Disclaimer: I do not own The Seven Deadly Sins. I'm merely borrowing the characters and having some fun with them.
DESTINY
Chapter 50
I stare at Father, dumbfounded.
I shouldn't be surprised. This was going to happen from the start, wasn't it? My life chosen for me by every decision my sisters made. Margaret marrying Gilthunder, a man she loves, effectively passing her claim to the throne to Veronica. My middle sister not wanting anything to do with it and disclaiming herself and passing the heavy burden to me.
Was this my destiny from the very beginning?
"I know that when we talked last, you weren't sure on Hendrickson." Father continues to speak when I make no indication that I would. At hearing the Grand Master's name, I feel myself stiffen, thoughts forced back to our talk. "I have talked to Arthur as well about taking your hand in marriage."
At this my mouth drops open. "What?!" I can't help but squeak.
"He refused." Father frowned. I'm not sure if it's from my reaction or the King of Camelot's dismissal. "It was an ideal pairing, but still put us in much of the same position as Margaret and Gilthunder. Though, with the size and instability of his own kingdom at this time, an alliance with us would have been the best for him. All in all, I suppose it is fine that he declined. It may have ended up in a larger kingdom than either of you are ready to rule." He continues mumbling to himself.
My mind whirls with the new information. Father offered Arthur my hand and he declined? Why would Arthur do that? We don't know each other very well, but that's never really been a factor in royal marriages anyway. Margaret had been lucky. She wasn't the sole heir of the kingdom, her responsibilities could be passed on.
Father's words about a larger kingdom, stand out to me. Is he insinuating we would have combined our kingdoms? Such a thing is practically unheard of. But, Camelot is still rebuilding from the fall ten years ago. A marriage between us would have enforced a lasting peace between our two countries. The politics of it all swirl in my mind. I wish I had paid more attention to my teachings.
"Arthur is a fine young man, he would have been my first choice," Father speaks up, gaining my attention. "But, I was unable to convince him, the stubborn boy."
"Father… how do you know Sir Arthur?" I question cautiously. Talk of marriage is starting to make me woozy. I grasp to the only possible subject change.
A fond smile crosses his features. "Ah, I met him long ago, when he was just a boy. Saved him from a bit of trouble and gave him some advice. I knew he would be a great king one day but I never imagined he would bring about the rebirth of Camelot."
"At sixteen," I shake my head, Gowther's words playing in my mind. "He's been ruling for two years already. It's incredible." I can't help but admire the young king.
He sighs heavily. Perhaps he is as unhappy with this conversation as I am. Maybe more so. He shouldn't be working himself this hard already. Before I get the chance to tell him so, he's speaking again. "We can't risk something happening to me with no clear heir. You have to do this. You need to marry."
I frown, worried about where this is going. "Father-"
"That is final, Elizabeth!" He commands, voice loud and clear. The voice of a king. Of someone not to be questioned. "You are to marry Hendrickson or find another suitor. Either way, he shall be your escort to the wedding tomorrow evening."
Tears of frustration threaten to consume me. I blink them back. "How can you do this to me…" I want to shout, want to scream at him. But I can't. All I can do is whisper. "I'm not even your real daughter. Why would you give me this responsibility?"
His stern expression falters, my words cutting him.
I don't stick around to hear an answer to my question. My hands are on the door, yanking it open. A quiet, "I'm sorry, Elizabeth," is the last thing I hear before slamming it shut behind me.
I sprint from the castle. Trying again to leave it all behind.
My feet carry me quickly away, past the curious guards and right to the Boar Hat. I'm gulping for air as I stare at the familiar tavern. A place that feels more and more like home with each passing day. I'm beginning to wonder if it has more to do with the people inside than the actual building.
I throw the door open, shocked to find Gilthunder and Griamore as well as Howser. The only patrons there besides the Sins and Arthur.
"Elizabeth!" Hawk bounds over to me. "How have you been? Feels like it's been forever since I've seen you! Your dress is really pretty! You look like a real princess."
The pig looks up at me happily. I bend over to scratch behind his ear. "I've missed you Hawk. And I've been well. Thank you." I had almost forgotten about my evening gown.
