What Are You?

Aeris's pov

The surrounding darkness had consumed deep within my eyes. As I couldn't see anything, I could feel the sound of someone breathing next to me. An animal's fur was in contact with my skin and his enormous build had cornered me with my back pressed against the wall. A sob escaped from my lips and I heard a loud growl, which made me sob harder. I covered my mouth with my hand.

When I didn't move, the animal moved away and glared at me with his neon golden eyes. Those eyes were hypnotizing and somehow, I had this feeling that I knew who he was. But that was about my subconsciousness. I didn't let my intrusive thoughts win and observed him from a distance.

Suddenly, the animal stood on two of his legs and glanced at me before jumping out of the window. Just as he jumped out, I rushed to grab my sheath under the bed and drew the iron sword. Although I was on the verge of getting a heart attack, I couldn't let that animal roam in my kingdom. My kingdom and its people would be in danger. With my mind in the back of my head, I jumped out from the same window and landed on the roof. I saw the rustling of the trees and knew where that animal headed.

Before I went to follow him, I lit a torch on the roof so the guards would notice and alert others. I knew it was like putting my head in the hollow again. But what else could go wrong?

Luckily, the clouds parted and the full moon shone, reflecting its light and making my surroundings visible in the darkness of night. I heard another loud growl and this time, the patrolling guards got alert as I saw the torches lighting up.

"Princess!!! Where are you running?" Otis, The head commander of the army was behind me.

"I saw a strange animal in the palace." I tried to speak while running.

"You should be inside the palace, leave that to us." He insisted.

"No!!"

I need to find something. Why did I have this feeling that it has to be related to King Caspian? He wasn't in the bed and those golden eyes were familiar. Was that animal could be King Caspian? I gasped loudly at my realization. We reached the boundary of the palace, but there was no sign of the animal.

"We heard those growls. That animal doesn't seem to be native." Oris stated while inspecting the area.

"There are many things here that are not native, commander Otis! I need you to find that animal. Send to your team. I cannot let him roam in my territory and cause chaos in the entire Kingdom." I instructed the commander before leaving.

Just as I was about to leave, I noticed a footprint in the wet soil.

"What is this?" I squinted my eyes at the footprint and got surprised to see a paw, almost thrice the size of my foot.

"Wow! That's enormous." Otis said.

"Call the ministers. I have to conduct an important meeting right now."

We went back to the palace, empty hands and it frustrated me that the animal got swept away from my hand. What kind of animal was he? I didn't see it before. Definitely not something to be taken as a joke. When I crossed the altar, I saw King Caspian and Father standing, discussing something in a low tone.

"Father?"

"Aeris? Where did you go?" Father asked me.

"There was a sighting of an animal in the kingdom, Your Highness. The Princess has called the meeting with Ministers." Otis responded on my behalf and I saw Caspian's gaze narrowing at him.

"You take rest, dear." My father said.

"You didn't raise a coward, father. If anyone or anything threatens my kingdom, I won't sit quietly." I said with a smile. Although I was talking to my father but my gaze was on Caspian the entire time. I was looking right through his eyes and trying to find answers in them.

"A fierce ruler! I never saw a woman taking the lead in battles." Caspian started with a serious tone.

"I will take it as a compliment." I smirked at him, knowing how much roasted he was from the inside.

"Sweetheart! You just got married! You two try to understand each other." My father said I knew what he was trying to say.

"Of course, King Aramus. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other." Caspian buttered my father, and then he took me back to the chamber. He locked the door behind me while I put my sword back in the sheath.

His eyes glued to me and it didn't go unnoticed by me.

"I expect this rulership from you when we will arrive in my kingdom, Queen Aeris." It coated the words with sugar, but I knew that exact venom they had inside.

"Your kingdom? I never agreed to leave my kingdom. Didn't I inform you about my conditions of marriage?" I glared at him.

"I remember them! I will not interfere in your kingdom's affairs, but my pretty wife, you said nothing about not leaving your kingdom." He stood right next to me and his warm aura was radiating like a crystal sparking under the dazzling moonlight.

"I will not leave my kingdom behind!" I flare my nose at the rising temperature.

He leaned forward, and I tried to step back, only being sandwiched between the wall and King Caspian. He buried his nose in my neck and his hot breath sent goosebumps over my skin. That was the most strange feeling I ever had. Izel was my childhood sweetheart, but I never felt this temptation with him but this man. He didn't touch me and I already had my legs weakened.

"You can stay away from me, but you cannot deny that you want me. I will give you time to sort things out before our departure." He said with his eyes staring at my lips.

I was burning under his gaze, but I stood confidently. "We shall see. Maybe before we can depart from this place, I will find out your motive, Caspian." I spat loudly.

"That strength? Where is it coming from? You know it's turning me on." He smiled devilishly at me and I sweat on it. I felt like I wanted to melt into his arms. Why? I wasn't supposed to feel that way.

"I have nothing to offer you, King Caspian! I don't care what image you have outside this palace, what power you hold and what authority you control over your kingdom. As long as you will stay here, you must show to me respect like a true king!" I snapped at him.

"I was being way too gentle with you. Don't make me regret my actions." He stared at me.

"What will you do? Shift into an animal, again?" I smiled at him. He was being checked mate.

"What?" He furrowed his brows and with paleness on his face, I knew I hit the right nerve.

"What are you, King Caspian?" I glared at him with my arms crossed.