The Devil's Temptation!

He rubbed his forehead with his palm, feeling exhausted from the issue he had to settle concerning Luderick, and a soft weak sigh left his lips. He wasn’t used to doing this sort of thing and his body was starting to ache a bit. Since it’s his first time taking serious charge on Viscarrian matters, he has to learn to get used to it and that involves being wise in every decision he had to make, but the stress that came with it wasn’t one he expected.

Closing his eyes and taking his head back so he could regain some of his strength, he suddenly felt a pair of soft hand rest on his shoulders, giving it a satisfying squeeze with the right amount of pressure, and he found himself sighing at the relief it sent from his shoulder to his body, as though it reduced the heaviness weighing on them.

He smelled her presence, and his lips curved into a knowing smile when he opened his eyes to see it was no one else but Anna. She was wearing a warm smile on her pretty face that made his heart flutter in reaction, and he didn’t even realize how much he missed her till now.

“Your highness.”

“When did you come in?” He took her hand that was currently massaging his shoulder, dropping a kiss on it before letting his gaze fall to the woman who was standing behind the chair he sat on.

“A few minutes ago,” she responded, “I knew you didn’t sense my presence and it was easy to tell from your weariness.”

“Forgive me, I didn’t expect-”

“I see no reason for you to apologize,” she cut him off before he could complete his statement, “I’m not hurt by it, I’m just worried that you shouldn’t stress yourself over it too seriously to avoid affecting you mentally.”

.....

Taking her hands back, she placed them back on his shoulder, “which is why I’m here to help relieve you the best way I can, and that’s by giving you a massage.” She herself was sounding more than excited to help him, he left early this morning and it was already getting to noon.

When she went to his chamber and saw he hasn’t returned yet, she chose to come here and check if they were done or not, and thankfully, the guards assigned outside the council chamber informed her that the higher Demons left not too long ago, and since they were aware of her relationship with his highness, they let her in without needing to seek permission from Roshan.

She saw how extremely down he was and this was just the first meeting. Roshan didn’t grow up with learning how to rule a kingdom by his father, rather he was learning to survive instead of being taught how well he needed to rule his kingdom, so it wasn’t much of a surprise that he’d be weakened on his first time, and this is why Anna was more than willing to support him in anyway she could possibly be of help.

Roshan felt his system relax when she continued with her massage, her touch were like feathers and his body would react whenever she squeezed his shoulder tenderly, he sensed how careful she was as though she was being extra careful not to overdo and hurt him, and he just smiled at how she took his care into consideration.

“Feeling better?” She asked, and he nodded, his eyelids were sealed shut as he silently enjoyed her hands on him, and Anna smiled, feeling happy that he loved her massage, and his facial expression only encouraged her to continue.

“If you keep up with this, I might as well be falling asleep sooner than I think.” He joked, letting his eyes flutter open and Anna saw no problem with that.

“Then sleep if you want to.”

He shook his head, “I have to leave, there’s something important that I need to address in the other towns, plus I’ll be visiting the governors to pick a date for when we’ll take the problems in Viscarrian into discussion.”

“You’re leaving??” Anna’s eyes widened in obvious shock, and she looked out the window, it wasn’t raining snow anymore but it must be freezing outside.

“But the temperature outside must have dropped greatly, and-”

Roshan’s hand reached for the back of Anna’s head and he pulled her head down to his face until their lips met for a quick kiss.

“I’ll be fine.” He assured her. Even if he succeeded in silencing the worried woman, it wasn’t enough to make her worries disappear.

“When will you return?”

“I’ll be back before midnight.” He promised, but it gets even colder at night and that didn’t settle with Anna.

Anna wasn’t the only one feeling it, even Roshan wasn’t happy with the idea that he’ll be returning so late at night. He wasn’t even crowned yet and his time with Anna was already being limited.

He remembered how he never got to see his father for a whole week when he ruled as king, except he found comfort in his father’s absence. But he can’t possibly say the same for Anna.

A knock on the door interrupted their silent moment. Anna planned on shifting away but Roshan took hold of her arm before she could leave, letting it drape on his shoulder and he saw no reason why she had to hide when he was going to marry her soon.

“Come in.”

A guard walked in, but after seeing his Highness wasn’t alone, he proceeded to bow his head to avoid seeing what his eyes shouldn’t.

“The carriages are ready to leave, your Highness.” He informed.

“I’ll be out soon.”

“Sure thing, your Highness.” And he turned around to leave, closing the door behind him.

Roshan finally got to his feet, stretching a little before turning around to look at Anna who was busy scanning him with worried eyes.

“Are you sure you’re okay to leave?”

“I’m not so weak Anna, I’ll be fine.”

His mantle that rested on the arm of the chair he sat, caught Anna’s eyes and she quickly reached for it.

“Put this on.”

“My arms hurt, assist me.” He feigned pain, meanwhile his main intention was to make his lovely wife do it for him.

Anna shook her head helplessly before helping him put on his mantle and fixing it properly, she stood in front him, viewing Roshan who appeared noble and with the features of a good king, a handsome one at that.

“Make sure to keep warm, and stay near a fireplace when having your discussion, and make sure you don’t stand outside in the cold for too long.”

“Yes mother.”

“What??”

He quickly pecked her lips before she could say anything else, startling her and leaving her cheeks tinted pink.

“Sleep in my room tonight, so I know I have something to run home to when I’m done.” He winked sexily before giving her cheeks another peck and leaving the council chamber.

Anna was speechless as she watched him exit the chamber, unable to utter a thing and in the end, she felt a solemn sense of happiness as her lips contorted to a smile.

***************

Special thanks to Ariana_Sawyer, Robin_Williams_7418 and Ashley_Bridges_2516 for the golden tickets!! ?????