Page 43 of Embers to Flames

“It seems Your Grace has other pressing matters to attend to. We will take our leave,” I say, standing up from my chair.

“Rosanhi...” King Varitan says, pausing as his gaze falls to the floor. “It’s about Mikyl.” I stare back at him with a blank expression. So much has happened in the past few days that I haven’t had a spare moment to even contemplate Mikyl’s well-being.”

“What about Mikyl?”

“It seems… his transport carriage to Malon Prison has been found. The guards responsible for him are dead.” The King says, his eyes meeting mine with a steady gaze. “And Mikyl is missing.”

Chapter Nineteen

Lying here in Theo’s arms, my thoughts ought to be consumed by the new-found truths of my existence and its forthcoming path. Yet, my attention remains unwaveringly fixed on Mikyl, pondering the present circumstances of his whereabouts. I can’t help but feel a mix of panic and dread as the words ‘Mikyl is missing’ repeat in my mind.

Even though our marriage has ended and the truth about Theo and myself being destinara has surfaced, my worries for Mikyl have not diminished. I still hope that he can find the support and guidance he needs to find his own joy in thisunforgiving world.

“We’ll find him,” Theo whispers, having read my mind. His voice is a soft but firm declaration against the thought of uncertainty coursing through my mind.

I roll my eyes and let out a frustrated breath. “Not all of my thoughts are meant for you, you know,” I mutter.

“Your thoughts are overpowering tonight, my sweet. I can’t help but hear them.” He leans in and softly kisses me on the lips.

The comforting warmth of the affectionate gesture does little to abate the storm inside me, but it’s a welcome distraction, nonetheless. “I know, but still...” I pause, grappling with a fear that is slowly creeping up my spine.

“What?” Theo’s voice holds a note of concern, his eyes assessing my expression with a discerning gaze.

“It’s just...” I swallow and finish in a rush. “What if we don’t find him? What if he’s...” I can’t bring myself to say it. The room suddenly feels painfully cold, as if the very walls are echoing with my unspoken fears.

“Rosanhi,” Theo says firmly, pulling me closer so the warmth of him seeps into my bones. “We will find him.”

I nod against his chest, clinging tightly to his words and to him. Feeling his powerful heartbeat under my fingers offers me a strange solace—at least one thing remains constant amid this chaos.

“But why do I even care?” I whisper, more to myself than to Theo. “After everything Mikyl did to ruin our marriage, why can’t I just let him go?”

Theo’s hand gently tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Because you have a kind heart, Rosanhi. And because destiny is strange. We don’t choose it; it chooses us. Everything happens for a purpose.”

I search his eyes, looking for any hint of jealousy or resentment, but find none. “How are you not jealous? How can you be so understanding?”

He smiles softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Because I trust you, and I trust in our bond. Mikyl is your past, but I am your future. And together, we will find him and bring him back safely.”

His words wrap around my heart, easing the turmoil within. “Thank you, Theo,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to his chest. “For everything.” I run my hand along Theo’s abdomen, feeling the firm and well-defined muscle beneath his skin.

He trembles at my touch and lets out a pleasurable growl, “But for now…” he says, grabbing my hips and pulling me so to straddle myself on top of him, his hands traveling up my back and then cupping my neck as he pulls me towards his lips. Our tongues dance together, a warm familiarity that starts to calm my racing mind. His strong hands explore my back, leaving a trail of tingling sensations in their wake.

I rise up on my knees, my body looming over his, still straddling his hips. My fingers delicately work at the knot that holds my cotton nightgown in place, allowing it to fall open and reveal my bare breasts to the cool night air. The gentlebreeze causes my nipples to pucker and harden, sending a tingle through my body.

Theo stares up at me, his eyes darkening, and he lets out a low growl of desire. His touch becomes more insistent as he softly trails up my thighs and I gasp as his hand finds my bare hips. He pulls himself up so his lips can meet mine once more. My lips part in anticipation as our tongues dance together in a passionate embrace. I can taste the sweetness of his mouth, and it only fuels the fire burning within me.

Without breaking the kiss, Theo lifts me up, turning me over to softly lie me on my back, his body covering mine. Our fingers tangle together, our bodies moving in perfect sync. I can feel myself growing wet with desire, my body aching for more. He breaks away from our kiss, his lips trailing down my neck as he murmurs into my ear.

“You’re mine,” he says, his voice husky with need. “I want to devour every inch of you until you’re a trembling, quivering mess.” His mouth moves lower, his tongue tracing a path along my collarbone before moving further down to my breasts. I moan loudly as his mouth closes around a nipple, his tongue teasing and swirling around the sensitive peak. My hands grip his hair, urging him on as I feel the familiar warmth building deep within me. Theo’s tongue expertly teases and explores, eliciting gasps and moans from my lips. The tension continues to build, my body trembling under his touch.

“Theo, please,”I will my thoughts into Theo’s mind. He smiles against my thigh, his breath warm against my skin.

“I see we are figuring out how to soulspeak. This accomplishment deserves to be rewarded.” He whispers.

I can feel my legs growing weak with pleasure, my body trembling beneath his touch. Theo’s hands move lower, slipping off my panties to find my wetness. He groans as he feels how ready I am for him, his fingers sliding easily inside me. I buck my hips against his hand, my body craving more of his touch. He begins to move his fingers in and out, his thumb rubbing circles against my sensitive nub. I cry out in pleasure, my body tense with need.

“That’s it, Rose,” Theo growled, his voice low and full of desire. “Come for me.”

I give in to his demand, my body reacting eagerly to his every touch. My muscles tighten as I allow myself to climax, releasing a loud cry of ecstasy. My juices drench his hand as he slowly withdraws his fingers, leaving me with a sense of longing. He brings his fingers to his mouth, savoring my taste.

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