Tipping the Balance

The room was thick with the remnants of their kiss, the air alive with unspoken words. Xypheron stood above her, his body barely an inch from hers, the heat between them undeniable. But he didn't move—didn't push further. His gaze locked onto hers, steady and commanding, though there was something softer in it now.

Vexaria's breath came in shallow gasps as she took in the sight of him. His posture, tense yet controlled, made her pulse race. She could see the battle raging within him. The prince wasn't the kind to lose control. Not easily, anyway.

"You know," she said, her voice low but deliberate, "we can't just pretend this is a fleeting moment."

Xypheron's lips curved in a slight, knowing smile. "I never pretend, Vexaria." His voice dropped to a near whisper. "And I don't plan on letting you go."

She met his gaze, her eyes challenging him. "Then what are we doing? You want to conquer kingdoms, but you can't even own a moment."

He stepped forward, closing the space between them until there was no more room for distance, only heat. "You think I need to own you to prove my power?"

She smirked, leaning in, her lips brushing against his ear. "Isn't that exactly what you want, Xypheron?"

For a heartbeat, he was silent. But then his hands were on her, pulling her toward him with a force that made her pulse quicken. He kissed her again—fierce, demanding—pushing her backward onto the bed. This time, there was no hesitation.

She responded in kind, her hands sliding up his back, pulling him closer. The tension was electric, sparking between them, and for the first time, Vexaria didn't question whether she was making a mistake. She didn't care anymore.

Their lips broke apart, both of them breathless, their faces flushed with the heat of their shared desire.

"We don't have to do this," Xypheron whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

"But we will," Vexaria replied, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her.

With one swift motion, Xypheron was on top of her again, his lips claiming hers with a hunger that sent a shiver through her. This wasn't about strategy. This wasn't about power. It was about something deeper—something they couldn't control.

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