Moonbloods Season 1
Nalia

I followed slowly behind Emris and did my best to keep the pounding in my head from blocking everything else out. I gripped my reins, my eyes heavy. It was well past dark now. I could see the city lights now, but it was quickly blocked out by a tunnel. "Keep close, Nalia," I herd Emris say in a low voice. I pressed my thighs together but just as I did so my horse kicked out and back, effectively throwing my off her back. I hit the ground hard on my back my head spinning as it cracked on the ground-

And suddenly I was flying, the bright sunlight blinded me for a moment overlooking Star Hill, many armies were gathered here, all of the roaring and cheering in unison. Jabbing their weapons in the air as they screamed in victory, I could quit understand the surrounds around me. I stood before them with Emris by my side- the air was polluted brown, dusty and desert like- I was dressed in a very figur fitted, slim red dress- something I would never be caught dead in- flashing, bright lighting turned the sky bright orange, the thunder and cheers of the crowd thrumming in my chest-

I blinked passed the pain as I rolled to my side, my heart slamming in my chest. I blinked, trying to get my bearings. Someone was grabbing at me, pulling me to my feet.

"Stop!" I herd him order and then he was beside me. Kneeling down beside me, Emris held out his hand. "Are you hurt?" he asked me.

I rubbed the back of my head. "I think I'm OK," I said in a low voice. My hand went to my head and came back bloody. "Oh... that's not good." Emris gripped my wrist, looking at my hand, his silver eyes locked on my blood covered fingers. "I'm fine!" I assured him pulling at his hold on my wrist.

He blinked at me as soon as I spoke, immediately releasing my hand. "My apologies," he said and helped me to my feet. "You will ride with me." I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the pounding in my head.

"I can ride," I assured him.

Emris shook his head. "You hit your head, Nalia, I am not going to risk you falling off your horse again."

He left no room for debate, so followed him to his horse and watched as he pulled the saddle from his beast of a horse and put it in the carriage. When he returned, he offered me his hand to help me up into his horses back.

Once he was up on the horses back behind me, his arms snaked around my waist on either side, pressing me back against his chest.

"Try not to fall off," he told me as he kicked his mighty steed into a stead gallop. The caravan continued. Niko, having retrieved my horse was following behind and a more slower pace. Soon, he and Hali were left behind.

I was doing my best not to feel his hands on my waist, his chest pressed firmly to my back, his hot, rapid breathing at my neck and ear. I suddenly felt very relaxed. My head rolled back into his shoulder as I leaned into his chest. Emris breathed in as he pressed his face into my hair. My heart was pounding in my chest. I couldn't tell if was my feelings or his anymore. I didn't know if he was manipulating me.

"I told you to stop messing with my head!" I told him in a low voice. I was doing my best to try and sound determined. "It gives me headaches." I felt him sigh, his hands pulling me back slightly. "And that to!" I scolded him. "Keep your hands to yourself!"

He laughed. "Would you rather fall?" he asked me.

I sighed. "Of course not," I assured him. I didn't want to fall but I didn't know if I wanted him touching me either. I didn't know how I felt. I didn't know if I liked the feeling of his heavy arms around me, his warm breathing at my ear causing goosebumps to flare over my skin. I shuddered.

"Are you cold?" Emris asked me, pulling his cloak forward, spreading it out around us. His tone had take on a teasing, knowing tone. I cleared my throat. We rode in silence for a few moments before we reach the main gate in just a few moments. "Be ready for a major greeting."

I looked down at my mud covered cloths. "Emris, what about-"

He shook his head. "We are tribesmen at heart. A very proud people. They will understand you have been in the road."

That didn't make me feel any better. For some reason I knew Yeamina would be there, her face judging and smug. As a light appeared at the end of the tunnel, Emris pushed his horse faster, the clipping of hooves clapping against the cobblestone ground was loud and echoed back to me down the tunnel.

Suddenly and without warning, longing and lust washed through me. A startled gasp left my lips as Emris pulled me closer, seemingly out of habit as his horse trotted up the wooden bridge and through the gate. "Easy," he whispered his hand moving up to my stomach, just under my chest. "Deep breath." It was almost as of his words were hypnotizing me. I felt my hand wander to his, my finger winding with his. Before I could say anything, ask any questions, a bright light blinded me and a loud BOOM made me jump.

We were immediately greater by at least two dozen guards and the yelling and screaming and cheering of people. Some threw flowers and other cheered blessings at us, many of the people- the Tribesmen, as Emris had put it, screamed in triumph in return of their Prince.

"They love you," he whispered.

I shied away slowly but his arms tighten around me.

"Appearances," he breathed in my ear. I shuddered again and he chuckled in my ear. He knew exactly what he was doing. And for some reason I needed more. I fought against the unfamiliar growing feeling in my chest. "They respect you."

