Knock Knock

The room held a warm, orange glow as I finished lighting the last of the candles. I stepped back from the candle I had just set down on the counter, and took a deep breath; releasing it slowly. The stress which was bottled up inside of me began its slow exit through my skin. I gazed around at the spacious bathroom. The white marble sink sat against the wall adjacent from the door and tucked in the corner, beside it, the toilet, and in the center of the room was the large porcelain tub which rested upon golden feet that curved outwards towards the walls. Everything was coated in a warm, relaxing light.


Once everything was set in place, and the wooden stool position beside the tub with the lavender salts, a glass of wine, and the large wine bottle, I removed my robe and slid into the hot tub. My hair pooled around me in flowy segments as it dipped into the water, resting just on the surface. Grasping the bottle of salts, I poured a hefty amount into the water, and watched as the tiny crystals dissolved in the clear water. Instantly, the wonderful scent of lavender filled my nose and I sighed in content. I placed the bottle back on the stool, held my breath, and slipped under the water’s surface.


Everything was so quiet and peaceful under the water and it felt as if I could melt away just as the salts did. I pulled the rest of my wavy hair into the water and felt it billow out around me. I imagined myself like one of those models on the front of magazines or in armature pictures. I tried opening my eyes, however the water burned them and I instantly closed them again. I wished I could have stay under the water longer and revel in its peace, but my lungs needed air. They were screaming and I broke the surface of the water to take in a deep breath. After pushing back my wet hair, I reached for the red wine which sat beside me, careful not to let it slip out of my hand, and brought it to my lips. The taste was exquisite and I could tell it had been sitting for years before I opened it tonight. A tingling sensation buzzed through my body as I took another sip and set it back down on the stool.


I leaned my head back and rested it against the bow of the tub, allowing my eyes to shut and relax. I inhaled deeply and let it escape through my nose. This feels so nice. I thought as the water warmed my previously cold body. I could take a nap. I hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks. There have been many meetings and discussions about the war that was happening outside of my kingdom’s walls. I was frightened. Not only for myself, but for my people. I have sat up many of nights and worried myself to tears. I felt alone here in these walls. There was no one to comfort me or soothe my worries when they arose. I was the only one.


I sank deeper into the water until it reached just below my nose. Tears threatened to spill for under my closed eyes as all of the sudden events came rushing back to me, and I let them. I let the tears cascade down my reddened cheeks and into the water below. I held back the urge to cry out as they fell faster, consuming my heart in a pain that was unbearable. I felt helpless, like I was somehow allowing my people to be killed by the tide of war, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My heart ached for them. I have failed as their ruler. I thought as I dunked my head back into the warm water. The water replaced my tears and engulfed them as I continued to cry.


As I was down there I heard a muffled knocking sound. Surprised by the unexpected noise, I poked my head back above the surface to listen, and dried my tears with the palms of my hands once I hit the air. Knock, knock. The sound came forth from the white wooden door which sat at the far end of the room. Who would be knocking at my door at this hour? I pondered. I was hesitant to allow anyone in here and see me like this, so I decided to ignore it in hopes they would go away.


Knock, knock. I lifted my arm out of the bath and grabbed the bottle of epitome salt which caused water to spill onto the floor. I poured more of the lavender scented salts into my bath and the scent relaxed my muscles and I sunk lower into the tub, allowing the water to rise over my nose again as I held my breath and closed my eyes once more.


Knock, knock. This time the knocks sounded harsher, more urgent. I sighed and bubbles traveled out of my nose and to the surface of the crystal-clear water. I slid up to where only the tip of my chin was in the water, and with my eyes still closed, I replied.


“Come in.” The door soundlessly opened and the thudding of boots echoed off the titled walls and floor. Click. I heard the sound of the person locking the door behind her after she entered. This peaked my interest because normally the maid would not lock the door when delivering news or a message. Nor would she wear boots… I opened my eyes, and went to sit up to see who had intruded on my personal time, but before I could a voice rang out, echoing off the walls. A voice I knew all too well.


“Lace.” My heart leapt. Instantly, I sat straight up in the tub. Standing before me, in all of his royal garbs, was Lakin. His light brown hair was pushed backwards and held in place with a clip like he normally wore it. His bright green eyes were worn and looked as if they had seen terrible events, but there was a glimmer which sparkled with love and longing, and a smile filled with thousands of emotions spread across his tanned skin. My body urged me to jump right out of the bath and run to him.  And I did just that.

