Emma's Knight Ch. 02

The second chapter!

---------------------------------

She woke up after a while looking out the window she could tell it was around midday, sitting up she looked down and saw her stained dress and undergarments. She was already on her second pair of clothing after the arrow went through her, sighing she slowly stripped off her clothes letting her ripped dress and undergarments fall to the floor, she cleaned the blood, sweat, and cum, off herself with a damp wash cloth. Then rummaged through her bag pulling out her fur pants and a long soft shirt, she tied a raggedy fur skirt around her waist it barely reached her knees but with the pants it suited her. Putting on her old cloak Emma hoped no one would see her under this. She left her room and wander out of the inn cautiously her eyes darting around as she walked, she need to buy some things to repair her clothes she had enough to afford a needle and some thread maybe some scrap fabric.

Making her way to the markets she was sure to keep her head down and move through the shadowy alleys quietly, the streets were full of people moving around going about their day. As Emma got closer and closer to the market she felt her heart racing at the thought of seeing him, she shook her head at herself. 'He's a cruel bastard' she thought to herself. She walked throughout the markets her eyes searching for that familiar shadow in the crowd till she came upon a shop with fabrics and needles. She browsed through the wears trying to find some scrap off white fabric in the basket of off cuts, the shopkeeper was a small old lady and seemed spritely as she dealt with someone else. Emma dug through the basket of fabric her mind still distracted by what had happened, replaying the events of yesterday eventually she pulled out a small off white piece and then picked out a needle. As she rummaged through her coin purse she held out 10 gold.

"will this be enough." she asks holding out all the gold that she has.

"15 for both, 10 for just the needle." the shopkeeper says politely. "oh thank you sir that'll be more than enough." the shopkeeper says taking a handful of gold from a metal gauntlet from directly behind Emma.

Emma freezes all the hair standing on her neck as her heart races, she looks up behind her seeing the glint of pride and amusement from his eyes under his helm, 'ekira' she looked at him for a second before stuffing the items he bought her into her pocket. With all the commotion and noise in the market she didn't hear him approach, he stood there his left hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He leans down slightly and whispers to her.

"im just trying to keep my little thief out of trouble." he mutters softly in a teasing tone.

Emma glares at him as she clutches the fabric and cloth before turning and walking away hearing him start to follow she walks into the crowd her size allowing her to slip past people while 'the oversized metal tree' gets slowed and blocked she chuckles at the thought of insulting him, his arrogant prideful look while paying for her things she hated it. Eventually losing him she takes a detour to the inn to make sure he isn't following her, by the time she gets to the inn its just past sunset.

She walks into the inn and hurries to her room opening the door and locking it behind her, something catches her eye as she walks over to her bed she sees a silk wrapped packaged. In the silk cloth is two new dresses and a gold necklace placed on top of the neatly folded dresses, she stands there for a minute surprised this is all easily over 2,000 gold. She huffed, of course he knows where she's staying he paid for the damn room! She sat on the bed looking at the necklace for a little. The necklace was gold with emeralds almost along the whole thing in an almost v shape, she felt flattered. She wanted to hate him but she felt flattered, he could have done much worse to her, she shook her head trying to reason with herself.

She sighed confused tired and full of conflicting emotions, she picked up the necklace staring at it, 'he has good taste at least' she thought to herself. Emma curled up into bed just wanting to sleep, but she found herself struggling to sleep. After a while stood up unable to sleep, she picked up one of the dresses and dressed herself putting it on and lacing up the sides, feeling the soft silk of the flowing ruffled cream silk gown.

After she laced the back she gazed at the necklace and picked it up putting the necklace on. She enjoyed how it looked the dress was a warm cream with a few ruffles on the end and shoulders, It even had a square neckline similar to the one he tore. For a second she wondered if he felt bad, this dress was much higher quality with some of the softest fabrics she had ever felt it flowed behind her when she walked and reached her feet gracing the floor. She put on her boots and the white fur cloak, looking at herself in the mirror she felt beautiful in something she usually didn't have enough money for. Even with her rough grey fur boots it suited her. It really, suited her. She pouted pressing her lips together mad at the idea of seeing his arrogant smile if he saw her wearing his gifts.

