Arranged

by Spears, Jessica

  He thought she wouldn't mind lying together. He wouldn't touch her sexually until they were bonded and wed. Did she think he would take advantage of her? He had seen how acting on lust like that could ruin a Relationship.

  After a moment, she seemed to relax slightly into his side. Her head rested on his collarbone and her hand found its way to the sash he wore across his sculpted chest.

  She was warm against him and smelt even better than the flowers to him. He found himself perfectly content, which was so hard for him to come by. His fingers stroked her arm absentmindedly as he started at the cavern ceiling far above them. "How do you enjoy dancing?"

  He could feel her cheek crease into a smile against his chest. "I really enjoy it. I wish it came easier though…I haven't had something to be proud of in myself for a long time."

  "You dance like a natural."

  She snorted. "You are very kind, but I think even with years of practice I won't be as good as Adalia."

  "She's been dancing since she was a child, you've only just been introduced to it, give yourself a chance," he said, coming to her own defense.

  She snuggled closer and sighed. Her warmth, coupled with his exhaustion made his eyelids heavy. The more she relaxed against him, the more he relaxed in turn. Before he could stop it, he fell asleep.

  ALISON KNEW THE MOMENT HE FELL ASLEEP. His breathing became deeper and his grip on her slacked. Nevertheless, her mind was still reeling from his touch. With his body so close, it was making her tremble. She was falling for him too quickly. As his hand had stroked her heated skin, it sent shockwaves of awareness through her. She could still feel his mouth against hers. As if she wasn't having a hard enough time already, his scent was consuming her. He was warm and she found that she was content to snuggle into his arms.

  Her mind warned her to tread cautiously; she was in uncharted territories. Her heart had never longed for anyone the way it longed for Qwinn. At the same time, excitement was constantly present. She trusted Qwinn and knew he wouldn't hurt her.

  While he was sleeping, she took the moment to study him. He was probably one of the strangest men she'd ever seen and she was in love with him. She blinked at the mental confession then went warm all over. She loved him and he was well on his way to loving her.

  She smiled at her little secret. He had showed her a life she was so desperately searching for, on the surface. The resentment she had held toward him for kidnapping her had vanished and was replaced by love. It felt as though it were meant to be, as if this day had been planned from the beginning.

  Alison rolled her eyes and mentally chided herself at such a foolish though. His warmth began to seep into her and relax her more. She allowed her eyes to drift closed and soon after, she too was drifting to sleep.

  She wasn't sure how long she'd been asleep, but she woke to find herself still in Qwinn's arms. She smiled as she carefully stretched her stiffness away.

  Her movements, however, woke up Qwinn. He yawned and smiled sleepily down at her. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice husky with sleep.

  "What for?"

  "I did not mean to fall asleep."

  She smiled softly. "I think it was a well deserved nap."

  He stroked her hair, combing his fingers gently through it and in turn made her scalp tingle with awareness. "I've never fallen asleep with anyone like that before," he mumbled. It almost sounded like he was talking to himself. "I usually don't trust…do you like it down here?" he suddenly asked.

  She peered up at him. "I've grown to like it quite well down here." She couldn't help but smile at the surprise she saw in his eyes. "You have treated me with more kindness in a few weeks than I have had in a lifetime with my uncle."

  He pulled her gently closer, until their faces were mere inches from each other. "I am glad, because even if I were allowed to let you go, I wouldn't."

  She was finding it hard to breathe. "Why is that?"

  He smiled a secretive smile. "I've grown to like you quite well," he said, mimicking her answer. Then all humor washed away in the wake of seriousness. "You make me want to be better, not only for myself, but for my people, for you." His finger brushed along her arm. "I think I am falling in love with you."

  Alison's heart stopped at the revelation. She was surprised to find that she wasn't blushing. Instead, she was completely focused. For once, her mind was quiet, as if waiting for the hammer to fall and for him to realize what he just said and change his mind.

