Chapter 20

Maris exited House of Proteus just in time to catch Eyphah heading to the group of trees on the far side of the settlement. Blowing a strand of hair away from her face, she decided to follow her. As she did, she took in the broken-down houses around the plaza, the skinny horses, and the sad attempt of communal gardens in between the cabins. The people had tried to thrive; she could see that their attempts to make a home out of this piece of land had not been in vain, yet there was no doubt in her mind that the crown could've done so much more. Why hadn't they?

A small wooden gate divided the houses from the small forest, a crass contrast between the sandy fields. Maris frowned. It was as if life could only be found there.

Swallowing hard, her breath catching in her chest, Maris lost herself in the dense foliage. The forest was young, the trees under ten feet tall, the brushes and flowers pristine and untouched. She had never seen flowers like these. Roses, lilies, and carnations, she had seen them in books but never in person. Her hands itched to touch them, to see if they were as soft as she had read. Their fragrance brought some sort of comfort to her tension.

Was she doing the correct thing by following Eyphah? Shouldn't she just give her a moment to think?

Maris sighed and rubbed her temples, brushing strands of blue hair away from her face. All right, Maris. Cut the bullshit and do what you have to do. Talk to her, see how you can ease any immediate need, and do your thing.

She nodded at herself and continued moving, her gaze trailing to find Eyphah unsuccessfully. Instead, she found herself staring at a small lake. Even in the night, something inside the lake made the water glow a bright green hue. Maris stood still, her eyebrows rising as she sucked in a quick breath. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her entire existence…

Maris took a step back, as if her foot would somehow damage the beauty of it all. Yet, her curiosity got the best of her. She kneeled to the edge of the lake and hesitantly trailed her fingertips over the water's surface. The greenish hue glowed brighter, centering exactly where Maris had touched.She shook her head in disbelief and let out an amused, breathy laugh.

"Wow…" she exhaled.

She turned her head, half expecting to find Valda standing beside her. Then she frowned, even if Valda was there, she wouldn't be able to see it. And for the first time, Maris wished the queen would be able to enjoy what she was seeing. She groaned before moving her hands against the water, making it shine brighter, enjoying it one more time before continuing her search.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Maris raised her eyes from the lake to the woman standing on the other side of it. "Eyphah," she called out in a soft whisper.

The older woman gave her a playful smile before squatting at the edge, mimicking Maris. "I think this is the only thing I am actually grateful for." She touched the lake, commanding and confident of what it could do. The lake grew brighter. "It's a bioluminescent lake."

Maris looked down at the rippling surface. The thrill of colors danced in front of her like millions of tiny lightning bugs. It was breathtaking.

"When Queen Rionach decided to give us a piece of this land, we didn't know what to do with it. We knew we had to build houses, a plaza for the children. We begged her for a place to swim and she did give us this. The water she brought from the Sea Kingdom was probably from beaches near the castle." Eyphah shook the moisture from her hands and stood straight. "It brought the organism that glows with the movement of the water. We never thought it would survive, let alone create this." She raised her palms and looked at the vegetation. "Like a gift from Poseidon himself." Eyphah then turned and pointed behind her. "There are five more lakes just like this one. During the day they are filled with children swimming and playing." She then turned to Maris. "Sometimes at night we catch young lovers in it." She raised a blue eyebrow.

There was a playfulness in Eyphah's mannerisms as she walked towards her, hands inside her pockets, feet bare and casual. All traces of anger were gone.

"I was looking for you," Maris said, her eyes glued to the other woman. Being Isen's twin sister meant she was older than Maris and Valda. Yet, the woman didn't look a day older than twenty-five. As she got closer, Maris noticed that her tattoo was exactly like Isen's. Meaning that at one point, they were close.

"You found me, love," Eyphah purred, her voice silvery, inviting.

Maris raised a questioning eyebrow. Love? "Do you think we could talk?"

"We could." Her stance changed from relaxed to withdrawn. "I do have to say, seeing the queen here does make me uncomfortable."

"Why?"

"The woman hasn't stepped foot here since she was a child. Suddenly she comes back waving around a treasure such as yourself." She shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be cautious?"

"You are not acting cautiously. You are acting angered."

"I am tired of all the promises."

"What promises?"

Eyphah scoffed and shook her head as she began to walk away again.

"Eyphah, I am here to help. If you don't tell me what is happening here, I can't do shit!"

