212 Getting A Massage
Remaining in the quiet council chamber after everyone had left. Roshan rested his legs on the table, keeping them crossed and leaning his back against the chair to relax himself properly.
He rubbed his forehead with his palm, feeling exhausted from the issue he had to settle concerning Luderick, and a soft weak sigh left his lips. He wasnât used to doing this sort of thing and his body was starting to ache a bit. Since itâs his first time taking serious charge on Viscarrian matters, he has to learn to get used to it and that involves being wise in every decision he had to make, but the stress that came with it wasnât one he expected.
Closing his eyes and taking his head back so he could regain some of his strength, he suddenly felt a pair of soft hand rest on his shoulders, giving it a satisfying squeeze with the right amount of pressure, and he found himself sighing at the relief it sent from his shoulder to his body, as though it reduced the heaviness weighing on them.
He smelled her presence, and his lips curved into a knowing smile when he opened his eyes to see it was no one else but Anna. She was wearing a warm smile on her pretty face that made his heart flutter in reaction, and he didnât even realize how much he missed her till now.
âYour highness.â
âWhen did you come in?â He took her hand that was currently massaging his shoulder, dropping a kiss on it before letting his gaze fall to the woman who was standing behind the chair he sat on.
âA few minutes ago,â she responded, âI knew you didnât sense my presence and it was easy to tell from your weariness.â
âForgive me, I didnât expect-â
âI see no reason for you to apologize,â she cut him off before he could complete his statement, âIâm not hurt by it, Iâm just worried that you shouldnât stress yourself over it too seriously to avoid affecting you mentally.â
.....
Taking her hands back, she placed them back on his shoulder, âwhich is why Iâm here to help relieve you the best way I can, and thatâs by giving you a massage.â She herself was sounding more than excited to help him, he left early this morning and it was already getting to noon.
When she went to his chamber and saw he hasnât returned yet, she chose to come here and check if they were done or not, and thankfully, the guards assigned outside the council chamber informed her that the higher Demons left not too long ago, and since they were aware of her relationship with his highness, they let her in without needing to seek permission from Roshan.
She saw how extremely down he was and this was just the first meeting. Roshan didnât grow up with learning how to rule a kingdom by his father, rather he was learning to survive instead of being taught how well he needed to rule his kingdom, so it wasnât much of a surprise that heâd be weakened on his first time, and this is why Anna was more than willing to support him in anyway she could possibly be of help.
Roshan felt his system relax when she continued with her massage, her touch were like feathers and his body would react whenever she squeezed his shoulder tenderly, he sensed how careful she was as though she was being extra careful not to overdo and hurt him, and he just smiled at how she took his care into consideration.
âFeeling better?â She asked, and he nodded, his eyelids were sealed shut as he silently enjoyed her hands on him, and Anna smiled, feeling happy that he loved her massage, and his facial expression only encouraged her to continue.
âIf you keep up with this, I might as well be falling asleep sooner than I think.â He joked, letting his eyes flutter open and Anna saw no problem with that.
âThen sleep if you want to.â
He shook his head, âI have to leave, thereâs something important that I need to address in the other towns, plus Iâll be visiting the governors to pick a date for when weâll take the problems in Viscarrian into discussion.â
âYouâre leaving??â Annaâs eyes widened in obvious shock, and she looked out the window, it wasnât raining snow anymore but it must be freezing outside.
âBut the temperature outside must have dropped greatly, and-â
Roshanâs hand reached for the back of Annaâs head and he pulled her head down to his face until their lips met for a quick kiss.
âIâll be fine.â He assured her. Even if he succeeded in silencing the worried woman, it wasnât enough to make her worries disappear.
âWhen will you return?â
âIâll be back before midnight.â He promised, but it gets even colder at night and that didnât settle with Anna.
Anna wasnât the only one feeling it, even Roshan wasnât happy with the idea that heâll be returning so late at night. He wasnât even crowned yet and his time with Anna was already being limited.
He remembered how he never got to see his father for a whole week when he ruled as king, except he found comfort in his fatherâs absence. But he canât possibly say the same for Anna.
A knock on the door interrupted their silent moment. Anna planned on shifting away but Roshan took hold of her arm before she could leave, letting it drape on his shoulder and he saw no reason why she had to hide when he was going to marry her soon.
âCome in.â
A guard walked in, but after seeing his Highness wasnât alone, he proceeded to bow his head to avoid seeing what his eyes shouldnât.
âThe carriages are ready to leave, your Highness.â He informed.
âIâll be out soon.â
âSure thing, your Highness.â And he turned around to leave, closing the door behind him.
Roshan finally got to his feet, stretching a little before turning around to look at Anna who was busy scanning him with worried eyes.
âAre you sure youâre okay to leave?â
âIâm not so weak Anna, Iâll be fine.â
His mantle that rested on the arm of the chair he sat, caught Annaâs eyes and she quickly reached for it.
âPut this on.â
âMy arms hurt, assist me.â He feigned pain, meanwhile his main intention was to make his lovely wife do it for him.
Anna shook her head helplessly before helping him put on his mantle and fixing it properly, she stood in front him, viewing Roshan who appeared noble and with the features of a good king, a handsome one at that.
âMake sure to keep warm, and stay near a fireplace when having your discussion, and make sure you donât stand outside in the cold for too long.ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âYes mother.â
âWhat??â
He quickly pecked her lips before she could say anything else, startling her and leaving her cheeks tinted pink.
âSleep in my room tonight, so I know I have something to run home to when Iâm done.â He winked sexily before giving her cheeks another peck and leaving the council chamber.
Anna was speechless as she watched him exit the chamber, unable to utter a thing and in the end, she felt a solemn sense of happiness as her lips contorted to a smile.
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Special thanks to Ariana_Sawyer, Robin_Williams_7418 and Ashley_Bridges_2516 for the golden tickets!! ?????