Fate's Illusion (5/?)
Title: Fate's Illusion
Pairing: Demi/Selena
Chapter: (5/?)
Rating: 14A-R for language
Summary: It's been 4 months now. 4 month's since the princess' had met. 4 month's building a friendship. 2 month's loving eachother. And 2 month's sneaking behind their families back's...
Tears of release and overwhelming sensual joy trickled down Selena's cheeks as she relaxed against Demi.
The rebel held her lover's body close to hers in total intimacy. The moment was profound and she had no desire to talk.
Their bodies tension finally started draining away.
"You were wonderful" Demi uttered softly, her breathing now composed, her heart steadying to a natural pattern.
Selena just blinked sleepily, "as were you..."
Gently, Demi propped herself up on her elbow to peer down at Selena's flushed face.
She reached out and brushed the womans tears away. "Are you alright?"
Selena nodded. "That was amazing. You are amazing, my love."
She muttered a few more words that Demi couldn't understand. Leaned in and gently kissed her lips. Before coiling in close to her love's heated, bare chest. And closed her heavy eyes.
It wasn't long before the both of them fell silent, aside from their shallow breathing. Succumbing to a deep but natural sleep in each others arms.
Demi had held the princess tenderly through the night. Waking just before dawn to witness the suns early rays creep through the holes in the thatched roof.
If she had been outside in the cool, winter morning air, she would have perceived the eastern sky streaked with slashes of hot pink and gold. Shimmering brightly off the canopy of white snow.
As the first hint of commerce reverberated through the town square, Demi and Selena were off of the soft warm pallet and yanking on their chilled clothing.
The night had been relentless. Breathing it's frigid grasp through the tiny cracks in the wooden barrier.
The stable's were not meant to shelter human's through winters unforgiving clutch.
The only preservation the two woman had were two thick blankets made from sheep wool. Fire was prohibited from even coming close to the barn.
Save for the use of a small insignificant candle that would provide barely any warmth.
Once clothed, Demi and Selena set off. The princess once again veiled beneath a black cloak to mask her identity from passing villagers.
They exceled quickly through the snow covered streets, heading towards the large doors of the fortress.
Their breath swirled, forming frosty clouds in the morning air.
The cold slapped Demi's face and stiffened her limbs. Her fingers felt as hard and lifeless as the ground itself.
Meanwhile, worries also crowded her mind. The wedding was approaching quickly, and soon the time she had left with the princess would become shortlived...
It was only once the two had crossed the threshold to the castle did Demi smile inwardly. At least they could now warm up.
Certain that the coast was clear. Selena gripped Demi and quickly yanked her into one of the many dips lining the inside walls of the castle.
"What're you-" The rebels curiousity disintegrated as Selena pressed her lips against hers.
Breaking away, the princess locked orbs with Demi, "I need to go change before they spot me. The last thing I need this morning is to be besieged with ridiculous questions. I'll meet you after breakfast love."
With that, the princess hurried back into the corridoor, ran to the end and disappeared behind a corner.
Demi couldn't help but smile as she watched her stealthy minx fade around the bend.
As anticipated, snow once again came falling, dancing, and twirling from the heavens above.
Even as Demi and Selena had connected with one another later on in the afternoon, the sun had vanished behind a thick mesh of clouds. And the first flakes made contact.
Large and unwieldy, they drifted down relentlessly, coating the upper limbs of the tall oaks, spruces and pines. Filling the deep grooves of their trunks.
In a moment's time, the tree's twisted roots became nothing more than ridges of white upon the ground. The thatched roofs that dotted the inner grounds of the kingdom became soft white mounds.
Demi's boots crunched down on the frozen mass as she walked through the small walkways of the realm.
Behind her trailed a large black horse, his long mane being tossiled by the cool breeze that swept around them. His ears swiveled apprehensively.
Ontop of the large creature sat a cloaked Selena, nestled comfortably in Firefly's leather saddle.
The princess, like Demi, seemed lost in thought. Huddled in the warmth of a velvet cover as she sat astride the clydesdale. Listening to his hooves smacking the turf, cracking the slabs of ice that would eventually become puddles.
Demi glanced up at Selena, glad the woman had actually decided to dress appropriately.
