“The battlefields of the heart can play out much like the battlefields of nations. Only with a steady hand, clear mind, and goal in mind can one truly hope to secure a victorious conquest. Take myself, for example. I was never meant for much in the world. Born sixth in line to a middling barony. But when I saw Duke Allemia for the first time and the kind almost graceful innocence he possessed. I knew at once how I could rise above my station. A few batted eyelashes here, a brief touch and tender words at a party there. It wasn’t long before the Duke counted on me as a confidant. But as in war, one must plan for unintended follies that might halt the completion of one’s plan. For me, this came in the form of another woman; a ducal daughter of House Platts…”


    - Duchess Shrika Allemia, Duchy of Salzgart, Carrador, “Love, Lust, and War: A Guide to Life From the Ballroom to Battlefield - Chapter 2: Preparations and the Unexpected”


    <hr><hr>


    A touch, a quiver, a sigh, a moan. The warm embrace of sweaty, clammy skin as she felt the pleasant strokes of a slender hand that sent pleasurable shockwaves each spot they touched. She felt the soft breath, the slimy kiss, the messy hair, the gentle caress on the tip of her ear. It was a breathy exchange, their faces intertwined before they pulled apart, tongues tied together. She felt the sloppy kiss on the nape of her neck, her collarbone, then her breasts, her abdomen, her stomach, and lower and lower, until she felt a wave of emotion overwhelm her. Like a young chick watching a snake slithering up to its nest only to circle around it, she quivered in anticipation. Though she expected the touch, when she felt the fingers that pushed its way inward and the electrifying surge that followed, her mind grew numb. She trembled desperately for a release as she found herself instinctively moving her hips in tandem with the movements, hungry for that initial jolt of pleasure. With one hand she clutched at her breasts, with the other she tightly gripped the mop of hair bobbing between her thighs. The waves of pleasure ebbed and flowed as she was relentlessly teased. She greedily moaned and tensed as she felt the peak coming, the moment of release. All her muscles raring to let loose.


    <hr><hr>


    “GAH!” Sophie bolted awake, her eyes wide with fright and her head beading with sweat.


    She panted breathily, her panicked gaze flickering aimlessly all around her. She trembled in an odd mixture of pleasure and fear while images flashed across her mind that she tried desperately to claw out of herself. She rubbed her ears to soothe herself only to recoil at the sudden sensation it elicited. A deep, longing frustration burrowed itself deep within her, like a mouthwatering meal presented in front of her only to be denied just as she prepared to take a bite. Agonizing emotions held her steady until she cautiously moved her hand downwards, unwilling to believe the dampness her body felt.


    Her hands shook as her whole body trembled ever so slightly. Afraid and confused, she moved her hands underneath the sheets before she gingerly snaked them under her pants. She winced. She was more than just damp and it horrified her. But before she could feel shame, the tips of her fingers unwittingly brushed against herself and she felt a wave desire push itself to the surface.


    “Hnn.” She whimpered, her hand now frozen between pressing on or retreating. Curious, she moved ever so slightly only to hold herself back, the desire restrained by the confusion she felt. Her eyes slowly panned over to her side, landing upon the thankfully still asleep form of Aryana on the other bed. No no no, calm Sophie, calm, but fuck, I feel so… so… She grimaced as she pulled her hand back, her body screaming out for release only to find none. Struggling for control, she clenched her hand into a fist and grabbed at her chest, pinching hard in hopes that the pain would clear her mind. Hnn, what… is… wrong… with… me….ugh!


    Breathless, she fought against every instinct and held firm, remaining deathly still for minutes until her body’s cravings slowly began to dissipate. She clenched her teeth together as flashes of the dream fluttered through her mind’s eye. Stop it! Stop! Who even… who even am I feeling… no, seeing?! Enough of this! She slapped herself back into control.


    Exhausted, she let out a few heavy breaths and looked down at herself, wondering just what had happened when she quietly slid out of bed. Making an embarrassed trek to the dresser to change, she made sure not to disturb the slumbering Ary. Her mind still fluttering with blankness, she absently pulled down her pants and flinched. Not only was she experiencing something completely bizarre, but though she had felt it, she could now see herself still twitching slightly. Unnerved she quickly wiped away the moisture with her hand, gritting her teeth as she tried to contain herself.


