Chapter 87
Nolan’s POV
The day slipped away from me as I lost myself in the dense woods, the canopy above casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.
I needed the solitude, the space to clear my mind after everything that had happene
Seeing Rowan this morning had unsettled me in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend, and those wild. forbidden thoughts kept intruding, making it impossible to focus on anything else.
I ran, leaping over fallen logs and weaving through the trees, trying to outrun my own and I have hunted three animals already and I don’t want to hunt more. I gave two to the locals aradi kept one fox for myself.
Time seemed to blur as I pushed myself harder, the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the earth and the sound of my own heavy breathing, my only companions.
The physical exertion was a welcome distraction, temporarily dulling the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me.
But no matter how fast or far I ran, I couldn’t escape the images that haunted me–Row And Nesta, the three of us together, and the intense, confusing feelings that accompanied those memories
I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice the gradual dimming of the light until the shadows lengthened and the air grew cooler.
It wasn’t until I paused to catch my breath, leaning against a tree trunk, that I realised the sun had already set.
The forest was bathed in twilight, the sky a deepening shade of indigo, and the first stars beginning ? to twinkle overhead. My thoughts all shoot back to one person, Nesta. Fucking hell.
“Damn,” I muttered to myself, wiping the sweat from my brow.
I had been out here far longer than I intended. I hadn’t even thought about Nesta in hours, too consumed by the turbulent thoughts Rowan had stirred up.
The guilt of neglecting her tugged at my conscience, but I couldn’t bring myself to face her just yet I needed to get my head straight, to figure out what the hell was wrong with me.
I mean, I’m not neglecting her since she is just my mistress and I only summon her when I need her. I don’t need her now. Well, I do, I just got caught up with my own personal stuff
I made my way back through the woods, the night sounds of the forest surrounded me—crickets chirping, leaves rustling in the breeze, the distant hoot of an owl.
It was a stark contrast to the noise in my mind, which refused to quiet down. I tried to focus on the path ahead, but the unresolved tension with Rowan kept creeping back in, making it impossible to think clearly.
By the time I emerged from the woods and approached the palace, the sky was a deep, inky black, the stars shining brightly above. I felt a strange sense of dread mixed with anticipation, unsure of what awaited me inside.
I needed to talk to Rowan, to figure out what was going on between us, but the thought of confronting those feelings made my stomach twist. I can’t do that.
For now, all I could do was try to compose myself and face whatever the night had in store. I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I crossed the threshold into the palace, hoping against hope that I could find some semblance of peace amid the chaos.
I finally made my way back to the palace, the weight of the day’s events still hung heavy on my shoulders.
I carried with me the fox I had roasted in the woods, its smoky aroma a small comfort amidst the turmoil in my mind. I knew I had to do something for Nesta, even if I couldn’t face her right now.
I found Maria in the hallway, her eyes widening in surprise as I approached her with the roasted fox wrapped in a cloth. I know her name only because she is Nesta’s personal maid. Also her friend Theard.
“Maria,” I said, my tone firm and authoritative. “Take this and feed it to Nesta tomorrow. Not now. And don’t tell her it was from me.”
She looked at the offering and then back at me, a flicker of confusion and hesitation in her eyes. “Are you sure, Your Highness?” she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
I nodded, my gaze unwavering. “Yes. Just make sure she gets it.”
Maria accepted the fox with a small, understanding nod. She knew better than to press for more details, even though her curiosity was evident.
“I’ll make sure she gets it, Your Highness.” She bowed.
“Good,” I replied curtly. “And Maria, ensure you keep this matter private. It’s not for anyone else to know.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” she said, bowing slightly. “I will handle it discreetly.”
With a final nod, I turned and headed back to my own quarters. I felt a strange mix of relief and sadness. I couldn’t face Nesta tonight, but at least I could do something small to take care of her.
I walked away, the halls of the palace felt even more suffocating than usual. My mind replayed the day’s events, the encounter with Rowan in the woods, and the chaotic thoughts that followed.
I needed to clear my head, but even as I lay in bed, the images of Rowan, Nesta, and our tangled past continued to haunt me, making sleep an elusive comfort.
I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, the hot water cascading over me, washing away the grime and tension of the day.
I scrubbed quickly, my thoughts racing to Nesta. Had she waited for me? What was she thinking when I didn’t seek her out? Was she asleep now, or was she still awake, wondering about my absence?
I didn’t waste any more time. As soon as I was clean, I dried off and dressed hastily, my heart pounding with anticipation
I made my way to Nesta’s room, the corridors of the palace eerily quiet this late hour. The moonlight streamed through the windows, casting shadows that danced along the walls.
When I reached her door, I hesitated for a moment, my hand hovering over the handle.
What would I find on the other side? Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open silently and stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the moon, illuminating Nesta’s form on the bed. She was asleep, her breathing steady and peaceful.
I approached her slowly, my heart aching with a mix of desire and intense lust I never knew Aisted. I shouldn’t have left her waitingNôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
I leaned down, my lips brushing against her neck. I kissed her gently, trailing my mouth over her soft skin. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she woke to my touch.
“Nolan?” she whispered, her voice groggy with sleep.
‘Shh, it’s me,” I murmured, my lips moving to her ear. I’m here now.”
Her body relaxed slightly, but I could feel the tension beneath her calm exterior. She had been waiting for me, and my absence had left its mark
Just me.” I whispered against her skin, my hands caressing her gently. “I was caught up in the woods
Her eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of emotions–hurt, longing, and a flicker of hope. She didn’t say anything, but the way she looked at me spoke volumes. I knew I had to make it up to her.
I kissed her again, this time more deeply, my tongue exploring her mouth as she responded to my touch. Her hands found their way to my hair, pulling me closer as our bodies pressed together.
The room filled with the sound of our breathing, our connection undeniable. I’m not the only one that feels this. It is too much.
“I need you.” I whispered against her lips, my voice thick with emotion. “I can’t stay away from you, Nesta
She sighed softly, her fingers trailing down my back “Then don’t, she replied, her voice barely audible
What mattered was now, being here with her, feeling her warmth and knowing that, despite everything, we still had each other. Until we don’t.