Dangerous Engagement
Disclaimer: All characters and such still belong to the awesome Sherwood Smith, hopefully I won't damage them too badly while borrowing them in this innocent fanfic.
Chapter 4 – From Meliara's Point of View
After filling Bran and Nee in on the events of the failed Merinder takeover, we left them to share some time alone before Vidanric's duties began to pick up again.
"I did find it odd that Bran was perfectly willing to believe that Flauvic had become tree, when he couldn't fathom I would ever kiss you!" I said amusedly as we returned to my rooms.
"Well, he certainly didn't know we were courting, as it was all in letter form," replied Danric logically. "I think a few in Court may have observed our relationship, but I doubt the gossip took any form except to note our apparent distaste."
I grimaced and shook my head.
"So what happened after I fainted in the Merinder's?"
"I carried you back to your room and put on new bandages," Vidanric reported, then added, "I hoped you wouldn't be too appalled that I removed that bloodstained tunic – I thought it would stain the sheets."
I shrugged. "I was glad to be rid of it – I knew your actions had a completely pure intent. What next?"
"I saw the riders out the window – I had instructed them to arrive here a few hours after us, in case our attempt to solve the problem was unsuccessful. They were able to search the Merinder house with me but only recovered Flauvic's spell books. I also sent a few to search the area for Flauvic's minions, but I doubt they'll catch any."
He sighed, then went on, "I came to check on you, found your note and thought the bath a good suggestion. Anyway, I hurried back up here hoping to get some time alone."
I absently fingered the sapphire ring, wondering where this was going. "Well, we're alone now – for a while, at least. Want to sit down?"
Instead of answering, he stepped close, ran a hand through my hair, and lifted my chin to receive a heart-stopping kiss. His lips were like air, or water, or warmth to my body – a necessity desperately craved.
After a few more moments I really needed some actual air, however, so I turned my face to the side and leaned against his chest, breathing in the delicious soap scent.
"I think your lips are a bit too potent for me when I'm lightheaded and tired," I commented.
"And your lips are pretty potent to me even when you're feeling as such," he returned.
I glanced up, trying to figure out from his face why he had mentioned we needed time alone – his tone had sounded much too serious to equate with a kissing session. His eyes stared off over my head. I decided to plow forward.
"Was there something on your mind? Other than the worries of a country, anyway?"
He smiled briefly and looked down at me.
"Yes," he began, and reached up to touch my bandaged neck gingerly. "What I've been feeling for months is that if I bring you into this chaos – the chaos of a royal life – with the whole court and kingdom watching and more plotters like the Merinders out there… well, the chance that you could be hurt, like you were today, makes me crazy."
He swallowed, then went on. "You said in the throne room that you felt protected with me, but I couldn't stop Flauvic's knife. The only reason you were in the room in the first place is because you rode back with me, because of the letters, and the ring…" His voice trailed off and he looked away.
"How can you think this is your fault?" I demanded angrily, meaning my wound. "Flauvic's to blame, and he's now a tree. Listen," I continued, more calmly, "I've gotten myself into a lot more trouble on my own in the past year than since I figured out how much I care about you. You've saved my life at least twice, and I haven't forgotten. Do you really think a little cut will keep me from being with you all my life?"
He looked up quickly and stared at me, clearly wondering if my commitment, so freely given, was sincere.
"Are you sure…?" he began, but I cut him off.
"You should know that once I make up my mind about something, I'll never change it without a fight. I want to be with you, always." I grinned. "Besides, I think your lips are addictive."
His eyes sparkled with laughter, but before I could have another taste of his kisses, a knock sounded beyond the tapestry.
**How I do enjoy the knock-on-the-door-interruption. Who will it be this time?
What a kiss-filled chapter. Didja like it?
If anyone watches Seinfeld (my favorite sitcom), I hope you caught that "pop-in" reference! (Although on the show, Jerry hates the Pop-In, but here Mel in glad to see Danric.)
The next chapter will be from Vidanric's POV, hope it turns out okay. Thanks to Black Rose25, Phaerie, and FelSong! Reviews, please! ~Shannon