I shook my head. "They don't know me," I pointed out. Emris shrugged, his muscles chest rippling against my back. "You are my wife," he mumbled against my hair. "That is all they need to show you how much they adore you."

I didn't see how you could love and adore someone you didn't know. At least not in the way Emris meant.

"They will get to know you in time," he promised me. The streets were very crowded now, many people bowing as we rode passed them. I herd Emris sigh. "You smell Devine," he whispered.

I felt my eyes slid closed as his lips gently brushed the spot between my ear and jaw. "You smell like the wild." His lips danced across my skin as he spoke. My eyes snapped open when he pressed his warm lips to the back of my head, a suppressed sigh leaving his chest. The painful jolt of longing that pierced through me caused him to breath out a heavy sigh, his breath warming my chilled skin.

"Perhaps this was a bad idea," he whispered and I felt his doubt fill me. I blinked as the feeling changed. Perhaps it was because we were touching. His lips were still at the base of my jaw. "Perhaps you should have taken the carriage."

Regret washed through me. "Perhaps you are right," I said.

Emris didn't answer. "Things are going to change very soon," he told me in a low voice as we came out into an open square. We weren't far from the Castle now. "We will talk at dinner," he said as we passed through yet another security gate and into the a massive courtyard that was filled with people. I felt myself shrink back into his chest. Emris leaned forward, his face next to mine now. "Breath," he whispered, my skin flaring with the heat of his breath. I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me as he breathed in and I felt myself relax into his chest. He laughed softly. "There you go," he praised me.

I felt a smile form on my lips as Emris pulled his horse to a stop. I wasn't sure how I felt about him influencing my body like this and I'm sure it would bother me later but in this moment I wanted him to keep me calm. And I'm glad he knew it.

Emris dismounted quickly and reached up to help me from his horse. I leaned forward, reaching to steady myself on his shoulders. Pulling me close, Emris wrapped his arms around me, gently setting me in the ground. "Follow me," he said and turned, his arm sliding down my waist, his hand warm was heavy as he reached and folded his fingers through mine.

My heart was pounding and my mind was racing. I glanced around, the people around us had their heads bowed. A man stepped forward, a demon, his fair skin seemed to glow from within as he bowed before both of us. "Welcome back, your Majesties," he greeted us. Emris nodded. I followed his lead as he led me to the side of the building, a high wall, set high in the mountain with the village glowing brightly beneath us.

Star Hill was a great, tall green mountain, waterfalls and rivers webbing across the bright, fresh green valleys. Beautiful, rich and vibrant. "It's beautiful," I said.

"I want you to see all you desire," he said. I looked up at him. He was watching me intently, his silver eyes and dark hair making him look all the more attractive. I was confused, worried how his kindness would vanish if we parted ways. I didn't want to deal with his flippant personality. "Come."

Emris squeezed my fingers gently and guided me toward the heavy double doors of the castle. The frame was delicately hand carved with vines and flowers, runes and symbols of power and protection rimmed the door way. "You may go anywhere you like in the castle while we are here but Niko and a group of guards is to escort you if you wish to visit the village."

"Perhaps tomorrow," I said knowing some time on the town may do me good. Emris smiled.

"I've had had seamstresses working around the clock on your wedding dress. I hope it is to your liking."

I nodded, thinking about how beautiful and detailed the dresses I wore in Vendera and how elegant they had been so I was sure my wedding dress would be the best of the best. "Thank you," I said.

Emris looked down at me, stopping under the archway. We were inside now, the entry hall was also filled with servants and people eagerly awaiting to greet Emris.

"Go with Niko and Hali. They will show you to your chambers and get you dressed for dinner," he said softly, reaching up to touch his fingers to my cheek. I watched him fight some emotion, some urge I didn't recognize as his fingers lingered on my jaw and neck. Longing that was wasn't entirely my own washed through me. I sighed, my eyes sliding closed as Emris raised his hand and traced his fingers down and around my neck. He sighed, almost growled as I breathed out a shuddering breath. I didn't want to part ways. I didn't want him to grow cold again. But why should it bother me? As much as I wanted to remain detached, I longed for his touch, his voice and his company. It didn't made sense. He had mentioned the connection through our magic. Emris pressed his lips to the top of my head, his sweet breath filling me as he breathed out a sigh.

"On to the slaughter," he sighed as he turned to face the few dozen people waiting for him. "I will see you for dinner."

I watched him step back, his hand tracing my neck as his arms dropped away and he bowed before me. Chills rippled my skin as every person in the Courtyard followed his movement, bowing or bending to curtsy at me. A major show of respect. "Your Majesty," he said in a low and almost seductive voice. I curtsied back.

