“How?” she whispered, her hands placed on the plains of his bare chest, rising and falling heavily. Theodore took one of her hands in his own and guided it to his arousal, wrapping her fingers about him.
“Up and down,” he stammered, the touch burning him. Eveline began to stroke his arousal, his face contorting, his breathing becoming rigid. As Eveline stroked her husband tenderly, she felt his other hand cup her intimately, dipping his fingers into her again, returning to its original rhythm, causing Eveline to cry out loud.
“Open your eyes,” he demanded in between gasps, watching her open her eyes and gaze down into his own, “keep them open.”
The warm water about them began to splash against the bath tub, falling onto the floor as they quickened their pace. Eveline felt her body flush hotly as she stroked Theodore, trying to keep the pace going but finding it increasingly hard to do so when her own lust filled journey was sky rocketing within her.
“Stop,” cried Theodore, taking her hand away from his erection, and taking his fingers out of her warmness. Eveline looked down at her husband, bereft of his touch. “Don’t worry my love,” he soothed, kissing his gently, before bringing her waist closer to his. “Hold on to my shoulders,” he ordered huskily. Eveline found his shoulders and gasped as he lifted her hips, guiding his rigid erection into her slowly, listening to her sigh as they became one.
“Oh my God,” she cried, feeling her muscles tighten around him.
“Slowly,” he replied guiding her hips up and down and letting her take control, slowly lifting herself up and down over him, her fingers clutching at his skin.
“I love you,” she cried, letting her forehead fall against his own.
“I love you too,” he whispered, cradling her breasts in his hands, letting his body fall prey to her gaze and touch. Slowly and quietly, the couple made love to one another as though they had been starved. Eveline felt the warm air touch her back and began to sigh loudly, feeling her body tighten and contract, reaching the pinnacle of her love making. Quickly she began to ride Theodore harder.
“Slow,” he ordered in between breathes, feeling her slow down a little and taking one of her nipples into his mouth, devouring it with his tongue, causing her to scream out loud.
“Oh my God!” she cried quietly, looking down at Theodore and becoming more aroused at the sight. Unable to stop herself she began to lift herself up and down more intensely, feeling him shake. Together they climaxed, Eveline’s forehead once again falling onto his, beaded with hot sweat. Quietly they fell back into reality, their breathes rigid and mingling. Theodore kissed her collar bone tenderly, his hands on her waist.
“Wife,” he whispered.
“Husband.”
For a while they lay in each other’s arms before getting up. Carrying her in his arms, Theodore lifted Eveline into their room setting her down on the floor.
“Wait here,” he smiled, returning to the bathroom and coming back with two towels. Eveline reached out for one but was waved away. Holding out his hand, he guided Eveline towards the long mirror and stood her there, beginning to dry her body with the towel. Eveline watching in fascination as Theodore dried her, her body flushed. Standing behind her, he unpinned her long, auburn hair and let it fall around her. “Beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, kissing her on the shoulder. Eveline gazed at the yellow jewel, it seemed almost dimmed, and was reminded of him. Turning from her gaze she smiled up at Theodore and kissed him.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” she asked sweetly.
“Hmm yes,” he murmured in her hair, “but I have to finish what I started,” he teased, turning her round again.
“Which is?” she smiled at his wicked grin.
“Making love to my wife,” he replied, his voice deep.
“Again?” she blushed, watching as he began to stroke her gently, her body instantly responding, becoming invigorated and alive to his touch once more.
“Yes,” he whispered, watching her in the mirror.
“Oh,” she moaned, watching as he traced her curves lightly causing her to feel off balance.
*
Theodore and Eveline went for a walk in the evening, talking, laughing and inappropriately touching each other under the disguise of the trees. The world and its axis felt balanced once more as the couple enjoyed the walk, forgetting about tomorrow and erasing the troubles of their past, simply enjoying each other’s company. When asked about the drowning and how she quite literally flew out of the water, Eveline thought it best not to tell him about her necklace exploding with light causing Galean to materialise before her very eyes.