I slipped and sloshed my way out of the white porcelain tub, making the water splash out of the tub and onto the marble floors. I disregarded my nakedness, and ran to him with such urgency, it was like he would disappear if I didn’t get to him right then. Before I was five feet away from the tub, Lakin was already there, embracing my slippery body. I tightly wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him close to me. His strong arms wrapped around my upper body and his hands were flat against my back which the tips of his fingers pushing into my skin. Lakin pulled me into him until my chest was flat against his, causing a little discomfort, but enough for me to ignore. I could feel the water from my body seeping through the woven fabric of his black uniform.


My heart fluttered wildly at our embrace and the thought of him standing here with me. A wide smile grew on my face and tears of joy, fear, and relief poured from my eyes and leaving tiny stains on his dark clothing. It felt as if an immense pressure was lifted off my chest as I hugged him. All of the worries I held before he entered were washed away by his presences. I was so afraid I wouldn’t see him again. I was terrified the tide of war might change and swallow him whole. Although Lakin is our top soldier, the war that is raging is extremely dangerous.


“I’m-I- I missed you so much,” I say into his chest, and with this he squeezes my shoulders briefly.


“I missed you too,” He whispered into my hair as he ran his hand over it, clumping it into wet chunks. I pulled away from him after a moment and gazed into his eyes. All the love I could ever need swam in his eyes. They revealed every truth and every lie to me, and I know his heart is with me. I then moved in to kiss him. He complied and leaned in as well. Passion exploded between us as soon as our lips connected. I placed my hands flat on his back and pushed him towards me as his hands move more towards my waist.


We pulled away, but it feels like it is too soon. I wanted to kiss him more; I wanted to hold him close to me and run my fingers through his soft hair, and to cradle his head to my chest as we laid in bed. The pureness of our love lingers on my lips, but I tear myself away from his lips, to speak to him.


“Join me?” I asked softly, a small smile flittered across my face. Lakin returned my smile. He released his grip on me and backed away to rid his clothes. That’s when I noticed a few new scars on his body. They had healed, but only recently; they were a light pink and glimmered dully in the light whenever he moved. A pang of guilt rang in my heart. It’s my fault he has those scars. If only I could stop this war… I thought as he tossed his grey undershirt on top of the heap of clothes. I could feel my brain start to revert back to the emotions I felt earlier, but I quickly smothered them and focused on this moment.


Once he finished undressing, he stood for a few seconds gazing over my body and I did the same to his. It had been so long since I had seen him naked that I almost forgot how his body looked. Lakin’s skin was darker than I remember, and various colors of brown hair covered his chest and continued outward, stretching to wrists and ankles. Tone muscle rippled across his body, and his hands were two shades darker than the rest of his body. Overall, nothing had changed much about his physical appearance. The longer I traced my gaze over every curve and angle, the more I remembered and the more I felt at home.


He came closer to me, crossing the room in only a few strides, before he was in front of me again. Lakin pulled me gently by the waist and kissed me softly. He drew away and gazed into my eyes. Loosening his grasp around me, he parted and made his way to the tub with a small smile on his cheeks. He tested the water with his hand by swirling it around, before deciding it was an acceptable temperature and sliding in. The water sloshed and rose to about two inches away from the edge as he seated himself in the bath.


I waited until he was settled in before I strode to the side of the tub. Lakin looked up at me with a smirk and motioned with his hands to the spot between his legs. I blushed and a smile slipped across my face. He held out his rough hand to aid me in my trip over the rim of the tub and into the space in front of him. The warm water rushed back over my body and instantly I had goose-bumps. I carefully sat down between his bent knees and leaned back. The heat from Lakin’s body made a chill run up my spin at the contrast between our body temperatures.


He encased my body by wrapping his arms around my stomach and right below my breasts. I sighed blissfully and closed my eyes. Lakin lowered his head close to base of my neck; his breath was hot and sticky against my skin as be began to kiss me gently. I placed my arms over his and relaxed into him. It had been a long time since we had been like this, alone and at peace. I felt at home, like everything would resolve itself. This was my sanctuary.


“You been holding up okay here?” he asked me softly between kisses. I nodded, half telling the truth and half not. I was alive and in good health, I consider that to be doing okay.


“How about you? Feeling better now that you’re back home?”


“Oh yes,” he replied. I could feel the smirk as he spoke. I smiled and shook my head. I lifted up his right hand and kissed the back of it softly. Lakin doesn’t particularly care for small talk, and to be frank, we didn’t really need it. There is this comforting connection between us to where we don’t have to talk to understand how each other is feeling. We could tell by the atmosphere or eye contact exactly what was going through the other’s mind. A relaxing silence fell over us as Lakin halted his kissing and leaned back. My body rose and fell with every breath he took; it was quite soothing. I felt as if I could fall asleep.


“Not that I’m not ecstatic you’re here, but if the war is still going on, shouldn’t you still be out there?” I asked, breaking the silence. I felt his body stiffen slightly and I scrunched my eyebrows together.