"Your Majesty." I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

Emris was immediately surrounded by by people, Lady Yesmina being one of them. She smirked at me as she grabbed his attention. I scowled at her. Nalia.

My eyes snapped back to Emris, his head bent over the paper Yesmina was showing him, but his eyes were locked on me. I frowned.

Appearances, he reminded me.

I couldn't bring myself to tell him to stay out of my head but I felt a small twinge of regret filling me for a moment as he dropped his gaze and leaned away from whatever it was Yeamina was showing him.

"This all can wait until tomorrows meeting. I'd like to see my father."

Everyone parted ways as Emris pushed through the crowed. I turned away to face the group of Maids as they all hurried forward, bowing before me.

"Welcome to Star Hill, your Majesty," they greeted me. I smiled and a Maid stepped forward to take my cloak, the mud splattered fabric was heavy. "Fetch the Healers and have them look at the Princesse's head wound," Emris insisted in a loud, commanding voice from across the courtyard. I looked up to see his eyes on me. He offered me one last smirk before he vanished into the building.

I followed the group of maids into the building and down the hall.

"You room has been ready for over a month, your Majesty. We exspected you much sooner."

I nodded. "Yes, there was some unfortunate miscommunications back in Summer Crest but Prince Emris sorted that out."

One of the Maids giggled. "Yes, the young Lord Crast is now in charge of the Summer Crest port."

I nodded. "My brother," I told them.

"I hear is quite handsome and is looking for a wife," she sighed.

I laughed. "My brother is new to his power. He is not ready to married."

"Of course, Your Majesty," she said. I glanced behind me; Niko and Hali flanked me on either side. "Where will you be staying?" I asked them.

"In the guard room just across the hall from you, Princess. My door will be open."

I nodded. "I will be in the servants quarters with the rest of the servants," Hali said.

I sighed. "I wish I could offer you a room," I told her honestly. I hated that she had to sleep on mats made of straw. Niko cleared his throat.

"You have the authority to do so, Princess," he told me.

I shook my head. "What do you mean?" I asked him confused. What authority? Niko glanced at Hali. "She used to be Lady Hali. Stripped of her title after the death of her husband." I looked down at Hali and shook my head. "I don't understand- you are of noble birth and hear you are, being treated as a slave?"

Halo nodded. "Why?" I demanded.

"By order of his Majesty the King," she said. I sighed. This was so unfair. Perhaps once Emris was King- if I lived that long- I would be able to reinstate her title and replace her a good husband.

"I don't understand-"

Niko cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should speak of this at a later time, Princess?" he said and glanced around the crowded hallway. "You must be tired and in need of refreshment before dinner with Prince Emris. We should leave you to it."

I nodded and watched as most of the maids stared back at me. I cleared my throat. "I need a bath," I said. They all burst into action, one headed down the hall to get water, one off to fetch towels and Halo at my side, ready to help me undress and get washed up.

It was much different now. Before I had to bathe under the watchful eye of my uncle. I shuddered as the warm water reached up to my shoulders as I sat down into the cloth covered tub. Hali had kicked everyone out once the tub was full and then helped me into the tub.

"You seem more at ease with his Majesty," she commented.

I felt a smile crease my lips. "Yes," I agreed. "It's odd. I'm not sure what happened. Perhaps it was the time apart that made me realize- that for whatever twisted reason- I do actually care for him," I said as I stared down into the milky water. I scrubbed myself clean, rubbing the bar of soap into my hair. I wasn't sure how long I had. It was already dark outside and Emris had said he would see me for dinner.

I suddenly felt flushed at the thought of being alone with him, away from prying eyes. I tried to understand what had happened. Emris had been away, hunting down the thugs responsible for Lord Drodic's death while I sat in Negera not knowing if he would come back.

"Can I trust you, Hali?" I asked her.

Bali had been gently brushing the knots from my raven hair.

"Of course, Princess, I am your confidant," she assured me. "Sworn into secrecy by Prince Emris."

I smiled.

A warm home up in the north.

A beautiful horse of my own.

The crown he had placed on my head. And the way his arms had wrapped around me when he appeared at the door. I nodded for Hali to help me from the tub so I didn't slip and then dried off quickly. I didn't want Emris to come looking for me.

The dress Hali had picked out was a simple purple gown with a floral gold trim and wide sleeves. I left my hair down, only using a small tie to hold it together. When a loud knock sounded at the door, I felt flushed but relived at the same time when I realized it was just the healer.

"Princess, his Majesty asked that I check your wound," she said. I reached up, having forgotten about my wound. I felt around for it but felt my heart sink when I realized that the wound was gone.

"That won't be necessary," I assured her. The Healer looked worried for a moment. "His Majesty insists!" she reminded me.

