Winterfall

The remainder of our walk back to the castle was enveloped in silence. Upon our return to the grand hall, we went our separate ways—Marcel ascended the right-side spiral staircase while I glanced into the bond I shared with Théoden.

Utilizing the bond, I found him back in the kitchen conversing with Roland.

I rushed to Théoden and embraced him tightly before stepping back, wary of potential onlookers. Mi Amor. He thought of me as he spoke to our chef. I hated seeing you with him today, but I understand he must believe our lie. I just got to keep my jealousy in check.

I know. I'm sorry. I knew it bothered him; I wasn't stupid. Not only that, but I could feel his energy and emotions through our bond like he does with mine. To which, I knew he felt that bit of connection I had with Marcel and I knew that did not settle with him well.

“So, the bacon you want more of?” Roland questioned Théoden's appetite. His appetite, always amazed me. Being a dragon, his hunger for food seemed almost endless.

I laughed at his reaction; few knew he was a dragon, one of those being Roland. However, it meant that Roland had to order ridiculously large food orders, which always surprised Roland. “Yes, more bacon and more eggs.” Théoden repeated.

Roland stared at him and then at me with a surprised look. “You sure? Weren't the three plates of eggs and bacon enough? Not to mention all of the pastries and cookies?”

“You could lessen those and do more of the other?” Theo questioned. He always despised sugary foods. Despite my strong cravings for them.

“Just enough sweets for my sweet tooth is fine.”

“I'll see what I can do.” Roland made note of our requests on the piece of parchment paper.

“Thank you.” We both stated, leaving him to finish meal prep.

Théoden and I walked out of the kitchen and into the main hall. Would you like to go on an evening ride along the shoreline?

Yes. I simply responded, and we headed to the stable. A ride along the shore line with our horses wouldn’t raise any suspicion. As it was normal for horses to be taken out on occasional rides. This was something we could easily get away with.

I loved riding horses with Théoden. I loved the feel of the air blowing my hair and the mist of the sea hitting my skin. It truly made me feel alive and carefree.

I got Juniper out of her stable, and allowed Théoden to pick me up and place me on her. We were well-trained enough to ride bareback. So we didn't have to worry about saddles.

He got his horse and and hopped on it with ease and with that, we raced each other to the southern shoreline of South Haven Beach.

As the evening drew close, we sat on the beach, watching the sun dip below the horizon and disappear into the sea. The sleeves of my dress fluttered in the breeze as I nestled into Théoden's side, resting against his chest and listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

Théoden was in his unique leather armor crafted from draconic scales, a protective ensemble that accentuated his form perfectly. The rough texture of his armor against my skin didn't faze me, as moments like these made our love all the more worthwhile.

My love, times like this make our hidden affection special.

Gently, I tilted his chin down to meet his lips in a tender kiss. My dear, I couldn't agree more. I love you.

And I love you, Théoden murmured through the bond, as he brushed a strand of hair from my face, letting the wind play with it.

After watching the sun dip below the horizon, we mounted our horses and rode back to the stables before darkness fully descended. Good night, Mi Amor.

Good night, my dear, I replied and embraced him one last time as he gently kissed my forehead before he walked back to his chambers in the castle.

When my parents appointed him captain, they decided it was best for him to reside with us in the castle. At times, their actions made me ponder if they were aware of the love between us, of our dragon-rider bond. Perhaps due to my father’s magical essence and his awareness to see things before they happen, my father knew about us this whole time.

Regardless if they knew or not, I didn’t think about it too much longer. I walked over to my wardrobe, slipped off my clothing, grabbed a nightgown and walked over to my bed. I sat on the edge of my bed, sighed and pulled the covers to the side. I found myself curling up in a ball as I prepared to fall into my trance.

Upon resting in my bed, I found myself staring out the stained glass window up at the moon. What a life. I thought as I rested my head against my pillow and allowed my eyes to close.