Post by Orin Evans on Mar 26, 2020 17:18:58 GMT -5
[ORIN] The day had dragged on so slowly. He spent the day in the military building and around the castle trying to decipher everything regarding the Saelis incident and whether or not they found any others. The good news was that no one else had been found. But that didn't mean they would stop searching.
When he finished and was somewhat more confident that the castle was secure and safe and there were no others roaming about, he took a long nap in attempts to get rid of the rest of his headache and that drowsiness. When he woke, it was dark, and he panicked, wondering what time it was. Or if he was late. He had pondered the entire situation all day long, trying to decide if he wanted to go through with this or not. He was lonely though, and she seemed willing... He only wondered if she would have second thoughts. He wouldn't blame her if she did. He wondered if he should. It was a constant fight in his own mind all day.
Quietly, he moved to his door and peered out to see if anyone was around. He'd leave his room and walk through the hallways, as if he was patrolling. [d]
[CASSANDRA] The day, for her, had fluctuated. Spending time with Alexandria made the hours go by quickly and she wasn't so nervously anxious for what night might bring. For awhile, it seemed she had made up her mind, but then she was doubting. All those second thoughts were rushing into her head and making her question herself, her sanity and safety, asking if she was being stupid or not. She still didn't know. After Alexandria had found a suitable dress, Cassandra left her to tend to the rest of the plans, informing the servants what was to be done, and it was how she found herself back in the library. She spent a couple of hours scanning the various books until she found a couple she liked and thought useful. So it was around midnight that she was wandering those halls, nose buried in a book and barely paying much mind to where she was going. That is, until something consciously stopped her. If she kept going, she would be at her own room, but she had stopped at that particular one and stared at it for what felt like ages. She bit her lip before her hand reached for the handle to open it, half expecting it to be dark and empty. As the door shut behind her, she realized it was true. Taking a few steps in, her book dangling feebly from her fingers, she hated how much her heart suddenly sank. [d]
[ORIN] As he walked down the halls, everything was quiet and empty, most likely due to everyone being in bed. Or so he hoped. He guessed that it would be close to midnight, but he really wasn't certain. He was walking slowly, his mind a jumbled mess with thoughts. Did he want to live a little, or play is safe? He battled himself over and over until he was in that hallway and had a few more doors to go before he was in front of it. He stood there staring at it, pulling his bottom lip into his mouth as he thought one last time. And almost as if he had no control of his own hand, he reached for that doorknob and opened the door, stepping inside and shutting it behind him. She was there already, and he wasn't sure how long he had kept her waiting. He stood there and stared at her for a moment, and didn't say a word. He just took her in and silently wondered if they should really be doing this. Both of them had come, after having all day to think it over. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Maybe this was for the best. She was clearly the weaker and more foolish one, and he was making the hard decision for them. Not that she was easily accepting of it, but she knew she had to. About ready to leave, she heard that door open behind her and she turned to find him in the dark. So...he was an idiot also. Although her heart leapt into her throat, the confliction was still on her face; half of her rooting her feet to the floor while the other just wanted to crash right into him. "Tell me this is foolish." Her voice suddenly broken the silence in a soft whisper. "Tell me we can't do this." Because that was the only way she was going to leave, if he told her to. [d]
[ORIN] He remained still, staring at her, no expression on his face. His eyes were squinting in thought, and he brought his lower lip inward, scraping it against his upper teeth. When she spoke, he remained still, expressionless. Maybe as if he were trying to think of how to end this before it started. How to let her down gently. Perhaps even if he had decided not to do this, he would have shown up anyway, just so she wouldn't have to wait and wonder. He let a silence linger between them before he spoke quietly and even toned, as if he wasn't amused. "It is foolish. We can't do this..." He said, almost as if he were just repeating the words since she told him to. Eyes narrowed at her and he took a step closer. Just one step. He wondered if she really was having second thoughts, so he wasn't sure what to say next. He could only stare at her as that fire seemed to start to burn inside of him the longer he looked. His heart pounded, though outwardly, Orin barely showed any emotion. Finally he spoke. His throat still a bit raspy. "Take your dress off..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] There really was no gentle way to handle this situation, yet that didn't mean she would argue his decision. It would hurt her, yes, but she would ultimately have to accept it and let him go. Even if she desperately didn't want to. His silence was unnerving. Cassandra didn't know what to make of it at all. Was he angry, upset that she actually showed up? When he repeated her words with such a lack of emotion, her chest tightened and her stomach twisted into knots. Alright, she would take the hint. She would go and not speak of this again. The book shook in her hand while his steady and quiet gaze kept her feet firmly where they were because he hadn't moved, and she didn't trust herself to get so close to him in order to leave. So she stared back, eyes leveled on him while she tried to ignore the thunderous beating of her heart. While she tried to keep herself together and not break down like some foolish, weak woman who had been denied. She was stronger than that...it just hurt and made things far more difficult because her need was even stronger. Then he spoke. It nearly stunned her after the silence had lingered for so long, making those green eyes wide in their staring, as though she hadn't heard him correctly. And maybe, she really wasn't sure if she had still. [d]
[ORIN] She wasn't moving. Did she not hear him, because he thought he had spoken clearly enough. His eyes never wavered from her. Yes, sober Orin was a lot different than drunk Orin. And maybe she wouldn't like that after getting a taste of his drunk side compared. He was intimidating now, like a ravenous wolf about to attack and get what he wanted. He wanted her. She had been on his mind all day. The way she clutched to his shirt like that...how she whispered and nibbled on his ear like that. He thought about what he wanted to do to her... All. Day. Long. And now she just stood there in shock, maybe? Denying him what he wanted. What had she expected from him? After another unsteady amount of silence. Orin spoke calmly, but his voice slightly more stern. "Take that fucking dress off now." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Honestly, she didn't know what to think. The silence was horribly agonizing, and his unwavering gaze was both unsettling and yet magnetically...inviting. It was why she couldn't seem to move, even as it grew rather intimidating. It made her back stiffen but her legs quiver beneath her. Yes, sober Orin was already so very different...and maybe she shouldn't have liked it, either. Those stern words were not unheard the second time; the air left her lungs in a staggering breath in response to the command...and not just anyone could order the Duchess like that. But the book fell lazily from her fingers, the sound upon the floor echoing and instantly dying seconds after. Then she was moving, just taking a couple of small steps backwards while she gracefully stepped out of her shoes. It took all of her control not tear every bit of clothing off her person or to rush at him and forgo the meaningless task all together. But she complied. Ever so slowly, fingers began to unlace her bodice by the moonlight through the big window, her gaze never breaking from his. Shoulders eventually wiggled free from both dress and shift, letting the clothing slip from her body and crumble around her feet. Unabashed, she stood there bare to the cool castle air while a hand released her auburn curls from the gold clip. The piece fell to the floor with a soft clank. [d]
[ORIN] She was taking her sweet time, and he was growing more impatient with each second that passed by. But he didn't show it. He stood there quietly watching her, admiring her, becoming mesmerized by her. She was beautiful and he hadn't fully realized just how beautiful she was, until this very moment.
