Post by Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais on Mar 26, 2020 15:00:13 GMT -5
[Continued from Convincing the Tresterian King ]
[ARIC] He'd move as slowly as she needed to, simply allowing her to use him to lean on as they made their way down the winding halls of the castle. However, when she stopped, the concern was instantly changing his features. "It was necessary," he agreed with her, but that didn't mean he was happy about it. Perhaps he had hoped she was better off than this, but he should know better; that she would need at least another week before the pain was far more tolerable. "Here," he murmured, moving to carefully scoop her up into his arms and lift her off her feet. Aric did his best not to jostle her too much, but once she was secured against him, hopefully there was a bit of relief. He was happy to carry her the rest of the way.
[ALEXANDRIA] She was relieved that he agreed with her about her not resting so she could deal with the matters at hand was necessary. As he lifted her into his arms, it took the pressure off her leg and hip and made her pain a little more tolerable. Alexandria curled an arm around his back, holding onto him. Her head rested on his shoulder and she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Her other hand resting onto his chest. She felt so tired and sore in that moment, both physically and emotionally. She whispered into his ear, "Thank you, Aric... For everything." She placed a soft kiss to his neck, just below his ear before whispering into it again, "I am happy you will be my husband, soon." She smiled at the sound of that, feeling a sudden flutter in her chest.
[ARIC] Although he was completely fine and even happy that Edward had pushed the wedding far closer than necessary, Aric still wished he hadn't. It was clear that Alexandria wasn't prepared for it and really needed to concentrate on healing herself over anything else now. Orin would handle the security, and she had Cassandra's help with any other preparations. She can take a couple days, although he'd be quite alright with carrying her down the aisle as well. The thought made him grin to himself in amusement before he hears her voice in his ear and that gentle kiss to his neck. He happily sighed, the sensation of her breath against his skin stirring something inside him again. "Are you?" he asked casually. The look on his face made it clear he was teasing, a look that made his next words to be an outright lie. "I'm a very grumpy and broody man, Your Majesty."
[ALEXANDRIA] It was a little disappointing that she and Aric wouldn’t have a big wedding to celebrate with the rest of their kingdom. Though, she supposed they could hold a coronation for Aric’s stepping up to be Aralore’s king. The thought of that hit her suddenly—Aric was going to be her king. And while all of this typically would have stressed her out, she felt confident that Cassandra would help her plan and set everything up, and Orin would take care of the security. The only thing she worried about now was Saelis and her wound healing up enough in a couple of days that she would be able to withstand the whole day. Alexandria grinned at Aric’s questioning her if she really was happy about him being her husband soon, and then confessing he was a grumpy and broody man. She brushed her lips onto his neck again, letting out a breath of a laugh against his skin. “That’s alright. It will give me a challenge.” She grinned, laughing at her own comment. “So long as you are okay with marrying a stubborn, broken mess of a woman.”
[ARIC] He had mentioned it once, not wanting to be king. Just hoping to marry her and be the man that stands by her side. Aric would gladly embrace the title of Prince Consort and nothing else...but to mention that to Edward now would be disastrous. He wanted this kingdom to trust him, to understand stand how much he truly adored their queen. Now, he had little choice, and could only hope the people eventually saw him for who he really was. There came a gentle shiver at feeling her lips and breath at his neck again; something akin to a pleased growl gently reverberated within his chest. The grin on his lips only faltered a little, sobering the slightest bit when dark eyes looked down at her briefly, "I challenge that I'm more stubborn than you. But...I suppose we're all a little broken." It was that knowing look in his eyes, remembering what bonded them together, what helped them understand each other a little more: loss. "I just pray that I will be enough to mend your heart...even if a small amount." That truth slipped out before his mind could stop him.
