The heavy doors locked behind them, sealing them away from the rest of the world.
Seraphine barely had time to react before Kaelith pressed her against the cold stone wall, his body caging hers completely.
"You were bold today, my queen," he murmured, his fingers tilting her chin up. His voice was smooth, controlled—but his eyes burned with something far more dangerous. "You took my power. Stood before my court and demanded it."
Seraphine met his gaze, unyielding. "I did what I had to."
A slow smirk curved his lips. "Did you?" His fingers brushed down her neck, tracing the frantic pulse there. "Then tell me, Seraphine—" His hand suddenly gripped her jaw, firm but not cruel, forcing her to look at him. "Will you demand from me now?"
Seraphine swallowed hard, her breath quickening.
Kaelith chuckled, dark and knowing. "No. Not tonight."
His grip loosened, but only so he could spin her around, pressing her back against his chest. One arm wrapped around her waist, the other slipping beneath the loose laces of her gown.
"Tonight, my queen," he whispered against her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine, "you will remember who holds the reins."
Seraphine gasped as he pulled her against him, his touch slow, unrelenting.
And as the night stretched on, she realized—there would be no escape from him tonight.
Only surrender.
To be continued…
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