5 Chapter 5: Annalise

She followed as he lead her deeper into the swampy woods to a well worn one room cabin. Once inside he barred the door before slumping into a chair. "Give me a moment and I'll start a fire."

"Allow me." She said tossing magical fire into the log filled pit. It ignited instantly and shortly after a comfortable warmth began to spread.

He shook his head. "I had no idea you were so magically gifted."

"There is a lot you don't know of me, General. But now it's time for you to undress."

His eyes widened. "What?"

"I need to heal your wound before it's beyond the point of my abilities."

He nodded. "I will need your help."

She moved to him unclipping his armor and then he pulled it off tossing it to the side. "Now your shirt."

He sighed. "It's not really appropriate for you to see me shirtless."

She smiled. "It wouldn't be the first time I saw your chest. Not even the first time tonight." They shared an awkward laugh. "Now please, remove it."

"Very well." He sighed pulling the shirt over his head before tossing it to the floor, grunting in pain all the while.

She gasped as she looked at his chest. She had never seen this much of a man before let alone one so muscled. He was perfect from his strong, muscled chest, sprinkled with black hair, to his chiseled abs that were covered with scars. She briefly glanced at his defined hips and the trail of hair that started just below his naval and disappeared under his belt but she felt shameless and forced her eyes back to the gaping wound in his side. She wasn't sure a man could be considered beautiful but there he was, just so. He looked into her eyes a knowing grin on his lips and she shook her head biting her cheek. "I believe I can completely heal this." She stepped closer putting her hands onto his wound and closed her eyes. His skin was so warm and surprisingly soft. She shook her head clearing her mind of her thoughts and focused on the magical energy that was flowing from her hands into his body. A minute later the cut had vanished leaving only dried blood in its place. She gave him a soft smile before dropping into the chair next to his. "You'll have to excuse me. Healing magic is quite exhausting."

He stood running his hands down his side. "You're incredible! I've healers in my unit that can't do this well."

She smiled weakly at him. "I am an Amell. Magic is what we excel at."

He smiled putting his shirt on. "Of course. Cailan said you were gifted. I am sorry I did not take him seriously. I cannot do half of what you did tonight."

"I can't wield a sword or buckle armor correctly. I believe that makes us even."

"So you noticed?" He smiled softly.

"That the reason you were injured was because your armor shifted? Yes, I noticed."

"I am fine now. That is what matters."

She looked deeply into his grey eyes. "Are you? Fine that is? I know you and Allaree were... more than friends. Her betrayal must hurt."

He sat back down at the table. "Honestly I was so concerned with getting you to safety that I hadn't thought of it til now." He was silent for a while so she reached out and took hold of his hand. "I do not love her, but her betrayal hurts quite deeply."

"I wish I could heal that hurt as well. I cannot help but feel responsible."

He stood walking to where she sat then he kneeled before her taking both her hands. "You are not to blame. She made her own choices and she alone will bare the consequences." She looked into his steel grey eyes and found passion burning in them. "And I will keep you safe. I am giving you my word as Morea's General."

"And you're sure I won't be too much of a bother..." her words were much softer than she intended.

"Princess... I must admit I had complained about you to Allaree a few times but I never blamed you for Cailan and I could never hate you. She was trying to pull us apart but she failed. Don't let her words do such now."

She nodded as a few tears trailed down her cheeks. "I... am glad. I too have said some harsh things about you and now I wish I could take them all back."

He stood her hands still in his. "None of that matters now. We are together from here on out." He gently pulled her to her feet and led her to the large bed in the corner. "Now please, Princess, sleep."

She looked from the bed to his soft eyes. "Where will you sleep, General?"

"I will make do on the floor."

"Nonsense." She spoke before she had time to think and now he was looking at her expectingly. "You were just injured. It's a large bed we will both fit."

"I cannot do anything that might later call your virtue into question." He smiled wryly.

She looked around the room and saw a few flour sacks in the corner. She walked over and picked one up and though it was much heavier than she anticipated she carried it to bed. She laid it in the center and then grabbed another. "There. Now you'll be on one side and I the other. We won't be able to touch this way."

He nodded a smile on his face. "Very well, Princess. Now the question is, how will you be able to sleep in that armored gown."

Her cheeks burnt, she hadn't thought of that. "I have no choice but to sleep in my chemise."

"Very well, I shall turn my back so that you may undress and get into bed."

"Actually, General, I will need your help to undress..."

"Oh, yes, of course." He said his cheeks turning rather red.

She turned her back and he froze. "Surely you've untied a corset before."

"No, actually. The women I'm typically with don't wear dresses." She stiffened. "I didn't mean it like that..."

"It's not my business. You're an unmarried man. How you spend your time is yours alone."

He grabbed her shoulders turning her to face him. "I have had a few women... but not as many as you think. I don't go to brothels or the likes. But when you live on the battlefield you learn not to waste time."

She nodded. "Of course. Forgive me. But why is it so important I know?"

He looked positively dumbstruck by her question. "I am unsure. Maybe because I need you to trust me."

"I do trust you. More than that, I believe you." He nodded satisfied and smiled at her. "Now, would you please?" She asked turning her back once more.

"Of course." He reached out pulling her corset ribbon and she could feel how tense he was from just his fingers. As her corset began to loosen she wrapped her arms around her front to hold her dress in place. A minute later he had pulled the ribbon free and taken a step back. "Is there anything else you need help with?"

She shook her head. "No. Thank you. Would you please turn your back."

"Of course. You may undress now."

She looked over her shoulder to be sure he wasn't peaking and he had his back to her as he said. She smiled as she she let the fabric fall away and then removed her underskirts leaving only her silk and lace chemise and stockings which she pulled off, she hated sleeping in stockings. She then looked over her shoulder to find him still starring at the fire before she walked over to the bed climbing over the flower sacks to sleep by the wall. She got under the quilts and then called to him. "I am in bed. You may turn back now."

He slowly turned towards her. "I am going to undress now."

She nodded as she turned away. She heard him pull his shirt off and then the sounds of him undoing his belt. Her curiosity got the best of her and she turned her head slightly and was not disappointed to see his broad chest and slim waist from the side. She quickly turned her head back once he began to pull of his pants, somethings should be private. A minute later she felt the bed shift as he climbed in. She turned over and found him laying on his side his head propped up on his hand looking at her. "Are you comfortable enough?" She asked.

"I am fine. I just wanted to be sure you had all you need."

She smiled. "Yes. Thank you, General. And goodnight." She had to turn back to face the wall. The bit of his chest that was in view from the way he was laying was causing heat to pool in her stomach.