Lycan's Affection

Conaan took a small breath as he shifted his weight to his feet, so he wouldn't disturb Eleanor. She was fast asleep, her eyelashes moving only slightly. Slowly, he dabbed at the soothing ointment, then grazed his finger under her eyes, letting his thumb linger for longer than necessary.

He had not expected her to cry that much, or that he was capable of making her feel something as strong as she apparently had last night. And even though he hated her tears, he let himself hold a glimmer of hope amidst them. He now believed that the magic he wanted with her could eventually happen, and maybe it made it easier to give her time.

For the first time, the future did not feel so bleak anymore.

She moved a little, unknowingly snuggling into him, her face burying in his side. It caused him to smile, his eyes drifting across the features of her face. She had been so easy to fall in love with. And she remained so easy to stay in love with.

Gently, he tucked her hair away, then gave a small sigh. She had stayed breathtakingly beautiful, the kind that made him, Conaan, ruthless warrior, want to give up everything. He smiled again at the thought, his head shaking a little.

"I wonder what you are thinking about, Your Highness."

His brows went up in a bit of surprise, but he gave a small smile, relaxing even closer. "I wonder too."

Her eyes opened, and she looked up to him. It felt like early morning mist, the sense of calm that the grey skies brought. She swallowed, unconciously moving a little closer.

"Good morning, Your Highness."

Conaan gave a smile. "How do you feel?" His voice was a whisper, just like hers, like there was something so beautifully delicate about the way she was staring at him, about the way he was watching her that could be easily broken if they talked too loudly.

"A certain someone has applied ointment under my eyes, so the sting feels much better."

He smiled again, resisting the giddiness that erupted in his stomach. He felt like a newly of age lycan who had just found his mate, or a teenage lycan in love. But maybe he never grew past his fence climbing days.

"I did not want to be the reason for your pain."

Eleanor smiled, unconsciously moving her hand to him. He watched her fingers for a minute, before he slowly held them in his, his hand warm. She smiled at the gesture, but said nothing more, her eyes blinking slowly.

"I will have a servant bring you breakfast. You can spend the day in bed."

She nodded slowly. "Where would you be?"

He gave a shrug, hoping she did not notice just how wanted he felt with that question. "There is not a lot for me to do either. I will be taking a short trip around the palace however, as I heard there are a few structures that need renovation. We will see if we maintain the original designs, or if I have some other taste for it."

She nodded again but said nothing. He gently patted her hair, then moved away from the bed. Gently, he drew the sheets around her, tucking her in delicately. She turned, watching him, an almost astonished look on her face. There almost seemed like there were two versions of Conaan. The one who was so unapologetically enamored by her, and King Conaan.

At times like yesterday, they were one and the same. Memories of last night flashed through her mind. She had seen him to bed, and even though she had not stayed in his bed, she had made sure he would be fine. It was rare to see him so vulnerable, and she felt as guilty as ever.

Slowly, Conaan leaned forward to her, his scent filling her nostrils. He moved up, and she unconsciously closed her eyes.

His lips grazed her forehead lightly in a feathery kiss so light it felt like the coming of a red moon. Her hand reached up to his shoulder as he lingered a little above her, before he slowly moved away and she dropped her hand.

Without another word, he turned away, his hands clasped behind him.

"Your Highness?"

He turned to her, his brow raised. "Yes?"

"Take care," she said, a small smile dancing across her lips.

He immediately mirrored it, then nodded. "I will."

A moment passed betwen them, before he walked away, a small reluctance to his steps. Eleanor watched as the door closed slowly behind him, and she gave a small sigh.

Her hand came up to her chest to feel the rapid beat, and she closed her eyes. Conaan's love, Conaan's tears...for the first time, it felt extremely good that she knew they belonged to only her.

"Your Highness. You are up early," Brandon said, his voice a little mischievous.

"How is the children's village?" Conaan asked instead, choosing to ignore Brandon.

"It is complete now. Also, the elders council has asked for another meeting in order to resolve the issue with Eleanor and Esmeralda."

Conaan stopped, his eyes thin as he turned to Brandon. "Do you think they can find her?"

Brandon shrugged. "She was barely alive, Your Highness. But we can never underestimate Anderson. Also, judging from yesterday, Lucas seems to be on their side too."

Conaan said nothing as they walked out of the palace, a trail of servants following behind them. Brandon directed Conaan, and he walked in front as Conaan fell into step, a little behind him.

"Schedule the meeting for next month, then. We will see all of their cards, I am sure."

Brandon nodded, and they walked forward, Conaan taking in the vastness of his palace. He sometines never had to go this far, and most of it are things he had forgotten about.

"How is Shadow?"

"Fully prepared. But what of Alexander? What will you do with him?"

Conaan stopped, his eyes lifting. He was right below Eleanor's balcony, and he let his eyes reach to it. She was standing by the balcony, her smile big as she watched him too, her hair falling on one shoulder.

The early morning sun turned her hair a beautiful golden red, and he was sure he would never see something as ethereal.

"For now, only destroy the warehouse. Something tells me I might not be the one to see Alexander's end."

Brandon's brows furrowed. "Then who?"

Conaan only gave another snile, and he looked away, then continued on his walk.