Ethan stepped into the dimly lit chamber, the air thick with an intoxicating blend of jasmine. His heart raced as his gaze fell upon his wife, Lilith, her figure adorned with the sinuous form of a serpent coiling around her body. The creature glided gracefully along her skin, a living necklace that added an air of mystique to her already enchanting presence.
"Lilith, my love," he murmured, a mix of longing and unease washing over him.
"Ethan," she replied, her voice a sultry whisper that seemed to wrap around him like the serpent itself.
"I need my wife," he groaned, the weight of his worries pressing heavily on his chest.
Lilith turned to him, a smile dancing on her lips as she caressed the snake, coaxing it back into its cave. "Why are you still disturbed by your brother?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she approached him, her fingers grazing his chest.
Ethan's eyes darkened, his thoughts racing. "I am not," he lied, but the tension in his voice betrayed him.
"It's written all over your face," she countered, her tone firm yet teasing. "Forget about him and await his coming."
"That's my fear," he confessed, his breath hitching. "I can't let him walk down into this place, your kingdom."
"Our kingdom," Lilith corrected him, stepping closer, her presence intoxicating.
Ethan exhaled shakily. "Then we must prepare the soldiers for war."
She leaned in, her breath warm against his ear. "Keep all your worries aside. I am your queen. Leave Torin to me."
"He's my brother, Lilith," Ethan replied, a hint of desperation in his voice.
Lilith's expression turned serious. "The enemy of my husband is my enemy."
"My brother"
"Shhhh." She placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. Then, she kissed him passionately, igniting a fire within him that momentarily overshadowed his fears.
But their moment was abruptly interrupted by a guard, who bowed deeply. "Your majesty," he announced, his voice trembling.
Ethan froze, torn between duty and desire.
Lilith ran her fingers through Ethan's hair and commanded the guard, "Let it wait."
Ethan's gaze was locked on Lilith, captivated by her beauty, as she pulled him back into their private world with another kiss.
Across the castle, Duke lay entwined with Elara, their bodies still warm from the intimacy they had just shared. He gasped, pulling away, and looked at her, a soft smile gracing his lips. "I love you."
Elara's radiant smile faded, replaced by a shadow of worry. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?" Duke asked, concern etching his features.
"Why can't I give you a child?" she replied, her voice thick with emotion.
Duke's breath caught in his throat. "What!? Because of that?" He exhaled sharply, confusion swirling within him.
"Darling, it has been on my mind," she confessed, her eyes searching his.
"Listen," he interrupted, "our marriage is barely a year old. I never married you for kids; I married you for you."
"Please don't say that," she pleaded, her voice trembling.
"No, you don't say that. The moment I saw you walk through the gate…" He trailed off, his gaze softening as he looked into her hazel eyes.
"You are the moment I have been waiting for," he continued, his voice low and sincere. "You are the missing piece that makes my heart whole. In your eyes, I see a love so true, a light that brings me out of darkness."
Elara chuckled lightly, the tension easing slightly. "Duke!"
"Mmhmm!" he teased back.
"I'll run away and never return," she joked, her laughter filling the room.
"Then you'd make me a dead man," he replied, a playful grin spreading across his face.
"You are good with sweet words," she laughed.
"I can't breathe when you are not here," he murmured, his expression serious for a moment.
"But I have been ever since," she countered.
"Until I met you," he said, gazing at her with adoration. "Without you, my world is a canvas without color, a melody without harmony. You are the anchor that holds me steady."
Elara playfully jumped onto him, breaking the moment's seriousness. "You won't get away with this," she teased.
"With what?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Trying to make me forget about…," she began, but he cut her off.
"Just do! All I want is to wake up to your smile every sunrise and lay in your arms at dawn."
"Okay, face me first," she replied, laughing.
"It won't work this time," he said, mock seriousness in his tone.
"Alright, you got me. Tell me," she challenged.
"It's the crowned prince, your husband," he said with a grin.
She raised an eyebrow, a smirk pulling at her lips. "You mean?"
"My king," he answered solemnly.
"It's your king," she replied, laughing out loud. "You are a bad boy, just for a kiss."
"I can do anything just for your smile," he said, pulling her close.
"Can I ask one question? And this will be the last?" he ventured, his voice growing serious.
"Mmhm!"
"Have you forgiven him?"
Elara fell silent, her expression shifting.
"You live like he never did," he pointed out gently.
"He will," she breathed, meeting his gaze with intensity. "He will die by his own sword, just like everyone who has crossed him."
"Ouch! He's still my father," Duke reminded her softly.
"I spoiled the fun," she admitted, her tone lightening.
"My King never did," she said, changing the subject. "Are you ready for…"
Duke interrupted her, smiling sheepishly. "Ready for what?"
"You are a bad girl," he said, laughter bubbling between them as they embraced once more, their souls entwined in a dance of love and passion.