The two were heading out to ride through the grove. Finding it somewhat simple to bypass the guards marching upon the high walls of the fortress. And once free of their view, Demi joined Selena on the back of her horse, seated on his flank, shifting Selena up closer to his withers.
"Right, that was easy enough. Now, where would you like to go, princess?" Demi teased, pushing her nose gently against Selena's cool cheek.
The princess felt a shiver rake over her body as Demi's nose touched her. It was cold. But it made her smile.
"Just a ride through the forest, No one will suspect I am gone" she spoke. "I'm supposedly in the library as of now. Or so my mother and father presume...Lessons are just so dull there. I'd rather be out with you."
"And if they find out you've somehow vanished?"
Selena snickered, "they won't, trust me. Now, let's get Firefly going here, he's probably getting cold just standing around." She patted his shoulder.
"Very well. Let's just return before night falls. It's never safe out here after dark."
"Since when have you ever been cautious of life beyond the walls?" Selena asked, twisting her head back a little to gaze upon her partner.
Demi's cheeks flushed lightly, "Never. I'm only cautious for you. I wouldn't know what I'd do if anything bad ever happened to you while you were under my care."
Selena scoffed, "Perhaps I'm not as delicate as you expect Demi. I'm quite capable of defending myself if need be."
"Hm, I appologize then dearest. My own foolishness has misjudged you."
"Appology accepted. Now, if you don't mind-" Without warning, Selena took hold of the reins, tugging them from Demi's grip.
"Hey!"
"Oh hush, it's my turn for a little fun."
With that notion, Selena snapped the reins causing Firefly to whinny and curl back on his hock's, his thick, stern muscles straining. And then, he sprang forwards into a gallop.
Demi was disinclined at first to allow Selena to maneuver and lead her horse. Suspecting that the woman might be somewhat careless in their little romp.
It turned out that Selena knew exactly what she was doing and how to handle such a large and powerful horse such as Firefly.
They rode swiftly, dipping, ducking, and avoiding any contact with harmful obsticle's.
"I see you're no stranger to this!" Demi hollered over the roaring wind.
"Of course not!" Selena snapped, causing Demi to laugh. She loved when the woman became fiesty.
As they rode deeper into the woods, Demi became more alert. Her brown eyes darting from left to right as the bare trees around them clacked and groaned with the wind. The snow was not letting up. And the sun was beginning to slowly sink down deeper behind the horizon. Splashes of gold and purple streaked the thinning grey clouds as dusk approached quickly.
"Sel, I think we should start heading back. I'm pretty sure your lessons ended two hours ago!"
The princess grunted, "Oh fine!"
With a quick snap of her wrists, Selena pulled the reins to the left, causing Firefly to whine and veer. She would lead them back to the front gates of the kingdom, but dismount before crossing the threshold.
As they sped south in the direction of the fortress, Demi looked to the ground and was surprised to find that Selena had managed to retrace the horses previous tracks. But a sudden utterance of discretion escaped her throat when she noticed a disturbance shaped in the snow.
"Selena, wait" she hissed, reaching her hands forward to steal the tethers from the princess' grasp. Quickly, she pulled back on them forcing Firefly to a sudden halt.
"What-" Selena swung her head around, her orbs filled with query. The expression on the rebels face informed the princess immidiately that all wasn't right.
"Dem, what's wrong?" she asked, the rush of being in control finally fading allowing her heed consume her.
"Look." Demi point her index finger to the white coated floor. There beside Firefly's tracks rested more fresh prints, but not from another horse.
Carefully, Demi slid off the back of her horse and crouched down to study the new disturbance in the snow.
"Paw prints" she declared. Obviously. "Big one's..."
Demi balled her right hand up into a tight fist then place it gently in the print. Whatever these belonged too, they were big...
"What do you think they could belong too?" Selena questioned, her expression becoming uneasy as she eyed her companion.
"Whatever they belong to, they've been stalking us since we entered the grove. And not just one, but a couple...Maybe 5 or 6."
"Let's get out of here" The princess urged the rebel to mount up again.
It was then that the two women felt their regard heighten. The silence of the forest was prominent. No birds chirped, the wind was hallow and hushed. Nothing stirred.
"I won't argue that." Demi stood and placed her hands on the back of Firefly's saddle, using it to help her back onto the creatures flank.
Then, in mid lift, Demi heard Selena cry out terror, nearly screaming at the top of her lungs from surprise.
