The Princess's Guard ✔️

8

Word Count: 1783

~Kiva

I lean down, feeling the burning stretch in my hamstrings.

"You did well today."

I don't look up. Only Ark's boots are in my view as he strides back and forth. His hands are probably tucked behind his back, posture perfectly straight.

Ugh. I can't stand him.

"You were fierce, strong. Resilient."

Oh Ark, you'll see fierce if you push me one more time.

"I don't want to have to punish you again, Kiva," he continues. His warning burns through me, reminding me of the deprivaty of last nights punishment.

"Whatever," I mutter.

"I mean it."

Gritting my teeth, I stare down at my wrists. The are worn red from being tied to the bed all night. I had attempted various creative measures to get out of my binds, but unfortunately, I didn't get out until Ark came in at sunrise with a knife.

"Do you punish everyone like that? By tying them to their bed after interrupting their night with someone who is meant to be their prospective husband?" I suddenly snap.

Ark frowns down at me.

"Don't talk to me like that."

I fall dramatically onto my back. Were he not currently armed I might try to have a go at him.

"Firstly, no. Your punishment fit your crime-"

"So if I disobey you like that again, you'll take me over your knee?" I ask sardonically, resting my forearm over my eye so I don't have to look at him.

He sighs. "And secondly, it was obvious you had no interest in that Prince. You wanted to actively defy me."

Roll my eyes, I finally sit up. "Whatever. I just want to get away from you."

Ark shakes his head slowly as I get to my feet. As soon as I'm in standing position, my head suddenly starts spinning.

I stumble back, but before I can topple onto my ass, Ark reaches out and grabs my arm, trying to steady me.

"Woah...What's going on?"

"I feel like I'm going to pass out." Pressing my palm to my forehead, I feel dampness and heat. Something isn't right.

Ark grabs my shoulder, lifting my chin and tilting my head from side to side to examine my face.

"You need some water."

"The world is spinning, Ark..."

Sweeping his arms under my legs, he picks me up. Even with my vision blurred I can tell he is taking me from the gym, out into the snow and toward the main manor.

"Where are you taking me?" I ask, clinging to his shoulders.

As my vision slowly returns, I can see Ark staring down at me with those dark eyes of his. "To the nurse. You worked too hard today."

Warmth suddenly gathers beneath my nose.

"Fuck," Ark mutters, wincing.

"What?" I reach up, brushing my fingers under my nose, drawing them back to see them stained with blood. "Oh no."

"You'll be okay," he assures me, although I hear the tension in his voice.

"Am I dying?"

He shakes his head. "No, you were overworked."