Chapter 13

THIRTEEN

T iffany grinned, always up for a challenge. "Lead the way, Your Majesty."

The hike proved more strenuous than Tiffany had anticipated. The terrain was rocky and steep, requiring careful navigation. More than once, she found herself grateful for Zak's steady hand helping her over tricky patches.

As they climbed, their conversation turned to deeper topics. Zak spoke about his fears for the kingdom's future and the weight of responsibility he carried as king.

"Sometimes I worry that I'm not enough," he admitted quietly. "That I'll make a decision that will harm my people, or fail to protect them when they need me most."

Tiffany's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. She stopped, turning to face him fully. "Zak, the fact that you worry about that shows what a good king you are. You care deeply about your people. That counts for a lot."

He smiled softly, reaching out to cup her cheek. "Thank you, Tiffany. Your faith in me means a lot."

As they neared the top of the cliff, Tiffany shared her own doubts and desires. "I've always wanted to make a real difference in the world," she explained. "But lately, I've been wondering if I'm on the right path. If there's something more I should be doing with my life."

Zak listened intently, offering words of encouragement and support. By the time they reached the summit, Tiffany felt lighter, as if sharing her burdens had somehow made them easier to bear.

The view from the cliff took Tiffany's breath away. The entire kingdom spread out before them, a tapestry of vibrant colors bathed in the golden light of the setting suns. The sky was ablaze with shades of pink, purple, and orange, more vivid than any sunset Tiffany had ever seen on Earth.

"It's incredible," she breathed, leaning into Zak's side. His arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close.

"Yes, it is," he agreed softly, though when Tiffany glanced up, she found him looking not at the view, but at her.

As night fell, they settled onto a blanket Zak had brought, gazing up at the star-filled sky. Tiffany marveled at the unfamiliar constellations, listening intently as Zak pointed out various celestial bodies and shared the legends associated with them.

"And that bright star there," he said, pointing to a twinkling blue-white point of light, "that's your sun. Earth is too small to see from here, but that's the star it orbits."

Tiffany stared at the distant star, a wave of emotion washing over her. It was strange to think that her entire world, everything she'd ever known, was just a tiny speck circling that far-off point of light.

"Do you miss it?" Zak asked softly, his fingers intertwining with hers.

Tiffany considered the question carefully. "Parts of it," she admitted. "My students, some of my friends. But..." she turned to look at him, her heart swelling with emotion, "I'm starting to feel like I belong here too."

Zak's eyes softened, filled with an emotion that made Tiffany's breath catch in her throat. Slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull away if she wanted, he leaned in.

Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. Tiffany's hand came up to cup the back of Zak's neck, pulling him closer as she poured all of her confusing, wonderful emotions into the kiss.

When they parted, Tiffany sighed. "I definitely made the right choice coming here if Nova Auroran royals kiss this way."

Zak chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I assure you, that was all Zak, not Nova Aurora. Though I'm glad you approve."

They stayed on the cliff for a while longer, trading soft kisses and quiet conversation. As the night grew cooler, Zak wrapped Tiffany in his cloak, the gesture both protective and intimate.

The walk back to the palace was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by occasional bursts of laughter or quiet observations. They walked hand in hand, the physical connection mirroring the emotional bond between them.

At the palace, Zak surprised Tiffany with a private dinner in a secluded corner of the gardens. Soft lights twinkled in the trees, casting a romantic glow over the intimate setting.

As they ate, Tiffany found herself continually amazed by how attentive Zak was. He listened intently to her ideas, asking thoughtful questions and genuinely valuing her input. They discussed everything from Earth's history to Nova Aurora's politics, their conversation flowing easily from topic to topic.

"You know," Tiffany said, taking a sip of the sweet Nova Auroran wine, "I never thought I'd be discussing educational reform with an alien king over dinner. My life has taken a decidedly unexpected turn."

Zak chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And how do you find this unexpected turn?"

Tiffany pretended to consider for a moment. "Well, the food's better than Earth's, the scenery is out of this world - literally - and the company..." she gave him a coy smile, "is definitely an improvement over my usual Friday night dates."

"I'm glad to hear it," Zak replied, reaching across the table to take her hand. "Your presence here has been... transformative, Tiffany. Not just for me, but for the kingdom as well. Your fresh perspective, your passion for education - it's inspiring."

Warmth spread through her chest at his words. "I'm glad I can help. Though I have to say, you're pretty inspiring yourself. The way you care for your people and how hard you work to make things better... it's amazing."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. Tiffany found herself leaning in, drawn by an invisible force. Zak met her halfway, their lips coming together in a kiss that was soft and sweet, full of unspoken emotions.

As they parted, Zak's expression turned slightly nervous. "I have something for you," he said, reaching into his pocket. "I hope you don't think it's too forward, but..."

He pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a stunning necklace. The pendant was a beautifully cut gemstone that seemed to glow from within, its colors shifting like the aurora borealis.

"Oh, Zak," Tiffany breathed, her eyes wide. "It's beautiful."

"It's made from a crystal that's unique to Nova Aurora," Zak explained, his voice soft. "They say it takes on the energy of the wearer, becoming a reflection of their spirit. I thought... well, I thought it suited you."

Tiffany was speechless, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of the gift and the emotion behind it. "I love it," she finally managed, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

Zak's smile was warm as he fastened the necklace around her neck. His fingers lingered on her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. "It looks perfect on you," he murmured.

As the evening wound down, Tiffany found herself reluctant to say goodnight once again. Every moment with Zak felt precious, and she wasn't ready for this magical day to end.

At her door, Zak pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Sweet dreams, Tiffany," he murmured. "I'll see you in the morning."

