Page 23 of Embers to Flames

Why does this feel so wrong… but so… so right?

His lips leave mine as he trails a path of kisses down my body, over my collarbone and down my chest. He pauses to lavish attention on each breast, teasing my nipples with his tongue before continuing his descent. Theo’s lips find my belly button, planting soft kisses there as he makes his way down to the apex of my thighs. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, my breath hitching with each slow and gentle pressure of his lips on my bare skin.

His fingers continue to tease and tantalize me with every movement. As he gently parts my thighs, exposing my most sensitive area to his stare, he looks up at me, seeking permission with his eyes.

My face flushes with heat but I nod, giving him the go-ahead.

He leans in, his warm breath tickling my skin as his tongue flicks out to taste me. I inhale sharply at the electric sensation, my hips instinctively bucking up to meet his skilled mouth. His tongue tasting and teasing every inch of me. He takes his time, savoring every moment as he worships my body with his mouth. His fingers continue to dance over my skin, adding to the swirling mix of sensations building within me. He takes his hands and lifts my legs to dangle over his shoulders, pinning his ears between my thighs, my bare feet grazing his soft feathery wings.

Theo’s tongue continues to work its magic, and I can feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge. My breath comes in short, sharp gasps, and my fingers tighten in the sheets beneath me. He seems to sense my approaching climax because his movements are becoming more urgent, his tongue flicks faster and faster against me. Just as I’m about to tip over the edge, he slows down, drawing out the pleasure and building the tension even higher. He looks up at me, a playful glint in his golden eyes.

“Not yet,” he murmurs. “I want to savor every moment with you.” I let out a frustrated moan, my body begging for release. Gods it had been so long.

He resumes his ministrations, his tongue exploring me with renewed vigor. I can feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge once again. Slowly then, tentatively, he slips a finger within me. I can’t hold back the gasp that escapes my lips, nor do I want to. His name slips out like a prayer whispered fervently into the silence of the night.

A gentle thrust followed by another and another as he cradles me in this cyclone of pleasure with him being its eye-calm and focus while everything around pauses in anticipation of my climax. His rhythm is steady yet relentless turning me into a quivering mess under him as pleasure sweeps over me like waves crashing upon rocks—intense and sublime.

I cry out, my body trembling as wave after wave of ecstasy crashes over me. I have found my release, but he doesn’t stop. He continues to pour his attention on me, his tongue andfingers working in tandem to draw out my orgasm for as long as possible. Only to bring it on once more.

As the sensations begin to subside, I become aware of my surroundings once again. Theo is still between my legs, his wings gently fluttering as he catches his breath. His lips are curled up in a satisfied smile, and his eyes are shining. Evidence of my gratification drips from his chin.

He slowly crawls up my body, settling himself beside me on the bed. His arms wrap around me, enfolding me in a warm embrace. I can feel his heart beating in time with mine, and I rest my head on his chest. We lay there in silence, basking in the afterglow of our passion.

“I’ve never experienced anything quite like that. I thought I had before, but this was entirely different.” I say, still catching my breath.

He chuckles softly, his chest vibrating beneath my head. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he says, his voice warm and affectionate. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now.”

He trails his fingers gently up and down my back, tracing patterns on my skin, and I find myself relaxing even further into his embrace.

I can feel the sweat drying on my skin, and the cool air of the room causes goosebumps to rise on my arms. I realize now we had accidentally left the balcony doors open. But Theo’s wings provide a warm, comforting barrier against the chill. I begin to slip into slumber, my tension at ease and theedges of consciousness softening like the fading light at dusk. My mind drifts, carried away on the gentle currents of dreams.

Chapter Eleven

The next morning, I find myself to be in a much more relaxed state of mind. I awaken to a lonely bed, had it not been for my nakedness, I would have thought last night was a dream. Despite my desire to remain in bed, oblivious to the outside world… duty calls and breakfast awaits—with the King. I peel myself from the sheets, the cool air of the room washes over my naked body, sending a vibration through my muscles. My gaze is drawn to something on the end table as I make my way out of bed. It’s a single long stem red rose. Tied to the stem is a small rolled up piece of parchment. As I pick up the rose and unfurl the parchment, I see that it’sa note from Theo.

I hope you slept well. Take your time getting ready this morning. The girls will see to my uncle. I’ll be back to take you to breakfast. -Theo.

I touch the rose against my lips and nose. The sweet floral fragrance gently teases my nostrils. I make my way towards the bathing room and gasp at the beauty of what lies before me. A grand oval porcelain and marble bathing tub. Big enough to fit three of me in. The feet and piping are gold and sparkle in the morning sunlight. I skip over excitedly and turn on the faucet.

Fresh, clean, HOT water—on demand!

I try to remember the last time I had such a luxurious bath. A table near the tub is adorned with various soaps and cloths for cleaning. I take one of the bottles and tip it upside down under the running water. Tiny iridescent spheres cling to the sides of the tub, their surfaces shimmering with a delicate opalescence. As the water swirls and shifts, the ephemeral globes multiply, rising like laughter from the depths. Thick clouds of steam fill the room as I step into the tub, seemingly unfazed by the near-boiling water. I lie back and let the water envelope my body. Closing my eyes, I let out a satisfied sigh, feeling any remaining tension melt away.

I’m unsure how long I’ve been soaking in the bath, but as my eyes flutter open, I realize I have an audience. An Elf withcascading brown hair, adorned with a majestic silver crown on his head, leans against the doorframe with arms crossed. He looks at me with an alluring gaze.

“Can I help you?” I manage to ask.

His eyes rake over my body, taking in my naked form with a slow, deliberate intensity. A small smirk plays at the corners of his lips as he pushes away from the doorframe and meanders towards me.

“I heard there was a new—Human—guest in the castle,” he says, his voice a low purr. He stops just a few inches from the edge of the tub, looking down at me with a gaze that is both appraising and predatory. “I am Prince Ruvyn.” The name rolls off his tongue with a hint of arrogance, but there’s also a captivating allure to it. I can’t help but feel drawn to him, despite the unease creeping up my spine. I can feel his gaze on me, his eyes a rich amber hue with a touch of hazel, never wavering from my face. It’s as if he’s trying to read my every move and emotion.

Despite my completely naked self, I quickly try to remember my manners. “Your Grace, please forgive my ignorance. I meant no disrespect.”

He looks at me smugly, “If you meant no disrespect, then I would think you should be bowing right about now.”

“But Your Grace, I am…” I look down towards my naked body, barely covered by a thin layer of water and bubbles, “…indisposed at the moment. If you will only hand me a towel.”

Prince Ruvyn chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Indisposed, you say?” he muses, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment before drifting down to my body once more. “Well, I suppose I can’t argue with that.” With a flourish, the prince snaps his fingers, and a plush towel appears beside the tub. “Here you are, My Lady,” he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Although, I must admit, I was rather enjoying the view.”