“I feel appalled that we have spent so much time avoiding one another, when so much beauty is to be had,” sighed Theodore, clasping Eveline’s hand tightly in his, slightly swaying them as they walked under some cherry trees.
“I know, everything has been such a mess,” smiled Eveline, “although it is understandable that you did not want to be around me.”
“Did you love him more than me” Theodore dared to ask, biting down on his lip.
“I don’t think it would beneficial to talk about it,” Eveline frowned, looking up at the hills. They walked on in silence, smiling at tourists on their way. For the brief time they had left in Keswick, Eveline and Theodore continued to ignore the problem that still separated them, despite their desperate attempts to solve their marriage and despite their love making. The 21st descended upon them quietly and they spent the morning and afternoon going over the vital parts of their plan.
“Our neighbour has agreed to bring us to the stone circle,” Theodore said, sitting back in his chair, watching Eveline ready herself. Eveline had been uncommonly quiet today and Theodore understood she was frightened about her dream coming true, she would be even quieter when he told her he wasn’t going to join her on her journey back to Calhuni. Theodore had spent a long time in the garden that morning thinking seriously. Firstly it was very probable that he wouldn’t be able to travel through time with her as he was now a human, and if her dream was indeed a vision, he had to ask himself, was it fair on Eveline, to remember him dead? Secondly he could not, as much as he tried forget about Galean, whose necklace she still wore protectively, if he did by some miracle make it to Calhuni, he knew without doubt that Eveline and Galean would meet once more and more importantly he knew how dangerous jealously and pride were, the chaos he had already caused was enough proof to know that he couldn’t follow his wife. Gabriel told him that real love was about putting that other persons needs before your own, this was Theodores way of proving his love to Eveline, by saving her from either his death or his pride and jealousy which would alter him and their marriage and cause her to become distracted from her real purpose, saving her people and saving his people.
“Eveline, its time,” whispered Theodore, turning over and gently tugging her out of her sleep. Eveline moaned sharply, opening her eyes. They were both already dressed and ready to go down to meet Timothy.
“What time is it?” she asked, stretching her arms out.
“Three in the morning,” he smiled, pulling back the duvet and sitting up, “come on Timothy will be here in fifteen minutes.”
“I just need to fix my hair,” Eveline moaned, getting out of bed slowly, her chainmail falling to her waist as she placed her feet on the wooden floor. Theodore was busy putting on his tweed jacket as Eveline slipped her cold feet into her leather shoes, tying the laces slowly as she yawned widely.
“Right I will go downstairs and light a candle,” Theodore announced watching Eveline fix her thick, wild hair up into a messy bun.
“Okay,” she answered, finding it particularly hard to see herself in the mirror with no light to guide her. Giving up she turned and left her room, taking one last glance before closing the door behind her. Descending the stairs, she gazed down at the open door and shivered. Theodore was outside talking to Timothy, leaving Eveline to put on her coat. Picking up her satchel she looked into the small hanging mirror, gazi
ng at the reflection of the living room. Turning she opened the music room and entered. She stood at the piano and let her fingers wash over the keys, memories of her playing entering her mind.
“Eveline, are you ready dear?” Theodore announced standing at the door anxiously. He had given Timothy direct orders to lock the doors and take her to the stone circle, alone. Theodore had slipped a letter into her satchel which was encased in a protective charm against water, curtesy of Jophiel. Eveline turned and smiled.
“I will never play the piano again,” she whispered, her eyes watering.
“You will,” replied Theodore holding out his hand, “come it is time.” Eveline took Theodore’s hand and followed him out of the cottage towards the car. Timothy waved at her happily and she smiled back at him. Before guiding her into the car, Theodore turned her around and kissed her passionately. “I love you, which is why I must let you go alone.”