When she stood there fully exposed, his eyes wandered and studied every inch of her. Silently. What the hell was he doing?
He had yet to move closer towards her, wanting to simply look at her for now.
Despite his calm and collected manner, his heart was pounding erratically in his chest. His blood was boiling with passion. He wanted her desperately. And he wondered if she still wanted him now, or if he had simply scared her into submission.
Finally, he took slow steps towards her until he was standing in front of her, just a mere few inches apart. A hand moved behind her neck, fingers weaving through her hair, and he pulled her into him, closing whatever gap remained. Orin leaned down, bringing his lips to her ear, brushing against it before he whispered, "you are absolutely stunning..." He started and then, "I don't care if this is foolish and we shouldn't do this. I want you in my life. And I'm going to have you.. .So climb up onto the bed now..." He stood up again and looked down at her, his expression never moving. He was dead serious. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Maybe she was testing his patience on purpose. Although she was complying, he was still giving Cassandra Davenport an order...and she didn't do well with those. But she could have stopped at any time. She could have told him to "fuck off" and left that room at any moment...yet she hadn't. Perhaps she was beyond foolish, but the Duchess had her sights on something and wasn't about to let it go. Especially while he looked at her like that, not uttering a word and possibly contemplating his own sanity. Maybe it was time that they just didn't think on any of it anymore. Every second that he didn't move, the more her own patience was wearing thin. His eyes burned her skin, but she wanted to feel his hands instead. She wanted to taste those lips she had been thinking about all day. Cassandra didn't realize how quickly she was breathing until he closed the gap between them, so close but not close enough. Then, she was breathless as he yanked her against him, denying her his mouth even still. I want you in my life. And I'm going to have you. Those whispered words were going to be her complete undoing. Dark lashes fluttered while she looked back up at him, his new demand ringing in her ears. As much as she didn't want to move away from him, she backed up, step by step, until she climbed up onto that bed. [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes followed her as she climbed up onto the bed. He waited a moment, admiring her once more--perhaps contemplating his next move. He was doing everything in his control not to attack her with the heated frenzy of how badly he wanted her right now. Perhaps he was testing her patience, too. And so far, she was passing.
He stepped up to the bed but did not climb onto it just yet. "Mmm...." he finally mumbled as if he were agreeing with something. A hand extended out towards her and he placed his fingertips on her lips. She hadn't said anything which was very unusual for her. Maybe he was scaring her. He spoke quietly in an almost taunting tone. "Have you thought about this all day?" He slowly brushed his fingertips down her chin and down her neck, though his gaze never wavered from her eyes. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Green eyes watched him curiously, still remaining silent as his fingers trailed from her lips down towards her neck. Just a subtle shift beneath his touch and he would be able to see those marks he had left the night prior, the very ones she had had to carefully cover up all day. She wasn't shuddering now because she was frightened. She shuddered because she was losing control over herself. At his words, Cassandra moved to rise up onto her knees, now the same height as him while he remained at the side of that bed. Although every bit of her wanted to touch him, she didn't, only leaning in close; her eyes seemingly transfixed upon his mouth. "Yes," she breathed, the gentlest whimper laced in. Until there was a new challenging glint within her eyes when she lifted them to his own; a hand hovering near his face as though meaning to rest against his cheek but didn't. To do so would make her completely breakdown first. "So are you going to do something about it...or are we going to just stand here and talk?" Her whispered words were almost viciously sweet. [d]
[ORIN] His eyes followed her still as she knelt in front of him. His fingertips moved down her shoulder and travelled down her arm and further, until he found her waist. She had lifted her hand as if to touch him, but she did not and he wondered why. Fingers of his free hand moved to grasp hold of her wrist and he lowered her hand. "Mm.. perhaps." He nodded to her question. "Is that what you want? For me to do something about it?" His eyes were questioning her. "Is this what you really want?" He'd ask her again, one last time. [d]
[CASSANDRA] There was something about his calm that was unsettling, and she couldn't pinpoint it. As drunk as he was last night, he still tortured and dragged the inevitable on for as long as he possibly could. But now? Now it was maddening, and he probably fucking knew it. Bloody vagabond could probably feel her pulse racing when he ceased her wrist, his other hand wandering at her waist. Emerald eyes narrowed in subtle amusement, but there was no smile on her face. He was dragging this out, and Cassandra was slowly beginning to have doubts about what he really wanted. That shouldn't have been the sole worry on her mind right now, but common sense had disappeared the moment he looked at her. Leaning forward just enough to gently nuzzle the side of her face against his, she murmured, "It is what I want." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Although his expression was serious, she couldn't mask the fascinated glint in her eyes or the way a corner of her mouth still upturned into the slightly grin. Cassandra wondered how long she could remain there until it wasn't safe, or if he'd even want her to remain there for very long. Naturally, it was hard to think about any of that when he pulled her closer and kissed her again. Shifting onto her side to fully face him, she returned it with a peculiar mix of passion and curiosity. It was slower, languid, and not as heady as every other time; her hand pressing gently against the injured side of his face, wary of the still healing wound. [d]
[ORIN] He, too, wondered if she'd leave him again while he slept, or if perhaps they both should leave this room. It wasn't exactly a safe place, and perhaps they needed to find somewhere else to escape to if they would continue this.
For now, though, it didn't matter. He savored her mouth in that kiss, for once it not being heated and desperate for one another. His own hand rested at the nape of her neck, fingers curling into her hair.
He would kiss her for a long moment before finally pulling away to look at her. "Did I succeed?" He asked her curiously. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was melting into the comfort of that bed, the warmth of him in front of her as they kissed; the room so strangely silent now. When their lips parted, and he was asking a particular question, that mischief alighted in her eyes once more. A smile slowly stretching across her face while her fingertips idly trailed along his chest. "You had already succeeded last night..." Even as inebriated as he was, but she didn't have the heart to say so. Maybe she just...wanted to be sure? Biting her lower lip kept her from her laughing softly. [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes watched her as she admitted he had already succeeded while he was drunk. He found that strangely amusing and a grin managed to find his lips. "Oh really? I wasn't a horrible sloppy drunk that only lasted a few minutes?" He leaned in closer and whispered into her ear, "you feel amazing by the way." He kissed just below her ear before setting back down on the bed, turning to stare up at the ceiling again. [d]
[CASSANDRA] "No," she laughed quietly with a slight shake of her head. "It was possibly the only time you weren't tripping over yourself." And there had been a lot of that, embarrassingly so. She had been amazed he had been able to do much of anything at all. Biting down on her bottom lip at his whispered words, she rolled onto her stomach and hugged a pillow beneath her chin. Cassandra was silent for a long moment before she murmured, partially hesitant as she said what was on her mind, "You're welcome to me whenever you like..." It was her subtle way of saying that he could part from her side tonight and never return to it...or he could. She would accept him in a heartbeat. [d]
[ORIN] He found her words amusing and he laughed quietly. "Maybe you kept me grounded," he admitted. His gaze turning to look at her again, for a brief moment before glancing back to the ceiling. From the corner of his eye, he saw her shift onto her stomach and she was speaking again, offering herself to him at his will. His eyelid twitched slightly and his jaw clenched before he turned his head to look at her again. He lifted a hand to play with a strand of her hair. "I don't think it's going to be that easy, Cassandra... I'd have you every night if I could....but then things start to become suspicious..." A brow rose as he regarded her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was the fading elated emotions that made her speak so boldly, and she was already expecting to hear words she wouldn't very much like. Still, although his reply should have saddened her, they only partially did. In his own way, he was admitting that he wasn't looking for this to end...only that, maybe, it should. The Duchess often had a difficult time with "no". "I know," she whispered back, unable to meet his gaze. She rested there for a moment before she would turn away and slip off the edge of the bed. Maybe it appeared as though she were going to leave, but she'd bend down and retrieve his shirt with some of its missing buttons. She slipped into it, already covering it in her scent, before lighting one of the candles on the small nightstand. Then, she was picking up her discarded book before crawling back into bed beside him. [d]
[ORIN] He fell silent again, gaze following her as she slid off the bed, put his shirt on herself and eventually got back into the bed with the book. He had initially thought she was leaving, and he would have understood if she had.