[ALEXANDRIA] Aric probably didn’t have much of a choice with becoming king or not, thanks to Edward. Though, Edward didn't need to know how the two of them ran the kingdom. Although Alexandria never would admit it, she was actually feeling somewhat relieved to have the burden shared. To work with someone for the greater good, rather than trying to deal with things on her own all the time. The people of Aralore would come to trust Aric, as they trusted Alexandria. Perhaps they already started to as they saw Aric putting in the effort and work to help restore the kingdom.
Another grin pulled at the corners of her lips as Aric challenged that he were more stubborn than she was. Though that grin was quick to falter at Aric's next words. She lifted her head off of his shoulder so she could look at his face, her brows furrowing as her expression became serious. Her hand that had rested on his chest moved to touch his face as she spoke, looking directly into his eyes, "Aric... You already have..." It was true. Perhaps it wasn't fully mended, but he had started to lift her spirits, give her hope. She stared into his eyes for a moment before she pressed her forehead against his temple, whispering into his ear again. "I know I cannot replace what you have lost, but I hope, too, that I will be enough to make you happy and mend your heart."
[ARIC] It was always easier with people by your side, especially those you could trust. Even as high and mighty as Edward was, he still had his council of advisors to help aid him in the proper direction when necessary. A single ruler can't do it by themselves without ultimately failing. A gentle smile curled his lips that reached the corner of his eyes. Aric never expected to mend her heart completely- there would always be that part that ached for the loss of Eoin, just as his own would forever remember his wife and daughter. He was slow to realize that there was nothing wrong with this, and loving another didn't replace those you have loved before. It was such a sad but beautiful concept that he had denied himself for so long. He had watched her for a spans of a few heartbeats until his eyes shut just briefly when she leaned her head against his. When he reopened them to watch where they were going, he moved just enough to kiss the top of her head. "You already have," he echoed her own words, meaning them deeply. Coming to her room, he slowed down and nodded to the guard stationed there. The man was quick and kind enough to open the heavy door for them so that he could carry the queen inside.
[ALEXANDRIA] Maybe it was that she had so many men and people tell her she wasn't strong enough, she wasn't a man, she couldn't do it on her own, made her feel like she needed to try to do everything on her own to prove them wrong. It put so much unnecessary pressure on her. But Aric had never made her feel that way. He was willing to work with her as a partner rather than want to take over and command her as most kings she knew did.
She, too, had held herself back because she felt guilty for having feelings for another man so soon after Eoin's death. But Aric had somehow found his way into her heart and made it incredibly difficult to stop whatever feelings he caused her to feel. He was so different from Eoin, too, so it felt different to her.
At his words, she smiled, her heart fluttering in her chest, then. She waited until they were inside her room and the door shut before she lifted her head again and stared into his eyes, silently. There was a desperate look of desire in her own eyes as she looked at him, then. Her heart was pounding as she took hold of his face with one hand, the other pressing into his back as she leaned in and pressed her lips hard against his in desperation to feel his kiss again.
[ARIC] It was like he could feel it the moment that door shut behind them- a tension, a heavy weight in the air as she watched him silently. He was turning those dark eyes back down to her when she took his face, feeling the pressure of her small hand at his back. She was drawing him in without even needing to, pressing her lips against his in a kiss he was barely expecting. A kiss he was glad to return with just as much heated madness while he simultaneously tried to navigate across her room. Perhaps it took him a few seconds longer than it should have, garnering an entertained smile that only separated their lips for but a moment until he was claiming her mouth again. Carefully and with some grace, he managed to rest her down upon the bed, leaning against the edge so that he kept the propriety while he refused to break their embrace just yet; his mind frustratingly wary of her wounded side.
[ALEXANDRIA] She didn't know what had gotten into her. Maybe it was the way Aric admitted to her he prayed he'd be enough to mend her heart, and that she had already begun to mend his. How he held her and how he looked at her. It made it harder for her to avoid her feelings for him. As he tried to navigate her room, with her in his arms and her mouth distracting him, she couldn't help but laugh between that kiss. As he laid her on the bed, she kept her arms around his neck, her fingers instantly moving to comb through the hair at the back of his head, her lips never parted from his, and she wasn't about to let him go so easily.