"No one has done more shit in this place than me! All of this!" She waved at the surrounding trees, the settlement beyond them. "All this shit! Me! I did it! I don't need another traitorous Sealian coming here and acting as if they know what's best for us. All because you feel backed up by the crown."

"Another?" Maris frowned. "Are you talking about Isen?"

"Oh no, love. I am talking about Captain Hurley." Disgust painted her mouth at the mention of her brother. "A Sealian being a captain in the army of the kingdom that threw us in the middle of nowhere to fucking die." Exasperated, she ran her hand through her hair. "It is quite rare to see a Sealian working for the crown." She began again. "I thought my brother was the only traitor."

Maris's upper lip twitched. She took a step back to look at Eyphah in disbelief. Though she was annoyed with her mischaracterization of Isen, Maris could guess that sibling relationships were complicated. But calling her a traitor without even knowing her was just wrong. Maris's stomach twisted in an angered knot.

"Are you calling me a traitor?"

Eyphah shrugged. "If the shoe fits…"

"You don't know anything about me, and by the words spilling out of your mouth, you don't know anything about your brother either."

Eyphah threw her head back and laughed. "You are right. I still don't know how many cocks he sucked to get where he is."

"How dare you…" Maris turned to Eyphah, her teeth bared in an angry snarl.

"Same question goes to you, love." Eyphah stepped closer, her face inches away from Maris before canting it to the side. "What does the queen's cunt taste like?"

"Careful with your words! I am your representative before the crown of the Sky Kingdom." Maris raised her chin. She was done playing games.

"Representative?" Eyphah whistled and moved her hands as if protecting herself. "Please. Have mercy!"

"Do you think that this attitude will help our people?"

"They are my people, not yours. The moment you decided to work for them you relinquished anything that had to do with the Sea Kingdom, and so did the captain."

"Says who? You?" Maris lashed out, her jaw tightening.

Eyphah's lips curled. "You come here unannounced with the queen by your side. You've had the protection of the crown while we almost starved. My brother left, saying that he would bring forth the help we needed. You have no idea what it is to struggle the way we had."

Oh, but Maris knew. She knew quite well how it felt to be completely abandoned by the crown. "I do."

"Don't compare yourself to us!" Eyphah yelled, her chest heaving with unreleased anger, anger she had probably been holding onto for years. "Do you have any idea how it is to come to an unknown place, with nothing? My brother was holding onto my shirt as the ship beneath us sank as we made land! My mother died before she could step foot on this godless place." Eyphah's voice quivered, faltered even. She took a step back and took a deep breath. "You have no idea how it feels to not know how you will survive, if you were going to survive."

Maris slanted her head and gifted Eyphah an apologetic smile. "I do." She took a hesitant step towards Eyphah. "I know that fear, that pain. That uncertainty. I know it quite well."

Eyphah looked at her now, curious and hesitant. "Do you?"

"I was adopted by a Skylian soldier and his wife back when the destruction happened. They didn't have children of their own, so they raised me as if I was theirs. My father disappeared one day and… my mother lost it." She shrugged as if trying to ease that distinctive knot that formed in her stomach. Her eyes burned, and she struggled to hold her tears in. "I know how it is to walk in and see everything you know gone..." She bit her lower lip and swallowed hard. "…dangling from a rope."

Eyphah's eyes went wide, and Maris could see the sudden regret of her words seep into her voice. She swallowed hard, looking at Maris as if she was staring at her very soul. She hoped Eyphah could see that she spoke the truth and not some script that she memorized to make her yield.

The older woman's shoulders relaxed, and she said, "I am so sorry."

Maris nodded and looked at the soft grass underneath her feet to hide that sneaky tear that always escaped when she talked about her mother. After the heaviness on her chest receded, she looked up at Eyphah's cobalt eyes. The tenderness the older woman radiated was enough to make Maris sob. "I am sorry too. We have both lost people we care about; I am sure you are petrified of losing more." Maris shrugged. "I understand. Now we must focus and see that we have each other, and by the Gods, Eyphah," She sucked in her breath and exhaled her anxiety. "If we can help each other, why shouldn't we?"

Maris got dangerously close to the other woman, her hand clamping over Eyphah's forearm, anchoring them both. Maris needed to know that she was getting through her. Yet as she searched Eyphah's face, the woman's dark eyes fixated on her tears, then on her lips. Maris moved uncomfortably, taking a step back, releasing her hold on her.