It does feel like it's been awhile since I've gotten a chance to see the pig, but really it's been barely two days. Have I gotten so used to his presence the past few weeks that even that short amount of time seems too long? My eyes glance around the room, finally landing on Meliodas. He's giving me a soft smile, one I've gotten all too familiar with. Last night of course comes to mind and a light blush works onto my cheeks.
I need to talk to him. It's about time I get some answers.
"Elizabeth!" Howser greets me brightly and I tear my gaze from the captivating green eyes to look at the dark blonde. "What're you doing out so late?" His words are slurred and I wonder just how long they've been sitting here drinking.
"Oh, I, um…" I really hadn't been expecting to find anyone in the bar besides the Sins. Not that I had an excuse for them. I just wanted to talk to Meliodas.
"She came to see us of course!" Diane finishes for me and throws an arm around my shoulders in a hug. She winks at me discreetly and I give her a smile in thanks. "I think it's about time you guys mosey on out anyways."
"Ah come on, Diane!" Howser complains loudly as he pleads with the woman. "We're just getting started!" He beams at her brightly, a light flush to his cheeks. The fairy intercepts his gaze, floating in front of him. Apparently the low profile thing has gone out the window with these guys. Or maybe it was just because they were back in the Boar Hat.
"She's right," King looks down at the man with a cool expression. "One of you is getting married tomorrow."
Meliodas chuckles, "he does have a point. You should probably go and sleep some of this off, Lil Gil." He shakes the shoulder of the groom to be. Who's passed out on the table. "One of you may need to carry him." The bar owner smiles, eyes full of mirth.
"Psh! Let them crash on the floor~," Ban suggests helpfully from behind the counter. His cheeks are the dark rosy hue that I've become accustomed to seeing on him when he drinks.
"I'm not sure letting a king and a crowned prince crash on our dirty floor is the best thing," Meliodas shakes his head at his friend.
"I crash on the floor all the time," King grumbles, brows knitting together.
"You don't count," the blonde gives him a smug grin. The auburn haired man scowls.
"Hey!" Hawk cries in outrage, gaining their attention. "I'm the one who cleans the floor!"
"That's why it's dirty," the Sin of Wrath grins at the pig. The two, of course, start arguing. My gaze is drawn by a small chuckle from Merlin.
"I could create a rather effective hangover cure for him in the morning," Merlin hums out loud, a spark of intrigue in her eye. "What do you say Gowther? Want to see what we can come up with?"
"That sounds rather interesting. I'll participate." The Goat Sin replies with a flat tone. About as close to excitement as I've seen from him, now that I think about it.
"I-I'll help too!" A scrawny man with a bushy mustache volunteers eagerly.
"That's Escanor," Diane whispers in my ear at my confused expression. "It has to do with his magic. This is how he is most of the time unless he's playing bodyguard."
"I don't understand. How is that possible?"
She shrugs. "Not a hundred percent sure. His body and powers are linked with the sun."
I don't get a chance to comment as Arthur's voice draws my attention. "You guys can spend the night at my place if you want!" There's a large grin on his face, ever the bright spot in any room. I can't help but smile at his attitude.
And then I remember that Father offered him my hand. I flush hotly, embarrassedly looking away. For his part, Arthur doesn't act any differently then he has before. The offer of marriage not even phasing him or his actions towards me.
"Isn't that in Camelot?" Griamore asks cautiously. "How would we even get there and back before tomorrow evening?"
"Merlin of course!" The orange haired man responds, smile going even wider. "She's my mentor and friend! She always brings me places." I take the chance to study the Camelot King a little closer. There's definitely a hint of red to his cheeks. He must be drinking as well.
The ravenette rolls her eyes but I can see a whisper of a smile playing at her lips. "You make it sound as if I'm just here to be at your beck and call."
A horrified gasp escapes Arthur, "of course not Merlin! How could you even think such a thing?"
"I believe Lady Merlin is only t-teasing, my lord," Escanor informs the fretting man.
"Oh," he instantly relaxes. There's a pause before he says, "what were we talking about?"
The bar erupts in laughter. Despite my troublesome night, I join them happily. It feels good to laugh after such a stressful few hours.
"Ellie~!" Ban calls out as if just noticing me. "Have a drink with us!"
"Weren't we just trying to close up?" Meliodas quirks a brow even as he fills up a mug.
"Not me!" The Sin of Greed denies. "That was the wet blanket Sloth."