All of that stress and anxiety and nervousness she had felt throughout dealing with Edward, released from her and manifested into her passion for Aric right now. Nothing in that moment mattered, except for the way his lips felt, how his touch felt, how her heart pounded in her chest and how he was taking her breath away. She didn't want it to end. So, she deepened the kiss, her tongue once again daring at his lips. Her hands, moving to his shoulders, pulling him closer.
[ARIC] The queen was pushing it, pushing his resolve to the limits as she refused to let him go; deepening that kiss until he was completely losing himself in the scent of her, in the very presence of her. The blood in his veins was boiling, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as fingers filtered through her hair, cupping the sides of her face while his tongue explored the sweet cavern of her mouth. Then, Alexandria was drawing him closer, and all he wanted to do was comply, to do far more than simply comply but he couldn't. Again, when she should be relaxing, she was doing the very opposite and sending his mind into a maddening spin. He had to draw back, he needed to retreat before the fire burned out of control. Yet when he did- breaking that kiss almost abruptly to seek much needed breath- he found himself taken aback by the mere sight of her. He was trying to find words of dismissal, but instead, his mouth found a better use. He leaned in, pressing his lips beneath her chin, moving to leave a trail of languid kisses down the column of her throat. She'd feel the heat of his breath as he finally sighed against her skin, voice murmuring, "I should really go."
[ALEXANDRIA] As their kiss was broken, her eyes opened and she fought to catch her breath, her eyes searching his own until he began kissing her throat. Her eyes slid shut once more as she breathed out a nearly breathless sigh, his lips and warm breath causing her to lightly tremble, her skin forming goosebumps. "Must you?" She whispered, as if nearly begging him to stay a while longer. She reached for his hand, interlocking her fingers with his, not wanting him to leave.
[ARIC] He sighed, but it was more in frustration with himself. So close to slipping far enough away to possibly regain some composure, she was reeling him back in again. Sitting on the edge of the bed, his gaze lifted from their entwined fingers to her face before he chuckled lowly; his free hand running down his face in tired thought. "I must," he answered her finally. "If you ever plan to rest. You're making things...increasingly difficult." The way he said it, she would know he didn't mean that in a negative way. Well, perhaps in some sense and to some people it could be considered...wrong.
[ALEXANDRIA] She kept her eyes on him, a soft smile rested on her lips as she watched him. A small laugh escaped her at his comment and she shook her head. "You're right... I'm sorry." Well, she wasn't really sorry. She could tell he was fighting himself and she wasn't making it any easier for him, either. Her expression became more serious as she held his hand with both of hers now. "Thank you for everything today... For pushing me to tell you about Saelis... For helping with your brother... For carrying me..." She brought his hand to her lips and placed a kiss on his knuckles. "For kissing me... And taking my mind off of everything else..." She smiled at him, suddenly remembering that Orin had asked to speak with him, which made her laugh. "Please get along with my brother..." Though, she said that last request with a hint of sarcasm, knowing Aric would not be the problem there.
[ARIC] Even if she didn't currently sport that wound at her side, he would have stopped. Most likely. Hopefully. He almost chuckled at his own thoughts before she was speaking, gaining his attention once again. As easily as she always had it. When Alexandria began thanking him for everything- even the little things- he casually leaned on his elbow against her pillow; freeing a single finger from her grasp to press to her lips. "It isn't just my job," he began to say, gently taking her chin. "I'm happy to. Especially that last one..." Well, there he went again. Leaning in, he pressed a lingering yet chaste kiss to her mouth before drawing back. He laughed again at the mention of Orin. "I suppose he wants to give me some brotherly warning?" Or perhaps it wasn't related at all to that. Regardless, he was curious.
