Semua Bab His Captive, His Mate, His Queen : Bab 71 - Bab 80

~IoanaI couldn't speak. The feather-like touch lingered on my lips. He was close to me, towering, his eyes dark as coals turned to whirlpools; they seemed to suck me in.A shudder went through my spine. I let out a shaky breath, then sucked in air when his arm snaked around my waist. With a whoosh, I was pulled in, my chin slammed against his chest.His scent—suffocatingly good. I looked up; his nostrils flared.The air was charged. My chest heaved. Around us, the rain pelted down on the roof, drowning out every sound. It was just the two of us.My heart thudded hard against my ribcage. His arm tightened. I gulped.His finger was still on my lips. His dark shoulder-length hair tickled my cheeks. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. His eyes lingered on my lips before he withdrew his thumb. A sense of loss crept into my heart, but before I could dwell on it, he leaned forward, his forehead on mine."You keep testing me, Ioana," he said, his voice low and deep.A flush coated my ch

~Ioana~The golden question:'Weren’t girls to wear gowns and skirts?' I knew she wore trousers. I’d witnessed it a couple of times when she taught me, but assumed it was only for private things— when a lot of eyes wouldn’t be on her.Wasn’t it a bad thing?She’s different.I’ve heard that word so many times. Different always meant something negative; frowned upon; something everyone looked down on.And something I tried my best to avoid.But here she was.So confident. Her hair like tamed flames under a stylish braid— but I knew better.It left a bitter taste on my lips.Is this the type he likes? My eyes scanned her form. 'Bold… and beautiful.' Commenting on her face.'He should.''Why wouldn’t he like her? But— over me?' Suddenly my shoulders felt like someone had dumped iron on them. My lips were sealed.Jealousy whirled like a raging tornado in my head.

~Ioana~How do I trust someone I just met less than 20 minutes ago?I faced a tough decision — how to evade a question.Should I lie? That was bad; I’d feel it. Maybe it’ll encourage her.Should I answer truthfully? But experience told me that was a worse decision.Should I change the topic? That’s even the worst — it seems as if I’m a coward, I can’t stand pressure — I, a Queen.I wracked my brain, but nothing came out.Every option seemed to fast-track, jumping into a more terrible position.So I went with the best —Smile.My lips curled upwards, I chuckled,My go-to when I have nothing to say. I tugged her arm, throwing my head back, I allowed the laughter to bubble up.And just as I had expected, she laughed along.Laughter was infectious — especially when it was from a true emotion. All I had to do was remember something good, a memory from my recent ones.

~Ioana~ His eyes stayed on my face, like he was drinking me whole. My breathing slowed, the surface of my skin heated up as his breath brushed against my cheeks. We were so close, I could see his eyes dilating, pushing out the browns until it became dark with something that made my breath hitch. His arm wrapped around my waist, he pulled me close to his body. I swallowed audibly, my hands grew cold. I knew what was about to happen, so did he? A small voice warned me, once you do this… there's no going back. I knew that. I also understood that things might never be the same again. But still… I couldn't stop myself from sinking into it. He drew closer to me. His eyes flickered to my parted lips, staying there. Tearing his gaze away, he whispered, his voice low and hoarse: "Can I?" I was stunned by his actions and at the same time—touched by his restraint. He had to take permission. That's so kind of him. It made me feel as if I was being seen, appreciated. Just by that, I cou

~Ioana~"Good. Very good," he nodded. He didn't say another word. With that, he spun on his heels, storming off.I stretched my hand to his retreating figure, but I was only able to brush against his fluttering coat.The night chill brushed against my tingling lips. I pressed them, hissing as a sharp sting shot through. "He was quite harsh," I commented. My face burned red. I shook it out of my head.He seemed furious. I stared in the direction he stormed off to. Why did it look like where I was coming from?His chamber… isn't it in the opposite direction? I cocked my head to the side as the thought passed over my head. 'That's true,' I concurred.So why is he— wait, there's only one thing— the bell tower! My head crashed. 'No, no,' I repeated over and over. Red light blared in my head."This is bad," I dropped the words with a curse. Lifting my dress, I dashed right towards the old bell tower.In my head, I clasped my hands together in prayer to the Moon Goddess, Selenara. 'Let it no