All to soon, Demi spotted 5 large gray creatures break from a heap of brambles. Their snouts curled into ravaged snarls. Sharp pointed teeth bared and dripping with foamed saliva. The look in their deep golden eyes held fury and greed. They were starving.
The rebel felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle as it lifted from her flesh. She could have sworn someone was dying by the sudden vocal alarm. Selena was screaming again, screaming her lovers name.
Perhaps it was a forewarning. But it all happened to fast for Demi to really stop and observe it.
A sharp burning torture gouged into her right bicep causing her to yowl out in agony.
The ground was coming towards her face in one swift movement and she hit it hard with a loud thud.
A viscious growl rumbled beside her ear as she lay on the cold, solid ground. The once white, soft blanket now disturbed by quick motions and stained by hot crimson.
Gasping and stunned, she staggered upright, clutching her torn arm with her left hand.
Wolves stood before her, all looking determined. They were large in height, thick with fur and muscle.
Behind her, she saw Selena rein Firefly back a little. The horse was whining and shuffling nervously, his muscles buldging and twitching. Eager to run.
"Demi!" Selena cried out to her, scared for the woman's life.
The rebel slowly started to step away, cautiously watching their eyes for any hint of threatening movement.
One of then growled deeply at her before two others leapt forward, jaws open, fangs bared ready to strike down their prey.
Demi mustered her stength. Head swirling, she braced herself against the sharp force that pushed her back down to the earth for a second time. Her lower leg and left shoulder screaming with anguish as the weight of two wolves pulled hard against the bone and flesh. Tearing ruthlessly through tendons and muscle. Slowly digging their way down to the hard hidden bone.
Blood splattered across the frozen ground, melting the white diamonds into cold water. In that terrifying instant, all Demi could think about was Selena. Her lovers cries were slowly becoming distant. Demi's strength ebbing, she started to lose vision.
With a plaintive cry, she let go. Falling into complete and utter darkness.
Voices. Angelic voices...
Demi sat bolt upright. Could they really be angel's? Was she really dead?
No, these were the inside walls of the Saint Peter. The church that rested inside the gate's of Selena's kingdom.
Then, the pain. The pain on her shoulder, her arm and leg. She was indeed very much alive. It was a searing pain. Clawing pain. As if her very skin were being ripped away by scalding hot prongs.
Beneath the misery, Demi became aware of a strange weight on her chest. Bandages. They wrapped her shoulder, leg and bicep. Swathed in cold, wet cloths that smelled of pungent herbs.
Even the barest touch against her wounds cut her with a thousand daggers of pain.
"The tournament!" she wailed, knowing her arm was useless at the moment.
A heavy door creaked open. Across an expanse of stone floor, footsteps approached, echoing from the high ceiling above her head.
"Selena" Demi breathed, her brown eyes fixed upon the familiar face who was approaching her rather quickly now that she noticed her lover was awake.
"I'm so relieved you're awake," her eyes became misty as she collapsed to her knees beside her lover. "I never stopped praying." She lightly caressed the back of Demi's neck.
"How am I - How are we still alive?" she questioned. Curious as to how they made it back to the castle.
"Guards...And Jose. They saved us, saved you from being-" she paused, tears finally dripping from her lashes.
Demi reached out with her good arm and gently brushed the tears from Selena's cheek, "there now, please don't cry...I'm still here-"
"But you're hurt."
"I'll heal."
"And I must change your bandages," Came a stern, old voice.
The two girls broke their glance from one another to gaze upon an older woman who approached them. In her arms she carried a small pale that was filled with steaming water. A couple of rags. And some fresh bandages hanging loosely over the side of the bucket.
White hair pulled back into a bun, stray strands fell lightly against her narrow, worn face. The old woman let her green eyes focuse on the woman sitting upright on the soft straw pallet. A blanket covering her lower naked half. The bandages across her shoulder and torso were enough to keep her bosom hidden from view.
"You have awakened, young princess. I am glad." Yet she sounded more dismal than glad.
"I must change your bandages. I'm afraid it will hurt." She warned as she took a seat on a small wooden stool beside the bed.
"No."
"But I must, young one, if you are to heal."
"No."
"Demi, she must!" Selena insisted.
"All right" she submitted, "But be careful! They hurt so much already..."
