Any fangirls, be prepared to squeal ;) just warning you in advance. Thanks for dropping by, don't forget to keep coming back as I post more and more chapters for you all!
Returning to work against Vanora's orders to stay in bed, Amaya continued as if nothing had ever happened. As three days flew by without so much as a whisper of disturbance, Amaya helped the other maids prepare for the grand celebration the Queen was organising to surprise Arthur. She scrubbed the floors of the great hall along with a few other girls, working the brush into the stones. By now Maia would be having her riding lesson with Galahad and the other knights were either training or on business of their own.
Amaya touched the back of her head where the cut was healing nicely. Taking a deep breath she stood, having finished her section them moved forwards to help her old roommate with her part, the young girl shooting a grateful look to Amaya as she knelt down then began to scrub.
When Amaya's arms began to ache she sat back and sighed, rubbing her brow with her sleeve to wipe away the sweat before continuing her work. After that they started to polish the gold and silver plates, goblets and cutlery as well as the candlesticks, setting up the long tables either side of the hall with a large space in between for dancing. The tapestries were beaten for dust, the shutters thrown wide open to let in the light and air then every available hand sped down to the kitchens to help with last minute preparations. Amaya stopped in her tracks, frowning slightly as she listened to a pair of maids gossiping in the doorway ahead of her, their heads bowed low.
"The Woads will be here tonight, here to seal the fate of that brute locked away in the dungeons." One of the whispered, holding her hand to her mouth to dry and drown out the sound but Amaya's keen hearing still picked up her words as they drifted down the hall.
"I heard they've been torturing him for nearly a week and he hasn't cracked. No man can get through to him. He's like an ox, they say he's all twisted and broken…" The maids looked up when they heard Amaya striding towards them.
"Away with your chattering, there is still work to be done." They scuttled away, blushing bright red as Amaya thought to the Woad locked away in the dungeon. They had been interrogating and torturing him all this time? It seemed unlikely, Arthur was not one for inflicting harm on another however that did not mean the guards would take matters into their own hands.
Striding forwards Amaya decided what her next task was to be. She poured some broth into a bowl, set it on a tray with a mug of fresh water along with some clean cloths, another pitcher of water and some basic healing utensils which she tucked into her apron before heading to the dungeon.
Carefully she descended the stairs, the tray in front of her whilst holding the pitcher by the handle. The glimmering torches lit her way and she strolled past the mostly empty cells. There were a few pickpockets here and there, some brawlers and one or two mercenaries but at the far end, sat alone in a damp, dark cell was the Woad.
Amaya approached slowly, fixing her eyes on the prisoner but when a guard stepped in front of her, she stopped and turned her eyes to the man. "Ah good, lunch." He sighed with relief but when he reached out for the broth Amaya pulled away.
"Not for you." She told him sternly then gestured. "For the Woad." The guard frowned then turned to look at the Woad who had lifted his head slightly. Even from this small distance Amaya could see he was in a bad shape. There was blood on his face and a deep slash on his abdomen, she couldn't see for certain but she suspected that he may have a dislocated shoulder.
"The Woad? Why waste good food on him?"
"It is not prudent to let him die of starvation, dehydration or of a fever due to his wounds before anything useful can be extracted from him." The woman lifted her chin. "So open the door." The guard blinked but nodded his head after a moment of consideration. He selected a key from the ring he wore on a hook on his belt then unlocked the door, walking in. "Now you behave, filth." Before he could even kick the Woad Amaya had kicked him in the back of his knee, sending him down.
"That's enough. Leave us be until I call for you again." The guard rose, shot a filthy look to the woman then strode out, slamming the door shut with a loud clank of iron, locking them in again. The Woad fixed his eyes on the woman as she set down the pitcher and tray to kneel down before him. "Would you like me to tend to your wounds first or would you rather eat?" The Woad lifted his hands, showing several of his fingers to be dislocated.
In answer Amaya shifted closer and took the first hand, glancing up to him before taking his middle finger and forcing it back into place. The Woad tensed but only uttered a soft hiss for each time the woman slid the fingers back into place before gripping his left arm, hand curling under the elbow then pressed into the joint, locking the shoulder back into place. With a final grunt the Woad jerked away, turning his head. Amaya looked at the smeared woad on his body, marring his skin. "You are not a real Woad, are you?" She questioned him softly and he shot her a quizzical, yet impressed look. "Most Woad warriors have tattoos, yet you have none and there is no woad on your back, which means you painted yourself up and Woads never do that. It is ceremony to paint one another." She informed him, remembering what Galahad and the other knights had told her about Woads in passing. "Who are you?" The man arched an eyebrow at her, dark eyes glinting like jet before he looked to the broth.