As she sat beside him, he glanced to her admiringly. Especially in the candlelight as it casted shadows along her face. He turned onto his side and reached for that book, pluck it from her hands so he could see what she was reading. "What's this?" He asked as he thumbed through the pages. He handed it back to her as it didn't seem all that interesting to him. A bunch of plants and herbs? [d]
[CASSANDRA] Lips parted to protest as he snatched the book from her hands, inquiring about it. She slid down a little to curl more against him as a ring-adorned pointer finger gestured to the cover. "Herbology," she explained, knowing he probably wouldn't have much interest in the topic. Taking the book back, she slowly began to leaf through the pages, showing him some of the plant sketches and the words on explaining them. "My governess as a girl, she had this wooden box...filled with tiny bottles of oils and herbal sachets. I remember I'd spend hours smelling them." She grinned lightly at the memory. Naturally, she had grown older and didn't much care for the ways of "witchery", as some had called it. Now it appeared to be common practice and she was old enough to appreciate it. "They aren't just for perfumes, though. Lavender..." One of her arms reached to the side so that her fingers could lightly brush the side of his face, and he'd smell that particular scent at the inside of her wrist. "Not only can be used as an aphrodisiac, it's also calming and relaxing. Peppermint can help with headaches, ginger with nausea..." She stopped herself before he got terribly bored, offering a small shrug of a single shoulder. "It's just...always fascinated me." She closed the book and rested it against her chest. "And I thought, maybe...it could be of some use here." If she could stay. Perhaps that was a bit of hope in her tone of voice. [d]
[ORIN] As she settled against him, he shifted his head to place a kiss at the top of her head. He stayed quiet as he listened to her. Although she might have thought she was boring him, he was interested not in the explanation of the herbs she listed off, but of the fact she was sharing something about her life with him, perhaps for the first time. When she finished, he spoke gently to her. "You should spend some time in the infirmary, then..." he said simply, suggesting. He raised a hand and idly played with her hair. "They could always use help in there..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Picking up one of his hands, she lightly played with his fingers as she let her mind wander. "You think so?" she asked in response to his suggestion. Would she be allowed? Was it something she could possibly learn more about by practice? She was smiling then, turning to look at him once more. "Would all patients be as stubborn as you? Then I may want to rethink this..." She was joking, of course. For her, at least, he hadn't given her much trouble when she addressed his wound the two times. [d]
[ORIN] He nodded in response to her question, his eyes flickered to her hand as she played with his fingers. "Mmm..." He mumbled, tiredly. "Why not?" With his free hand, he was twirling a strand of her hair in his finger. At her comment of patients being as stubborn as he was, he smirked a little. "Probably not... But I'm sure you'd be able to handle them if they were." He nudged her with his elbow. He knew Cassandra could hold her own if she wanted or needed to. She had told him off several times. Maybe that was what he liked most about her. Which reminded him. "And... You need to stop putting yourself into dangerous situations so I don't have to keep saving your life..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was something to think about, if fate allowed. There was a lot of things up in the air right now and she wasn't certain which way they would go, if she should be worried about when Edward leaves or not. But they were thoughts she didn't want fogging up her head right now. She much rather concentrate on the here and now, with him. Because once morning came, this would have to end. A gentle laugh as he nudged her, his following words had her grinning. And it was that up-to-no-good kind of smile. "But...what if I like you saving my life?" A finger tapped him on the nose playfully, but those words seemed to hold a deeper meaning for her. Something she was quick to realize and push to the back of her mind. Stop thinking about the morning... [d]
[ORIN] He turned his head to look at her again when she playfully admitted she liked him saving her life. He smiled slightly and focused his gaze on hers, allowing a silence to linger between them before he spoke, his voice quiet and sincere. "Then I will always be there to save it..." He didn't pull his eyes from her then, and he silently watched her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Her attention had drifted elsewhere while she got control on her thoughts, only to look over at him quickly when his voice broke that silence. The amusement on her features slowly dissipated to he replace by something completely different. Maybe it was awe, or affection, she wasn't entirely sure, but it made her heart flutter. Cassandra stared at him for a long moment before leaning forward to press a kiss to his lips. It was more gentle than useful, thoughtful even, before she drifted back to simply curl up against him. For once in her life, she didn't know what to say. [d]
[ORIN] He stared back at her, unsure of why those words had slipped out of him the way that they had. And he was unsure of their intention and if he was somehow telling her that he wanted to be with her, or if he was simply stating he would continue to save her life if she kept putting herself in danger, because that's what he did. Either way, it had made Cassandra's amused smile fade and she was staring at him. He stared back at her until she placed that gentle kiss to his lips. He kissed her back and watched her as she curled back against him. He wrapped his arm around her and held her, his fingers moving again to play with her hair. He was so tired and his eyelids were beginning to become so heavy, so he closed his eyes as he laid there with her, holding her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] And she was unsure of what to make of those words. A part of her desperately wanted them to mean more...but that was a silly thing, was it not? How could it even be possible? It was why she had gone silent, too afraid to voice any of this. Perhaps it was simply better left unspoken. Sighing softly in content against his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her, and she didn't worry about needing to leave. No one knew either was there, the room normally unused. She'd worry about it in the morning. Cassandra didn't want to leave his side tonight. Pressing another kiss into the crook of his neck, she closed those green eyes and succumbed to sleep. Letting the candle burn down to nothing. [d]
[ORIN] He had drifted off to sleep, holding her in his arms. The night had come and gone and as the sun began to spill in through the window, hitting his face, he groaned, covering his face with his hand. He felt her presence still there next to him, which startled him a bit. He quickly opened his eyes and turned to look at her, surprised that she had stayed with him the whole night. He hadn't expected to see her in the morning. She looked so peaceful in her sleep, and he did not want to wake her. So he just laid there and watched her, admiringly. After a while, he finally lifted a hand to gently brush strands of her hair away from her face, and he whispered, "Cass...." [d]
[CASSANDRA] The smart thing probably would have been to leave before she fell asleep...but she hadn't. The exhaustion had hit her faster than she expected, and the last thing she wanted to do was leave his arms in that moment. She should have felt guilty, but no matter how hard she tried to feel remorse, she simply didn't. So when morning came, she was still there, comfortable and warm; the sun barely touching her as he seemed block it as it streamed in through the window. It was only the touches at her face as he brushed strands of auburn curls away that began to wake her up. She stirred, subconsciously brushing his hand away as though he were some pestering insect, until green eyes finally fluttered open. A small smile, she was graced with the sight of him...that is, until she realized how bright that room was, and that it was morning. Her eyes widened. "What time is it?" Was it still early in the morning? [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes remained on her as she stirred awake. The faintest of a smile appeared on his lips when she looked at him and then as she panicked about the time. He pulled her on top of him and tightly wrapped his arms around her so she couldn't get away. "Mmm...Time for you to kiss me good morning." He clearly didn't care what time it was. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Shouldn't he be a little more concerned about this? Instead, he was forgetting about it as he was drawing her on top of him, something she only resist for a split second before a trilling giggle except her throat. Now, she was even further draped in him, still wearing that shirt of his as he secured her there. Cassandra wanted to instantly forget that the rest of the world existed. Smiling mouth lingered brushed against his own, "Do you think that wise?" Didn't matter what she thought, because she was kissing him anyway. [d]