[ALEXANDRIA] She was smiling at Aric's response as he leaned in to kiss her again, returning his kiss lovingly, her hand squeezing his again. When he pulled away, she sighed, opening her eyes to look up at him. She laughed, too at Aric's comment of Orin and nodded, "perhaps...Though I think he's given you several warnings already..." She grinned, regarding Aric in that moment. He was handsome and the very sight of him made her heart skip a beat. She lifted his hand and played with his fingers as she carefully thought for a moment, "Or maybe he just wants to get to know you better?"
[ARIC] He shrugged, jokingly dismissing the fact that Orin was probably trying to give him warnings...but being blatantly rude. The man wasn't always like that, certainly, but there were a few times that stood out that let Aric know that Orin didn't approve. And even still, he couldn't blame him. Lazily leaning his head into his hand, he idly toyed with her fingers in his other, chuckling at what she said next. "Oh, that'll be the day." He joked, but seeing this whole alliance was definitely more concrete and will be further solidified in a few days, he could only hope that he and Orin at least got along if nothing more. A glance to the door as though that might help him determine how long he had lingered and whether or not he should go, he dropped his gaze to their hands. "In all seriousness, he's a good man...despite that brashness. Because I understand why he is that way."
[ALEXANDRIA] Worst case, Orin was going to kill Aric to try and help her avoid this whole arranged marriage thing. Though, she didn't think he was crazy enough to do something like that. She had no idea what Aric had coming to him, but she could only imagine he'd be able to handle whatever it was. He had thus far. Her eyes remained on Aric's face as he spoke. "He is a good man.. He just doesn't often let people see it." She sighed quietly and looked down at their hands. "I suppose he has his own demons like the rest of us. I'm sure he hasn't told me everything... Just as I haven't told him everything I've been through... It would kill him." Her brother held a lot of guilt on his shoulders, though he really didn't need to. Her sapphire eyes lifted again to meet his and she smiled at him. "I suppose you should go...Though I don't want you to."
[ARIC] He contented himself with brushing the hair away from her face as she spoke. They were close, she and Orin, so Aric was only a little surprised that she hadn't told her brother everything. Even still, he could understand why. Nodding in response to her, he sighed lightly. "Sometimes honesty isn't always the best policy." Only a small percent of the time, he realized. If Orin knew everything his sister had gone through...yes, it would tear him apart. That much Aric could understand easily. The tension was broken with her smile again, and he was once more being reminded that he had to go. Still, he grinned. "Wish I could stay, but...I rather not disappoint your brother further." He chuckled lowly before pressing a kiss to her forehead, then rose up from the bed. "You should get some sleep."
[ALEXANDRIA] It was better off that Orin did not know everything. If she had told him, he probably would have went on a maddening killing spree and wound up killed himself. She didn't like lying to him, or keeping things from him.. but it was just easier sometimes.
She laughed lightly at his comment and nudged him, "but you'd rather disappoint your queen and soon-to- be wife?" She grinned, teasingly, before she settled into her bed, watching him as he rose up. She gave him an assuring nod. "I will. Promise." She must have been beyond exhausted to voluntarily and without a fight, agree to go to sleep. She gave his hand one more squeeze and spoke quietly to him, "I hope you have a good evening."
[ARIC] Unfortunately, yes, it was just easier lying sometimes. Only when it was necessary, that is. Some people didn't always know that fine line. Her laughter had him turning to look down at her, grinning at her words. That was when he couldn't help himself again. With his hands on either side of her shoulders, Aric slowly lowered himself until his face lingered mere inches from her own, and he whispered, "I sure hope I do not disappoint..." That voice of his deepened, insinuating more with that wry grin as it curled his lips. He was claiming her mouth before she could even respond; a quick yet passionate kiss before he was drawing himself away with a soft growl of frustration. He really needed to leave before he couldn't drag himself away. "I'll check on you in the morning," he said, a smile still plastered on his face, as he exited her room.
[ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes shot up at him as he leaned over her and whispered his response, she had started to laugh, but was cut off by his lips pressing against her own. She groaned against his mouth, her fingers curling into his hair until he pulled away, growling. She pushed him away, laughing out loud. "Go!" Her smile didn't fade as she watched him head for her door. "I am looking forward to that. Goodnight, Aric."
