12. Jasmine

Iawake slowly, stretching beneath the cool silk sheets. Sunlight streams in through the arched windows of Karul"s lavish chambers.

"Oh, gods," I breathe in disbelief. "What have we done?"

Memories of last night flood my mind--passionate kisses in the moonlit lake, clothes shed eagerly on the shore, the feeling of his body against mine in the water...

My cheeks flush hotly. We broke the contract again with our frenzied passion in the lake. What will happen now? Anxiety churns within me.

The bedroom door opens, and Karul strides in carrying a breakfast tray, a cocky smile on his face. His eyes meet mine as he sets the coffee and food down.

"What"s going to happen now?" I ask hurriedly, clutching the sheets over my bare chest. "The contract..."

Karul waves a dismissive hand. "Why don"t we change the contract, my dear?" He prowls closer, desire and want in his gaze. "We both want each other. Isn"t it better to convince others we"re besotted newlyweds?"

His words make a longing spike within me, but I bite my lip uncertainly.

Sensing my hesitation, Karul sits on the bed, taking my hands. "I"ll alter the terms to include intimacy. But I won"t force you - the choice will be yours."

I search his eyes, feeling uneasy and wary of the danger to my vulnerable heart. But I cannot deny my body"s demands.

Seemingly satisfied by my unspoken assent, Karul pulls me close, kissing me deeply. Drawing back, he murmurs, "I must return home tonight. We should spend today getting closer."

His heated tone leaves no doubt as to his intentions. I shiver - with anticipation or foreboding, I cannot tell.

"This is to our advantage," he says with a roguish smile, his eyes raking over me. "Why not continue? We both want each other desperately. Would it not be better to convince others we are insatiable newlyweds?"

He leans in close, his breath hot on my neck. "We should fuck each other"s brains out. Is that not what passionate mates are supposed to do?"

"I don't know… I'm not really like that," I lie. Already, I feel changed.

Already, I crave him, wanting to feel his insatiable length once more stir my insides.

"Yet your body says otherwise…" he says, leaning over the bed and pulling the soft satin blankets away from my nude body. "We change the terms to include all the dirty, nasty, steamy sex we want."

His coarse words make my heart race, even as I feel uncertain. I search his eyes, trying to discern his true motives. Does he simply wish to use my body for pleasure and appearance? Or could there be more simmering beneath the surface?

The thought terrifies and thrills me. "But I promise I will never force you, my dear. The decision to participate will be entirely yours." I blush deeply as he continues. He leans in, his breath hot on my ear. "So what do you say? Do we have an accord?"

Do I even care if he only wants me for my body?

I cannot deny how good it felt last night, his skilled hands and mouth worshipping every inch of me. My cheeks heat at the memory of the cries of ecstasy he drew from my lips.

Perhaps I should stop overthinking this and just revel in the pleasures of the flesh he offers. Still, even as my body craves more, my heart hopes for an emotional connection I know may never come.

I feel torn, unsure which path to take.

Am I only setting myself up to be hurt?

I try to steady my breathing as unease washes over me. "I"m wary not just of the peril to my body but also my heart," I confess.

He tilts his head curiously. "How so?"

I look down, embarrassed. "I fear growing too attached when this is just a contract to you."

He lifts my chin, meeting my eyes solemnly. "Do not be troubled, my dear. We need only enjoy the moment." My doubts linger, but he distracts me by caressing my cheek. "Let us spend the day together before I depart tonight."

Heart fluttering, I ask breathlessly, "Doing what exactly?"

His eyes glint with mischief. "Well, we really must get to know each other better..." His hand trails lower down my side.

I shiver at his implication. "Must we? I mean, that seems rather… improper." I strive for nonchalance.

He grins. "Improper? My pet, we are bound in matrimony. There is nothing improper between mates."

I blush deeply as his fingers dance along my thigh. "Still, are you certain that is wise?"

"I never claimed to be wise, darling. Merely insatiable for you." His lips graze my neck, his warm breath quickening my pulse.

His boldness leaves me dizzy with longing. I know I should resist, but cannot form the words as his mouth claims mine.

Karul retrieves the contract and makes the promised amendment, the ink still glistening as he pushes it toward me. "Just sign here, my dear."

I hesitate only a moment before scrawling my name. As soon as I set the quill down, Karul grasps me and crushes his mouth to mine in a blistering kiss.

Before I can react, he breaks away and grasps my breasts firmly through the thin chemise. I gasp at his boldness.

"Exquisite," he murmurs, massaging them as my nipples stiffen. "I was a fool to deny myself this bounty for so long."

I flush under his ardent gaze, unsure how to respond. He smiles devilishly.

"Do not be ashamed, my sweet. Your lovely body was made to be worshipped."

To emphasize his point, he lifts the hem of my chemise, baring my breasts fully before lowering his mouth to lavish them with his tongue.