Eyphah sucked in a breath and darted her gaze to Maris's eyes. "Forgive me." She trailed her tongue over her lower lip before nibbling it. "You are just…" She hesitated and then chuckled nervously. "Very easy on the eyes."

"I will accept the compliment." Maris laughed awkwardly.

Eyphah nodded, her eyes flashing with a shade of lust as she stood straight, squaring her shoulders. After seconds of silence, it was Eyphah who tore the tension with one serious question. "Would you like to go back to my cabin?" Before Maris could answer, she added, "We can continue talking. I have some meidaila we could drink if you wish." She smiled a crooked yet charming smile. "Take a break from being the queen's seeing-eye dog?"

Maris raised an eyebrow at the invitation. Sleeping with the settlement leader was not in her plans, and though she did find Eyphah's character alluring, maybe because she had a thing for strong women, Maris noticed that she simply was not interested.

She was interested in Valda, her hands, her mouth, her perfect smile and short black hair, her sweet soft whisper, and her encouraging words. And she preferred Valda's "seashell" to Eyphah's "love" any day.

"Where would my diplomacy be if I went back with you to your cabin?" Maris teased. "Besides." She tilted her head. "I remember your brother telling me you are married."

Eyphah sneered. "Was."

"So, you are a widow?"

Eyphah shrugged nonchalantly and took a step back. She gave up on her courting, to Maris's relief. At least for now. "How long will you be staying in New Agenor?"

"I haven't conversed with the queen. I don't think we will be leaving tomorrow, if that's what you are asking."

Eyphah nodded. "Two nights from now we will be celebrating the Night of the Nymph at the square. There will be music, food, art."

"What is the Night of the Nymph?"

"If our princess was still alive, she would be twenty-one by now. We like to celebrate her birthday just like we did back in the days. We try to resemble the patron nights we had in the Sea Kingdom as well... It would mean a lot if you partake in it."

Maris bit the inside of her cheek to prevent her joy from overflowing. Seeing Eyphah relax, welcoming her at last, made her feel at ease, safer. Maybe she could get through this woman and get New Agenor the help it needed.

"I wouldn't miss it."

Eyphah nodded and extended her right arm out for Maris, whose eyes trailed over the tattooed forearm, taking in the intricate design. She would ask Eyphah about the tattoos, but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow, perhaps on the night of the celebration.With renewed confidence, Maris gave Eyphah's arm a firm squeeze.

Valda's leg wouldn't stop bouncing.

She sat at the large sofa in House of Proteus. Eyes closed, ears wide open. She listened to the distinctive chirps of the night birds and insects. New Agenor was a quiet and peaceful place that deserved to have the tools to compete with the different villages across the sandy plains of the Sky kingdom. And her family had not given them what they needed. She had given them anything.

Valda sighed and leaned on her knees—a sad attempt to control her leg.

Her grip on her own kingdom was slipping. It was as if she was placed there as a faux ruler. She didn't know much about the needs of the Sealian people other than their need to lower taxes. Yes, Eyphah had come to beg for help, but in her haste to proof that she was able to make good decisions, she didn't pay much attention to them. She didn't know anything about her royal army, the troops based in Umbriel. She was slowly discovering everything she believed in was not as she thought. Had it all been lies? She had been crowned then tucked away while someone else called the shots.

She frowned.

That person being the General.

Her stomach tightened. Valda had always been taught that she should trust Arwin. Her mother had somehow made it clear that he was part of the family, that he was her father figure, and that she should obey him. And she did. She obeyed his rules, his laws, his orders. Following them was how she survived all those years in training, all those battles.

But resentment was always there—that thorn of anger and doubt. He made her do something she never wanted to do, something that still to this day bothered her whenever she remembered.

Valda rubbed her hands in disgust. She could still remember the smell of the blood of her first kill—her first execution. Her stomach turned at the thought that it was one of her own that she had slaughtered. And although she remembered what she had done, she had tried her hardest to erase it, to blur the details, the face of the man, his pleas of mercy, his name…

Valda frowned deeply, her face darkening.

What was his name?

The sound of footsteps made her tilt her head back. Her breath hitched the moment she heard Maris greet her guards outside of the cabin.

Her heart was racing when she stood from the sofa just as Maris said goodnight and closed the cabin door, locking it in the night.Valda relaxed the moment that delicious sea scent engulfed her senses.

