Page 23 of A Storm of Fire and Ash
Suddenly, I had realized what was about to happen. I couldn’t sleep with the prince! I needed to find my father and get the Hel out of there. I would figure out my magic with his help. “I… you’re right. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
“That is not what I meant,” he said softly, pulling me into the warmth of his lap on the edge of his grand bed, with its rich, dark wood and deep navy covers. His fingers, warm and gentle, hooked under my jaw, tilting my face upward to meet his gaze. “You are so beautiful, Elara. Do you know that?” His voice was low, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. “I want you so damn bad, but when you’re ready. I promise I can be very patient.” A charming smile broke across his face, revealing his deep dimples that made my heart flutter.
I found myself entranced by the flickering gold flecks in his warm-honey colored eyes, drowning in their warmth, unable to look away. “I’m sure you have other women,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper, “far more beautiful, who gladly throw themselves at you—”
He interrupted me, his expression shifting to one of sudden intensity and anger. “Is that what you think of me?”
“No!” I gasped, trying to escape the confines of his lap, but his grip on my waist had tightened—secure, yet not unkind. “I mean, you’re the prince. You are incredibly handsome, and… well, I just figured that women must throw themselves at you all the time, and I thought you might enjoy that. I just… gods, I don’t know what I’m saying!” My cheeks had flushed with heat, but I was still captivated by the gold and warmth shining within his eyes.
“I’ve been with plenty of women, yes,” he admitted, his tone softer now, yet firm. “However, I haven’t been with another woman since I met you. The desire just simply hasn’t been there with anyone but you. All I want is sitting right in front of me now, calling the shots. We can take it slow, but just know…” He leaned in slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. “You are the only one I want and need in my bed.”
Biting my lower lip, I mulled over the weight of his words, my heart racing. “Slow. Let’s take it slow,” I finally said, my voice gaining a hint of steadiness. “My mind isn’t entirely in the right place, but… I would really like to keep seeing you, if that’s alright.”
He dipped his head and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “That sounds perfect,” he murmured softly. “Why don’t you take a nice, hot bath? I’ll have Yara bring you some more ladylike clothing. Save your tunics and leathers for when you’re training—Zayn mentioned you wanted to work with Eryndor, and I think that would be a great distraction.”
A flutter ignited in my heart at the mere mention of his name. “Are you two close? You and Zayn?” I asked as I crawled off his lap, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.
Fintan stood, adjusting himself with a casual grace that drew my eyes downward. My breath caught as I noticed the large bulge that strained against the fabric of his trousers. I crossed my legs, instinctively seeking some friction to ease the sudden tension.
Fintan’s lips curved into a devilish smirk, his playful gaze locking onto mine. “Like what you see? Just know you did this to me,” he teased, pausing for effect. “And yes, Zayn is my friend and my best guard, though I don’t typically liketo say another man’s name when I’m hard...” His lower lip rolled under his teeth as he spoke, framing his words with a hint of mischief. “I’ve known him for a few years now. Why do you ask?”
I chuckled softly, a lightness breaking through my tension. “I didn’t think Zayn had any friends. He isn’t the friendliest, that’s for sure.”
“Nah, he means well. Once you get to know him, he opens up a bit,” Fintan replied, the warmth in his voice contrasting with the playful spark in his eyes. “Let me run a bath for you. I’ll give you some privacy, but you can enjoy yourself as much as you like. I have a meeting I need to attend to shortly,” he continued, his expression shifting slightly as if weighing his words. “A meeting that requires the King, and our guards will be there too… leaving the dungeons unarmed for a little while…”
Realization struck me like a cold wave, and my eyes widened as I understood what Fintan was trying to communicate. “How long? How long do I have to see him?” I asked, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension bubbling within me.
“You have an hour. Make it quick, though; sometimes these meetings run short. I’ll have Eryndor accompany you and keep watch.”
I sprang to my feet, running toward the door. But Fintan’s large hands stopped me in my tracks as he held the door closed on either side of my head. I turned to face him, caught off guard by his intensity.
“Woah, woah, woah. Wait just a minute, El,” he purred, his voice smooth and teasing. “Leaving me without a proper goodbye?” As he leaned in, the warmth of his body drew closer to mine, my chest pressing against his. “I didn’t mean right this second. We are meeting in an hour, which leaves plenty of time for you to relax, take a bath, andchange. I’ll send Eryndor here, and once she arrives, you both can go.”
I bit my lip and nodded.
He leaned down, bringing his lips so close that I could feel his breath—warm and tantalizing against my lips. “I want to bite that lip for you,” he whispered, his eyes glimmering with desire.
“Then do it,” I replied, surprising even myself with the boldness of my words.
In an instant, Fintan pressed his lips against mine, deepening the kiss with a fervor that left me breathless. Time seemed to stand still as he pulled my lower lip between his teeth, gently teasing, and a soft moan escaped me in response.
As warmth pooled between my legs, I wrestled with the urge to straddle him, to surrender to the moment and let him take me against the door, or to go and indulge in a much-needed warm bath.
He finally pulled away, his gaze lingering on me. “I’m never going to be able to get enough of you, pretty girl,” he murmured, tracing his thumb over my lower lip. His forehead rested against mine for a heartbeat longer before he stepped back, leaving me breathless and longing as he walked out his door.
I took a quick bath, the warm water relaxing my body and mind. I used Fintan’s soap, which released a comforting aroma of sandalwood and cedar—so reminiscent of him. Once I finished, I swiftly brushed my hair, the bristles gliding through my long locks before I elegantly braided them into a crown, just like Mother used to do.
A frown creased my forehead at the bittersweet memory of her.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, Yara was there, making my heart jump for just a moment. Her warm smile radiated kindness. “Hello again, dearie,” she greeted cheerfully. “I brought you a few different dresses per the prince’s request.” She gestured toward an armoire, its doors opened to reveal an array of beautiful dresses, each one more exquisite than the last.
I ran my fingers over the velvet, cotton, and delicate silk fabrics, feeling the luxurious texture beneath my touch. I had never worn anything as fancy as these dresses before, and I felt a thrill surge through me. My eyes were instantly drawn to a deep maroon dress that seemed to beckon me closer.
“Excellent choice! And, the Prince’s favorite color.” Yara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with approval. She helped me change into the dress, a process that felt slightly awkward since I had never been dressed by anyone before. “No need to be modest, my lady. I’ve seen it all before thousands of times,” she reassured me as she deftly buttoned the back.
“I’ve never had anyone do this for me before… so it’s a bit foreign. Forgive me,” I replied, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. The dress embraced my figure with a dip in the front that revealed just a hint of cleavage, while the long sleeves hugged my thin arms gracefully. A daring slit climbed up to my thigh. As I admired my appearance, a smile spread across my face. I felt a warm surge of confidence—I don’t think I had ever looked more beautiful.
Eryndor walked in with a cheerful whistle, her face filled with delight. “You clean up nice!” she exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting. “Are you ready?”