"Hungry. I'm hungry." Chuckling quietly Amaya lifted the bowl then began to feed him herself as his fingers were still useless at the moment, stiff from being dislocated so long. Spoon feeding him Amaya said nothing as he tracked his rough features. He had a crooked nose, scarred lips and a prominent brow furrowed deeply with lines, the dark mane of his hair reaching his shoulders. Finally Amaya sighed.
"You may as well tell them what they wish to know. It is no use putting yourself through all this pain for nothing."
"What do you care? Why are you here?" He looked to the open wound in his shoulder. "You were the one to strike me with a dagger." Amaya shrugged.
"You are lucky I was not aiming for your heart." He blinked at her then smirked a little.
"A good shot, especially in the dark." She nodded her head in thanks then fed him a little more but he gestured to the drink, so she lifted it to his lips and he drained it away. "I tell them what they want to know. It is the fools who do not listen who you can blame for my pain."
"I am listening." Amaya said to him softly, wetting a cloth with some of the water from the pitcher then began to clean his wounds, wiping away much of the woad and blood then brought out a bundled of leaf herbs. "Chew on these, they will help with the pain. Just ignore the bitter taste." He took them without question and chewed them quickly, the unpleasant taste never showing on his features.
Once he had finished he regarded the woman slowly, his eyes wandering over her blank features before he sighed. "I was hired by Aurelius. I'm an assassin by trade, one of the rougher ones." He began quietly as Amaya then continued to treat his wounds. "He wanted me to find some papers for evidence that there are disturbances in the north, Woads who reject Arhtur's rein so that he could bring them to his side and rebell against the king." Amaya glanced up when he hissed, breaking his tale before he exhaled and continued on. "Also with a charge of getting rid of Arthur and his trusted knights in the process?"
"And the Queen?" Amaya asked gently as she swabbed some disgusting looking pus away. "What of the Queen?"
"He intended to have her himself, seeing as he's already killed three wives when they failed to give him sons. His first only gave him a daughter who he was going to sell as a wife to some rich lord down in the south with hundreds of men at his command." It all made sense. Arthur had pieced together that side of the puzzle but now everything rested upon the meeting the king would hold with Merlin and the best course of action of eliminating the threats before they would become all too real.
Amaya leaned back for a moment regarding the pitiful man before sighing. "Do they have any plans?"
"How should I know? All l know is that I'm destined for the pyre." He shrugged as the woman lifted the bowl and began to feed him again. "I'm just the hired brawn."
"I can speak to the king. Perhaps I can petition a quick death. A painless one. I will also inform him of your treatment so that he can reprimand his guards." A look of gratitude passed over the man's face. "Do you have a name?" He snorted.
"Not one I share with strangers." Amaya smiled at him, nodding her head as she scraped the last of the broth onto the spoon then gave it to him. He sighed, savouring the taste in his mouth before swallowing. "I do know one thing. Aurelius is going to be double crossed. Lazarus intends to take the throne himself with his army, I don't know how but I do know when." Amaya arched an eyebrow. "You have a fortnight before he reaches your gates and beware their spies. They are everywhere." Amaya held his gaze for a moment before leaning forwards and pressing a tender kiss to his brow, silencing him fully.
"I shall pray to my gods to deliver you safely to the Keeper's arms." She murmured then collected her things. "I shall try and come back, if I cannot then I shall be sure to send more herbs and food down with another maid or manservant." She promised him, turning to leave. "Guard!" The man grunted and sauntered over, unlocking the door then let her pass before twisting the key in the lock once more.
She said nothing as she walked back through the dungeons and climbed the stairs, exhaling deeply. Amaya needed to speak with Arthur urgently to deliver the knowledge she had gained from the assassin. Opening the door awkwardly Amaya stepped out into the open to meet Tristan's firm gaze.
"What were you doing down there?" He demanded quietly, glancing to the items in her hands.
"Seeing that the prisoner who intruded upon Arthur's private study did not die of his wounds." The scout frowned. The knife wound had been treated, surely? "Perhaps you should keep a better eye on the guards down there. Their boredom elapses into violent fits." She snapped simply the stalked away but Tristan stepped in front of her.
"What did you do?" He growled at her darkly, catching her arm. "Why were you down there talking to him?"