Tiffany leaned into his embrace, savoring the warmth and security she felt in his arms. "Goodnight, Zak. Thank you for today. It was... perfect."

With one last lingering kiss, they parted. Tiffany closed her door behind her, leaning against it with a dreamy sigh. Her hand came up to touch the necklace, its gentle warmth a reminder of Zak's affection.

As she prepared for bed, Tiffany's mind whirled with the events of the day. The magical glade, the peaceful lake, the breathtaking sunset - each memory was tinged with the warmth of Zak's presence, his laughter, his touch.

She thought back to her conversation with Sia that morning. "When you're in love, you never want to be away from that person," her cousin had said. Lying in bed, her fingers absently tracing the contours of her new necklace, Tiffany realized that she already missed Zak, even though they'd parted only minutes ago.

The realization both thrilled and terrified her. She'd known Zak for such a short time, yet he'd already become such an integral part of her world. Was this what falling in love felt like? This mix of excitement and fear, of joy and vulnerability?

Tiffany closed her eyes, letting the events of the day wash over her once more. Zak's laughter as they chased glowing butterflies, the warmth of his arms around her as they watched the sunset, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her...

As sleep began to claim her, Tiffany felt a sense of peace settle over her. Whatever this was between her and Zak, wherever it might lead, she knew one thing for certain - she was exactly where she was meant to be.

A knock had her jumping out of bed and opening the door. "Zak, what?—"

He picked her up in his arms and kissed her, cutting off her question. "I won't sleep unless you're with me. So the question is your bed or mine?"

She blinked. "What?"

"I will not sleep without you, Tiffany. So the choice of where we sleep is yours. Your bed or mine."

Her heart tripped over his words. Emotions threatened to overflow inside her. "I…your bed."

He carried her to his room and lay her on the bed slowly, pulling her into his arms and closing his eyes with her cuddled into him. A slow grin spread over her lips and she sighed before closing her eyes. Her last thoughts before drifting off were of Zak's golden amber eyes and a warm smile, of shared laughter and tender kisses. And for the first time in a long while, Tiffany fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Tiffany woke to the feel of Zak kissing her neck and caressing her naked body. "Am I naked?"

"Mm-hmm"

She smiled and sighed at the feel of his lips on her neck and his hands roaming her body.

Zak pushed her back into the pillows. "I can't control my need for you," he growled low before capturing her mouth in a kiss that had her toes curling. "I need you. Tell me you want me again."

"I want you, Zak."

Zak kissed his way down her body, nipping and licking like she was his favorite treat. He didn't stop until he reached her pussy. He groaned happily as he parted her folds with his fingers. "You're so wet, my queen. The scent of your arousal is making me crazy."

"Then hurry it up."

He chuckled. "I'd rather take my time."

"Zak!"

He growled before curling his tongue around her clit. Tiffany's hips lifted off the bed to meet his mouth. Having Zak between her legs, licking her, suckling her clit, was intense. Her skin burned and tightened as he took her close to the edge. He sucked the nub into his mouth and dragged his tongue across it as he toyed with one breast. His other hand did naughty things to her entrance, first dipping in and retreating, then easing in and out in lazy strokes.

Tiffany begged him to take her over the edge, and he did. He lapped at her, taking long swipes of her sex until she came hard on his tongue and fingers.

He didn't stop, continuing to lick her until Tiffany's orgasm left her boneless.

"Please, Zak," she whispered. "Don't make me wait any longer."

He fisted his cock, erect and pointing at her. "There's only you and me, my queen."

"Yes. Just us."

She watched as he settled above her. His cock brushed against her side, and she moaned.

Zak positioned himself at her entrance, letting his head dip into her. He gripped her hips and sealed his mouth to her. Only then did he thrust hard, filling her completely. Her eyes rolled back as she cried his name.

He eased out, only to slam home again and again. Tiffany met his thrusts with enthusiasm, and this only made him go slower. The man was taking his sweet time, making this mating last longer. Tiffany wanted to rush him, but she couldn't think much of anything beyond groaning yes, please, fuck me harder .

"You feel so good, Tiffany. So perfect." He kissed her, his tongue exploring her mouth while his cock drove her wild. She felt her orgasm coming at the base of her core. She wanted it. She wanted Zak. She wanted it all, and he was giving it to her.

"Zak," she panted. "I'm so close."

"Yes," he agreed, nipping her neck. "I know, my queen." He slammed into her, moving in a way that had her eyes rolling once again.

She held onto his shoulders as he continued to drive both of them wild. She was close, so close, and she knew he was too. He strained above her, needing her to be on the edge when he joined them forever. Tiffany clenched the walls of her pussy against his cock, and he growled.

He nipped her breast before twirling her nipple into his mouth. He licked a line across her chest and repeated the motion, keeping his mouth close to the junction of her neck.

"Come for me, Tiffany. I need you to come for me. Now, love. I need to feel you."

Tiffany moaned when one of his hands found its way between them. The pad of his finger brushed against her already sensitive clit, and she went off.

Her orgasm slammed into her, and she clenched down hard on him, screaming his name. Zak wasn't too far behind. He increased his speed, and he dropped kisses on her neck. His fingers bit into her hips, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. He thrust hard and deep, coming inside her. The entire experience was so intense, Tiffany felt her orgasm crest again. She milked him dry, moving her hips until he collapsed on top of her but quickly moved to her side and pulled her into his arms.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No way. It was perfect. But I have a question."

"Yes, my beauty."

"Why do my hips burn?"

"We are mated, love. You wear my royal panther mark, my queen."

She grinned. Those words sounded so wonderful coming out his mouth.