25 Chapter 25: Annalise

With Jameson's eyes locked onto her, Annalise removed the rest of her clothing. She stood there, motionless, watching Jameson as intently as he was watching her. Neither of them spoke or moved, they just stood memorizing each other's bodies. She didn't know how long he would be gone. She didn't want to think about it either. She just wanted to enjoy the little time they had left. He took a tentative step towards her, tucking her hair behind her ear as he exhaled slowly. "You're so beautiful."

She moved closer, laying her hand on his firm chest as she gazed into his eyes. "You aren't doing anything dangerous are you?"

"Just being near you is dangerous, love."

She laughed rolling her eyes. "I meant for your assignment."

He gave her a lopsided smile. "Just defending Thorngate... again."

"I see. I'm sad I'm not going with you. I promised to visit with Maryn when I returned."

"There will be plenty of time to visit with Maryn once we're married." He said kissing her forehead. "For now, I want to focus on us."

He grabbed her, lifting her into his arms and then walked over to her bed where he gently laid her down. He laid next to her, pulling her on to her side and against him as he kissed her sweetly. His skin, all of it, was pressed against her and it was doing crazy things to her heart. Each beat grew faster as her body grew warmer. His hands started to trace her side and back and she felt herself getting lost in his soft touch. She moved closer to him, leaving no space between them, and he groaned into her mouth as his kiss got more intense. It was like he was trying to brand her with his warmth, leave it behind long after he was gone, and she was hoping he'd succeed. His fingers were now caressing her inner thighs and she prepared herself to feel the overwhelming pleasure that she had in the cave. Slowly, deliberately his nimble fingers entered her. And she felt her body spring to life like it never had before. She couldn't have stop her moaning if she had tried. Her hips arched against him as his lips moved to her neck and then down to her breast. Her hands clasped his shoulders anchoring her in place as his hand began to work faster. Closing her eyes, tossing her head back, she began to float. And as the pleasure washed over her, she grew brave. One of her hands slipped away from his shoulders and between his legs where she gently touched him. His entire body stiffened and he froze, his breath even getting caught in his lungs. "Did I do it wrong?" She asked embarrassed.

"By the Seven, no." He kissed her. "You just surprised me."

She nodded and continued to touch him, stroke him, and he returned to touching her as well. Together the arched and moved, crying out and moaning. Jameson had one hand pleasing her and the other guiding her hand that was still on him while she kissed his neck. Soon she was on the edge, staring down a wave of bliss and she dove head first letting it wash over her body. As she was sinking Jameson groaned. "Annalise, if you don't stop..."

"It's okay, Jameson. I want you to feel as good as I do." Her hand moved faster and he tensed against her. Then she felt it, the sticky warmth that came from his release.

He slumped against her kissing her shoulder. "I'm sorry for the mess."

"It's all right. I wouldn't want to leave you in need of another woman while you were away."

He chuckled as he stood and grabbed a towel from the dresser where her basin sat. "As if any other woman would do." She just wrinkled her nose at him. "You think that's funny? Nothing will ruin casual sex like love."

"Jameson Amerthine!" She laughed as he handed her the towel. "I love you."

"And I love you, Annalise. I will be back as soon as I can. And then we'll make the king listen to us. Make him understand."

"Yes. And then we'll marry as soon as we can."

He nodded, patting her head. "Yes, love. But for now I have to go." He sighed pulling on his clothes. He then kissed her. "Goodbye, Annalise."

"I plan to see you off, you know."

"But that will be the princess... not my Annalise."

"Soon we'll be the same person."

He smiled as he kissed her forehead. "Soon."

She had seen many parties off, stood and waved until every last man was out of sight, but this time it was going to hurt. She followed Henry to the court yard and stood stiff as a board while everyone talked amongst themselves. "You can go say your goodbyes." Henry whispered. She looked at him wide eyed. "Everyone knows that you're childhood friends and with me by your side no one will think anything of it."

She nodded letting her feet carry her to where Jameson was overseeing the final inspection. "We've come to say our goodbyes, Jameson." She spoke softly.

He turned to the pair of them smiling. "Thank you. I just hope the weather holds until we get there."

Her heart squeezed. Would their last conversation really be about the coming winter snow? Thankfully, the ever so brave, Henry put voice to her thoughts. "You want to talk about the weather... when we don't know how long you'll be gone?"

Jameson blushed, "I don't know what we could discuss openly here."

"How about your visit to the princess today..." Henry smirked.

All the color drained from Annalise's face, while Jameson turned red. "You idiot." He sighed.

"You shouldn't have been listening at my door, Henry!" She whispered but it was clearly angry.

"Oh, trust me. I moved away from the door... but..."

Jameson clamped his hand over Henry's mouth, "I will kill you."

The three of them burst into a fit of laughter and Annalise eyes locked onto Jameson. He was so handsome when he smiled. "Be well, Jameson." She brushed her hand against his upper arm and whispered softly. "Come back to me."

He bowed his head. "Whatever Your Highness wishes."

Henry slapped him on the back, "and I'll take care of things here."

"I will kill you." Jameson repeated as he returned Henry's slap.

"You've nothing to fear here, Jameson."

Annalise smiled as the men began to march through the gates. "Just... I will miss you. And..." once more she was whispering. "I love you."

He smiled as he mounted his horse. "And I you. Always."