"For your information, I have the knowledge required to start protecting this city." Amaya drew her arm back and lifted her chin to glower at the scout intensely. "The guards down there did not believe him when he was telling the truth."
"And how would you know whether he's lying or not? You're just a…" Tristan caught himself, biting on his tongue as Amaya bristled.
"A maid? Yes, I am just a maid. A woman with no intelligence, life experience, ears or eyes, apparently." Stepping around the scout Amaya strode over to the kitchens to drop of her tray. Tristan exhaled, realising his mistake only too late. Why was he such a fool?
Amaya glanced back over her shoulder, seeing the scout had already moved away. She ducked through the door then tossed everything in her hands onto a table, dusting off her hands as she strode towards the stairs. "Maya! I need you to…"
"It will have to wait Nora, I have to see the King urgently." Amaya called back and the redhead scowled but nodded her head. The raven haired woman raced up the stairs then sought out Arthur who was with his councillors in the war room, discussing in low tones.
Amaya knocked then entered when she was given permission, standing boldly before the scrutinising men and her new King. "My lords, I have information on the plans of Bacchus Aurelius and Cornelius Francesco Lazarus." She declared and Arthur nodded his head, allowing her to enter further. Amaya shut the door then took several steps towards the men, who looked at her with mixed expressions. "I visited the Woad in his cell when bringing him food. He is no Woad, he is an assassin hired by Aurelius to kill His Majesty the King and his trusted knights." Amaya began and one of the lords snorted.
"Away with this girl, what does she know of such matters?"
"Let her speak." Arthur rejected the portly lord's tone then looked to Amaya for her to continue.
"He was searching through your study for the treaty between yourself, the Woads and all those who elected to stay in Briton with their titles, lands and wealth. He was searching for the names of those who did not swear allegiance so that Aurelius could persuade them to join him in a rebellion against you." Amaya paused, licking her lips before continuing. "The assassin told me that Maia's marriage was arranged for an alliance to involve Lazarus and his military force to siege the city, which will take place in two weeks regardless of the match not taking place. Lazarus wants power and he plans on taking it with or without Aurelius's help."
Arthur exhaled, lowering his head as he gripped the table, digesting the information. "Thank you Maya, you may leave no. Do not fear, we shall take care of everything." Amaya did not leave.
"My lord?" Arthur looked up. "The assassin requests that in return for this information he be granted a quick death. Also, I think you should know that your guards beat and torture their prisoners for fun during their shifts for nothing better to occupy themselves with."
"Impudent girl." One of the other lords snapped, his beard bristling. "How dare you speak to your King like a familiar? The fate of that filth shall be decided without your little meddling…"
"Silence." Arthur ordered, standing up straight. "Maya is a good friend and the sister to one of my most trusted knights. I value her opinion, advice and knowledge just as much as I value yours." He stepped around the table and stood before Amaya who looked up into his fair eyes easily. "Do not fear, I shall not prolong his suffering. I will ensure that my guards know their vows and duties." Satisfied Amaya curtseyed then left the room, feeling a little more at peace with herself.
The Woads arrived quietly, slipping through the streets with only a few stares from anyone who bothered to look. Merlin, the knights and Arthur sat in private council in the round chamber for hours as Amaya helped Guinevere to get ready with Maia's aid. "Maya, pass me the perfume please." Guinevere requested and both girls reached out for the bottle, their fingers brushing.
Maia blushed. "Sorry, our names sound a little too similar."
"Perhaps we should shorten yours to Mai." Amaya suggested softly, taking the bottle and spraying a delicate amount of the incense onto the queen who lifted her head to allow the scent to reach her neck. "And I will remain Amaya." Nodding her head in agreement Maia swished out her fine skirts, nervously pulling at her dress to shape her a little better. Amaya smiled to her, looking over the peach and cream dress with gold thread running through the bodice as her sleeves draped down towards the ground. It shaped and fitted her perfectly, accenting her curves and bringing out the golden light in her hair and the pale green of her eyes.
"Well, now that we are ready, we should be going." Guinevere declared, reaching for her jewellery box. "Just one last touch." She opened the lid and Amaya at first did not see the necklace she had selected until the queen had turned around. Amaya's eyes flickered up briefly but then her eyes snapped to the necklace that wrapped close around Guinevere's neck, glinting in the sunlight with pearls and rubies.
