Chapter 30

Killian was always full of surprises.

Surprises that  sent Ely's heart beating irregularly.

In the silence, he gazed ahead.  Chin raised confidently, Killian hooked his muscular arm for Ely to take, which she did without hesitation.  A blush further heated her cheeks as the warmth of his arm seeped into hers.  Then Killian pressed his body closer to hers.  She realized it was one of his ways of flirting.  Ely had to  bite her lower lip to hide her smile. Such simple things can be done by a King who acted above it all.  Ely returned the flirtatious gesture by lightly stroking Killian's forearm with her fingertips.  They walked in comfortable silence, until the castle was in sight.

Bringing them both to a stop, Killian gave her a glance at last, "What would you like for our meal?"

Ely had been distracted by all the familiar sites, though overgrown, as they crossed through the garden. Mentally, she was making a list of things she would ask to do for the restorations.

At first glance, an inexperienced eye would think it unattractive and ugly.  A more keen observation would reveal there were  buds that boasted a chance for life. The castle was magnificent in its unique architecture, design and machinations but the garden would highlight it's true beauty and grandeur.

Then a thought hit her.

It was a simile to Killian.

She didn't realize he voiced his question until a warm hand cupped her cheek again while Killian repeated his inquiry. Ely quickly snapped back into reality with a clever idea coming to mind.

"Why don't we explore for ourselves what is available," she grinned mischievously.

Killian's eyes widened, brows rising high at her unexpected response. "Y-you mean prepare it ourselves?"

Dropping her arm from his, Ely's lip curved into a playful smirk. "Have you never prepared your own meal, My Lord? It is simple.  You will do just fine."

"Then let us see what is cooking today," he chuckled, leading the way into the dining hall.

Once through the tall, limestone arched doorways, Ely's steps froze. Peering around, a wide smile broke across her face.  The airy, bright atmosphere in the Great Hall encouraged by the flood of natural light through seamless windows eliminated the feeling of being enclosed. The garden could be seen through the illusion of a single pane of glass also making the room seem even more massive than it was. Ely visibly brightened seeing the iconic room.  It felt like home.

Killian set his articles on the long table then laid his hand on the small of her back.  Tingles ran up her spine at the contact while he guided Ely through the vast hall and toward the kitchen.

Once at the entrance to the downstairs wing, a quick snap was all it took to command the servants attention to the King looming in the doorway. Even though Killian wasn't wearing his full regalia, he still had the air of a king now that he had resumed his characteristic glower.

Peering around his intimidating frame, Ely laid a hand on Killian's bicep to draw his attention to her.  Killian's eyes flicked to hers.  They wrinkled at the corners with the twitch of his familiar smirk.  It matched the one curving her own lips in silent, mutual flirtation.

The kitchen staff all dropped into bows and curtsies, mumbling "Your Majesty's" in the process.  Ely glanced around searching if anyone was familiar.  Out of the half dozen staff, Ely recognized only one. 

"Agnes?" Ely murmured.

She squeezed  her way between Killian and the doorjamb. 

An older woman with a plump, round figure, hair as white as snow tied atop her head in a bun eased her utensil onto the wooden table.  However aged she may appear after only three years, the warmth of her smile hadn't changed at all. 

"Sweet Lord, is it really you?" Agnes exclaimed  as she maneuvered her way around the preparation table.  "Princess Ely? Oh, forgive me.  'Tis Queen now, darling."

"Yes, it is me," Ely smiled, descending the stairs to accept the older woman's embrace. "I am so happy you are still here."

"Are ye safe, lamb?" Agnes whispered into Ely's ear.

Nodding, Ely responded, "Yes and so is Vanessa." Then louder as she pulled back, "The King and I wish to prepare our own meal."

"Yourselves, miss?" Agnes quirked a brow.

Smirking as she nodded, Ely felt Killian's presence directly behind her.  She hadn't even heard him descend the stairs. With his presence a silent contribution, the whole of the kitchen staff was left in shock.

"You may have the afternoon free of duties," Killian declared, his commanding voice and presence filling the space.  "Return when it is time to prepare the evening meal."

After a moment's pause, Ely nodded to Agnes.  Without daring to argue, Agnes curtsied then waved to the other staff to take their leave, heads bowed scurrying out the door.  Ely felt the air in the room exit with them.  Killian's dominating presence swallowing the room whole.

Stepping directly behind her, Killian brushed his hand down the back of Ely's arm eliciting a sharp inhale of breath from her lungs.  The warmth from his chest seeped into her back.

While pulling out a stool, he whispered passed her ear, "What shall we prepare first?"

Taking the seat, Ely noted how unusual it seemed for the King himself to cook a meal.  While a slight blush colored her cheeks, tingles tickled down her spine continuing until her belly and lower clenched from his delicate touch.  Ely couldn't help but feel more confident that perhaps Killian was sincerely try and win her.

Ely trailed her eyes over at him. 

Chin raised, he leisurely paced around the block table. "Well, what is in the pantry, My Lord?"

"Right," Killian nodded, turning completely around seemingly lost, mumbling, "Pantry, pantry, pantry."

