Chapter 24:Chain.(Bonus)

A small box appeared in her hand. Atheline looked at it curiously then looked at her.

"You brought me a gift?"

"Yes."

She opened the box and showed him what was inside. A chain made with thin gold, simple but elegant. It faintly caught the light when she took it from the box and it swung in the air.

Atheline leaned in closer.

"It’s beautiful," he admitted.

Lily watched him carefully as a smile graced his lips.

"It’s a protection charm," she said calmly.

Atheline’s brows lifted.

"Protection?"

"Yes. My people make them for warriors who travel far from home."

She gently held the swinging pendant, rubbing it softly.

"The chain will grow warmer if danger ever approaches you. It has a few spells that will definitely protect you."

Atheline looked at the small chain impressed. Enchanting objects wasn’t an easy thing and it looked very normal.

"That sounds ...incredibly useful. "

"It is."

Her voice softened a little.

Before he could react, she touched his neck her hand discreetly moving into his robes before she pulled it out.

"May I?"

Atheline hesitated for a second before nodding. She leaned forward pressing her body to him.

He didn’t know how to deal with the softness in his arms.

’

Fuck it’

His hands came gingerly to her waist and held it. She didn’t respond but Atheline could swear he felt her body tremble.

Her skin through the dress was hot and soft against his palm whispering to him to explore.

"You’re doing this on purpose," he said to her when he felt her breast pressing closer to his chest.

She smiled but didn’t answer.

She moved his hair to the side and wrapped the chain around his neck. Her hands brushed against the back of his neck as she fastened the clasp.

She didn’t get off his lap after fastening the chain. She settled her weight on him and glanced at the chain resting on his skin.

Perfect.

She had taken her time weaving the spell onto this chain to keep him locked on her forever.

What Atheline didn’t know was that he would never be able to remove the chains that had just been placed around his neck.

Unless he somehow got stronger than her.

"There," she said while patting his chest lightly.

Atheline touched the small chain and smiled.

"It feels...warm."

Lily smiled faintly.

"It means it recognises you. You are the only one who can wear it."

"Well," he said with a small grin," I guess I’m officially protected now."

"Yes," she said quietly, " yes you are."

’

Always

’

Atheline stared at her a gnawing guilt surfacing within him. She had gotten him a gift and he didn’t know what to give her in return.

It would be rude to leave her hanging.

"I apologize for not giving you a gift in return," Atheline said remorseful.

She wrapped her hands around his neck and rested her forehead on his.

"You already gave me the biggest gift."

Hot breath sprayed on his face as she looked at him. The world went quiet, his mind focused on her closeness. His gaze moved down to her slightly open plump lips that curved into a smirk after she had noticed his wondering gaze.

"I’ll be leaving the kingdom tomorrow. "

These words snapped Atheline out of his daze. She got off his lap and looked down at him.

"I thought you were stationed here until the end of the wedding?"

He had heard that from Solaris.

"I still have a few loose ends to tie up in the kingdom and some much-needed preparations."

She had a mysterious smile that Atheline didn’t understand.

Her gaze moved to his nightstand. She walked over and picked up a small wooden carving.

"Did you make this?"

Atheline nodded.

"Made it when I was little, it’s a little rough."

"I like it, what bird is it?"

She touched the almost broken wing. The head was crooked and it was missing one of its legs.

How she was able to recognise it was a mystery on its own.

"A phoenix," he chuckled," it doesn’t even look like one."

"I’ll be taking this as my gift," she was quiet for a moment before she turned to look at the door," it seems you’re needed."

Atheline nodded.

"You’ve distracted me."

She rolled her eyes as the familiar black shadow started to envelop her.

"I’ll visit you two days before the engagement."

Atheline nodded.

"May the light protect you," he found himself saying.

She didn’t answer but her chuckle was left behind echoing in his ears.

’

Haa... This is bad’

....

Lady Arthena looked at Atheline who was seated opposite her eating his food. Her gaze was scrutinising as she tried to solve whatever mystery that was her son.

Atheline noticing her gaze looked up at her his head tilted to the side a little.

"Is something the matter, mother?" He asked her.

Lady Arthena shook her head.

"You were late today."

The words hang in the air like a blunt knife. Atheline sat up straighter and placed his cutlery on the side of his plate.

"I just lost track of time, that’s all."

"This has never happened before you’re always on time. What’s going on Atheline you’ve been late twice in a week and the fact that you disrupted the cook’s routine but you didn’t cook. You can tell...."

"Stop it," he said calmly but firmly," as I’ve said, it’s nothing. I just felt lazy, that’s all. It happens every once in a while."

His mother didn’t say anything and they fell into an uncomfortable silence.

"You’ll be visiting the king tomorrow right?"

His mother asked him. Atheline nodded.

"I’m not even sure why I’m being called," he said thoughtfully.

"Thats what I’ve been thinking about, he rarely calls you unless it has anything to do with the prince."

"I’ve been with his highness the whole day yesterday, I don’t think he’s the reason for this summons."

"I just hope it’s not something disastrous."

Atheline looked up at the moon.

’

It still isn’t full’