She shook her head trying to shake this... feeling, if she wore these things it would be because she wanted to for herself. But deep down part of her wanted to tempt fate, she found herself unable to sleep that night. She pulled the white fur cloak up so it kept her neck warm as she curled up in bed, still trying to make sense of it all. She knew now the contract was definitely a set up to get her out in the open, or at least in a kingdom where she cant runaway far with these harsh winters, not without horses and an escort. Logically she knew within a day or so the news that their plan failed would get back to king Matri and soon more men would come to kill her, her body was tense she felt uneasy and alone, running and hiding endlessly.

Her thoughts were interrupted by footsteps going up the hallway stopping just outside her door, feeling like something might be wrong she immediately stuffs all her things and pants into her pack and hauls it out the window, her bag hit the ground outside with a thud. Hearing the metal of the lock on the door being scratched and tapped and jiggled as it was picked, she began climbing down the side of the wood and stone inn and dropping on the ground by her satchel. Quickly putting on her satchel she raised her hood over her head and started walking knowing something was wrong. She headed up the streets making sure to stay close to the shadows but the fur of the white cloak stood out in the moon light, as she put more distance between her and the inn she started to run.

Ducking through alleyways she got up the hill and looked back before turning another corner, in the distance down the road was a man trailing down the same path she took, he seemed to slow when she looked at him. She raced up the road taking every turn she could to get out of his sight, eventually seeing an empty crate on the street, it was on its side open with its lid leaning against it. Thinking fast she tossed her satchel behind inside and climbed in and holding the lid against the crate she waited...

After a minute she could hear his footstep approaching the crate up, gazing out a small gap in the wooden lid she saw him walk right by. Grabbing her dagger she carefully lifted the lid and stepped out quietly and very slowly her eyes on the back of his head as she slowly stalked him down an alley.

As soon as he was halfway down the alley, she lunged at him, kicking the back of his leg in making him keel facing forward away from her, her fingers dug into his hair as she pressed her dagger against his throat.

Her voice filled with venom and control. "Who the fuck are you!"

The man didn't reply instead he tried to grab her arm and pulled her down over him his leg kicking hers, throwing her off balance as he reached for his own weapon. Panicking as she felt the cold cobble stone ground slam into her back as he put his left hand on her throat trying to choke her as his other hand clutched his dagger and raised it above his head she struggled underneath him.

"Matri send his regards." He said with an aggressive but hushed tone.

He gasped as she plunged her dagger into his throat and slashed his throat open, the blood gushing over her, she watched him fall back then try to stand and then stumble and fall going limp. She stood up slowly panting and shaky.

"fuck." She muttered under breath as she looked around.

She quickly left the alleyway and grabbed her things from the crate before running up the street, as she ran, she pulled out her old cloak and put it over her. Hoping to cover her now blood-soaked dress and fur cloak. The white fur now dripping with blood glistened in the moon light as she ran. She eventually came up near the barracks, she paused for a moment, she couldn't go back to the inn and now she needed new clothes, and somewhere warm to sleep, somewhere safe. She looked up the moon dappled through the clouds, it looked like it would snow soon and she didn't want to end up dead in an alleyway.

But before she could make a decision the familiar grinding and creaking of metal boots and armour approached, she froze. The footsteps seemed to slow as they got closer it sounded like 3 of them.

"Hey there, you alright." A weary voice asked from behind her.

She turned around slowly trying to think of and excuse she clearly saw the dripping trail of blood.

"Woah." One shorter called out.

"Hells, that's a lot of blood." Another said as he drew his sword, the other two followed suit.

"My horse died! he bolted into a ditch and cut his neck open." Emma said trying to sound convincing and sad as she shrugged at them trying to appear relaxed and calm.

The guards looked at her unconvinced but polite, one whispering something to the other before sending him ahead into the barracks. She knew he was going for backup, she stood up straight and tried to smile.

Clearing his throat the tall one straights his posture "And where is this horse and ditch?" He asks sceptical.

"Just down the ways outside the city, I was just heading to see my friend they live around here." Emma says trying to sound innocent...