While a basic, functional kitchen, fireplace with the cooking pot, shelves lined with spices, a rack above them drying meats, the pantry, larder and poultry closet caused Killian confusion with the choice of three doors.

Biting her lower lip to stifle the giggle bubbling from her chest, Ely slid off the stool padding up beside the uncharacteristically nervous, out of place King. Her gentle touch on his wrist startled Killian.  She drew his attention from observing the space directly down to her sparkling emerald eyes.

"Have you ever been down here, My Lord?" she asked with a flirtatious bite of her lower lip. His jaw clenched. The muscles twitched from the tension.   She even caught the slight blush of his cheeks.

"I will take that as a no," Ely giggled.  "You sit.  Allow me."

Killian stepped aside when Ely gently placed her hands on his waist and nudged him toward the stool.  Easily succeeding in her choice of door, she disappeared into the pantry. The childhood games of hide and seek throughout the castle, befriending the servants and staff certainly paid off.  Ely emerged with a heavy laden tray of assorted fruits.  Apples, pears, berries at the peak of ripeness judging from their vibrant, sweet aroma were placed on the center of the table.

"There is bread on the shelf behind you," Ely pointed with her chin.

As requested, Killian retrieved the loaf of bread atop the shelving along with two plates setting the trio beside the tray of fruit.  Ely emerged from another door arms laden with a wheel of cheese, a pitcher and jug.   Killian rounded the table taking the jug and pitcher from Ely's hands placing them on the table as well.

"Oh, thank you," Ely sighed, gifting a sweet smile. It was when she flicked her eyes up, landing on his broad chest, she realized how close they were standing.

A ghost of a smirk twitched at the corner of Killian's mouth, quickly disappearing when his lips parted, humming in a thick voice, "You are welcome."

Those charcoal depths sparkled with something Ely could not identify. If not careful, it would consume her. Blinking and turning her face away, Killian's lips barely missed their mark.  Ely stepped away, clearing her throat and collecting her swirling thoughts.

"C-cups are," she muttered, "over here."  She retrieved two cups from the shelves while Killian chose a knife.

They had quite a choice spread between the fruits, bread, cheese and goat's milk to drink. Killian poured the milk into the two glasses nodding for Ely to be the first to select her food.  After she picked the first choicest pieces for her plate, Ely served a portion of each to Killian well sending his brows rising in surprise the corner of his lip upward.

Ely's mouth watered taking in all the fresh and brightly colored fruit. She smiled as Killian let her partake first then she politely waited for him to partake. Her eyes took in every color and shape of the fruit she hadn't seen in a very long time.

Selecting a plump strawberry, she bit down on the tip humming softly as the bright sweetness burst across her tongue. Ely couldn't help but notice in the corner of her eye that Killian was intently watching her.

Killian met her eyes, tilting his cup of goat's milk up towards her, "To a long life, ambitions and everlasting health."

Flickering her eyes toward his in surprise, Ely fingered the rim of cup with a small smirk on her face, also raising her glass, "To long life, ambitions and everlasting health."

Smoldering eyes locked as they both drank deeply from their cups. It was a meaningful toast, Ely knew.  The fluttering in her chest was from a different source.  This side of him, she could very much get used to.  Perhaps steadily he was wearing her down afterall.

Heartily, they ate from the fruit, bread, and cheese. It was a simple meal yet more flavorful than any other. Ely savored every bite of the sweet, fresh fruit and finished the milk quickly, but gracefully. They had been eating in silence but Ely could sense his unvoiced thoughts and the glances he kept casting her direction.

Killian's partially exposed chest heaved with a great vitality as he ate, charcoal depths casting back at Elyena often. She tried to not glance over at Killian though she felt his intense gaze on her. He was still only in his tunic!

Never having been in a man's presence when he was in such a state of undress, Ely wasn't exactly sure how to act except to maintain appropriateness and not stare.  One look at the tight, chiseled muscles of Killian's chest shamelessly exposed in the opening of his shirt, sent traitorous thoughts and desires running through her head.  Like the desire to run her hands over the planes of his bare chest. 

No!  She did not need to encourage a rash, dangerous decision.

"Are you enjoying our meal, my sweet?" Killian asked, his voice alight with amusement.

His voice caught her off guard, interrupting her internal self discipline.

"Hmm? Oh, yes," Ely gave a slight smile of appreciation while her eyes beginning to travel down his collar, "It is delicious."

Catching herself, Ely quickly darted her eyes back down to her plate, scolding herself for being so obvious.

Ely squeezed her eyes shut.  The logical, proper side of her mind was willing her not to look.  However, another part, a deeper part that she hadn't yet explored was beckoning her to give in.  Every movement, every glance. Ely didn't have to look, though she saw it all in the corner of her eye.  It emanated an invisible pulse from him.  Her breathing slowed and deepened as time seemed to lag excruciatingly slow.

Killian gave her a pleased, almost devious smile. He raised an apple to his parting lips. Deliberately as those onyx eyes glittered, pearly white teeth sunk into the apple's flesh with an audible, crisp snap. He chewed it measuredly.  His adam's apple bobbing with the swallow.