[ARIC] He'd move as slowly as she needed to, simply allowing her to use him to lean on as they made their way down the winding halls of the castle. However, when she stopped, the concern was instantly changing his features. "It was necessary," he agreed with her, but that didn't mean he was happy about it. Perhaps he had hoped she was better off than this, but he should know better; that she would need at least another week before the pain was far more tolerable. "Here," he murmured, moving to carefully scoop her up into his arms and lift her off her feet. Aric did his best not to jostle her too much, but once she was secured against him, hopefully there was a bit of relief. He was happy to carry her the rest of the way.
[ALEXANDRIA] She was relieved that he agreed with her about her not resting so she could deal with the matters at hand was necessary. As he lifted her into his arms, it took the pressure off her leg and hip and made her pain a little more tolerable. Alexandria curled an arm around his back, holding onto him. Her head rested on his shoulder and she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Her other hand resting onto his chest. She felt so tired and sore in that moment, both physically and emotionally. She whispered into his ear, "Thank you, Aric... For everything." She placed a soft kiss to his neck, just below his ear before whispering into it again, "I am happy you will be my husband, soon." She smiled at the sound of that, feeling a sudden flutter in her chest.
[ARIC] Although he was completely fine and even happy that Edward had pushed the wedding far closer than necessary, Aric still wished he hadn't. It was clear that Alexandria wasn't prepared for it and really needed to concentrate on healing herself over anything else now. Orin would handle the security, and she had Cassandra's help with any other preparations. She can take a couple days, although he'd be quite alright with carrying her down the aisle as well. The thought made him grin to himself in amusement before he hears her voice in his ear and that gentle kiss to his neck. He happily sighed, the sensation of her breath against his skin stirring something inside him again. "Are you?" he asked casually. The look on his face made it clear he was teasing, a look that made his next words to be an outright lie. "I'm a very grumpy and broody man, Your Majesty."
[ALEXANDRIA] It was a little disappointing that she and Aric wouldn’t have a big wedding to celebrate with the rest of their kingdom. Though, she supposed they could hold a coronation for Aric’s stepping up to be Aralore’s king. The thought of that hit her suddenly—Aric was going to be her king. And while all of this typically would have stressed her out, she felt confident that Cassandra would help her plan and set everything up, and Orin would take care of the security. The only thing she worried about now was Saelis and her wound healing up enough in a couple of days that she would be able to withstand the whole day. Alexandria grinned at Aric’s questioning her if she really was happy about him being her husband soon, and then confessing he was a grumpy and broody man. She brushed her lips onto his neck again, letting out a breath of a laugh against his skin. “That’s alright. It will give me a challenge.” She grinned, laughing at her own comment. “So long as you are okay with marrying a stubborn, broken mess of a woman.”
[ARIC] He had mentioned it once, not wanting to be king. Just hoping to marry her and be the man that stands by her side. Aric would gladly embrace the title of Prince Consort and nothing else...but to mention that to Edward now would be disastrous. He wanted this kingdom to trust him, to understand stand how much he truly adored their queen. Now, he had little choice, and could only hope the people eventually saw him for who he really was. There came a gentle shiver at feeling her lips and breath at his neck again; something akin to a pleased growl gently reverberated within his chest. The grin on his lips only faltered a little, sobering the slightest bit when dark eyes looked down at her briefly, "I challenge that I'm more stubborn than you. But...I suppose we're all a little broken." It was that knowing look in his eyes, remembering what bonded them together, what helped them understand each other a little more: loss. "I just pray that I will be enough to mend your heart...even if a small amount." That truth slipped out before his mind could stop him.
[ALEXANDRIA] Aric probably didn’t have much of a choice with becoming king or not, thanks to Edward. Though, Edward didn't need to know how the two of them ran the kingdom. Although Alexandria never would admit it, she was actually feeling somewhat relieved to have the burden shared. To work with someone for the greater good, rather than trying to deal with things on her own all the time. The people of Aralore would come to trust Aric, as they trusted Alexandria. Perhaps they already started to as they saw Aric putting in the effort and work to help restore the kingdom.
