Judgement and Preparation

Should I lower my hood? I don't think I can look at him! Caelia balled her fists nervously, stealing glances at the shorter of her two escorts, who had retreated to the edge of the room.

"Hmmm," came a low, almost feral sound from in front of her, and she watched as the guard from before handed her escort a small bag of coins. From the weight and size, it looked like it barely held the twenty coins her escorts had anticipated. Did this mean she was free? She kept her head lowered, thinking that if he was rejecting her, it would be best to avoid looking at him any further—perhaps it would break whatever spell had taken hold of her since she first laid eyes on him. Still, an ache tightened in her chest as she realized she might never see this mesmerizing stranger again.

But her heart leaped as she noticed the relaxed figure that had been sprawled across the cushions suddenly shift and stride toward her, his movements slow and deliberate. Her breath hitched as he stopped in front of her, close enough that she could feel warmth radiating from him.

"This gem..." His low, velvety voice sent a thrill down her spine as his words reverberated between them. She barely had time to register his presence beside her ear, feeling his breath brush her skin, "...is the most precious in existence, a diamond, unparalleled." His voice, a mix of admiration and something far more intense, made her stomach flip. She barely understood his words, her mind whirling from the closeness and the intensity of his gaze. "...I will protect this treasure until my bones turn to dust."

As his words lingered, a hand slipped inside her hood, gently caressing her cheek, while the other suddenly tugged the fabric back. Her eyes flew open as the hood fell away, and before she could protest, hands cupped her face as he tilted her head back, his eyes blazing as they met hers with a smoldering intensity. She opened her mouth, as if to speak, but any words vanished when his lips claimed hers, hot and demanding, a hot tongue invading her mouth, brushing against hers. She tried to pull back, her cheeks flaming, but his hands tangled in her windswept hair, cradling her head as he deepened the kiss, preventing her retreat.

Her heart thundered, torn between surprise and a strange, thrilling heat building inside her. She managed to break free just as her attempt to close her mouth had resulted in accidental suction when her lips closed around his tongue. A movement that left her mortified. Stunned, she looked away, face burning, as a pleased chuckle rumbled from his chest, making her stomach twist with equal parts panic and intrigue.

Around them, cheers and lively chatter erupted, drawing her attention as she jumped in surprise, prompting him to release his hold on her and instead wrap a powerful arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest. She felt his bare skin warm against her cheek, her fingers unintentionally pressing against the hard muscles of his torso as she squirmed, trapped in his embrace.

"W—wait," she whispered, her voice barely audible, still unsure if she was caught in a dream.

The entire room seemed equally astonished, particularly her escorts and the older woman who had beckoned them in.

Without releasing her, he looked over his shoulder. "Prepare the ceremony at once," he commanded, his voice as steady as it was compelling.

"Wait—ceremony?" she asked, still processing the whirlwind of events, her heart racing.

The man leaned down, his voice a low murmur that only she could hear. "My love, I am not known for my patience. What reason is there to wait?" His smile was dangerously charming, his gaze full of something she couldn't quite place. Her heart stumbled, nearly willing to surrender to the allure in his words, but a flicker of reason reminded her that she barely knew him—she didn't even know his name.

"Wait, I...I don't understand," she protested, her voice unsteady, as he settled back against the cushions, drawing her down between his legs.

All around them, the excitement surged, with drinks multiplying as people celebrated. She turned back, catching her breath as she met an intense gaze, his striking features even more tempting up close and almost enough to make her forget every question lingering in her mind.

His relaxed, happy smile took on a more mischievous edge as he leaned in, his voice a soft murmur that teased her ear, sending a shiver through her. "You remember what I told you before, don’t you?” he whispered, his voice dipping into a husky timbre as his fingers traced lightly over her shoulder, igniting a spark that raced up her spine.

“I have no desire to hurt you, ” he assured her, his fingers lingering as he spoke, each word carrying a quiet, intense promise. The heat of his breath against her skin left her head spinning, and she felt herself melt just a little under his touch, torn between wonder and the dangerous pull he seemed to hold over her senses.

“We shouldn’t, but..slip your underwear off, I’ll help you prepare for the ceremony.”