The necklace Lancelot had purchased. Instantly Amaya began to wonder at the gift. There was more to this than first appeared, especially how Guinevere stroked the centre stone slowly, closing her eyes to sigh wistfully before she strode towards the door, Maia following. "Do not work yourself too hard, Amaya!" Guinevere called cheerfully over her shoulder and Amaya glared at the woman's back. She would have to be more careful from now on. The Queen obviously had secrets she would rather hide.
Amaya remained curtseyed low as the two ladies left the room though Maia paused and looked back. "You will come and join us later, will you?" Amaya shook her head.
"I must sweep the courtyard after I have helped to serve the food for the court." Amaya said to her, rising with a smile. "I shall enjoy watching you dance with my brother, do not worry." Maia blushed then nodded her head, leaving Amaya to her thoughts.
The necklace. What did it mean? Had Arthur simply requested Lancelot go and purchase it for his wife or was it a secret lover's gift to his woman? Amaya would have to watch the two of them very carefully. Once she had put all of the combs, brushes, powders, oils and perfumes away Amaya hurried down to the kitchen and picked up a platter of roasted pork, the crackling looking crispy and succulent as its delicious smell rose to her nose and made her mouth water.
She carried it up to the great hall, sliding through the door that a manservant held open for others to bring in the food. The hall was starting to fill up, ladies and lords beginning to take their seats as the musicians began to play merry tunes on their lutes and flutes. Amaya brought the pork joint over to the table and set it down just as Bors took his seat. "Why aren't you dressed for the feast?" He demanded as Dagonet and Gawain joined him. Amaya looked up briefly.
"I am not joining you tonight. There are still chores to be done." The three of them glanced to one another, puzzled at Amaya's lack of festive spirit.
"Come, put away that horrid dress and join us for the dancing and feast." Gawain said to her, leaning on the table as he smiled to her. "You can be a lady tonight and not just a maid."
"I am just a maid." Amaya answered, shrugging one shoulder as she began to direct other platters to suitable places. "I have been a hunter for my clan then worked my way over here, it is the only way of life I know."
"You do not have to be like them." Dagonet told her softly whilst gesturing a hand towards a group of giggling ladies who stood with their hands behind their backs, looking over the handsomer men in the room. "Just be yourself, Maya. Let yourself enjoy tonight instead of sitting back." Amaya reached out and gripped his hand, squeezing it softly before letting go.
"Thank you for your concern but I am more comfortable as a working woman. You all have a pleasant evening, Bors? Enjoy the food. Vanora was sure to order all of your favourites." Everything else forgotten Bors rubbed his hands together, gazing out to the abundance spread before him. Amaya returned several times with various platters of food and each time, she would be requested to stay by one of the knights and each time she would decline.
She was happy to see Maia and Galahad dancing almost every dance together, smiling broadly as Amaya watched the ember between them begin to grow into flickering flames. They only had eyes for one another and it warmed Amaya's heart. She was a little disappointed to find that Tristan was nowhere in sight. Where was he?
Once or twice Amaya was dragged into a seat by Gawain and Dagonet, who forced her to eat and drink something. "I have to…"
"No." Dagonet said to her sternly, glancing up when he heard Lucan's shriek of laughter as the children all danced together, skipping and twirling with one another. "You have not eaten all day."
"I am not hungry."
"Eat, Amaya. I shall not let you go until you do." He picked up some chicken as well as various other food items and anchored his hand on Amaya's shoulder whilst Gawain poured her some wine. She sighed but began to eat a few things. Her time had been demanded so extensively that Amaya had not had a moment to herself to eat. She had not realised how hungry she was.
Three cups of wine later Amaya stood, smiling at Gawain and Dagonet. "May I go now?" They nodded their heads.
"Once your chores are done, come and sit with us." Gawain invited kindly. "This celebration will last into the night and probably the morning." Amaya thought for a moment.
"Perhaps, we shall see how tired I feel." Knowing that this was the best answer they were going to receive, the knights both nodded then Gawain rose to ask a fair lady to dance, the woman swooning at the sight of him. Rolling her eyes at the exaggerated display of gratitude Amaya turned and headed towards the door where she could escape to finish her work but not before Arthur stood and lifted his goblet.
"Friends, my wife has just given me the most heaven blessed news." Everything went silent as the king offered a hand to his wife, lifting her to her feet as she glowed with pride. "She is with child!" Everyone burst into applause and cheered as Guinevere looked to her husband then out to her subjects. Amaya clapped quietly then found the Queen's eyes rested on Lancelot, who was dealthy pale though he made a show of smiling and banging his goblet on the table along with the other knights who began to chant. "Rus, Rus, Rus, Rus, Rus, RUS!" The familiar chant sent bolts of lightning up Amaya's body, making her close her eyes and inhale deeply, an image of battle as the cavalry charged the Roman ranks, chanting in unison as they aimed their spears for the invaders from another land.
