupped her face with his hands, pulling her closer until their lips connected.
A surge of electricity seemed to surge through Analeigh's entire body. Caspian's hands felt so warm against her face, as if he was melting her.
Seconds felt like minutes, and Analeigh found herself out of breath, breaking free from the king's hold of her. Caspian, too, was having trouble breathing. He had only experienced this sensation mildly when he had shared a kiss with Queen Susan three years ago. Could she sense his inexperience? Did she even have any of her own?
Without a word, Caspian took Analeigh by the hand and lead her towards the forest, away from the crew. She wasn't sure why, but her heart began pounding. As soon as Caspian stopped, turning to look at her, Analeigh's heart sunk as she spotted Rostov hiding in the shadow of a tree.
Caspian noticed the sudden change on her face. However, before he could turn to see what the matter was, Analeigh grabbed his face, forcing him to look at her.
Barely audible, she whispered, "Don't. Pirates."
Wide-eyed, he stared at her in shock and confusion. What were the pirates doing here?
Still whispering, Analeigh muttered, "Follow me." In one swift movement, she withdrew her knife from her pants and flung it into the shadow. Seconds later, a large body fell forward with a loud thump.
Caspian unsheathed his own sword, standing back to back with Analeigh. From the shadows, a man emerged, sword extended, and said, "Seems like you have failed. I must admit I am disappointed. Now, both of you will die."
Before either Analeigh or Caspian could move, they were hit in the neck by a tranquilizer dart, quickly falling into the black world of their unconsciousness.