"Hey!"
I glance at Diane, the woman still holding me close to her side. "Wasn't it you?"
She giggles and nods her head. "Shh!" She winks holding a finger up to her lips.
"Not very nice putting the blame on your new boyfriend, Diane," Meliodas gives her a sly smirk as he approaches us. He hands me a mug.
"W-we're not dating!" Diane flushes intensely and releases me. "I, um, better go break those guys up!" She disappears from my side to go separate the arguing Sins.
Ban currently had King in a headlock, while laughing loudly and urging everyone to keep drinking while they could. Howser and Arthur disappeared behind the bar, grabbing more booze in a frenzied panic. Merlin shook her head at the antics, but did nothing to help either party while the rest of them just observed the sudden chaos.
A typical night with the Sins.
I can't help but smile. I missed this and it had only been a day.
"Something on your mind?" Meliodas comments lowly. He stayed by my side watching as Diane and Ban began an arm wrestling match.
"Ah, yes, actually," I admit tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. Lifting the mug to my lips, I take a long drawn out drink. "I wanted to talk to you about… something."
He tilts his head as he studies me. "Is that so?"
I simply nod.
Meliodas watches me, as if trying to figure out just what I want without actually asking. He glances around the room and then grabs my hand. He silently pulls me out of the Boar Hat. Not one person turns to look in our direction, not outrightly anyway. I have a feeling that each of the Sins were keeping a careful gaze on us out of the corner of their eye. None of them said a word, thankfully. I don't want to think of the possible outcome if Gilthunder or the others were to notice and told my sisters.
The blonde bar owner leads me to a small hill overseeing the city. It's beautiful. Fires are lit within houses, giving the whole town an illusion of looking like the night sky. Stars both on the ground and high above. The castle is large and looming, with light streaming through a few of the windows. One of which I know to be Father's cabinet.
The churning in my stomach returns.
Without meaning too, I collapse onto my knees.
"Whoa," Meliodas blinks down at me with a tilt of his head. "You alright?"
I only have to think for a moment before I shake my head. "No," I barely whisper, grip tightening on the mug in my hands.
He frowns, joining me on the ground. Calmly, he finishes his drink and sets the mug aside. The Dragon Sin of Wrath takes his time. I'm both annoyed and thankful as I follow his lead and finish my drink, putting it off to the side. I try to get my thoughts together. Wondering how I should answer the inevitable question I'm sure he's going to ask.
"What's wrong?"
His green eyes are full of concern even as he keeps a blank face. My bottom lip quivers. So overwhelmed I throw myself into his arms, hugging him tightly. Meliodas stiffens for a second. He's clearly caught off guard by my actions and I don't blame him. I may have been getting more courageous with him, but this was rather bold given how out in the open we are. His arms wrap around me a few moments later.
He says nothing else, allowing me precious time to think. He rubs soothing circles on my back and I drag myself closer to him. I'm partially in his lap now, my head tucked underneath his chin. I inhale his scent. Somehow I manage to fight off the tears that should be falling. My breathing slows down.
"I had dinner with Hendrick," I whisper quietly.
Meliodas' hand pauses momentarily. I pull back, attempting to gauge his reaction. The concern in his eyes is gone, his face still, unmoving as stone. "Okay," is all he says.
My brows furrow. "Are you mad at me?"
"Should I be?" He quirks a brow at me. "I'm pretty sure you can eat with whomever you want. You are a princess."
Heat rises to my cheeks and I duck my head back under his chin. Why do I feel so silly? Why do I feel so… disappointed? Honestly, did I expect Meliodas to be jealous? I bite my lip, shaking the questions of my feelings away. That wasn't the reason I came here tonight. Though it may play a larger role than I think it does. My fingers fiddle with his vest, trying to get my mind back to the question I really came here to ask.
"He said you two knew each other."
Silence.
"Is it true?" I can't help but ask. I drag myself away from him, hoping to catch a glimpse of truth in his eyes. My mind is swirling with all the possible ways this conversation could go. I almost feel sick to my stomach.
His green eyes are duller than normal as he takes his time to answer. "Suppose it is."
I can hardly believe that he responded. "How? When? Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"Our paths crossed a long time ago," he answers vaguely, a faraway look in his eyes. "It was before I even formed the Sins," he frowns lightly. "It's not like you've ever asked about my past before yesterday, Elizabeth."
