The sky had cleared out. The chirps of birds were present once again in the small village. Malina, after having discarded out the water had stood still for a few minutes, admiring the hills. It might be the last chance she had to be left in absolute solitude, before having to be watched constantly by her people for leadership.
The thought scared her. Even though she had always dreamed of having power in her hands somewhere in the future, she could never imagine an entire empire at her hand and foot. Could she picture it? She put her hand on her trembling heart. It was strangely difficult listen to it lately from how it was before. Well, at least she thought it was her heart and not her stubborn temper. How many times she wished that she had changed some of the things she said in the past, if it wasn't for her temper and pride.
She laid down on the grass which tickled her every crevice. She needed his touch, the warm caress of his skin, the alluring scent of his sleek hair. Gently, she let her hands feel the soil around her, stroking the rustling greenness. Strangely, but sweetly, she wanted him, with her, more than anything. Her steady hands became hot with nervous sweat. This, to her, was a surprise. She had been physically attracted to many pretenders before, but this was new. She craved him, everywhere. Savoring the thought she let herself be absorbed by it, pleasantly rubbing her body against the grass, the warm sunshine teasing her skin. She lifted her hands and put them firmly against her hips, feeling her soft curves. She breathed more deeply. Of course it had to cross her mind someday. Her growing intoxicating infatuation towards him had to come out somehow. She desired his touch more than anything now. She let her mind wander at what was underneath the layers of his clothing, what secrets waited for her, waiting to be revealed. As much as her mind told her to stop, to quit fantasizing absurd things, her body told her otherwise.
Slowly, she stroked her thighs, fervent for his. She knew she shouldn't, she knew a girl of her means had a reputation to hold. Nothing could stop her though. She tasted his lips, her mouth watering at the thought of it. What anybody thought about her relationship with him seemed distant in the past. She couldn't see herself anywhere but at his side, comforting and guiding him.
She heard a rustle coming nearby. At once, she lifted herself, slightly dazed and went to go get the coloring bucket, pretending to do something. She saw the figure of her father, coming back from a hard labored day. Fixing her poncho and dress, Malina ran to embrace her father, the smell of the crops lingering on his arms.
"Dad! How was work today?"
He sighed in relief, "Malina, boy, do I feel better. My little girl is going to be taken away to live in the palace and she humbly asks her father about his day! Like nothing happened!"
"Daddy!" she protested. "What did you think I was going to say?" she asked curiously.
"I am just glad that you haven't let this whole deal go to your little head." He stroked her hair. Malina smiled and listened. "I have been doing nothing more than think about you all day, if you really want to know. You are giving your poor old man more of a scare than is normal for your age. I do nothing but worry about you lately."
Malina hugged her father warmly. He was always so tender with her.
"Don't worry about me. I will manage...And you are welcome to come with visit any time you want...I..." Malina ran out of words to say, the thought of separation had struck her. Her father kissed her lightly on the cheek as they came in to their hut. Malina, hidden underneath his protective wing.