When Elysia returned to her chambers, she was relieved to find that Azrael was no longer there. She changed into her nightdress and called for some pastries, her hunger making itself known. After eating and washing it down with a glass of orange juice, she decided it was time to rest for the night.
Just as she settled onto the bed, the door creaked open. Azrael entered, his voice firm. "Elysia, we need to talk." Hearing him, she kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.
"I know you are not asleep, Elysia. I need to talk to you... please," his voice was soft, laced with exhaustion.
Elysia sighed, her eyes fluttering open as she shifted upright, resting her back against the headboard. "What is it you wish to discuss, Your Majesty?" she asked, her tone measured yet curious.
Azrael moved to the bed, sitting on its edge with his back turned to Elysia. His voice was heavy with emotion as he began, "I told you Marina was killed, but I never explained how." He took a deep breath. "After becoming King, Marina was gifted to me as a congratulatory offering. Over time, we grew close, and I discovered she was my breedmate. Everything seemed perfect, until I let my guard down."
He paused, swallowing hard. "There was a dragon tamer in my service, Eric. He swore loyalty to me and was invaluable with his ability to control dragons. He helped me triumph against many enemies, but I never knew he had other sinister plans. Eric waited for the perfect moment to betray me. He used his power to take control of me." His voice grew bitter, the pain of betrayal still fresh.
"He got into my head, and I tried to fight it," Azrael began, his voice heavy with regret. "Marina walked in, trying to calm me down. One moment, she was standing beside me, and the next, she was buried under rubble. When I pulled her out… there was nothing I could do. I held her as she took her final breath."
He paused, his fists clenched tightly. "Eric mocked me, and I went berserk. I killed him in a blind rage. Afterward, I hunted down every dragon tamer I could find, convinced they were all the same, I thought there were all dead, but I was wrong."
He took a breath before continuing. "The day the dragon attacked Sevastian, you controlled it, Elysia. You brought that beast to its knees. I could not believe it, you, of all people, a dragon tamer. The pain, the anger... it all came flooding back. I left because I didn't want to hurt you. I needed time to clear my head."
A heavy silence followed Azrael's words. Elysia tightened her clasped hands, her voice trembling as she spoke. "You said you didn't mean to hurt me, but you did, Your Majesty. I understand how difficult this must have been for you, but I thought you could talk to me. I don't even remember controlling any dragon. How was I supposed to know I am a dragon tamer?"
Azrael turned to look at her, stepping closer, his voice soft. "Forgive me, love. I made a terrible mistake. I should have explained everything to you. It will never happen again, I promise." Gently, he cupped her cheeks in his hands, his eyes searching hers.
Elysia could feel the sincerity in his voice, she knew he was genuinely sorry. Yet, her heart still ached from the pain he had caused. "Do you fear that I will betray you, like Eric did?"
"Goddess, no. Never!" Azrael's voice was firm, almost desperate. "I have never thought that, nor will I ever. I trust you, Elysia. I know you are nothing like Eric, and you never will be."
He leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers. "Do you think you can forgive me, love? I will do anything to redeem myself."
Elysia pulled back slightly. "Anything?" she asked, her voice soft yet curious.
"Yes, anything, love. Just say it," Azrael replied, his lips curving into a full, genuine smile.
Elysia tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief and amusement. "Very well then," she said, a knowing grin spreading across her face.
---
Azrael frowned, his hands buried in his pockets as his eyes scanned the area. "I said you could ask for anything, and this is what you choose?"
Elysia, already halfway into the lake with her nightdress clinging to her, called back, "It is anything, Your Majesty. Now come here! Do not just stand there like a statue."
Azrael sighed deeply. "It's a rather cold night, Elysia. Perhaps we could do this another time. Do you not think so Elysia?" His tone carried mild amusement.
Elysia rolled her eyes, smirking. "Stop making excuses and get in, Azrael. It's not even that cold." She scooped up a handful of water and splashed it on him, watching his eyes widen in surprise. "See? Not that cold."
With a sigh, Azrael tugged off his shirt and stepped into the water slowly. The warmth surprised him, not that cold water had ever been an issue. As he moved closer, his gaze swept over her soaked dress, clinging to her wet form. Her hair framed her face, glistening, drawing his attention with every step.
The King dove into the water, resurfacing moments later. His throat tightened as he gazed at the glorious sight in front of him, his legs instinctively drawing closer. "You look so beautiful tonight, Elysia. I want to touch you... can I?" His eyes lingered on her lips.
Her smirk deepened as she placed her hands on his chest. "Sorry to disappoint, Your Majesty, but not tonight. You will have to keep your hands to yourself." She ensured her breath brushed against his lips as she spoke.
"That is not very nice love," Azrael whispered, feeling his body grow heavy with desire. He wanted nothing more than to lay her on the bare ground and explore her body and soul like it was the first time.
Elysia leaned in and kissed his neck hard and rough, drawing a groan from him. She sucked on his skin making sure to press her breasts on his chest.
Azrael's fists clenched and unclenched, stopping himself from touching her had to be harder than any war he had fought. Elysia slowly released his skin and pulled back. "I could get used to seeing you this way,"
Azrael swallowed again, "Fuck me!" He cursed between his gritted teeth.
Elysia smiled softly, "Not tonight. Not tonight Azrael."