Another grin pulled at the corners of her lips as Aric challenged that he were more stubborn than she was. Though that grin was quick to falter at Aric's next words. She lifted her head off of his shoulder so she could look at his face, her brows furrowing as her expression became serious. Her hand that had rested on his chest moved to touch his face as she spoke, looking directly into his eyes, "Aric... You already have..." It was true. Perhaps it wasn't fully mended, but he had started to lift her spirits, give her hope. She stared into his eyes for a moment before she pressed her forehead against his temple, whispering into his ear again. "I know I cannot replace what you have lost, but I hope, too, that I will be enough to make you happy and mend your heart."
[ARIC] It was always easier with people by your side, especially those you could trust. Even as high and mighty as Edward was, he still had his council of advisors to help aid him in the proper direction when necessary. A single ruler can't do it by themselves without ultimately failing. A gentle smile curled his lips that reached the corner of his eyes. Aric never expected to mend her heart completely- there would always be that part that ached for the loss of Eoin, just as his own would forever remember his wife and daughter. He was slow to realize that there was nothing wrong with this, and loving another didn't replace those you have loved before. It was such a sad but beautiful concept that he had denied himself for so long. He had watched her for a spans of a few heartbeats until his eyes shut just briefly when she leaned her head against his. When he reopened them to watch where they were going, he moved just enough to kiss the top of her head. "You already have," he echoed her own words, meaning them deeply. Coming to her room, he slowed down and nodded to the guard stationed there. The man was quick and kind enough to open the heavy door for them so that he could carry the queen inside.
[ALEXANDRIA] Maybe it was that she had so many men and people tell her she wasn't strong enough, she wasn't a man, she couldn't do it on her own, made her feel like she needed to try to do everything on her own to prove them wrong. It put so much unnecessary pressure on her. But Aric had never made her feel that way. He was willing to work with her as a partner rather than want to take over and command her as most kings she knew did.
She, too, had held herself back because she felt guilty for having feelings for another man so soon after Eoin's death. But Aric had somehow found his way into her heart and made it incredibly difficult to stop whatever feelings he caused her to feel. He was so different from Eoin, too, so it felt different to her.
At his words, she smiled, her heart fluttering in her chest, then. She waited until they were inside her room and the door shut before she lifted her head again and stared into his eyes, silently. There was a desperate look of desire in her own eyes as she looked at him, then. Her heart was pounding as she took hold of his face with one hand, the other pressing into his back as she leaned in and pressed her lips hard against his in desperation to feel his kiss again.
[ARIC] It was like he could feel it the moment that door shut behind them- a tension, a heavy weight in the air as she watched him silently. He was turning those dark eyes back down to her when she took his face, feeling the pressure of her small hand at his back. She was drawing him in without even needing to, pressing her lips against his in a kiss he was barely expecting. A kiss he was glad to return with just as much heated madness while he simultaneously tried to navigate across her room. Perhaps it took him a few seconds longer than it should have, garnering an entertained smile that only separated their lips for but a moment until he was claiming her mouth again. Carefully and with some grace, he managed to rest her down upon the bed, leaning against the edge so that he kept the propriety while he refused to break their embrace just yet; his mind frustratingly wary of her wounded side.
[ALEXANDRIA] She didn't know what had gotten into her. Maybe it was the way Aric admitted to her he prayed he'd be enough to mend her heart, and that she had already begun to mend his. How he held her and how he looked at her. It made it harder for her to avoid her feelings for him. As he tried to navigate her room, with her in his arms and her mouth distracting him, she couldn't help but laugh between that kiss. As he laid her on the bed, she kept her arms around his neck, her fingers instantly moving to comb through the hair at the back of his head, her lips never parted from his, and she wasn't about to let him go so easily.
