Inheritance: Threads of Fate

Chapter Four - Games

You lay back into him, and he wrapped his arms around you, taking the reins to let you catch your breath. You rested your head on his chest, and he leaned forward to kiss your neck. "Seems like I won that match..." He chuckled.
"I'll get you back..." You threatened half heartedly.
"Oh, I don't doubt it." He smiled down at you.
As you stared into his eyes your heart jumped, "I love you." You whispered up at him.
"And I love you, My Starlight." He craned his neck downward and kissed you as best he could from this position. His beard had grown out, and it was rough against your burnt skin. Your lips stung from being chapped and cracked, but it was still the best kiss you had ever felt.

A bit past midday you all decided to take a break to eat and stretch. You dismounted, less than gracefully, and offered to help Raxe set up the tents while Caspian tended to the animals.
"So..." Raxe began once Caspian was out of earshot. "You and Caspian...?"
"What?" You looked up at him in embarrassment and shock.
"There's something there, isn't there? I heard you two whispering last night."
"Oh..." You blushed, thanking Aslan he didn't realize what was happening behind him a few hours ago. "I...don't..."
"Comeon Bun." He rolled his eyes. "I know you. I see how you look at him. And he definitely thinks of you as more than friends."
"Well...I mean...he's handsome but..."
Raxe stopped unfolding the tent and crossed his arms, raising his eyebrows at you.
"Ok. Ok." You whispered "There may be something..." You smiled shyly.
"AHA!" He whispered back. "I knew it!"
"Shhh...." You motioned with your hands for him to keep it down.
"Why? Why does it have to be some big secret? I'm happy for you, you guys really are a great pair."
"Fox...he's a King."
"And you're one of his court now are you not? Doesn't that make you like... equal now?"
You laughed. "A job doesn't change your blood status."
"I mean...he's the king...can't he change the rules?"
"I don't think it's that simple." You sighed. "I'm pretty sure he has to have a good reason to change a law that has been in place for thousands of years."
"Hmph. I think this is a pretty good reason." He muttered as he picked the tent back up.
"Please, don't say anything to anyone. I don't want to get him in trouble."
"Alright, alright... you two really are great together you know."
You smiled as you handed him the sticks that propped up his side. "What about you? In all your time here, you haven't met anyone?"
"Oh I've met plenty of someone's." He laughed. "But slaves aren't allowed to marry or even court unless given express permission by their master, and I tend to have...let's say...expensive taste."
"Such as?"
"Well, two families in, the noble had a daughter. Bun she was stunning. I couldn't have ignored her if I tried...Anyway, I was in the shop, I think I was fixing some armor or something... I don't remember, but I noticed she would walk by...a lot... like she was trying to get my attention. Then every day she made some excuse to need me to fix something for her... she would drop it off, and I would bring it up to the house when I was done and deliver it to her chambers personally, on her request. One night when I brought her a candlestick I had repaired for her, she looked so beautiful... I couldn't help it... I kissed her... and she dragged me into her room...and well... it became a nightly thing. I think I loved her... but her father found out and of course he was furious... he had me flogged...and then sold back...I never saw her again.."
"I'm so sorry Raxe." You responded sympathetically.
He shrugged. "It was fun while it lasted. At least I know I can pull nobility." He laughed.
"You can pull anyone you want, you handsome devil you." You playfully punched his arm.
You both laughed and Caspian rejoined you, looking very grumpy.
"What's wrong?" You asked him.
"Nothing." He responded shortly.
You looked up at Raxe and he shrugged.
"I was thinking I'd brush Abra out, will you help me?" You asked Caspian, trying to get him out of his mood.

He shrugged at you and followed you to where the camels and Abra stood.
"What's the matter with you?" You asked again once you were alone hidden behind Abra.
"I said nothing." He responded angrily, pulling things out of the pack aggressively.
"Caspian..."
"You and Raxe seemed to be enjoying each other's company."  He shoved a brush into your hands.
"Well, yea. He's my best friend..." You began.
"Is that all he is to you?" He demanded.
You suddenly realized what this was about, and couldn't help but laugh. "YES. We've known each other since we were little, he's like a brother to me."
He looked down at you and his eyes were turning black. "Sure seems like more."
You couldn't help but enjoy this jealous rage. "Aww...is someone jealous?"
"Absolutely not. I just don't enjoy other men trying to take what is mine." He argued, his jaw clenching.
"Oh, don't you worry My King, you have set a full and rightful claim to me." You giggled.
"Don't patronize me."  His black eyes stared down at you.
"Caspian..." You sighed with a smile and wrapped your arms around his waist. He fought you with every step but he allowed himself to be pulled close to you. "I am all yours, and only yours. You ridiculous man."
He looked down at you, "I'm ridiculous?" His eyes softened.
"Yes." You giggled. "You have nothing to worry about."
He grunted.
"Though I can't say I don't enjoy this side of you..." You teased.
He glared at you, but with a smile in his eyes. "Brush your horse." He commanded, gave you a quick kiss and walked away. Leaving you with butterflies.
"Abra..." You sighed..."that man is going to drive me insane."