Page 17 of Fire & Ice

Tempest nodded in acceptance, a small smile on her face. "Thank you, Marcus. Your loyalty means a lot to me."

As Marcus left the room, I turned towards Tempest, my eyes raking over her body with desire. "Now, where were we?" I asked, a smirk playing at my lips.

Tempest's eyes sparkled mischievously as she stepped closer to me. "I believe you were about to show me how happy you are that I'm your mated," she said, her voice low and sultry.

I didn't need to be told twice, pulling her into my arms and kissing her fiercely. As we tumbled onto the bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her for accepting Marcus's blood oath. It was important that she had strong and loyal guards by her side, especially with the threats that surrounded us. I've never felt this need to be so protective. She was mine, and no one would ever take her away from me.

Our bodies moved in perfect sync, each of us lost in the moment as our passion overtook us. The heat between us intensified with each passing moment, and I could feel her power pulsing through her veins, fueling my own desires. I wanted her more than anything, and I would do anything to make her happy.

We explored each other's bodies with a need that was both desperate and fulfilling. Our hands roamed hungrily, exploring every inch of each other's skin as we tasted and savored the pleasure that coursed through our veins. Every touch was electric, evoking a wave of ecstasy that left us gasping for more.

My tongue licked at hers as I kissed her deeply, my lips feasting on hers like she was a piece of forbidden fruit. Her moans only spurred me on further, pushing me to go on until neither one of us had any control over the rising tide of pleasure that threatened to consume us both.

Finally, when we could take no more, we came together in an explosion of pleasure that left us trembling and sated. As we lay tangled in the sheets, our breathing ragged, I whispered in her ear, "I will always protect you, no matter what. You are mine, Tempest, forever and always."

Chapter 19

Tempest

As Beau led me through the palace corridors, I couldn't help but feel in awe of my surroundings. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork and tapestries that depicted scenes from ancient battles and myths.

"This place is truly amazing," I breathed.

"I'm glad you think so," Beau replied, taking my hand as he led me down a staircase. "But there's one place I want to take you that is even more incredible. A place where gifts can't cause problems and destroy anything."

My curiosity piqued; I followed him down another hallway until we reached a massive set of double doors intricately carved with symbols I didn't recognize.

"What's behind these doors?" I asked eagerly as Beau pushed them open.

"Do you not recognize our secret garden?" he teased with a grin as he ushered me inside the lush oasis hidden within palace walls.

I gasped at the beauty of the garden. Seeing it in the light of day was spectacular. Flower beds overflowed with vibrant blooms, their sweet scent wafting through the air. Trees towered above us, offering shade and a place for birds to perch.

"How is it possible that gifts can't destroy this?" I asked in disbelief.

Beau led me further into the garden until we came upon a small pond filled with shimmering fish. I stared in amazement at it, mesmerized by the way the fish glimmered in the sun. I had never seen anything like it before.

"That's incredible," I murmured, looking up at Beau with wide eyes. "How did they do it?"

Beau smiled, leading me towards a nearby bench. He sat down and motioned for me to join him.

"The enchantment was placed on this garden by mated from the fifth ruling," he began. "It's said that their powers were similar to ours—fire and ice. The story goes that they used to destroy all they touched when their emotions were out of hand."

I listened intently as Beau told me about the mated, his voice low and hypnotic. I felt my muscles relax as I imagined their immense power and how dangerous it could be if used without control.

"So," Beau said, turning to look at me with a serious expression on his face, "this is also why the gifted who become halflings have to come here for training. Control is the most important part of our existence, especially when you have a power that grows five or ten-fold in just a few short months after the change."

I nodded slowly, finally understanding what he meant. I had experienced how uncontrollable my own gift was when not kept in check. I was grateful for its existence and marveled at how much care had gone into creating such an oasis amidst all of life’s chaos outside.

As we sat in silence, my attention was drawn to something else. At the edge of our viewpoint, a small statue nestled among some bushes caught my eye. It depicted a woman with long flowing hair holding up a staff that glimmered with power.

"Who is she?" I asked curiously.

"That's Selene," Beau replied softly, "She was the third Queen. Our history says that Selene was so powerful, the mating ritual was made because of her, to allow her mated, Vladimir, to share the weight of her gifts. She was one of the only gifted to have multiple gifts and even more manifested once she became a halfling. She was said to be the last known for being able to wield the elemental magic, plus she could control both fire and ice, and was able to bring others back from the brink of passing under the moon. Her parents were the mated who enchanted the garden. I'm guessing they did it to give her a safe place to release her full gift without worries of destroying the palace."

My eyes were glued to Selene's statue, in awe of her powers. To have the ability to make and control elements like that! My fire was hard enough to handle as it was, but Beau could also wield ice. It seemed unreal to have the dueling gifts both inside of me bursting to get free.

"We should leave," Beau said suddenly, standing from our seat on the bench. "My parents would like to have an audience with us."

---