Emilia lay beneath Alistair, her body still humming from the pleasure he'd just given her, every nerve alive with anticipation. Alistair's gaze swept over her, dark and hungry, his fingers tracing a slow path up her thigh as he positioned himself closer. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, his voice thick with longing.
"It's been too long," he murmured, his hand sliding over her hip. "I've missed you… every part of you."
His hands slid beneath her gown, lifting it higher to reveal her bare skin to him. He didn't wait any longer, unbuckled his belt and pulled his trousers halfway done. One hand slipped behind her knee to hook her leg around his waist.
Alistair moved slowly at first, savoring the feeling of her, pressing his hips against hers until his cock was completely inside her. The movement and position made her breath catch as his face hovered inches from hers, their gazes locked.
Emilia's hands gripped his shoulders, her nails digging into his back as she whispered, "Don't hold back, Al.."
Something in her words seemed to snap his restraint. His grip tightened around her thigh, and he thrust into her with a deep, unrestrained intensity. Each movement was powerful, his pace unrelenting as he poured all his pent-up desire and longing into her, claiming her fully. He buried his face in her neck, his voice rough and breathless.
"Do you have any idea how much I've wanted this?" he groaned, each thrust accentuating his words. "Every night, Em… thinking of you, of your body beneath mine."
Emilia arched her back, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer as he continued his rhythm, driving deeper. Their bodies moved in perfect sync, and she met his pace eagerly, wrapping her legs around his waist to pull him closer, as if she couldn't bear any space between them. His name left her lips in breathless whispers, her voice filled with her own longing and need.
Alistair shifted slightly, adjusting their position, lifting one of her legs higher to deepen his thrusts even more. The change made her gasp, and he smiled against her skin, whispering, "I want you to feel every bit of me."
Their bodies collided fiercely, his movements growing faster, harder, mercilessly pushing her closer to the edge. Emilia could only cling to him, her body responding to every touch, every thrust, her mind lost in the pleasure he was giving her. She met his gaze, her eyes glazed with desire, and whispered, "Don't stop… don't ever stop."
Alistair's own breaths were ragged as he responded, "I won't. Not tonight." He captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss as he took her with even more intensity, driving them both to the peak, lost in each other until there was nothing else in the world but them.
After a while, Alistair holds Emilia close, his arms firm around her as he lifts her onto his lap, their bodies never separating. As she straddles him, the shift pulls a deep groan from them both, her inner muscles instinctively tightening around him, making him shudder. His gaze locks onto hers, full of heat and tenderness. He brushes his fingers along her cheek, then traces down her jaw, as though memorizing every detail of her face.
"Look at you," he whispers, his voice laced with awe. "You're so beautiful, Em… even in the dark, I can see every bit of you. And I can't get enough."
She feels a surge of warmth at his words, a mixture of vulnerability and desire. Her hands trail over his shoulders, fingers digging slightly into his skin as she lets herself fully sink into the moment.
"You drive me insane, Al.." she murmurs, her voice catching as she begins to move her hips slowly, feeling him fill her completely.
He lets out a shuddered breath, his hands settling on her waist to guide her rhythm. "Good," he replies, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I want you like this, unable to think of anything else but us."
She smiles, tilting her hips in slow, sensual circles, feeling the way he responds with every small movement. "When you're not with me, I feel like something's missing." She confesses, her voice barely a whisper.
Alistair's hands roam along her back, pulling her even closer so that their bodies press tightly together. His mouth finds her neck, leaving a trail of soft, heated kisses that make her gasp.
"Then stay with me," he murmurs between kisses, his voice low and earnest. "Don't ever leave, Em.. I need you more than I can say."
Her breath hitches, and her fingers curl around the back of his neck as she lifts herself slightly, only to sink back down slowly, savoring every inch of him. This time no words came out of her mouth as a reply.
Suddenly Alistair's eyes darken, his expression turning serious. "Let me show you," he says softly, "how much you mean to me."
One of his hands moves to the small of her back, pressing her against him, while his other hand slides up to cradle her face. He leans in, capturing her mouth in a deep, slow kiss, his lips warm and possessive. His tongue traces hers in languid strokes, each movement unhurried, as if savoring every moment.
Emilia melts into his kiss, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. Their bodies find a rhythm, slow and deliberate, and she begins to rock her hips in time with his movements, feeling the deep pull of him within her. The pleasure builds between them, rising with every gentle thrust and roll of her hips, as their kiss becomes hungrier, more insistent.
Alistair breaks the kiss only to murmur against her lips, his voice rough with emotion. "I don't think I can ever let you go, Em.. You're under my skin, in every thought…" His words trail off as he thrusts upward, making her gasp and cling to him even tighter. "And every dream I have."
Her eyes are half-closed as she looks down at him, feeling her heart pound. "You're all I dream about too," she admits breathlessly. She moves faster, her hips grinding against his, her body responding to every touch, every whispered word. "I want to be yours, Al.."
His hand tightens around her waist, his breath hitching at her words. He meets her movements, thrusting deeper each time, a look of pure desire in his gaze. "You already are, Em.. You're mine, and I'm never letting you go."
