Emily's heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations. The kiss was all-consuming, a powerful force that swept her away, leaving her utterly at his mercy. Every movement, every touch, every brush of his lips was a reminder of the intense, primal connection between them—a bond that was both exhilarating and consuming in its raw intensity.
Niklaus's lips were relentless, claiming hers with an intensity that was both electrifying and consuming. He pressed her back onto the bed, his body hovering above hers with a primal force that left no room for escape. His hand cupped her face, thumb brushing lightly against her jawline, while his other hand explored the contours of her waist, pulling her closer with a demanding yet possessive touch.
Every inch of her body was pressed against his, the heat of his form radiating onto her as his kiss deepened. His lips moved over hers with a desperate hunger, his breath mingling with hers, creating a sensual symphony of longing and need. He was insistent, his kisses a mixture of fierce pressure and tender exploration, as though he was trying to imprint himself onto her very soul.
Despite the fervor of his kiss, Emily remained still, her lips unresponsive. She felt the intensity of his desire, the raw power behind his touch, but she didn't move to meet him. Her body was tense, her mind racing as she grappled with the sensations and emotions flooding through her.
Before Niklaus could utter another word or intensify their embrace, a sharp knock on the cabin door shattered the moment. Instantly, Emily pushed him away, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as she moved to sit in a nearby chair. She forced herself to appear absorbed in her meal, her heart still racing from their passionate kiss.
Maximus entered with a bow, his demeanor composed and formal. "Your Majesty, we have arrived," he announced, his voice clear and respectful.
Niklaus's gaze remained fixed on Emily, whose flushed cheeks and trembling lips spoke volumes. "We're coming," he replied, his voice rich with a hint of dark amusement.
He took her hand, his touch firm and reassuring, leading her out of the cabin. As they disembarked the ship, a brown horse stood waiting, held by a servant. Niklaus's eyes darkened with desire as he watched Emily struggle to mount the horse in her elegant gown.
With a fluid, practiced motion, Niklaus's strong arms encircled her waist. He lifted her effortlessly and settled her gently in front of him on the horse, his touch both commanding and intimate. His warmth seeped through her gown, sending shivers down her spine. "Ready, Princess?" he asked, his voice a deep, rumbling caress against her ear.
Emily nodded, feeling the press of his thighs against hers. "Push your thighs closer," he instructed, his own legs pressing firmly against hers as he guided her. She complied, her body instinctively aligning with his as the horse began to gallop, its powerful strides carrying them forward.
The ribbon holding Emily's hair in place loosened, its delicate strands catching the wind and framing her face. Niklaus's hands roamed around her, handing the reins to her fingers with a deliberate, possessive motion. "Take it," he said, his breath warm and tantalizing against her neck.
As he adjusted the ribbon, he shifted her hair to one side, revealing her bare back and nape. The gown, daringly low-cut in both front and back, exposed the smooth, pale skin of her shoulders and upper back. Niklaus's eyes darkened with a primal hunger as he took in the sight of her delicate curves, the moles that dotted her back, and the subtle, alluring prominence of her shoulder blades. The sight of her made him feel a fierce, almost ravenous desire.
Emily remained oblivious to his heated gaze, her focus solely on controlling the horse. But when Niklaus's fingers traced the sensitive skin of her neck and spine, a sharp gasp escaped her lips. She reflexively tightened her grip on the reins, the sudden jolt of sensation making her shiver.
"You cannot touch me whenever you want," she said, her voice a mix of defiance and frustration as she glared straight ahead.
Niklaus's breath was warm against her nape as he whispered, his hands resting possessively on her waist. "Why not, Princess? You are my wife."
Emily's voice took on a sharper edge as she retorted, "Just because I am your wife doesn't mean you can touch me without my consent. You promised you wouldn't force me."
A wicked smirk played on Niklaus's lips. "I did, didn't I? But what can we do when you're so irresistible? If I were truly forcing you, you wouldn't have gasped so sensually or clung to my shirt, now would you?" His words were accompanied by a teasing nibble on her ear, each sensation sending a bolt of heat through her body.
"Stay away, or I will push you down," Emily warned, her voice firm even as her body remained tensed against his.
"As you wish, my princess," Niklaus murmured, his voice low and seductive. He drew even closer, pressing his body against hers with an insistent possessiveness. He took the reins back from her hands, his touch lingering, guiding the horse with a commanding presence as they made their way towards the castle. The air between them crackled with unspoken desire, their bodies intimately connected in a dance of control and submission.
As they arrived at the royal castle, the grandeur of its architecture was matched only by the warmth it exuded. The castle's facade, with its intricate stonework and elegant spires, gleamed under the bright sun. Servants lined the entrance, their welcoming smiles a stark contrast to the intense emotions of the morning. They swiftly attended to the trunks, carrying them inside with practiced efficiency before bowing and exiting.
Emily's gaze wandered around the opulent room that had been assigned to them. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the rich, sumptuous fabrics draping the furniture, the exquisite artwork adorning the walls, and the elegant furnishings that spoke of both luxury and comfort. The room was a haven of warmth and coziness, designed to make one feel both pampered and at home.
Unable to resist, Emily made her way to the balcony. The moment she stepped outside, she was greeted by a breathtaking view that seemed to stretch endlessly before her. The ocean, a brilliant expanse of sapphire, roared gently as the waves cascaded rhythmically against the shore. The sun, a radiant golden orb, bathed everything in a warm, golden light, casting dancing reflections on the water's surface.
She leaned over the balcony's railing, her hands resting lightly on the cool stone as she absorbed the beauty of the scene. The sun's rays played across her skin, creating a luminous glow that highlighted her striking features. Her gown, still as elegant and enchanting as ever, fluttered softly in the gentle breeze, adding to the ethereal quality of the moment.
The castle, perched high on a cliff, offered an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. The vast ocean stretched out to meet the horizon, where the sky and water seemed to merge in a seamless expanse of blue. The waves, frothy and white, crashed against the rocky shore in a mesmerizing dance of nature's raw power and beauty.
Emily's heart swelled with a mix of awe and tranquility as she took in the panorama. The scene before her was nothing short of magical, a perfect counterpoint to the passionate tumult of earlier. The calm, serene beauty of the ocean contrasted sharply with the intense emotions that had simmered between her and Niklaus, making the moment all the more poignant.