"Well, well, Lila." Axel drawled, a smirk playing on his lips. "Look at you, already waiting for me. I must say, I'm flattered."
Lila rolled her eyes, trying to mask her anxiety with sarcasm. "Don't get too full of yourself, Your Highness. I was just enjoying the peace and quiet before you barged in."
Axel chuckled, crossing the room with an easy grace. "Oh, I'm sure. But now that I'm here, I suppose the real fun can begin."
He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she bit her lip to keep from reacting. "You're impossible," she muttered, her tone teasing but with an edge of genuine nervousness.
Axel's smirk softened into a more genuine smile. "And you're adorable when you're trying to be tough." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "Are you nervous, Lila?"
Lila forced a laugh, lifting her chin defiantly. "Me? Nervous? Please, I've faced scarier things than you, Your Highness."
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze locking onto hers. "Oh, really? Like what?"
She swallowed, her bravado faltering for a moment. "Like... um, like the time I had to give a speech in front of the entire court. Now that was terrifying."
Axel laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Well, I can't argue with that. But tonight, there's no court, no audience. Just you and me."
Lila's heart raced, but she refused to let her nerves show. She gave him a pointed look. "And what exactly do you have planned for our first night, Your Highness? Should I be worried?"
Axel's eyes gleamed with amusement. "That depends on how adventurous you're feeling." He brought her hand to his lips, brushing a gentle kiss across her knuckles.
Lila's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her smile. "You really are impossible," she muttered, though her tone was warmer now.
Axel chuckled again, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand.
Lila fidgeted slightly, her nerves getting the better of her. She took a deep breath and looked at Axel, who was still holding her hand, his thumb making soothing circles on her skin.
"Axel," she said, trying to keep her voice steady, "maybe we should just… you know, get this over with?"
Axel's eyebrow arched in surprise, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Get this over with? Is that how you see our first night together?" He leaned in, his tone playfully reproachful. "I'm wounded, Lila."
Lila felt her cheeks burn. "I didn't mean it like that. It's just… I'm nervous, okay? I thought if we did it quickly, it wouldn't be so… daunting."
Axel's expression softened, his teasing smile fading into something more tender. He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing gently across her skin.
He leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle, lingering kiss. Lila melted into it, her anxiety momentarily forgotten. Axel's kiss was slow and tender, his hands caressing her back with a reassuring touch. He took his time, letting her get used to the sensation, allowing the tension in her body to gradually melt away.
As the kiss deepened, Axel's hands began to explore, his touch gentle and deliberate. He was in no rush, savoring each moment, each touch. Lila found herself relaxing, her nervousness giving way to a growing sense of trust and desire. She felt his lips leave hers, trailing soft, featherlight kisses along her jawline, then moving down to her neck. Each kiss sent a shiver through her, a mixture of surprise and pleasure.
Lila's breath hitched as Axel continued his slow, tender assault on her senses. His lips brushed against the sensitive skin of her neck, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. He paused to nuzzle the hollow of her throat, his breath hot against her skin, before planting a series of delicate kisses there.
Her mind raced, conflicting thoughts swirling. 'This isn't what I was taught', she thought, her inner voice tinged with confusion and wonder. She had been instructed on the mechanics, the necessity of duty, the way to be a proper wife in these moments. But no one had prepared her for this—this tenderness, this gentle, deliberate pace that seemed to be about more than just the act itself.
Axel's hands roamed slowly, exploring the curve of her waist, the line of her spine. His touch was patient and reverent, as if memorizing every inch of her. He took his time, allowing her to adjust, to feel every sensation without rushing.
Lila's heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts a jumbled mess. She had expected something quick, something to endure. But this… this was different. This was about connection, about sharing something intimate and profound. Axel's every touch, every kiss, seemed designed to reassure her, to make her feel cherished and loved.
She felt his lips move from her neck to her collarbone, pressing gentle, worshipful kisses there. His hands found the tie of her gown, and he paused, looking up at her with a question in his eyes. Lila nodded, her earlier hesitation giving way to a growing sense of anticipation.
Axel untied the ribbon slowly, his fingers deft yet careful. He slid the gown off her shoulders, revealing her to his gaze. His eyes softened, filled with admiration and affection.
His lips trailing down her body, his hands following suit. Lila closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the sensations, in the warmth of his touch. This wasn't what she had been taught, but it was so much better. It was real, and it was theirs.
"Lila," Axel whispered, his voice husky and filled with emotion. "Tell me what you want."
Lila's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. She saw the sincerity and desire in his eyes, and it gave her the courage to speak her desires. Her voice was soft, barely more than a whisper. "I want you to keep touching me."
A slow smile spread across Axel's lips.