The King's Mistress

Chapter 48: A Worthy Reward

"You gave me quite the scare, sweetling," he teased.

"Trust me, I was more afraid than you are," Sierra said as she gasped for air.

She could still hear her heart pounding in her chest. The fall was terrifying yet exhilarating. She was not quite certain what to make of it. But at that moment, all she could focus on was Alistair. Under the moonlight, his features were illuminated. He was wearing his mask, keeping half of his face hidden from her.

The eyes are the windows of the soul.

Sierra did not know where she had heard that from, but she knew they were right. Looking into the King’s eyes, she could see a different world in them. She wanted to get to know him better, she wanted to understand the thoughts that flowed through his mind.

"I think I deserve a little reward for saving your life, sweetling, don’t you agree?" Alistair broke the silence between them with a cheeky statement.

Sierra arched her eyebrow, "Oh? Is that so? What does his Majesty deem worthy as a reward."

"I believe a kiss from the fair maiden would suffice."

"And what made you think she wo-"

He never gave her the chance to finish her words. By the time Sierra realized what was happening, his lips were already on hers. She could feel the warmth of his skin on hers. She blushed beet red, heat rising to her cheeks.

Though she knew full well she should not give in, she could not help herself. She was trapped in his arms with nowhere else to go. She pressed her lips against his and closed her eyes. No one could see them from the ground.

Camouflaged by the night, Sierra and Alistair shared a passionate kiss. They parted their lips deepening and savoring their moment of intimacy. When they finally parted lips sometime after, both of them looked deep into each others’ eyes.

If only the moment could last forever.

"Your debt is paid, sweetling. I will treasure this little reward close to my heart," he held her hand gently in his and placed it over his heart.

Sierra had no words. Even as Alistair flew them down to the ground level, in a forest clearing, she was still too stunned to speak. She could not take her eyes off him either. When her feet were finally on the ground, it came as a shock to her and she nearly lost her balance.

Alistair had one arm wrapped around her waist and the other holding her hand, preventing her from face planting into the soil-covered ground.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sierra finally spoke with a smile as she removed herself from him.

"Alistair is fine when we’re in private, sweetling," the King said with a smile.

"Are you sure? But we barely know one another." ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Alistair chuckled at her response, "I guess we’ll just have to get to know each other a little better, don’t we? If you ever wish to learn more about flying or Dravin’s gifts, feel free to look for me."

"I can’t," she blurted out candidly.

He was already walking away from her, back facing her when she spoke up. When he turned around to face her once more, Sierra had her hand on her mouth. Her eyes were wide open, in shock. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"Why not?" he asked as he tilted his head to the side.

"Because... we can’t," Sierra sighed.

There was more than one reason for that, reasons she could not tell. Seemingly remembering the main reason why it was best not for them to meet outside of the official business, Alistair kept silent for a moment.

"I guess we’ll simply have to make alternative arrangements then," he muttered before walking away.

Just as he got out of the forest he turned back to Sierra and said, "Good night."

With that, he was gone. Sierra stood there for a period of time, stumped by the King’s responses. What did he mean by ’alternative arrangements’? She did not know. But there was one thing she knew.

When he bid her ’good night’, there were butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Alistair returned to his quarters in a good mood. He entered through the secret passageway that led straight into his room. He was humming a soft tune as he walked towards the closet to change into his nightwear.

"Looks like somebody is chirpy tonight."

At the sound of the voice, Alistair almost drew a weapon; thinking there was an intruder.

"What are you doing here, Roxine?" he asked as he caught his breath, "You gave me a scare there."

The Queen of Drakin was resting on the daybed, perusing a book she had brought with her. She had arrived earlier and entered Alistair’s chambers only to find him absent. It was not the first time it had happened so she simply made herself comfortable and waited for his return.

She put down the book she was reading and walked over to him as he removed his shirt. She handed him his nightwear and watched him put it on.

"I just wanted to see what you’re up to, that’s all. Looks like someone encountered something interesting? Would you care to share with me, dear husband?" she asked as she looped her hand in his and guided him to sit down.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nothing of interest happened," he replied flatly as he sat down next to her.

She knew he was lying. The moment he returned, she could already smell a familiar scent on him. Now that she was right next to him, the smell was even stronger. It was all thanks to one of the gifts of the Patrons, heightened senses.

"Don’t lie to me, Alistair, Have you forgotten that I have a heightened sense of smell? You met Sierra, didn’t you? And you were... in the forest? Making moves on her already I see..." she said with a grin.

Alistair bit his lip. He had completely forgotten about Roxine’s abilities. She could sniff out anything on him. Even the slightest of scents.

"We did not do anything that was inappropriate if that’s what you’re wondering," he said coldly while narrowing his gaze on her.

"I never asked about that," she chuckled, "I just asked if you met her. Making moves... could mean anything really."

He did not take his gaze off her. He most certainly did not appreciate being questioned like this either. He was the King. He could do whatever he pleased with whomever he liked. Even if he wanted to invite Sierra to his quarters, he could and he did not need someone else’s permission to do so.

Roxine raised both hands in defeat, "I get it, I get it. Stop giving me that look, will you? I was just... curious. After all, you really did seem to have taken quite a liking to her."

Alistair folded his arms as he leaned back in his seat. Roxine poured him a cup of tea that was on the coffee table. As King, he had seen his fair share of princesses. He was so used to seeing them swoon over him, fawning over everything little thing he did.

Sierra was a breath of fresh air. She was unlike the others.

"She’s... unique."

He remembered the kiss they shared in the sky. Everything happened so quickly as one thing led to another. He saw an opportunity and seized it. A smile formed on his face as he reminisced.

Remembering the feel of her lips on his.