Chapter - 30
The event had finally ended. The nobles had departed, the music had ceased, and the only sounds were the faint whispers of servants cleaning up the aftermath of the grand ball. I made my way to my room, my footsteps echoing lightly on the polished marble floors. Exhaustion pulled at me, though my mind was still abuzz with the night's encounters.
When I opened the door to my chambers, the sound of someone snoring greeted me. There, lying on my bed, was Celestine. The royal priestess was fast asleep, her golden locks splayed across my pillow like a halo. Her chest rose and fell gently, the faintest of snores escaping her parted lips. Even in sleep, she was breathtaking, her radiant beauty undiminished.
"Your Highness," came a quiet voice. I turned to see Kendra, the maid from earlier in the evening. She stood at the side of the room, her hands clasped in front of her, her brown eyes watching me attentively. At my gaze, she quickly bowed, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.
"Kendra," I said. "Glad you're still here. Help me with my clothes, please."
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied softly, hurrying over to me. Her fingers were nimble as she undid the buttons of my formal shirt, slipping it from my shoulders. She folded it neatly before moving to my trousers, as she removed them and placed them into the laundry basket in the corner, leaving me naked.
From the wardrobe, she retrieved a silk robe and brought it to me, offering it with both hands. "Here you are, Your Highness," she said.
I waved it away with a faint smile. "No need for that. I prefer to sleep in the nude."
Kendra nodded and placed the robe back in its place. As I sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing my face with my hands, I felt the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me. Yet, as my eyes fell on Kendra's petite figure standing nearby, her head slightly bowed, I felt a flicker of something else—desire.
"Do you require anything more of me, Your Highness?" she asked.
I gestured for her to come closer. "Yes, come here."
She obeyed, stepping forward until she was within arm's reach. I motioned for her to kneel, and she sank gracefully to her knees between my legs, her eyes looking up at me with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
I reached out, cupping her cheek in my hand. Her skin was warm and soft beneath my touch, and I let my thumb graze her lips, feeling the plush fullness of them. A strand of her chestnut-brown hair had fallen loose, framing her freckled face. Gently, I tucked it behind her ear, my fingers lingering against her skin. Then I moved my hand to the back of her head, gripping her soft hair and guiding her face upward toward mine.
Our lips met in a fierce kiss, my hunger evident as I claimed her mouth. Her lips were pliant under mine, yielding to my every movement. When my tongue brushed against her lips, she opened willingly, allowing me to explore the warmth of her mouth. My tongue traced along her teeth, the roof of her mouth, before tangling with her own hesitant tongue.
A soft moan escaped her as she surrendered to the kiss, her hands holding onto my thighs for balance. The sound spurred me on, deepening the kiss until we were both breathless. When I finally pulled away, her lips were swollen and glistening, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath.
"You're beautiful, Kendra," I murmured, my thumb brushing over her freckled cheek. "I should've kissed you earlier." Her cheeks turned a vivid shade of red at my words, the blush accentuating her delicate features.
"I'll... I'll always be at your service, Your Highness," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
I leaned in to press another, softer kiss to her lips, savoring the sweetness of her submission. When I pulled back, I let my hand rest on her shoulder. "Now go, before I change my mind and decide to ravage you here and now."
Kendra's blush deepened further, but she quickly stood and bowed, her movements flustered. "Goodnight, Your Highness," she said, her voice trembling as she made her way to the door.
Once she was gone, I let out a soft chuckle, stretching my arms above my head before turning my attention back to the bed. Celestine was still fast asleep, undisturbed by the brief interlude. The blanket had slipped slightly, revealing more of her smooth, pale back.
I climbed into the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under my weight. Sliding beneath the blanket, I pulled Celestine close, her warm body fitting perfectly against mine. Her back pressed against my chest, her supple curves molding to my form. My arm draped possessively over her waist.
Her scent filled my senses as I buried my face in the crook of her neck. Her soft snores continued, undisturbed, as I closed my eyes. The events of the night faded away, replaced by the comforting warmth of her body.
Within moments, sleep claimed me, and I drifted off, my hand resting possessively over her as if to stake my claim even in dreams.