Chapter 18

Emmett I g*****d as I began to stir awake, my head pounding. What happened last night? Kelly and I had dinner…we talked, we drank…a lot…and then we…oh. I cracked my eyes open, peering down at the sleeping beauty curled up into my side. We were still very naked, and the room had the faint smell of s*x in it. Regrettably, I extracted myself from Kelly’s grasp, carefully getting up off the couch without waking her. I threw on yesterday’s wrinkled pants and headed to my office to grab a blanket. I covered Kelly with it, giving her some additional warmth and modesty before softly closing the door and going back to my office where I planned to overthink things.

We slept together. Kelly and I had s*x. I f****d my patient. The princess and I fornicated. There was no good way to say it. It would be easier if I regretted last night, but truthfully I didnt. Was it improper? Yes. Was it a spectacular night? Also yes. Would I do it again? I…don’t know. Perhaps if I wasn’t her doctor, the answer would be yes. But I was her doctor. And sleeping with your patient was a big no no. I could lose my license, f**k, I could lose my head. If the king ever found out, I might as well kill myself. There wouldn’t be a place on earth that I could hide from the king’s wrath.

So where did that leave us? Kelly has shown interest in me more than once over the years. I was fond of her also. I didn’t have to worry about her mate coming along, but what about mine? I never found her. Was I willing to let Kelly go on the chance that I might find my mate one day? And let’s circle back again. I was her doctor.

“Hey you.” Kelly said, standing in my doorway, wearing nothing but a pair of pink panties and my white button-down shirt that was missing a few buttons from our…activities.

“Kelly…good morning.” I said, clearing my throat. “We should talk.”

She shut the door before slowly strutting over to me. “I’m your patient, your my doctor, its improper.” She said, rounding my desk and climbing onto my lap, straddling my h**s, her arms wrapping around my neck. “I already know.”

I exhaled and rested my head between her perfect breasts. “So now what?” I said disappointedly.

“Now, we enjoy the morning together.” She said, craning her neck down to k**s my neck. “And then we go about our day like it never happened.”

“And you’re okay with that?” I asked, touching her pebbled nippers, my hands having a mind of their own.

She shrugged and sighed, leaning into my touch. “I know you wont budge on the matter. Which is why I want to go another round before I leave.” She said while unbuckling my belt.

If only she knew how close to caving I was. Especially once she got on her knees and took me in her mouth. Holy fuckkkkkk. What was I going to do?

– – – – – – – –

Kelly I wasn’t expecting to sleep with Emmett, but goddess, it was wonderful. I knew he wasn’t willing to pursue a relationship, and that was fine. My life consists of mending broken relationships these days, so it just felt nice to be loved on by someone. It was a very nice pick-me-up. Very, very nice actually.

I begged for forgiveness from just about everyone. Some were easy to win over, like Jonas and my mom. Others, like Kelsey and Kylie…well, let’s just say they took a little more work. Eventually, I won them over. The proof was in the progress. I had crossed all but two names off my list. My father and Thorin. Thorin was up first. I was doing everything I could to avoid my father. I dreaded our conversation. Probably because I had no idea which way it would go. Would he still refuse to let me become queen? Would he welcome me back with open arms or kick me to the curb? It was a shot in the dark, trying to pinpoint his reaction.

Thorin, on the other hand, was a simple man. A strong, deliberate man, but a simple one none the less. I knew he meant what he said, that I could come back when I was clean. So there I was, on our training field, sword in hand, waiting. While I was getting clean, Throin took on a few of my father’s morning training sessions for our patrol warriors. It gave my father more time with my mother, and also kept Throin busy while he waited for me to get better. The morning session should have ended about ten minutes ago, so Throin should be through here anytime now.

A few minutes passed before I saw his figure on the horizon. I knew it was him from his determined stride. He always walked like he was on a mission.

“This is surprise,” He said, giving me a once over.

“I’m better now,” I said with pleading eyes. “I would like to continue training, if you’ll have me.”

He dropped his workout bag on the ground and picked up a sword from the dirt. I could hardly contain the smile that wanted to escape. “I not go easy. We have much to make up.” He smirked.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I smiled.

We began circling each other, just like we had almost three years ago. Thorin kicked my a*s just like always, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was happy to have my trainer back. Now if only my father could be so easily won over.

“Good work, Solnyshko,” Thorin said as we collected our equipment and guzzled some water.

“Good work? You kicked my butt.” I laughed.

“I didn’t mean about training.” He smiled softly.

“Thanks Thorin.” I smiled back. “For everything.”

– – – – – – – – – –

“You keep pacing like that, you’re going to cause a rut.” Kylie said from behind me.

“Shh!” I hissed. “I’m not ready to go in there.” I said, looking at my father’s office door.

“You are more than ready Kelly, you have been clean for what, two years now?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. And Keres has been under control for almost as long too, without any issues. I was back in training. I picked up my studies again. Everything was falling back into place.

“He’s not an unreasonable man, just go in there and talk to him.” Kylie insisted.

I nodded and took a steadying breath. I knew my father wasn’t unreasonable. Unfortunately, if it were me in his shoes, I don’t know if I would let myself become queen one day. And that is my biggest question right now. Did I earn my second chance? Kylie huffed and quickly knocked on our father’s door before sprinting out of there, leaving me behind.

I was about to protest when I heard my father yell, “Come in.”

“Hey dad…” I began, slipping into his office.

“Kelly. What a surprise. I thought you were avoiding me.” He said, filing a few books away on his bookshelf.

“Well…I was. But not anymore.” I gulped. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“What about?” He asked, taking a seat at his desk.

“My future.”

“Okay. Shoot.” He nodded in approval.

“I’m clean now, Keres is under control, and I have picked up my training and studies again.” I practically word vomited.

“I see. And you think that is enough for you to become queen?” He asked with raised eyebrows, getting straight to my point.

“I think it’s enough for a second chance.” I swallowed hard.

He nodded, not in agreement, but as if he were mulling it over. “I’ll take it under careful consideration.” He said before giving me a look that told me I was dismissed.

“Um, thanks..” I mumbled. I stood there a moment, not wanting to leave just yet. We only exchanged a few words. I needed to plead my case better. “I’m really sorry…for everything.” I said honestly.

“Apology accepted.” He nodded. “You are my daughter first Kelly. I want what’s best for you. But I also have a kingdom to worry about. It’s a great balancing act. Every decision I make must be carefully thought through. This is probably the hardest one I’ve ever had to make. I know how important it is to you. I know how hard you have worked to better yourself. I do not take this lightly. And I will need time to consider.”

I nodded, wiping away the tears I didn’t know had fallen. My dad got up and came over to give me a hug, telling me everything would be alright. I hope he was right.