Princess of Faerl

*Aranelda*

It was just after midnight when I woke Stacie up. I could feel her distress through the bond. At least, I thought it was Stacie’s. I rushed to her room, finding her thrashing in her sleep on a tear soaked pillowcase. “Stacie, wake up!” Her sobs flooded my ears. She rolled over onto me, clinging for dear life. “Love, what is wrong? Tell me what is going on? Why are you so upset?”

I could barely understand her words, something about Eliza, her not wanting to let go of the bond, that she was in danger. It was that moment that my stomach dropped. Kali was talking about Eliza. I couldn’t worry my mate with that though. I tried to soothe her as best I could while trying to calm myself. It would all be okay. The goddess wouldn’t let Eliza die, would she?

“It’ll all be okay.” I promised her. I was promising myself just as much that it would all come to a happy conclusion. ‘Deep breaths in, slow exhale’ I kept thinking to myself, hoping it would calm both of us if I was able to calm down.

After a few minutes, it seemed to be working, Stacie’s sobs were dying down and she was breathing in deeply. Her lovely scent filled my nose, completely enchanting me. Suddenly, her body stiffened.

“Mate…” She whispered to me. Everything faded away at this point. Her lips crashed against mine as I mumbled ‘Mate’ into hers. Her kiss was ecstasy. It felt like we had never kissed before. My body tingled in ways I never imagined it could.

“Stacie, are you sure you want to get me excited now?” I asked her, biting her bottom lip softly while my hands trailed over her back, playing with her long blond curls. “We may not make it to your party if we start now.” I wanted her, good god I wanted her. But I also knew today was her special day to be presented to the kingdom. Not as my mate, but as the Duchess of Faerl and as an adult of the Royal Family.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, “Just don’t leave tonight, please.” I was about to come undone just by her voice. “I don’t know that I can be alone right now.” So I nodded, holding her close, laying down on the bed with her. She laid her head on my chest. “I love you, Rane. Please don’t ever leave me. I can’t keep going if you leave me too.” Her heartbreak was evident and I wanted so badly to heal it, but I knew I couldn’t. Only Eliza could do that.

“Always and forever, I’m here with you and I’m yours.” I kissed the top of her head, holding her close. Everything in me wanted to slide between her legs and make her forget the world, but I had to be a gentleman. God damn parties.

We fell asleep tangled up in one another. It was the most peaceful sleep I had ever experienced. Her tiny snores made me smile. I fell into a dream, a pond with a waterfall behind it. Flowers bobbing in the wind. Eliza was there sitting at the edge of the pond. Her fingers danced over the still water creating ripples. “Hi, Aran.” She whispered.

“Eliza, is this real?” I was in a daze.

“Yes, it’s real. It is a dream, but it is real.” Her smile was incredibly sad. “I brought you here with Raza’s help.”

“What’s wrong? Why are you so sad? Can I do anything to fix it?” I was going crazy seeing her so sad. She wasn’t supposed to be in pain. I’m her mate, I’m supposed to make everything better.

“Life moves the way it should, even if it isn’t fair. You understand this better than most, growing up a slave to a mean god. It will be a time before we all can be happy. I have a price to pay for my freedom first. I just wanted to ease your mind.” She walked to me, cupping my cheek. “Propose to her. Do it for both of us. If you have a ring for me, put it on a necklace. Have her wear it until my soul can make its way back to you two. I do love you both. I do want you both. I do not get to make my own decisions right now. Be wary of my father. He is not a good person. He does not have Faerl’s best interests at heart.” She leaned over and kissed my lips softly. “Love her. That will make me happy. Do not feel guilt over not being able to show me the same love. Let her represent us both.” I smiled sadly at her. She really was selfless at her core. I wanted to stay with her.

“Please do not do anything permanent.” I begged her, feeling her overwhelming anguish. “Just be with us. We love you.” I didn’t understand.

“I can’t, not right now. But I will be. Just wait for me. Please do not take another. I will be back. Even if it seems like you will never see me again, I will be back. I promise.” I kissed her passionately, holding onto her tightly.

“I love you too.” I whispered into her hair, holding her close.

“Thank you for loving me. Now you both know I love you. We will see each other again.” She disappeared from my arms, and I woke up looking down to see Stacie’s beautiful hair and long eyelashes.

Her eyes fluttered. Waking up to seeing her gentle eyes looking back at me was heaven. She has her dad’s eyes, emerald green. So amazing. “Good morning my beautiful mate.” I kissed her forehead, happy for the day to begin. Getting Eliza’s blessing took tension away I didn’t know I was feeling. “Happy birthday.”

Her serene smile made my heart leap out of my chest. I had no idea how she could still possess such innocence. She yawned and stretched while sitting up. “Thank you my love. How did you sleep?” Her once was subtle and sweet, like honey.

“I slept very well, enough energy to take on the day.” I grinned mischievously at her, poising myself to tickle her.

“Oh no you don’t! I haven’t gone to the bathroom yet. I am not wetting the bed!” She slipped past me, giggling melodically. I was going to honor Eliza. I was going to give Stacie all the love I could. I just hoped Eliza could feel it through the bond. I hoped she wouldn’t do anything that would take her away from us.

Stacie came back and kissed me softly, “Now, my prince, I apologize, but I must insist on kicking you out of my room. I have a long day to get ready for, and you’re not allowed to be in here while I’m naked until after the festivities tonight.”

Her hint about giving herself to me tonight made blood rush to my lower extremities. I took a deep breath and adjusted myself. “Talk like that and you won’t make it to getting ready.” I grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

“No no, you go. Take a shower, do what you gotta do, but not with me till after the parties.” She pulled the blanket off me and shooed me out of the room. “I love you, byeeeeee!”

“Heartless woman!” I yelled back at her. I have a spitfire of a mate, that’s for sure.