“What do you mean,” whispered Eveline. Theodore guided her into the car and closed it after her, Timothy locking the doors. Theodore stood back and stared down at Eveline.
“Someone once told me that real love is about putting others before yourself, you must go alone,” he explained, his voice aching. Eveline tried to open the door turning to Timothy violently. “Go!” cried Theodore. Timothy, keeping his eyes forward lurched the car forward, putting his foot down wildly. Theodore stood on the path and stared after his wife, who was desperately trying to stop Timothy, until the car was out of sight and he re-entered the cottage, falling to his knees.
*
Eveline tried to keep her tears to herself as she sat in silence, her whole being torn. The sun was beginning to rise slowly as the car rattled on towards the stone circle which was around three miles away from Keswick. Through her silent tears she turned to look at the farmer and was a little shocked, he seemed so unalike him, so different. Maybe she had never really noticed her neighbour before, that would explain it, she thought to herself. Clutching at her bag, she looked out of the window as they passed through the sleeping Keswick. The town clock shimmered as the rising sun, hit it softly. As the car left Keswick behind, Eveline found herself re tracing her childhood. As she passed so many familiar sights, memories held her silent.
“Stonehenge,” Timothy stated, his voice a little odd.
“Yes,” answered Eveline gulping back her emotions.
“Why ever Stonehenge?” Timothy went on, his eyes on the road.
“It is the festival of light according to the druid religion,” whispered Eveline turning once more to look at the farmer, who was sitting upright, his back stern, his eyes darker than she remembered.
“Oh yes, they believed that by standing within the path of light, you would stray into another world,” Timothy hissed, keeping himself cool, not letting Eveline become suspicious.
“Yes,” murmured Eveline, averting her eyes to the front, clutching her bag tighter to her, the atmosphere becoming dark. In the distance she could make out the stone circle and instantly felt safer. Eveline would never understand why Theodore had chosen to stay, she wanted so much to go back to him. Timothy came to a stop near the stone circle and got out, opening her door. Eveline kept her eyes lowered as Timothy held the door open, closing it behind her firmly.
“Thank you Timothy,” Eveline said quietly, turning and making her way towards the stone circle, keeping her pace steady until she was out of sight. Stopping at the nearest stone she turned, the car was still there, he should have left by now she mused, stepping into the circle nervously, where was he?
*
Theodore sat on the chair in front of the fire quietly, his hands folded in front of his mouth, her elbows leaning on his knees. A sudden knock came at the door and he got up fearful that she had returned and ruined her chance at getting home. Opening the door quickly he looked down at a breathless Timothy.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” he gasped, “my car,” he stammered, “Someone has taken my car!”
“I don’t understand, you collected Eveline half an hour ago,” replied Theodore sternly. Timothy shook his head wildly.
“No, no I did not,” he answered, his face turning white. Theodore looked at the farmer and stood back, going over the events of the past half hour, he was sure that Timothy had collected Eveline, sure of it. But here he was, puffed and carless. Was it possible he thought to himself, his body stilling as the dawning of his realisation descended upon him, was it possible that someone knew about their plan?
“Eveline,” he whispered, he had led her into a trap, leaving her behind.
“Someone has taken her,” gasped Timothy, “what will we do?”
“I must go, Timothy will you stay here until I return?” cried Theodore.
“Off course! Off course!” replied Timothy nervously. Theodore turned and ran up the stairs, slamming into his room and finding his sword, before turning and running back down the stairs, past a confused Timothy and out the back door. The black stallions were nestled beside one another, gorging on the nearby hedge, unaware of Theodore, who was now running towards them.
“Arthur, come!” he ordered, jumping over the gate and running to the horse on the left, who had turned his head at the mention of his name. “Arthur!” he yelled. Arthur reluctantly made his way to Theodore, confused. Without explaining, Theodore jumped onto his back, sliding his sword down his back and commanding him onwards. Taking a hold of his mane, Theodore sat up straight and heeded him onwards into a rampant gallop, jumping over the hedge and galloping across the landscape. As Arthur raced across the countryside, Theodore guided him franticly, the sun beginning to rise above the mountains and hills.