"I know, I know" The woman spoke, sounding rather patient.
Demi tried her best to remain still as the elder woman carefully unwrapped the bandages, touching her as delicately as a butterfly.
From the foot of her bed, Demi heard a whimper escape Selena's lips. The sight of the gouges and tears looked horrid. Even as they rested stitched closed against Demi's flesh. They would leave aweful, gnarled scars.
While she worked, she dripped something over the stitched wounds which smelled as fresh as the forest after a rain storm and seemed to numb the pain a little.
Feeling somewhat better, the rebel spouted questions like a fountain. "How long have I slept? How did Jose find us? When? Are you hurt?"
Selena just shook her head a little, glad to see that the attack had not changed her lover in the slightest.
"You've been out for two days now, you lost a lot of blood..." The princess answered.
"Two days..." Demi repeated in a hushed voice trying to recap all that had happened before she fell unconscious.
"Jose and his guards came out of nowhere. I guess we were closer to the realm than we had thought...They killed the wolves. It was a good hunt for them seeing as how any type of large game is difficult to find in the winter season. I was terrified when they lifted your motionless body...I stayed at your side until your father pried me away. All of them had given up hope on your survival..."
Feeling a cold draft from a near window, Demi drew her rough blanket closer around her lower back and hips. It came as no suprise that her family expected her death.
"But-"
"Be still, young one, while I finish tying this."
"But-"
"Still, now...That's right. Just a moment. And there, finished" The elder took a moment to study her fine work at bandaging the wounded girl.
"Now, you two be safe. I may be old, but I am not unaware of the deep fire that burns within your hearts for one another...Stay strong, and keep wary. Your secret is safe with me. But if the king should become aware, it'll be all of our heads."
With that, the older woman stood and took her leave.
Selena took advantage of their time alone now and slumped down on the straw pallet. Her deep orbs catching Demi's and searching.
"What is it?" The rebel asked, noticing the sudden look of desire masking her companions face.
"Hm, oh nothing...You're just so handsome" she breathed before leaning in and kissing the woman softly on the lips.
And suddenly, the world became insignificant. All that mattered was that they were both alive, both in each others arms, and both prepared for whatever obsticle fate would throw at them next.
Pairing: Demi/Selena
Chapter: (5/?)
Rating: 14A-R for language
Summary: It's been 4 months now. 4 month's since the princess' had met. 4 month's building a friendship. 2 month's loving eachother. And 2 month's sneaking behind their families back's...
Tears of release and overwhelming sensual joy trickled down Selena's cheeks as she relaxed against Demi.
The rebel held her lover's body close to hers in total intimacy. The moment was profound and she had no desire to talk.
Their bodies tension finally started draining away.
"You were wonderful" Demi uttered softly, her breathing now composed, her heart steadying to a natural pattern.
Selena just blinked sleepily, "as were you..."
Gently, Demi propped herself up on her elbow to peer down at Selena's flushed face.
She reached out and brushed the womans tears away. "Are you alright?"
Selena nodded. "That was amazing. You are amazing, my love."
She muttered a few more words that Demi couldn't understand. Leaned in and gently kissed her lips. Before coiling in close to her love's heated, bare chest. And closed her heavy eyes.
It wasn't long before the both of them fell silent, aside from their shallow breathing. Succumbing to a deep but natural sleep in each others arms.
Demi had held the princess tenderly through the night. Waking just before dawn to witness the suns early rays creep through the holes in the thatched roof.
If she had been outside in the cool, winter morning air, she would have perceived the eastern sky streaked with slashes of hot pink and gold. Shimmering brightly off the canopy of white snow.
As the first hint of commerce reverberated through the town square, Demi and Selena were off of the soft warm pallet and yanking on their chilled clothing.
The night had been relentless. Breathing it's frigid grasp through the tiny cracks in the wooden barrier.
The stable's were not meant to shelter human's through winters unforgiving clutch.
The only preservation the two woman had were two thick blankets made from sheep wool. Fire was prohibited from even coming close to the barn.
Save for the use of a small insignificant candle that would provide barely any warmth.
Once clothed, Demi and Selena set off. The princess once again veiled beneath a black cloak to mask her identity from passing villagers.
They exceled quickly through the snow covered streets, heading towards the large doors of the fortress.
Their breath swirled, forming frosty clouds in the morning air.