    She plopped herself down in a chair and gripped the table. Her labored breathing finally became more rhythmic and normal as her mind slowly regained control from the blankness that had infected it. Hah, the hells was that? Why did I… who did I… She shook the thoughts out of her mind and turned her attention to the pile of clothes now on the floor. Yeah… yeah taking it to the wash might clear my mind a bit. That’s a good idea. Should probably bathe too. Sorry Ary, I’ll be back in a bit.


    <hr><hr>


    When the sun finally broke through the misty Arterian skies and salty sea scented air, Sophie found herself surprisingly upbeat. She was still uneasy about the strangely erotic dream that she had and the sensitivity of her body, but still, the sun bearing down on the city somehow felt more than calming to her. It wasn’t just that she was experiencing a moment of peace. No, she felt that after the storm of chaos that had engulfed her the past few months, she was finally freed from it. Her arrival at Arteria had already been the first signs of the veil of uncertainty dissipating. Now however, she had come to the realisation that there really wasn’t any pressing responsibility weighing upon her, at least not anytime soon.


    Peace. It was a strange yet familiar concept to her, warped to become the idea as the moments of quiet between one struggle and the next. But hearing the city coming to life, the sea birds squawking, chimes and bells signalling the coming day, the sound of shoes clattering along the cobbled roads. All of it brought her a strange sense of serenity that she didn’t quite comprehend but could only feel.


    Behind her, a loud snore drew her attention to Aryana’s sleeping form. Unrestrained by tents of sleeping mats, the girl had spent more of the past month happily splayed across her bed without a care in the world. Sophie smiled at the strange sight, happy that Aryana too, had been able to loosen up some of her emotional burden during the meeting with Eva and their little talk. Though I suppose she’s still got a lot more to work through. But I do too, so don’t count yourself out Ary. You’re not alone out here, I’ve got your back, now Eva too.


    A cool gust of wind drifted inwards and the chill it brought sent her thoughts away from the sunny south and into the North. Her mood waning as she recalled the distress in which Mila’s letter had been scribed in. If anything, it was the constant apologising and doubt that agonized Sophie the most, knowing that Mila was usually the stoic dissatisfied scowling and almost emotionally distant inquisitor. To have read something which felt like just a scared girl baring her soul; however formal; brought a strange fear for her safety. I just hope Anna and MIla make it out alright.


    Sophie crossed her legs when the tiniest tingle came from below, her mind suppressing the feeling as best it could. It felt uncomfortable, trapped between gloomy thoughts, leaving her unsure of what to do. Like a constant itch that she knew she shouldn’t scratch. I’ll… Sophie blushed at a thought, I might just have to ask Eva about this next time we meet. Heheh, next time. Her confusion shifted into a smile. The section of students that she and Aryana were a part of were due to be admitted in just one day’s time. And today’s already going. There’s just under twenty four hours left!


    Her excitement soon smashed through any other emotions she was feeling and Sophie found herself jittery, eager to get the day rolling. Yet when she turned once again to observe the sleepy redhead. She couldn’t find it in her to interrupt the goofy little smile that was plastered on Aryana’s face. Evidently she’s having a nice dream. Sophie chuckled to herself.


    Aryana suddenly tossed and Sophie could only watch in horror as the girl tossed her blanket right to the edge of the bed; Sophie instinctively reacted by lunging forward and halting its fall. It was a move she had gotten used to when Eva was younger. The girl often lazily tossed the blanket aside when she would get woken up ‘far too early in the morning’, even when the afternoon had begun. Sophie would somehow, without fault, always try to stop the blanket from touching the ground; despite the fact that the floors were always spotless. Perhaps it was the principle of the act, or just the idea of letting it fall to the floor. Regardless, she was now wearing boots instead of soft flats, and the wooden floorboards were nothing like the smooth tiled floors of the estate.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    An ear piercing creek echoed in the cozy and quiet tavern room. Sophie’s gut lurching with tension as she physically winced from the noise. One foot lunged forward in a steady step, pressing down against the floorboard. Her other, however, still dangled just above the floorboard, knowing that any pressure might make it creek louder.


