Elena stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she attempted to wake up. A small yawn escaped her lips as she stirred again, only to find herself nestled comfortably in King Killian's arms. It wasn't the first time she'd woken up like this, yet a flicker of surprise still crossed her face—he was always so cold when awake, and yet in sleep, he held her like she was something he didn't want to let go of. She stilyishly moved closer, rubbing her nose against his chest and inhaling his unique scent. His huge, toned body was warm, and it made her comfortable. She should complain about how he always slept with his chest bare, but she kinda liked it.
Elena was still nuzzling against King Killian's chest when the memory of what had happened the previous night came rushing back. She froze, her face flushing bright red with embarrassment. How could she have acted that way? Slapping and pushing the King like that?
Yes, it was a dark moment for her, but what if he had gotten angry and decided to end her life?!
"Come on, Elena, King Killian is not some serial killer going around and murdering people." A little voice said in Elena's head.
"Well, he might not be a serial killer, but he is ruthless, he doesn't tolerate nonsense," Elena replied, shuddering at the thought of getting killed last night.
"If he had wanted to kill you, he would have done so. Besides, he still wants something from you. So, for now, you're still safe."
Elena sighed, feeling a little calm. But then, a thought came to her mind, and her fingers curled tight against the sheets. What if he doesn't kill her but punishes her for her actions last night?
"Elena, why is your heart racing so fast this time?" King Killian murmured, his voice low and laced with sleep, the warmth of it brushing against her ear.
Elena's breath caught in her throat, her body stiffening slightly in his arms. She slowly looked up…his eyes were still closed, but she knew he was awake. Wait. Was he awake the whole time, or did the sound of her racing heart wake him?
"Are you going to kill me?" She suddenly blurted out.
"No." Came King Killian's simple, emotionless reply.
Elena heaved a sigh of relief, thankful she'd live to see the light of another day. But how long would this last?
"You still won't tell me what you need from me?" Elena needed to know, because the uncertainty of the whole thing was killing her. What if he gets what he wants and then kills her? What if he does this before she gets a chance to get revenge? If only she knew what he wanted, things would have been a bit easier for her.
"No, you don't have to know," King Killian repeated the same answer he always told Elena whenever she asked. His tone was calm, detached, as if her life, her fear, and her desperate need for answers were nothing more than passing thoughts to him, unworthy of explanation.
Elena could not help but sigh. One minute he seemed like he cared, the other minute he was as cold as ice.
Silence lingered in the air, thick and oppressive, as Elena let her thoughts spiral. Her mind raced with so many questions. Should she take the risk and uncover what King Killian truly wanted from her, or should she play it safe, stay quiet, and be thankful she was no longer rotting in the dungeon? Neither option felt right, but time was running out.
After a long pause, she finally broke the silence. "W-what did you do about the warrior?"
"He's dead," Killian said flatly, without a shred of remorse. The words left his lips so casually, it was as if he'd simply swept away a speck of dust rather than taken a life.
Elena's jaw dropped. Her wide eyes darted to his face…his eyes were still closed, his expression calm, almost peaceful. "Y-you had him killed?"
"Yes, princess," he said coolly, "though I'd rather say I simply got rid of a virus. I can't classify him as human because he was too foolish to be one."
"W-what…" Elena breathed, horror washing over her. The man before her didn't just lack guilt, he lacked humanity. He was ruthless, unfeeling.
Yes, the warrior had tried to kill her, but death? That felt too final, too cruel. "Y-you…"
"Okay, Elena," Killian interrupted, voice smooth but final. "Enough of the interviews for today."
Elena sighed, but she did not say another word. She watched as King Killian rose from the bed and then casually strolled out of the room. And it was at that moment it sank deep that King Killian had protected her with his life and had made a promise never to let anyone hurt her.
Elena took in a deep breath, deciding that it was best to forget all that had happened the previous day. She should focus on her present and future…if she had any.
*****
Because Elena was a newly married bride, training had to be skipped for that day. She was already wondering what she would do with the rest of the day when Killian suddenly walked back into the room and asked, "Where would you like to go?"
At first, Elena was shocked and could not believe her ears. It's been years since she trully went out. More than thirteen years or more. She had only been in her pack, and of course King Killian's palace. Imagine her joy when he had asked.
She was so happy, filled with joy. She had even asked him why he wanted to allow her, but he shrugged and said nothing. She had no idea that, despite him denying it, he was simply worried that she might be too scared in the palace and wanted to bring her out.
After so many thoughts, Elena decided that she wanted to go to the moonlight festival that night. It was a festival held yearly, in every kingdom, to praise the moon goddess. Everyone was treated as equal regardless of class and status in such festivals, so no one would look down on her that day.
When Elena's parents were still alive, they always took her to this festival yearly. It was like a tradition and she always had her fun. It would be great to witness it again.
King Killian immediately hated the idea of being outside with peasants. He hated such events and had only gone twice, and in those times, he always ruined the party for everyone. The first time he went, he killed a man who was breathing too loudly before him, and of course, everyone freaked out and ran away. The second time, he got annoyed and set the place on fire. How the people even managed to survive without getting burned remained a mystery.
King Killian was the God of death. It was normal for death to follow him wherever he went.
King Killian wanted to deny Elena's request, but she gave him a very sickening look that made his heart ache. He groaned in irritation before saying, "Fine, fine. We'll leave when it's dark."
If only Elena knew what was coming for her that night.