She can hear the doors to the barracks opening again as two sets of footsteps approach, she tenses as she feels the four men boxing her in.

"Who's blood is that?" One of the men from behind her asks with an aggressive and commanding tone.

As she turns around, she recognises Ekiras Armor even in this darkness.

"My horse got hurt and died." She says this time softer feeling worried, 'He knows I don't have a horse, for fuck's sake' She thought.

His posture relaxes as he looks at her, she can feel his piercing eyes through his helm. He waves his men away and speaks his voice much more relaxed this time.

"That sounds terribly unfortunate, come, I'll help you get cleaned up." He motions for her to come with him as he holds out his gauntlet expectantly.

Emma reluctantly nods but refuses to put her hand in his, she knows she has no choice at least for tonight. He grumbled something frustrated but amused under his breath and reached out this time roughly grabbing her upper arm and pulling her to him, with quick nod at her he led her to the barracks firmly but gentle. He moved his hand to her back as they entered, she huffed annoyed but knowing she can't do anything, hell she just killed a man and Ekira has the power to execute her for it, but looking up at him... she felt slightly more safe even with what had happened between them.

He noticed her staring titling his head down towards her, almost as if teasingly reminding her he could see her even under this helm, she quickly looked away her cheeks lightly flushed. He felt proud of himself but continued to be very gentle as he led her inside and up to his room, her body tensing as she entered recalling what had happened when she was here last as he locked the door.

"Are you hurt?" His voice was still deep and commanding but he spoke softly almost gentle.

Emma shook her head, as she clutched her bag. He approached her slowly and took off his helm, he still had a stoic expression but for a moment she swears there was a slight smile.

"Good." He said softly under his breath as he turned and placed his helm on his chest of draws.

Ekira turn back to her and looking her up and down for a moment before walking over to the corner of his room where a wash basin, jug, and white wash cloth were. He poured the water into the basin and wet the cloth before turning towards her and motioning for her to come closer. Emma walked closer and grabbed the cloth, she tried not to focus on what happened last time, wondered if this is the same cloth as she carefully scrubbed the blood off her arms. Ekira pulled out one of his shirts and brought it to her.

"Here put this on, I'll have your things washed and clean by morning." His voice was comforting and soft as he whispered to her.

Emma nodded and grabbed the shirt looking at it for a moment before turning back toward him. The door closes, 'he left the room to give me privacy?' she thought. She wasted no time throwing the shirt on the bed she undressed and started scrubbing the rest of the blood from her body, once she was clean and she had scrubbed the blood from her hair, which took nearly a half hour, she grabbed her bag. Naked in his room she quickly searched through her bag looking for her dress, the second one he had gifted her, but it seems she didn't get to pack it or her other shirt and pants with all the commotion. Emma sighed and picked up his shirt from the bed, it was a clean cream shirt, nothing fancy just an everyday linen top.

It barely reached her knees, but it would do for tonight at least she thought. Emma stretched sore from the attack, before walking to the door to take a peak outside. Opening it slight she saw him standing there arms crossed leaning against the wall next to the door, eyes closed, head down cast. The moonlight dappled through the leaves of the tree outside and through the curtain onto him, his armor shone only making him appear more regal and prestigic, his beard and thick eyebrows highlighted against the moonlight. Emma stared for a second just taking in the sight of him, but she was interrupted when he opened one eye looking at her with slight grin but not moving.

Emma just huffed out a quick, "I'm done." And stepped back moving to the corner of the room, not wanting to get to close to him or the bed.

He walked in, noticing her weariness he moved slow and collected her bloody clothes, cloaks, and dress before heading back out shutting the door softly leaving Emma alone in his room once again. As she waited, she looked at the bed, it was neatly made, she felt a mix of emotions remembering the pleasure and pain from that night. The way he spoke, how rough and aggressive he was, the way he held her down violently, yet was so gentle and affectionate afterwards. She shook her head wanting to hate him, but on the other hand, she should be dead being an assassin an all. The door creaked open making her jump as her thoughts were interrupted, ekira walked in with a sly smile holding a plate of bread and fresh cooked meat and bread.