    “Gesshburrddd.” Aryana sleepily mumbled, the girl still fast asleep though the creek had brought a frown to her cheerful face.


    Sophie gulped at her predicament. Thankful that Aryana clearly did not awaken. She gently lowered her other foot, making painfully loud creeks as both boots now settled on the floorboard. She had saved the blanket and preserved the girl’s sleep. She was safe. At least, that was until she gazed at Aryana one more time.


    There it was, trailing from the edge of Aryana’s lips. Her head lolled halfway off the bed and gravity pulled it further down. The trail of the errant drop of drool grew closer and closer to the girl’s nose. Sophie’s eyes widened as she felt time slow down watching as it got ready to breach.


    The snort was what sent Sophie breaking down into a giggling mess.


    Aryana’s nose curled up in surprise before the girl snorted in a vain attempt to remove the intruder. The display was so horrific yet comically visceral that Sophie burst out into fitful giggles and lost her footing, landing with a soft thud as the blanket flopped over her.


    “Bwehbweh wee?!” Came the muffled grunts from above her.


    Sophie wanted to respond but was too busy trying to suppress her giggles to utter a word. Hearing Aryana’s frustrated grunts above her only made her giggle some more. Her relief finally arrived in the form of a somewhat pissed off girl tearing the blanket off of her.


    Staring back at her was Aryana’s freckled face scowling down at her with a dash of annoyance mixed in. Though Sophie could barely contain herself from another round of giggles as she found the girl’s best attempts to show her anger to be more adorable than anything.


    “Heh.” Sophie grinned, “Sorry sleepy head. But, your nose.”


    Aryana arched her brow and cocked her head sideways, pawing at her own nose.


    “You… eheheh, you drooled into your nose.” Sophie suppressed a chuckle.


    Aryana seemed wildly confused at first, the frown on her face suggested that something was lost in translation. Yet, slowly but surely, Sophie watched as with each passing second, her brain had caught up and realization dawned upon the redhead’s face. In no time at all, the adorable scowl was replaced by an equally adorable embarrassed blush as she tried desperately to hide herself.


    “Lies!” Aryana hissed even as she buried her face into a pillow, “Ahhhh!” Came the muffled shout that followed.


    At this Sophie broke into an outright cackle, laughing at the absurdity of the whole scene. She found great glee in the joy she felt and for a passing second felt almost playful. She was drawn back into a time when she could tease Eva and be teased back in equal measure, the two of them just living relatively carefree. The sensation was pleasant, the memory joyous. It brought more than a smile on her face and she found herself suddenly eagerly trying to recreate those warm moments of the past.


    Taking advantage of the pleasant mood, Sophie collected herself and launched herself upwards, startling the already cautious redhead. Aryana had barely lifted her head from the embarrassed screaming when Sophie caught sight of the fear that flashed in the girl’s eyes.


    In a flash, Sophie mercilessly tickled Aryana. The girl’s responses lagging behind as she sat motionless for a few seconds before collapsing into a laughing fit.


    “S-So-Sophie!” Aryana cried out breathlessly, “Hehheh, ack. Mercy. What...ehehe... are... Haha, heheh, mercy.”


    “I have you now, nose drooler.” Sophie giggled mischievously.


    “Nooo! Eheheh! Nooo… never…. Eheheh, mercy. Pleaseee, ahaha.”


    The two tumbled into a messy giggling heap as Sophie gradually slowed her attack. Once again, she noticed Ary processing happenings at a slower rate, the girl still a laughing mess even after Sophie had rolled off her. But it was watching the creases on her face, the way her eyes closed when she laughed that stirred something with Sophie.


    It was the strange sensation that she felt during her dreams, the sensation of closeness before the physical stimulus kicked in. Sophie felt her face drop as she heard her ‘heart’ beating. Her mind rushed through a flurry of emotions but ended on one quite familiar to her whenever she looked at Ary. She would protect her, despite what they’ve gone through Sophie could still see the joyful innocence that sparkled in her eyes, a sight that Sophie herself was beginning to lack.


    Aryana meanwhile giggled for another long while before finally settling down. Her labored breaths and the soft little sounds made Sophie twitch in concern ever so slightly.


