Chapter 26: A Glimpse Of Lirian
After some time, Gabriel decided to check how Lirian was doing.
He was hoping, maybe he could take her for a walk, and tell her why he's the northern Duke, explain that his mother owned these lands and was the most favourite noble here to ever exist until she married his father-the previous king of Minerva.
The halls of the castle were quiet as Gabriel made his way to Lirian's quarters.
Despite that weird pressure, pulling down his shoulders, he found himself walking toward her room without much thought.
At first, Gabriel told himself it was just to check on her, to see if she was settling in.
But there was something else—a pull he couldn't quite name.
When he reached the door, it was slightly ajar, warm light spilling out into the cold corridor.
He hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.
As he raised his hand to knock, he heard it—Lirian's voice, soft and melodic, carrying a tune that made him pause.
Curiosity caught him, and before he could stop himself, he peeked through the gap.
Inside, Lirian stood near the fireplace, her back was facing the door.
She had discarded her shawl and was pulling her tunic over her head, revealing the smooth curve of her shoulders.
Her caramel hair was dark and loose, tumbling down her back like a river of the most expensive silk.
She was singing softly, unaware of his presence, her voice was so light and sweet. It was a simple tune, but it carried warmth, wrapping around the room like magic. She was magic.
Gabriel's breath hitched, and he found himself frozen, his hand still raised but forgotten. The cold that had followed him all day seemed to retreat, chased away by the soft glow of the firelight and the way Lirian moved.
For a moment, the harsh stone walls of the keep didn't feel so cold.
He leaned slightly against the doorframe, watching Lirian as she finished completely removing everything from her body.
Her pale skin was still bruised from the whip, but her nipples were hard… He thought about how he wanted to touch them, to touch her, but didn't, not yet.
Instead he waited for her to turn around and see him.
She didn't...
She continued dancing and singing. It was an ancient song he had never heard before. "Where is this from?" He asked, and she stopped.
She spun, startled by his presence, Lirian froze like a gell left along in the freezer.
"You! What are you doing there?" She yelled at him.
"Just enjoying my view," Gabriel smirked.
Lirian rushed to get a blanket, to cover herself, but Gabriel continued smiling. He walked towards her.
"There's no need for you to hide your body. I'm your husband, and I already saw you without clothes."
Lilian's face turned to a red apple, "This is different!"
"Is it really? How so?"
"I didn't choose you. We are not lovers," Lirian answered, covering her body with the blanket.
"No, we're not, but I can change that." Gabriel was now right in front of her. He gently took the blanket away from her and caressed her shoulders. "Why are you scared? You can trust me. I won't force you. I promise."
He kissed her neck and slowly pulled the blanket off. She didn't resist, and when he looked into her eyes again, she had tears on her face.
"You're the duke. You can do whatever you want."
"I am the duke, and what I want is you." He whispered and kissed her tears. "You don't have to be scared of me." He kissed her again, but this time, he kissed her lips.
She was soft and her lips were sweet, and when his tongue touched her lips, she didn't open her mouth, so he pushed harder.
His hands reached for her breasts, and she moaned…"Gabriel…"
He knew she wasn't expecting him, and even if she was, he wasn't going to have sex with her today.
He just wanted her to be comfortable around him.
When he felt her mouth was open, he kissed her hard.
His hand was on her neck, almost massaging it.
"Duke?" A voice called, but it didn't matter to Gabriel.
"Duke?" It repeated again, and then he felt how it shook his shoulders, bringing him back tto reality from the illusion he just had.
"What?!" He snapped.
"You're in my way, do you mind?" A maid nodded.
"Yes, of course…" He muttered and moved to the side.
Realising what he was doing, his smile faded.
Gabriel jerked back, his heart pounded faster, wanting to jump from his chest, painfully.
He stepped away from the door as silently as he could, not wanting for Lirian to see him. He also hoped that the maid wouldn't tell on him.
When he was a safe distance down the hall, he stopped and let out a long breath. His lips curved into the biggest smile, one he didn't quite understand.
The cold was still there, but for the first time, it didn't seem to matter.