"Are you all right?" She tensed. "Did she touch you?"

"I am fine. She didn't do anything she would regret later." Maris's padded closer to her. Her hand suddenly fell on Valda's belt. "Nothing bad happened. On the contrary. I think I will be able to talk to her like a civilized individual."

Valda's face warmed. "Really?"

"Yes," Maris said, her voice trailing off as if unsure of sharing whatever information was in her mind.

"What is it?"

"Nothing," Maris guided Valda to sit back on the sofa before joining her. "There is going to be a celebration in two nights time—the Night of the Nymph, she called it."

"She wants you there?"

"Yes. She wants me to experience a patron night." She paused.

"I feel like you are hiding something for me," Valda said, her lips pressing into a scowl.

Valda had tried to open up to this woman, but the feeling of Maris not telling everything to her, of not trusting her, was a slight pang of pain in her chest. She wanted Maris to trust her with everything. She wanted her to feel like she could tell her absolutely anything and know she wouldn't judge her for it, Gods knew she would try to be as understanding as she could.

Valda tensed before speaking again. "What happened?"

Maris grabbed her callused hands and gave them a firm squeeze before speaking, "I saw the lakes, well… I would call them ponds instead of lakes," she said as she trailed her index finger over a protruding vein on the back of Valda's hand. "She asked me to go back to her cabin." Her voice was low, careful as if she knew Valda was going to be furious.

Valda's upper lip twitched. Heat rose to her ears and face, and an exhale whistled through her nose until she was able to talk. "And did you?" The question hung in the air, and she felt Maris tense.

"I am here."

"That doesn't—" She closed her eyes as she tried to control the bubbling rage inside her chest. She gritted her teeth before inhaling sharply. "That doesn't answer the question, Seashell."

"Valda." Maris cupped her jaw and held her face steadily. "I want you to listen and listen well."

Valda could hear her own pulse inside her head as heat flushed her entire body. "I am listening." Her voice shook.

"I don't want anyone else but you."

Valda exhaled, closing her eyes ashamed of the rage that coiled in her very core. "Do you?"

Pulling her in, Maris pressed her forehead with hers and kept her there as she nodded her response. "I only want you. No one else, just you. You are enough."

Valda gripped Maris's arms, close to her shoulders. She dipped her head and pressed a quick kiss to the other woman's lips. "Forgive me, Maris."

Maris moved a strand of ebony hair away from Valda's face. "What for?"

"I should've done more. We—My family, should've done more. I promise you I will rebuild New Agenor. I will rebuild the Sea Kingdom, the castle, everything." She shuddered and drifted her hands to Maris's waist. "Gods, I will rebuild the castle for you,"

Maris giggled and shook her head. "I am no queen."

Valda let out a ragged breath while chortling. "Oh, but you are. You are my queen, Seashell." Valda whispered before claiming Maris's lips in a sweet yet passionate kiss. "You have me wrapped around your fingers, and I can't believe I am glad that you do."

"Valda—"

"Just take the fucking compliment."

With a hearty laugh, Maris slanted her head and pulled Valda into another kiss.

Maris inhaled sharply, her eyes fluttering open to the lingering memory of her dream. It was hard to focus on the image, but compared to the dark, painful ones she has had in the past years, this dream was warm. Although things weren't quite going well back in the castle with the attack at Ophelia Plaza, the rogues at Umbriel, her relationship with the queen was growing.

Each moment spent together drew them closer. Now, being with her at New Agenor, handling all the responsibility that Valda had bestowed upon her, she still felt a little nervous but content. All because Valda trusted her. She trusted her enough to give her the reins. Maris couldn't help but smile happily. Being in New Agenor made her feel as if she was right at home, albeit there were many things to be done to make this place a better one. Just by being here, they were headed in the right direction.

Maris turned her head, her gaze settling on the sleeping queen. The tranquility in the woman's features stirred something inside her. It was so rare to see her so calm, so relaxed. Unable to deny herself, Maris moved a soft strand of hair away from Valda's forehead. The other woman did not flinch a muscle but let out a pleasurable sigh before shifting under the covers.She wanted to wake up every single morning of her life to see the queen's calm face right next to her. The queen's peace brought her peace. It brought her happiness. It brought her home.

Maris frowned. Home. She was home. It didn't matter if she was in the new settlement, or back in the castle, or even in the Sea Kingdom, rebuilding the forsaken land. If Valda was next to her, she was home.

