Inside the carriage, the rhythmic thump of wheels on cobblestone filled the silence between Emilia and Alistair. She noticed that he had become unusually quiet since the incident at Duke Rhys' mansion. His face was pale, and the man's gaze was black, it seemed he was trapped in a memory he couldn't escape.
"Are you alright?" Emilia's voice was soft but full of concern, her eyes searching his face.
The man hesitated at first, staring out the carriage window just like he could avoid the topic forever. Eventually, though, Alistair sighed and turned to Emilia, his eyes clouded with emotion. His usual confidence seemed to have been replaced by something more fragile.
"When I saw those men drowning, something came back." His voice wavered slightly, betraying the strength he usually carried. "I was there, watching it happen again."
Emilia's brows furrowed, her worry deepening. "What do you mean?"
Alistair paused again, his hand tightening, searching for the strength to speak. His voice was full of pain, and his eyes, usually so guarded, gleamed with memories of that terrible day. After a moment, the man finally talked.
"Someone I cared about drowned in the ocean before my eyes. I was just a boy. That person lifted me above the water to save me, but couldn't save himself."
Emilia can feel the ache in his words. She'd never seen Alistair like this, vulnerable and haunted. The girl moved closer, cupping his cheek gently, turning the man's face toward her.
"I'm sorry… I had no idea." Her thumb caressed the side of his face while she whispered.
The man closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, but his body remained tense as though the weight of the past still held him down. "Every time I see someone drowning, it all comes back. I see that face, feel that helplessness again."
The girl's eyes filled with empathy. Emilia shifted closer, wrapping her arms around Alistair, her warmth enveloping him like a protective barrier. She spoke softly, her voice steady, hoping to calm him.
"You're not a helpless boy anymore. You're stronger than you think."
Alistair leaned into Emilia's embrace, letting her words sink in. His breath shuddered while he whispered, "I didn't realize how much I was carrying around with me. Even after all this time."
"It's okay to feel this way," Emilia said in a low voice. "Trauma doesn't disappear overnight."
Alistair looked into her eyes, searching for something, perhaps a reassurance that the past didn't have to define him, that fear didn't have to consume him. And in Emilia's steady gaze, he found it. He let out a breath, his shoulders easing the tension.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice quiet but full of gratitude.
The girl's smile faintly and reached into her dress pocket, opened her hand and showed the object she had hidden there. "I think there is something else that you should be thankful for."
Alistair followed Emilia's gaze and his eyes widened when he heard her voice again. "The jewelry that Duke Rhys has kept hidden in his bedroom, an ancient and powerful Royal Amulet of Ocher, a family heirloom once thought to be lost forever."
The amulet, forged from a rare metal and embedded with a large, brilliant gemstone, an old sapphire.
"This amulet is steeped in legend, said to bring longevity, health, and strength to whoever possesses it. Ensuring vitality and protection from disease or physical harm. It was meant to be passed down through the royal bloodline, serving as a symbol of power and a means to protect the rulers of the kingdom."
Emilia began to explain based on her mind reading Duke Rhys and several others there.
"However, it mysteriously disappeared from the royal treasury several decades ago, leading many to believe it had been stolen."
When Emilia uncovers the amulet in Duke Rhys's bedroom, inside a secret compartment within an ornate chest, she immediately realizes its immense significance. Based on Alistair's expression, she knew her assumption was correct, that the amulet rightfully belongs to the king. Not only for the physical benefits but because its possession could legitimize the king's power and elevate the royal family's standing in the eyes of the kingdom.
"This discovery reveals that Duke Rhys has been using the amulet's for himself. It proves his unusual longevity and robust health, which has caused whispers among the court for years. His selfish use of the royal artifact has denied the king its benefits, leaving the monarchy vulnerable while the duke consolidated his ability."
Emilia nodded her head several times, "He's more sinister than I thought." Then she looked at Alistair seriously. "Then, what do we do next?"
Alistair took the amulet from Emilia's hand, transferring the precious object into his own possession. "Let's make sure to attend plenty of events while we're here and meet with as many people as we can." The man closed his hand. "Because, we need more evidence."
***
In the middle of the night, it happened again and Emilia stirred awake, feeling a familiar ache in her chest, her body heavy with the warmth of sleep. Still half asleep, the girl blinked slowly, her eyes adjusting to the darkness, and that's when she saw Alistair already there. His mouth was gently pressed against her breast, the man's warm lips and tongue sending small waves of relief through her body.
His other hand cupped Emilia's other breast, massaging it tenderly, the man's thumb grazing the sensitive skin. The girl's breath caught as their eyes met, Alistair gaze dark and knowing, like he had read the need in her body, understood it without a word being spoken. She sighed, her body surrendering to the man, and she moaned lowly into the silence of the room, the voice echoing freely in the stillness.
This time, there was no need for restraint. They were alone in their bedroom, and the usual tension of having to be careful was gone. With each teasing pull of Alistair's mouth, Emilia felt not only the pain ebbing away but also the increasing pleasure that made her heart beat faster.
The girl guided him now, her fingers tracing leniently through his hair, whispering small instructions between short breaths. Alistair's response was immediate, sucking more intently, his tongue swirling in a way that sent heat swirling through Emilia's core. Her voice came out hoarse as she murmured, "Like that… just like that… more."
