The Queen’s Countermove

Seraphine stirred as the morning light crept into the chamber, her body still aching from Kaelith's relentless victory.

But as she lay beside him, watching his steady, controlled breathing, she refused to accept defeat.

He thought he had conquered her.

He thought he had won.

A slow, knowing smirk curled at the edges of her lips. Not yet, husband.

Carefully, she shifted, ensuring she didn't wake him. Her fingers brushed over his chest—faint, delicate touches meant more to tease than to soothe.

Kaelith exhaled deeply, but he didn't stir.

Seraphine bit her lip, suppressing a victorious smile. He was still spent from the night before, unaware of what she was about to do.

Leaning in, she ghosted her lips over his throat, her breath warm against his skin. Then, with calculated slowness, she bit down—not hard enough to wake him fully, but just enough to leave her mark.

Her silent claim.

Her revenge.

Kaelith stirred, his brow furrowing slightly, but before he could wake completely, Seraphine slipped out of bed.

She moved with quiet precision, pulling on a silk robe, leaving the sheets tangled around his bare form.

As she reached the door, she cast one final glance over her shoulder.

Kaelith still hadn't opened his eyes, but the faintest smirk ghosted across his lips.

Her breath caught. He knew.

Damn him.

She narrowed her eyes before slipping out of the room. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

To be continued…