As much as Valda felt guilty about not doing more for her people, Maris was grateful she even decided to take her to New Agenor. She didn't have to. She could continue with her life without caring, but she hadn't. She cared, she was here, she was open to change and open to helping, and Maris was forever grateful. Today would be a more than special day, and she was happy to share it with Valda.

Her eyes drifted from Valda's content face to the window. It was still dark, but in a couple of hours, dawn would break, and then she would be completely involved in the day's activity. Today was going to be a long day. She should probably get some more hours of sleep, but she was too excited.

Maris pulled the covers off her naked body, carefully slipped out of the bed, and walked to their bags. She pulled out Valda's clothes for the day as well as her own. Remembering the relentless sun and overwhelming heat, she thought a cotton blouse and knee-length breeches would do Valda just fine, while she would wear a Sealian tunic that reached the middle of her thighs and breeches resembling Valda's. Although she had seen Eyphah barefooted, she thought that Valda would make do with boots while she wore sandals.

Suddenly, the small bag that Melvian had prepared for them caught her eye. She pulled it open, going through its contents. There was medicine powder, bandages, and a small flask with a hydrating salve made from aloe, mint, and another endemic Skylian plant, making the balm cool to the touch. Maris opened the flask and brought it to her face, smelling the refreshing scent. Melvian had told her that salve would be useful for their skin, especially if they were exposed to the sun for countless hours, but it could also be used for massages.

Last night, she enjoyed talking with the queen, exploring the many things they could do and her possible allegiances with the other Kingdoms. Rhea could help import more plant life, while Harmonia and Vulcan could give them more resources, such as tools, not to mention all the ships the Sky Kingdom could lend to transport those tools. Rebuilding would be a priority.

Maris's eyes sparkled with every word said by the queen. She loved spending those intimate moments with her and longed for more before their day started.

Turning back to Valda, she noticed her back was exposed, her muscles shaped into a delicious artwork of strength. Maris's hands itched to feel the ripples of power under her fingertips. The queen was still sleeping on her stomach, murmuring something while extending her hand, patting the space where Maris had slept.

With a sneaky grin, Maris made her way back to bed and carefully crawled on top of Valda. Her supple thighs straddled her waist, securely trapping the larger body underneath her.

For a split second, Valda stiffened, her eyes flying open, but as soon as she registered Maris's hands drawing soft circles on her back, she relaxed under the gentle caress.

"It's me," Maris whispered. Her right hand traced the soft dip of Valda's back dimples while the left one held on to the small flask.

"Good morning, Seashell." Valda's deep, sleepy voice shivered through Maris's body.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Maris teased, rubbing agonizingly slowly against the back of Valda's powerful thighs.

"Did you rest well, Maris?"

"I did. And you?"

"I did. I would complain about the size of the bed, but it being smaller had its positive side."

Maris arched her eyebrow. "Oh?"

Valda nodded, snuggling closer to her pillow. "The smaller the bed, the closer we were. The night wasn't that cold."

Maris canted her head and ran her hand over the rippling muscles on Valda's back. "True." She removed her hand and opened the flask, giving it one final sniff. "We should get you ready for the day."

Valda grunted and shifted again, making Maris almost lose her balance on top of her. "It's too early."

"Ah, yes. Yet, if the weather is anything like it was yesterday, it will be hot. Burning hot. That can surely cause you some skin problems. We need to get you ready to face the day now." She looked down at Valda's naked back. "I can see that the sun was pretty harsh on your skin." She trailed the red lines on Valda's neck. Although Valda's skin was tough and resistant, she could distinguish several tan lines around her neck and shoulders.

"I didn't know you had the ability to forecast the weather," Valda teased, relaxing under the soothing caresses.

Maris chuckled. "It's just an observation. Besides, how good would I be if I am not taking care of my queen?"

"Even if you weren't my assistant—"

"New Agenor's representative, actually," Maris corrected.

"Representative," Valda began again. "Even if you weren't New Agenor's representative, you would still be a good girl." Valda grinned against the pillow.

Heat rose to her cheeks before she cleared her throat nervously. "Anyways, back to the weather."

"You seem obsessed with the weather…"

"Well, right now, I am noticing the burn marks from yesterday." She rubbed her fingertips over Valda's neck. "May I propose something to prevent any possible damage to your skin?"