His words felt like a slap in the face.
"Tell me?" My voice is quiet, unable to decide between asking or commanding him to do so. "Please. How did your paths cross?"
Finally, Meliodas stares at me head on. His expression is conflicted, I think. I'm not sure I've ever seen him torn before now. At least not like this. He almost looks like he's in pain. I reach a hand up and cup his cheek. Just like that all the worry leaves him. He places his hand over mine and closes his eyes. Meliodas brings our hands back down, releasing my own so he can lean back to look at the sky.
"He hired me for a job."
My heart begins to pound in my chest. "What… what kind of job?"
His eyes flicker to me for only a second. "Bodyguard."
"Bodyguard?" I dig my fingers into the grass. An attempt to ground myself. He nods and I feel the world fall out from under me.
They actually knew each other. Hendrickson hired Meliodas. As a bodyguard.
Just like in my dream.
Meliodas watches me carefully now. I do my best to school my features, hoping I'm not as sick looking as I feel. "W-Who…" I struggle to get the words out.
He sighs. "A princess."
"What kingdom?"
"Doesn't matter. It's long gone now."
"Like Camelot?"
"... something like that."
"Sir Meliodas, I-"
"Elizabeth," he cuts me off quietly. "No more. Not tonight… please."
I hold my tongue, wanting so desperately to keep asking, to keep getting answers. Meliodas' hands on my chest effectively distract me. I squeak and sputter as he just smiles at me. It's nothing on the usual warmth I find there, but I suppose that's my fault for asking such invasive questions.
My arms wrap around his shoulders, pulling his face into my breasts. "I'm sorry, Sir Meliodas," I whisper before releasing him.
He doesn't look at me right away, instead facing the opposite direction. "So, you had a meeting with your dad tonight, didn't you?" He changes the topic.
"It was…" I trail off searching for words as I pull my knees to my chest. A difficult feat with all the material of my dress. "It didn't go how I was hoping it would."
"And how were you hoping?" Meliodas' body is angled my way once again. A small tilt to his head as he eyes me.
"That I wouldn't have to marry," I mumble, dropping my head down on my knees.
It's quiet. I wonder if Meliodas had even heard me. "... who?" He finally asks.
I lift my head just enough to catch his emotionless expression. "Huh?"
"Who?" He repeats plainly, giving nothing away.
"S-Sir Hendrickson." Heat overtakes my features so I drop my face back down, unable to take whatever Meliodas' eyes might say. "Or I need to find another s-suitor, but Sir Hendrickson is my escort for tomorrow."
He sighs heavily. "Well there goes my date for the wedding."
My eyes widened and I shift my body to face him. "Oh my gosh, Sir Meliodas, I'm so sorry! I completely forgot!"
To my surprise, he laughs. "It's alright, Elizabeth." He tugs me underneath his arm so it's resting around my shoulders. "I figured I wasn't going to be lucky enough to take you. Though, it would have been nice." His free hand begins to push up the material of my dress.
I let out a shaky breath, unable to think straight as his fingers come into contact with my skin. My body begins to heat, wanting a repeat of last night. Meliodas drags his hand up the inside of my leg as he continues talking.
"Maybe I'll just ask Diane. Give King a heart attack," he chuckles and I let out a breathless laugh.
"That wouldn't be very… nice of you…" I trail off as his hand comes to a stop high on my thigh, inches away from where I want his touch most.
He hums. "I'm not feeling particularly… nice," he emphasises his point by dipping his fingers beneath my pantyline. Meliodas gives me a cheeky grin. "Where are you planning on staying tonight, Elizabeth?"
"Our room." His eyebrows shoot up at my unexpected response and I feel myself flush even more. "I-I-I mean your room, Sir Meliodas."
"I don't know. I kinda like the sound of our room better," he smirks down at me.
The next thing I know, his hand is hooked underneath my legs and we're on the upper balcony of the Boar Hat. I barely hold back a scream as I throw my arms around his neck. He chuckles in my ear, arms wrapped safely around me.
"It's okay," he whispers, "I got you."
I nod, loosening my grip slightly. Somehow he manages to open the door and we're in an odd room I've never noticed before. "Where are we?"
