Chapter 78
Emily's POV
The royal seamstress circled me for the umpteenth time as she put the finishing touches-to my gown. Not just any gown, but 'D gown for my Luna ceremony. slated to take place in five days: Calix announced the date for the ceremony during dinner last night.
About last night-
Well, last night was incredible. Calix had carried me into the washroom, gently lowered me back to my feet, and prepared our bathwater.
A slight shiver did course down my spine upon realizing that it was going to be out first bath together.
After preparing the bathwater, Calix peeled off his clothes and bless my eyes!
My hungry gaze had drifted lower, following his hands as he peeled off his breeches and tossed it in the laundry basket. My breath lodged in my throat as i took in the strength coiled between his thighs.
A sardonic smile lit up his face as he caught me looking
"You know, if you wanted a better view, you just had to ask, bella, he said, and heat rushed to my face.
I immediately averted my gaze, my heart pounding. "I was not-"I lied, but my words faltered when I heard his low chuckle.
Calix leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "No need to be shy, my love. I rather enjoy having your attention," he said.
Tiswallowed hard, my entire body betraying me with the warmth gathering between my legs. I turned my back to him, determined to regain my composure.
His laughter echoed behind me, and then toward the bathtub. The sound of water ripplina proved he was now in the tub and sare enough, when I tumed around, he was seated majestically in the tub
"Please join me he beckoned
I was about to undress when a thought maternalized in my head.
How about matching his energy? A striptease for a striptease?
Slowly, I reached for the ties of my gown, loosening them inch by inch. The fabric slipped from my shoulders, baring my skin to the warm glow of the candlelight.
Calix's smirk faded, his eyes darkening with something far more primal
I turned slightly, letting the gown glide down my body at an agonizing pace, revealing each curve of me as I stepped dist of it
My fingers curled around my arms, Caressing my skin before moving them up to rake my hair, gently removing the pins and letting my tresses tumble down my back
"Are you coming in?" he rasped. "Or are you torturing me on purpose?"
I tilted my head, pretending to be innocent. "Oh, patience is a virtue, darling. Don't you have any?"
"Patience? Never heard of it. But if it'll lead to a proper reward tonight, then count me in."
Our laughter echoed in the room and tapered.
Calix extended a hand to me and I placed my hand in his, letting him guide me into the tub and then water. He pulled me against his chest, so close I could feel the steady thump of his heart against my back.
He took the soap and sponge and tended to my skin and hair, so gently that a moan slipped from my lips. He treated me as though I was the most exquisite thing in the world
He rinsed me off with water from another parl.
"I'd like to return the favor," I requested, and moved away from him.
Turning around, I picked up the soap and sponge, and straddled him.
My hands moved in consistent strokes as I gently scrubbed his skin, washed his hair, and then rinsed him off.
But none of us were focused on the bathing. With my legs parted across his groin, my flower was hovering just above his member. One careless movement from me, and he'll be inside me.
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to focus. I finished rinsing him, watching as the soap suds slid down his body.
"I'm done, I announced.
His eyes never left my face. Calix exhaled sharply, and wrapped his arm my waist, before reluctantly lifting me off him. "Then let's get out of here before I forget what patience means," he muttered, and we laughed.
Last night, Calix stepped out first from the bathtub, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around his waist before turning to me. He helped me out of the tub, gave me a towel to dry myself and draped another over my shoulder, before carrying me bridal style again to the bedroom.
My next favorite moment of last night wasn't when we helped each other dress up for dinner or the hours we spent with Leia, Han, and Randolph in the dining hall. Both moments were fun, without a doubt, but my next favorite moment was the moment Calix and I, both tipsy, stumbled our way to the top floor and fell at the entrance of our chamber, laughing so loudly,
"We had too much to drink," I stuttered.
Perhaps too much, Calix added. We laughed harder, still sprawled on the floor.
This wasn't how the witch envisaged our midnight she planned that I would be raving mad or Calix dead
A quard stepped forward, hoping to lend us a hand, but Callx dismissed him and jerked to his feet. He scooped me into his arms, bridal style, and led us inside our chamber. The full moon shone outside as he lowered me onto the bed and joined me, pulling me into his arms. His scent wrapped around me, soothing me, grounding me
Calix's lips found mine in a slow, lingering kiss that made my toes curl, just before we both drifted to sleep.
"What do you think, My Lady?" the seamstress's voice pulled me back to the present. She had just finished the final touches on my gown and stepped back to admire her work.
We were in the castle's fitting room, and we weren't alone, Brielle and the handmaidens, having resumed their duty this morning, were in the room with us.
"It's-absolutely perfect. You've truly outdone yourself," I said, running my fingers over the delicate embroidery of the gown.
The seamstress dipped into a graceful curtsy. "I'm honored that you approve, My Lady
Brielle and the handmaidens stepped forward, carefully helping me out of the gown before dressing me back in my attire for the day.
A soft knock at the door stole our attention.
Mate. Rehya purred in my head.
Brielle answered the door, revealing Calix and Han standing at the threshold. "Your Majesty, Brielle greeted with a respectful curtsy
Calix's gaze swept past her and settled on me, his lips curling into a warm smile.
"May I come in?" he asked
I nodded. "Yes, you may."
Han remained at the entrance while Calix stepped inside. The handmaidens and the seamstress quickly excused themselves, leaving us in privacy.
The afternoon sun filtered through the open windows, casting a golden glow across the room.
"How are you?" he asked
"I just finished fitting my dress for the Luna Ceremony."
"For your Lürna Ceremony," he corrected.
"For my Luna Ceremony," I repeated, and we exchanged a smile. His smile faltered and he exhaled..
"I'm embarking on a short trip he announced l'll be back before tomorrow morning
You're embarking on a short trip? To where? l'asked.
"I can't tell you because if I do, it won't be a surprise anymore" He crossed over to me, took my hand, and kissed it
I searched his eyes, finding nothing but warmth and sincerity in their depths. Wlistever this trip was, he clearly didn't want to bore me with it.
And I trusted him.
Alright. Please, be safe," I whispered. He claimed my lips with his, lingering just long enough for my heart to flutter, then pulled away.
"I'll be back before you know it," he promised, taking a step back toward the 0001
Han straightened as Calix reached him, giving me a respectful nod before following his king out of the room
I stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, my heart warm with affection. Whatever surprise he was: plarining, I knew one thing for sure-I had nothing to fear