Him
By Cora Indigo
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Daine sat on her couch one evening before Midwinter, contemplating. Contemplating Him. Had he noticed her staring at him lately? If so, he hadn't said anything. His black hair, full mouth, and dark eyes made her shiver with pleasure as a tiny spark of something rushed up her spine. Oh, how she loved him.
She watched him. She watched him during her lessons, during mealtime, even while he groomed his patient gelding Spots. Sometimes he would look up and see her watching him. She would blush scarlet and look away quickly. Had he noticed? Most of Daine wished he hadn't. How embarrassing would it be to have your teacher know you were in love with him? He would think she was just an emotional child with a crush. He thought of her as a student eager to learn from him, Daine was sure. Nothing more or less. Just a platonic student and teacher relationship. But part of Daine wished he had noticed her staring. Then she wouldn't have to tell him.
She was sure she would have to tell him she loved him someday. Her feelings were beginning to be too much to bear. She fantasized about him. What would it be like to have his soft lips caress her own? Her fingertips to touch his chest, to curl in his chest hair? She could only imagine. She did like to imagine.
How many times had he said "love" in her presence? Daine tried to remember every time, to remember what his warm voice sounded like when he uttered that simple word. She shivered again, this time from cold as well as pleasure.
Daine stared into the crackling fireplace, her heart breaking. The flames reflected in her blue gray eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek. He would never love her. He was fourteen years older than her, and would find someone his age to marry and have a family with. Daine thought she would die if that happened. Every night, she would snuggle into her pillow, pretending, wishing it was him. Every day, she fell more in love.
Once again glancing at the glowing fireplace, Daine heard a knock on the door. She rose to answer it, and nearly tumbled over a sleeping Kit. Walking more carefully, Daine opened the door a crack and looked out. It was Him. Numair.
Daine gasped inaudibly. What was she to do? She had to let him in. Shakily, she opened the door and let the tall figure of Numair into her chambers. She didn't know what to do or what to say. She refused to meet his eyes, just in case he could see through them and into her soul. "Here, sit down," Daine whispered, gesturing to a plush armchair. Numair smiled, white teeth flashing against swarthy skin.
"Good evening, my magelet. Up for a lesson?" Numair was his usual charming self, and Daine squirmed. Why did he have to be so gods-cursed handsome?
"Of course," Daine replied shyly. She still refused to meet his warm gaze. Numair's hand on her back caused her to jump. She looked up, startled, into his ebony gaze, and his smile was warm and loving. Loving. Not that sort of loving, Daine scolded herself mentally. Loving, as in friends. She loved him so much more than a friend. Oh, how she loved him.
She was going crazy.
She scooted closer to him, slowly, millimeter by millimeter so she wouldn't arouse suspicion from him. If he noticed, he didn't comment. Until he did comment. "Magelet?" he asked, looking at her, clearly puzzled. She blushed, feeling her ears turn bright red.
"Oh, I'm just cold," Daine answered, shivering to emphasize her point. He nodded. And wrapped a long, strong arm around her, making her shiver, this time not from cold.
"Maybe we should skip the lesson. Neither of us seem in the mood to study." Daine nodded gratefully. His lean, male neck was very distracting…
She watched his lips, the way they formed his words. Daine envied the court ladies who had had the privilege to kiss him. She wondered if he was a good kisser.
She was, most definitely, going crazy.
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I'll write more if you REVIEW! But please tell me if I should continue. No flames, please, but do tell me if you don't like it & why.
~Cora Indigo ;-)