Page 3 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

It seemed to her that every gentle kiss she gave him replaced a cruel kiss from Cressida. Every loving embrace erased the torture he'd endured. Yet, barriers remained. Sion loved to do things that brought her pleasure and joy; he loved to tease and excite her. But anytime she initiated intimacy, he drew away, fear clouding his warm eyes and his breath turning rapid. He only felt safe when he was in control.

Which was fine with her. After their night together before the battle, she realized just how naive she was. It was better to let him be in charge. And in time, she hoped he would let his guard down and welcome her in. She would be patient with him. It wasn't one of her virtues, but for him, her mate, she could do it. She would wait as long as it took for them to be truly and fully mated.

His words jolted her from her thoughts. “When do you want to go?”

“What?” she asked, still slightly distracted.

“When are we going to the Sun Realm?”

“We?” The disbelief was evident in her tone. She hadn't expected him to go, let alone take her with him.

“Yes, we. If you think I'm going to let us be parted, you need to reach down through that bond you feel and give it a good shake.”

Restlessness plagued Selenia, driving her from her bed. Cinching her velvet robe tight, she left her room. The plush rugs muffled her footsteps as she navigated the dark hallways. Sion was nowhere to be seen, prompting her quest towards the kitchen in search of something sweet.

As she passed the great hall, its monstrous space quiet, hushed voices reached her ears. Curiosity heightened, she craned her neck around the corner.

Instantly, she recoiled.

Too late. The vision of Tumwalt in a passionate embrace with Renya's Aunt Agatha was now forever burned into her mind. Tumwalt's weathered hands cupped Agatha's face tenderly, a stark contrast to his usually gruff demeanor. Agatha's eyes shone with an affection Selenia had never seen in the older woman before.

A mix of emotions washed over Selenia. Happiness for Tumwalt, along with the thought that Renya's aunt could probably do better. At least this tidbit would make for interesting gossip when Renya returned.

Abandoning her quest for a snack, Selenia retreated up the staircase. Each step was placed with care to avoid detection by the amorous couple below. The long gallery stretched before her, her mother's paintings keeping a silent vigil. At her door, a familiar sight greeted her: a large, log-shaped bundle.

Approaching Sion slowly, Selenia tried to discern if he was asleep. Even in the darkness, his eyes tracked her movement.

“You know, if you're truly guarding me, you've failed miserably,” she teased, watching him struggle to his feet. Stiffness in his movements betrayed lingering injuries. “I haven't been in my room for at least a quarter-hour.”

Sion stood before her, his tunic slightly open, golden skin glowing in the candlelight. Wordlessly, he opened the door and stood aside.

Moving inside the room, Selenia rose on her tiptoes, planting a tender kiss along his jaw. Stubble tickled her lips, and a slight purr rumbled from deep in his throat. The sound ignited a fire within her.

“Please, Sion,” she whispered, gazing up at him. A shiver ran through her as a draft ruffled her thin nightgown.

Indecision flashed across Sion's face, his jaw clenching as his eyes fixed on a point above her head. Finally, he gave a slight nod.

Hope fluttered in Selenia's chest. Perhaps tonight he would claim her, seal their bond, share their lives fully. But her heart sank as Sion removed his sword and settled into the chair by the fireplace.

Frustration bubbled up, manifesting in a childish pout and a tapping foot. This game of hot and cold was maddening.

“Selenia...” Pain laced Sion's voice, as if her mere presence overwhelmed him.

Steading herself, Selenia voiced the question that had been burning inside her. “Sion. Why...why won't you be with me?”

“Princess, I am with you. I'm yours. Completely and utterly.” His intense gaze bore into her, and she refused to blink, searching for any clue to his reluctance.

Uncertainty gnawed at Selenia. Once so confident, Sion's inability to feel their bond left her unbalanced. Taking a deep breath, she forged ahead.

“Why won't you claim me? Why won't you seal our fated bond?” The words tumbled out, raw with the anguish of rejection.

Sion's eyes softened. Rising from the chair, his heavy boots thudded across the floor. Gently, he took her hands in his. A tiny bit of lust surged between them, their connection pulsing through her blood.

“I want you, Little Fox. But—”

“But?” Fear wavered in her voice.

“But you're a maid—untouched—and I want us to truly connect. I'm yours—but I can't feel that you're mine without my side of the bond. And I won't take your innocence, not until we can be properly mated.”

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