[ORIN] He smirked at her comment. "When did being wise enter this whole equation?" Her words were quite hypocritical he thought, but he didn't care. He kissed her back, hands filtering into her hair as he held her face. He'd not let go of that kiss for a long moment, until finally he did, eyes opening to look up at her. "I remember everything about last night... The way you came... The way you felt... Mmm. You might quickly become a bad habit..." And he meant that in the nicest possible way. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She kissed him back deeply but slowly, fingers curling into his shoulder while she tried to get a hold onto her emotions. If she wasn't careful, she could very easily lose herself in him all over again...a little more than she still currently was. But his words was making that budding desire begin to seep back, and she had to bite her lip to remain so very still atop of him. Still, her eyes had dropped to his mouth, the pointer of her other hand gently brushing against his lower lip in contemplation. When her eyes lifted back to his own, she looked softly hopeful, "So this...isn't over then?" She tried to keep from smiling just yet. [d]
[ORIN] He kept his eyes on her, watching the expression on her face as she brushed his lip with her finger. That hopeful look in her eyes when she questioned him. He looked up at her, brows furrowing slightly. "This isn't over from last night? Or are you asking me if I've changed my mind in...." He thought of how to label whatever this was, but he couldn't think of anything. He lifted his hand and motioned to the two of them laying together, "whatever this is...?" He smirked slightly. "It might have to be done from last night... But I'm not close to being done with you yet..." He answered her before she could respond to his question. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Lips pursed, realizing she hadn't clarified her question, but he was already answering it regardless. Except the one thing neither of them could really answer- what was this, really? Casual fun, more than that? Was this only until some event in either of their lives just broke them apart? Cassandra held in a sigh, forcing it all to the back of her mind as she playfully squirmed on top of him when he said he was done, at least, from last night; teeth nipped at his bare chest. "Glad to hear it..." her words whispered against his skin before a giggle sounded from within her throat. "I suppose this means we should get up." Being as comfortable as she was, it was going to be a very difficult task to draw herself away. But after one more lingering kiss against his lips, Cass grumbled before moving to slip off of him. [d]
[ORIN] Part of him did not expect much. He stopped hoping for anything, because it never worked out for him. He assumed that Cassandra would eventually tire of him. Or she would be forced to leave and marry another once her husband died--just as the king had told her. Unless Cassandra learned to stand up for herself and refuse. It's not that easy she had told him once. Her voice broke him from his thoughts and he responded in a mumble. "Mm... I suppose." He held her face as she kissed him again, kissing her back deeply until she pulled away to slip off of him. He groaned in protest but rolled over and sat himself up on the edge of the bed. He pointed at her, "I'm gonna need that back.. Though I won't be able to close it now, thanks to you..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] It wasn't that easy. The rules of royal and noble society dictated far more than even she realized. She may not have a choice. Alexandria or Aric may not have the authority- she really didn't know, and it worried her more than she let on. Despite the queen's comforting words, she was afraid of being put onto another ship and sent away. And now, it wasn't just because she was afraid of another loveless marriage. She was afraid it would take her from him. That beautiful, fleeting hope that suddenly kept her so grounded now that she wondered how long it would last for. Sliding off the bed, she paused to look at him from over her shoulder, masking the grin that spread across her lips? "This?" she asked innocently before letting the shirt fall from her shoulders. She caught it in a hand before tossing it lightly at his face. Amused with herself, she went to get dressed. "I think it still has two buttons..." Cass didn't even try to pretend that she was sorry. [d]
[ORIN] His eyes followed her as she removed his shirt and threw it at him. He caught it with one hand and laughed quietly at her words. Shaking his head, he slowly stood and stretched his body out, yawning. He put the shirt back on before he searched for his breeches and pulled them on buttoning them. He tucked his shirt into them and tried to find the two buttons that he could still use, buttoning them up before laughing at how his chest was still fully exposed. He sat back on the bed to put his boots back on before he'd look to her, to watch her dress. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Perhaps she should have been moving a little faster, still unsure of how late they had slept in, but she took her time to step into that discarded dress and eventually lace up the front of it. Every now and then, she let her emerald greens drift on over to him while he dressed himself, silently smirking to herself before doing a quick brush of her hair with her fingers. She was nearly done braiding her hair over her shoulder when she saw him sitting there. Why was it going to be so incredibly difficult to walk out of that room? Slowly making her way over, she stood there in front of him with a contemplative look on her face. Then, she leaned forward, as though she were going to kiss him, but she was really reaching for that book that had been tossed aside at some point during sleep. Still, when she stood straight again, her arm was draped over his shoulder; her free hand grasping his chin. Cassandra was unusually silent again, unable to figure out which one of those crazed thoughts, if any, that she should voice. So instead, she kissed him once more, wondering how long she would have to wait until she could do it again. [d]
[ORIN] His eyes watched her as she braided her hair and then moved over to stand in front of him. He was about to place his hands on her hips, but she was leaning down and reaching passed him for that book of hers. That was cold and cruel. He narrowed his eyes at her as she stood again though this time she held his chin and seemed to be contemplating something. His hands found her waist and he pulled her closer moving in to kiss her as she moved to kiss him. He'd allow that kiss to linger for a while before he pulled away and stood, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I have to go, before you tempt me again." He pressed his lips to her forehead and moved away from her, quickly exiting the room before she could say anything else to him. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Savoring his lips this last time, for as long as he allowed it, she was amused by his comment as he broke them apart. Oh, she could have very easily lost herself to him all over again, but fortunately, he had a lot more common sense and stronger resolve. A hand rested upon his forearm, loosely traveling along it while he drew away from her to leave first. Even biting down on her bottom lip wasn't enough to keep that wide, beaming smile from her face. Hugging the book against her, she laughed quietly to herself after that door closed. She would wait a few minutes before leaving as well, unsure of what her day would have in store for her, but nothing would be able to break this happy mood of hers. [d]
When he finished and was somewhat more confident that the castle was secure and safe and there were no others roaming about, he took a long nap in attempts to get rid of the rest of his headache and that drowsiness. When he woke, it was dark, and he panicked, wondering what time it was. Or if he was late. He had pondered the entire situation all day long, trying to decide if he wanted to go through with this or not. He was lonely though, and she seemed willing... He only wondered if she would have second thoughts. He wouldn't blame her if she did. He wondered if he should. It was a constant fight in his own mind all day.
