Caught off-guard by the compliment, Evelina swallowed, but Isabeau continued without missing a beat.
"I must admit," she said, "I came to the Dawn Kingdom because I was curious. It is not often one hears of a Queen holding at bay a legion of beasts all on her own."
"Hardly alone," Evelina corrected quickly, "I have my aunt, and generals, and advisors, and… and… an army –"
"You know what I mean." Isabeau waved it aside. "And now, out of the blue, you have called a tourney in order to select a suitor to marry. It is… unusual, to say the least. Interesting." Isabeau pursed her lips, musing. "I came to witness for myself such a Queen. Most are… inane, at best. I was curious to see if the woman matched the reputation."
Evelina caught her breath without meaning to. "And…?"
"I am not disappointed," Isabeau smiled. "You are a rare one, Evelina. Well worthy of my brother's blade."
The moment crashed down. "Oh," Evelina whispered, not entirely sure why she felt a rush of discontent. "Well, thank you."
Isabeau's gracious smile remained affixed. She drained her wine and got to her feet, setting the goblet aside.
"Thank you, for the drink, Your Majesty," she said, "And the chance to meet you. Now, I'm sure I must leave you to your rest. There is a long week ahead."
"Indeed," Evelina replied, though the agreement burned in her throat. Deep inside, a part of her was desperate for the Lady not to go. "Let me walk you to your chambers, at least."
"Oh, no, please do not trouble yourself –" Isabeau began, but Evelina cut her off.
"I insist. I cannot have guests wandering the length of my halls through the night."
Isabeau inclined her head with a small smile. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I would be… grateful."
"Very well," Evelina said, depositing her goblet and reaching for her shoes.
She led the Lady from her apartments, all through the winding passages across the palace, and the whole way, not a word was spoken between them. When finally they reached the door to the Isabeau's guest wing, Evelina bade her a frosty good-night and made to stride away.
"Your Majesty – wait," Isabeau said, reaching for her arm to stop her.
Caught on a frozen tide of fire, Evelina stared down at her hand, feeling the point of contact burn through the silk of her sleeve. The moment hung suspended, and then Isabeau suddenly realised what she had done.
She pulled back as though she'd been bitten. "Gods, I'm sorry! I didn't mean… I know one should not touch a Queen… I only wanted…"
"All is well," Evelina said, the words hissing through her teeth, betraying the inferno within her that she could hardly control. "I… don't mind."
What she meant was, Isabeau's touch had ignited her, and she ached to feel it again.
"You… don't?"
Isabeau was watching her with a strange expression, caught somewhere between apprehension and bright curiosity. Evelina managed to nod, and, slowly, Isabeau reached out again. Soft as a moth's wing, she ran one fingertip along the Queen's forearm, caressing firm flesh beneath smooth silk. Evelina's breathing quickened against her will, and Isabeau looked up from hooded eyes.
"I only wanted to say thank you, for walking me," she murmured.
"Y-you're welcome," Evelina breathed. Her skin felt as though it might catch fire beneath Isabeau's fingers. The Lady inched closer, and Evelina's heart bucked like a wild thing.
"You are a rare one…" Isabeau whispered.
Infinitely, she reached up to cup Evelina's cheek, and then, as one fingertip brushed across her lips, a small groan escaped the Queen. Isabeau's gasp echoed, and then Evelina found herself somehow backed against the wall. She leaned into its stony support, praying it would keep her upright beneath the rising tide of desire as Isabeau moved closer still.
Evelina's eyes ran every inch of the Lady's golden skin, caressing her smooth neck, fine, exposed collarbones, the dip of her breasts beneath her daring sapphire dress… Isabeau, watching her gaze rove, ran a finger lightly down the Queen's throat, marvelling at the softness of her and wondering what the rest might feel like.
A shudder tore through Evelina. Panting, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
"Isabeau, please… I want… I need… something…"
Isabeau's breath exploded, quenching all doubt. She fisted one hand through Evelina's dark hair, slipped the other around her waist, and pulled her close to claim her in a staggering kiss. Stars burst, soaring through the impossible moment, and then Evelina swirled Isabeau around to capture her against the wall instead; lips ravenous, hands rampant, they explored every external inch of silk and skin. Raven and gold glinted in the half-light as they devoured each other, flashes of emerald and amber eyes trading wonders, until Isabeau spun the Queen again to back her against the door. She fumbled for the handle, pushed it open, and they fell through with lips locked against desperate need. The carpet proved perfect, and Isabeau barely managed to kick the door closed before Evelina was disrobing her with frantic hands. Fingers tugged at knots and fabric, and then they were free, ensconced upon the soft cocoon of the long-shag rug.
But suddenly, Evelina paused, holding herself above Isabeau even as she drowned in her beautiful eyes.
Heart racing, she whispered, "I've… never done this before…"
Isabeau reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "With a woman…?"
"With… anyone."
Isabeau's eyes widened with surprise and Evelina blushed, suddenly feeling self-conscious – and utterly aware that she was naked. As if sensing her distress, Isabeau caressed a gentle thumb across her cheek.
"I'm astounded," Isabeau murmured. "A woman as beautiful as you…" She paused, met Evelina's eyes with a heartfelt gaze. "Is this… what you want?"
The Queen bit at her lip. "I want… you."
Isabeau sighed and pulled her down for a kiss, and the heat of her soaked up through Evelina's skin. Gently, Isabeau showed the Queen what it meant to love a woman, until Evelina found herself helpless beneath a storm of euphoria. Waves crashed, again and again, borne forth on the Queen's sharp, breathless cries. Isabeau guided her course with skilful hands, took her to the brink with an artful tongue, held her tight as she teetered at the edge.
"Oh – gods – Is-abeau!!"
Oaths poured from Evelina's lips, her back arching as her body convulsed around the release of her pleasure. At last, as she finally came to a shuddering halt, she clung to Isabeau, breathing hard, and then fell back against the rug with a groan.
"By… the gods… woman…" she gasped, "What have you done to me…?"
Above her, Isabeau smiled, smug and wide as she gifted her a luxurious kiss. "Only what you wanted, My Queen."
Evelina's breath hitched, caught. "M-my…? S-say it… again…"
Isabeau nipped at her bottom lip and purred, "…My Queen."
Evelina's hands clawed against Isabeau's back, her body arching upward as her hunger reignited with savage force.
Between breathless kisses, she growled, "Take me again."
Isabeau smiled against her lips. "Does My Queen command it?"
"Take me. Again."
"As you wish… My Queen," Isabeau purred. "But then, it's my turn."