Guys, terrible news, we're almost finished! Just this little filler and then one more chapter to close everything off. Wow, thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, you have no idea how much your support has made me laugh, smile and generally feel better about myself when in all honesty, things elsewhere aren't doing too great. So thank you from the bottom of my heart, I hope this isn't the last I see of any of you, I fully intend to keep writing! Love you all x
Groaning I turned around, yawning as I lifted my hand to curl around my head. When I felt it touch a soft pillow, I frowned then opened my eyes in confusion. I was lying in a bed, but Dagonet had put me down on a sack of turnips. Why was I here? Where was here?
I was so confused and disgruntled through my still half asleep mind, I froze when I felt a body next to me. Who was that? Beginning to panic I lashed out, trying to scramble away but strong hands gripped my waist and pulled me back before pinning my wrists down as I struggled, completely panic stricken as I felt the powerful body on top of me.
"Calm down Kat, you're safe. You're safe now." I heard his warm, silky voice whisper in my ear, soothing me to stillness as I recognised the voice. Tristan tenderly wiped the sleep from my eyes as I blinked up at him, my vision slowly coming into focus. "You're always safe with me." His lips murmured into my ear, making me shudder and sigh as I relaxed beneath him.
"Tristan." I murmured then suddenly felt ashamed. Immediately I sprang forwards, latching my arms around him as he rolled onto his back, his hands resting against my hips as he did so. "Tristan! I'm so sorry. Please forgive me, please don't be angry with me anymore. I can't bear the thought of you hating me for what I did." I sobbed into his shoulder. "I was so afraid of losing you, I didn't want you anywhere near the danger, I'm so sorry for lying but I wanted you safe. I wanted you safe Tristan." As I sobbed Tristan hushed me softly, embracing me with loving arms and warm kisses to my neck and shoulder until I was calm enough to pull back and look at him.
A hand rested against my face, his thumb stroking my cheek as I swallowed, tears still dripping from my high cheekbones. I went to apologise further but Tristan locked my lips shut with his, hand moving to the back of my neck. "It's alright." He assured me in that unearthly voice that always sent shivers down my spine. "I'm sorry I shouted. You just frightened me, Kat."
"I frightened you?" I blinked in disbelief. "But you're not afraid of anything."
"Only of losing you, Kat, that's the one thing that terrifies me most." His lips touched the cut on my jaw from the Cynric's bolt. It wouldn't scar, thank heavens. It was not even deep enough to need stitching. "I too only want you to be safe. You're not trained to be a warrior. You had no defence, no counter attacks, I worried for you every moment since I saw you on that field. I thought you vulnerable." I cocked an eyebrow at him and pouted, making him smirk. "Well, you proved me wrong."
"It's a habit." I returned smoothly and his smile broadened as he shifted, sitting up. I rested my hands against his bare chest, smoothing them down to feel his scars and warm body. "Were you hurt?"
"Just a few strains." He answered, touching his shoulder. "I'll be fine." Other than a few cuts and bruises, Tristan indeed was fine. Me, on the other hand, will be needing a few more days sleep before I felt normal again. "Just promise me you'll never lie to me again."
"You have my word." I told him sincerely, sighing as I lay back down on the bed, Tristan shifting to look down at me from his side. "I never wanted to lie, I was just being selfish." I informed him as he continued to stroke my face with eyes that spoke volumes. "I wanted you to leave, so that you wouldn't be in danger. Then I would race to catch up before you left me behind."
"I'll never leave you behind, Katlyn. I'm going to stand beside you, forever and always." He had no idea how much I loved hearing him say this. Darting forwards I kissed him, not holding back anything as I relented all the anxiety, the tension and stress from my body.
My shift soon found its way to the floor as I lay down before Tristan, who gazed over my body freely. "You're beautiful, Kat."
"I'm not too bad looking, am I?" I replied smugly. "You however…" He arched an eyebrow then leaned forwards, kissing my neck as his fingers found my centre, making me gasp aloud and arch my back.
"What were you saying?"
"Damn it." I growled, turning my head to the side to expose my neck full to him. "You're cruel."
"I'm known for it." He murmured huskily in my ear. "What other…teachings…did you receive whilst spending your days at the pleasure house?" Turning to face him with a smirk, my eyes gleamed darkly.
"You're about to find out."