  She must have been wearing her doubts on her face because he shifted so he could better look her in the eye. "Tell me what makes you uneasy about this," he whispered. She could tell that her silence was causing him to doubt himself.

  She sucked in a deep breath. If he was going to be this honest with her, he deserved an honest answer. She hated showing him more weakness than was necessary, but he would never understand her doubts if she didn't try to explain. "But…I'm human." That doubt had been spreading its roots in her mind, making her feel less than worthy. She would never live up to Vidarian people.

  A kind smile grew on his mouth and her dread grew. She was sure he was going to tell her the nice way, that she was right and wasn't good enough for him. "I love the fact that you're human!"

  Her brows rose. "Why?" she couldn't help but hear the quiver in her voice.

  He leaned closer, laying his forehead against hers. "It is because you are human that the council will allow me to marry you."

  Again, she felt her heart freeze and the breath leave her lungs. Was he asking her to…?

  "Alison," he whispered so softly she could barely hear him. "Alison," he repeated, as if savoring her name. "Marry me. Allow me to protect you. Let me teach you. I will show you how much love you deserve."

  Alison felt her eyes prick and fill with tears. He pulled back to study her. "Marry me," he repeated, gently swiping his thumb across her cheek, banishing a tear.

  HE WAITED FOR WHAT FELT LIKE AN ETERNITY FOR HER ANSWER. The longer she waited, the more sour his stomach felt. If she said no, he knew he would throw up from all of the anxiety he felt. "I love you. I trust you, let me prove it," he said quickly, needing to fill the silence with something.

  Before she could say anything, he shifted so he could take her injured thigh into his hands and tried desperately to concentrate. It took him a minute to get his racing heart under control enough to heal her, completely this time. A vision of her leg came into his minds-eye. The bone was healing itself, but there was still a slight crack. He concentrated on the bone, mending the fibers and sealing the crack. Alison gasped from a split second of pain, and then let her breath out as she was once more made whole.

  Qwinn opened his eyes and gazed hopefully into hers, willing her to see that he meant what he said. Yes, he was her captor. Yes, he was the King of a race that was completely opposite of hers. Yes, they'd only known each other for a little over a week and a half, but he didn't care about any of that. She was his soul's song, she was meant for him, she was born for him and he wanted to be her everything.

  "Spend your life with me," he said gently, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

  Her watery green eyes stared back hesitantly and he steeled himself for her answer.

  She licked her lips and her eyes fluttered down. His heart began to sink, his doubts waited impatiently at the edges of his mind, ready to make themselves known with a vengeance. "Alright," she whispered, as if afraid of what she was saying.

  His eyes widened slightly in surprise as uncertain joy began to warm him. "Alright?" he asked, unsure if she had meant what she said.

  A nervous smile tugged at her lips. "Yes," she said with a nod of her head, affirming to him as well as herself.

  The joy that consumed him was uncontrollable. He hadn't been this happy since…he'd never been this happy before!

  Unable to contain himself, he jumped up, pulling her to her feet and grabbing her around the waist, he lifted her up and spun while he laughed. She squealed, holding onto his shoulders. His laugh
ter bubbled from deep inside of him. It was the sound of pure, untainted happiness. If he had known she would make him feel this good, he would have selfishly taken her from the surface a lot sooner.

  He eased her down, but didn't let her move far. Without missing a beat, he cupped her chin and kissed her long, allowing his overflowing heart to spill into their kiss. To his delight, she responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, keeping him there.

  He could have stayed in this moment for the rest of his long life. In fact, he would have preferred it. However, after a moment, she pulled back with a blush. "What about a ring?"

  Qwinn blinked for a moment, and then felt his stomach sink. He had forgotten the most important traditions to humans, a ring to symbolize their union. He wanted to bash his head on something hard then she giggled uncertainly. "It's alright−"

  "No, you deserve a ring. In fact, I will get you the most beautiful ring," he interrupted her.

  Her smile was worth all the rings in the world. It amazed him how much she moved him. He was most definitely, uncontrollably, head over heels in love.