With the crunch of Killian's bite, Ely dropped her fork with a loud clunk onto the plate. Every sound, every move and glance was amplified.  Wide eyed and cheeks aflame, Ely gazed down discreetly at her dress, suddenly feeling exposed. She was covered appropriately, but the neck of her dress suddenly seemed too exposed from the deep round neck. As a nervous gesture, Ely traced the gold embroidery along the neckline with her forefinger.

The heated gazes Killian sent her way made Ely's cheeks flush deeply. That unawakened hidden part of her didn't care. It softly beckoned, willing her to look and give in.  The logical side of her mind was screaming to get it together and resist.

The smoky tone to his voice pierced the air again. "There is no need to look away, Elyena," Killian mused, rolling his shoulders back, flexing his chest.

Once again, Killian's silvery voice shattered Ely's thoughts, catching her off guard. She jumped  at his causality.  The comfort of being in his manner of dress  opened an invitation to not look away.  Ely's eyes boldly darted toward him, brows rising in surprise. All she could do was stare into those charcoal eyes that were dancing with desire and dark, tempting promises of pleasure.

When their eyes locked, Killian gave a knowing smile that held a glint of mischief. His swirling midnight depths did slowly lower, appreciatively taking in her physical form. She watched his eyes lower to observe the scoop of the neck line, hover at her bosom rising, bursting at the fabric as her breathing deepened, following lower to appreciate the way the silk hugged every curve.  Killian took another bite of the apple hinting his unabashed intentions.

Surprisingly, Killian returned his gaze to the soft curves of her womanly face. Ely knew it was not Killian who needed to be convinced to love the her. No, he openly admitted that happened, long ago.  It was the other way around. Ely had to be shown he was worthy of her returned affection. 

After a third bite of his apple, Killian assessed it.  "This is a rather choice specimen. Very sweet and...juicy." He offered it toward her across the table with the sly grin.  "Taste it."

Ely's mind became abruptly muted. That other unexplored part of her conquered all logical thought. Deliberately slowly tracing her bottom then top lip with her tongue after Killian offered the apple, Ely matched the teasing gesture equally with a devious smirk of her own.

Shifting slightly on the stool, Ely leaned forward a bit across the wooden table.  Leisurely she lifted a hand, gently resting it on Killian's wrist that held the extended apple. She kept her emerald eyes fixed on his onyx ones as her lips slowly parted then enveloped the small bite of apple. Ely let her lips just barely brush the skin on his fingertips as she slowly pulled the apple from his fingers.

Killian's chest gave an even greater heave.  His sharp inhale was shuttered, broad chest swelling within his shirt.  The sight of it stole the oxygen from Ely's lungs.  She was well aware and deliberate in the delightful gifted view of her ample bosom as Ely leaned forward. 

Chewing the bite slowly, Ely grinned as she sat back, replying breathily, "Yes, a delicious specimen indeed."

All Ely noticed in that moment as his chest became more visible through the tunic for a moment, was that every part of his form was a replica of the man she saw in her dream though more handsome in this new light. He seemed lighter, more virile, more powerful...

Withdrawing the apple, Killian bit it again, "I am delighted you agree."

Ely held her gaze on Killian's sparkling orbs, no longer completely charcoal but shimmering with brilliant cerulean again.  Smiling brightly at the obvious effect her action had on him, Ely surveyed over the fruits remaining on the tray between them.  She selected another plump strawberry to place into her mouth, biting down leisurely into the flesh then licking the corner of the lips to collect a drop of juice.

When she finished the berry, Ely boldly reached for another. Without looking at Killian's eyes again just yet, she replied, "There are several specimens, My Lord that are yet to be tasted."

As she finished the last few words, annunciating every syllable, Ely bit into the red flesh of the berry with a crispy crunch. She met Killian's eyes and began to hold out the rest of the berry to him.

Temporarily her smile dropped as their eyes met again. Something was different. Something radiated from within Killian. Even if it didn't last, at least in this moment he was...a man.  He seemed younger, less tired and scarred emotionally.  Ely saw for the first time without any doubt that this King sitting before her did have a heart.

She became hyper aware of every curve of his face.  Every hair of stubble that framed his strong jaw and the flecks of cerulean swirling, warring to take over those onyx irises. Ely fingers twitched with and ache to run through his luscious raven hair, trace his strong jawline and not only see that charming smile last forever but be the source of it.  Ely realized she was keeping the berry temptingly out of reach so she extended her arm in a more obvious offering.

Swallowing in order to find her voice, Ely inquired, "More, My Lord?"

Killian reached out, accepting the strawberry from her hand. His fingertips brushed her hand gently, sending a subtle pulse of warm tendrils creeping up her arm.  Killian pierced the berry's tender flesh with his teeth while smiling toward Elyena.

Words cannot describe what Ely felt when Killian's skin touched hers. An electric shock of warmth and passion that licked down her spine to her core. Ely's eyes fluttered closed as the tingles consumed her soul for what seemed like hours over the fingers he had touched.

"Are you still hungry, my sweet?" Killian inquired.

Shock, warmth and sensations Ely had never felt before washed over her mind and body. She was at a complete loss of what to do. All her planning and fervent self protection had lost its resilience, now imploring her to submit.