I glanced at Hali. "No thank you," I said. Having now noticed my unease, Hali stepped forward. "Her Majesty is in no need of medicinal

attention. In fact, she is on her way to see the Prince now-"

I didn't wait for the nurse to speak. "Thank you for your concern, Nurse but I am truly fine." I stepped passed her and stepped into the hallway where Niko was waiting for me. I was glad to see that Hali and Niko had made it here on time. He had gotten a clean up and change of gear, having traded his armor for a soft, black and dark green outfit, his sword strapped to his hip. His blond hair was combed and braided back, his sharp, tipped ears now holding two iron, silver stained hoops. I smiled at him.

"You look rested, Sir Niko," I commented. He bowed his head.

"Thank you, Princess. We will all be well rested before we sail back to Vendara."

I nodded, rounding the corner and felt my breath catch in my chest. As soon as I sucked in that breath, Emris turned to face me, his bright silver eyes locked on me, a small, proud smile lighting his face. He was standing there with Yeamina and her father. I resisted the urge to scowl at either of them. They bowed at me when I reached Emris' side. "Princess, welcome to Star Hill," Lord Melbourne said. "The King has requested your presents immediately and with out delay."

I looked up at Emris. "Has something happened?" I asked him.

Emris shook his head, his hand wrapping around my waist as he pulled me in. The relieve of anxiety was immediate and a sigh of relief washed through me.

"My father has requested to see you," he said, his eyes tightening. It was almost if he was trying to tell me something without being obvious in front of prying eyes. I lowered my gaze, my hand sliding down his arm, searching for his for exposed skin. I had come to realize that this odd mental connection we had seemed to work best when we were touching.

Emris nodded to Graven and Yesmina as his warm hand melted through the fabric of my dress and he began guiding me down the hall.

It was almost like an electric current washed through me when my fingers brushed his wrist. I felt his fingers wind through mine and my breathing seemed to come easier.

I know you said to stay out of your mind but-

I shuddered as his voice seemed to warped around the inside of my head, his breath impossibly hot on my skin. It made no sense. He wasn't close enough for me to feel his breath that close. No... it's fine.

I wasn't sure if it was fine. I just knew that I wanted more of this feeling. Longing washed through me and I herd him sigh, a frustrated look on his face.

"You confuse me," he admitted. "I can't figure you out."

"Im sorry." I looked down at my fingers still linked with his and my stomach swelled with excitement and a feeling of connection. "I don't mean to be," I assured him.

Emris squeezed my fingers. "Don't you ever apologize to me, My Love.

I was told you refused to let the nurse see you?" he asked me.

I nodded. "That's because the wound healed itself," I told him.

Emris looked relived for a moment.

"Interesting," he mused.

His fingers brushed mine gently. "What is?" I asked him in a low voice. Emris raised his hand, dropping mine and wrapped it around my hip, pulling me against him as he guided me to the side of the hallway, out of sight from the rest of the hallway. "Everything about you!" he insisted.

He was right.

It wasn't just him.

My heart was going to explode from my chest. I wasn't sure if could handle much more. My fingers were locked in his silk shirt, not sure if I was pulling him closer or shoving him away.

"Emris..." his name left my lips in a wild breath and he smiled. Longing washed through me and I knew it wasn't just mine.

"I can feel... everything you feel, Nalia," he whispered, his lips brushing against my cheek. I shuddered, suddenly feeling overwhelmed and very uncomfortable. Emris opens his eyes, the lust and light washing from his eyes as my hands froze on his chest and we stared at each other for a split second before Emris began to lean forward his intentions perfectly clear.

"Stop..." the words left my lips in a choked whisper.

He stopped, looking down at me, his full lips parted slightly.

Emris leaned away, his hands still around my neck. His face had become guarded, his eyes having gone cold. I felt my heart sink, rapidly pounding in away my chest.

"Only ever tell me to stop if you truly mean it," he whispered. I watched as his eyes slid closed, his lips parting in anticipation as he leaned in...

I swollowed, trying to think. If I was going to meet the King, a powerful Demon, I needed a clear head. I nodded and looked back up at Emris. "I mean it," I whispered. My hands pushed weakly at his chest as he leaned in. His eyes grew cold once more. His fingers twitched around my neck as his eyes seemed to glow with anger. Emris sighed as he dropped his hands to his sides. As soon as his fingers brushed away from my skin, anxiety filled me once more. Emris narrowed his eyes at me, watching me.

"Can you do this?" he asked me.

I nodded. "Yes."

"We should go," he insisted tartly. I dropped my gaze to the ground as I followed him down the hall, a hollow feeling filling me. I didn't like the feeling he gave and it was driving me insane. How was I supposed to survive if I couldn't even control my emotions? Emotions that were not even entirely mine.