I need to slow this down or I am going to be fucked every which way any second. I put my head down onto his shoulder and he rubs my leg affectionately. We stay like this for an extended time. “Come on, sleepy, lets get you into bed.” He stands and lifts me in his arms, carrying me into my bedroom. Sitting me on my bed, he gets my pajamas out of my drawer and passes them to me. I smirk. I had forgotten how much he organizes me. He then takes his shoes off and slides his jeans down his legs.
“What are you doing?” I frown.
“I’m getting ready for bed. What does it look like?”
“Slow, Alastar,” I reply dryly. “You know. Slow? Like, staying in different houses slow?”
“Emmaline, if you honestly think that I am sleeping one more night without you in my arms, you are sadly mistaken.”
My eyes hold his.
“Em.” He sighs, defeated. “I have hardly slept since you left. Please, I can’t...” He hesitates. “I can’t function anymore without you.”
My heart melts.
“I need to fall asleep tonight with you in my arms.”
I stand still as I think. The annoying thing is, I know exactly what he means.
“Nothing sexual,” he adds.
I raise an eyebrow.
“Hell. You don’t even have to kiss me. I just want to be here in the same room with you.”
I smirk and snatch my pajamas from him before I exit the bedroom and enter the bathroom to change. Moments later, I am back to find him in his briefs standing at the foot of the bed.
I smirk, shake my head and pull back the covers. “Are you trying to entice me?”
“Totally.” He raises a brow and puts his hands on his hips.
My eyes drop down his torso and then snap back to the bed. “It’s not working,” I mutter to myself. “Much.”
He smiles warmly as if relieved that we just shared a joke. I feel my heart skip a beat.
“Would you like a drink, my love?” he asks.
I nod.
He disappears into the kitchen and returns with a glass of water before he climbs into bed next to me. I take my water from him, sip it, and put it onto the side table. He then wraps his large arms around me.
I smile with my head on his chest as his lips gently dust my forehead.
It feels good being here with him. It’s like a homecoming, and we lie together in silence enjoying each other’s presence.
“Goodnight, Twinkle.” I smile sleepily.
“Goodnight, my love,” he whispers.
And, for the first time in a long time, I drift into a restful, peaceful sleep.
* * *
My beloved Princess.
Each moment I am away from you is torture.
The Princess walks across the field of the grand gardens with her visitor. Prince Edward from a neighboring village has come to call. They have met on several social occasions and her father, The King, has invited him here today. The men are starting to circle around her. At twenty years of age, she is nearing the time for marriage. The sun is beaming on her face and she is enjoying her mid-morning walk. Her hands are clasped in front of her while his hands are linked behind his back. He is not at all attractive, but the Princess is humoring her father because she is going to ask for his permission to marry Alchron soon. She is unsure how she is going to get that permission., but she will be Alchron’s wife. Her strong mind is set. Nobody else will do.
“Can I accompany you to the ball at the end of the month?” Edward asks hopefully.
“I am unable to attend.”
His face falls with disappointment.
Guilt fills her. “I am sorry.”
Edward turns to her and takes her hand in his. “I have a tender for you. I would like to see where it takes us?” His hopeful eyes search hers.
“Get your hands off her,” Alchron snaps from his place on his horses back.
The Princess jumps back. “Alchron,” she whispers. Where did he come from?
He jumps from his horse and stands in front of them. The Princess’ heart flutters at the sight of her virile creature. Large, muscular, and dominant, just like his love making. Every night, for six months, they have been lovers and not the gentle type of lovers, either. They’ve taken each other with passion and aggression. He takes what he wants when he wants it. He has gently taught her how to make love and she has rewarded him with her unbridled desires. He can have her anyway he wants to, and he does.
“Do not dare touch the princess.” He growls.
“Alchron,” she whispers again. What is he doing? He will ruin her marriage plans if the king becomes suspicious of their love.
Edward smiles sarcastically. “I was simply asking her majesty to accompany me to the ball. Settle down.”
The princess’ eyes widen. Edward has gone raving mad and must have a death wish. Nobody speaks to Alchron like that and lives to tell the tale.
Alchron’s furious eyes hold his. “Let me make myself clear… The Princess is unavailable for courtship.”
“I don’t think—” Edward cuts him off.
“If you dare ask for her companionship again, I shall have your heart on the end of my sword.” He growls, unable to contain his fury. How dare he make a move on his woman. Nobody gets to touch her but him.
The princess’s eyes widen in shock.
Edward stands still for a moment as he assesses the situation. “Very well,” he murmurs before he scurries back to the house.
Alchron’s breath quivers as he tries to regain composure and he stands with his back to her.
“Alchron,” she whispers.