The Kingdom Of Asterin

Chapter Eleven

"He always was cheeky." Arthur chuckled as Aurora updated the Knight on Edmund's latest scandals.

"I hope he's okay." Aurora sighed sadly as she followed Arthur through a corridor.

"He will be, it's Ed." Arthur reassuringly replied. He took her hand for comfort, leading her up the tower and up the spiral steps. Aurora caught a glimpse of the citadel through the arrowslit of the tower, it was even more ravishing from up here. Arthur trudged on, making his way outside a door where two identical Knights stood.

"Sir Richard, Sir William." Arthur greeted as they nodded in return.

"King Caspian sent us, protection for the Lady of Asterin." Sir Richard conveyed as Aurora tightened at the words.

Sir William smiled, "don't worry, we were sworn not to tell a soul."

"Thank you." Arthur grinned. The two Knights made it clear they saw Arthur and Aurora's interlocked hands as they smirked mischievously. Arthur reddened, his hand letting go.

"Try to keep it down in there." Sir Richard added as Arthur playfully swatted him around the back of the head. Holding the small of her back, he lightly pushed Aurora forward, the pair entering the room as the door shut behind them.

"Sorry about the twins," Arthur chuckled awkwardly, "they're excellent warriors but the pranksters of the lot. Never know when to seal their lips." He explained.

"It's okay," Aurora mumbled, her eyes too busy scanning the room. "Wow." She gasped quietly.

The mahogany walls were covered with intricate wooden carvings and in the middle of the room was a four-poster bed. It had a white floral quilt and white drapes around the frame to complement it. There was a desk against the wall and a wardrobe on the other side. A white footstall sat at the end of the bed under a silky rug; to top it all off the room was candlelit to produce a source of light. It gave off a simple but comforting vibe.

"Caspian is known to have the most accommodating rooms." Arthur chuckled. Aurora smiled at him before she ran towards the window, opening the curtains. It was dark, but from the stars, she could make out the cobbled courtyard down below.

"It's beautiful," Aurora whispered. Arthur stood at the door, smiling softly, fascinated by the beauty of this girl.

"Arthur?" She spoke, her back towards him as she continued her stare out the window.

"Mhm." He hummed.

"Were you really about to give up your position as a Knight?" She questioned softly.

"Well." He swallowed, and she jumped slightly, feeling the presence of the man now directly behind her. "Edmund is family." He mumbled, his warm breath tickling her ear. "He is my brother."

Closing her eyes, she nodded. "Is that all?"

Arthur grinned, knowing exactly what she was getting at. "No." He chuckled, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. He said no more, the pair listening to each other's light breaths. Aurora could feel her heart beating steadily, this felt more like home than Asterin had for the past few years.

Finally breaking the silence, Arthur ducked forward, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight My Lady." He whispered, swiftly leaving her chambers.

♖♖♖

As happy as Aurora was to be reunited with Arthur, she barely slept that night. I mean, how could she? Her mother had just died, and her brother was locked up. She woke early, the sun barely rising itself. She suited up almost immediately as she lugged the heavy armour across her body. There was a knock upon the door as the Princess flinched a little.