12

TWELVE

Ember

Again, I woke up in Prince Willow’s room. Except this time, there’s a massive body underneath me. I don’t recall this being here when I fell asleep…

Snore.

I suppressed a giggle. Wow, he’s a rock beneath me. I can feel his powerful thighs, as our legs are currently intertwined like vines.

I know I’m sleepy and haven’t had coffee yet, but I think that was the best sleep of my life. I felt so safe, feather-light. I felt at home.

Why do bad things have to feel so good?

I know that people say love is the best thing in the universe, but I for one have yet to see that. I can feel it in my bones that my parents had the most loving bond, but at the end of the day they got murdered because of it. I just refuse to make the same mistakes. Love is a weakness.

I coughed, waking the Prince. “Sorry,” I sheepishly slid back to my side of the bed. Awkwardly untangling our limbs, the Prince smiled down on me like I was the most beautiful thing to exist.

I swear my heart stopped.

“Goodmorning, little dragon.”

Choosing to ignore the fact we were just snuggling, I stretch in the covers. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

“Well, you are very exquisite and fierce, for one.  Secondly, dragons are rare and beautiful, just like you.” He reached across the bed and pushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear. My whole body shivered from head to toe at his touch.

Ignoring his corny response, I sat up and looked down at him now. “Do you mind telling me how you ended up in this bed with me last night, when I so clearly remember falling asleep alone?”

He folded his hands behind his head, looking all the much like a rotten prince. “You were crying in your sleep, something about ‘please save them’ and I sat closer to keep an eye on you. It’s not my fault you couldn’t resist snuggling me.”

He’s talking about the nightmare I had about my parents’ deaths. I can’t believe I talk in my sleep. “Well, I’m fine. Thanks.”

The mattress shifted as he stood and stretched, revealing his lower back muscle as his shirt lifts with him. He is beyond toned, honestly I don’t know how anyone could be this beautifully strong.

Okay. Moons, please help me get through this so I can deny the bond and move on with my life. I’m trying to take down his family, for fucks sake.

As if the moons heard me, a cold wind whipped through the room and yanked the blanket off the bed, exposing my legs for show. The prince pivoted slowly and drank me in, eyes stopping at the hem of the soft pink nightgown he brought to me yesterday. I don’t know where he’s getting all these pink clothes that fit my body perfectly so quickly.

Honestly, I know I look good. I’ve got curves and I know how to use them to my advantage.

Considering I have the prince wrapped around my finger already, maybe I can pry information out of him? I know that my will is strong enough that I can still deny him even after the acquancy ritual has started. It’s possible I can obtain vital facts about the royal family.

The only thing I’m terrified of is the truth serum required to complete the bond rituals. Scratch that, I’m actually mortified.

Secrets will pour, and the only way to keep them magically bound to these walls is to complete the bond. Otherwise, your mates instinctual need to protect can waver.

But, the prosperity of our land means more to me than my own pride. I can do what needs to be done and that’s why I’m the leader of the Ascension Guild.

Instead of snuggling back into the blankets and ignoring his existence, I make eye contact with him while I slowly crawl on all fours toward the end of the bed. I made sure my ass was in the air, and the hot pink lace undergarments he brought me the day before were visible. I still get chills when I thought about him selecting undergarments for me.

I saw his breath hitch and it lit a fire in my core just knowing I affect him so much.

Once I get to the end of the bed, I stand up, letting the nightgown fall down to cover me and walk across the room. I can feel his eyes on me the entire time, lighting me ablaze. I resist acting on my impulses and continue to the bathroom.

“I’m going to wash and then we can begin the rituals, will you retrieve food for us?” I looked back over my shoulder as I walked seductively, swaying my hips on my way to the bathing chambers. His lips were parted and I could see the erection piercing at the seam of his trousers. A smirk crossed my features as I make eye contact with him again.

Well, that answers whether he’s wrapped around my finger or not.

With a rough, hoarse like voice he said “Anything for you, mate. But if you tease me like that again I won’t be able to promise being as controlled as I am now.”

I feel my insides heat at his threat. My body reacting to him in ways I have no control of.

With the flick of his wrist, I watched him conjure a neon blue fireball that floats to the bathing chamber after me, settling into the middle of the tub. I didn’t say goodbye, instead shutting the bathroom door and leaving him to it. I heard footsteps as he reluctantly left the room.

I lean against the door and try to steady my breaths, completely razzled by my attempt to be seductive and feeling his affection nearly too much.

