The Runaway {Hunter} (WATTYS 2022)

The Love

The sweet smell of the morning dew could be smelled from miles away. The soft chirp of birds as the sun shone through the tall windows kept the room warm. The breeze of the early morning sent waves through the sheer white curtains.

The soft fabric felt all too familiar to Cora. It felt a lot more comfortable then the bunks on the Muarder. The rough fleece that itched at night, was nothing compared to the soft cotton that laced her bed. The blankets would be cold, feeling lonely in the early morning.

But soft warmth of Hunter next to her, kept her cozy.

Her hand rested on his bare chest. Cora looked to him, his face calm as he slept. His hair was all out of place, so she reached up and brushed it from his face. Hunter stirred at her touch, his eyes fluttered open. His eyes landed on her, her body still pressed against him as he lazily smiled. He sucked air in through his nose as he shifted closer to Cora. She smiled and rested her nose into his shoulder blade, taking in his sweet scent. His arms moved around her and squeezed her closer, a deep chuckle rumbled through his chest. Cora bent her head up to look at Hunter, he hand moving to his face again. Her fingers traced his cheekbone, dipping in around his jawline. The bruises were hardly noticeable on his face now. Her eyes studied him, her face flush as he reached his hand to her cheek.

His fingers also brushed down her jawline, gently grabbing her chin. Hunter's thumb brushed on her bottom lip as his eyes flickered to her soft lips. He leaned closer and kissed her, butterflies in her stomach made her feel sick with love. The soft was gentle, sweet and kind. Hunter broke away, his eyes closed as he looked down to the Princess. Her eyes fluttered open as she felt so intoxicated by Hunter. His touch, his lips, his presence.

"Cyare." He mumbled into her jaw as he moved his lips to her neck.

Cora hummed as she pulled her neck up, giving room to his soft kisses. She took a sharp breath and gently placed her hands on Hunter's cheeks, pulling him up to her eyes. His mouth, open just a little, eyed her as she hummed a soft chuckle.

"My love." She whispered, her thumb moving across his cheek.

A soft knock came to the door as their hazy eyes shot open, looking to the door. Cora looked to Hunter as she pulled the blankets closer to her body. She pulled it around her shoulders and kept it close as she slipped out of the bed, listening as another knock sounded. She turned back to Hunter as she waved for him to cover himself in blankets.

She gave him a second before she pulled open the door just a crack. It was Felicita, her handmaiden. Her little frame looked to the Princess as she smiled. "My lady." She greeted looking to Cora wrapped in her white blankets. "The prophet Cas requests your presence."

"Oh." Cora nodded, "Tell him I'll be there in thirty minutes." She said quickly.

"Do you need assistance? With getting ready for the day?" Felicita asked sweetly. Her eyes trailed behind Cora as she saw the gown she wore the night before, just thrown on the floor. Hunter's jacket thrown over it.

Cora pulled the door and shifted, trying to block her view as she glanced to Hunter sitting in the bed behind her. "Uh no." Cora mumbled. "No thank you Felicita. I'll be fine."

"It's Sergeant Hunter? Isn't it?" Felicita whispered leaning towards her. Cora's eyes grew wide as she stumbled on her words. "You told him last night? Didn't you? Is that why you left the party early last night?"

Cora chuckled and nodded quickly. "Yes, that's why." She tried to cover her tracks. "He walked me back to my room."

"I haven't seen him this morning." Felicita frowned and looked to her hands. "But Tech really is as fascinating as you said." She got more cheerful. "We talked last night, like you suggested."