Page 27 of Saved By the Headless Horseman
The Headless Horseman swallows his chuckle as his fingers make deft work of her corset.After all, he’s helped her with her lacings more times than he can count.
Once she is free of the bindings, her stained gown hangs limply from her body.She fights with the cumbersome tiered skirt for a moment, then tosses it onto the floor.Her corset goes next, as does the ribbon around her neck.The dingy fabric flutters to the ground.
Her shoes hit the marble with two thuds.Then, before he can look away, she slides the sleeves of her shift down her arms and kicks the garment away.Her naked body is gloriously revealed in the moonlight.Pale, blue light bathes her.There is no reason for false modesty between them.She is lovely—the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.His mouth goes dry at the sight of her.
The glory of her nudity doesn’t last for long as she slips beneath the covers with a sigh.He glances behind him towards the open door.The decision should be easy.It would be unwise to stay when so much still lies unresolved between them.
Scarlett lifts her hand and beckons him closer.
“Stay with me, please,” she sighs.
His knees lock in place as he looks at her palm like a lifeline.The silence stretches, and her eyes turn more alert.Her full lips twist into a pout he knows all too well and has never been able to refuse.
“Please.Just until I fall asleep.”
He never stood a chance.Grumbling, he settles beside her on the bed.As this creature, he does not need sleep.Sleep was just more suffering—memories from the recesses of his mind sent to torture him.
Cushioned next to Scarlett, he feels at peace for the first time in a month.Her rosewater scent fills his lungs.She curls into his side, laying an arm across his chest, the same way they’ve fallen asleep together hundreds of times.
His hand raises and threads through her hair.She sighs as he rakes his fingers through the strands—old habits.
“Good night, Krane,” she murmurs against his chest, eyelids fluttering closed.
The Headless Horseman knows it is unwise.He should bite his tongue until it bleeds.It’s too much and far too soon.The truth will be revealed soon, and if she has been loyal to him, he will make up for all this unpleasantness then.
But he is a weak male, powerless but to succumb to her.It has been that way from the moment they met—it will be that way until he draws his final breath.
“Good night, my moon.”
15
SCARLETT
Sunlight streams in through the open window.
Slashes of golden light illuminate my decadent bed.I feel rejuvenated after such a deep and peaceful rest.There’s only one sore spot.Even though I shouldn’t be surprised, I can’t help but be disappointed that I didn’t wake to Krane beside me.It seems that no matter how much we had come together last night, there was still work to be done.
He doesn’t trust me.Hopefully, tonight will put to bed any more uncertainty he feels towards me, and we can move forward.Together.
Stretching out amongst the sheets, something is different about me.My hands travel along my naked flesh.I gasp at the soft curves that greet my hands.Sharp bones no longer protrude through my skin.Tossing back the covers, I crawl from the bed and walk over to a large mirror propped along the wall.
My reflection shocks me.I no longer look like a stranger.I look like me.Not exactly how I was a month ago, but I'm no longer a wraith barely tethered to this world.My hair shines like a beacon.Dark shadows have been wiped clean from my eyes.My hips and breasts are fuller.Pink decorates my chest and cheeks.
Whatever meal Krane had given me last night had done the trick.His magic can do all.However, I know that it’s more than that.Of course, I feel like my old self again.Krane is with me.Everything is just as it should be.Without him, each breath was painful, each day brought forth a new agony.With him, even as the Headless Horseman, I have a reason to live again.
My soul is whole, as is my heart.
Turning from the mirror, I find a dark blue gown hanging from an old wardrobe.Matching slippers rest beneath it.I can’t help but smile as I hold the soft fabric.Slipping it over my head, the dress fits me like a glove.The slippers fit perfectly as well.Walking over to a simple vanity, I find a brush and gently untangle my hair.The thought of braiding it crosses my mind, but I decide to leave it down, enjoying its shimmering length.
A soft knocking echoes from the door.
Turning in my seat, I watch the heavy doors push inward to reveal Krane.My heart speeds up at the sight of him.His pumpkin is firmly in place atop his shoulders.Green flames snap and pop inside the openings.They eye me warily as we stand facing each other.The air is thick with tension.While he still doesn’t fully trust me, there is a new primal edge between us.I can see the conflicting emotions warring inside of him.
I can only pray that the ones who urged him to kiss me last night prevail.
His soul brushes against mine.Last night, he called me his moon.That has to mean something.This wall of ice between us will be smashed into splinters by tonight.I will make sure of it.
It’s almost funny to watch us.The two people who always knew exactly what to say to each other at all times seem not to understand how to navigate this new dynamic.The silence stretches until Krane finally clears his throat—clarity dances in his green flames.