On one hand, my whole body feels tickled and aflame from his burning stare. On the other hand, I know he’s willing to do anything for me and I plan on using that.

I just hope I don’t hate myself too much afterwards.

Thinking about betraying him is painful. It feels like I’m cutting ribbons out of my heart with every bad intention towards him. I can feel the moons are angry with me, but I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do.

I asked the moons to take this back, and they refused. So, now I’m taking the matter into my own hands like I’ve always had to do.

I’m going to start with the initial acquancy rituals and see what happens. I could gain a lot of important knowledge, and that comes first.

After I quickly bathe and wrap my robe around myself, I lather on some rose and honey scented lotion. Twisting my hair into a top bun, I smell and look everything like a royal temptation.

Opening the bathroom doors, I walked into a very different room than before. Somehow, he changed the entire room around in a matter of minutes and I didn’t even hear movement outside the bathing chambers. The large windows are drawn closed and the room is encased in hundreds of blue flamed candles lining every  wall. Small balls of lights dance around the room, shining light blue tones everywhere like starlight. The bed and fireplace are in the same positions, but the seating area has transformed into a mound of pillows and cushions. The prince is nowhere to be seen, but the safe space he’s created for us feels so like him. It feels like home. I feel secure here, and because of that fact, I’m even more scared of what’s about to happen. I’ve practically got no control over my emotions right now with this bond shining like a star.

Slowly, the door opens and orange light from the hallway bleeds in while the prince slides through the doorway. Shutting it behind him, he holds a pile of red garments in his hands. I wonder what he’s brought for me to wear today? So far, his tastes have been pretty spot on.

I stood ram rod still while he slowly approached me. This feels all too intimate.

“Take these and please relax. I’ll be back shortly and then we can begin.”

Curiosity got the best of me. “Where are you going?”

“Considering I haven’t bathed in my own chambers since you arrived, I smell like a horse’s ass. I’d like to be fresh before beginning the rituals with you, if that’s alright?” His lips curled upwards on the left, giving me the most charming smile.

Exhaling a held breath, I stepped aside so he could pass me.

He smelt of cedar and salt. I completely disagree with his claim on the smell of a horse’s ass. As he entered the bathing chambers, he didn’t shut the door, so I rushed to do it for him. There’s no need for unnecessary teasing with the bond.

I heard him laugh and it made my tummy do flips that brought dizziness to my head.

I quickly slipped on the rose colored dress he brought me, wrapping the ties around my waist, securing and cinching my figure. I looked like a sheep in a lion’s den. A dark, candle lit room with black and blue interiors has made me look like an offering to the ancients. Except, the only lion here is Willow and he might devour me whole.

Erasing the nervous thinking from my brain, I turned to face the cushions he laid out for us and sat down, pulling a blanket into my lap. I reached my hands up to brush my hair back, and saw them trembling in the candle light. My whole life, I swore I would never be in this position. But here I am, doing everything I promised myself I wouldn’t and with the prince of Estrallume of all people.

Moments later, the bathing chambers opened and Willow stalked out drying his hair messily with one of his luxurious towels. He wore baggy black pants but no shirt. Drops of water cascade down his sculpted abs, following the delicious V of his muscular body. I think I drooled just imagining licking those off of him.

“Shit. Nope. This isn’t going to work. You have to put on a shirt.” I shake my head and avert my eyes from him.

“What, little dragon? It’s not like all of this doesn’t belong to you now. Also, these are my chambers and I will walk around however I please.” His annoying smirk grew across his face. It took everything in me to not throw a pillow at his face.

I sighed. “Fine. Where’s the food you promised, Prince?” Smiling with venom, I held his eye contact like it was a battle of wills.

Without responding, he kept eyes on me and knelt down to join in his pillow fortress. Crossing his legs in front of him, and resting back on his hands, he whispered a single word.

Release.

I gasped as a platter of pastries, berries, and bacon fell from several feet above. He glimmered the food. Why?

“You scared the shit out of me! Why do that? Just to show off?”

“No. Last time I delivered you food, you devoured enough for three people. This time, I know better than to leave you with our meal alone.”

Scowling, I snatched a pastry covered in apples and sweet sauces. These are my favorite. I know I could eat three of these if given the opportunity. He also indulged in some of the food, enjoying eachothers company in silence while we shared a meal.

This is the first step of the ritual. We begin acquainting ourselves by sharing a meal.

Then, depending on how things go, we will spend the next several hours, possibly days, staying in this room and getting to know each other. The purpose of this stage is to share our truths, explain our past, expose the dreams of our futures. We begin this stage by drinking truth serums and then basically play 20 questions.

