Just then, Ember looked at the two. "Morph, Aureus, come here and let's eat."
Morpheus couldn't bear it anymore and took a large leaf nearby to wrap the fish. "Silly girl. Let's leave first. This will keep the meat warm. Remember, we are not welcome in this place."
Once they doused the fire with water, they were ready to leave. Erlos held the fishes wrapped in leaves while they approached their horses.
"Go carefully," Morpheus said as he helped Ember climb her horse and fixed her dress.
"I will," she assured and their horse moved ahead.
The group hurried towards the bridge. Once they crossed the river and stepped on the riverbank next to the grassland, all four let out collective sighs of relief. Afterward, Erlos led them to a dry spot with decent shade so that they could start eating the roasted fishes.
"Morph, do you know why those orcs didn't attack Ember?" Aureus asked as they watched the elf and the human sit down without a worry in the world. On the other hand, he and his uncle offered to tie their horses to a nearby tree.
"Orcs don't like fire. Their instincts are similar to that of a wild animal, maybe even more sensitive. Ember is of the fire element, and when she became aggressive to save her horse, her body emitted fire elemental energy. The territory of the orcs is gloomy and lacks sunlight--imagine how it must have felt for them when she walked towards them."
"I saw that," Aureus said.
"Those orcs were threatened by her presence. They must be worried that she would use her powers and burn their home if a fight breaks out so they let her be," Morpheus answered.
Ember soon called out for them, gesturing to them to hurry. Erlos and Ember were busy eating one of the fishes, and when the eagles approached, Ember passed the other stick to them. "This is for you two. Fortunately, it's still warm."
Aureus accepted the fish while Morpheus simply sat next to her and idly played with the ends of her hair.
"Morph, why are you not eating?" she asked.
"I am not hungry. You three can eat," his attention was completely on playing with those long and soft beautiful mahogany hair locks.
She frowned. "It doesn't feel right that we are eating and only you are not. Have some."
"I don't want to dirty my hands." He raised his hands in the air so she wouldn't insist again but...
"Open your mouth," Ember said and held one portion of fish meat in front of his mouth.
The man stared at her in disbelief.
She raised a brow, shaking her hand in front of his face. "Say, 'ah'. What, now you don't even want to chew the food or what?" She offered him a displeased glare.
Morpheus opened his mouth and ate from her hand. Her slender fingers brushed his lips as she fed him. Morpheus almost forgot how to chew as a wave of emotions rushed inside him, causing that thing inside his chest to pound heavily.
How long had it been since someone showed such care to him? Maybe his sister Myra was the last person, and ever since she had left, he had forgotten all these things--how good it felt to receive care and love from someone.
"This is for being by my side and protecting me today," she said.
Morpheus nodded like a wooden doll, his expression complicated as he chewed that portion of fish which took time to go down his throat. He couldn't determine whether it was the fish or the sudden rush of emotions that was choking him.
Erlos, who heard her words, complained, "Ember, I also protected you and yet you only credit him? Unfair!"
Ember chuckled playfully and offered him a bite too, which the elf ate with exaggerated motions to bait the gray eagle. "See, you are not the only one she cares for."
Morpheus didn't reply as he was busy dealing with his own emotions.
Aureus could understand his uncle's emotional state and felt somewhat envious. He wished that such a sweet moment would come between him and Seren as well, but the answer was a clear 'no'. He knew Seren would do it only for Drayce--he didn't exist for her in that way. For now, he could only be happy for his uncle.
Not knowing what her small act of gratitude affected Morpheus, Ember continued to feed herself and feed him until nothing but fishbones were left on the large leaf.
When it was time for their group to split up, Morpheus had somehow calmed enough to bid Ember farewell without her noticing anything. The two Divine Eagles could not help but keep an eye on them till the pair on horses entered the Forest of the Elves.
Late in the afternoon, Erlos and Ember finally reached the palace where Reya and Clio welcomed Ember. Just as she stepped down from her horse, she searched for someone and asked, "Is Draven in his study?"
Reya and Clio shook their heads. "His Majesty left the palace this morning, Miss."
Ember had not seen Draven since she left for Honeyharbor City, and it wouldn't be wrong to say that she did not miss him. Cornelia told her that he had paid a brief visit yesterday to see her, but at that time, she was unconscious. She regretted sleeping like that.
'Why am I so eager to see him? It feels like something is missing and only seeing him can make me feel better.'
Seeing their master quiet, Reya spoke, "Miss, rest assured. I am sure His Majesty will return as soon as he learns that you are back."
Ember nodded and then looked at her horse, patted her muzzle gently. "Thank you for being my ride, Albina. I will see you soon."
The horse made a friendly grunting sound in response to her, and Ember left with her servants to go back to her chamber.
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