The cold slapped Demi's face and stiffened her limbs. Her fingers felt as hard and lifeless as the ground itself.
Meanwhile, worries also crowded her mind. The wedding was approaching quickly, and soon the time she had left with the princess would become shortlived...
It was only once the two had crossed the threshold to the castle did Demi smile inwardly. At least they could now warm up.
Certain that the coast was clear. Selena gripped Demi and quickly yanked her into one of the many dips lining the inside walls of the castle.
"What're you-" The rebels curiousity disintegrated as Selena pressed her lips against hers.
Breaking away, the princess locked orbs with Demi, "I need to go change before they spot me. The last thing I need this morning is to be besieged with ridiculous questions. I'll meet you after breakfast love."
With that, the princess hurried back into the corridoor, ran to the end and disappeared behind a corner.
Demi couldn't help but smile as she watched her stealthy minx fade around the bend.
As anticipated, snow once again came falling, dancing, and twirling from the heavens above.
Even as Demi and Selena had connected with one another later on in the afternoon, the sun had vanished behind a thick mesh of clouds. And the first flakes made contact.
Large and unwieldy, they drifted down relentlessly, coating the upper limbs of the tall oaks, spruces and pines. Filling the deep grooves of their trunks.
In a moment's time, the tree's twisted roots became nothing more than ridges of white upon the ground. The thatched roofs that dotted the inner grounds of the kingdom became soft white mounds.
Demi's boots crunched down on the frozen mass as she walked through the small walkways of the realm.
Behind her trailed a large black horse, his long mane being tossiled by the cool breeze that swept around them. His ears swiveled apprehensively.
Ontop of the large creature sat a cloaked Selena, nestled comfortably in Firefly's leather saddle.
The princess, like Demi, seemed lost in thought. Huddled in the warmth of a velvet cover as she sat astride the clydesdale. Listening to his hooves smacking the turf, cracking the slabs of ice that would eventually become puddles.
Demi glanced up at Selena, glad the woman had actually decided to dress appropriately.
The two were heading out to ride through the grove. Finding it somewhat simple to bypass the guards marching upon the high walls of the fortress. And once free of their view, Demi joined Selena on the back of her horse, seated on his flank, shifting Selena up closer to his withers.
"Right, that was easy enough. Now, where would you like to go, princess?" Demi teased, pushing her nose gently against Selena's cool cheek.
The princess felt a shiver rake over her body as Demi's nose touched her. It was cold. But it made her smile.
"Just a ride through the forest, No one will suspect I am gone" she spoke. "I'm supposedly in the library as of now. Or so my mother and father presume...Lessons are just so dull there. I'd rather be out with you."
"And if they find out you've somehow vanished?"
Selena snickered, "they won't, trust me. Now, let's get Firefly going here, he's probably getting cold just standing around." She patted his shoulder.
"Very well. Let's just return before night falls. It's never safe out here after dark."
"Since when have you ever been cautious of life beyond the walls?" Selena asked, twisting her head back a little to gaze upon her partner.
Demi's cheeks flushed lightly, "Never. I'm only cautious for you. I wouldn't know what I'd do if anything bad ever happened to you while you were under my care."
Selena scoffed, "Perhaps I'm not as delicate as you expect Demi. I'm quite capable of defending myself if need be."
"Hm, I appologize then dearest. My own foolishness has misjudged you."
"Appology accepted. Now, if you don't mind-" Without warning, Selena took hold of the reins, tugging them from Demi's grip.
"Hey!"
"Oh hush, it's my turn for a little fun."
With that notion, Selena snapped the reins causing Firefly to whinny and curl back on his hock's, his thick, stern muscles straining. And then, he sprang forwards into a gallop.
Demi was disinclined at first to allow Selena to maneuver and lead her horse. Suspecting that the woman might be somewhat careless in their little romp.
It turned out that Selena knew exactly what she was doing and how to handle such a large and powerful horse such as Firefly.
They rode swiftly, dipping, ducking, and avoiding any contact with harmful obsticle's.
"I see you're no stranger to this!" Demi hollered over the roaring wind.
"Of course not!" Selena snapped, causing Demi to laugh. She loved when the woman became fiesty.