"Hmm?" Meliodas hums, moving to close the door and then shifting through the room. "Storage mostly. Gowther stays up here on occasion."
"Oh," I say simply. So this was where Gowther would go at night. I had never really thought to ask before.
We move to the hall and I hear voices all the way from downstairs. Meliodas quietly carries me to the next level and I notice more doors. I frown, why hadn't I ever thought to explore the Boar Hat more in my time here? As we reach the third floor landing, I recognize the layout a bit more, if vaguely. This was where I was going to stay when I had first joined Meliodas on this journey. That of course had only lasted the one night.
"Who stays there now?" I find myself asking.
"King and Ban share the room."
"Really?" I make a face at him, finding it a bit unbelievable.
He laughs lightly and nods. "Really. Though, King spends a lot of his nights outside, keeping Daine company. She's in her smaller form a lot more now, but she used to only be in her giant form, so she wouldn't fit in here. King stayed outside with her on those nights."
I smile lightly at his words. The two were very sweet together. It also reminded me that I had something I still needed to ask Diane about. Tomorrow, I promise myself.
We finally arrive at the second floor and walk into the room Meliodas and I had shared. He sets me down, shutting the door quietly behind us. It's just as I remember it. Though, it really hasn't been that long since I've been here. The blonde walks by me to the closet.
"Need something to change into?" He asks me as he begins to shuffle through clothes. "I still have some of your things here."
"I'm not sure I should let you pick out my clothes, Sir Meliodas," I tease.
He looks at me over his shoulder and gives me a crooked grin. "Well… we could just do without clothes for awhile."
My eyes widen and my skin flushes. I nibble at my lip, nodding my head. "O-okay."
"Uh, really?" Meliodas blinks at me, a small blush on his cheeks. It's incredibly enduring. His bewilderment is quickly covered with a wide grin as he picks me up and places me on the bed. "I didn't think you'd take me up on my offer."
His hand pushes up the skirt of my dress until he can easily squeeze my rear. I squeak, thighs clenching together and eyes sliding close. "W-what about everyone downstairs…?" The heat is already pulsing through me, excitement thick in my veins now that I had a taste of what Meliodas could give me.
"Don't worry about them," he presses a soft kiss to my lips. "They won't hear a thing."
My heartbeat picks up, pounding against my chest at his implication. I find myself wanting to see just how far we could go. Given the uncertainty of my future, of having no control of it, my resolve from the previous night returns as his green eyes lock with mine.
I want to give myself to Meliodas. All of me.
It doesn't matter who he was in the past. What kind of connection he has with Hendrickson. None of it matters. All I need to know is how much I care about Meliodas. How safe I feel everytime I'm with him. The comfort he gives me with even the most fleeting passing glances. Nothing has ever made me feel this way.
Meliodas is home.
And if this isn't love, I don't know what is.
"Elizabeth," his asks gently, hand cupping my cheek. "You alright?"
"Yes." I'm surprised to find myself blinking back tears. "More than alright."
I gather all my courage, determined to tell him before I lose the nerve or my chance completely. After tonight, I may never be able to see him like this again. The thought seals my fate, come what may, consequences be damned.
"I love you, Meliodas." It springs from my lips in the most unnatural way, jumbled, a mess. My cheeks heat as I realize he might have possibly not understood. My cheeks heat even more as I realize the way his eyes widen means he must have. His hands move to rest on either side of my head.
It's silent. If I was anywhere else but pinned underneath him, I may have run away from sheer embarrassment. But Meliodas just keeps staring, his eyes boring into my own, as if he can't believe I uttered such words.
"Elizabeth," he starts. I don't let him finish his thoughts.
"I don't need a response," I whisper. The moment the words leave my lips, I know them to be true. "I just wanted to tell you… before I lost my chance."
His expression is troubled, torn. He ducks his head so I can't see. "You make it sound like I won't ever see you again." I can't tell his tone. It's different then I've heard him use before.
"You may not," I admit my earlier worries. "This may be our last night together… The last time I'll be able to truly be myself before becoming queen."
I place a hand on his cheek, urging him to look back at me. His green eyes are dark, almost black. If this were any other time, I'd take the opportunity to question him on it. But right now I don't care. There's just one thing that I want. One parting gift that I hope Meliodas will accept.
