Chapter 228

Princess Aekeira

“When will you go back home?” Aekeira asked.

Beside her, Lord Vladya’s body tensed. They were fishing by a secluded stream. Lord Vladya had caught several fish, while Aekeira hadn’t managed any. Not that she expected to. Emeriel had always been the expert, but Aekeira enjoyed the simplicity of the act with him.

“Not anytime soon,” he said noncommittally.

Three weeks had passed since Aekeira began visiting him regularly. She arrived each morning and stayed most of the day. Whenever she inquired about his return, she received the same answer. She understood his hesitation. After what had happened, going back wasn’t easy. But the people of Blackstone needed their lord.

Every morning, Aekeira found baskets of fruit on her doorstep. The people knew where she went, and they approved. She spent more time there than in the fortress; she practically lived there, returning to her quarters only at night. Except on the bad days. When he experienced dark episodes of feral madness. On those days, he insisted she leave.

“Another one,” Lord Vladya’s eyes brightened. A subtle tug on his fishing line signaled a bite, and Aekeira smiled as he expertly reeled in a large, flapping fish—his fifth.

“Dinner, my lady, is going to be delicious.”

“It certainly will be, my lord,” she chuckled, her heart swelling. She would never tire of his undivided attention, of spending the entire day with him, soaking in the sight of him. It felt like one of her fairy tales, where this male was all hers. Moments like this made her wish the outside world wouldn’t intrude.

Lord Vladya seemed more relaxed, lighter. Was she finally glimpsing the male he used to be? Her insides warmed at the thought. She was happier in the past few weeks than she had been in years.

Back in the cave, after their satisfying meal, Lord Vladya went outside to gather firewood. It got chilly in the evenings. Alone, Aekeira wandered to another part of the cavern. She discovered a pool. Smooth rocks formed a basin holding crystal-clear water. A waterfall trickled down from above, feeding the pool. This must be Lord Vladya’s bathing spot. The water was inviting. Aekeira felt the urge to shed her clothes and slip inside, letting it soothe her tired muscles.

“You know you can use it, right?”

She pivoted. Lord Vladya leaned casually against a rock, arms crossed. Aekeira blushed. “I was just… thinking.”

His gaze was soft and lazy with affection. “You could take off those pretty clothes and enjoy the cool water.”

“It’s tempting,” she admitted, her heart beating faster.

“Then do it.” Pinning her with a look that held fire, he ordered softly, “Take off your clothes, Aekeira.”

A shiver snaked down her spine, and she lowered her head, shy. But if the last two years had taught Aekeira anything, it was that merely breathing wasn’t truly living, and good times were often cut short. Now that he was here with her, Aekeira didn’t want to waste time on hesitation. Throwing caution to the wind, her hands reached for the laces of her corset.

“I’m… uhm,” she said, glancing over her shoulder, her cheeks flushed. “I’m going to need help.”

A second later, he was behind her, his breath warm against her neck. His hands replaced hers, deftly untying the ropes before slipping the shoulder straps off. Working on the rest of her clothing, it didn’t take long before Aekeira stood bare before him.

“Even with my dulled lust sense, you still drive me crazy,” his voice was huskier with desire. Wrapping his arm around her midriff, he drew in her scent with a strong inhale. “Get in.”

Aekeira stepped into the water. The coolness enveloped her, and she let out a soft moan. Lord Vladya waded in fully clothed, gliding to her. He rose above her and pressed their lips together.

She reveled in his kisses, the sparks they sent through her veins awakening her nerve endings. She was so hungry for him. It had been torture to curb her desires these past weeks, but Aekeira had to, knowing it made things easier for him. Now, she let go.

“Hell,” he breathed, breaking the kiss, his erection pressing against her thigh.

“Are you going to…?” she trailed off, hopeful and uncertain at the same time.

“No. We won’t have sex, but I will pleasure you.” He planted a tender kiss on her neck. “Spread those sexy thighs for me, Aekeira.”

Heat flooded her cheeks, but slowly, she parted them for him. His hand crept up, into her inner thigh… up… up… he cupped her womanhood. “I’ve missed you, too much,” he growled possessively.

Aekeira arched against him, her body trembling with need.

“But I’ve missed this too,” His fingers caressed her, spreading her wetness. “So damn much.”

Eyes sliding shut, she moaned. He caressed her, slow but sure, seductive but with intent. “I never realized how much of a light you were until everywhere went dark without you.”

“Ahh…” she cried out, wound tight, needing him. “Inside, please.”

He slid a finger inside her wet heat. A long, trembling moan followed, echoing off the cave walls. Her libido, which she was sure had died after him, was alive again. And on fire.

“Never realized you were the breath of fresh air I needed until that new moisture vanished, leaving only dead, stale air behind,” he whispered into her ear.

Her heart bloomed, like roses unfurling to sunlight. This male… how had she lived without this? Without him?

Carefully, he worked a second finger into her tight, hungry channel, beginning a slow, rhythmic glide. Aekeira was suddenly glad she wasn’t standing, or her weak knees wouldn’t have been able to support her. Tremors broke out, and goosebumps weren’t far behind. Gods. Gods. She was already fighting an orgasm, teetering on the edge. It was right there, demanding she give in. But she bit her lips hard, digging her toes into the ground. I need this to last. I need this to go on forever.

“And even across universes, your blood called to me,” he growled, his deep voice like gravel. “It gladdens my soulless heart that tonight, I finally get to answer.”

He sank his fangs into her neck.

Holy…!

Back arching off the rock, Aekeira wailed as she came.