Chapter Ten: Accident

Chapter Ten: Accident

The icy water chilled my skin. My muscles were cramped from the long intense practice after my talk with my mother. I was so tired and could barely keep my eyes open. I gave in and slipped into a deep sleep.

"If you win, I will release your mother and beloved otherwise they are mine."

"Be prepared to meet your fate."

"Oh no my friend you should be prepared."

Red dots formed in front of me. My head hit something hard.

"Ouch!" I cursed myself trying to pull myself up. I couldn't surface because my head was hurting so much. Suddenly I felt arms around my waist and they lifted me out of the water. I choked the water out of my mouth and gazed up to see Alias holding me naked in the cold water. I blushed but he didn't seem to pay attention to my nakedness.

"You went under the water and I had to break down the door to get in. Good thing I arrived in time," he replied with relief.

His eyes traveled to my arms, which were crossed over my chest and my body, curled upright. He blushed and turned his back away from me.

"Here put this on," He handed me a white sheet with his back stilled turned.

I wrapped the sheet around me and pulled the extra over my shoulder.

"Can you stand up?" he asked cautiously.

I nodded and gripped the edge for support. Alias offered his hand and circled his arm round my waist for me to stand up.

"You all right?" he inquired dissolving the water drops from my face with his hand.

"Thank you," I whispered shaking from the abrupt cold air.

He saw my shivering and held my body close to his to warm me up.

"Well, isn't this pleasant" remarked Merle appearing in the doorway.

Alias broke off our contact but didn't release his arm around my waist.

"Sorry, I worried you Merle. I was tired." I replied plainly.

"You just take care of yourself. I won't say anything but if they ask you tell them the truth," she said walking out.

I pushed my hair back but winced from the pain on the back of my head. Alias reached over and inspected my bump. He kissed it and massaged it in circles.

"You will be a little sore in the morning. No damage done," he said. "You almost gave me a heart attack, I was worried sick!"

"I try my best to stay out of trouble," I replied innocently.

We looked at each other and blurst out laughing. He then held my face with his hands and brought me close. He lifted his lips to my eyelids as I closed them. My nose and then tenderly on the mouth before releasing me.

"You better get some clothes on before you catch a cold," he stated.

Just at that moment two maids rushed in with towels and clothes in their arms. Alias stepped outside as I got dried and clothed. Five minutes later I was walking with Alias to the library. I needed a book to read to keep me busy. Alias waited behind as I entered quietly into the library. When I found my book, I noticed that my father's study's lights were on. The door was opened to a crack but I could still see clearly. My father was talking with Hitomi. At first their conversation was just about Fanelia and other boring things but then it got serious.

"So why have you summoned me here to have this talk?" questioned Hitomi.

"To tell you the truth Varena suggested that I should sort things out with you. A few hours ago we were actually enjoying each other's company," admitted my father.

"Do you regret what you said to her," asked Hitomi.

"She told you," he replied daintily.

He stood up from his seat and walked over to Hitomi.

"Well, she wanted me to hear her side of the story," stammered Hitomi trying to find an escape route.

My father grabbed Hitomi by the arms and it looked as if he was going to kiss her. I held my breath and was shocked to see my mother come through the other study door at the same instant. I quickly spun around and ran out the room. I slumped against the floor taking quick breaths.

"It took you 10 minutes to find a book," teased Alias coming up to me.

"I couldn't find a decent book," I brushed him off and proceed to my room.

We passed the courtyard on our way to my room. I did a double take seeing Marcas and Vanessa having an intimate moment. His face was close to hers and from the look in his eyes I knew what he was going to say.

"Come on," I rushed Alias away.

We walked the rest of the way in silence. We finally reached my room and I invited him to come in.

"Why not?" I demanded when he shook his head.

"What if your brothers or your father decides to check on you?" he asked.

"They're to busy looking into the faces of their loved ones and professing their love to notice you in my room," I snarled flinging the door and stalking in.

"What about Folken, he doesn't have someone special does he?" Alias joked.

"No, but I bet he probably confessed his love already without us knowing," I fumed.

He laughed as I climbed into my covers and sulked.

"Speaking of confessing, I do believe that a certain someone wants you to know how he feels," he hinted.

He began to toy with the ring around right hand. He picked up my hand and kissed my ring. There was an awkward silence before he decided to confess. (Took him long enough!)

"I love you," he replied.

At first he refused to look into my eyes but slowly lifted them up to meet mine.

"I love you too," I answered back causing his face to widen with surprise.

He wrapped his arms around and gave me one of his gentle kisses. That moment with Alias made me forget all about my troubles and doubts. I was sure to have sweet dreams.