Shaking her head slightly Amaya sighed, leaving the hall quietly. A child. This was not good. If the child was in fact Lancelot's then it would be illegitimate, a bastard. If it was a boy then he would sit on the throne one day and rule this kingdom but he would not be the true heir. This was terrible, how was Amaya to find out who the real father of the child was? Maybe he would show signs of as he grows older, perhaps he may Arthur's eyes or noble character. However if he turned out to be a womaniser with dark hair and eyes, then Amaya would have to do something. She refused to allow Arthur to be treated with such disrespect. He was a king and a good man. He deserved better.
Descending the stairs Amaya walked through the kitchen where several of the cooks were taking a nap, utterly exhausted from the day's work so she took a broom and carried out to the servant's courtyard, sweeping away stray leaves and dust as the summer twilight sky began to darken further.
Someone came around to light the braziers then left Amaya alone in peace, humming a quiet tune under her breath along with the music that poured from the hall that rose behind her, the open windows flickering with a golden light as merry laughter and joined in with the instruments along with the rhythmic beating of feet dancing in the hall.
Sighing wearily Amaya stopped her sweeping and wiped her brow, struggling to keep her eyes open. Perhaps she would have to save dancing for another occasion, she was barely standing upright as it was. As twilight turned to dusk the darkness settled around Amaya and she was soon sweeping by the light of the flames trapped in the braziers.
Once her task was done Amaya returned the broom to its place, closing the closet door behind her then turned around. "Lucan?" She blinked at the boy who looked up at her, smiling. "What can I do for you tiny mouse?" Amaya asked, smiling welcomingly as she lowered herself down to his height.
"Aren't you lonely?" He asked winsomely and Amaya blinked in confusion. "Only everyone is upstairs celebrating and you're down here still doing chores. Don't you like to have fun?" Amaya chuckled, ruffling Lucan's hair which made his grin broaden.
"I am not a very good dancer, I'm afraid. It is better that I stay down here and keep my pride than fall over my own feet up there." Lucan nodded his head, fiddling with his sleeve.
"I am not a very good dancer either." He admitted then yawned wearily, rubbing his sleepy eyes as Amaya smiled warmly down at him.
"Perhaps you had better go to sleep, tiny mouse." She suggested softly and the boy nodded, letting Amaya place her hand on the back of his neck to lead him away. When they walked out into the courtyard Amaya stopped and turned Lucan to face her, taking her skirts to curtsey. "My lord, would you be so kind as to accompany me in this dance?" Lucan smiled brightly and bowed politely and low, his long hair falling into his face until he rose again.
"It would be my honour, fair maiden." He replied then took Amaya's outstretched hands and together they galloped around the courtyard, laughing as the music provided them with the rhythm. Lucan bounced on his feet, leaping up into the air as Amaya then swung him, causing him to laugh as she set him uneasily on his feet again.
They danced cheerfully, picking up their feet to rotate around one another then Amaya clapped her hands as she twirled with Lucan mimicking her movements, both of them smiling to the stars. When Dagonet's amused laugh reached their ears they stopped to turn their smiles on him. "I am sorry I interrupted."
"Pa! Did you see? I got Amaya to dance!"
"Well done Lucan." Dagonet chuckled again, lifting the boy up and ruffled his hair. "It is better than any of the rest of us achieved. Though now I think it is time you went to bed." Lucan nodded his head, collapsing against Dagonet's broad shoulder as his tired little body gave up the battle of trying to stay awake. Dagonet rested his hand on Lucan's back to keep him warm then nodded to Amaya.
"Goodnight Dagonet." She said to him softly. "I shall also retire." The knight nodded his head again, glancing up to the great hall before fixing his eyes on Amaya's pale face. She still looked a little frail, he was beginning to become serious concerned for her welfare. She had worked tirelessly for a full week without respite from dawn until dusk and she still was not eating properly.
"Do not be afraid to rest in tomorrow." Dagonet said to her quietly. "You deserve to have a day to yourself."
"But there will be much that needs to be done, cleaning up after the celebration." She argued but Dagonet shook his head.