The final stage is where the decision has to be made. The moons will summon you on the night of the eclipse, and you’ll be asked whether or not you accept your bond. That’s where my opportunity is to get out of this fucking mess.

I still have time to gather as much information on his family, deny the bond, and escape before it’s too late.

THIRTEEN

Willow

We finished our meal in silence, stealing glances at each other. She truly is the most perfect faerie in all of creation, and I know I’m biased.

Her soft pink waves are messily wrapped into a bun on the top of her head, with loose strands framing her face. She has the most precious mauve freckles lining her cheeks just underneath  her blazing eyes. I wish I could count every one of them, and in truth I almost did when she was sleeping.

I’ve been burning to know everything about my mate. To understand why we were destined for eachother, why our bond rings glow so much brighter than the average. I’m also curious if she truly hates love, or if she’s just not sure how to allow herself to be loved.

“Well, little dragon, why don’t we get started then. Do you need any more snacks, or wine?” I watched her as she struggled to meet my eyes. Do I make her nervous?

She pulled the blankets tighter around herself. “Let’s get it over with, shall we?”

I smirked at her. “There’s that fiery attitude I adore so much.” She scoffed at me.

I produced 2 vials of Lanella serum from my jacket, which I may have stolen from the royal potions maker while grabbing breakfast for our first meal together. Handing her the blue liquid, Ember’s lips parted as our fingers grazed each other, causing vibrations to pulse through my body. By the moons, she affects me more than anything I’ve ever experienced before.

Earlier, when she showed me her ass in the morning sun, seducing me as she strutted her way to the bathroom, I nearly lost control.

The need to claim her in both body and heart overpowers me constantly.

“Cheers.” She said sarcastically, and I loved it. I’m not afraid to fight for her, even if that means she’s my opponent. The moons have chosen us for each other and I trust in their decisions.

Pulling the topper off our vials, we clanked them against each other’s glasses and threw them back. The slimy blue serum fizzled and sparkled along my tongue as I drank it down. Almost instantly, my body felt more relaxed, more safe. My guard came down and my tongue felt ready to spill all of my truths to my mate.

I’m familiar with this sensation since my father doses us regularly with lanella in order to keep control over his family members and court. It’s pretty fucked up, honestly. He’s just fucked up.

“Wow, that feels weird.” Ember said while sticking her tongue out and poking at it.

I chuckled. “Is this your first time using truth serum?”

Without hesitation, she began telling me her past, present and future. I would normally feel like I’m violating her in some way, but I also took the serum and we’re equally as vulnerable at this moment.

“Actually, yes it is. Even though I own my own crystal and elixir shop back home, I’ve never used lanella or been in a situation where it was necessary. It’s quite an awful thing, wouldn’t you agree?”

I felt the serum loosen my body as I responded, “Considering my father doses us with lanella at every meal to keep us in line, yeah I’d have to agree.” Her eyes went wide and I winced, feeling guilty for exposing that so soon, so I tried to change the subject. “Wait– you own your own shop? Tell me more about what that’s like.”

Her face softened at my attempt to divert the conversation. She whispered, “Your father drugs you all?”

I closed my eyes and cursed this damn ritual. I know she’s my mate and she will keep me safe above all else, but that’s only if she chooses to complete the bond. Given her stubbornness, there’s still a chance she could run off with all of my secrets and truths.

“We don’t need to talk much about that, but he does it out of necessity to keep his throne and family safe. I think he believes that if we’re all honest, then nothing we can do will harm the family.”

She seemed to take that answer in slowly, processing my words and dissecting the meaning. My little dragon can be very calculated, it appears. She took a sip of wine and sprawled out along the pillows, creating her own little nook to snuggle into. She’s truly adorable.

“Hmm, moving on. Yes, I do own my own shop. I’ve always been very independent. I felt like no one was ever there for me, permanently at least, so I took care of myself. Don’t get my wrong, my adoptive parents were angels sent from above but they were taken from me when I was twelve. I honestly didn’t know what a real family felt like until I met Brooks and Amara, my two best friends. Now, they’re my family.”

I loved the way she looked in my direction to confirm I’m listening. “Please, continue.” I nodded at her reassuringly.