Quietly, he moved to his door and peered out to see if anyone was around. He'd leave his room and walk through the hallways, as if he was patrolling. [d]
[CASSANDRA] The day, for her, had fluctuated. Spending time with Alexandria made the hours go by quickly and she wasn't so nervously anxious for what night might bring. For awhile, it seemed she had made up her mind, but then she was doubting. All those second thoughts were rushing into her head and making her question herself, her sanity and safety, asking if she was being stupid or not. She still didn't know. After Alexandria had found a suitable dress, Cassandra left her to tend to the rest of the plans, informing the servants what was to be done, and it was how she found herself back in the library. She spent a couple of hours scanning the various books until she found a couple she liked and thought useful. So it was around midnight that she was wandering those halls, nose buried in a book and barely paying much mind to where she was going. That is, until something consciously stopped her. If she kept going, she would be at her own room, but she had stopped at that particular one and stared at it for what felt like ages. She bit her lip before her hand reached for the handle to open it, half expecting it to be dark and empty. As the door shut behind her, she realized it was true. Taking a few steps in, her book dangling feebly from her fingers, she hated how much her heart suddenly sank. [d]
[ORIN] As he walked down the halls, everything was quiet and empty, most likely due to everyone being in bed. Or so he hoped. He guessed that it would be close to midnight, but he really wasn't certain. He was walking slowly, his mind a jumbled mess with thoughts. Did he want to live a little, or play is safe? He battled himself over and over until he was in that hallway and had a few more doors to go before he was in front of it. He stood there staring at it, pulling his bottom lip into his mouth as he thought one last time. And almost as if he had no control of his own hand, he reached for that doorknob and opened the door, stepping inside and shutting it behind him. She was there already, and he wasn't sure how long he had kept her waiting. He stood there and stared at her for a moment, and didn't say a word. He just took her in and silently wondered if they should really be doing this. Both of them had come, after having all day to think it over. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Maybe this was for the best. She was clearly the weaker and more foolish one, and he was making the hard decision for them. Not that she was easily accepting of it, but she knew she had to. About ready to leave, she heard that door open behind her and she turned to find him in the dark. So...he was an idiot also. Although her heart leapt into her throat, the confliction was still on her face; half of her rooting her feet to the floor while the other just wanted to crash right into him. "Tell me this is foolish." Her voice suddenly broken the silence in a soft whisper. "Tell me we can't do this." Because that was the only way she was going to leave, if he told her to. [d]
[ORIN] He remained still, staring at her, no expression on his face. His eyes were squinting in thought, and he brought his lower lip inward, scraping it against his upper teeth. When she spoke, he remained still, expressionless. Maybe as if he were trying to think of how to end this before it started. How to let her down gently. Perhaps even if he had decided not to do this, he would have shown up anyway, just so she wouldn't have to wait and wonder. He let a silence linger between them before he spoke quietly and even toned, as if he wasn't amused. "It is foolish. We can't do this..." He said, almost as if he were just repeating the words since she told him to. Eyes narrowed at her and he took a step closer. Just one step. He wondered if she really was having second thoughts, so he wasn't sure what to say next. He could only stare at her as that fire seemed to start to burn inside of him the longer he looked. His heart pounded, though outwardly, Orin barely showed any emotion. Finally he spoke. His throat still a bit raspy. "Take your dress off..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] There really was no gentle way to handle this situation, yet that didn't mean she would argue his decision. It would hurt her, yes, but she would ultimately have to accept it and let him go. Even if she desperately didn't want to. His silence was unnerving. Cassandra didn't know what to make of it at all. Was he angry, upset that she actually showed up? When he repeated her words with such a lack of emotion, her chest tightened and her stomach twisted into knots. Alright, she would take the hint. She would go and not speak of this again. The book shook in her hand while his steady and quiet gaze kept her feet firmly where they were because he hadn't moved, and she didn't trust herself to get so close to him in order to leave. So she stared back, eyes leveled on him while she tried to ignore the thunderous beating of her heart. While she tried to keep herself together and not break down like some foolish, weak woman who had been denied. She was stronger than that...it just hurt and made things far more difficult because her need was even stronger. Then he spoke. It nearly stunned her after the silence had lingered for so long, making those green eyes wide in their staring, as though she hadn't heard him correctly. And maybe, she really wasn't sure if she had still. [d]
[ORIN] She wasn't moving. Did she not hear him, because he thought he had spoken clearly enough. His eyes never wavered from her. Yes, sober Orin was a lot different than drunk Orin. And maybe she wouldn't like that after getting a taste of his drunk side compared. He was intimidating now, like a ravenous wolf about to attack and get what he wanted. He wanted her. She had been on his mind all day. The way she clutched to his shirt like that...how she whispered and nibbled on his ear like that. He thought about what he wanted to do to her... All. Day. Long. And now she just stood there in shock, maybe? Denying him what he wanted. What had she expected from him? After another unsteady amount of silence. Orin spoke calmly, but his voice slightly more stern. "Take that fucking dress off now." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Honestly, she didn't know what to think. The silence was horribly agonizing, and his unwavering gaze was both unsettling and yet magnetically...inviting. It was why she couldn't seem to move, even as it grew rather intimidating. It made her back stiffen but her legs quiver beneath her. Yes, sober Orin was already so very different...and maybe she shouldn't have liked it, either. Those stern words were not unheard the second time; the air left her lungs in a staggering breath in response to the command...and not just anyone could order the Duchess like that. But the book fell lazily from her fingers, the sound upon the floor echoing and instantly dying seconds after. Then she was moving, just taking a couple of small steps backwards while she gracefully stepped out of her shoes. It took all of her control not tear every bit of clothing off her person or to rush at him and forgo the meaningless task all together. But she complied. Ever so slowly, fingers began to unlace her bodice by the moonlight through the big window, her gaze never breaking from his. Shoulders eventually wiggled free from both dress and shift, letting the clothing slip from her body and crumble around her feet. Unabashed, she stood there bare to the cool castle air while a hand released her auburn curls from the gold clip. The piece fell to the floor with a soft clank. [d]
[ORIN] She was taking her sweet time, and he was growing more impatient with each second that passed by. But he didn't show it. He stood there quietly watching her, admiring her, becoming mesmerized by her. She was beautiful and he hadn't fully realized just how beautiful she was, until this very moment.
When she stood there fully exposed, his eyes wandered and studied every inch of her. Silently. What the hell was he doing?
He had yet to move closer towards her, wanting to simply look at her for now.
