The King's Obsession ✔️

TWENTY THREE

Word Count: 1672

~Akara

It's been two weeks since Marek and I slept together. And there hasn't been a single day since that he hasn't ravished me.

"This is bad," I say one morning over my tea, watching him wander around the kitchen shirtless, preparing breakfast.

He leans up against the countertop, examining me. "Doesn't feel bad."

No, it doesn't. In fact, it's the best I've felt in a long time. I haven't worried about anything, or anyone. I haven't thought about my life as a Summoner, or whether our neighbours know...I mean, I've been quite content being locked inside these past couple weeks, consistently entertained by the beautiful Summoner.

I've only started to think about what we are doing today, due to a horrid dream I had last night about Tai. Now the guilt has seeped in, the harsh reality of the outside world slowly seeping back into the paradise we have made within this small cabin.

"I know, but anything could happen these days, anything could go wrong," I murmur uncomfortably, blowing at my tea, watching the steam waft around wildly.

Most of my fears are rooted in the reality that I don't believe I deserve happiness like this.

"It doesn't have to go wrong. There are no more expectations for us," Marek assures me. He always has a calm, logical perspective to everything, and I envy that. "If you want to be here, together, we can, for as long as you like."

I continue to gaze at him as he cooks. "Something doesn't feel right. This all feels too perfect."

"I want to be with you, Akara. We finally have peace together, and I think we should enjoy it," he says. I wish I could relax like he can.

"I know..."

Marek steps away from whatever he is cooking for a moment, approaching me. Every time I look at him it's like an internal battle to hold myself back. I've given into that urge over and over again, and I'm probably going to continue giving into it. I won't feel bad for that part though. I'm more so worried about all of this shattering.

He grabs my hand, pulling me up into standing position. "You can't stop thinking about him, can you?"

"It's not like I'm in love with him. It's just, he was so hurt, and I know Tai isn't someone who will hide in the shadows forever. He is going to want his territory back from Vaia," I remind him. For all I know, he could have already gone back for the territory and is dead right now. I haven't heard anything, but I suppose I have been actively avoiding anyone who may tell me.

Marek shrugs. "And let him do that. It's the Jade Province's problem now."

"You're right," I say. I just need to brush this off, to move on. I can be sad about Tai and how he is living now, while moving on with my life. I would be more than a fool if I allow the only ounce of happiness and stability I have right now to slip away.

"Hey," Marek murmurs, brushing a stray piece of hair away from my face. "You deserve happiness and peace, for once in your life. And I have months of forgiveness I need to get out of you."

I grin at the devious glint in his eyes, not stopping him as he legs to his knees, running his hands up my thighs, hiking my dress up as he goes. I know exactly where this is leading, and I have no problem with it, breakfast forgotten.

A loud, banging knock sounds suddenly from the door, making me flinch.

Marek frowns, looking up at me for a moment, before his gaze drags to the door. No one has knocked on our door before, so this is unnerving. It could be nothing, but a sense of uneasy settles over me.