A soft blush overtook her features, but she turned her gaze to the ceiling and told me more about her upbringing. “Sorry, I think I got a little off track. This stuff really makes my head fuzzy.” She giggled and I think it was the best sound to ever fill my ears. “Back to my shop, It’s called Amara’s Sparkles. I named it after my bestfriend, and it’s become my pride and joy. I actually live in the loft just above my shop, but below has everything I could ever dream of. I have my own courtyard and gardens, which have yet to be touched by the DDecay. The interior is lined with glass cases displaying my collection of gems and crystals mined from all over Faerelle. In the back of my shop is my mixing lab, where I conjure and create all the serums and elixirs that supply my shop with inventory. I take pride in providing products for local and private guilds.”

“Wow, that’s really impressive, Ember. Congratulations, truly. It takes a lot to start your own business, let alone keep it afloat in these times.” I meant every word. I really am so impressed by her. She’s been strong her whole life, taking care of herself and others around her. Soon, I hope she lets me share some of those burdens. She deserves to feel loved, cherished, safe.

Her rosy cheeks returned as she absorbed my compliments. Her gaze fell back to mine as she asked, “What about you? What do you do? You’re kind of an anomaly to the lands since we never see or hear anything about the royal family.”

She’s clearly not afraid to get right to the point.

“My father prefers to keep his children out of the spotlight. He has raised us to believe training, studies, and loyalty to the crown come above all else. Honestly, the night our bond snapped into place, I had snuck out of the castle grounds and was just seeking a moment of peace away from the suffocation of these walls.”

“Why does he feel the need to keep you locked up?” She sat up and pulled the blankets back into her lap. “The fact the lands have barely seen the royal family only aid in us believing you don’t care about us. The DDecay is spreading faster than before, and I just found it in my village days ago. What are you even doing to stop that?”

This isn’t right. Yes, we’re here to share truths, but now I feel like I’m being interrogated. We should be getting to know each other on a more personal level, not talking politics. “I don’t wish to talk politics with you during our acquancy rituals, but I also can’t deny you the truth. I don’t know why my father keeps us locked up. Why don’t you explain to me why you were out in the city streets the other night?”

She looked horrified. She looked like she was ready to run out the door. A warm sensation blossomed in my chest.

Maybe I can make it to the door, or climb out his balcony?

I guess that answers whether the bond is growing. I just heard her first whisper through the bond. Bond whispers are a special link providing access to your mate’s thoughts and emotions. It’s like a private way to communicate with each other, no matter the distance.

Feeling the tether between us, I caressed the bond in my chest and spoke down the chords. I’d like to see you try. I love a good hunt, little dragon.

She gasped. “No, you can’t do that. I haven’t accepted the bond yet, why am I hearing your voice in my head?”

“I’m not sure why it’s happening so soon, little dragon. It seems that the moons have blessed our bond with more than just bright mate rings.”

Sighing, she nestles back down into the pillows and cushions. “What does all this mean?”

“I’m not too sure. I did a lot of research in the library the morning afterour incident, but didn’t find any information on special kinds of bonds. We need to just trust that the moons know what they’re doing, that they have the kingdom’s best interests in mind.”

“Well, what else do you want to know?”

“Tell me more about your childhood. Did you enjoy living in Comet Cottages?”

She grabbed more grapes off our breakfast platter and held them above her, sucking them into her mouth one at a time.

Wow. That’s a sight to see. I wish it was my cock she was sucking on.

I also grabbed more fruit, diverting my attention to stay focused on the tasks at hand. Getting to know one another. Right.

“I loved growing up in the cottages. The DDecay wasn’t prevalent in our lands until these past few weeks, so my upbringing wasn’t too affected by it. I spent a lot of time with adoptive parents in the crystal caves just outside of Gem’s Hallow. We would spend time mapping out every tunnel, marking every crystal we found, and playing silly games until the sunset. It was a lot simpler back then…” Her thoughts trailed off quickly and she seemed sad from a memory.

“Are you okay, my flame?” Worry seeped through my voice. I had to resist caressing her skin to comfort her.

“Yeah, I just miss my family. Brooks and Amara are my siblings practically, and I’ve never been away from them for this long. We do everything together.” She laid back down into her pillow fort and snuggled up in the blanket wrapped around her.

My little dragon.

She clears her throat and asks me, “Well let’s continue and get this over with. We’ve got about another hour before the serum fades. What are some of your favorite hobbies?”

Hobbies… I don’t really have hobbies thanks to my father. “Unfortunately, I don’t really have many hobbies. I spend my days training, studying, and dealing with my father. I suppose if I had more freedom from my royal responsibilities, I would explore my talents as a healer and builder faerie.” Her jaw dropped when I said that. Did I forget to tell her my talents? I chuckle at her expression. “I love to build, craft, and create things for others. I even built my mother her own personal garden house. She never uses it since my father keeps her in the castle most days, but it was still a pleasure to build. Do you have any talents from the stars?”