Despite his calm and collected manner, his heart was pounding erratically in his chest. His blood was boiling with passion. He wanted her desperately. And he wondered if she still wanted him now, or if he had simply scared her into submission.
Finally, he took slow steps towards her until he was standing in front of her, just a mere few inches apart. A hand moved behind her neck, fingers weaving through her hair, and he pulled her into him, closing whatever gap remained. Orin leaned down, bringing his lips to her ear, brushing against it before he whispered, "you are absolutely stunning..." He started and then, "I don't care if this is foolish and we shouldn't do this. I want you in my life. And I'm going to have you.. .So climb up onto the bed now..." He stood up again and looked down at her, his expression never moving. He was dead serious. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Maybe she was testing his patience on purpose. Although she was complying, he was still giving Cassandra Davenport an order...and she didn't do well with those. But she could have stopped at any time. She could have told him to "fuck off" and left that room at any moment...yet she hadn't. Perhaps she was beyond foolish, but the Duchess had her sights on something and wasn't about to let it go. Especially while he looked at her like that, not uttering a word and possibly contemplating his own sanity. Maybe it was time that they just didn't think on any of it anymore. Every second that he didn't move, the more her own patience was wearing thin. His eyes burned her skin, but she wanted to feel his hands instead. She wanted to taste those lips she had been thinking about all day. Cassandra didn't realize how quickly she was breathing until he closed the gap between them, so close but not close enough. Then, she was breathless as he yanked her against him, denying her his mouth even still. I want you in my life. And I'm going to have you. Those whispered words were going to be her complete undoing. Dark lashes fluttered while she looked back up at him, his new demand ringing in her ears. As much as she didn't want to move away from him, she backed up, step by step, until she climbed up onto that bed. [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes followed her as she climbed up onto the bed. He waited a moment, admiring her once more--perhaps contemplating his next move. He was doing everything in his control not to attack her with the heated frenzy of how badly he wanted her right now. Perhaps he was testing her patience, too. And so far, she was passing.
He stepped up to the bed but did not climb onto it just yet. "Mmm...." he finally mumbled as if he were agreeing with something. A hand extended out towards her and he placed his fingertips on her lips. She hadn't said anything which was very unusual for her. Maybe he was scaring her. He spoke quietly in an almost taunting tone. "Have you thought about this all day?" He slowly brushed his fingertips down her chin and down her neck, though his gaze never wavered from her eyes. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Green eyes watched him curiously, still remaining silent as his fingers trailed from her lips down towards her neck. Just a subtle shift beneath his touch and he would be able to see those marks he had left the night prior, the very ones she had had to carefully cover up all day. She wasn't shuddering now because she was frightened. She shuddered because she was losing control over herself. At his words, Cassandra moved to rise up onto her knees, now the same height as him while he remained at the side of that bed. Although every bit of her wanted to touch him, she didn't, only leaning in close; her eyes seemingly transfixed upon his mouth. "Yes," she breathed, the gentlest whimper laced in. Until there was a new challenging glint within her eyes when she lifted them to his own; a hand hovering near his face as though meaning to rest against his cheek but didn't. To do so would make her completely breakdown first. "So are you going to do something about it...or are we going to just stand here and talk?" Her whispered words were almost viciously sweet. [d]
[ORIN] His eyes followed her still as she knelt in front of him. His fingertips moved down her shoulder and travelled down her arm and further, until he found her waist. She had lifted her hand as if to touch him, but she did not and he wondered why. Fingers of his free hand moved to grasp hold of her wrist and he lowered her hand. "Mm.. perhaps." He nodded to her question. "Is that what you want? For me to do something about it?" His eyes were questioning her. "Is this what you really want?" He'd ask her again, one last time. [d]
[CASSANDRA] There was something about his calm that was unsettling, and she couldn't pinpoint it. As drunk as he was last night, he still tortured and dragged the inevitable on for as long as he possibly could. But now? Now it was maddening, and he probably fucking knew it. Bloody vagabond could probably feel her pulse racing when he ceased her wrist, his other hand wandering at her waist. Emerald eyes narrowed in subtle amusement, but there was no smile on her face. He was dragging this out, and Cassandra was slowly beginning to have doubts about what he really wanted. That shouldn't have been the sole worry on her mind right now, but common sense had disappeared the moment he looked at her. Leaning forward just enough to gently nuzzle the side of her face against his, she murmured, "It is what I want." [d]
***
[CASSANDRA] Although his expression was serious, she couldn't mask the fascinated glint in her eyes or the way a corner of her mouth still upturned into the slightly grin. Cassandra wondered how long she could remain there until it wasn't safe, or if he'd even want her to remain there for very long. Naturally, it was hard to think about any of that when he pulled her closer and kissed her again. Shifting onto her side to fully face him, she returned it with a peculiar mix of passion and curiosity. It was slower, languid, and not as heady as every other time; her hand pressing gently against the injured side of his face, wary of the still healing wound. [d]
[ORIN] He, too, wondered if she'd leave him again while he slept, or if perhaps they both should leave this room. It wasn't exactly a safe place, and perhaps they needed to find somewhere else to escape to if they would continue this.
For now, though, it didn't matter. He savored her mouth in that kiss, for once it not being heated and desperate for one another. His own hand rested at the nape of her neck, fingers curling into her hair.
He would kiss her for a long moment before finally pulling away to look at her. "Did I succeed?" He asked her curiously. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was melting into the comfort of that bed, the warmth of him in front of her as they kissed; the room so strangely silent now. When their lips parted, and he was asking a particular question, that mischief alighted in her eyes once more. A smile slowly stretching across her face while her fingertips idly trailed along his chest. "You had already succeeded last night..." Even as inebriated as he was, but she didn't have the heart to say so. Maybe she just...wanted to be sure? Biting her lower lip kept her from her laughing softly. [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes watched her as she admitted he had already succeeded while he was drunk. He found that strangely amusing and a grin managed to find his lips. "Oh really? I wasn't a horrible sloppy drunk that only lasted a few minutes?" He leaned in closer and whispered into her ear, "you feel amazing by the way." He kissed just below her ear before setting back down on the bed, turning to stare up at the ceiling again. [d]
[CASSANDRA] "No," she laughed quietly with a slight shake of her head. "It was possibly the only time you weren't tripping over yourself." And there had been a lot of that, embarrassingly so. She had been amazed he had been able to do much of anything at all. Biting down on her bottom lip at his whispered words, she rolled onto her stomach and hugged a pillow beneath her chin. Cassandra was silent for a long moment before she murmured, partially hesitant as she said what was on her mind, "You're welcome to me whenever you like..." It was her subtle way of saying that he could part from her side tonight and never return to it...or he could. She would accept him in a heartbeat. [d]
[ORIN] He found her words amusing and he laughed quietly. "Maybe you kept me grounded," he admitted. His gaze turning to look at her again, for a brief moment before glancing back to the ceiling. From the corner of his eye, he saw her shift onto her stomach and she was speaking again, offering herself to him at his will. His eyelid twitched slightly and his jaw clenched before he turned his head to look at her again. He lifted a hand to play with a strand of her hair. "I don't think it's going to be that easy, Cassandra... I'd have you every night if I could....but then things start to become suspicious..." A brow rose as he regarded her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was the fading elated emotions that made her speak so boldly, and she was already expecting to hear words she wouldn't very much like. Still, although his reply should have saddened her, they only partially did. In his own way, he was admitting that he wasn't looking for this to end...only that, maybe, it should. The Duchess often had a difficult time with "no". "I know," she whispered back, unable to meet his gaze. She rested there for a moment before she would turn away and slip off the edge of the bed. Maybe it appeared as though she were going to leave, but she'd bend down and retrieve his shirt with some of its missing buttons. She slipped into it, already covering it in her scent, before lighting one of the candles on the small nightstand. Then, she was picking up her discarded book before crawling back into bed beside him. [d]
[ORIN] He fell silent again, gaze following her as she slid off the bed, put his shirt on herself and eventually got back into the bed with the book. He had initially thought she was leaving, and he would have understood if she had.
