A delighted smile stretched my lips at his words. “That I do,” I whispered against his neck, my tongue tracing the path on his skin.
“Please, Princess,” Francis moaned when my tongue played on his skin. “Please, bite me,” he begged, his hands guiding my mouth to his pulsing vein.
My teeth pierced the sensitive spot, forcing a satisfied groan out Francis. His blood filled my mouth, slipping onto my tongue. A moan pushed past my lips as I devoured his blood.
“Oh, how I missed your mouth.” His breathing heavied.
His blood melted on my tongue, spinning my head into a frenzy. My eyes rolled back as the flowers bloomed deep within me.
“Francis,” I breathed, licking every drop of blood off his skin.
“Take more, take all of it.” His hand landed on the back of my neck, holding me against his open injury.
My lips met his soft skin anew, my stomach fluttered at such intimacy—
The knock on our door echoed throughout the room, yet I cared not to move away. I drank his blood with urgency I had not known before.
“If we are to leave tonight, we must go,” Roxanne’s muffled voice sounded through the door. “The sun has set.”
Francis’ hold hardened as he visibly fought with his growing moan. I chuckled against his neck before planting my teeth in his flesh once more. “We will leave in a few minutes—” Francis replied, his voice struggling to stay even.
“We will wait for you outside, then.” Roxanne’s steps disappeared in the distance.
“Aye, Princess, you are taunting me.” Francis’ laughter turned into a whine.
“You don’t seem to mind,” I chuckled, pulling away.
“I do not, indeed.” His thumb brushed over my lips. “I wish we didn’t have to stop so suddenly.” Francis brought my mouth to his. His tongue danced across my lips, licking the blood off, forcing a cry out of me. “I suppose we will have plenty of time soon enough.” His breath tickled my skin.
“Eternity.” I gulped for air at his proximity.
“Eternity,” Francis agreed before covering my lips with his once more.
The spring was in her full glory, bestowing us with her blooming aroma and the fresh streams of water, taking away all the horrors this winter had brought upon us. The bare trees were now decorated with their first small buds, ready to leaf out; the first snowdrops bloomed through the melting snow.
I leaned on Francis as he controlled our horse, enjoying his warmth and proximity. My thigh still throbbed at every move of our mare, yet the pain was bearable enough to hide—though, it hadn’t not stopped Francis from asking if I wished for a break every so often.
Florence and Roxanne rode alongside us, sharing their stallion.
The trip back to Barren’s estate was surprisingly pleasant: was it Francis’ presence or the spring’s powerful waves, I did not know—perhaps both.
No matter the horrors we’d witnessed as we’d passed the outskirt villages near Silverstone, everyone’s faces were decorated with soft smiles.
“Do you wish for a break?” Francis met my gaze, slowing our horse down slightly.
“You asked me a few minutes ago, Francis.” I rolled my eyes, yet could not hide the bright smile that fought its way onto my lips.
“And yet?” He wouldn’t give up.
“We are almost there.” I shook my head as my eyes watched past him. “You can see the castle from here.” I pointed into the depths of dense spruce, at the merlons that peeked through the trees.
“Fine.” Francis forced my gaze back to him. “But once we are inside, you are going to rest.” His brows flew up, daring me to argue.
I merely rolled my eyes in reply.
“Cordelia,” his voice became stern.
“Fine,” I sighed, laughing at his sudden tone.
