Prince Kaelith stepped into Princess Lysandra's chamber. The air was thick with warm perfume and the soft flicker of candlelight. Though he tried to remain composed, he knew something about this room, about her presence, unsettled him.
Lysandra didn't know how to ask Kaelith directly what she wanted from him. They weren't close enough for that yet. So instead, she turned to a strategy she knew well. Temptation masked in courtesy.
She uncorked a crystal flask from her kingdom a powerful alcohol, known in hushed tones to lower even the strongest of resistances. It was the kind of drink that melted sense and stirred desire, no matter how much one fought it.
She poured it carefully into a silver cup and then offered it to him.
Just a taste, she said, eyes locked on him.
Kaelith the prince with manners, couldn't refuse her, even if his instincts warned him. He took a sip. Then another. She poured more slowly and deliberately.
Each time she filled his cup, she drew closer not too bold, just enough.
Before long, Kaelith's thoughts were swimming. His blood felt heavy and hot, and the air around him began to carry weight. He shifted in his seat, eyes half-lidded, fighting the pull of instinct and alcohol.
I should go back to my chamber, he muttered, already swaying slightly.
But before he could fully rise, Lysandra reached him. She straddled his lap without hesitation, her silk robes brushing against his thighs. She moved slowly, her body grinding against him. She felt the heat beneath his clothing the hardness of desire he couldn't hide.
Kaelith clenched his jaw. He pushed her away, gently but firmly.
Princess Lysandra, he said, voice hoarse, I need to go.
She tried to hold him again, but his strength was too much. He lifted her aside, his hands shaking with restraint.
Without another word, he left the room in a rush the fire still burning inside him.
After the prince left, Lysandra found herself unable to stay composed. The memory of what she had witnessed earlier the intimate, unfiltered moment refused to leave her mind. It clung to her like silk, winding around her thoughts, her breath, her body.
She didn't even realize when her hand drifted downward, slipping beneath her gown. Her other hand moved to her chest, fingers playing lightly with her nipple as her breath grew shallow. A soft laugh escaped her lips, quiet and breathless.
A princess shouldn't be caught doing this, she whispered with amusement, though her voice trembled with desire.
Then, more softly. But a princess isn't forbidden to satisfy her desire.
That thought made her bolder. She slipped out of her clothes, letting them fall around her in a whisper of silk. Spreading her thighs, she pressed two fingers between them, dipping in deeply. Her back arched, and she moaned, quiet but desperate, as her fingers began to move slow at first, then faster, deeper.
Pleasure curled through her belly like fire and smoke, and she gave herself to it fully, lost in the images playing over in her mind of mouths, of touches, of sounds she shouldn't have heard but couldn't forget.
She wasn't thinking of shame. She was only chasing release.
She leaned back in her chair, one hand grasping her breasts firmly, pointed, aching with need pressing them together as her other hand moved furiously between her legs. Her breath was sharp now, ragged, each movement feeding the fire inside her.
Her mind was full of him.
Kaelith.
The name escaped her lips in a moan as her fingers plunged deeper. This should have been you, she gasped, her voice thick with longing. But you chose to run away from me.
The release struck her suddenly, flooding her body with heat and tremors. She arched, biting her lip to stifle the cry as her climax washed over her, her breath catching like silk torn at the seam.
She whispered it's only tonight. Once I'm fully yours, I won't let you miss a single night with me.
Spent, Lysandra collapsed back onto the bed, her chest rising and falling with deep, uneven breaths. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the echo of what she had done and what she still longed for.
Kaelith's Chamber
Kaelith stumbled into his chambers, breath heavy, his heart pounding in his chest. The taste of the wine lingered, and so did the feel of Lysandra's body against him. He collapsed onto the bed, his hand pressed against his temple, trying to focus, trying to cool the ache between his legs.
Then the door creaked open.
Hale entered quietly, as he always did during the evening, to check the room and complete his nightly duties. He glanced at the prince flushed, eyes unfocused but didn't comment.
Kaelith avoided his gaze.
Hale moved around the room in silence, straightening the covers, and picking up discarded robes.
Kaelith sat silently, back turned until a suddenpull took overhim. He stood up without thinking and walked up behind Hale.
Then a soft kiss brushed against Hale's back, just at the base of his neck.
Hale froze, the cloth in his hands slipping to the floor.
Please don't turn around, Kaelith whispered, his voice shaking.
Hale didn't move. He stood still for a long moment, trying to understand. Kaelith stepped back again, breathing fast, retreating to the edge of the bed. He sat there, visibly overwhelmed, his body aching and his heart trapped between fear and longing.
The Kingdom's rules echoed in his mind a prince shall not lie with a man.
But his body betrayed him, still hard, and still wanting desire.
Hale turned, watching him now.
What's wrong with you, Kaelith? He asked softly.
Kaelith looked away. You can go back now, he muttered, trying to cover himself under the sheets. I'll be fine.
But Hale stepped closer, not fooled.
I felt it, he said. Earlier. When you touched me. You don't need to hide anything from me.
Kaelith's eyes flicked up. It was the drink. She gave me something.
Who? Hale asked, voice tight.
"Lysandra," Kaelith said. In her chamber. I didn't know it would do this to me.
Hale narrowed his eyes. He could smell the sharp sweetness of foreign alcohol still on Kaelith's breath.
"And now?"
I can't control myself, Kaelith confessed. Hale… I'm trying.
Hale's expression softened. Should I help you?
Kaelith shook his head quickly. No. Go back. Please.
Hale stood, silent. Then finally turned away.
If you won't accept my help. He said, walking slowly toward the door, Then goodnight, Your Highness.
Kaelith didn't stop him.
He reached the door, placed his hand on the handle, and was about to open it when he heard Kaelith's breath catch, sharp and broken. The sound stopped him cold.
He turned slowly.
Locked the door.
Then whispered without hesitation.
I know you're loyal to the crown. I know you want to follow the law. But I'm sorry, I can't leave you like this.
He crossed the room fast and climbed onto the bed, grabbing Kaelith by the face and kissing him hard.
Kaelith didn't resist.
He kissed him back.
Kaelith clutched the back of Hale's head as they kissed fiercely, hungrily as if he needed to consume him to survive. Every breath was stolen between their mouths, and every movement edged with tension and desire.
But when Hale's hand drifted lower, fingers brushing toward Kaelith's cock, Kaelith froze. He caught Hale's wrist, not roughly, but with a quiet urgency.
Hale lifted his gaze, his voice low and soothing. It's okay, he murmured. I only want to make you feel good. I promise I won't penetrate you.
He paused, searching Kaelith's face. Do you trust me? Silent.
Do you trust me, Hale asked again, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kaelith met his eyes without hesitation. Yes, he said softly. I trust you.