Their bodies move together in perfect sync, the pleasure between them building higher with each second, every thrust bringing them closer to the edge. Alistair's hands roam over her, memorizing every curve, every tremble. He cups her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek as he looks up at her with an intensity that sends a thrill down her spine.
"Come with me, Em.." he murmurs, his voice a raw plea. "I need to feel it with you."
Her heart races, and she feels her body responding, the tension building as she tilts her hips, clenching around him in rhythm. The pleasure crests, a wave of sensation that leaves her breathless, and she finally lets go, her release crashing over her. Alistair shudders, his own climax following as he holds her close, their bodies locked together in blissful harmony.
They linger there in the quiet, still wrapped in each other's arms, letting the warmth of their bodies mingle in the darkened room. Alistair's hands gently trace along Emilia's spine, his fingers moving in soothing circles, grounding her in the comfort of his touch. She rests her head against his shoulder, her breathing slowing as she closes her eyes, savoring the closeness between them.
After a moment, he tilts her chin up, his gaze warm and full of something she can't quite put into words. "You have no idea how much you mean to me," he says softly, his thumb brushing along her jaw in a gentle caress. "Every part of you… it feels like home."
She feels her heart flutter at his words, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "You don't have to say that," she whispers.
A soft smile spreads across his face, and he presses a kiss to her forehead, then to the tip of her nose, and finally to her lips, a tender and lingering kiss that leaves them both breathless once more.
"I want to tell you," he replies, his voice low, his eyes never leaving hers. "Because I need you to know… you're not just a part of my life. You're everything."
Emilia can feel his warmth through his words. However, she can't say anything. It seems like her lips and tongue were sealed at that time.
They sit together like that, neither willing to break the intimacy of the moment, sharing soft touches and gentle words until the world outside fades away. For now, it's just them, two souls finding solace and passion in each other, wrapped in a promise of something deep, something lasting.
***
As the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, the forest was alive with the soft rustle of leaves and occasional bird calls. The morning air was crisp and carried a hint of dew, settling over Emilia and Dorian as they made their way back to the camp. They walked side by side, their footsteps steady over the uneven forest floor, the silence between them comfortable yet filled with an awareness of each other's presence.
Dorian broke the quiet, his voice a low rumble that blended with the surrounding sounds. "Did you expect the hunt to be so… eventful?"
Emilia gave a light laugh, glancing over at him. "Honestly? I thought I'd be on my own out here. It's not like I can say I'm disappointed you showed up, though." She offered him a small smile, her expression both grateful and surprised. "You've been a good ally."
He chuckled, a warm glint in his eyes. "Glad to know I'm useful for more than political functions. Besides, I couldn't very well let you fend off wild beasts alone, could I?"
Emilia shook her head, her smile widening. "No, of course not. It's… strange, though. I didn't expect to feel so watched out here. It's more than the animals."
Her words trailed off, but Dorian caught the meaning in her tone. The forest felt vast and open, yet she was acutely aware of certain eyes upon her, ones not concealed by the dense foliage.
Dorian's face grew serious. "You mean… Selene?"
Emilia nodded subtly, as if the mere mention of Selene might summon her from the shadows. "Not just her, but yes, I noticed her… watching. Her presence feels different, almost calculated."
Dorian considered this for a moment, his gaze shifting as he scanned the trees around them. "I noticed it too. You think Alistair sent her to keep an eye on you?"
Emilia sighed, unsure whether to be frustrated or intrigued. "I don't know what Alistair's intentions are, but it's clear she's more than just curious. It feels like every move I make, she's taking note of it."
Dorian reached out, lightly placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Whatever his reason, remember you don't have to face her alone. I'm here, for as long as you need."
Emilia's shoulders relaxed, warmth from his touch lingering even as he withdrew his hand. "Thank you, Dorian. It's… easier with you here."
As they neared the edge of the forest, Countess Evelyn's refined silhouette came into view, standing alongside Selene, who shifted uncomfortably under the morning light. Countess's expression softened as her gaze fell upon them, yet Selene's eyes were locked onto Emilia with an intensity that made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle.
"My lady, Prince Dorian," Countess Evelyn greeted warmly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "It seems you've both had quite the adventure."
Dorian dipped his head politely, smiling back. "Indeed, Countess. The Crown Princess is proving to be a more adept hunter than any of us expected."
Emilia felt a blush rise to her cheeks at the compliment, aware of Selene's gaze sharpening, taking in every detail of her reaction.
"Yes, quite… resourceful," Selene added, her tone even but the edge unmistakable.
Emilia met Selene's gaze, an unspoken tension passing between them. "I had help," she replied smoothly, her words directed as much toward Selene as they were toward Countess.
The Countess raised an eyebrow, sensing the undercurrent between the women, but said nothing, her eyes assessing. "Well, I hope this little outing gave you both some fresh perspective," she said finally, nodding to Dorian and Emilia with a look that held more meaning than her words.
As they all walked back to the tent, Emilia couldn't shake the feeling that the real hunt had only just begun, and that Selene, under Alistair's command or not, was intent on keeping close.
***