Beyond The Veil

Chapter 15

Like I had promised, I meet up with Airell in the mornings before training. In the beginning, It started awkwardly until I was comfortable around him again and took a couple of weeks. 

 "I asked my father about that photo you found," Airell said as he handed me a piece of sweet cloud bread. It was warm and fluffy with powdered sugar on top of it. My stomach growls as I take a bite, and it melts in my mouth.

 "Oh? What did he say?" "He doesn't know how it got there, Odessa was one of his close friends as well, but he didn't know her on a personal level." 

 "Maybe, she hid that picture herself?" 

 Airell chuckles, "Why would she hide a picture of me?" 

 I shrugged my shoulders, not having a clue either. But then a thought came to mind, if Odessa was permitted to pass the Veil, did that mean I would eventually gain that type of access too? My heart begins to beat wildly at the thought of seeing what lays beyond and because that would mean I could actually see Micha. 

 "Airell?" I began.

 But I had to approach this carefully; I couldn't let them think. It was because I was curious.

 "I want to find Odessa's remains." 

 Airell stares at for a good while, "We have warriors for that sort of thing, Emery. So you don't have to bother with it."

 "Airell, her death doesn't make sense to me, and I want it investigated. Who better to do that than the person who knew her best?"

 "You're not strong enough, Emery; I'll let my father know of your request." I was starting to feel disheartened, but I did have another trick up my sleeve; it might blow over on me but, to me, it was worth it. And if I do end up marrying Airell, It won't matter. I turn towards him, "Airell, please, this is all I want," I gently lay my hand on his arm, making eye contact with him.

 I knew what Airell wanted, and if I gave him that, he would most likely give in to my request. "You are to be King one day, are you not?" Airell's eyes linger on my touch. Then, he looks up at me, suddenly breathless. 

 "Yes." 

 "I trust you to make decisions, doesn't your father?" Airell hung on me every word; it surprised me how much he was giving in to me.

 "Kiss me," Airell whispers, and I realize his body is inches from me.

 "What?" I say aghast.

 "I know what you're doing, Emery, and if you trust me, Kiss me." My gut twinged in knots; he knew I was trying to get my way? But then, why was he catering to it? If I backed out now, it would ruin everything, and my plan would be no more.

 Airell's eyes linger on my lips, "Do you not trust me after all?" He says with a knowing smile.

I swallow a lump of courage; I never made the first move, more so because my actions never put me in the position before. But when push comes to shove, I wasn't a wuss. All in all, Airell was gorgeous, and I started to let my primal urges lead the way as it was easier than thinking of what I was doing.

 I caress his neck and pull him into my lips; I knew his lips this time, unlike our first kiss.They were soft and a bit eager, but once I gave in, Airell's kiss started to become more filled with desire. He presses his body against me; what was this feeling that was making me so dizzy with butterflies? 

I could barely think as I let the feeling overwhelm me. My body begins to heat up as he trails wet kisses on my neck, "Airell, wait, we can't do this," I felt breathless, and I knew what was to come eventually, and I wasn't so sure I wanted my first time to be with him. 

 "Don't you want me pure?" 

 Airell takes a moment to look up at me, "Aren't our fates already sealed?" He asks breathlessly, but that made me all the more uncomfortable. He wasn't doing this because he loved me...

 The feelings I had started to have suddenly disappeared, and I no longer want his touch or his kiss. I move from him, "What sways you?" he asks.

 "My fate is my own, even if you think it's sealed to you. That's doesn't mean you own me Airell," He looks at me with a slightly confused look on his face.

 "I never meant to make you feel like that, Emery." He sighs and stands up. "If I give you what you want, will you come back to me?" 

 I stare up at him, "What?"

 "You want to investigate the murder of your friend?" 

 "Yes."

 "I'll give you my permission, but you must come back to me, Emery." 

 "Why do you think I won't come back?"

 Airell stalls for a second, then looks at me, "Because someone else has their eye on you. Why else would you be deterring my advances?" 

 My heart drops to my stomach. Did Airell know about Micha? I dare not say anything until Airell says something first. 

 "And I don't want to sound possessive over you, but I had my eye out for you first, whoever this man is better not go against me, " Suddenly, Airell's sunny demeanor turns chilly, and it makes me want to shrink in on myself.  This man was the epitome of Hot and Cold. 

 "So, you're giving me access to go find her?" I ask hesitantly.

 Airell bites his cheek before returning my gaze, "Yes, but this is the farthest I go for you, Emery. I've never disobeyed my father for anyone, so that should clue you in on how precious you are to me." 

 I shoot up with excitement, I throw myself on Airell and hug him, and his chilliness melts under my touch. 

 "Thank you! Thank you so much!" 

 "Remember what I said, Emery; come back to me," Airell says, but I was thinking of a whole other world on the other side and the mystery that awaited me.