Heart Over Sword
Chapter 193: Frozen Genitalia

Chapter 193: Frozen Genitalia

Evanna’s gaze remained on Arawn and the second in command while Ronan explained the dangers of the ’forgotten plains’. She did not know what monsters there were, although her friend was pointing them out and their various strengths and weakness’ but living inside the palace was just as dangerous as these creatures that stalked the lands. At least here, Evanna knew who to look for and instantly attacked. In a court full of many unknowns, many who might wish her dead, she had to sheath her blade and constantly watch her back, warning those against her of what a mistake it would be.

While watching Arawn’s back, Evanna wondered what it might be like if she were to be betrothed to him. Humans feared the elves, and Arawn’s reputation would seep fear into anyone’s heart. They would no longer look upon her scornfully; maybe even a few might flatter her to gain what power she would attain. It brought a small smile to her lips. But, she did not want fear to rule over her subjects and even those who were against her; though it certainly helped in some circumstances, it was not how a ruler should be. Maybe she would soften the sharpness of Arawn’s blade.

Besides, she would not remain in the kingdom and would live in the Flori palace. Her heart both clenched and expanded at this. This world in which she was new to, of elves, creatures of the unknown and politics besides that of the human realm, was fascinating and almost dreamlike, but it meant leaving her parents’ side. Flori was not a quick trip down the road. Though, if not for Arawn, Evanna would have been wed to someone, with a high chance of being Conrad again.

But taking away all the intricacies of their marriage, the power, the alliance, Evanna would be with someone that made her heart skip, her stomach flutter and heat pool between her thighs. There wasn’t just this physical connection with Arawn, but emotional and the feeling of being each other’s equal.

Most women in her kingdom, at least, were not seen as a husband’s equal. Loraven, for one, did not get that with her father, the King, and after the way Conrad treated her, Evanna wanted it the most out of everything.

Evanna huffed, internally shaking her head. This was not the time to be thinking about such things. The most important thing right now was to get to Lyvaria and get that gemstone to heal her mother. That didn’t stop her, though, from tuning into Arawn and Garrett’s discussion.

"*Is it not pathetic how some men act towards the ones

they lust after?*"

"*Indeed, but he is young. Normally I would find it

pathetic, but.. now I can only be reassured of his protectiveness over his

Princess,*" Arawn replied just as quietly in his rich, melodious voice.

Garrett grunted, gliding his large hand over the slightly shaved side of his head where the light scar ran across. "*And I have seen the way he looks at her. His lust-filled gaze-*"

"*Lust-filled, yes,*" Arawn snapped, glaring icily at Garrett. "*But he also respects her.. AND if he did not, then a little frostbite to his manhood would certainly teach him a lesson.*"

Garrett shook his head, grinning as his shoulders shook. Evanna’s cheeks heated, and her eyes widened at the vulgarity of such a punishment.

"..Raven?"

"Huh?" Evanna responded, palming her cheeks as she tried to take in everything Arawn and Garrett spoke of about her friend and catching up to the current conversation she mostly did not listen to.

Arawn would not freeze.. She stared at the Prince’s sharp jawline as he spoke to Garrett while his eyes flicked to their surroundings vigilantly. No, the elven Prince would most certainly do something like that. But Ronan was not a bad guy, and she would make sure Arawn would see that before anything could happen to.. well, his genitals.

Ronan sighed irritably and placed his hand on her shoulder, gazing at her intensely. "Please, be careful." That caught her attention. "You have not known them for very long, and yes, they’re..." His jaw worked, the muscle ticking as he assessed the elves in annoyance. "Quite the handsome fellows, but do not fall for their charms. It was not long ago they were hunting us down in those woods, and you, the Princess of Dunhurst, stole from them."

Evanna squeezed his hand gently, then released and continued walking. "I know you are just concerned, as any friend would be." She smiled softly, clasping her hands together and resting them against her stomach.

"But I have been around my fair share of ’handsome fellows’, yourself included, to not be swayed by looks alone." Ronan grinned charmingly at her indirect compliment, but Evanna’s thoughts were elsewhere. It was not entirely true; she was utterly captivated by Arawn from the beginning. Her wits barely remained intact when dealing with his mind games. "I know how to handle myself, though."

"I sure hope so." Ronan’s brows furrowed as he glanced at the elven Prince again. He couldn’t help but be concerned. This situation that had been brushed off so easily by the Princess made him wonder if she had succumbed to the elven Prince’s looks. The way he looked at her and her returning gaze unsettled him. There was a surge of jealousy burning in his chest that he’d never felt before, but more so, he was distrustful.

These were the men who captured Evanna, and though she looked untouched and emotionally okay, more could have happened that he was not aware of. Walking by their sides felt like they walked beside the enemy, unable to relax. Evanna was a warrior, but he’d seen what the pair were capable of, and so it was his duty to protect her, even if it also meant protecting her from herself. The Princess’ words did not betray her, but the spark behind her eyes revealed the truth of her affection towards the Florian Prince.

"We will rest ahead. River Stye will curve this way soon, and from there, the grass will return to normal." Garrett turned around and pointed ahead, indicating where the river would soon be.

They had been wandering through this grass, but there had been a few pathways from many travellers passing through and shifting the grass aside. These led to more lands unknown to Evanna. Evanna knew she would have gotten lost and possibly died of starvation in the maze of grasses if she had been alone. It was fortunate that Arawn and Garrett joined her on this journey. Lyvaria had never been a part of her plan, but if that was where she needed to go, so be it.

Evanna and Ronan nodded to the plan, then paused at the sound of metal screeching against metal. The Princess cringed at the sound but did not falter as she followed swiftly behind Arawn and Garrett, who rushed quietly ahead. The sounds grew louder, along with the rushing sound of water. A striking chill ran along her arms, putting the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, and it was not from the wind. Whatever was ahead of them wasn’t friendly towards them.