Ch 5-

Aiyana had ventured out earlier that morning; unable to sleep with thoughts of Valek filling her dreams. She pushed them aside; she was on a diplomatic visit, she could not afford to ruin relations before the delegation had even arrived. Giving up on sleep she dressed and headed out. She walked the long way around the boundary wall trying to clear her head. She was nearly at the tree when she heard a noise behind her and felt a presence. As she turned a hand went around her throat. "Well, well, what have we here?" A voice said into her ear. He slammed her into the wall. "I have ways of dealing with spies! You're going straight to the dungeons." He stepped closer, pressing his body up to hers. She turned her head to the side, away from his, her eyes closed. "And there'll be lots of guards who'll pay me a pretty sum for time with you." She pressed her eyes shut tighter and tried to swallow against his grip.

"Let. Her. Go."

Valek could only just contain his anger, brought on by his sudden possessiveness. Aiyanas eyes flew open and saw Valek with his knife to her attackers' throat. His eyes showed an anger she'd never seen before. Relief coursed through her. His eyes found hers briefly before the soldier found his voice drawing Valeks attention. "I found her sneaking around. She is a spy…"

Valek interrupted with a voice as cold and as sharp as ice. "She is the personal hand maiden to the Princess of Tertia. I suggest you rethink your position." Aiyana stopped breathing as the man tightened his grip on her throat. Valek pressed his knife into the man's throat and drew blood. "I said; Let. Her. Go." Just as he prepared to push the knife deeper, the soldier released his grip on Aiyanas' throat. She dropped to all fours coughing. Valek kept his knife to the man's throat until he had backed away and Valek was between him and Aiyana. She had stopped coughing but he didn't dare look away from the retreating man. Keeping his knife out in front of him, ready to use, Valek took a step back towards Aiyana and watched the soldier back away. As he vanished into the castle Valek relaxed and re-hid his knife. It was then he realised Aiyana was standing right behind him; her body against his.

When she had caught her breath Aiyana straightened on shaky legs. She felt Valek move closer to her and she turned her body so her front faced his back. Pushing away fleeting thoughts of protocol she placed a shaking hand between his shoulder blades, one against the edge of his shoulder and rested her head near his neck. She needed the support.

Valek looked out of the corner of his eye and saw the top of her head. He had an overwhelming urge to comfort her so with infinite care he turned around. Her hands and head kept their position and when he was facing her, her hands rested against his chest, her face pressed into the base of his throat. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her into his chest. He felt her trembling against him. Not wanting to break the moment he was content just to hold her until she stopped. He did however keep listening out in case the soldier came back with friends. Finally; after what seemed like forever, but what was probably only a few minutes; Valek felt the tension leave her body. Breaking the silence he said. "Are you alright?"

He felt her head move, but was unsure whether it was a nod or a shake. She took a deep breath and replied in a small voice, almost a whisper. "I've never been threatened like that before." Valek drew her closer. He felt her scrunch her hands into his shirt and he thought his heart would explode. Composure came back into her body and she felt him relax his hold a little as she straightened, lifting her head off his chest. She looked up at him with what he thought was embarrassment. "Thank you for helping me."

"You're welcome." He murmured.

He looked down at her and time seemed to stop. Without conscious thought he lowered his head towards hers and slowly but lightly brushed her lips with his. Aiyanas heart skipped several beats and for a few seconds she forgot how to breathe. When she remembered how, her breath came out in a rush. His face was still mere inches from hers. She lowered her hands from his chest and he automatically his arms dropped from her. She took half a step back and brought one of her hands to her lips. She smiled from behind her fingers and cleared her throat nervously. "I…um…I…have to go." Bashfully trying to contain a smile she lowered her eyes and walked around him to the castle. His gaze followed her as she went, his heart and brain racing.

Aiyana walked swiftly to her room and locked the door behind her. Standing with her head against the wood she let out an exhilarated breath and smiled broadly. She touched her lips again remembering the feel of Valeks mouth. Oh my god! He kissed me! She giggled to herself as she walked across the room; stopping short when she caught her reflection. Her face fell, dark patches had started to appear around her neck and flashes of earlier wiped out her good feelings. Yes his kissed you replied the voice in her head, so what. It can't go on and you know why…Her heart sank a little.

Valek didn't see Aiyana all day. When she didn't show for breakfast he offered to check on her and went to her room. He knocked several times but got no response. At lunch he told the Commander she was unwell and was resting but by dinner he was starting to get a sinking feeling that maybe she was avoiding someone….