As she sat beside him, he glanced to her admiringly. Especially in the candlelight as it casted shadows along her face. He turned onto his side and reached for that book, pluck it from her hands so he could see what she was reading. "What's this?" He asked as he thumbed through the pages. He handed it back to her as it didn't seem all that interesting to him. A bunch of plants and herbs? [d]
[CASSANDRA] Lips parted to protest as he snatched the book from her hands, inquiring about it. She slid down a little to curl more against him as a ring-adorned pointer finger gestured to the cover. "Herbology," she explained, knowing he probably wouldn't have much interest in the topic. Taking the book back, she slowly began to leaf through the pages, showing him some of the plant sketches and the words on explaining them. "My governess as a girl, she had this wooden box...filled with tiny bottles of oils and herbal sachets. I remember I'd spend hours smelling them." She grinned lightly at the memory. Naturally, she had grown older and didn't much care for the ways of "witchery", as some had called it. Now it appeared to be common practice and she was old enough to appreciate it. "They aren't just for perfumes, though. Lavender..." One of her arms reached to the side so that her fingers could lightly brush the side of his face, and he'd smell that particular scent at the inside of her wrist. "Not only can be used as an aphrodisiac, it's also calming and relaxing. Peppermint can help with headaches, ginger with nausea..." She stopped herself before he got terribly bored, offering a small shrug of a single shoulder. "It's just...always fascinated me." She closed the book and rested it against her chest. "And I thought, maybe...it could be of some use here." If she could stay. Perhaps that was a bit of hope in her tone of voice. [d]
[ORIN] As she settled against him, he shifted his head to place a kiss at the top of her head. He stayed quiet as he listened to her. Although she might have thought she was boring him, he was interested not in the explanation of the herbs she listed off, but of the fact she was sharing something about her life with him, perhaps for the first time. When she finished, he spoke gently to her. "You should spend some time in the infirmary, then..." he said simply, suggesting. He raised a hand and idly played with her hair. "They could always use help in there..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Picking up one of his hands, she lightly played with his fingers as she let her mind wander. "You think so?" she asked in response to his suggestion. Would she be allowed? Was it something she could possibly learn more about by practice? She was smiling then, turning to look at him once more. "Would all patients be as stubborn as you? Then I may want to rethink this..." She was joking, of course. For her, at least, he hadn't given her much trouble when she addressed his wound the two times. [d]
[ORIN] He nodded in response to her question, his eyes flickered to her hand as she played with his fingers. "Mmm..." He mumbled, tiredly. "Why not?" With his free hand, he was twirling a strand of her hair in his finger. At her comment of patients being as stubborn as he was, he smirked a little. "Probably not... But I'm sure you'd be able to handle them if they were." He nudged her with his elbow. He knew Cassandra could hold her own if she wanted or needed to. She had told him off several times. Maybe that was what he liked most about her. Which reminded him. "And... You need to stop putting yourself into dangerous situations so I don't have to keep saving your life..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was something to think about, if fate allowed. There was a lot of things up in the air right now and she wasn't certain which way they would go, if she should be worried about when Edward leaves or not. But they were thoughts she didn't want fogging up her head right now. She much rather concentrate on the here and now, with him. Because once morning came, this would have to end. A gentle laugh as he nudged her, his following words had her grinning. And it was that up-to-no-good kind of smile. "But...what if I like you saving my life?" A finger tapped him on the nose playfully, but those words seemed to hold a deeper meaning for her. Something she was quick to realize and push to the back of her mind. Stop thinking about the morning... [d]
[ORIN] He turned his head to look at her again when she playfully admitted she liked him saving her life. He smiled slightly and focused his gaze on hers, allowing a silence to linger between them before he spoke, his voice quiet and sincere. "Then I will always be there to save it..." He didn't pull his eyes from her then, and he silently watched her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Her attention had drifted elsewhere while she got control on her thoughts, only to look over at him quickly when his voice broke that silence. The amusement on her features slowly dissipated to he replace by something completely different. Maybe it was awe, or affection, she wasn't entirely sure, but it made her heart flutter. Cassandra stared at him for a long moment before leaning forward to press a kiss to his lips. It was more gentle than useful, thoughtful even, before she drifted back to simply curl up against him. For once in her life, she didn't know what to say. [d]
[ORIN] He stared back at her, unsure of why those words had slipped out of him the way that they had. And he was unsure of their intention and if he was somehow telling her that he wanted to be with her, or if he was simply stating he would continue to save her life if she kept putting herself in danger, because that's what he did. Either way, it had made Cassandra's amused smile fade and she was staring at him. He stared back at her until she placed that gentle kiss to his lips. He kissed her back and watched her as she curled back against him. He wrapped his arm around her and held her, his fingers moving again to play with her hair. He was so tired and his eyelids were beginning to become so heavy, so he closed his eyes as he laid there with her, holding her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] And she was unsure of what to make of those words. A part of her desperately wanted them to mean more...but that was a silly thing, was it not? How could it even be possible? It was why she had gone silent, too afraid to voice any of this. Perhaps it was simply better left unspoken. Sighing softly in content against his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her, and she didn't worry about needing to leave. No one knew either was there, the room normally unused. She'd worry about it in the morning. Cassandra didn't want to leave his side tonight. Pressing another kiss into the crook of his neck, she closed those green eyes and succumbed to sleep. Letting the candle burn down to nothing. [d]
***
[ORIN] He had drifted off to sleep, holding her in his arms. The night had come and gone and as the sun began to spill in through the window, hitting his face, he groaned, covering his face with his hand. He felt her presence still there next to him, which startled him a bit. He quickly opened his eyes and turned to look at her, surprised that she had stayed with him the whole night. He hadn't expected to see her in the morning. She looked so peaceful in her sleep, and he did not want to wake her. So he just laid there and watched her, admiringly. After a while, he finally lifted a hand to gently brush strands of her hair away from her face, and he whispered, "Cass...." [d]
[CASSANDRA] The smart thing probably would have been to leave before she fell asleep...but she hadn't. The exhaustion had hit her faster than she expected, and the last thing she wanted to do was leave his arms in that moment. She should have felt guilty, but no matter how hard she tried to feel remorse, she simply didn't. So when morning came, she was still there, comfortable and warm; the sun barely touching her as he seemed block it as it streamed in through the window. It was only the touches at her face as he brushed strands of auburn curls away that began to wake her up. She stirred, subconsciously brushing his hand away as though he were some pestering insect, until green eyes finally fluttered open. A small smile, she was graced with the sight of him...that is, until she realized how bright that room was, and that it was morning. Her eyes widened. "What time is it?" Was it still early in the morning? [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes remained on her as she stirred awake. The faintest of a smile appeared on his lips when she looked at him and then as she panicked about the time. He pulled her on top of him and tightly wrapped his arms around her so she couldn't get away. "Mmm...Time for you to kiss me good morning." He clearly didn't care what time it was. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Shouldn't he be a little more concerned about this? Instead, he was forgetting about it as he was drawing her on top of him, something she only resist for a split second before a trilling giggle except her throat. Now, she was even further draped in him, still wearing that shirt of his as he secured her there. Cassandra wanted to instantly forget that the rest of the world existed. Smiling mouth lingered brushed against his own, "Do you think that wise?" Didn't matter what she thought, because she was kissing him anyway. [d]
