Chapter 39

Ely walked alone, but quickly, down the hallway toward Killian's chambers. The halls were unusually quiet, silenced of the occasional clinking of a guards footsteps. It was eerily silent.  The sooner Ely made it inside the bedchamber, the better.

Brenna entered Killian's chambers before Ely did and curtsied.

"Afternoon Milady. I was going to bring in the tea."

"Yes, that would be wonderful. The King is busy and may not be back for a while, though. I also wish for some whiskey and a bath." Ely stepped into the room, turning to whisper to Brenna.  "As odd as this will seem, you have to trust me. Bring it around by way of the terrace.  You remember how we got to the garden?" Brenna nodded.  "A few more paces and it will lead to a door behind that tapestry.  I will be locking the main entry door behind you."

"I understand," Brenna nodded.  She curtsied again then hurried to fulfill the request.

Ely closed the doors hard then locked them. . She sighed, leaning her forehead against the cool wood of the door. She was irritated with Killian for how he spoke demeaningly to Vanessa.  There had been something different, darker about Killian that day.  His tone was cold, demeanor stiff when he snapped at Vanessa.  He even stiffened at Ely's touch.  He was right back to the Killian she met after being brought back.  True, Killian and Vanessa didn't get along but it was not right for any King to speak to his subjects the way he did to Vanessa.  She may have provoked him at times but that was her anger, hurt and trauma that deserved patience to allow for healing.

She remembered the terrace door and quickly crossed the room, almost running to turn the lock. Ely laid on a chaise staring at the private garden planning her words to Killian carefully.  Most definitely he would need to apologize to Vanessa.

Normally Ely would be tempted to sneak out onto the terrace and wait for Killian there, but not after what just happened. Sooner than she expected, Brenna emerged from the passageway balancing a tea tray.  A teapot, cups, pastries and a decanter of whiskey made for quite a spread.  From pockets in her aprons, Brenna revealed a bottle of wine for later and two glasses. She grinned, curtsying once Ely opened the door.

"Brenna," Ely called after her. "Could you please ask Vanessa if she would like company for dinner later? I am not hungry but do not want her to eat alone."

"Of course, my Lady."

Ely's smile faltered.  Walking back over to the small table, Ely opened the whiskey bottle and poured it into the glass. Taking big sips, she drained the glass then stared out the terrace window again.  Next was a bath.

It seemed like hours passed soaking in the warm, fragrant bath water. Ely slipped on a chemise and corset, ready to finish dressing later for dinner, then walked over to the bed.

Setting the glass down on the nightstand, Ely pulled back the covers and slipped into the bed.   She ran her hands over the sheets, flattening out the wrinkles.  She laid her head down on the soft pillow.  It was  comfortable how the silky sheets cradled her body perfectly. The down comforter was the perfect weight and warmth.  When Ely laid her head down, her eyes grew heavy until they closed.

****

Killian marched Luke to the throne room. After a bit of arranging, he procured a small brown sack. Within it was a small pile of gold pieces. He handed Luke the sack, staring at him.

"I will see to it that you are assigned to my personal guard. At times, you will need to protect and accompany the Queen.  You have earned a measure of my trust and I would like to see you become even stronger. During this interim, consider yourself one of Kildare's elite."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Luke gave a deep bow.  "I am honored."

When the soldiers took the spots of the guards at Killian's door, their footsteps were in rhythmic unison. They both took their places and began their duties.  Once the king dismissed Luke, Killian made his way to his chambers.  Both soldiers gave him a salute along with a confident "Your Majesty," as Killian used his key to unlock the door.

Charcoal gems fell on Elyena's sleeping form silently approaching the massive bed that cradled her.  Ely didn't even stir. Her arm was bent under the pillow and her head. She lay on her side, other arm draped over her hip. Loose tendrils spread over the pillow as if combed that way.  Her chest rose and fell in slow, deep breaths.  The sun beginning to set cast a gorgeous orange light right over her sleeping body. Peaceful, relaxed.  Safe. The scene was like a painting.

This moment caused Killian to smile, and his heart to swell. All of the day's events melted away at the sight of Elyena. Leaning down, Killian bent his face towards her sleeping form and kissed her lips, hoping to wake her.

Ely stirred feeling a weight on the bed. Her brow creased a bit in confusion and a small groan formed in her throat.  She turned fully onto her side and bent her knees up to her chest, covering her face with her other arm completely unaware that it was Killian.

Killian gave a frown.  His fingers stroked through her auburn hair.

"You are safe, Elyena. It is me, love."

Ely's face relaxed a bit as Killian's deep baritone spoke near her ear.  She stayed curled up on her side. Perhaps she was dreaming. Nevertheless his voice or what she thought was his voice took the frown away. Her breathing remained steady, deep and slow as she fell back into a sleep and relaxed.
 
