Chapter 6 #2
"I am sorry to hear that, Iris, but your decision to prioritize your peace is a noble one. Though, I am sorry it has meant that you've spent your holidays alone if that is not what you wish." His voice was so genuine, it made my throat a bit tight with emotion.
"Thank you; it's difficult sometimes, but I know it's what's right for me."
"I am glad, at least, I could offer some company this year. Speaking of which, dinner is ready and warming in the oven whenever you'd like to eat," he said.
"Oh, that sounds wonderful, actually! I forgot to eat lunch today."
"Wonderful! Please excuse me for a moment, then, and feel free to find a seat that suits you at the table," he said, rising and striding toward the kitchen.
The dining room at the end of the space featured a beautiful floor-to-ceiling window that looked out over a peaceful garden area that was tucked behind the house.
It was full of sculptures, skeletons carved from stone in various poses.
One in particular caught my eye—two skeletal lovers in an embrace, one with a gracefully arched back and the other bending over them.
The sound of Benedict's footsteps pulled me from my examination of the sculpture, and I turned to see him carrying a steaming pie. Its puffed pastry crust was perfectly golden, and steam wafted from the delicate design of cuts on the top.
"Oh my, you didn't have to make anything so fancy on my account!" I said with a laugh.
"Nonsense, I rarely entertain and I love to cook. I'll be right back with the rest," he said, turning to go again after he set the pie at the center of the table. I set my wine down at the seat at the head of the table and made myself comfortable.
A moment later, Benedict reappeared with a tray. It held dishes of long, thin, bright-green beans, purple carrots with some sort of glaze, and a small bowl of bright red sauce.
"A true holiday spread, I see!" I said enthusiastically. I loved traditional solstice foods, but I couldn't remember the last time I'd had any. "Everything smells wonderful, Benedict."
When I said his name he paused as he arranged the dishes and looked up at me thoughtfully. "My name sounds so lovely on your lips."
And now I was blushing. Gods, Benedict was so kind and always a gentleman to me, and he had my heart doing silly flips in my chest.
"Would you like me to make you a plate, or make your own?" A simple question, but one I found I appreciated. I actually did want to make my own plate.
"I'll handle mine, thank you," I answered with a smile.
I reached for the dish of carrots just as he did, and our hands brushed.
Neither of us immediately pulled back; we just looked at each other for a moment.
I finally broke the silence with a nervous "sorry" and he chuckled as he apologized as well.
We shared a lovely meal, with delicious food and interesting conversation.
He told me of his home near the coast, with its stark rock pillar formations and volatile weather.
I told him of my time as a battle mage. We talked of the past and of the future, as necromancers were meant to do on solstice.
"Is there anyone you're remembering tonight?" I asked.
"There is, in fact. My dear friend Fredrick—he chose a mortal life over the eternity of undergoing the rite.
He was the same age as one of my older siblings, so about fifty years older than me.
He passed on about ten years ago, but he was such a kind and generous soul—one that I strive to emulate.
" Benedict turned thoughtful as he spoke. "And you, my dear?"
"My grandmother, I suppose. She was also a kind and generous soul, and my days spent with her as a child were some of my best memories," I said.
"Let us drink to them, then, and honor them with our futures," Benedict said, raising his glass toward me. I mirrored his movement, and we both took long sips of our wine.
It was now fully dark outside, and I had lost track of the time.
"I suppose I should be going soon," I said, harboring some small hope that he might ask me to stay. That he might have other plans for us on this long night. I certainly had plenty of ideas.
"You're welcome to head home whenever you'd like, my dear, but I do have a surprise for you, if you've the time."
"Of course, I'll always have time for a surprise! How could I refuse?" I smiled at him fully, wanting him to see the joy he brought me.
"Follow me, then," he said, and offered me his arm. I took it, and the smell of him washed over my senses. I felt myself relax being this close to him.
We made our way up the staircase, past the second floor and up to a terrace with another door.
He opened it, and a beautiful rooftop garden of miniature willow trees greeted us.
The night was brisk, but not windy. Greenish orbs of gently glowing light bobbed in the air around the space, casting it in an otherworldly glow.
In the center of the garden was a massive two-person sofa with an overstuffed ottoman in front of it. A tiny box with a gold bow sat atop it, and a side table with a bottle of wine and two glasses sat ready nearby.