She looked at me with sympathy in her eyes and I think I hate it. I don’t want her sympathy, I want her love and affection. I guess sympathy can be a form of affection if some choose to accept it.

“I do, I’m an empath.” She offered me a kind smile, and I added it to my memory. “I’m sorry you live like this. I don’t understand why you are restricted and why King Bryton keeps this castle so secretive. I hope soon you can find the freedoms you search for.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that. I want to know more about you, what hobbies do you have? What can I look forward to as I follow my mate into this new life?”

She wrinkled her nose at my indication of a continued, eternal lasting relationship. It’s really quite funny that she thinks she’s getting away from me now that I’ve got her.

“Ugh, Mate bonds. They’re really cursed things, aren’t they?”

A sharp, ice cold wind pierced through the space and ruffled both of our clothes.

“I don’t know if challenging the moons is in our best interest, little dragon.” I chuckled while adjusting my hair back to normal.

“I swore to never do this, and here I am. Spilling my heart’s contents to a total stranger, let alone the crown prince.” She exhaled a breath of frustration, and then I watched as her face softened and her eyes warmed. “Although, I feel so safe with you. I don’t know how it’s possible, but being near you feels so right.”

“Is that scary for you to feel that?” I ask her, curious about how she’s progressing through the bond.

“Yes. It is. It may be the scariest thing I’ve faced, and I’ve faced some shit.” She laughed awkwardly.

“Like what?”

She winces while fighting the truth serum but eventually gives in with a sigh, “Amara, B, and I like to venture into the mountains often. There’s some amazing cave systems to explore, forests to stroll through, but sometimes we stumble across things we don’t mean to. Like, the mating ritual for a cerberus and interrupting their festivities… Basically, we got hunted through the pine trees for hours until we made it safely back to my shop in Comet Cottages. The cerberus followed us all the way through our village and demolished so many gardens. I spent days regrowing those garden beds.” Her gaze faded off into the distance and she began to giggle, as if reflecting on a fond memory. “Anyways, Brucie came to the rescue with some Vealinum which was so rare to come by. Once we were rendered invisible, the cerberus’ couldn’t track our smells anymore either. It honestly is so funny to look back on now.” She laughed softly.

“I’ve got my hands full with you, don’t I?” I chuckled back at her.

“Indeed, and I can ring up a pretty expensive shopping bill. If I go through with this, can I have an entire room for just my clothes?” She teases me.

“My flame, I will ensure you have a personal seamstress at all times and that you may have ample room for all your clothes. Would you like me to set you up with Letta for more courtly wear? She is the royal seamstress for my mother and sister.” I uncrossed my legs and lay down on my side, propping my head up on my pointed elbow.

She jumped up to a seated position faster than I thought was possible. “Oh. I get to do that? You’re telling me I get free clothes out of this!?” She squealed with excitement like I just handed her a diamond.

“Of course you do. There’s perks to being a mate to a prince, ya know? Let alone the crown prince of Estrallume.” Smirking at her, I draw a long sip from my wine and keep strong eye contact with her.

She blushes in response. “I guess that is an exciting aspect... But I don’t know. I don’t plan on attending any court affairs and it’s not like your father hosts many to begin with.”

I guess now is as good a time as any to invite her to the upcoming winterball. My father says this will be hosted in our honor and a form of ‘coming out’ to the court for our family. She will need to be in her prime to handle the court. This is new for both of us. It’s not normal for my father to invite his children to court. “Well, as a matter of fact, that is changing. We’re hosting a winter ball in two days and we’re both to attend in honor of my Father. He wishes to meet you. Would you be interested in staying a bit longer and seeing Letta before you return home?”

“What! Stay longer? Prince Willow, I’ve been here for four days already. I have to get back to my shop sooner rather than later.”

“First off, please don’t call me that. Willow is just fine, or Will to you. Secondly, I can respect that. Let us finish our acquancy session and then I will have a carriage brought for you to bring you back to your apartment. Will you still be attending the ball?”

She contemplated my request for several silent moments, “I would like that very much, thank you,” she said kindly. It’s as if every minute diminishes the barrier between us. She was so hard to me originally, but something feels like it’s changing rapidly.

It makes me wonder what the moons are plotting with pushing our mate bond faster than normal.