Ariel's fingers traced Henry's jawline, her touch sending shivers down his spine.
"Relax, let go of your worries," she whispered.
Henry's eyes drifted closed as Ariel's hands massaged his shoulders, easing the tension.
"You've been distant, Henry," Ariel said, her breath warm against his ear.
Henry's eyes opened, guilt flickering across his face.
"The war preparations—"
Ariel's lips brushed against his.
"I understand duty, but what about our vows? Have you forgotten?"
Henry's pulse quickened.
Ariel's hands slid down his chest, her touch igniting a fire within.
"No, Ariel, I haven't forgotten," Henry said, his voice strained.
Ariel leaned in, her lips grazing his.
"Show me," she whispered.
Henry's resolve wavered.
But just as he yielded to Ariel's temptation, she withdrew.
"Goodnight, Henry," Ariel said.
She slipped away, leaving Henry bewildered and yearning.
Ariel settled into the right side of bed, a sly smile spreading across her face.
She had deliberately tempted Henry, testing his resolve.
Her aim: to rekindle the flame between them.
As she drifted off to sleep, Ariel worried.
They'd married months ago, yet Henry hadn't consummated their union.
The war's looming threat couldn't excuse his neglect.
Ariel's heart ached.
Did Henry still desire her?
Or had duty consumed him entirely?
Tomorrow, Ariel vowed to continue her gentle seduction.
Tonight, she'd planted seeds of longing.
Soon, Henry would crave her as fiercely as she craved him.
The silence between them would become a palpable, burning desire.
The next day, Henry rode alongside Solomon, their horses' hooves pounding the earth as they journeyed to the war council.
"A lot weighs on our shoulders," Solomon said, his eyes scanning the horizon.
Henry nodded.
"More than you know, my friend."
Solomon raised an eyebrow.
"What troubles you?"
Henry hesitated, then spoke in a low tone.
"Ariel...last night. She tempted me, then left me wanting. I don't know what to make of it."
Solomon's expression turned thoughtful.
"Perhaps she's feeling neglected," Solomon suggested. "With the war looming, we've both been absent husbands. Though I'm not married yet."
Henry sighed.
"I know. But Ariel's patience wears thin. She's never been one to demand attention, yet...last night was different."
Solomon nodded sympathetically.
"Communicate with her, Henry. We can't afford distracted minds, not now."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow, Henry and Solomon concluded their strategy session.
Meanwhile, Ariel and Nahar had spent the day with the wedding planners, finalizing details for the upcoming ceremony.
As the sun set, Ariel walked Nahar to her chambers.
"I'm excited for you, Nahar," Ariel said. "You and Solomon will be happy."
Nahar smiled.
"Thank you, Ariel. You've been a dear friend."
Ariel's thoughts drifted to Henry.
Would he finally bridge the gap between them?
Or would the war continue to pull them apart?
As Henry returned to the castle, he sought Ariel out.
Their eyes met, and Henry sensed a spark of anticipation.
"Ariel," he said, his voice low. "We need to talk."
Ariel's smile hinted at secrets.
"About last night?" she asked.
Henry nodded.
"About everything," he replied.