Chapter Fourteen. *

The next morning, I woke to the songbirds chirping.

I felt refreshed even though, I spent most of the night trying my best not be so self conscious about his body so close to mine.

He was nowhere to be found but Ilianna slept across me.

I laughed out loud. How could she sleep in that position? I dropped my head back on his pillows. It smelled like him.

"..me, little brother. There was no need to be violent."

" Idiot.. you scared your wife with that fanatical rant. What's wrong with you?"

I heard Alexander pouting voice and Zephyr stern one.

Who could tell that my Zephyr was at the very least 5 year younger ? By the way..how old is he? I mean who cares..

I carefully lifted Ilianna off me and covered her with a blanket and went to see my..future husband.

In the kitchen was granny and Demelza along with them. Zephyr looked at me and his annoyed expression was no more.

I greeted everyone in general than walked over and kissed him, it was meant to be short and sweet one. He pulled me into his lap and kissed more fiercely.

I can't get enough of this.

But I did stop him. I can't let him turn me into some bumbling idiot, so early in the morning.

Once again I felt out of breath. No more Lylly!

" Morning, my love."

..fine one more. I pulled him to me and let the people around me disappear for a second. But just a second..

" My God..what else did I miss?"

Alexander will always be there to ruin it.

But since Zephyr considered him as a brother I had too at least try and get along.

With more difficulty than thought, I got up from his lap and made us some tea. I wanted to make him something to eat but my skills just weren't there yet.

" I see.. so no fighting Emet huh? " - Alexander voice sounded slightly disappointed.

" I know you against it...but I have a feeling theres plenty of fighting need to be done in the future."

" What do mean Zephyr?"

My granny asked the same question I wanted to.

If not Emet who does he mean? Also should I just sit back on his lap or the clearly empty seat next to him?

My indecision caused me to stand frozen in place.

" The king is a fool who keep initiate wars. Sooner or later he will lose one. When that happens we need to be ready. " - he looked for and found Alexander eyes. " I mean to train the man with your help to become a unit capable of defending this village. You see brother.. We don't need to join some pointless cause to become soldiers."

Alexander's smile was genuine and his eyes lost that glow that scared his wife.

" Hahaha !! Yes..let's do that! " - he slapped the table almost spilling several cups filled with liquid.

" With the able bodied man in the village, we can become a proper force. I gather more lads once this sacrifice is behind us. "

He looked full of energy. Demelza seemed over the moon.

Her husband might become a decent man with Zephyr intervention. Granny looked proud to have a male with some brain power in her family.

Hearing his ideas.. they sounded simple and yet it could only come from him. All others in this village were born into subjugation and fear accepted their fate.

Hmm..I decided to take my rightful place in his lap. Just as Ilianna obviously woke up and took it from me.

" I'm leaving for training soon.. you should rest Alex. " - he kissed his daughter and offered his now cooled tea to her. " Spend time with your son. Let Demelza look after you a little. There be plenty of time to train."

He patted Alexander head and give Ilianna to me, stealing a kiss doing so.

As usual she wanted go with him but this time he shut it down.

" Maybe later this afternoon.. by the way.."

He came closer so only I could hear.

" Do you have something ..comfortable to wear? I would like go down to the river later."

He leaned back and looked hopeful.

" In that case...I'm sure.." - I tried to to quiet but, the kitchen was small and packed. " I'll find something appropriate."

He kissed Ilianna and left practically skipping.

Oh yes.hehehe..I believe we will ..

Ilianna poked my face then and broke my train of thought.

" Sweetheart you were giggling again..it must've been quite the question he asked." - my mother was the first to comment on my tick.

" My little brother have an exquisite mindset .."

Thank Ehlite Alexander is dense.

But along with mother, Demelza and granny knew everything considering those expressions.

" He sure does, I'm glad you not angry at him Alexander." - I simply ignored them and addressed my small concern from yesterday.

He looked embarrassed for a bit.

" He woke me early..talked to me about important things. He was right...I mean how can I call myself a man if I'm so willing..ughh anyway. " - he meant those word manly to Demelza who looked at him with interest. " Turns out I needed someone kick my ass. Literally, hahaha.. just like the first time we meet."

He seemed to remember that day very fondly...so do I.

Looking at Demelza hugging her husband..I already missed Zephyr.

But I have things to do so, let's get to them. Later this afternoon I'll go pick him up from his training. Tomorrow morning..he head up that mountain.

" Let's eat some breakfast love huh?"

" ..and then train."

" Sure ..I can probably learn something from you."

Ilianna only been training a couple of weeks but she is very young and learning is in her nature. She tries her best to learn from Zephyr and now she can do some pretty impressive kicks.

Hmm ..another thing he brought to this village that sounded simple, yet with his training it turned farmers into man who can kill without weapons.

I felt great pride in my heart. He is so young and yet so well trained, his teachings seemed endless.

Granny left to take final stock of tomorrows offering. We had a much better amount than previous years. Almost a dozen cows and pigs the monster will be fell fed.

Demelza offered to make breakfast for us. While Ilianna played with Alexander and her son.

Demelza gave me looked at and I went closer.

" If you wanted..I have some ..nice bathing suits. I can give you one as thanks for the dress." - she whispered so only I could hear.

Did she hear Zephyr whispering to me.

I mean Ilianna maybe. She just chuckled seeing my face. Most likely looking like someone who got caught.

" Men are all the same Lylly. Even someone unique as Zephyr. Besides you are an underrated beauty who got used to hide her femininity. " - she pointed the wooden spoon at my body, to emphasized her words. " So of course, now that you two are official..he wants to see some of it."

I tried but failed to hide my smile. She sounded so logical.

After all even I had some..thoughts, last night with him being wrapped around me.

" I take you upon your kind offer Demelza."