As they rode deeper into the woods, Demi became more alert. Her brown eyes darting from left to right as the bare trees around them clacked and groaned with the wind. The snow was not letting up. And the sun was beginning to slowly sink down deeper behind the horizon. Splashes of gold and purple streaked the thinning grey clouds as dusk approached quickly.
"Sel, I think we should start heading back. I'm pretty sure your lessons ended two hours ago!"
The princess grunted, "Oh fine!"
With a quick snap of her wrists, Selena pulled the reins to the left, causing Firefly to whine and veer. She would lead them back to the front gates of the kingdom, but dismount before crossing the threshold.
As they sped south in the direction of the fortress, Demi looked to the ground and was surprised to find that Selena had managed to retrace the horses previous tracks. But a sudden utterance of discretion escaped her throat when she noticed a disturbance shaped in the snow.
"Selena, wait" she hissed, reaching her hands forward to steal the tethers from the princess' grasp. Quickly, she pulled back on them forcing Firefly to a sudden halt.
"What-" Selena swung her head around, her orbs filled with query. The expression on the rebels face informed the princess immidiately that all wasn't right.
"Dem, what's wrong?" she asked, the rush of being in control finally fading allowing her heed consume her.
"Look." Demi point her index finger to the white coated floor. There beside Firefly's tracks rested more fresh prints, but not from another horse.
Carefully, Demi slid off the back of her horse and crouched down to study the new disturbance in the snow.
"Paw prints" she declared. Obviously. "Big one's..."
Demi balled her right hand up into a tight fist then place it gently in the print. Whatever these belonged too, they were big...
"What do you think they could belong too?" Selena questioned, her expression becoming uneasy as she eyed her companion.
"Whatever they belong to, they've been stalking us since we entered the grove. And not just one, but a couple...Maybe 5 or 6."
"Let's get out of here" The princess urged the rebel to mount up again.
It was then that the two women felt their regard heighten. The silence of the forest was prominent. No birds chirped, the wind was hallow and hushed. Nothing stirred.
"I won't argue that." Demi stood and placed her hands on the back of Firefly's saddle, using it to help her back onto the creatures flank.
Then, in mid lift, Demi heard Selena cry out terror, nearly screaming at the top of her lungs from surprise.
All to soon, Demi spotted 5 large gray creatures break from a heap of brambles. Their snouts curled into ravaged snarls. Sharp pointed teeth bared and dripping with foamed saliva. The look in their deep golden eyes held fury and greed. They were starving.
The rebel felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle as it lifted from her flesh. She could have sworn someone was dying by the sudden vocal alarm. Selena was screaming again, screaming her lovers name.
Perhaps it was a forewarning. But it all happened to fast for Demi to really stop and observe it.
A sharp burning torture gouged into her right bicep causing her to yowl out in agony.
The ground was coming towards her face in one swift movement and she hit it hard with a loud thud.
A viscious growl rumbled beside her ear as she lay on the cold, solid ground. The once white, soft blanket now disturbed by quick motions and stained by hot crimson.
Gasping and stunned, she staggered upright, clutching her torn arm with her left hand.
Wolves stood before her, all looking determined. They were large in height, thick with fur and muscle.
Behind her, she saw Selena rein Firefly back a little. The horse was whining and shuffling nervously, his muscles buldging and twitching. Eager to run.
"Demi!" Selena cried out to her, scared for the woman's life.
The rebel slowly started to step away, cautiously watching their eyes for any hint of threatening movement.
One of then growled deeply at her before two others leapt forward, jaws open, fangs bared ready to strike down their prey.
Demi mustered her stength. Head swirling, she braced herself against the sharp force that pushed her back down to the earth for a second time. Her lower leg and left shoulder screaming with anguish as the weight of two wolves pulled hard against the bone and flesh. Tearing ruthlessly through tendons and muscle. Slowly digging their way down to the hard hidden bone.
Blood splattered across the frozen ground, melting the white diamonds into cold water. In that terrifying instant, all Demi could think about was Selena. Her lovers cries were slowly becoming distant. Demi's strength ebbing, she started to lose vision.
With a plaintive cry, she let go. Falling into complete and utter darkness.
Voices. Angelic voices...
Demi sat bolt upright. Could they really be angel's? Was she really dead?
No, these were the inside walls of the Saint Peter. The church that rested inside the gate's of Selena's kingdom.
