Chapter 4 #3
Nimble right behind her, trotting happily like a squat little pig on a mission, it’s ghostly blue eyes curious.
She stopped short when she took Aldric in. Bare to the waist, trousers low on his hips, tension coiled tight in his frame.
“Mmm… and what do we have here?”
Nimble ambled over and bumped Aldric’s shin in what could only be described as approval.
Then, with the air of someone who had done his duty, he leapt onto the bed, dug enthusiastically into the blankets until he’d unearthed the most comfortable nest possible, and flopped down with an exaggerated, long-suffering sigh.
Seraphae laughed and pounced onto the bed herself. Leaning toward Aldric, she flipped her hair dramatically and licked her lips, utterly unapologetic.
Aldric chuckled despite himself.
Yet the edge didn’t fade. The frustration still lingered beneath the humor, a low burn that refused to ease. The brand felt hotter now. Awake.
Seraphae’s gaze drifted to the floor. To the torn shirt.
She pointed at it.
“You didn’t like the color?”
“Something like that.”
She tilted her head, studying him more carefully.
“You seem… agitated.”
Aldric sighed but didn’t answer.
The teasing disappeared from her expression, replaced by quiet concern.
“Your whole demeanor’s changed.” A brief pause. “What’s wrong?”
He looked away.
“It’s nothing.”
“I don’t believe you. You’re always the calmest one in the room.”
Silence.
She tucked her legs beneath her. The flirtation vanished from her face, replaced by quiet concern.
“I know my brother can be a prick,” she said gently. “You don’t have to prove anything to him. You don’t need to go on some ridiculous dragon hunt just to earn his respect.”
Aldric turned to the wardrobe, rummaging through shirts until he found one with sturdier buttons.
His movements were controlled.
Deliberate.
“I know I can opt out, but I’m not going to.”
“Why?”
“Because I want you,” he replied without looking at her.
He drew in a slow breath, fingers tightening briefly around the fabric before he continued.
“I see how your mother looks at you, how happy you are here. With them. Even when you complain about your father’s antics or your brother driving you mad… You love them. And they love you. You belong here.”
He finally turned his head toward her.
“I want that for you.” Another pause, heavier this time. “Also, I keep my promises.”
She slid off the bed, coming up behind him.
“But this won’t be some cute little dragon, Aldric. This is the kind that turns armies into ash. Larger than the one Mareth rode in on.”
“A beast is a beast.”
She tilted her head, watching him for a long moment, then spoke softly.
“You’re different,” she said softly. “I feel like something is… off between us.”
He exhaled through his nose, a quiet, tired sound.
“Last night’s dinner got me thinking.”
Her expression barely shifted, only a faint narrowing of her eyes.
“About?”
Aldric let out a short, humorless laugh.
“He’s right. Your brother.” He looked across the room.
“I don’t have land. Or influence. Or a mountain of titles.
I don’t even have a completed brand.” His jaw tightened.
“I’m an outsider… I know I need to prove myself.
And yet…” his voice dropped, quieter, more honest, “I don’t think I’ll ever fully fit. ”
She looked at him, her expression softened.
“But you are already trying…”
He finally looked at her then, frustration sharp in his eyes.
“Rae. You can’t put makeup on a pig.”
She blinked.
Then smiled.
“Yes, you can,” she said brightly. “And then demons point at it and say, Aww, look at that pig. It’s adorable.”
Despite himself, a laugh slipped out of him. Short. Surprised.
She seized it.
Stepping closer, she cupped his face, forcing his attention where she wanted it.
“I don’t care about land. Or titles. Or who owned what before you ever existed. You’re my bonded. And I love you for you, not for what you own.”
His hands instinctively settled on her waist, giving it a gentle squeeze.
A smile spread across his face.
She caught it immediately.
“We are meant for each other,” she added, quieter now. “And right now, you’re thinking far too much. So, for the next little while… I’d like you to stop thinking.”
She turned, deliberately slow, rising onto her toes and arching her back just enough to make her intent unmistakable. One hand reached back, pointing.
Unapologetic.
“I believe, I’m due a bit of pampering before breakfast… here.”
“Mouth or…?”
She looked over her shoulder, faux outrage flashing across her face.
“What kind of question is that?”
He laughed, the sound already promising trouble.
He dropped to his knees and buried his face in her. Hands kneading and spreading her ass for better access.
A delighted whimper escaped her lips, fingers curling into his hair as sensation overtook thought, the world narrowing to heat and touch.
“There you go,” she murmured, voice warm and wicked.
A moan.
“I hate it when you ask such stupid questions.”
His only response was a sharp, playful swat against her ass.
Her startled yelp turned into lilting giggle.
Breakfast could wait a bit longer.