“Alright?” His voice came out strained, like maintaining control was costing him everything.
“Very much so.” I rocked, finding a rhythm that made us both gasp. “This is perfect.”
We moved together, finding our pace through trial and adjustment. This wasn’t the practiced expertise of longtime lovers, but something better. Discovery. Learning each other’s bodies and responses as we went along.
When I leaned forward to brace my hands on his chest, the angle changed in a way that made me cry out. He took advantage, pumping his hips up, driving his cock deeper.
“Yes,” I breathed. “Just like that.”
His hands slid from my hips to my breasts, teasing and caressing while we moved together. The pleasure built again, faster this time, spiraling up from where our bodies joined.
“I’m close,” I said. “So very close.”
“Me too.” One of his hands left my breast to slide between us, stroking my clit. “Come with me. Want to feel you.”
The combination of sensations pushed me over the edge. My second orgasm hit harder than the first, making my body clench around him.
He groaned my name, his own control shattering as hefollowed me into release. I felt him pulse inside me, warmth flooding through me as his hand tightened on my hip and his fingers continued to glide across my clit.
I collapsed on his chest, and we stayed locked together, both of us breathing hard. I could feel his heart racing beneath my cheek, matching the frantic beat of my own.
I felt boneless and satisfied in ways I’d never experienced. His arms came around me, holding me close while our breathing slowly returned to normal.
I wanted to speak, but I couldn’t find the right words to describe what we’d shared.
We lay tangled together while sunlight strengthened outside the window. The festival preparations would be starting soon. We’d need to finalize our plans and position ourselves strategically throughout the celebration to keep the plants healthy. And stay alert for whoever was determined to destroy the court’s emotional magic.
But for this moment, wrapped in Dominic’s arms, I let myself simply be. I didn’t always have to think and analyze and have all the answers.
For now, I could be a woman who’d found something she hadn’t known she was looking for.
“I love you,” Dominic said. “I know it’s fast. I know we barely know each other in so many ways. But I love you, Sasha. You make me want to be the king my people deserve instead of just playing the part.”
My throat tightened. “I love you too.” The words were both terrifying and absolutely right. “I thought falling in love would make me weaker, would distract me from my responsibilities.”
“And now?”
“I know it makes me stronger.” I lifted my head to meethis eyes. “Because I have someone I trust to watch my back. You see who I am and love me anyway.”
His smile transformed his face. “We’re going to save the festival and protect our people’s emotional magic.”
“Our people,” I said. “I like that.”
He pulled me down for a kiss that tasted of promise and hope.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
DOMINIC
The festival morning felt different the second I opened our door.
The corridors hadn’t changed and the light filtering in through the windows wasn’t any prettier. My feet padded on the same stone floors and the same tall windows let in the usual light. The woman walking at my side hadn’t changed.
But I had.
Not long ago, I’d stumbled through my vows while laughter turned me into a joke. I’d smiled and played the charming king while feeling hollow inside. Today, walking beside my wife with her hand tucked into my arm, I felt steady. Happy, even. The kind of rightness I’d been pretending to have for years.
We made it three steps down the hall before I stopped and kissed her.