I couldn't help the small gasp that escaped me at the sight. It was so beautiful, and so romantic, and any doubt of Benedict's interest in me faded.
"Come," he said gently, guiding me out into the cool night air.
I took a seat on the sofa, and noticed that a massive knit blanket was draped over its arm. "May I?" I asked, gesturing to it.
"Of course, my dear, that's why I put them here!" he said.
I pulled the blanket up around my shoulders, savoring the snuggly feeling of it. It smelled like him, too, which didn't hurt.
"I know it's a bit presumptuous of me, but I saw this and it made me think of you," Benedict said, offering me the small box.
"Oh Benedict, you didn't need to get me a solstice gift! I feel terrible I didn't return the favor," I said, embarrassment coloring my cheeks.
"Please don't think twice about it; your company with me here tonight is gift enough."
I highly doubted that, and I gave him a look that said so, but I found the end of the dainty bow and pulled. The ribbon fell away, and I lifted the lid of the box to find a magnificent teardrop of black diamond suspended on a delicate silver chain.
I looked up at him then, truly speechless at the generosity of this beautiful gift. He saw this flawless gem and thought of me of all people?
He was smiling softly at me, an emotion I was too afraid to acknowledge in his dark brown eyes.
"Would you like me to help you put it on, my dear?" he asked quietly. I nodded at him, my eyes filling with tears.
He picked the necklace up from its box carefully, and I turned my back to him. My hair was already up, so he draped the necklace in place and fastened it. His fingers brushing against the back of my neck sent a chill down my spine, and I closed my eyes in pleasure.
"Thank you," I whispered. "It's…I don't know what to say, Benedict."
"It looks lovely on you," he said. I glanced at him from over my shoulder, turning to face him again. I tried to read the emotions on his features, but he made it easy for me as he continued, "Iris, may I kiss you?"
I nodded, leaning into his space. Our lips met, gently, reverently—full of more feeling than a kiss would have if he felt nothing for me. Yearning took flight in my chest, and I pressed into him, silently begging him for more.
"Benedict," I said breathlessly as I pulled away, my hands on his chest now. "Please, I want you."
"My love I thought you'd never ask," he answered, his own hands exploring me. He had clearly kept himself leashed, waiting for my permission, and now that he had it, he moved more confidently. He let his desire for me show through every touch.
"Put your arms around my neck," he said gently, and I obeyed without hesitation.
He scooped me up, and I laughed in surprise as he carried me back into the house and down one set of stairs.
We made our way down a long hallway and stepped into a cozy bedroom.
The massive bed had a downy, dark gray blanket and so many pillows I couldn't see them all.
A fire crackled in a fireplace on the other side of the room.
Benedict didn't hesitate, but carried me to the bed and set me down gently.
"My love, if I don't have you out of that lovely dress right away I'm going to go mad," he said, already reaching for the laces of my corset.
I smiled at him again and turned to make his job easier. He undid my laces with deft fingers, and each second that drifted by building my anticipation.
When I was finally free of it, he made quick work of the dress, until all that was left were my lacy stockings. I stepped out of my shoes, and stood before him, basking in the way he looked at me like I was a work of art.
I could see the evidence of his appreciation for me in his trousers.
"Benedict, it's only fair that you follow suit," I said, a hint of a playful pout to my voice.
He nodded and began shrugging out of his elegant black coat jacket. "Touch yourself for me," he said, and again, I obeyed.
I slid back onto the center of the bed, leaning up on my elbows so I could watch him react to me.
I pulled my knees up slowly, snaking my hand between my legs to block his view of my cunt.
I smiled at him, knowing I was teasing and enjoying it.
I began to lightly stroke my clit, teasing the sides gently, letting myself savor the first brushes of my fingers.
I had been wet since the moment I set foot in this house, but now I was truly aroused. By the time Benedict had removed his jacket, cravat, vest, and shirt, I let my knees fall open for him to see what I was doing.
I slid my fingers down, pushing one into myself. I held his gaze as I moaned softly. Benedict always seemed like he was in control, but just then, the raw need in his eyes and the flare of his skeletal form on his face made me wonder how close he was to giving in to his instincts.