  Without warning, he pulled her close and kissed her again.

  ALISON COULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT SHE HAD JUST DONE. She was getting married! The fact that she'd just run from an engagement wasn't lost to her. However, she had been the one to choose this one; no one was forcing her into anything.

  She smiled up at Qwinn who was beaming down at her. Could she imagine her life with him? It was definitely a different picture than anything she'd ever imagined before in her life. She'd imagined herself to live in a cute little garden cottage house with a husband and maybe a few kids.

  A giddy feeling rose in her, everything she'd been looking for on the surface was staring her right in the face. Qwinn smiled down at her, his strong arms still holding her close to him.

  She had no question about his feelings, they were plain as day in his eyes. She realized that she could see her spending the rest of her days with him.

  "We must return and tell the others. There will be much to prepare before the Eclipse," he said, threading his fingers into hers and tugging her back to the Ou'tani.

  His words made her pause. "That soon?"

  "Is that a problem?" he asked gently.

  "Well...it's just that...the Eclipse is in a few nights..."

  Once again, he faced her and pulled her close. "The Eclipse is one of the greatest days of Ahanu's power. There is no better day to be unified, especially for a King," he smiled cheekily. "And you will be my Queen."

  Butterflies immediately sprung into a frenzy in her stomach, as she nodded. He took her chin in his hand, bending to be in her direct line of vision. "Do not worry; I would not rush you into anything."

  When they returned to the palace, the first place she wanted to go was to Adalia's room. It was much easier to get around with her leg fully healed. She hadn't noticed how much she had to stiffen her leg when she walked and how fluid she could move now. She couldn't wait to try out dancing on her newly healed leg.

  She excitedly made her way, watching Qwinn move on down the hall, promising that he would return after he checked on a few things.

  When she knocked, Adalia opened her door, sending a swirl of sweet flower scent into the hall; she smiled slyly at her visitor. "I was wondering if you had gone to the caves again."

  Alison fought a blush, but couldn't contain her excitement and nerves. "Qwinn asked me to marry him!" she blurted.

  Adalia didn't seem too surprised, in fact, she seemed a little relieved. Then her eyes lit with joy as she scooped Alison into a big hug. "I'm so happy for you!"

  Alison giggled as she hugged Adalia back. Sometime in these past few weeks, Adalia had come to mean a lot to her. She held a place in her heart where Alison assumed a sister would fill up.

  Suddenly she pulled her into the room and shut the door, her eyes still aglow. "This is perfect. The Eclipse is only a few days away!"

  The nerves Alison had been fighting flared up to full life at the reminder. She walked to the cushions in the room and plopped down. "So soon"

  Adalia joined her, "everything happens for a reason."

  "I ran from one marriage into another..." she rambled.

  Adalia frowned with worry and Alison was quick to smooth over her comment. "But I want this marriage...I just wish I could get to know Qwinn more before I marry him. It seems so...impulsive."

  "Some of the best things in life come from impulsive decisions," she said, taking Alison's hand. "You have the rest if eternity to grow to know Qwinn and how impossible he is," she giggled. "But love like this only comes once."

  Alison absorbed her words, her thoughts so contradicting that they were making her dizzy. She noticed Adalia trying to read her, it was obvious the girl was having a hard time. Alison was battling with excitement, fear, worry, insecurity, fullness, love, and anxiety. After a moment, Alison felt a wave of calm wash over her, which she welcomed gratefully. She knew it was Adalia's work, but for once, she let the Vidarian have control of her, anything for a moment of silence from her thoughts.

  Without a word, Adalia took her hands and led her over to a chair she had positioned at her large and beautiful vanity. Alison sat while turning to the mirror that was surrounded by weaved branches, some blooming with flowers still. However, the vanity wasn't what took her breath away. Her reflection staring back at her is what took her off guard. She looked...alive. Her cheeks were flushed a rosy pink, her green eyes twinkled, her purple dress made her skin stand out attractively and her red hair was pulled back in beautiful braids. She had never seen herself look this...happy!

