"Do you ever reflect about the things you can't change? Things you regret?"
In the middle of the night, Alistair's voice reverberated through the quiet bedroom while he sat up against the headboard, with Emilia lay soundly next to him. Even though the girl stayed still and facing away from him, he knew she couldn't sleep either. Emilia just didn't want to burden him more, seeing the anxious and complicated expression on her face mirroring her own thoughts after hearing the shocking news earlier.
The bedroom light was off, casting a dim glow from the moonlight that filtered through the glass door from the balcony. Shadows of tall trees from the garden outside could be seen faintly, making it seem like they were trying to comfort those in the room. In moments like this, when Emilia and Alistair are vulnerable, the words that come out from their mouth are spoken from their heart.
"All the time. But sometimes it's what we do after that defines us more." Emilia's voice sounded a little hoarse just like her consciousness was starting to fade, making it seem she was about to drift into dreamland.
"My past is full of mistakes. However, every time that happens it makes me feel like I can be something different, someone better." Just hearing the girl's voice made Alistair relax a little.
"I can see that you would be a good ruler someday, even if you can't see it yet." Emilia's reassuring words provide Alistair with some comfort.
The man turned his head to Emilia, and asked again. "Why do you think that?"
"Because I can see how strong you are, even when you stand alone. But be wise enough when standing with others." There was a long pause in the silent room before Emilia continued speaking again.
"There is still plenty of time to change your story." The girl tried to make Alistair feel better, emphasizing that the man still had time to turn things around. "Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise."
Emilia inhaled deeply, her voice steady when she spoke. "The Queen is a good person, that much is clear. But no matter how great she may be, there will always be those who hate and cannot comprehend her existence."
"Then do you think we can do it?"
"You don't have to think about whether or not you can do it, decide you can."
Alistair gently maneuvered Emilia's body so that their eyes met, unsure if she could even see him. "What I'm trying to say is, do you think we can make it work?" He laid down on the bed next to her, their bodies now facing each other.
"Nothing is certain in this life." Emilia's voice was steady as she spoke, "But, even though we may not have full control over it. Isn't marriage about sticking by each other until the very end?"
With Alistair's love language being a physical touch, Emilia placed her hand on his broad shoulder and said, "There will always be obstacles, doubters, and mistakes."
The girl added a little strength to her grip. "But I believe in us. We can overcome anything because we have chosen each other."
The words hold so much meaning and warmed Alistair's chest. Hearing someone say it directly, especially in a moment when he doubts himself the most, made the man feel powerful. It triggers Alistair to wonder if Emilia is the right person the Countess mentioned earlier.
"Hug me," Alistair asks suddenly, surprising Emilia and leaving her confused. "Haven't you said that you wanted to hug me because I looked lonely?"
Emilia sighed internally, pondering why this man still remembered her words from their previous conversation when it was all just an act. Nevertheless, in order to please him and ease his troubled mind, the girl gave in to his request. After all, Alistair was the captain of the ship they were currently sailing on, and it wouldn't be safe for either of them if he was distracted by uncertain matters like this.
As their bodies exchanged warmth and comforting scents, they both found solace in each other during the long night ahead. Despite the uncomfortable position the couple were in, they eventually drifted into a deep state of relaxation. When Emilia started to doze off, she tried to create some distance between herself and Alistair, but the man quickly closed the gap and held her tighter. In the end, Emilia gave up and chose to fall asleep in Alistair's embrace.
***
The following morning is another part of Countess Evelyn's well-crafted scheme to deepen the connection between Emilia and Alistair. This time, she arranges an intimate breakfast course at the dining table. The countess transforms this ordinary setting into a memorable moment of love, etched into the couple's memories for every future meal they share.
Emilia and Alistair arrive still wearing their nightgown, the table is already set with a variety of rich and indulgent foods. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, with a transparent thin white curtain separating Countess Evelyn's watchful and guiding eyes from the royal couple.
"This morning, my lord, my lady, we will make this table a place of true connection. Every bite of food will remind you of what you are about to share here, an intimacy that will linger in your hearts, wherever you are."
Emilia's breath quickens while the countess speaks, sensing how much closer she and Alistair will be pushed. Alistair also feels the heat rising in his body, aware that today's acts will not only be physical but deeply emotional. They start to move behind the curtain to take up positions and await the woman's command.
"We will begin simply," the Countess' voice begins slowly and deliberately. "My lord, I want you to kiss your wife. Deeply. Kiss her in a way that shows you crave her more than anything else."
Without a word, Alistair moves toward Emilia, his hand cupping her face. The man's lips press against the girl softly at first, exploring the sensation, but just like his desire builds, the kiss deepens. Alistair tilts Emilia head back slightly, his tongue slipping between her lips, tasting her fully.
Emilia moans softly, her hands moving to grip his shoulders, pulling him closer. The girl returns the kiss with equal fervor, losing herself in the heat of it. Until all that exists is the feel of Alistair's mouth on hers and the warmth of his body, the undeniable pull of desire between them.
"More, my lord, more," the Countess urges, her voice like a slow caress behind the curtain. "Let your wife feel how much you want her."
Alistair's kisses move from Emilia's lips to her jawline, down to the girl's neck, where he nips softly, drawing out more breathless sounds from her. The man's hands roam her body beneath the nightgown, pulling her closer, and the air around them thickens with the promise of more.
