The Lungs: A Narrative Fiction

He spun and ran for the fallen log. Once he reached the log, he placed his hands on the rough bark and seemed unable to make his way over the obstacle. There stood Maxen, First Knight of Aber Tawy, undone by one simple kiss.
But oh, if only it has been simple.
“Maxen…” Audra placed a gentle hand on his back and he spun around to face her, his back pressed against the log as if to create as mush distance between them as possible.
“No,” he said, holding up his hands and shaking his head back and forth.
Audra took his hands in hers, placed them against her heart, and this time, she kissed him. He allowed the contact for a few moments until he pulled away sharply.
“Please don’t.” Maxen took short, shaky breaths. “You were confused, upset.

She’s replayed their kisses and his words over and over during her many awakenings last night. How did one go on and pretend life was normal when her heart was irrevocably changed? She supposed she’d have to figure out a way, though it appeared impossible.
In the meantime, giving reading lessons today would act as a welcome distraction, since there would be no training. How convenient for Maxen and Carlton to go on a hunt today of all days, thought Audra, then she chastised herself for being so selfish. Was Maxen having a difficult time coping, camping out in the forest feet away from his king and best friend, the man whose wife he just kissed?
It seemed impossible they would never discuss their kiss again, never talk about the status of the relationship. But Audra feared if she pushed too hard, he’d asked for another assignment, one that ensured he remained as far away from her as possible, and the notion of Maxen being elsewhere made her heart ache. She would do her best to play by his rules and keep him close. If that’s all he could offer, she’d accept it.
Suddenly famished, Audra emerged from her bedchamber and wandered up to Eudaf, who currently stood