    “Ahhaha… ahhh… in the mountain’s name… oh goodness… hah… hooo.” Aryana panted, “What… what ummm… heee… huh... hoo... please, no more. What’s...heheh... what''s gotten into you?” The redhead barely strung the question together.


    “Mmmm.” Sophie softly murmured and waited for a few moments for Aryana to finally collect herself. “Guess I just felt like it. Being a childish brat, that is.” Sophie shut her eyes, trying to act as smug as possible to hide her own conflicted emotions.


    Aryana hummed to herself for a moment before clicking her tongue. The noise made Sophie try to stealthily keep one eye open. A mixture of different expressions flashed across the redhead’s face before the girl burst into a random fitful giggle.


    “Eheheh, hehehh.”


    Curious, Sophie returned her full attention to the girl, cocking her head sideways. “What’s so funny?” She asked.


    “Hahaha-ahhh, nothing.” Aryana beamed, the unmistakable sound of delight in her voice.


    “Ary?”


    “Ahhh… man.” A wistful expression overtook the girl’s face. She looked over at Sophie before she pushed herself up, Sophie quickly following suit.


    “Ary?” Sophie prodded again.


    “No… it’s nothing.” Aryana sighed, “I guess I… I just feel happy, you know?” She turned to look at Sophie and Sophie’s heart stopped.


    Despite the melancholic mood slowly settling back over the room, Aryana seemed more at ease than Sophie had seen her in weeks. “I’m… glad?” Sophie offered a half smile.


    “Eheheh.” Aryana chuckled softly.


    “What?!”


    “I’m just happy that you seem happy too Sophie.” Aryana smiled, her words and expression dazzling Sophie into a stunned silence, “I don’t mean it in a bad way of course. It’s just that the past few weeks you seemed miserable. Though given what you’ve told me about everything before we met, I don’t blame you.” Aryana shuddered, “And the bodies back in Melisgrad… I can’t imagine what you felt.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.


    “Oh.”


    “But seeing you so cheerful today… I guess it made me a little happy too. Made me think of some more pleasant times myself.”


    Sophie was touched, her expression dropping into what she felt was a cheerful frown, her already amped up emotions turning towards the path of grateful sadness. “Oh.” Sophie intoned once more, but this time she could feel the moisture welling up in her eyes. Dammit Eva! After seeing you I feel like a crybaby again! Her muscles released any bit of tension she felt and a massive wave of joyful exhaustion washed over.


    “Oh no! Sophie! I didn’t mean to say anything rude! I didn’t, right?”


    Sophie vigorously shook her head before she wrapped the redhead in a bear hug. Her eyes rapidly trying to blink back her tears, the unending flood of happiness breaking all hope of maintaining control.


    “Sophie! Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I’m sorry for bringing back memories. I’m sorry that I brought-”


    “Stop apologizing silly. You did nothing wrong.” Sophie’s unsteady voice reassured the girl, “It’s just… what you said…”


    “I knew it! I said something wrong! I’m sorry Sophie! I really am! And now you’re crying! I’m-”


    “Shhh, shhh. Ary please. It’s not you, promise.”


    “But-”


    “No, I’m just really… I guess, relieved?” Sophie clutched on a little tighter, letting out a relieved sigh, “It’s just been so stressful these past few months. And I guess once you said I actually looked happy, then well… I guess I knew that I was happy already but it just really hit home that in fact, yes. I can actually be happy.” She beamed at the girl.


    Aryana beamed back and hugged Sophie tightly, the two sharing a wordless chuckle with each other before a loud bell rang from elsewhere in the city. They paused to share a long glance with each other before Aryana broke out into a grin.


    “Lunch!” The redhead squeaked.


    “Lunch.” Sophie agreed.


    They pulled away and smiled at each other, taking a moment to process everything when Aryana cocked her head towards the town. Sophie nodded in turn and with a giggle, hopped out of bed. She waited until Aryana was fully changed before they left the tavern in search of a proper lunch. Yet, even whilst they were aimlessly chatting during their search, Sophie couldn’t shake the strange ball of emotion inside her that never fully disappeared from the moment she woke up. I definitely need to talk to Eva.