Aleksasha gasped against his mouth as she melted into the reassurance of Matias's embrace and his lips. She closed her eyes, focusing on the stability of his arms and the warmth of this quiet moment. The world was no longer spinning out of control. She leaned into him before she pulled back away.
She blinked rapidly as she looked up at him, her cheeks burning red. "It's just…. So much." She listened to the way her heart raced. "I don't want this to be another forgotten tragedy I carry in my heart."
Matias held her tightly and affectionately, reassuring her with his touch that she was someone precious to protect from the dangers of the world. "I won't let that happen, Alek."
She searched his face, he wasn't restraining his emotions as much now. His expression softer as he showed her his true face beneath his mask. "And Selene?" She asked cautiously. "What is the truth of her? What if she's the…"
"Then I will deal with her." Matias sighed. "I need you to trust me when I say there is more this situation than I can tell you right now. She's not what she seems.
"Stop keeping me in the dark about her." Aleksasha's eyes narrowed slightly. "I would know if you told me."
He hesitated, his gaze shifting from her to the fire before he settled on the couch beside her, pulling her onto his lap. "There is a reason for everything I am doing." He gave her an affectionate squeeze. "I can't give you the answers to your questions yet. Not until I'm certain. But know this." He leaned his face towards hers, dangerously close to her lips again as he met her eyes. "I've never lied to you. And I am not lying to you now."
Her heart twisted at the sincerity in his words. Isn't just trust me something that liars say to lure you in? She wanted so desperately to trust him but some jealous part of her wouldn't let go of her doubts so easily. "I," she whispered. "Just… don't shut me out. Let me in to your thoughts and plans. We're partners in this. You are my husband and we're in danger. I can't help you if you don't talk to me."
"I never want you to be outside of my life," he promised, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. "You talk of being out of my thoughts but you're forever on my mind. You're the only one I trust completely."
The intensity of his gaze made her breath catch. They were pressed together and the warmth of his body seeped into hers, driving away the chill that settled in her bones. He cradled her against his chest. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to cast off the fear that coiled so tightly around her since the night began.
His hand slid down her back, pulling her closer until it plain to her how earnestly he felt towards her in this moment. Aleksasha's pulse quickened as she felt the heat of his breath against her forehead and the growing firmness against the bottom of her thigh. "We'll get through this," he murmured, his lips brushing against her hair.
She tilted her head up, this close she noticed tiny flecks of silver glittering in his blue eyes. "Matias…"
His name was a plea, question, and answer all at once. He leaned down, his lips capturing hers in desperate and tender kiss. Aleksasha melted into him, her hands slipping around his neck as she pulled herself up to straddle his lap. The world and dangers lingering outside their chambers faded away, leaving only the warmth of his embrace and the rapid thrum of her heart.
Matias's hands roamed her back, his touch igniting a fire that spread through her veins. She gasped softly as his lips trailed down her jaw, his breath hot against her skin. "You're mine, Alek," he whispered possessively, sending a shiver down her spine.
"And you're mine," she breathlessly replied.
He pulled her back to the present with a soft chuckle, his forehead resting against hers with a soft groan. "We should be readying our next move. Not getting lost in each other."
Aleksasha laughed softly, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. "You're the one who started it."
"And I have no regrets," he murmured, kissing her once more before reluctantly pulling away. "But aside from systematically pouring over ten years of letters between us, what is our plan?"
She nodded, trying to steady her breathing. "If someone's been intercepting our messages, they've had a window into our lives for years. They could know everything. If they were close enough to read the opened letters, then they would already know everything about us. So why read them?"
"Then we'll start with those closest to us to see who had access." Matias's expression darkened. "Then we need to find the courier and where they came from. We can't leave any stone unturned."
"About that, the courier was soaked with rain when he arrived" Aleksasha commented. "I had Turold look into where it was raining in the surrounding areas since there was not a cloud in the sky last night." She offered with a soft smile. Her lips turned down into a thin frown. "And what of Selene? She already knows I don't trust or like her."
"We'll keep her close," Matias said, his tone firm. "We will act like nothing has changed so we can keep an eye on what she's doing. If she's involved, she'll slip up eventually or lead us to another clue."
Aleksasha bit her lip, nodding. It wasn't the answer she wanted but it was one that made sense despite her jealous heart. "I'll review the household records tomorrow and see if anything stands out as suspect. Financial discrepancies, unusual deliveries—anything that could hint at someone working against us from within."
"Good," Matias said, his hand stroked her cheek. "We'll divide our efforts but stay coordinated. If you find anything, you come to me immediately. No secrets, Alek."
"No secrets," she agreed softly.
"I want to spend every night with you." Matias added as her face turned a brighter pink. "We can talk alone in our chambers together. It'll make it harder for them to divide us if we act like an amorous couple." He chuckled at her reaction. "We still have time to…"
The sound of hurried footsteps in the corridor outside shattered the moment. Aleksasha retreated, scrambling to her feet as her heart raced as the knock echoed through the room.
"Your grace!" One of the guards urgently called. "The stable boy, he's awake!"
"Give us but a moment!" Matias called back. His gaze snapped to Aleksasha as the fire sent shadows dancing across his face. He watched how she moved and sighed. He rose to his feet and offered Aleksasha his hand. "Let's go."
Aleksasha nodded, her fingers tightening briefly around his before they made their way to the door.