Longing

Marjorana, In the reign of the regent...

The carriage shook as it ran through a dirt road. The gravels and stones made the ride a little bumpy. 

It wasn't a ride that the prince was used to. Hence, Briar scowled while enduring such an uncomfortable journey for more than five hours. 

The flaxen haired sighed. "It's a good thing that she is asleep. This whole ride is making me a bit sick." 

In normal circumstances, Briar wouldn't take a carriage. He was more used riding a horse because it was faster. 

However, since he was exhausted and he was worried about Atropa, the prince decided to take the carriage with her.

To distract himself, Briar looked at the girl and brushed the stray locks away from her face. Atropa had been sleeping during their almost half a day ride. 

"She must have been exhausted from that backlash." He muttered as he adjusted her head on his lap. 

He frowned as he had noticed the pallor on her face. 

"Her mana seemed unstable. Maybe, I should transfer some of mine so that she could recover fast." He thought while looking at the cherry pink lips. 

The prince brought his face near her in an attempt to transfer his mana but the girl groaned. 

As if sensing that someone is trying to take advantage of her, Atropa stirred. 

Briar halted his advance and stayed still. Luckily the girl did not wake up. 

As realization dawned upon him, Briar blushed. "Briar you idiot what do you think you are trying to do with an unconscious girl…" 

"No… I am not trying to take advantage." He tried to justify to himself. "Mana transfer requires physical contact, so I have to kiss her…"

He stopped short and looked at his companion. Her auburn locks spread on his lap and cascaded on the couch. 

Although, Atropa's face looked a bit pale, there is a sense of serenity on her that shouldn't be disturbed. 

"Maybe I should wait until she regained consciousness." He decided after observing the sleeping maid. 

Probably in response to his gentlemanly gesture, Atropa moved a bit and snuggled closer to him. 

"At the very least, you look comfortable using my lap as your pillow." He smiled as he caressed her cheek. 

After a few hours, the carriage had moved smoothly on a bricked road.

Whence entering the town, it proceeded to the noble district of Magena. 

Though the carriage looked a bit out of place, it did not stop. The guards allowed its passage since they recognized that the one riding it was the regent. 

Finally, the vehicle stopped in front of the Marjoram's castle. 

The well-tended garden greeted the prince as he careful stepped out of the carriage. 

The staff that welcomed him stood agape, instead of giving their salutations to the prince. They have a reason for being shocked. 

The prince was carrying a passed out Atropa in princess carry fashion. 

"Welcome back your highness!' the servants greeted after they had recovered. Curiosity were written on their faces. 

They have never seen Briar get close to any women. He even shied away from the noble ladies who tried to get friendly with him.

But now, he had a girl in his arms-never mind that it was his sister's maid. 

However, Briar did not give them any opportunity to pry on his business. He only nodded at them and proceeded to enter the palace. 

Before he could get to the door, one of the knights courageously approached him. "if it won't trouble you, your highness, I can take miss Hemlock to her room." 

But the prince refused the knight's offer. "Thank you, but I can take her there myself."

He then turned to Nigel, who was running towards him. The poor aide had dark circles around his eyes. He looked like as if he had aged for a bit. 

Nigel must have been busy enough with all the pending work in the study. The red head was not able to greet the prince with the other servants and ministers. 

"My lord, finally you have returned." Nigel said with relief after the pleasantries. 

"I made you go through a lot. Just prepare all of the reports that had accumulated in my absence. I will deal with them after I make sure that this girl is fine." 

With that, he went straight to the servant's wing to bring the unconscious girl to her room. 

As he laid her on her bed, he noticed that her mana seemed to be depleted still. 

"I hope that you can recover fast." He muttered while bringing a few strands of her hair to his lips. "I am sorry, I could no longer wait for you to wake up…"

Being away for a week, Briar anticipated that he would be busy dealing with all the pending work. So he decided to transfer his mana despite the fact that the girl is still unconscious. 

His gaze drifted towards to cherry red lips. They seemed to be enticing him to taste them. 

Briar groaned. "I am only giving her mana." 

He caressed her cheeks before holding her head. After gathering his own mana he muttered. 

"Accept!" 

His lips descended towards hers. He felt his heart sore as he came into contact with those soft supple lips. 

A pentagram appeared beneath them and his mana poured into her. 

After providing the girl an ample supply of mana, he released her. 

"You shouldn't have given me a taste. Now I am starting to crave for you." He muttered as he held her jaw to make her mouth slightly open. 

He then kissed her again and this time, he gently delved his tongue inside. The warmth seemed to have comforted him as well as ignited a certain fire within himself. 

"I want more." He thought while nibbling at her lower lip. "I have to give her more."   

When he was finally satisfied that her mana is stable. Briar tucked her to bed. 

"I really don't want to part with you. I want to stay with you like the way we spend with each other in that labyrinth. But I have things to take care of." 

"If only, I could just keep you by my side…" he sighed while brushing her hair.

"Rest well… Atropa." He kissed her forehead before he finally got the strength to leave the girl alone.