WINTER'That's Queen Kirana's Mother.'Eira’s words kept echoing in my head. No matter how many times I turned on the bed, sleep wouldn’t come.Morning came while I was still staring at the ceiling. I dragged myself to take a bath. When I finally stepped out of my room, the castle halls were already alive with chatter. The maids gossiping about Kirana's mother would be staying for quite some time.I went to call Valtor for breakfast, but I found out he was already in his study, deep in meetings. Then Loran told me he was with Kirana’s mother and wouldn’t be available until tonight.Disappointment tugged at me. Sighing, I turn to leave. Only to find myself face-to-face with Lilith.“You smell like the kitchen…” “What are you doing here?” I asked flatly, choosing to ignore the jab.“The King summoned me. It’s been a long time since he called so this must be serious. He never jokes when it comes to his family. Or…” her lips curved into a smirk, "His beloved Queen’s family.”I swallowed
WINTERI woke to the tickling sensation as his lips traced the curve of my neck. “Uh... what are you doing…” When my vision cleared, the first thing I saw was Valtor and an unfamiliar ceiling above me. “W-where am I?”“My room,” His body was caging me in, heat pressing against every inch of me. “There was a storm last night and your room isn't safe enough."“What an excuse...” I wanted to scoff, but my voice came out as a weak chuckle instead. Whatever his reason, I'm happy he brought me here. "Ahh..."Moan escaped my lips as his lips brushed against my throat again. He licked, sucked and I'm sure it will leave marks all over my skin. He slipped his hand beneath my nightwear, to my nipple and the other trailed down to my pussy.“Valtor…” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if it was a plea or a warning.He pushed my thigh apart. Hand slipped beneath my panties and stroked my fold, the other still playing with my nipple. Before long, my moans filled the room as my orgasm came. But just
LORAN“Hey, you know I only held Winter out of instinct to protect her, right? It wasn’t like I wanted to take advantage of-"“I know,” Valtor cut me off as he leaned back in his seat. “If I sensed even a hint of that kind of intent your head would already be on the floor.”The meeting had ended half an hour ago and now it was just the two of us left in his study to discuss related matters while sharing wine. He’d been furious when he saw me holding Winter though I’d only been trying to steady her. So I brought up the earlier incident mainly to clear the air.That was the first time I ever saw him react like that. Normally, Valtor couldn’t care less even if the woman involved shared his bed. But his anger earlier was different. And honestly, it rattled me.“Valtor?” “Hm?” He didn’t look up, still turning his goblet in one hand.“Why did you agree to Winter’s proposal so quickly? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good idea. I tried bringing it up before but you forgot about it within a day.
WINTER“I’m so sorry, Winter.” Valtor’s voice came from behind me again for the third time.We were in Eira’s small room now. Outside, the maids had gathered and were peeking in curiously from the hallway. After all, it wasn’t every day that the King himself entered the maid’s quarters and stayed.I hadn’t asked Valtor to follow me. He said Eira told him about those two men and once he’d set me down from his arms, I went straight to her. I hadn’t even noticed he was right behind me.“Please… listen to him,” Eira whispered to me, still trembling from fear. “I'm already okay. I’m afraid his anger will explode if you keep ignoring him…”I exhaled slowly.One look at Eira’s pale face twisted guilt in my chest.“Fine,” I said finally, “Just rest for tonight, don’t think about those two men. I promise you they’ll be dealt with.”Rising from my seat, I turned toward the door. As I stepped out, the maids who had been peeking scattered like startled birds. The corridor fell silent except for
WINTER“Who the hell are you?” I ask.I had never laid eyes on them since I arrived. Both men are rugged, their bodies laced with scars and they dress like fighters who live by their blades rather than by law. They didn't have the regal aura like Valtor; these two were nothing but common rogues.Common and Insolent. “You just harassed my friend." My voice trembled with rage, teeth clenched. "You’ll pay for this."The taller one tilted his head, a mocking smile ghosting his lips. “I don’t even know who you are. New here, aren’t you? But I already like your fire."The other man’s leer was far worse. His tongue slid over his lips as his gaze dragged down my body “I like women who fight, who don’t surrender so easily. Cause their pussy would clench tighter when they try to fight, it makes fucking them feel so much sweeter.”“Winter, please just go. Please..." Eira’s trembling whisper came from behind me. But I didn’t move.I lifted my chin. “Don't worry Eira, I'll make sure Valtor will
WINTERWatching Valtor devour the meal I had made with all my heart sent a gentle warmth through my chest. I feel I could have watched him like that all day. I was refilling his cup when his voice broke the silence.“You didn’t eat anything?”“I had breakfast with Eira earlier. Besides, I made this only for you-"“Nonsense. You'll eat again with me."“But-"My protest ended in a startled gasp as his arm slid easily around my waist. In one effortless motion, he pulled me onto his lap. Heat rushed to my face, embarrassment warring with the tingling joy from his touch. “Put me down please. I'm shy if anyone saw us like this.”“They’ll be seeing us like this often enough from now on. We won’t be hiding anymore, will we?” His voice is calm.Before I could reply, Valtor lifted a spoon to my lips. Knowing arguing was pointless, I opened my mouth and let him feed me. We shared from the same plate, just as I remembered my parents doing when I was a child.My mother used to say that sharing a