The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

13. For Him

~ KATALEYA ~

My eyes sting with tears and I’m unable to stop myself from wrapping my arms around him and pull him against my chest as I do my best to calm him. I bend forward as he struggles, but in his weakened state, he is no match for me.

His hand digs into my back painfully, and he uses his wrist to try to push me away. It digs painfully into the side of my stomach, but I refuse to let go.

“Hush… it’s going to be alright.” I whisper as I begin rocking him, letting my aura gently waft around me. He continues to struggle, but after a few minutes I can feel his adamance waning. “I’m sorry…”

His body begins to relax, and I slowly rest his head back on the pillow before touching the first incision. My fingertips glow pink as I draw the darkness from him and, with my other hand, release it into the air.

Just like water kept under the moonlight, I am dispelling the darkness from his body, one section at a time. With each touch, his heartbeat calms, his body stilling, and soon his breathing is steady.

But it’s draining, the darkness has been manifested and each tug, each tendril of it weakens me.

Finally, after what feels like hours, although it was probably less than ten minutes, I sit back, feeling exhausted.

However, the relief is stifled by dread.

The darkness had spread far too quick inside of him… how many dark emotions is he harbouring? Once again, the drawing Jose had shown me returns to the forefront of my mind.

Was Enrique really falling into darkness? Have I arrived in time? Can I help him? Or did I take too long?

I caress his damp locks soothingly, looking at the black blood that stains the bed sheets.

“You’re hurting… I wish I could take it all away…” I whisper, my silent tears spilling from my eyes as I tenderly lift his right arm, looking at the end, there’s still a scar, it hadn’t healed right the first time so when it healed it still left a mark…

A soft sob escapes me, and I look down.

This is all my fault…

“I’m so sorry.” I sniffle, lowering my head and kissing the top of his wrist, right on the scar. “I’m so, so, so sorry.”

You are still perfect, still strong, still incredible.

This is a mark of your true nature, your kindness, and you didn’t deserve this.

I look at his face, observing his angled jaw, his stubble, his sharp strong nose, those lips… the faint scars that are barely noticeable unless you’re up close.

I’m unable to move, gazing down at the calm face of the god who sleeps on the bed.

He is beautiful…

For a moment, his face seems to morph until I’m looking at the boy who became my knight in the darkest hour.

I don’t care how harsh he is to me… I don’t care who he plans to marry… I don’t care how he hurts me…

I will cling to him like his shadow, until I see those dreamy eyes come to life with happiness, see the light ignite his smile, see the contentment in his sleep, and dispel the darkness from his soul. Only then, will I return to England.

Until then… I will stay here, one way or another, and vanquish the pain and suffering from his life.

That is my oath.

I feel my wolf shift, feel her approval, and I turn to the window, gazing at the moon. Before the next Blood Moon, I vow I will bring light to your life, Kiké. I will.

Because, although you will never know, you are my life.

My one goal…

My all.

Turning back to the bed, I smile through my blurred eyes.

He suddenly turns, pulling his arm from my hold and I tense, thinking he’ll awake, but instead his arms snake around my waist and I’m pulled down on the bed beside him as he buries his face in my stomach.

My heart pounds as I stay there, half sitting, half laying on my side as I look down at the back of his head of curls, my boobs obscuring my view of him.

I blush, but despite that… I don’t mind it.

Not one bit…

I do like it.

My stomach is a swarm of butterflies and even though my heart is palpating like a fish out of water, I gently pull the sheet over him, resting my head against the headboard and allowing him to hold me.

He moves slightly and I freeze when his leg suddenly forces itself between my knees.

My cheeks burn and I feel as if my entire body is on fire, and suddenly Dad’s face comes into my mind and I almost shiver in fear.

Dad won’t be pleased with me. He would be so angry. I shudder internally at the thought of Dad’s red eyes on me.

Sorry, Dad… but he needs me…

Besides, Dad’s not here, he will never know, he’s all the way in England.

I’m trying to make myself feel better, but the fear of Dad’s wrath is only growing, as something about Enrique’s hold feels anything but innocent.

I’m far too aware of the way his fingers are digging into my skin, the way he brushes his nose against my stomach as he nuzzles closer, and… and- no! Don’t think of that!

Yes, this is just ok… right? Dad is far, far away.

He won’t know…

But does that make me a bad daughter?

If he did know, would he be sad?

Feeling conflicted, I remain still, telling myself I am not being bad… right?

This is just me being here for him. He’s sleeping, and I am holding him, well he’s holding me, nothing more.

Yes, this is alright…

I think?

But even then I can’t help but blush as I gently run my fingers through his lush chocolate locks, wishing he wasn’t hidden by my boobies. But it’s ok, at least he’s holding me. Even if it is for the first and last time…

~~~

A/N: Hello everyone, I don’t really share my personal life, but seeing the comments, I wanted to give my readers a little insight into what I’m dealing with right now. Those who have been following me from the beginning will know that I used to be very consistent with my updates and rarely ever missed a day of updating.

However, in the latter half of 2023, a lot changed in my life. I am currently dealing with the breakdown of my marriage and adapting to being the sole caregiver to my children, as well as trying to juggle life, emotions, and my writing. Please be kind with your words, you never know what the person on the other side of the screen is going through.

I don’t know when my updates will become consistent again because some days are harder than others. Some days I have time to write, others I fall asleep at my laptop. For those who are losing interest or hate the wait, you could perhaps just read the book when it’s complete because I’m afraid at the end of the day, I am only human. Love ~ Muse