technicalities

“That came out wrong, didn’t it?” Allexia released a laugh, her cheeks blooming with color at the double entendre. “Please, Allexia is just fine. It’s nice to meet you too, Jason. Thank you for saving my life. I owe you one.” 

“On the contrary, it sounds just right.” He replied, playfully wiggling his fingers in the air. “Don’t worry about it, Allexia.” Jason continued, the name sounding weird on his tongue. “A lot of pricks around these parts, I’m not surprised you almost got shot by one.”

Roman set the bow to the side and rushed over. “I didn’t realize that there were other people here. I’m trying to learn archery as a little side project, but I still have some wild shots. Nice reflexes, though.”

Jason dropped the arrow, his heart still pounding against his ribs. “Yeah.” Was all he was able to say in shock.

“It’s from my home, I’m trained you know” she nodded as she put the bow down and sighed. “Fine, no more arrow practice in the woods. Happy?”

“Trained or no, you still don’t have clearance.” He replied. “Very.”

“You have magic hands.” The Queen stated still in a daze. She blinked her eyes and smiled upon the man. “I am. Thank you…I’m sorry, I never caught your name.” 

He smirked. It wasn’t the first time he’s heard that line. Except now, it was for a completely different matter. “So they’ve told me, your highness.” He replied. “Jason Cully. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Despite the unforgiving circumstances.”

“It wasn’t through your head, it was past your head.” Anika laughed. “Besides, I want to keep you around as long as possible.”

“Interesting proposition. I’ll think about it.”

“News flash. The woods are public. I can’t have you shooting arrows when people might be walking around.” He replied. “And who the hell gave you clearance for that weapon? You’re not a guardian.”

“Oh but it’s much more fun to have you undress me.”

“And yet you decide to shoot an arrow through my head. I’d have you know that I’m no good in bed when I’m limp and lifeless. Theoretically.”

Anika gave him a small smirk and then set the bow on the ground. “One of my friends, besides I’ve done archery a long time, if I wanted you dead, you’d be dead.” She shrugged, she didn’t feel the need to play coy with him, not after what had happened in the hallway.

“If you wanted to catch my attention, you should’ve just undressed in front of me.”

“—How did you do that?” The Queen’s eyes widened like saucers as she stared at the male in wonderment. 

“I’m not entirely sure myself, your majesty.” He said, dropping the arrow and curiously looking at his hands. “Are you okay?”

“Oh please, I’m a good aim, you’re just in my way” she said as she nodded to the target next to him. “Also, refrain from calling me an asshole, jerk”

“Maybe if you didn’t place targets in public places, you won’t be as much of an asshole, asshole.” He called back, fuming.

Lorena felt her heart pounding at what a close call that had been. She hadn’t been paying attention to realise a stray arrow was heading in her direction. Placing a hand on the mans arm, she tried to give him a reassuring smile. “I thank you for saving me. I don’t want to imagine what would have happened if you weren’t here. I’m sure their aim was just an accident and It’s my fault for walking around without paying attention.”

“This is entirely on them, your highness. These aren’t training grounds and you could’ve been seriously injured.” He remarked, his brows furrowed. “Are you okay?”

“Oh come on, it wasn’t even that close to you.”

Jason’s ears perked at the familiar voice and turned to see the stranger he’d been intimate with. His skin tingled in anticipation, but that didn’t change the fact that she’d almost killed him. “Who let you use that?” He asked, motioning to the bow.

“I totally hope people here aren’t as judgmental as I think they would be.”

“Don’t be so paranoid, sis.” He quipped, looking up from his breakfast. “People here are okay. Sometimes a little stupid, but they’re okay.”

“Batshit?” A brow rose, “—Are you talking about yourself or me? But yes, I would like to know.” 

Jason’s lips pressed into a thin line. “My apologies, your highness.” He said, his words dripping with mockery. “But I don’t answer to you. You’re not my king.”

“Jason.” He replied, smiling at her as well. “As much as I’m pleased that I found you wandering in my corner of the world, I’m going to have to ask you what brought you here.”

“You gonna spend the entire day sleeping and cussing at me?” He asked, nonchalantly biting at an apple.