"I'm always glad to hear your ideas. My skin always suffers under the sun. It can get dry pretty quickly."

"Again, that was prior to you finding a capable lover to care for those things. You completely disregard your health from time to time."

Valda laughed before touching Maris's calf lovingly. "My body says otherwise. Or would you say that I disregard my physical health?" This time, Maris saw Valda's devilish smirk as she crossed her arms under the pillow. The massive muscles of her shoulders flexed for Maris's viewing pleasure.

Maris squeezed Valda's flank to steady herself as the queen moved. As much as she wanted to tell the truth and say that there was absolutely nothing wrong with Valda's physical appearance, she wanted to play along. This teasing that they always partook in was one of her favorite things about being with Valda.

"Melvian insisted that I bring this ointment and I don't want it to go to waste. It will help you with the burns and give your skin a nice tone."

"I already have a nice tone."

True. Valda's sun-kissed and freckled-covered skin was beautiful. "Also, I wanted to coddle you this morning. Let me put this on you to get you ready before breakfast time."

Maris opened the flask, moved it under her nose again before leaning over Valda. The queen inhaled deeply and let out a satisfied groan as she exhaled.

"Good?"

Valda's body relaxed as she poured a thin line of salve over her shoulders and spine. The cold liquid sent a ripple of goosebumps over Valda's skin as Maris closed the flask and gently tossed it aside. She rubbed the salve thoroughly and evenly on Valda's back before using her thumbs to knead the stiff muscles. She loved Valda's body, but there was something about the queen's back that was extremely erotic. Especially when she could feel the muscles rippling with each movement, her mind drifted back to the nights she had dug her blunt fingers to her skin in the heat of passion. The queen never flinched. It was as if feeding a fire that consumed her.

A pleasurable sigh escaped Valda's lips, pulling Maris back to the task at hand. Maris rubbed her fingers tighter, noticing the hard spots on her back. "Gods, Valda you have knots all over."

"Part of the job," Valda said, her lips parting—a deep rumble escaping her throat. "Your hands are a gift from the gods," she groaned.

"I know. I've seen how you come because of them." Maris's lips curled. Valda closed her mouth and stiffened."Hmm? Speechless? My, my. Who would've thought?" Maris leaned close enough to take a quick peek at Valda's face. "Is that a blush that I see on my darling queen's face?"

"Maris…" Valda's voice was low, practically a growl, and it made Maris shiver with excitement.

"Right."

Maris couldn't help but smirk as she leaned closer, putting more weight onto her hands as she tried to smooth out the knots. Painstakingly, she brought her hands together and moved them up to both sides of her neck, pressing hard enough to release the tension there, her body riding up Valda's thighs until her mound was snuggled to Valda's backside. The position resembled the one Valda had taken just a couple of nights ago, when she had used the cock on Maris, taking her from behind.

Heat rushed through Maris's entire body, down to right between her legs. Her hands slid from Valda's neck, covering her shoulder, and finally down her spine, settling on the dimples of her back, right above the curve of her ass. Maris stared. Valda had a perfect ass. It wasn't solid as a rock, but it was firm, soft to the touch.

Maris hissed an intake of air as she squeezed Valda's hips.

"That feels so good," Valda whispered, shifting under Maris again.

"Does it?" Maris asked, matching Valda's tone. The other woman nodded, and Maris settled her hands on top of her bottom. She squeezed the soft flesh as a tantalizing moan escaped Valda's parted lips.

Being able to touch Valda so freely, with no boundaries, burned Maris's very core. Her entire body was set ablaze, and she clenched at the thought of touching Valda in other places. Fluttering her eyes closed, her thumb kneaded Valda's ass cheeks, slowly and instinctively. She spread Valda enough to see damp, delicate, and soft dark skin glimmering. Wet. For her.

Maris's mouth watered as she stared down at Valda's delicious form, then raised her gaze. Valda was struggling for control. Hands clutching the soft fabric of the pillow, she buried her face to drown out the faint cries that dared escape her.

"Is it good?" Maris asked, her tone teasing.

Valda answered her with a soft cry, muffled by the pillow.

Maris grinned as one hand dipped between Valda's cheeks and touched her damp folds. "Oh, Your Highness," Maris let out a theatrical gasp, her index and middle finger gathering Valda's wetness to tease the sensitive nub. "This is more than good, this is perfect." Maris wet her lips with her tongue, settling her knees on the inside of Valda's thighs, spreading her legs wider. "I should probably massage you here as well. I know I can get those knots untangled just by touching you here."

