Ch-13

Chapter 12

Klara gasped in surprise, not fighting the kiss but not sure what to do either, having never been kissed before. He was as gentle as he always was, being protective and loving but not overwhelming her. It’s as if he knew that if he expressed his raw emotion, it would frighten her. Her arms wrapped around his neck instinctively, bringing him closer. That gave him the signal to continue to kiss her, even running his hands up and down her back.

When he drew back, both of them stared in wonder and surprise, panting. Then the despair stepped in again for Klara.

“Randolf... I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just wanted to spare you the danger of…”

“I know, mein Täubchen.” He whispered gently, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “But you don’t have to fear for me.”

“B-but…” Klara stuttered, her head spinning. Her wrists throbbed from the iron poison, the pain making her nauseous. Randolf looked at them gravely and said,

“That bastard..! I can’t heal these alone. I’ll have to take you to the Große Baum.” Without waiting for Klara to respond, he lifted her up in his arms and started running. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.” Klara’s heart pounded and panic set it.

“Stop, please stop!” Randolf instantly halted and looked at her with confusion. “P-put me down….!” Klara pushed away and stumbled to the ground, curling into a ball.

“What’s wrong?” he knelt beside her but didn’t touch her, sensing her anxiety.

“It’s just too much.” Klara sobbed, bowing her head onto her knees.

“What do you mean?”

“Everyone I’ve been close to...have died. I can’t let myself feel like this!” Her body trembled with misery.

“Gerone never told me what happened to your family.” Randolf said gently.

“It was my fault…!” Klara cried. “They should have just taken me instead.”

“Enough of that!” Randolf turned her to look at him, his eyes flashing. “Wishing for death insults those who sacrificed their lives for you.” He softened. “Believe me, it’s not worth it.”

“You…?” Klara bit her lip, realizing he must understand her better than she’d thought.

“I’m sorry I went too fast for you Klara. When Gerrick took you…” He ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t even know if you feel the same at all…” Klara touched his face gently and smiled.

“I do. I just need time.” She pleaded. He grinned and warmth swam through her body. Then a wave of nausea.

“Come on, it’s not too far to Große Baum.” He lifted her up again and started off, slower this time.

The Forest whipped by in a blur, despite Randolf slowing his pace so he didn’t overwhelm Klara. The night was calm and cool, a sign that fall was coming soon. Klara shivered, the tattered, thin clothing offering little warmth in the sudden chill. Randolf held her tighter, his immense warmth soothing her as well as his strong, fast heartbeat. Klara closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest for what only seemed like a moment.

“Klara, we’re here.” Randolf cooed gently. Klara groaned and opened her eyes then gasped in awe. An enormous tree filled with golden lights soared above them, the canopy of leaves blending in with the rest of the forest. The tree sank low into the ground, disappearing into a hole shrouded in mist from a small waterfall. The land around the area was lush and seemed to glow with life,

“W-where are we?” Klara whispered, unable to take her eyes off the tree.

“This is the center of the Forest. Where the royal family lives and where important council meetings are held.” Randolf started off towards the tree and Klara felt her face turn pink.

“But…why bring me here?”

“Princess Carina is the only one powerful enough to heal you.”

“Oh Randolf, please don’t make a princess see someone like me!” Klara looked up at him with anxiety.

“Someone like you, is exactly who I want to see.” Klara turned in shock to see the most beautiful woman with flowing golden hair and bright orange wings. She smiled brightly, her round face lighting up and her emerald green eyes sparkling with amusement. She giggled like a young girl and added, “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Klara.”

“I…I…” Klara’s head spun from exhaustion and nausea. Randolf caught her quickly and said

“She was poisoned by iron.” Carina’s cheerful demeanor vanished as she realized the seriousness of the situation.

“Bring her inside, Randolf.” she ordered, flapping her delicate wings and taking lead into the castle.

Author: Katie (Crios) Editor: Elizabeth (Eala)

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