It was almost cute how he was so caring, and yet she knew she shouldn't forgive him, not for that, not this easily, hell she's killed men for less. But as he gently handed her the plate of food, she felt... loved, or at least cared about. She took the plate and sat on the far end of his bed and started to eat, stuffing her face so so hungrily. Sensing her apprehension, he took off his sword and put it by the bed, then he stepped back and slowly undressed from his armor facing away from her in front of his wardrobe. As he pulled off his chest piece and gauntlets, she watched but feeling embarrassed she turned and shuffled so she would face away. Eventually he climbed into the bed wearing only trousers, Emma's face flushed a rose red colour and she quickly turned away.

"I'm going sleep beside you tonight, at least till I know no one else is after you." He commands softly, his voice carrying a weight of authority, as if daring her to challenge his decision.

Emma nods looking annoyed and frustrated for having to rely on him like this, her face still red as she tries not to look at his broad shoulders, and thick muscular arms as she eats, and hairy chest. She sits up straight with many questions weighing heavy on her mind.

"Why are you helping me? You obviously know I just killed someone and that I'm a target, why help me?" She asks softly and confused as she stares at her plate.

Ekira sits up with a slightly curious look behind his otherwise stoic mask, "Because it's my duty to defend and protect the people of this kingdom." He says as he stands up and takes a step closer to her, he leans over her against the bed his muscular arms on either side of her as he stares her down. "Even if they try to kill me, and steal, and cause chaos in my city... at least with my rank I can give you a much more lenient punishment."

He presses his nose into her hair making her tense as he breathes in her scent, she feels an overwhelming range of emotions but right now she mostly feels unsure of this whole situation, like shes gone from one danger to another. Ekira slowly leans back as he gently and quickly grabs her right hand, a loud metal click rings out as he quickly shackles her to the bed post. He had hidden it under the bed, he was leaning into her to grab it, how could she be so foolish. She jumped up trying climb over the blankets to get away from him as he firmly drags her back towards him by her ankles and pins her down facing him, her arms at her side his hands around her wrists.

"I need you to answer a few questions, then I'll let you go, I have authority to torture and kill you for these answers... but I won't do anything too cruel to you, so long as you answer me honestly I won't even have to touch you." His voice his clear and commanding, his gaze is stoic and uncaring as she struggles beneath him. "Who sent you? Why are you here?"

"You're a fucking monster!" She spits at his face kicking and struggling beneath him.

"Only when I need to be." He mutters as he leans closer and presses his lips into her neck as starts to softly kiss her neck making her squirm, he watches her reaction as he continues.

"I got the contract from a man named Efren, I just needed the money." She says as she squirms and growls from his lips on her neck. "Stop, just stop I told you what you wanted.'"

"You only came here to kill me? And who was the man who you killed? You looked shaken up did he attack you or was that a different contract gone wrong?" He leans back and waits for an answer as he looks down at her.

She glares at him and he leans back in grumbling something and growls between licks and kisses as he presses his body into hers more firmly.

"Only you." She gritted her teeth not wanting to tell him the rest unsure of how much danger she would be in if she told him the truth. "He was a stranger and attacked me in the street."

Ekira growled and lifted his head up enough to give her a disappointed look, he knew she wasn't being fully truthful. He bit her neck gently as he let go of her shackled arm and instead let his right hand wander up the back of her thigh as his continued with his affection against her neck.

"So the man who was found dead, the same one who forced his way into your room at the inn and threatened the inn keeper, randomly attacked you?" He growls sarcastically as he rubs her thigh with his hand enjoying the feeling as he hums into her neck softly.

Emma grits her teeth trying to guess how much he knows and how much she can keep from him, her body feels hot as it responds to his attentive affection, she keeps trying to struggle.

"I don't know, he probably knew I was an assassin." She whimpers as he bites her neck in response.

