Word Count: 1734

~Aspen

Kastriv keeps his promise, and the next morning, we went to Territory Five.

It's a nice place, with mild temperatures and wide open spaces, which at this point, I really appreciate.

Kastriv has brought me to quaint home he claims no one will visit, especially no Noble's. It's pretty, and will do for the meantime while we figure out or next move, and hope Atari doesn't learn that we are still together.

A few days pass with no disruptions. In fact, it's quite eerie that nothing has happened.

This morning I've opted for sitting in the window nook, staring out across the far meadow and to a small woodland area. I'll explore soon enough, when Kastriv is certain we are safe.

The sound of his footsteps approaching from behind have me glancing over my shoulder.

"Come on," Kastriv prompts, shrugging a jacket over his broad shoulders.

"Hmm?"

"We are going out to a nearby village."

I sit up straighter. "Isn't that dangerous?"

All I've heard from him these past few days is that we should lie low. I've been enjoying his presence, although he's been distracted, and to be truthful, as have I.

I can't get Larsen's warning out of my head.

I have no reason to believe him. He probably gets some sick enjoyment out of corrupting my relationship with Kastriv, and yet every time I look at my mate, I think of the spirits who may be lingering nearby.

Does he have a sense closeness with them? I'm too embarrassed to ask, wondering if I'll sound insane.

"Maybe, but I don't think staying in here will do you any better," he tells me, smiling tightly.

He's felt my angst these past few days then...

"I was thinking I wanted to get some flowers to plant in the garden. I know we won't be staying here but..." I break off.

It would be nice, to do something simple, almost mind numbing. My brain needs a break from all the worrying it's been doing, and I would like some proper time with Kastriv.

He smiles warmly. "I like this idea."

"Let's go," I encourage.

The village nearby is small, unassuming. Exactly what we need.

"Have you been with anyone else previously?" I ask as we walk down the cobblestone street, looking into shop windows that boast all sorts of homemade goods.

Kastriv sighs, staring off into the distance. "I've had lovers in the past, but it never lasted."

As we walk, I watch the attention of those passing by shift to Kastriv, excited whispers mingling with wary muttering.

"You're very soft. Gentle. I'm waiting for a darker side of you to come out," I admit, glancing up at him.

A frown dips between his brows, creasing his perfect forehead. Maybe I am jaded, for believing there has to be more to him then his sweet, attentive man.

There has to be something dwelling deep, waiting to come out...

"There is no dark side of me," he assures me quietly, although his tone isn't convincing.

"Are you sure? You're connected to spirits...That can't be easy," I press, Larsen's doubts pushing me on.

He tilts his head back and forth, considering what I'm saying. "It's why staying myself is so important."

"So I'm not going to see another side of you?" I feel foolish for asking, but I'm worried I won't rest until I've had my fears quelled.

I'm mated to Kastriv. I want to ensure he isn't someone else than the man I'm coming to know.

"I'm never going to be anything like Oliver, if that's what you mean," he says softly, concern flittering through his eyes. He's witnessed first hand was Oliver is capable of.

"Oh I know. No one can be that bad."

He comes to a stop, nothing bothered by those who pass by, irritated at us taking up so much space on the walkway. "That will never happen to you again. Do you understand?"

"I know, Kastriv," I mumble quietly.

He runs his hand back through his hair, gripping the strands tightly. "I think about what he did to you, about when he practically sold your body to me to get what he wants. It makes me want to..."

"Want to what?" I press, monitoring his reaction.

He steps back, frustrating tense in clenched jaw as he plays out exactly what he would do in his mind. I can feel the anger emanating off him. It's both frightening and thrilling.

Mostly because I feel it too.

"To hurt him. Badly."

"I just want to forget him. I want to move on," I tell him firmly. Because if I think about what I could do to him, my thoughts start to get dark and uncontrollable, like what I imagine Kastriv is feeling now.

Kastriv closes his eyes, summon a breath. Nodding in agreement, he motions behind me.

"I believe this place sells the plants you're looking for."

We wander in, the smell or dirt and blooming flowers greeting us. She enough, this looks like the kind of place I'm looking for.