All of that stress and anxiety and nervousness she had felt throughout dealing with Edward, released from her and manifested into her passion for Aric right now. Nothing in that moment mattered, except for the way his lips felt, how his touch felt, how her heart pounded in her chest and how he was taking her breath away. She didn't want it to end. So, she deepened the kiss, her tongue once again daring at his lips. Her hands, moving to his shoulders, pulling him closer.
[ARIC] The queen was pushing it, pushing his resolve to the limits as she refused to let him go; deepening that kiss until he was completely losing himself in the scent of her, in the very presence of her. The blood in his veins was boiling, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as fingers filtered through her hair, cupping the sides of her face while his tongue explored the sweet cavern of her mouth. Then, Alexandria was drawing him closer, and all he wanted to do was comply, to do far more than simply comply but he couldn't. Again, when she should be relaxing, she was doing the very opposite and sending his mind into a maddening spin. He had to draw back, he needed to retreat before the fire burned out of control. Yet when he did- breaking that kiss almost abruptly to seek much needed breath- he found himself taken aback by the mere sight of her. He was trying to find words of dismissal, but instead, his mouth found a better use. He leaned in, pressing his lips beneath her chin, moving to leave a trail of languid kisses down the column of her throat. She'd feel the heat of his breath as he finally sighed against her skin, voice murmuring, "I should really go."
[ALEXANDRIA] As their kiss was broken, her eyes opened and she fought to catch her breath, her eyes searching his own until he began kissing her throat. Her eyes slid shut once more as she breathed out a nearly breathless sigh, his lips and warm breath causing her to lightly tremble, her skin forming goosebumps. "Must you?" She whispered, as if nearly begging him to stay a while longer. She reached for his hand, interlocking her fingers with his, not wanting him to leave.
[ARIC] He sighed, but it was more in frustration with himself. So close to slipping far enough away to possibly regain some composure, she was reeling him back in again. Sitting on the edge of the bed, his gaze lifted from their entwined fingers to her face before he chuckled lowly; his free hand running down his face in tired thought. "I must," he answered her finally. "If you ever plan to rest. You're making things...increasingly difficult." The way he said it, she would know he didn't mean that in a negative way. Well, perhaps in some sense and to some people it could be considered...wrong.
[ALEXANDRIA] She kept her eyes on him, a soft smile rested on her lips as she watched him. A small laugh escaped her at his comment and she shook her head. "You're right... I'm sorry." Well, she wasn't really sorry. She could tell he was fighting himself and she wasn't making it any easier for him, either. Her expression became more serious as she held his hand with both of hers now. "Thank you for everything today... For pushing me to tell you about Saelis... For helping with your brother... For carrying me..." She brought his hand to her lips and placed a kiss on his knuckles. "For kissing me... And taking my mind off of everything else..." She smiled at him, suddenly remembering that Orin had asked to speak with him, which made her laugh. "Please get along with my brother..." Though, she said that last request with a hint of sarcasm, knowing Aric would not be the problem there.
[ARIC] Even if she didn't currently sport that wound at her side, he would have stopped. Most likely. Hopefully. He almost chuckled at his own thoughts before she was speaking, gaining his attention once again. As easily as she always had it. When Alexandria began thanking him for everything- even the little things- he casually leaned on his elbow against her pillow; freeing a single finger from her grasp to press to her lips. "It isn't just my job," he began to say, gently taking her chin. "I'm happy to. Especially that last one..." Well, there he went again. Leaning in, he pressed a lingering yet chaste kiss to her mouth before drawing back. He laughed again at the mention of Orin. "I suppose he wants to give me some brotherly warning?" Or perhaps it wasn't related at all to that. Regardless, he was curious.
[ALEXANDRIA] She was smiling at Aric's response as he leaned in to kiss her again, returning his kiss lovingly, her hand squeezing his again. When he pulled away, she sighed, opening her eyes to look up at him. She laughed, too at Aric's comment of Orin and nodded, "perhaps...Though I think he's given you several warnings already..." She grinned, regarding Aric in that moment. He was handsome and the very sight of him made her heart skip a beat. She lifted his hand and played with his fingers as she carefully thought for a moment, "Or maybe he just wants to get to know you better?"