[ORIN] He smirked at her comment. "When did being wise enter this whole equation?" Her words were quite hypocritical he thought, but he didn't care. He kissed her back, hands filtering into her hair as he held her face. He'd not let go of that kiss for a long moment, until finally he did, eyes opening to look up at her. "I remember everything about last night... The way you came... The way you felt... Mmm. You might quickly become a bad habit..." And he meant that in the nicest possible way. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She kissed him back deeply but slowly, fingers curling into his shoulder while she tried to get a hold onto her emotions. If she wasn't careful, she could very easily lose herself in him all over again...a little more than she still currently was. But his words was making that budding desire begin to seep back, and she had to bite her lip to remain so very still atop of him. Still, her eyes had dropped to his mouth, the pointer of her other hand gently brushing against his lower lip in contemplation. When her eyes lifted back to his own, she looked softly hopeful, "So this...isn't over then?" She tried to keep from smiling just yet. [d]
[ORIN] He kept his eyes on her, watching the expression on her face as she brushed his lip with her finger. That hopeful look in her eyes when she questioned him. He looked up at her, brows furrowing slightly. "This isn't over from last night? Or are you asking me if I've changed my mind in...." He thought of how to label whatever this was, but he couldn't think of anything. He lifted his hand and motioned to the two of them laying together, "whatever this is...?" He smirked slightly. "It might have to be done from last night... But I'm not close to being done with you yet..." He answered her before she could respond to his question. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Lips pursed, realizing she hadn't clarified her question, but he was already answering it regardless. Except the one thing neither of them could really answer- what was this, really? Casual fun, more than that? Was this only until some event in either of their lives just broke them apart? Cassandra held in a sigh, forcing it all to the back of her mind as she playfully squirmed on top of him when he said he was done, at least, from last night; teeth nipped at his bare chest. "Glad to hear it..." her words whispered against his skin before a giggle sounded from within her throat. "I suppose this means we should get up." Being as comfortable as she was, it was going to be a very difficult task to draw herself away. But after one more lingering kiss against his lips, Cass grumbled before moving to slip off of him. [d]
[ORIN] Part of him did not expect much. He stopped hoping for anything, because it never worked out for him. He assumed that Cassandra would eventually tire of him. Or she would be forced to leave and marry another once her husband died--just as the king had told her. Unless Cassandra learned to stand up for herself and refuse. It's not that easy she had told him once. Her voice broke him from his thoughts and he responded in a mumble. "Mm... I suppose." He held her face as she kissed him again, kissing her back deeply until she pulled away to slip off of him. He groaned in protest but rolled over and sat himself up on the edge of the bed. He pointed at her, "I'm gonna need that back.. Though I won't be able to close it now, thanks to you..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] It wasn't that easy. The rules of royal and noble society dictated far more than even she realized. She may not have a choice. Alexandria or Aric may not have the authority- she really didn't know, and it worried her more than she let on. Despite the queen's comforting words, she was afraid of being put onto another ship and sent away. And now, it wasn't just because she was afraid of another loveless marriage. She was afraid it would take her from him. That beautiful, fleeting hope that suddenly kept her so grounded now that she wondered how long it would last for. Sliding off the bed, she paused to look at him from over her shoulder, masking the grin that spread across her lips? "This?" she asked innocently before letting the shirt fall from her shoulders. She caught it in a hand before tossing it lightly at his face. Amused with herself, she went to get dressed. "I think it still has two buttons..." Cass didn't even try to pretend that she was sorry. [d]
[ORIN] His eyes followed her as she removed his shirt and threw it at him. He caught it with one hand and laughed quietly at her words. Shaking his head, he slowly stood and stretched his body out, yawning. He put the shirt back on before he searched for his breeches and pulled them on buttoning them. He tucked his shirt into them and tried to find the two buttons that he could still use, buttoning them up before laughing at how his chest was still fully exposed. He sat back on the bed to put his boots back on before he'd look to her, to watch her dress. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Perhaps she should have been moving a little faster, still unsure of how late they had slept in, but she took her time to step into that discarded dress and eventually lace up the front of it. Every now and then, she let her emerald greens drift on over to him while he dressed himself, silently smirking to herself before doing a quick brush of her hair with her fingers. She was nearly done braiding her hair over her shoulder when she saw him sitting there. Why was it going to be so incredibly difficult to walk out of that room? Slowly making her way over, she stood there in front of him with a contemplative look on her face. Then, she leaned forward, as though she were going to kiss him, but she was really reaching for that book that had been tossed aside at some point during sleep. Still, when she stood straight again, her arm was draped over his shoulder; her free hand grasping his chin. Cassandra was unusually silent again, unable to figure out which one of those crazed thoughts, if any, that she should voice. So instead, she kissed him once more, wondering how long she would have to wait until she could do it again. [d]
[ORIN] His eyes watched her as she braided her hair and then moved over to stand in front of him. He was about to place his hands on her hips, but she was leaning down and reaching passed him for that book of hers. That was cold and cruel. He narrowed his eyes at her as she stood again though this time she held his chin and seemed to be contemplating something. His hands found her waist and he pulled her closer moving in to kiss her as she moved to kiss him. He'd allow that kiss to linger for a while before he pulled away and stood, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I have to go, before you tempt me again." He pressed his lips to her forehead and moved away from her, quickly exiting the room before she could say anything else to him. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Savoring his lips this last time, for as long as he allowed it, she was amused by his comment as he broke them apart. Oh, she could have very easily lost herself to him all over again, but fortunately, he had a lot more common sense and stronger resolve. A hand rested upon his forearm, loosely traveling along it while he drew away from her to leave first. Even biting down on her bottom lip wasn't enough to keep that wide, beaming smile from her face. Hugging the book against her, she laughed quietly to herself after that door closed. She would wait a few minutes before leaving as well, unsure of what her day would have in store for her, but nothing would be able to break this happy mood of hers. [d]