Then, the pain. The pain on her shoulder, her arm and leg. She was indeed very much alive. It was a searing pain. Clawing pain. As if her very skin were being ripped away by scalding hot prongs.
Beneath the misery, Demi became aware of a strange weight on her chest. Bandages. They wrapped her shoulder, leg and bicep. Swathed in cold, wet cloths that smelled of pungent herbs.
Even the barest touch against her wounds cut her with a thousand daggers of pain.
"The tournament!" she wailed, knowing her arm was useless at the moment.
A heavy door creaked open. Across an expanse of stone floor, footsteps approached, echoing from the high ceiling above her head.
"Selena" Demi breathed, her brown eyes fixed upon the familiar face who was approaching her rather quickly now that she noticed her lover was awake.
"I'm so relieved you're awake," her eyes became misty as she collapsed to her knees beside her lover. "I never stopped praying." She lightly caressed the back of Demi's neck.
"How am I - How are we still alive?" she questioned. Curious as to how they made it back to the castle.
"Guards...And Jose. They saved us, saved you from being-" she paused, tears finally dripping from her lashes.
Demi reached out with her good arm and gently brushed the tears from Selena's cheek, "there now, please don't cry...I'm still here-"
"But you're hurt."
"I'll heal."
"And I must change your bandages," Came a stern, old voice.
The two girls broke their glance from one another to gaze upon an older woman who approached them. In her arms she carried a small pale that was filled with steaming water. A couple of rags. And some fresh bandages hanging loosely over the side of the bucket.
White hair pulled back into a bun, stray strands fell lightly against her narrow, worn face. The old woman let her green eyes focuse on the woman sitting upright on the soft straw pallet. A blanket covering her lower naked half. The bandages across her shoulder and torso were enough to keep her bosom hidden from view.
"You have awakened, young princess. I am glad." Yet she sounded more dismal than glad.
"I must change your bandages. I'm afraid it will hurt." She warned as she took a seat on a small wooden stool beside the bed.
"No."
"But I must, young one, if you are to heal."
"No."
"Demi, she must!" Selena insisted.
"All right" she submitted, "But be careful! They hurt so much already..."
"I know, I know" The woman spoke, sounding rather patient.
Demi tried her best to remain still as the elder woman carefully unwrapped the bandages, touching her as delicately as a butterfly.
From the foot of her bed, Demi heard a whimper escape Selena's lips. The sight of the gouges and tears looked horrid. Even as they rested stitched closed against Demi's flesh. They would leave aweful, gnarled scars.
While she worked, she dripped something over the stitched wounds which smelled as fresh as the forest after a rain storm and seemed to numb the pain a little.
Feeling somewhat better, the rebel spouted questions like a fountain. "How long have I slept? How did Jose find us? When? Are you hurt?"
Selena just shook her head a little, glad to see that the attack had not changed her lover in the slightest.
"You've been out for two days now, you lost a lot of blood..." The princess answered.
"Two days..." Demi repeated in a hushed voice trying to recap all that had happened before she fell unconscious.
"Jose and his guards came out of nowhere. I guess we were closer to the realm than we had thought...They killed the wolves. It was a good hunt for them seeing as how any type of large game is difficult to find in the winter season. I was terrified when they lifted your motionless body...I stayed at your side until your father pried me away. All of them had given up hope on your survival..."
Feeling a cold draft from a near window, Demi drew her rough blanket closer around her lower back and hips. It came as no suprise that her family expected her death.
"But-"
"Be still, young one, while I finish tying this."
"But-"
"Still, now...That's right. Just a moment. And there, finished" The elder took a moment to study her fine work at bandaging the wounded girl.
"Now, you two be safe. I may be old, but I am not unaware of the deep fire that burns within your hearts for one another...Stay strong, and keep wary. Your secret is safe with me. But if the king should become aware, it'll be all of our heads."
With that, the older woman stood and took her leave.
Selena took advantage of their time alone now and slumped down on the straw pallet. Her deep orbs catching Demi's and searching.
"What is it?" The rebel asked, noticing the sudden look of desire masking her companions face.
"Hm, oh nothing...You're just so handsome" she breathed before leaning in and kissing the woman softly on the lips.
And suddenly, the world became insignificant. All that mattered was that they were both alive, both in each others arms, and both prepared for whatever obsticle fate would throw at them next.