Page 22 of Embers to Flames

Erhorn once again steps forward, “Your Grace, I must bring to your attention that Rosanhi, although currently serving under me, is also tied to the man I suspect arrived yesterday. This man, Your Grace,” Erhorn continues, pausing for dramatic effect, “stands accused of murder, and Rosanhi just happens to be his wife.”

“Very well, thank you for informing me. Late is the night. You all must be exhausted. We can discuss this matter further over breakfast.” King Varitan stands up and clears his throat. “I would like it if Rosanhi would join us for breakfast rather than serve the breakfast. But please, until then, make yourselves at home within my palace. My steward will show you to your sleeping chambers. I bid you all… good night. You are dismissed.”

With a wave of King Varitan’s mighty hand, the steward standing next to him approaches us. “If you will please follow me.” He says with a bow.

Our sleeping chambers surpass my wildest expectations. Anticipating humble servants’ rooms, I was pleasantly surprised. Each of us received a private chamber—a perk of serving an esteemed Lord—although Ava and Lenna chose to share theirs. Which on the other hand, did not surprise me.

As I step into my room, I am immediately captivated by its ethereal beauty, a reflection of the city itself. The bed, carved from moonwood, emits a soft luminescence. Its canopy features silver-threaded curtains that sway like veils. Nestling into the feather-soft mattress eases the ache in my body. The cool, inviting silver silk sheets cradle me as I lie down.

Above, the ceiling displays a celestial mural—an intricate tapestry of constellations and galaxies. The fireplace crackles with dual flames of orange and blue, casting dancing shadows. On either side stands grand bookshelves, their volumes promising hidden knowledge. A small, plush sofa faces the hearth, adorned with a hand-woven throw blanket and an array of small pillows.

But what truly steals my breath is the pair of color-stained glass doors. I tear myself away from the bed and open them simultaneously finding a private balcony offering a breathtaking view of the city—a secret haven amidst the moon-kissed spires.

As I stand on the terrace, gazing at the stars, thoughts of Mikyl flood my mind. Guilt churns within me. How is it thatI am the one feeling guilty? He betrayedme. He hurtme. He—essentially—abandonedme. We haven’t had a real conversation or touched each other romantically in over two long years. Wasn’t our marriage over long before the events of the last few days? Is there even a chance that the King will find him innocent and allow him to return home? If so, can we mend our shattered relationship?

Do I even want that?

And what about Theo? A gentle ache begins to pulse in my temples. A cool burst of air rushes around me and I hear the soft flapping of wings. I look up to find Theo hovering above my head.

“Mind if I come down?” He asks.

I step aside, allowing him to drift down and land on the pavement beside me. My gaze remains fixed on the vast expanse before us. Theo’s warm hand grazes me from one shoulder to the other, igniting a fire that courses through my entire body.

“What troubles you tonight, Rose?” His voice is gentle, filled with concern.

“It’s just…” I hesitate, my emotions tangled. “Nevermind. You wouldn’t understand.”

Theo’s eyes search mine, and to my surprise, I do find understanding there. I had expected jealousy, but instead, he speaks softly. “It’s Mikyl, isn’t it? He’s the source of your troubles.”

I nod, unable to deny it. “Yes. We have had many years together, and it didn’t end as I’d hoped. But there are good memories, too.” My heart aches, torn between past and present.

Theo’s fingers brush my cheek, and he leans closer.

“A first love leaves an indelible mark,” he pauses to wipe a tear that has strayed from my eye. “Rose, it’s okay to feel sadness for what has been lost. But perhaps there’s room in your heart for something new. Maybe even for me.”

His words hang in the air, and I wonder if love can truly find a way to bloom again amidst the remnants of what once was.

Theo steps behind me, his touch gentle as he caresses my shoulders. Gathering my long, wavy hair to one side, he places a soft kiss at the nape of my neck. An electrifying shiver races down my spine. His whispered words reach me, promising distraction. Physical desire takes hold, and I lean into his touch, my head falling back against his broad shoulder. His lips continue their journey upward, tasting the curve of my ear before whispering, “You’re not alone, Rose. Not anymore.”

My skin prickles with a delicate shiver as I turn to face him. He looks at me with eyes that carry the weight of centuries, yet sparkle with untamed youth, a hunger for life, for love. Everything about Theo contradicts Mikyl—the flame to his ice, the light to his shadow.

“I…” My voice trails off as I contemplate my feelings. His hands find mine and our fingers interlock naturally as if they were crafted to fit together. “Maybe there’s a way to take your mind off things.” His hands glide around to my front. Just under my ear, he kisses my neck again, breathing warmth into my skin. My breathing intensifies as he gently caresses my belly moving further up until he finds my breasts, cupping them gently.

“Do you want me to stop?” he asks quietly against the shell of my ear.

I consider his question seriously. Physically, each touch from Theo is like a wellspring desire that awakens every nerve in my body. But emotionally, the scars left behind by Mikyl still ache, making me hesitate on this precipice of possible new beginnings.

With a sigh, I lean deeper into Theo, giving into the solace he brings. The weight of my decision seems lighter when wrapped in the security of his arms. My lips find his in a passionate kiss. Our eyes lock and we stay there, briefly. His fingers deftly unbutton my dress, revealing my white cotton bra underneath. He trails his lips down my neck, over the swell of my breasts, and to the valley between them. As he plants tender kisses there, I can feel his hands slide my bra straps down over my shoulders, allowing my breasts to feel the night’s cool air. My nipples harden as the wind brushes over them.

Theo’s fingers trace delicate patterns on my skin, sending another shiver down my spine. He looks up at me, his eyes filled with desire. He leans in, lightly capturing my nipple in his mouth and teasing it with his tongue. I gasp at thesensation, my fingers tangle in his hair and I pull him up to kiss me again. His other hand continues to discover my body, moving down to my hips and then slowly sliding under the waistband of my underwear. He deepens his kiss, his tongue probing and exploring my mouth. I can feel his arousal growing as he presses himself against me.

“Wait.” I gasp “I can’t. We can’t.” Theo looks at me with his sultry golden eyes.

“Relax. Tonight is all about you.” He whispers, guiding me back into the room with a gentle touch. “My only desire in this entire world is to make you happy. I want you to get a taste of what life with me could be like,” he pauses, looking deep into my eyes, feral and ravenous, “but the only thing I need a taste of—is you.”

I allow my dress to fall to the floor and stand before him, utterly vulnerable. The only thing covering my skin is those white cotton panties. He picks me up by my waist with ease and gently lays me back on the bed, the silky sheets envelope me and I bask in the feeling of their comfort.

Theo climbs onto the bed, his body hovering over mine. His hands brush my hair away from my face and he gazes into my eyes. I can see the passion and desire burning within him. He leans down, lips meeting mine in a deep, sultry kiss. As his kiss deepens, I feel his hand move again towards the waistband of my panties. He slowly begins to slide them down, revealing my most intimate parts to him. His touch is gentle,yet firm, as he explores my body with a tender touch. His fingers dance over my skin, igniting a fire within.

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