Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

The tiniest touch of Illaynas body against his, where back rested against chest, had Marcus reeling just a bit. His mind was swimming with thoughts while his heart fluttered like a bird struggling in flight, the rapid thump, thump, thump sounding so loud in the stillness of the night. He knew he shouldnt be here, not in this garden with her, but he didnt care, not any more. It was time to do what he felt was right, to work towards a greater good while also spending time with her it started now, in the beauty of the gardens and the peace of night. Glancing down at the flowers, he saw the corner of her lips turn up and she reached out to take them from his hand, her nose dropping down to take a sniff. It was such a natural thing to do when presented with such that he couldnt help but smile in return, feeling a sense of happiness that she had liked his gift. Oh, Im sure he would, if he ever found out Marcus whispered in the air, his breath teasing her ear just a touch but since I fully intend to start a rumor as soon as I get back to the ballroom, one that says someone saw Lord Henderson pick them for his mistress, I think Ill be safe. Glancing down as he spoke, his gaze traced the delicate curve of her ear and he had the sudden urge to kiss it. Thankfully she chose that moment to turn and face him, her hand sliding into his, skin brushing along skin. It gave him another sensation to focus on, the one that was shooting pleasurable jolts up his arm and into his heart, causing places of his body to tingle that hadnt felt that way in a long time. He nodded in response to the words, his fingers lacing with hers, and began to walk beside her, their soft footfalls a faint sound in the air. Of course, milady he said softly, glancing shyly at her. Im all yours tonight. The words could have been taken more ways than one of course and when he realized it he felt a slight blush rise in his cheeks. Lady Illayna was an acolyte of the Goddess and as such off limits to him but walking beside her in the darkness he couldnt hide from his thoughts. Her hand was so warm and soft against his, fitting snug and tight as if it belonged, and without thinking about it, he slowly began to caress it with his thumb, running the pad of it lightly over her skin. Illayna began to talk as they walked, her words flowing easily, filling the silence between them. He turned so he could watch her, his gaze tracing her lips, wondering what they would feel like against his. Though his body craved her, his mind listened intently, absorbing her words and playing them through his head. He used the time to study the garden, his gaze admiring the plants and the flowers, his nose absorbing the scents. Finally, he stopped them in a deep, dark corner and turned to face her. Reaching out, he took her other hand in his, lacing their fingers together, and studied her. The words that he wanted to say didnt come to him easily, as Marcus was a man of action not speech, but finally he found them. Lady Illayna he said, his words come soft but true, I would tempt many fates and take many risks to spend time with you. In a time of war, when our kingdoms battle day and night, you took a moment to get to know me when you didnt have to do it. You took the risk first, not me, and for that I will be ever grateful. He looked off into the night for a moment, debating how much to tell her beyond that, but then made his mind and flashed a smile. My King is an arrogant man, milady, and will stop at nothing to destroy your kingdom. I intend to do everything in my power to see that he fails. Im tired of bloodshed and death, tired of fighting its time to end this war and bring peace to our kingdoms and Im hoping that we can help each other do that somehow. If that brands me a traitor, then so be it. When she spoke again, he felt the grin fall into place and knew what he was going to do right before he did it. Tightening his grip on her hands, he slowly pulled her towards him, wanting to close the gap between them. Looking down at her, his gaze locked on her lips, he spoke. What it would be a good idea for me to do he said softly as his head bent down, closing the distance between them is to thank you with a kiss. His original intent, when he started to move, was to claim her lips but at the last minute, his gaze fell on her pendent and he redirected the kiss, placing it gently against her forehead. Stepping back after that, Marcus released her hands but stayed near her. You are worth the risk, Lady Illayna he said softly, his gaze on her pendant, a silent curse rolling through his mind but perhaps weve pressed our luck enough tonight. I would like to see you again.to talk some more perhaps together we can make a difference in this war. With that, Marcus turned and slipped into the night, moving with the grace of a warrior at heart. Instead of leaving the gardens completely though, he took another path, circling back around so that he could watch over her as she left. No doubt, his Lord wasnt the only one that saw the advantages of kidnapping a Princess and he would have no harm come to her.