“Well technically yes. I should be out there, but the Commander instructed me to return. For your safety.” It seemed as if he was going to say more, but he didn’t.


“Why would he want that? You’re our top soldier.”


“Lace, the war is not what these politicians make it seem. It’s horrific. Death is everywhere; families, kids, grandparents, no one is spared. They’re stronger than us. I’m here in case something happens. I’m here to protect you from whatever they throw at us. Nowhere is safe anymore,” Lakin replied. My heart dropped and a lump formed in my throat. I was confused. In my meetings, we discussed everything from the condition of other towns to costs, but nothing about the other army winning. Why wouldn’t the politicians speak the truth of these matters? Is this some type of game to them?


“How is this possible?” I was baffled at his news. My heart ached once again and quickened its pace. My breathing was short and sharp; I was panicking. Lakin soon wrapped his arms around me once more, and encased my body with his. He resumed his soft kisses to the nape of my neck. I felt helpless, like everything I tried so hard to prevent would eventually come true and destroy my kingdom. My body shook ever so slightly as I continued to dwell on this news. Lakin’s kisses barely registered in my mind until he took my hands in his, and held them close to my body.


“Don’t worry about it right now, you’ll figure it out. I have faith in you,” he whispered. His voice wove itself through the mess in my head and chilled it all, freezing them in its wake. His words calmed my mind enough for me to snap out of my panicked daze.


“But what if-“


“Nope, stop. Relaxed and focus on me, focus on us in this moment,” he instructed. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in an attempt to levitate the tension on my shoulders and push the thoughts from my mind. It was hard not to focus on the dangers lurking outside my kingdom walls, and the potential threats that could destroy everything. Lakin continued to kiss my nape. I singled in on him and his actions and allowed the rest to slip away into a void. Soon a warm tingling sensation ran through my body and I became hot and consumed by this sensation. The air around us filled with a sense of longing desire mixed with love and the care we held for each other. His kisses then became more rough and his hands roamed my body until one landed on my left breast. I hummed with pleasure.


I then turned to face so I could kiss him. I was positioned awkwardly between his legs, while battling to stay on my knees and not slip. Lakin placed his hands on the backs of my thighs as he slid his legs between them. He then pulled me forwards so that I was sitting on his lap. We never broke from our kissing. Once I was stationary, my hands traveled up his sides, across his chest, up the back of his neck, and into his thick hair. I ran my fingers through its coarse strands before grabbing locks into my palms; he moaned in approval and pulled me closer to him until my stomach was pressed firmly against his. Lakin’s hands slipped over my back. One stayed there and the other ventured higher onto the back of my neck.


I didn’t want to stop. I wanted this to consume me; I wanted to melt into him. I wasn’t satisfied, I wanted more of him. That’s when I broke away from our kiss and gazed into his eyes, while resting my forehead against his. Our breathing was heavy and I saw we shared the same emotions. He wanted me just as much as I wanted him.


“Do you want to?” I asked softly, breathless.


“Yes,” he said quickly before taking my hips in his hands and pushing me downwards until I was fully seated on his lap. Lakin then continued to lift my hips and push them back down, over and over again. As our emotions escaladed, so did our actions. We started in the tub and made our way all the way to the bed.


Time escaped from us as we continued. Eventually Lakin finished and rolled over onto the bed beside me. We were both panting heavily and our heartbeats racing. I felt relaxed and I wasn’t worried about anything. All that was on my mind was how happy I was in this moment. Lakin was beside me, a man I might have never seen again, but here he was, safe and sound.  I flipped over to my side and brought the covers up to my shoulders. I gazed at him as he ran his hand through his now messy hair. The moonlight shown through the tall windows and caressed Lakin’s features in its light. His skin look soft and unscathed, his eyes sparkled like emeralds in the light, and his hair captured the rays and allowed them to illuminate their strands. He looked beautiful, stunning even.


I couldn’t peel my eyes away from him, not even when he turned to face me. The small smile I had on my face grew into a wider, more relaxed one. Lakin mimicked me. His smile warmed my already fast beating heart. He draped an arm over my side and pulled me closer to his chest. As he fixed his other arm into a position that was comfortable, I pulled the sheets up higher on him. My body began to cool down and it became cold. I snuggled closer to Lakin and enjoyed the heat he radiated off his body.


Everything was quiet; everything was at peace. Nothing in the world could destroy this moment. He kissed my forehead gently, and before long his breathing slowed to a steady pace. My heart felt safe and at home. I was home. Lakin was my home. I slowed my breath until it was in perfect unison with his. The world began to darken as I fell into the most relaxed sleep I had in a long time.