"There are other servants who can attend to that. Rest for tomorrow and eat properly. You are too thin and too pale, Amaya, you are worrying me." The healer said to her kindly and she sighed, nodding her feet. "I shall inform Vanora."
"Thank you." She told him sincerely then watched as he carried Lucan away, who had his arms wrapped around Dagonet's neck as he slept. Amaya turned around and faced the stars, the same stars that she used to gaze up at every night back in her homeland. It all seemed a distant memory now. Nothing in her life had been worthy of remembrance save for her parents these last seventeen years. Nothing had been beautiful and nothing had made her happy the way her brother had. It had taken her a long time to realise that she had needed Galahad as much as he had needed her.
Yet now she was here, by his side, everything seemed so much brighter. Even the stars shone with a strange warmth she had never seen before. Taking a deep breath Amaya closed her eyes as the wine rushed to her head. She should not have drunk so much so quickly. She would be sure to remember her mistake should the situation arise again.
Soft footsteps reached Amaya's ears and she turned, stiffening at the presence that approached her but relaxed when she saw Tristan. The familiar feeling of deep attraction settled on Amaya as she looked at him walk towards her. His gait was a little lilting and Amaya guessed he had had one too many cups of ale or wine though when he stood directly in front of her, she could smell the sweetened scent of wine on his breath and she licked her lips against the taste, looking directly up into his eyes.
He held her gaze for a few moments before looking down to her hand, which he took gently into his roughened grip and pressed something hard and wooden into her fingers. Amaya gasped, lifting the bow up to her face so that the torchlight could reveal its perfection to her. She turned her body, pulling back the string carefully with a flawless stance that Tristan instantly admired, his eyes following the defined shape of her jaw as her lips parted, breathing softly as she tested the balance and strength of the curving bow.
It was an exact match to Tristan's in shape though it looked newer and there were some distinct markings carved into the front at the top end of the bow. Amaya let the string go slack then ran her hand over the symbols of her clan which Tristan had added for her. "It's beautiful Tristan. Thank you." She murmured, eager to use the day Dagonet had insisted she use for resting to take Arluin hunting. Tristan slung the quiver from his shoulder and held it out to her. He had fletched her some arrows also?
"Briton arrows are nothing compared to ours." Tristan explained monotonously, watching her eyes light up as she took the quiver of arrows with a grateful nod. The attraction he felt for this woman was overwhelming, from the curls of her hair to the alabaster skin that became milky smooth when bathed in moonlight. He struggled to keep his face placid and unreadable as with a single look, this woman threatened to undo him completely. "What do I owe you?" Tristan frowned at her. Payment? He did not want payment from her, the bow was a gift. Surely she did not expect him to want something from her for such a humble request?
Amaya looked up at the tense scout, wondering what was making him feel so ill at ease. Maybe he had not drunk enough wine?
All further thoughts were snatched away from Amaya as Tristan lowered his head to hers in a slow but smooth movement, brushing his lips against hers as heat seared through her soul, flaming her skin as one hand curled around her neck, pulling her closer to him with Amaya gasping in shock, freezing in place as the scout's lips moved tentatively against her.
Tristan tested the waters, groaning inwardly at the feel of her soft lips against his. They were cool to the touch and tender though when he touched the inside of her mouth with his tongue, she was warm and welcoming as her eyes slid shut and she stepped closer to him.
He wanted more of her, more of her mouth, her body, he wanted all of this woman before him but he restrained himself, not wanting to frighten her. If he had had no self-control then Tristan would simply ravage her right there and then without a care who might see or hear them. Gently he eased his lips open and she shaped hers to his, her arms hanging loosely by her side as she had no clue what she was doing. Wait, what was she doing? She was kissing Tristan!
Fire burned in her chest and Amaya gasped again, tilting her head upwards to reach him a little better, lifting one hand to brush her fingers against his face, trailing them down as he pressed his mouth a little harder against hers.
Then all at once he pulled away, turning his head to whisper huskily in her ear, the sweet taste of wine still on her lips and tongue. "That will do for now." He told her then strode away quickly, not looking back to the dumbstruck woman, who stared after him then lifted a hand to her swelling lips.
Not knowing what else to do Amaya slipped back into the shadows, turning then ran all the way to her cot in Maia's room where she slid her bow behind her chest then slipped from all clothes save for her shift then crawled under her covers, shivering slightly as she breathed quickly, trying to recover herself from the shock of what had just occurred.
Amaya did not know what to think or what to believe. It was all too sudden and confusing. Opting for the best course of action, Amaya did her best to go to sleep and rest.