Page 27 of Of Snow and Sapphire

“It’s my turn now.”

She began bouncing, her breasts moving with her as she worked him. She used her ice power to freeze his wrists to the headboard, so he was completely at her mercy. Then she created small cubes of ice and placed them on his nipples. He winced, but the pain mixed with the pleasure of watching her take what she needed from him was so disorientating and magical. He only lasted a few more seconds before he yelled out. Moments later she followed, her body going limp as she braced her hands on his chest.

They were both trying to catch their breath. Ludelle’s forehead was lined with sweat, her hair ruffled as her updo from earlier had fallen loose. As she removed herself from on top of him, and she hissed as his release trickled down her thighs.

“That was—” he started, but she placed a finger to his lips and shushed him.

He got it. He wanted to revel in this moment, too. Two satiated bodies. He broke out of his melted icy restraints and drew her in close, kissing the nape of her neck as she wrapped her body around his. At least they had this night. One he would never forget. One that would forever remain filled with the joy of their connection.

Fourteen

They had fallen asleep. Ludelle woke up in darkness, with Zimyn’s arm curled around her waist tightly; his naked body fitted behind her own. She took a deep breath of him. The familiar scent eased her. Only this man would have the power to shatter her until she was weightless and piece her back together until she felt whole again in a matter of minutes.

She blinked away the tears that burned. This was all they had, and she savored him.

Zimyn moved, and she knew he was awake too when he kissed her shoulder gently.

She adjusted herself so that she faced him. “We fell asleep.”

His gentle smile didn’t look sorry. “We did.”

She trailed her sharp claws down his chest, his muscles flexing as she scored his skin. She loved having this effect on him.

“How did it feel when you were crowned?”

Ludelle pushed herself back, stunned by the sudden question. She thought about it, though. When Balvan told her the news of her parents passing, she didn’t register the words immediately. It had sounded like she was under water so they didn’t penetrate fully. Then, she walked away and slammed her door for privacy. Kotyn had sensed the storm of emotions because she had rushed to her side to comfort Ludelle.

“I felt relieved.”

Zimyn didn’t say anything, letting her get her words out.

“My whole life was leading to that exact moment. It could happen any day, and all that anxious waiting had built up. When it finally happened, I was glad I could just do what I was meant to do. Does that make sense?”

His soft eyes took her in. “Completely.”

She was so glad to have had him, to have someone who understood her so deeply like he did. It would hurt to watch him leave her. She kissed him deeply, and he responded to her immediately. Fervent touches turned to more, and he took his time with her, even while their time was running short. They finished with her laying on his chest, their legs tangled together.

What would life be like without him? When she first heard the news of his plans to leave, she thought she would be lonely. Now though, she would rely on her ladies in waiting. Any moment she wanted to crumble up, she would go to them. They could never truly replace Zimyn, but they could give her something close.

“Zimyn,” she said against his hard chest. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

He kissed her cheek, “Me too.”

“Will you forget me?” she asked.

“Never,” he responded, his morning-voice raspy.

Then she asked the question she had been the most afraid of hearing the answer to. “Was I not enough for you?”

He stiffened beneath her. “That’s not fair.”

“We could have been together.” She knew she was pushing it, but she didn’t care. He would be gone either way.

He pushed off the bed, shoving his feet into his pants, only stopping when he couldn’t find his shirt. She pointed to the corner. “I have been haunted by you since the moment I laid my eyes on you.” He exhaled sharply, thumbing a tight fist over his heart as if he wanted to rip through his flesh. “The moment I met you, I knew you would change the trajectory of my heart forever. You sealed it when you came running straight at me, even at your parents' chagrin, and showed me your powers that you were so excited about and stated that one day you would be Queen. I knew then that you were different. That being Queen was not a burden you dreaded but one you wanted to prove you deserved. And I loved that about you because I felt the same way about becoming Captain.”

Ludelle began crying but she didn’t wipe the tears away. “So have me,” her voice wavered, with this one last plea. “I’m all yours.”

He shook his head. “But I wouldn’t be. I would be your secret, and we both deserve better than that.” He cleared his throat. He was now fully clothed as Ludelle laid bare, only their once shared sheets providing her protection. “I’m leaving. I will not be your shadow. I will not allow people to dismiss your excellence by standing in your way.”

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