Chapter 36

His callous hand finds one of her breasts and gives it a gentle squeeze, as if coming to life her body responds to his touch. He began to roll both nipples in between his fingers the sensation almost too much. Wesleynard's other hand trails down her stomach, eliciting a shiver as he reaches the apex of her thighs. His fingers linger there, tracing patterns that make her gasp with pleasure. Unable to no longer withstand his teasing touches she reaches back, grabs a fistful of his blonde locks, and pulls him into a feverish kiss.

He grunts in response, "Ana we should wait till after the wedding." He tried to push her away gently, but she pulled him back ferociously, "Denying me now, are we?" she moaned into his lips, "Wesleynard I want you now, p-please."

Under the warm glow of the firelight, Wesleynard's resolve begins to crumble. He gazes into Ana's eyes, seeing the desire and needs reflected back at him. He can no longer deny her, or himself. With a low growl, he pulls her closer, deepening their kiss as his hands continue to explore her body. The water in the tub sloshes and splashes as they move together, lost in their passion.

He quickly undresses and joins her in the steaming tub, he places her on his lap as she presses her back against his muscular chest, His hand reaches down as he dips into her core The water ripples around them as Wesleynard's hand delves into the heat between Ana's legs. She gasps, her body trembling with pleasure as he begins to explore her most intimate spaces. His fingers move in slow, deliberate circles, causing her to moan softly against his lips. The fire crackles and spits, casting shadows that dance across the room, adding to the sensual atmosphere. She finds her hips have a mind of their own and buck to his touch craving something deeper and fuller,

"W-Wes I can't wait any longer." she cried out. Her weakness was her impatience Wesleynard's heart races as he feels Ana's hips moving against his hand, her need clear in her cries. He wraps his other arm around her waist, holding her close as he guides himself into her. Ana lets out a low moan as he enters her, the feeling of fullness bringing a rush of pleasure.

 Wesleynard begins to move within her, his movements slow and deliberate as he savors the feeling of being connected to her in the most intimate way possible. Ana's head falls back against his shoulder, her breathing quickening as he increases his pace. At this point her head begins to spin as she slowly reaches her climax then suddenly the sensation grows and he takes notice Wesleynard feels Ana's body tense in his arms as she reaches her peak, her gasps and moans of pleasure driving him to the brink of his release. He holds her close, their bodies slick with sweat and bathwater, as they both reach the pinnacle of their passion.

As the waves of pleasure subside, Ana collapses against Wesleynard's chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Wesleynard wraps his arms around her, holding her close as they both come down from their passionate high.

He presses a gentle kiss to her forehead, whispering, "I love you, Ana." She smiles, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion and satisfaction. "I love you too, Wesleynard," she replies, her voice barely more than a whisper, "But, it was cruel of you to suggest to wait till after the wedding" she pouted as he exited the tub to dry himself first.

He glanced back at her, she looked beautiful in her most naked form, he reached out and wrapped her delicately in a warm plush towel as he sat her on the bed and dried her thoroughly. Wesleynard chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I only suggested it because I wanted to make sure our wedding night would be just as special as this moment," he says, as he dries her damp hair with a towel.

Ana Sofia's pout turns into a small smile. "I suppose I can understand that," she says, leaning into his touch. He pulled a silky nightgown over her and fluffed her pillow, "I will always cave into your requests" he teased. As he tucked her gingerly into bed. Ana's exhaustion soon takes over, and she drifts off to sleep, her body still humming with pleasure. Wesleynard watches her for a moment, his heart swelling with love for his soon-to-be wife. He blows out the candles, casting the room into darkness, before climbing into bed beside her. He wraps his arms around her, pulling her close, and closes his eyes, succumbing to sleep.

******************

On the day of the wedding, the castle was bustling with activity. Ana was busy in the bridal chamber with Natalia and the servants adding the final touches to her wedding dress. It was a classic ball gown but it was the most exquisite dress Ana Sofia had ever seen. The intricate beadwork and embroidery depict scenes of love and loyalty, the colors muted but radiant under the soft glow of the candles. The fabric, a rich and deep crimson, hugs her curves before flaring out in a waterfall of soft, flowing skirts. Natalia secures the laces of the gown, her nimble fingers working deftly as she ties a neat bow. Ana Sofia gazed at herself in the mirror she began to tremble slightly as memories from her first wedding came rushing back to her. She remembered the fear she carried that day, she forced herself to shove it down and lock it away. She couldn't make a fool of herself and embarrass her parents. She remembered how afraid she had been the last time she saw them, they had sat in the pews and plastered fake smiles on their faces. She couldn't understand how they abandoned her so easily at the small age of seventeen. 

Natalia's touch snapped her out of her negative thoughts, "Your Majesty? Are you feeling alright?" she gazed at her imploringly.

Ana felt herself crumble at Natalia's inquiry as tears spilled from her eyes, she was not alright she was terrified. She had spent so long pushing herself to be strong and powerful so that she wouldn't have to feel those terrible emotions again. She used those moments as fuel to learn how to think, act, breathe, and exist as a man. She pushed past those who doubted her and used her mother's final cryptic words as motivation. Flustered at this new development Natalia ordered the maids to give them some privacy and she pulled her close and hugged her as tightly as she could. Natalia had an inkling of what Ana may be feeling she could see the signs of a broken spirit but she never pressed her to reveal more than what she wanted but seeing her like this reminded her of a small child just praying that someone might listen.

 "Ana, it's okay to feel overwhelmed right now. You've been through so much. But remember, you're not alone. You have people who love and support you, myself included. Take a deep breath and let it all out. It's your wedding day, and you deserve to be happy."

 Ana Sofia sobbed, "Is it alright for me?" Natalia searched her eyes, "Of course it is." Ana Sofia wiped her tears and softened her breathing, "W-Wesleynard I-I love him...so much...I want to be a good wife, I want to have a good marriage, I want to believe that I..deserve happiness." She confessed. 

Natalia gently stroked Ana Sofia's hair, "Of course, you do, my dear. And I believe that Wesleynard feels the same way about you. He loves you deeply and wants nothing more than to make you happy."

Ana Sofia laughed gently as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing but despite her fear, her heart was soaring. She didn't need to have all the answers now she just needed to have faith in herself. She may have been a rotten woman but that was all she knew, and she couldn't guarantee that she wouldn't continue to be rotten on occasion because that dark side had become a part of her, although a nasty part, one that still deserved love and most of all acceptance. She was only doing what she needed to do to survive, and she wouldn't criminalize herself for that. She could exist like a beautiful rose in her cherished garden but, she could also have thorns and spikes those two parts could intermingle and exist as one. She regarded herself in the mirror as saw the woman before her she was no longer a child, the world could abandon her, but she would never abandon herself. As they finished dressing for the ceremony, Ana Sofia couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions coursing through her. She was nervous, excited, and above all, grateful for the love and support she received from those around her, especially Natalia. This time would be different she wasn't alone and she had many friends who cared for her and wished success upon her union but, most of all she had Wesleynard her family and her new home.