Ekira unbuckles his belt with his right hand as he firmly holds her down with his left hand, he looks both annoyed and aroused. He pulls his belt free in his right hand as he leans back and whips his belt against the bed post with a firm smack. Emma freezes for a moment her body locking up tense in fear and looks at him fearfuly, his expression seems to soften almost with a hint of guilt for going too far, as he tosses the belt to the floor and leans over her and kisses her lips. For a moment Emma lets him still in shock, then she kicks and struggles as she turns away from him. He huffs and rolls her over and as she is face down on his bed again, she screams into the blanket as he forcefully spreads her legs with his knee, one hand firmly on her back the other on her thigh as he slides down off the bed, she freezes as she feels his tongue against her clit.

He starts slowly licking her clit his right hand firmly on her thighs, he chuckles noticing her silence as he continues licking her bud. Emma whimpers into the blankets her body still stiff but slowly relaxing into the pleasure, she bites the blankets hating herself for enjoying this as she feels herself get wetter and wetter. He starts to lick and suckle on her clit as he drinks up her flowing arousal, slowly he loosens his grip on her thighs as she obediently stays still letting him have access to her, he rubs his hands up and down her soft thighs as he hums against her pussy.

Emma moans softly as his licking and teasing seems to get more and more intense, she can't do anything but pant and moan into the blankets as she drools really enjoying it, her body relaxing obediently to his attention. Suddenly he stops leaning back he stands up and presses his hard hot cock against her, he slowly rubs himself up and down her pussy getting himself slick in preparation. Emma turns her head slightly she looks back at him still panting and drooling from his earlier actions, he just smiles at her as he leans over her and pushes the tip of his cock against her and holds still by her hips.

"You are such a needy little thing." He whispers amused, "Now, who put the contract out and why are there people after you?" He asks his tone now firm but calm.

"I don't know. Please, I don't know. Matri wants me dead." She whimpers and pants.

Ekira froze for a moment his expression unreadable, he leaned back and buttoned up his trousers as Emma scrambled to sit up and move to edge of the bed. Panting, stressed, scared, feeling like a cornered feral animal.

"Alright, you have my word I wont touch you anymore." He spoke softly almost apologetic.

He stood up pulling a key from his pocket as Emma leaned away from him, he unlocked the shackle with a soft click. Emma rubbed her wrist as she watched him without saying a word. Was he lying, was this some trick, did he really mean his word, everything was so overwhelming. He sat back down on the bed, and leaned against the headboard looking at her with his usual stoic mask but there was a hint of curiosity, pity and satisfaction. She pulled the blankets up over her legs and held them firmly, her boots were by the door, her knife in them. His eyes followed hers to her boots understanding what she wanted he grabbed his own sword still sheathed from beside the head of his bed and tossed it into her lap, he crossed his arms with a slight smile proudly watching her stare at it with utter confusion.

Breaking the silence he spoke. "I hate Marti, terrible man, worse king, so ill make a deal with you. Stay close to me, and when one of his men come for you, ill deal with them. It'll give me a chance to question them myself." He said with such a gentle sincere tone as he motioned with his hand for his sword back. "I won't let them hurt you, you have my word on that."

In one swift motion she grabbed the sword by the hilt with her right hand and with her left she slid off the sheath tossing it on the ground as she raised the blade to him, it was heavy she needed both hands on the hilt to hold it up, the sheer length of it was impressive. He stared down the blade he only slightly leaned back it was centimeters from his neck but still too close for comfort, he looked slightly annoyed but he quickly went back to his stoic expression. Raising his right hand he slowly and carefully pushed the blade to the side and grabbed onto it, a quick pull towards her would be enough to slice his fingers off, but how far will she get in a kingdom wanted by both criminals and guards.

After a few tense seconds she lowered the blade as he carefully leaned in and took it from her, he stood up walking over to the blades sheath that laid on the floor. Shuffling backwards she put herself in the furthest corner on the bed, she didn't feel safe here and felt so disgusted with herself, she should have killed him when she had the chance, she felt angry and frustrated but this would have to wait at least for now.

She curled up turning her back to him as he walked over slowly climbing into bed careful not to get too close, he left his blade beside his bed and went to sleep.

Emma waited counting his breaths waiting till he started snoring she looked over, he was sprawled across the bed drooling into the pillow and snoring, 'disgusting' she thought as she curled up in her corner and slowly drifted off to sleep...