"Meliodas… can I… can we…?" My words are muddled as I struggle to put them in the right order.
He presses his lips against mine in a slow kiss. "Whatever you want, Elizabeth. I'm yours. Always will be," he mumbles, only pulling back enough to stare deep into my eyes, urging me to understand.
And I do.
I simply nod, pulling him back in for a deep kiss. When we finally break apart, I know exactly what I want. "You, Meliodas. I want you."
His smile is soft in response. But it quickly turns into a sly smirk as his hand moves from beside my head, over my shoulder, and down to my breast. He massages me through my dress and the heat from earlier returns.
"Gotta say, Elizabeth," his tone is husky, sending pleasant shivers through my body. "I rather like this new side of you."
I laugh breathlessly in response, trying not to think about the possibility of this being the last time we get to explore my new side together. Instead I answer, "me too," with as sultry of a smile as I can muster.
He hums, capturing my lips once again. The kiss turns from sensual to urgent. I dig my fingers into his hair. His hands move to my hips, pulling me closer. I gasp at the feeling of him between my legs, moaning at the new sensation. We break our kiss and Meliodas breathes shakily against my neck.
No words are exchanged as he helps me out of my dress and undergarments. It all ends up in a pile somewhere off to the side, I don't really pay it any mind, instead focusing on my task of removing Meliodas' clothing. My hands are shaky as I tug off his tie and I struggle with undoing the buttons. He comes to my aid, pulling away my fidgeting fingers and placing a kiss to my knuckles before completing the job himself. As soon as the article is gone, I move to the next, more confident this time. It too ends up on the floor. Both of us now completely bare.
It isn't long before Meliodas is back to where he was the night before, parting me as fingers brush against my bundle of nerves, working it and then slipping within me. I'm gasping and moaning within minutes, the same feeling from last night building until I'm toppling over the edge. This time I'm prepared, refusing to relax after such an intoxicating feeling.
I push him back onto the bed, green eyes widening at my aggression when just last night I was falling asleep soon after. My tongue darts out to wet my lips and I watch him follow the movement. Pride courses through me at the thought of having Meliodas' undivided attention with such a simple action. My skin is hot as I think over what I'm about to do. Ultimately I shove the jitters aside, press a quick kiss to his lips before moving down his body.
His breath catches as I hover just above his lower half. I waste no time in taking him in my mouth. I'm not sure what I'm doing, but Meliodas groans. It's empowering and I continue my movements. Before I can grant him the same release he's given me, he pulls me up. His lips crash against mine. Our hips grinding against each other and I whimper at the feel of his hardened member rubbing against me.
We part and his eyes search mine for my answer.
I nod, not a doubt in my mind.
Meliodas' smiles softly, sitting up and laying me gently down onto the bed. I caress his cheek, biting my lip as I ready myself. He presses a kiss to my palm. His hips slowly press into mine and I squeeze my eyes shut at the odd sensation. A few moments pass before I become used to the feeling. I roll my hips experimentally, moaning at the new experience. His hands are on my hips. He pulls out before pressing into me again. He repeats the process, his hips soon slamming into me. I'm arching my back, gasping for breath as I squeeze his shoulders in an attempt to ground myself.
An immeasurable amount of time passes and the next thing I know, that feeling is building once again. Meliodas' name erupts from my lips as I'm falling. He grunts and groans, his hips slowing as I feel him release. The blonde collapses beside me. I curl into his side, not bothering to try and clean up or clothe myself. He holds me close. A hand strokes my hair and I'm just about to drift to sleep when Meliodas mumbles. Something I only half hear, but sounds like;
"I'll save you this time, Elizabeth. I promise."
A/N: Happy two year anniversary Destiny! *throws confetti and makes a lot of annoying party sounds* I can't believe that this story has been going for so long! I would not have been able to come this far without all of your support! You guys are amazing! I think it's pretty awesome that I was able to land the 50th chapter on today in celebration! Of course... hopefully the new year will allow me to pick up the pace I adopted this year which was about a chapter a month I think? Which, I suppose isn't bad, but I'm hoping to finish this story by next year's anniversary and I'm not sure a chapter a month will cut it! XD
I don't have to much to say about this chapter. I'll let you guys form your own ideas ;) Hopefully you enjoyed it! Thank you all for reading! Until next time!
Luv~
