Lara's eyes slowly opened, and the first thing she saw was Thornak sitting beside her, his piercing golden eyes fixed on hers. His hand brushed gently through her hair, and for a moment she could only stare, surprised he was there. She wondered if she was dreaming, if the pain and exhaustion had finally caught up with her.
"Thornak?" she whispered softly.
His golden eyes softened at the sound of her voice. "Even half-conscious, you still find a way to make my heart stop."
The relief of seeing him washed over her, and she reached up, throwing her arms around him. A sharp pain shot through her ribs, and she flinched, her breath catching in her throat.
Thornak stilled instantly. His hands came up, steadying her as if she might break in his arms.
"I'm fine," Lara whispered. "I'm just… happy to see you."
Thornak pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.
"I failed you."
"I am stronger than you know."
He smiled slightly. "You wouldn't be my queen if you weren't."
She smiled at his words, leaning into him, letting his scent envelop her. Thornak pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Thornak… I didn't do it," she said quietly.
"I know," he murmured.
She turned to him, searching his eyes. "You believe me?"
"Of course I do."
Tears filled her eyes as she hugged him tightly.
"I will burn this kingdom to the ground before I let anyone hurt you again," he whispered, pressing his lips into her hair.
He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of her, and felt a sense of peace wash over him.
Lara eventually fell asleep in his arms, the fear that he wouldn't believe her dissipated.
Lara's eyes slowly opened and she realized she was alone. A shiver ran through her.
Had she imagined Thornak being there?
For the first time since her arrival, she took in her surroundings. Her medicines had kept her asleep for long hours.
The wooden walls of the room held a single window, letting in a stream of sunlight that filled the simple chamber. Another bed sat in the corner, its quilt slightly rumpled as if recently used. A small table held a basin of water and a folded cloth, while a second table was crowded with jars of medicine. A few simple stools were tucked in corners, and a thin rug covered part of the wooden floor, softening the room's plainness.
She sat up slowly, testing her body. Her pain was far less than before. Encouraged, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood, moving carefully toward the window.
Outside lay a quiet settlement, tucked deep in the woods. The villagers went about their daily routines. Children ran and laughed along narrow dirt paths, while small animals darted about. Lycan soldiers were stationed throughout the village, keeping watch in silence.
And then she saw him... Thornak. He stood just beyond the window, speaking quietly with Kael. Her heart skipped a beat. Every movement, every gesture of his filled her with warmth.
As if by instinct, Thornak lifted his eyes and found her gaze through the window. For a moment, the world seemed to hold it's breath. Then he murmured something to Kael, who gave a curt nod, before turning away and walking towards her.
....
The throne room doors groaned open and a guard hurried inside.
"Well?" Maravelle's voice sounded urgent.
The guard dropped to one knee, his head bowed low. "His Majesty the King is with her my Queen. We are not permitted anywhere near their location."
For a second, there was silence. Then Maravelle slowly got up.
"Useless! All of you!" she thundered, "If the King has forgotten where his loyalties lie, I will remind him myself."
Aedric, who had been standing silently, finally spoke. "My Queen… if His Majesty is with her, perhaps let's wait for them to return together."
Her glare froze him where he stood.
"Do not speak of him as though he were above me," she snapped. "Without this crown, he is nothing. And I will not let some… village stray steal what I have built."
"Ready my carriage," Maravelle ordered. "If the King refuses to see sense, then I will drag it back into him with my own hands. I will not be made a fool of."
....
Lara walked slowly beside Thornak through the quiet village lanes. Her body was still healing, and she was glad to be on her feet. She wore a soft, flowing dress that Thornak had sent from the market in town. The pale fabric fell gently around her, simple yet elegant.
"Careful," Thorn murmured, extending his hand toward her. "The ground's uneven here, you'll trip if you're not watching."
She hesitated, then slipped her hand into his. His palm was warm, his grip steady. It wasn't the first time he had held her hand, but the simple touch still sent a flutter through her chest.
Thornak's gaze dropped, catching the faint blush painting her cheeks. A low chuckle rumbled from his chest.
"Are you shy?" he teased, his voice rough with amusement.
"No," she replied quickly, though the heat in her face betrayed her words.
He kissed her suddenly, before she even had time to think. She pulled back quickly, her hand pushing at his chest. "Thornak!" she whispered sharply, her eyes flicking to the Lycans standing nearby.
But the guards didn't move. Their eyes were straight ahead. If they had seen them, they acted as if they hadn't.
"You shouldn't do that here." She protested.
Their bodies were so close they could feel each other's warmth. His arm wrapped around her waist while his other hand brushed lightly against her cheek.
His lips found hers once more, slower this time, then deepened as his tongue slipped past her parted lips, coaxing hers into a heated dance. The taste of her consumed him, yet she clung to the steadiness of his hold. The world outside dissolved, leaving only the fire of his kiss, the strength of his embrace, and the forbidden sweetness sparking between them.