Captive By The Curse

fted up, pressing soft kisses on her jaw, and then going up until his lips met hers in mutual passion. Elara moaned sli

he could tell she was struggling to ground herself. And so his hands drifted down a littl

o her side, and Kaelos was still fast asleep. Why would she dream about something like

across his face. A strand looked like it got stuck between his lips. Elara reached f

h. His eyes blinked open, confused at first-then guarde

and rough with sleep. Kaelos brushed the strand from his lips. Slowly pulling himself off the bed. They look

"No," he said simply. "Why?" Kaelos sat up too, scrubbing a hand over his fac

head. "Maybe I'm trying something different Elara, isn't that what you want?" Elara nodded s

ounded at the door. Firm and urgent. "Who is it?" Kaelos yelled. "Excuse me, your grace." Hallel's voice came t

kly turned away. Then, slowly, Elara stood, brushing her hair back from her face. "I suppose we shou

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ub, the water wrapped her in warmth. For a moment Elara rested her head against the edge. Her

drifting over her stomach and then lower. No one was watching. It was just her. She closed her eyes and let

the wave of pleasure crested over her. The more she imagined him, the more intense she thrust her fingers into herself. Her thig

er sloshed as she yanked her hand away. Shame crawling to her cheeks. She hadn't even heard him approach. "I

om her skin. By the time she stepped out wrapped in a drying cloth, Kaelos was already at the washbasin, sp

chose it. Perhaps because it made her look strong. Kaelos stepped in, already halfway dressed, adjustin

"Do you mind?" she asked, not looking back. He gave a short grunt. "Right. Of course." He turned on his heel just as she

ties. His touch wasn't rushed. It lingered as if he too was caught in the silence stretching between them.

wn, a sharp thud hit their chamber door. They both freeze. Kaelos looks up at he

asked as she strutted toward the door. On the ground, just beyond the threshold, lay a raven - stiff, twisted and l

d frozen, his eyes widening. "It's the same one," he muttered. Elara looks up

rned to him. Kaelos was pale. His hands trembling at his side. For a moment he looked like a man who

"You there, get someone to clean this up. Now." He said, walking off. The maid scurried off with

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pression blank as Elara and Kaelos were escorted in by a guard. She

I didn't know what I heard, I'd say you two are adjusting rather well." Queen

y dispute travelled faster still." Elara stiffened but remained silent. "One of the stewards heard the raised voices a

or lack thereof, puts both your reputations in qu

rt is private, especially not for a royal newlywed. You are being watched-not only by courtiers but by

as for Athena-do not think me blind. I have known about her far longer than you assumed. I tolerated the girl because I thought, foolishly, that when you

re seen. And now her name is passed like coin among servants

. You may be wronged, yes, but that does not exempt you from your role. You've made a spectacle of yours

e humiliated in my marriage." She said bluntly. "And while I understand that Elara. Yo

s were cool as frost. "This kingdom will not survive your tempers. Either learn

understand your concerns. Elara and I

ere I stand, it looks as though the two of you are still

"And you, Elara. You may wear the crown now but don't mistake that for loyalty. Everyone watc

os, but Alaina didn't repeat herself. With a stiff nod, Elara turned and left the chamber in silence, he