Her body reacted with more urgency, the line between pain and pleasure blurring while Emilia pulled herself upright, sitting up in bed. Alistair seemed to understand instantly, resting his head on Emilia's thighs and she cradled his face, her nightgown falling to her waist. The position made it easier to access, and the man looked up at her with a quiet hunger that matched her own.
The girl let out a mild breath, her voice serene but commanding. "There… slower… just a little softer," she whispered.
Leaning forward, Emilia guided Alistair again, letting out a soft gasp as his mouth latched onto her breast from below, tugging and sucking more intensely. Her fingers tangled in the man's hair, her hips moving while the pleasure deepened. The girl's voice breaks between words.
"Good… just like that…"
Alistair hand found her other breast, teasing the sensitive peak, and a docile groan escaped from her lips. The uncomfort Emilia had felt earlier was forgotten, replaced by the intense pleasure he was giving her, the body trembling with each touch. The man didn't hesitate, adjusting his rhythm, his lips and tongue teasing while the girl moderately pushed the back of his head to let his mouth closer to her breast.
"Yes, like that… but pinch it just a little."
Emilia's head fell back and her body arching toward him who responded eagerly with his hands and mouth working to bring her to a place where words were no longer needed. Alistair's thumb and forefinger teased her nipple, and she let out a pleasant moan. The girl's fingers ran through his hair more forcefully, her breathing quickening.
"Harder this time… don't be afraid to pull."
As Alistair's fingers obeyed, tugging at her nipple with just the right amount of pressure, she bit her lip, trying to contain the pleasure that surged through her. Emilia glanced down at him, her hand brushing his cheek before drifting lower to his chest. The girl's fingertips brushed up his nightgown until they found his nipple, and she pinched it teasingly, her lips curling into a small smile as she heard his sharp intake of breath.
"Feels good, doesn't it?" Emilia asked, her voice laced with mischief while her fingers continued to play with him. The small movement elicited a quiet moan from Alistair, though he remained completely focused on her body, responding more intensely as he latched against her breast.
"You like it when I touch you here, don't you? Keep going, harder…" Emilia urged, her words coming out between gasps while Alistair's mouth moved in sync with his fingers.
The girl orders Alistair to press his palm against her with a needful push. "Squeeze it… like that."
His fingers moved skillfully now, pinching and rolling Emilia's nipples to her liking, and the girl let out a deeper sob, feeling the pleasure building when her body responded to every touch. She gripped Alistair's hair, pulling him closer.
"More… I need more," she murmured, her voice quivering with anticipation.
Alistair's actions spoke louder than any words, and he seemed eager to please, sucking harder on Emilia's breast while his fingers worked in tandem until she was breathless. The girl's eyes fluttered closed while she let herself get lost in the sensation, but she still managed to lead him further, her voice a mix of pleasure and command.
"Good… just like that… now circle it with your tongue," she instructed, arching her back while the man's tongue obeyed, swirling around her nipple before sucking it into his mouth again.
Emilia's hand that had slipped inside his nightgown sought out his nipples, pinching them hard in time with her movements.
"You feel that?" she teased softly, her fingers rolling over Alistair's sensitive skin, making him cry in response. "Now you know how I like it."
The playful intimate exchange between them grew more intense, with Alistair eagerly responding to every instruction, his actions driven by the pleasure he was bringing to Emilia. While her moans filled the room, the both sank deeper into the moment, the girl's body shaking with every kiss and touch, as he gave her everything she asked for without hesitation.
When the aches subsides and Emilia falls into a light sleep, it feels all the discomfort in her body has been swept away by the man's action. Alistair remains attached to her, just like the night before. He insists on leaving her nightgown hiked up to her waist, baring her upper half.
She sleeps with her back against his bare chest, feeling his calmness when their skin makes direct contact. Alistair's hand rests on her breast, with the excuse that he can help Emilia more quickly if she experiences pain again. Exhausted and not wanting to argue, the girl allows him to do as he pleases.
"You know why I don't let people get too close?" Alistair's words were slurred when he spoke, his consciousness fading in and out. "Because the closer they get, the more they can hurt you. You're the first one I'm letting in after... a long time."
Emilia was almost drifting off to sleep but she paused to respond, her voice barely audible.
"Not all people want to hurt you. But some people want to see the real you, not the version you hide from the world."
"And that's what terrifies me, because they might see too much, even parts I'm not ready to face." The man's weak voice speaking right next to Emilia's ear made her have to force herself to stay awake a little longer.
"But, lately you make me feel whole, like I don't need to hide behind this empty shell anymore." Alistair's hand that was on her breast gently rubbed her nipple, emphasizing his words.
"Maybe because we fill each other's gaps. I also feel stronger when I'm with you." Emilia put her hand on Alistair, to make the man stop his movements to prevent her desire from coming again.
"But for now, there are more pressing matters," she said, prepared to return to her dream world. "Let's get some rest."
Seeing how exhausted the girl was, Alistair followed her request and held onto her tightly, granting her wish as he closed his eyes. Despite their uncomfortable sleeping position, Emilia seemed used to the man's touch, allowing them both to sleep peacefully that night with her in his embrace.
***