  Her hand reached up slowly and gently touched her cheek, to make sure she was real.

  "You belong here," Adalia said gently.

  She looked beautiful. In that moment, she knew that she was meant to marry Qwinn. She always had been. It just felt right. With that thought, she pushed all her doubts aside and lifted her chin with a smile.

  Adalia grinned behind her. "I've always wanted a sister."

  The girls giggled as Adalia began to experiment with Alison's hair, chattering away at what to expect at the festival.

  JABR HURRIED TO INFORM THE OTHERS as Qwinn made his way to Alison's room. When he opened her door and didn't see her, and instead found Naliya and Larius chatting, his heart leapt nervously, "Where is she?" he asked gruffly.

  Larius bowed slightly. "She was with you my lord."

  Now Qwinn's nerves turned into anger. He was about to tear into his appointed bodyguard when he suddenly heard giggling from down the hall. He looked up just in time to find Alison and Adalia walking toward him, talking lowly amongst themselves. Stress literally lifted from his shoulders as his eyes landed on his bride.

  Alison smiled shyly up at him, as they approached. Adalia however, gave him a knowing look before excusing herself back to her room.

  Qwinn opened the door for Alison. Naliya and Larius hurried out, giving them privacy. He had hardly closed the door before he had Alison in his arms. It seemed that she had expected as much because her face as already tilted up, mouth waiting for his. He kissed her deeply, letting her smell consume him. Her arms held him as his hand slid down her back, pulling her even closer. She was a perfect fit in his arms, her mouth a perfect fit against his.

  She sighed and melted against him. It was safe to say that she was driving his senses wild. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, gently laying her down close to him.

  As she pressed into the pillows, his hand traced the curve of her hip, loving her softness. Suddenly, she grabbed his hand and stilled him, pulling away from their kiss, trying desperately to breathe again. "We...can't do...this," she gasped.

  She was a gorgeous sight, her hair fanned against the pillow, her eyes half-mast. He wanted to taste more of her. He moved in for another kiss, but she moved her head, now trying to push him off her. "Qwinn, no."

  He moved away in frustration, trying to subdue the animal rising within him. "Why not?
" he asked hoarsely.

  She chewed her lip nervously, "we're not married yet. In the society I was raised in, you wait for marriage."

  He ran a hand through his dreads. He was hearing everything she was saying, but it was hard to stifle his want. He had agreed with himself that he wouldn't touch her sexually until they were wed and bonded, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. He was at the will of his desires.

  Qwinn took a few deep breaths, trying not to look like an animal to her. His anger flared, but at himself. She shouldn't have to remind him of his duty to her. He was supposed to be protecting her, not taking advantage of her.

  When he finally felt like he had a grip on himself, he turned to her. She chewed on her lip while she watched him. All signs pointed to that she was nervous she'd made him angry, he didn't need to read emotions to know that.

  He took her hand in his and gently laid his lips on her wrist. "Until we're married."

  She smiled uncertainly as he stood. "You should rest. I'm sure tomorrow will be very busy."

  He had almost reached the door when he heard her say, "wait."

  He stopped and turned, looking at her questioningly. A blush lit her cheeks as she looked shyly at him. "We may not…be able to be intimate yet…but could you stay?"

  Her request took him so off guard that he had to repeat what she'd said in his mind to make sure he understood correctly.

  Inside, he couldn't help but smile with pride. She wanted him too. He knew he would be torturing himself if he stayed, having her so close but not able to make love. Then again, he could understand why she didn't want to be alone. Even just the thought of returning to his dark room without her made him feel like an empty husk of a man.

  "I will let you change and get under the blankets then I will return," he said, controlling his voice, not wanting to scare her further.

  Once he was out the door, Naliya bowed her head as he passed. This was the third time he'd seen her speaking with Larius. He wondered if they liked each other. These were thoughts to be pondered at another time however.