Francis sighed, a small chuckle pushing past his lips. “My dear Cordelia, when will you stop finding trouble?”
I shrugged. “It seems it finds me.”
“That it does.” Francis brought his lips to mine, planting a tender kiss. “Clearly I cannot leave you alone for even a second.”
“Is that a threat?” I smiled against his lips.
“Depends.” He got to his feet, offering me a hand. “Come, we need our rest for tomorrow.” He walked me through the corridor.
“My room is a level higher.” I made no attempt at stopping on our path away from it.
“I told you, I am not leaving you.” Francis walked me to his room, opening the door for me to enter. “I also recall someone’s bodystarving for attention.”
Chapter 29. The Last Night.
Warmth enveloped me whole when my eyes flew open, parting me from my sweet dreams. I closed them again, willing back the peace, yet the dreams did not find me, crashing the dreadful reality upon my mind.
I turned in Francis’ arms, willing my mind to remember this very moment in times of hardship.
Francis looked peaceful, deep in his slumber. His features softened; the crease in between his brows ceased.
My thumb journeyed across the scar on his jaw, which I still did not know the origin of. Rough skin met mine as the memories of last night invaded my mind, making my cheeks burst into flames.
The memories of his lips atop the most sensitive parts of me, driving me mad again and again until I had no choice but to give into the delightful bliss.
The memories of our blood mixing into one on our lips and flesh. The memories of my cries against his mouth, and my plea for the pleasure to never stop, his teeth piercing through my skin, and the euphoria drowning us in its paradise.
My thumb moved on to his lips that still carried drops of my blood, then down and down, reaching his bare chest underneath me.
I sighed, enjoying the last moments of peace as my eyes followed the small opening of the curtains in the corner. The sun took on an orange tint—a small line of light fell onto Francis’bookshelf filled with dozens of books—as it slowly disappeared, allowing twilight to take its place.
The room grew darker, bringing the end closer.
I looked around the space, memorizing every detail of it were I to never return here—the place that brought me such peace—until my eyes landed on the side table that carried quill, ink, and dozens of pieces of parchment. At the very top lay a letter: my name curved into the center.
My heart beat faster when I glanced at Francis’ peaceful features, listening for his even breathing. My lips turned into a thin line when I moved carefully, so as to not wake him, my hand reaching for the parchment—
“Thief.” Francis’ hand caught my wrist, stopping it in place. A lazy smile spread on his lips as his eyes stayed closed.
“Go back to sleep, Francis,” I groaned, earning a soft chuckle in reply. A sigh of defeat escaped me before I faced him. “What’s in the letter Francis?” I demanded. “It has my name on it. I get to read it.”
“You aren’t the only Cordelia in this Kingdom.” Francis’ hold hardened when I made another attempt at reaching for the letter; his eyes opened, watching me struggle.
My cheeks warmed at my bare chest atop his as he held my wrist hostage in his grasp. “I know it’s for me.” I rolled my eyes.