*
Eveline stood quietly in the middle of the stone circle, a cool breeze teasing her skin, the sky blue and pink. She knew what she had to do she thought to herself as she gazed down at the grass, she simply had to will herself back to Calhuni, just like her grandfather had said. Looking down at her watch she realised she had twenty minutes until the sun aligned with the stones, so she opened her satchel and looked inside. A letter lay on top of a brown package that she had not seen before. Casting the letter aside she took out the brown package and carefully began to open it, letting the string fall to the grass. Carefully she unwrapped the item and gasped in shock at what she found.
“A dagger,” she whispered, the most beautiful dagger she had ever seen. A note fell out from the package and Eveline picked it up.
Eveline,
I thought this may come in useful, it was given to me by Galean, it helped me to save Belle and kill the shadows; I hope it will bring you luck.
Jophiel.
“Galean’s dagger,” whispered Eveline, awe struck. Holding the dagger up her observed its beauty. With her index finger she traced the beautifully carved tree that lay under the hilt, running her finger over the roots.
“My father gave me a dagger once,” a voice announced, causing Eveline’s body to still, it was a voice she had heard before, a voice not belonging to this world. Standing still, Eveline felt the presence of Heidan. “Not as simple mind you, a beautiful dagger, made with the blood of those that I had killed, including our mother.”
“Liar!” cried Eveline, keeping her eyes forward. Heidan smiled as he took out his long dagger, blood red, walking towards Eveline’s back.
“I am no liar,” he hissed pressing the point of the dagger into her back roughly, causing her to lurch forward, and falling onto her knees, Galean’s dagger falling out of her hands. “Why don’t I show you,” he smiled down at Eveline who found Galean’s dagger, grasping it within her hand and turning to Heidan. Her legs shaking, Eveline got up. With a wave of his hand, the whole landscape changed and they were back at the island. Eveline stumbled, disorientated. Heidan walked over to her dead parents, smiling. Eveline followed his gaze.
“How did you get in?” she breathed.
“I didn’t, you did,” Heidan replied darkly.
“How is that possible,” she whispered, confused.
/> “Your mind, as soon as I mentioned your parents your mind remembered their death,” laughed Heidan, bending down over his mother and looking at her intently.
“I gave you no permission,” argued Eveline, her legs becoming stronger, an instant anger rising within her as she watched Heidan touch her mother.
“We share the same blood, sister,” Heidan remarked, gazing up at her, “I need no permission when I have you at my mercy.”
“I don’t understand,” she responded sharply.
“It is most unfortunate that your abilities are so few and so weak,” teased Heidan bringing his dagger forward, stroking Unyae’s dead face with it, watching Eveline’s face whiten.
“Leave her alone!” she commanded stepping forward, holding Galean’s dagger out in front of her.
“What are you going to do sister? Magic me away?” laughed Heidan, pushing the blade down into Unyae’s skin, causing it to open.
“I said leave her alone!” screamed Eveline lurching forward and falling on Heidan, trying to stab him with her dagger. Heidan laughed as Eveline tried to unarm him, to hurt him. Taking her hair in his hand he pulled it back violently causing her to cry out loud, Galean’s dagger dropping to the grass. Getting up Heidan, still clutching onto her hair bent down, his lips close to her ear.
“You see sister, unlike me, you are weak,” he whispered, his lips touching her ear, “weak.”
“I am not weak!” cried Eveline, her knees sore, her face forced down upon her mothers, tears dropping from her eyes.
“Oh but you are, so weak, it’s actually quite hilarious, you saving the universe,” Laughed Heidan, pulling her hair tighter, causing Eveline to cry out loud.
“Why are you doing this?” Eveline cried, trying to distract him, searching for the dagger.
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Guardians Page 40