I cling to him, dizzy with sensation. My doubts fade away as he validates my femininity and my choice with each reverent caress. I know I have made the right decision.

After several minutes of amorous attention, Karul finally releases me and strides to the door, calling for Tommus.

I hastily tug my chemise back in place, cheeks flaming. Karul turns back with a roguish wink.

"Have the carriage prepared at once," he orders Tommus. "I am taking my lovely wife out on the town today."

Tommus bows and scurries off to fulfill the command. Karul walks back and grasps my hand, bestowing a grin that makes my knees weak.

"Come, my dear, let us be off. We have not a moment to waste."

Still reeling from his passionate onslaught, I allow him to lead me downstairs, where the carriage awaits. As we set out on our excursion, tingles of excitement and apprehension mingle within me. I know not what the day will bring, but with Karul"s strong hand clasping mine, I feel ready for any adventure.

Sitting inside the plush velvet interior of the ornate carriage, I feel as though I have stepped into a fairy tale, a princess off on an adventure. I can scarcely recognize myself now dressed in finery at Karul"s side.

Karul entertains me with thrilling tales of his exploits as the carriage rumbles down the cobbled streets.

"The orc was over seven feet tall, with jagged yellow teeth bared in a snarl," he recounts. "But my sword sliced through its gut, swift as lightning!"

"Good heavens!" I gasp. "To battle one of those vile brutes alone..." I shiver, having heard stories of the atrocities orcs commit.

Karul nods gravely. "A necessary evil to protect the innocent. I could not let the monster take captive women for its savage pleasures."

I grimace, admiring Karul"s bravery against such fiends. He regales me with more tales of vanquishing orcs and ruffians. Under his watch, I know I am safe from all harm. He is my dashing hero, come to life.

The carriage rolls to a stop on a bustling avenue lined with ornate stone buildings. "We have arrived in the Calarel district, the upper echelon of society," Karul announces.

I gape in awe as I take in the sights. Glimmering dress shops with gowns finer than I could ever imagine. Aristocrats and nobles strolling the streets, the ladies elegant and coiffed, the gentlemen in embroidered waistcoats. Such wealth and refinement exceed even my wildest dreams.

Karul helps me alight from the carriage and offers his arm. "Come, I will give you the grand tour."

As we walk, I feel rather plain and countrified compared to these polished socialites, but Karul keeps me close to his side in a proprietary manner. The ladies offer polite but jealous smiles, and the gentlemen respectfully nod as we pass.

At my side, he looks every inch the imposing nobleman returned from valiant exploits. I marvel at my change in station, now rubbing elbows with the elite on the arm of my very own hero.

What wondrous luck!

As we stroll down the bustling elven avenue, chatting and laughing, Karul"s hand occasionally wanders discreetly beneath my skirts to caress my backside. I flush each time at his roguish boldness, though I cannot help but thrill at his ardent attention.

We pause outside a lavish stylist"s shop, and Karul grins down at me. "What sort of dashing husband would I be if I did not treat my lady to some pampering?"

Before I can protest, he ushers me inside the elegant parlor. I am treated to the most divine spa treatments - my hair arranged just so, my nails buffed to a shine, and subtle cosmetics enhancing my eyes and lips.

Throughout the primping and polishing, Karul looks on approvingly, complimenting the stylists on their work. "Exquisite! You have transformed her into a vision worthy of royalty."

I blush under his praise, still hardly recognizing myself in the mirror. With Karul, I truly feel worthy of such pampering and adoration.

After leaving the salon, Karul continues parading me around the upper district; arm tucked possessively around my waist. I take in all the sights and sounds wide-eyed like a country bumpkin, marveling at the extravagant window displays.

Whenever I linger too long admiring a particular gown or bauble, Karul insists on purchasing it for me despite my flustered protests.

"Nonsense, I will not have my princess denied anything she desires," he proclaims, handing each boxed gift to his manservant trailing behind us.

I flush under his lavish generosity. "You spoil me so," I murmur, unused to such treatment.

Karul flashes his roguish grin. "I enjoy nothing more than spoiling you, my darling. Your innocent wonder is a balm to my calloused soul."

I realize most ladies of his acquaintance must be jaded by such extravagance. But everything is new and fresh to me, a luxury long denied.

Karul seems enchanted by my wide-eyed appreciation in a way otherworldly ladies likely cannot match.

As the sun begins sinking below the horizon, bathing the avenue in a golden glow, Karul draws me into an alleyway, pressing me gently against the wall.

"I have enjoyed our day together immensely," he murmurs, trailing a fingertip down my jaw.

My heart flutters like a caged bird. "As have I. It has been positively magical."

He smiles tenderly. "You are a dream come true, my dear."

Then his mouth claims mine in a kiss that steals my breath away. I cling to him, wishing the moment would never end, that we could stay suspended in this twilight bliss.

When we finally break for air, a small voice in my head whispers - is this real?

Or is it just part of our contract?