[ARIC] He shrugged, jokingly dismissing the fact that Orin was probably trying to give him warnings...but being blatantly rude. The man wasn't always like that, certainly, but there were a few times that stood out that let Aric know that Orin didn't approve. And even still, he couldn't blame him. Lazily leaning his head into his hand, he idly toyed with her fingers in his other, chuckling at what she said next. "Oh, that'll be the day." He joked, but seeing this whole alliance was definitely more concrete and will be further solidified in a few days, he could only hope that he and Orin at least got along if nothing more. A glance to the door as though that might help him determine how long he had lingered and whether or not he should go, he dropped his gaze to their hands. "In all seriousness, he's a good man...despite that brashness. Because I understand why he is that way."
[ALEXANDRIA] Worst case, Orin was going to kill Aric to try and help her avoid this whole arranged marriage thing. Though, she didn't think he was crazy enough to do something like that. She had no idea what Aric had coming to him, but she could only imagine he'd be able to handle whatever it was. He had thus far. Her eyes remained on Aric's face as he spoke. "He is a good man.. He just doesn't often let people see it." She sighed quietly and looked down at their hands. "I suppose he has his own demons like the rest of us. I'm sure he hasn't told me everything... Just as I haven't told him everything I've been through... It would kill him." Her brother held a lot of guilt on his shoulders, though he really didn't need to. Her sapphire eyes lifted again to meet his and she smiled at him. "I suppose you should go...Though I don't want you to."
[ARIC] He contented himself with brushing the hair away from her face as she spoke. They were close, she and Orin, so Aric was only a little surprised that she hadn't told her brother everything. Even still, he could understand why. Nodding in response to her, he sighed lightly. "Sometimes honesty isn't always the best policy." Only a small percent of the time, he realized. If Orin knew everything his sister had gone through...yes, it would tear him apart. That much Aric could understand easily. The tension was broken with her smile again, and he was once more being reminded that he had to go. Still, he grinned. "Wish I could stay, but...I rather not disappoint your brother further." He chuckled lowly before pressing a kiss to her forehead, then rose up from the bed. "You should get some sleep."
[ALEXANDRIA] It was better off that Orin did not know everything. If she had told him, he probably would have went on a maddening killing spree and wound up killed himself. She didn't like lying to him, or keeping things from him.. but it was just easier sometimes.
She laughed lightly at his comment and nudged him, "but you'd rather disappoint your queen and soon-to- be wife?" She grinned, teasingly, before she settled into her bed, watching him as he rose up. She gave him an assuring nod. "I will. Promise." She must have been beyond exhausted to voluntarily and without a fight, agree to go to sleep. She gave his hand one more squeeze and spoke quietly to him, "I hope you have a good evening."
[ARIC] Unfortunately, yes, it was just easier lying sometimes. Only when it was necessary, that is. Some people didn't always know that fine line. Her laughter had him turning to look down at her, grinning at her words. That was when he couldn't help himself again. With his hands on either side of her shoulders, Aric slowly lowered himself until his face lingered mere inches from her own, and he whispered, "I sure hope I do not disappoint..." That voice of his deepened, insinuating more with that wry grin as it curled his lips. He was claiming her mouth before she could even respond; a quick yet passionate kiss before he was drawing himself away with a soft growl of frustration. He really needed to leave before he couldn't drag himself away. "I'll check on you in the morning," he said, a smile still plastered on his face, as he exited her room.
[ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes shot up at him as he leaned over her and whispered his response, she had started to laugh, but was cut off by his lips pressing against her own. She groaned against his mouth, her fingers curling into his hair until he pulled away, growling. She pushed him away, laughing out loud. "Go!" Her smile didn't fade as she watched him head for her door. "I am looking forward to that. Goodnight, Aric."
