A little drama.

“There’s not anywhere else he could be,” a voice said from the hallway, “he must have gone to the spring.”

Randi, without hesitation lifted the latch and opened the door. On the other side was Darya and Ania.

“I’m sorry, I was looking for. . . Aarni?”

“Yeah, I’m here.” He said sheepishly.

Darya looked at the four women and then back to Aarni, “Have you been here all day?”

“Pretty much,” Thyra answered for him, “he wanted to wash up before breakfast so I brought him here, and well. . . things happened.”

Ari was smiling devilishly, “You should have been here, we would have definitely had fun with you.” She said, running a finger over Darya’s shoulder before walking out of the room.

Liv followed her out quietly.

“He’s a lot of fun, thanks for loaning him to us.” Randi said, smacking Aarni’s ass before following the others out of the room.

Ania stood next to Darya, staring daggers at Aarni.

“Are you on duty?” she said, turning to Thyra, who had dried off pretty well and was putting her uniform back on.

“Yes, sister, I am watching the guest.”

“Looks like you were doing more than watching.” Ania replied.

Thyra just smiled. Aarni looked at Ania, “Have we done something wrong?”

He could tell Ania wanted to chew him out, but she didn’t say anything more.

“No, I’m just surprised you had four women with you Aarni.” Darya added, he couldn’t tell if she was upset or impressed.

“Well I certainly didn’t plan it.” He replied.

Darya walked over to him, grabbed his butt and leaned in. “I hope you saved some for me for later.”

Aarni smiled, “I’m sure I’ll manage.”

“You better,” Darya then turned to Thyra. “You said you missed breakfast, we saved food for Aarni, you’re welcome to join us.”

Ania waited for Darya and Thyra to leave before she looked at Aarni. She was furious.

“Are you angry with me?” Aarni asked.

“You are an idiot, I should kill you now and save everyone the hassle.”

Aarni was a bit shocked with the fury behind her words, but did his best to not show it. “Well, that answers my question.”

Ania glared daggers into Aarni’s skull. He wasn’t afraid of Ania, she was a strong fighter, not enough that he feared being killed, but Aarni didn’t want her mad at him, after all they had another full day of travel ahead of them.

“Have I done something to hurt you Ania?”

Ania’s face was turning red in anger, Aarni actually began to fear he may have to defend himself. But Ania took in a deep breath and exhaled, getting herself under control.

“It is time to eat, Darya saved you food, don’t make her wait again.” Ania gestured to the door, waiting for him to exit first. Aarni didn’t like the idea of walking with Ania behind him, but he didn’t want to make things worse either, so he left the room, following Darya and Thyra.

Darya must have worried when she didn’t find me, Aarni thought, and with whatever was going on between Ania and Darya, it made sense she would be angry. Ania was so protective of Darya, it seemed to be more than just her duty to deliver Darya to the Temple safely. Aarni slowed down, forcing Ania to walk close to him.

“So what’s the deal with you and Darya?” He asked.

“What do you mean?” Ania responded, venom dripping off every word.

“You care about her a lot, well beyond your duty to protect her, what’s your connection?”

“You imagine too much with your lustful mind.”

Aarni laughed.

“I’m not saying you share a hot spring or anything, it’s just obvious how much you care about her. Have you even told her?”

“There is nothing to tell, I keep her safe, and I don’t cause her to worry.”

“I’m sorry I caused her to worry, Ania, I didn’t intend for it to happen.”

Ania stopped, spun and grabbed me by my shirt.

“You tell her you need her, that you cannot exist without her, yet you forget about her, let her get hurt and now you run off with other women and leave her alone to worry.”

Aarni’s shoulders slumped. He couldn’t disagree with anything she just said.

“You’re right. I’ll apologize, I’ll find a way to make it right.”

“Will you stay at the temple with us, or, will you take her away and live a simple life? Can you give her the life she desires, prince?”

That last word was said with such disdain, but she was right, as much as he loved the idea of a simple cottage, a simple life with Darya, it was not a life he could live. He had a duty to his land, his ancestors, his people.

“Then what do I do?” Aarni asked, he already felt the pain and guilt from his failure with the bandits, he couldn’t bear to add more regrets.

“Leave her alone, she is already hurt, don’t hurt her more.”

She released him and they continued walking.

Aarni’s head and heart were in conflict. He felt like he loved Darya, but he also felt his duty to his kingdom. The longer he stayed with Darya, the more it would hurt when he left her. She couldn’t marry him, and the role of concubine had been replaced by the young ladies in the breeding. There was no place for her in his life once he regained his position.

Darya and Thyra picked up food from Darya’s room, and they all went outside, eating under a beautiful dark oak tree. It was a bit awkward between him and Darya, he could tell she had some idea about what happened on the walk there. It was nice to see how easily she and Thyra got along though, Darya drew people to her easily, she was so warm and genuine. He smiled, watching her talk and laugh with Thyra. She turned and their eyes met. Darya’s smile was the kind of thing a man could wake up to and forget a sea of troubles. And the look in her eyes was playful, caring, and mischievous? What was that expression? Aarni wondered, but Aarni didn’t have to wonder for long. Darya moved closer to Thyra and started touching her leg as they talked. Thyra smiled at her.

“Do you feel left out of the fun from earlier?”

“You aren’t too tired are you?”

“No, I didn’t get that much attention in the hot spring.”

“Well, let me make up for that.”

Aarni didn’t expect to see this from Darya, and he wasn’t the only one.

“Darya, what are you doing?” Ania demanded as Darya and Thyra started kissing.

She broke the kiss, “What does it look like? I’m having fun Ania.”

“You are in public, in front of a man.” Ania scolded.

“Yeah, a man who has seen both of us naked.” She said back snarkily. “If you are going to be a prude, go back inside where you won’t have to watch, or you could come over here, join us and loosen up for once.”

Ania’s face turned bright red as she looked at Darya and Thyra, she opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, then put her hand over it instead and ran away, back inside the Abbey.