At the Countess's next command, Emilia lays on the dining table, her breath coming in short gasps, her body already aflame from Alistair's kisses.
"Now, my lord, kiss her face, every part of it. Let her feel your devotion."
Alistair moves slowly, starting with a light kiss on Emilia's forehead. His lips brush against the girl's closed eyes, then down to her nose, finally her lips again, soft and lingering. The man moves lower, kissing along Emilia's neck, feeling her pulse racing below his mouth.
Countess Evelyn's voice breaks the stillness. "Now, we will use what is before us. My lord, take the chocolate or cream, whatever you wish, and smear it on your wife's body. Start with her breasts."
Hearing that, Emilia slowly takes off her nightgown with Alistair's help as she still lay on the table, which makes her naked body immediately appear in front of the man's sight. Not wanting to waste time, Alistair's hand moved over the spread of food, choosing a chocolate sauce. He looks down at Emilia, their eyes meeting for a brief, heated moment before he poured the liquid delicately on her breast.
Emilia's body tenses with anticipation when Alistair's mouth follows, his tongue tracing the lines of the chocolate before sucking it into his mouth along with her sensitive flesh.
"Suck it hard, my lord," the Countess orders. "Let your wife feel every sensation."
Emilia gasps, her body arching at Alistair's touch, her breasts tingling under the combination of his mouth and the sweet chocolate. The man's tongue lingers before he moves lower, adding a drizzle of honey over her stomach, just below her navel, where the Countess had said their future child would reside.
"Kiss her there," the Countess murmurs. "Remind her of what is to come, my lord."
The Countess then instructs Alistair to place something sweet, a dollop of cream between Emilia's legs. The man's breath hitches, but he follows the command, his fingers parting the girl's thighs as he spreads the cream over her most intimate place.
"Lick her clean, my lord, and let your wife feel how much you enjoy it."
Alistair lowers his head, his tongue pressing against her, licking slowly and deeply, until Emilia's thighs are trembling. She grips the edges of the table, her body on fire as Alistair's mouth works its magic. The intensity of the man's actions, combined with his whispered words, drives her closer to the edge.
"I want to taste all of you, every inch of you, Em.."
Once Emilia catches her breath, it is her turn. At the Countess's direction, she places small bits of food on Alistair's body, chocolate on his abs, and honey on his chest. She traced her tongue over the man's skin, licking and sucking hard at the liquid, drawing deep groans from him.
She whispers something to him, "I want to feel you inside me again, Al.. I want to fuck you right here, on this table." The conversation between them continues, heightening their arousal with each word.
As the intensity builds, the Countess orders Emilia to shift position. She climbs on top of Alistair, her back facing him, the girl's hands gripping the table as she slowly lowers herself onto him, taking the man inside her inch by inch.
"Let him feel you, my lady, let him know you're in control now."
This position gives Alistair a full view of Emilia's body while she rides him, his hands gripping her hips to guide her movements. The sight of the girl's back arching, her head thrown back in pleasure, only drives him wilder.
But then, the Countess gives a final instruction, "My lord, sit up. Wrap your arms around her and take your wife deeper."
With a groan, Alistair straightens his back, pulling Emilia against his chest. The new angle sends them both thrilling, Emilia gasping as she feels him reach deeper than ever before, her body shaking with the overwhelming sensation.
They are locked together, bodies and breaths in sync while they move faster and harder until their pleasure spirals into release. The connection is undeniable, forged by both physical and emotional intimacy, under Countess Evelyn guidance.
When they finally collapse, spent and breathless, the dining table is no longer just a place for meals. It's a symbol of their growing bond, a place where they share their deepest desires and pleasures. Every breakfast, lunch, or dinner that follows will carry with it the memory of this morning, where their connection grew stronger and unbreakable.
***
After a refreshing shower, Emilia returns to the dining room again. However, this time she is alone as Alistair has already retreated to his study room. Seizing the opportunity, Emilia strikes up a conversation with Countess Evelyn who happens to be standing nearby.
The girl strengthens her resolve to discuss the physical toll of her intimate activities with the Crown Prince, gently suggesting they decrease in order to preserve her energy and mentioning her frail body.
"Countess," Emilia called her shortly.
"I've been thinking… Perhaps we should reduce the frequency of intimate moments between me and my husband. My body, as you know, is delicate. It becomes difficult to keep up, and I feel tired."
Countess Evelyn smiled reassuringly, "Of course, Your Highness. I understand completely. But let me help you with something."
It's a pleasant surprise to Emilia that the Countess would agree so readily to her request. Based on her observation, the woman seems like the type who is determined and won't change her plans easily.
"I have a special tonic, an ancient remedy, that will strengthen your stamina and refresh both the mind and body. You'll feel revitalized in no time."
Emilia observes the Countess sets a brown ceramic bottle on the table with an air of reverence, as if the vessel itself is proof of its ancient origins.
"I will have the maid prepare it for you to drink after breakfast, lunch, and before bed," the Countess offers.
Without realizing the unintended consequences, Emilia accepts the tonic in good faith. It gives her a boost of energy and sharpens her mind, but it also heightens her sensitivity to certain areas of the body, leaving the girl easily aroused and physically reactive. However, when these reactions occur, only Alistair can help her, as he is the only one she has given permission to touch her.
***