Valda lifted her head from the pillow, eyes closed. Her mouth hung open, whimpering in pleasure as Maris's fingers worked her, slowly and steadily, her fingertips circling around her clit. "Gods, don't you dare stop."

Maris shook her head. Her grip on Valda grew bolder, stronger, as did her strokes.

Her gaze went from Valda's face, down her rippling back, and finally to her cunt. "I want to taste you." Maris shuddered, her voice intense and desperate. "Please, let me." She shook, her movements slowing down, she searched the queen for a signal that Valda wanted her as much.

The queen answered with a dip of her chin.

Maris's breath rasped as she pulled her hands away to push against Valda's leg, bending it at the knee, spreading her wider. She lay down on her stomach, and before she could move forward, Valda was pushing against her face.

The sounds of encouragement escaping Valda drove Maris insane. She slipped her arms under Valda's thighs, gripping her waist securely as she buried her face between Valda's legs. "Fuck, you taste delicious," Maris rasped, pulling back long enough to give open mouth kisses to Valda's inner thighs before going back for harder, insisting laps of her tongue.

"Please, don't stop. Not even for a second," Valda cried, her hands fisting the bedsheets with a white-knuckle grip. "I am so fucking close," she said, baring her teeth in a hiss.

It didn't take long, just a couple of flicks to her clit and strong strokes of Maris's tongue, and the queen's breath exploded from her lungs. Maris's grip on her tightened as she lapped up the new wetness that seeped from her.

"I can't get enough of you." Maris leaned closer, pressing her lips to the soft and delicate curve of Valda's lower back. Her voice quivered as if hesitant to have said those words. Yet, she never ceased the tender caress of her lips as she continued moving up. She kissed Valda's spine, the back of her neck. She moved Valda's hair away from her forehead and kissed her there too. Eyes closed, controlling her emotions as much as she could. "Gods, I want everything you have."

Valda pushed herself until she was lying on her back. Her chest heaved with every breath as her hand trailed Maris's delicate arm until she cupped the younger woman's face. Eyes closed, Valda pulled her in for a possessive and searing kiss—a seal of ownership.

Maris shuddered. She belonged to Valda, didn't she? Her heart, her body, even her soul belonged to this powerful woman, and instead of being scared, she froze in realization. In those quiet heartbeats, in those seconds as they separated their lips, Maris knew and felt she was way too far gone, and she couldn't live without her touch.

"You have me. You have all of me." Valda panted heavily, her body still coming back down from the frenzy induced by Maris's mouth. "I am here." Valda kissed her again, her tongue trailing the seam of her lips until she granted her access to the warmth of her mouth, to her taste on Maris's tongue.

Valda moaned into the kiss and pulled the younger woman to lay on top of her. "Fuck, you are perfect."

Maris shook her head, cupped Valda's cheeks, and pressed their foreheads together. "I am anything but."

"You. Are. Perfect," Valda repeated, emphasizing each word with a terse kiss. "You will not argue with me. I am your queen, what I say goes. What I say is law," Valda said, frowning angrily, but Maris knew her.

She knew she was bluffing, and instead of being petrified at Valda's intensity, she chuckled in amusement.

And then it hit her. Valda thought she was perfect. And even though they hadn't said it, this was the closest thing to love as Maris has ever felt. She swallowed hard, her hands moving from the queen's face to her shoulders, deep in thought.

Valda picked on her distress and slanted her head to the side. "What is it?"

Maris wetted her lips with her tongue and locked her gaze with Valda's white, unsettling eyes. Should she tell her? Should she just tell her and get it over with? How would Valda react? What would she do? She trembled, petrified of voicing for the very first time that she wasn't like any other Sealian, that she may bore the gift of the heir of the throne, and that she was irrevocably and completely in love with her.

She looked at her hands, her thumb stroking Valda's soft skin, her heart hammering inside her chest.

"Valda?"

Valda, still in the height of her orgasms, still sleepy and tired from their ride yesterday, lifted her head to press it against Maris's forehead. "What is it, Seashell?"

Valda sounded so sweet, so tender, so understanding, so fucking loving… Maris bit her lower lip, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. As she exhaled, a thunderous knock sounded on the door to the bedroom.

Both women froze.