Watching the smile occur on her face created one of his own, taking note of everything she did. Part of him considered it a great victory, but the other part refused to take any sort of stock in it, or wrote it off as attributing to something else. This time Killian was far bolder as he sat on the bed then caressed her cheek and took one of her hands.

"Elyena."

Ely groaned again, sort of a "hmm" groan in a confused response. Her brow creased again as if her mind was trying to figure out if this was real or a dream. She rolled onto her back, resting a hand by her neck, turning her face away from Killian.  The corset pressed her breasts up.  Now that she was on her back, Killian saw she  wore the binding piece.

For a moment, Killian's eyes fell onto Elyena's corset and he let out a small gasp. It wasn't anything he hadn't seen before, in fact, he had seen and had more of her. Now that she was on her back, he leaned down, a hand on either side of her waist pressing into the bed, to kiss her lips, speaking just a little louder.

"Elyena."

Ely's groan was a little louder this time. "Hmm?"

She stretched a bit, arching her back, lifting her chest off the bed a bit as she fidgeted. Killian's chest was already close to Ely's.  When she lifted her chest, her body made contact with his.  Both of her arms were bent and resting on either cheek.  Her face rolled toward Killian and his voice.  He surrendered.  Whether or not she kissed him, he took whatever she gave. Then a smile spread on his face.

"Are you awake, Elyena?"

This time Ely whined a bit from the strange weight, wiggling beneath it and a pout formed on her lips. She grunted a groggy "huh uh" as her reply, eyes fluttering open.

When they opened enough to focus, she saw Killian's face and a giddy smile spread across her lips. Her hands gently caressed both of his cheeks as she whispered, "Hi."

"Hi."

Killian kissed Elyena again, caressing her cheeks with his knuckles as he stared into her eyes.

"The trouble with the guards is over, my love. There will be no more infiltration of the residence again."

Ely's smile widened as she kissed Killian's lips deeper, slipping her hands down his back admiring the taut muscles flexing under her touch.  She pulled her lips away and grinned up at him.

"Did the King get to show off his strong muscles and display his power?" she stifled a giggle at her own teasing.

Killian let a small chuckle escape, returning the kiss as deeply before doing so, however, and gazed back into her eyes.

"My power, yes. I saved the muscles for you," he chuckled, "and the physical power, of course."  He helped scoop her up, drawing her onto his lap.

Ely kept her arms around his neck letting him lift her up off the bed, grinning sleepily, "Why ever did you save muscles and strength for me?" She tried to give an innocent look, but it was proving difficult.

"You are going to notice a lot of new faces in the halls from now on. I did make a point to keep that man Luke about still, but all the guards have been replaced indefinitely."

She stiffened a little at the news of the guards. "Oh? Replaced with who? I am glad you awarded Luke. He has been a wonderful help, and deserves the acknowledgement."

Killian could physically feel her stiffen, and his arms tightened around her in an attempt to comfort.

"It is alright, Elyena. There has been a switch of roles. The guard posts have been taken up by the soldiers in my army.  In exchange, the guards are going through the training that my elite soldiers have endured. The men of my army would not even entertain a discretion and will point any who are spies. That is the way of soldiers that those guards will learn as well."

Killian ran his fingers through her hair gently. "Rest assured that you will see a completely different display from here on in."

Closing her eyes, Ely sighed in relief, smiling a little and pressed her forehead against his, rubbing the tips of their noses as she whispered, "Good. Thank you."

She pulled her head back.  He saw her grateful smile. Ely looked away and her smile faded, remembering earlier for a brief moment.  He rubbed his nose against hers then breathed in her scent at the crook of her neck. A great peace in his heart from holding her to him.

Ely teasingly brushed her lips against his and whispered, "Tell me about this strength and muscle." She grinned and growled playfully, dragging her nails lightly along his shoulder blades over his tunic.

Giving a naughty smile, he brushed his lips against hers teasingly. He let out a growl and began to lean her back onto the bed, his face hovered close.  Her words and actions inspired him again, urging the passion to regrow.

"Well, I have been known to be quite...powerful," he chuckled, hands roaming down her sides admiring her curves.  "All of my muscles are toned, built and...designed for optimal performance. I could explain it, or I could show you."

Ely fluttered her eyes closed, stretching out her arms above her head, arched her back and sighed a moan.

Truthfully, Killian hadn't planned on sparking this passion but he lavished in it. 
"I am fortunate enough to get an illustration?" she grinned.

The devious grin was returned. "You deserve more than just a mere description of this strength you have heard about. Besides, I happen to think that actions speak louder than words."

"I could not agree with you more." Ely's smile faded which made Killian's wilt as well.  "Which is why, tomorrow," Ely placed her hands on Killian's chest.  "You are going to apologize to Vanessa for your behavior today."