The girl at the front counter looks up from amidst the array of plants that surround her, eyes widening at the sight of my mate beside me.

"Wow...Are you a Noble?" She asks.

I'm surprised she knew from first glance, considering we aren't in Territory One, and Kastriv has no authority here. Just looking at him, though, you can tell he isn't exactly a normal citizen.

"I am," he says uncomfortably.

"That's so cool. What are you doing around here?" She asks, propping her head up on her hand, gazing over Kastriv in fascination.

Kastriv smiles down at me. "I'm here visiting with my mate."

I smile gratefully. This girl can't be blamed for admiring Kastriv, he is beautiful. In fact, I'm impressed that she isn't intimidated by him, because it's easy to get wrapped up in the idea of his power.

"Mate? I had no idea..." she says, sobering from her attentive stares. She only glances at me, as if to see my reaction, but I'm not upset.

I would probably do the same.

"It's a new development," Kastriv says, still gazing down at me. I nudge him with my elbow.

"Well. Let me know if you need anything," she says, turning back to whatever she was reading on the counter.

Kastriv and I turn, wandering through the maze of plants until we are out of her view.

"She seemed disappointed," I tease, tugging at his sleeve. He seems somewhat embarrassed, which I can't if that's for my sake, or if he genuinely is uncomfortable with what just happened.

If he can't see how attractive he is and what that does to the people around him, then he's gone insane.

"I don't think so," he exclaims dismissively.

"You really don't think that you're attractive enough to have everyone in a room wanting you?" I question. I see it, so how can't he?

"It's my power they want," he tells me blandly.

I frown. I'm sure there are people out there who aren't scared of his powers before they are intrigued. They find it compelling, that spirits linger near him at all times, trying to contact him.

I, on the other hand, still don't know how to feel about it.

"You're just trying to make me feel better," I mutter.

"Every person I've spoken to in the past that I've been remotely interested in has hated why I'm a Noble," he tells me, looking over a plant I doubt he has any actual interest in. "That I see spirits, I mean."

Despite myself, I smile. "It is weird."

"You look around. I'm going to go grab something," he tells me, flicking my cheek before walking off down the makeshift aisle.

I roll my eyes, watching him depart. What a strange man.

For a couple of minutes, I busy myself with looking for plants. I don't know much, gravitating mostly for the prettiest, brightest blooming flowers. It only needs to be pretty while I'm here. After...well who knows about after.

"Hello. Need a hand with anything?"

I jump, whirling around.

A man wearing a dark green apron sporting a wide smile stands before me. He obviously works here, although apparently hasn't been trained about not appearing without warning behind customers.

"No thank you," I say quickly.

Ignoring me, he moves beside me, grabbing the pot of the plant I've been admiring it, turning it so I can see the full extent of its violet petals.

"That's an excellent plant. It flowers forever it seems," he muses. He has a small-town friendliness that is unnerving. People like him like to get to know people, which is the last thing I need.

"It doesn't need to flower for long. I won't be hanging around," I tell him firmly, grabbing it from his hand, holding it up against me.

"Really? Where are you from?"

"Ah...Territory Seven." I probably don't need to lie, but it feels better knowing strangers don't know more than they need to about me.

"I can't stand the cold. No wonder you left," he shudders.

I gesture to the plant in my hand. "I should probably buy this now."

The man rubs his hand through his coppery hair, stepping in front of me before I can walk away. I stare up at him, unsure of his next move.

"If you're around for a bit longer-"

He's cut off as Kastriv turns around the corner, holding two plants with bright white flowers.

"Aspen...Oh." The excitement dies from his face, as he looks over the man standing in front of me.

"Are you a Noble, by chance?" He asks excitedly.

" I am Aspen's mate," is all Kastriv responds with, taking a few cautious steps toward us.

"Right. Enjoy your shopping," the man exclaims, glancing at me for a moment before backing off, disappearing amidst the plants.

"If people throw themselves at me, then they throw themselves at you," Kastriv says slowly, smirking.

At least he isn't upset. Oliver would be.

"Come on, we have to plant some flowers, and you have no say in it," I tell him, poking him with my finger in the chest.

He smiles, shaking his head. "I can't wait..."

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