Chapter 20
Sia
Sia lost herself somewhere between the intensity of Lucas’s kisses and the desire that built within her like a volcano threatening to erupt.
Hot kisses uncurled sensations in her body that she had never felt before.
She moaned as Lucas pulled back, and she pulled his mouth back down to hers.
Her tongue reached out tentatively under she found his, and rational thought became impossible.
He pulled away and stood up, dragging her with him. They helped each other strip off their clothes, and Sia stood in front him for the first time completely naked. A sudden wave of shyness washed over her and she put her hands in front of her.
“Oh, no, my beautiful bride. You’re not hiding from me.”
Heat climbed up her cheeks as she stared at his own nakedness. He cupped her face and kissed again, this time soft and gentle. Then he stood back and trailed his fingers down her cheek, and her neck, across her shoulder.
The butterfly touch sent goosebumps of pleasure across her skin.
Her nipples hardened into little peaks, and he bent down and caught one in his mouth.
He swirled his tongue and nipped her nipple with his teeth.
The spark increased the pleasure, and she gasped and grabbed his shoulders to stand steady.
His hands caressed her hips and thighs as he continued to suckle on her breasts. She tried to pull him up so she could kiss him again, but instead he pushed her back on the bed. He caught her ankles and pushed them up against her thighs before he lowered himself between her legs.
Little butterfly kisses all up her inner thighs drove her crazy.
His tongue touched her most sensitive spot as he took his first taste of her.
She writhed on the bed while his tongue teased and explored each nook and valley.
Every time he swiped across the sweet spot, her breath would hiss as waves of sensation passed through her.
She cried out to him and tried to move so she could touch him.
Feel him. She wanted to taste him. He finally crawled up and towered over her, just staring into her eyes.
She read the love and passion in them that she herself felt.
He lowered and caught her mouth with his tongue continuing its exploration.
Her tongue danced with his, and she wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him down.
He buried himself deep inside her in a single thrust, and she finally felt complete.
He stilled and ground against her before he teased and taunted her with each stroke.
He took his time and ignored her urgency.
His hand roved over her body and he caught her nipple between his fingers.
The sharp tweak of pain enhanced the pleasure as he made love to her, and she almost climaxed.
He slowed and gave her a lazy grin. "Not yet, my love. We have all night."
She moved so fast he didn't have a chance to block her before he was on his back and she leaned over him. She ground against him with his cock buried deep. "My turn."
She cupped his face and ran her fingers down his neck and across his shoulders.
She traced the curves of his chest and without losing her hold on him, she returned the favor and swirled her tongue around his nipples until he groaned.
She nipped one with her teeth, and his hand suddenly slapped her ass.
It sent sparks through her and she squeezed tight as she ground against him again.
"Still think you can wait all night, Your Majesty? "
"Not if you keep doing that," he growled back.
“That’s why I’m the one in control right now.” She purred as she nibbled on his neck. She knew he could overpower her at any time, but he let her continue on her exploration.
She teased until she couldn't control her own climax. She curved her back and rode him hard as he bucked against her. They came together in a crashing of the waves until she finally collapsed on top of him. Her breath came back slowly, but she didn't mind.
Sia woke slowly, wrapped in warmth that had nothing to do with the late-morning sun spilling through the gauzy curtains.
For a blissful, hazy moment, she didn’t move. She simply breathed.
Lucas’s arm was heavy and possessive across her waist, his palm at the small of her back as if even in sleep he meant to keep her exactly where she belonged.
Her cheek rested over his heart, and she listened to the steady, unhurried rhythm of it beneath her ear.
It was no longer the heartbeat of the man she had chosen, but of the man who had chosen her back in every possible way.
She traced a lazy circle on his bare chest with the tip of her finger. They were truly married now.
The thought fluttered through her like the wings of a hundred butterflies. Her face warmed as memories rose up of last night. She tucked her face firmly against him and hid her smile
Bliss, she realized, wasn’t only the breathless wonder of discovering one another. It was this, too. The quiet after.
Lucas shifted beneath her and his fingers flexed against her back before sliding upward and brushing gently along her spine. She felt the smile before she heard it in his voice.
“Good morning, my queen,” he murmured and pressed a lingering kiss into her hair. Her heart did a very undignified little flip.
She tipped her chin up just enough to look at him. His hair was disheveled and his eyes were heavy with sleep, but he still regarded her as if she were the most astonishing sight in the kingdom.
“Good morning, my king,” she replied softly.
He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “You’re glowing.”
She laughed, mortified and delighted all at once. “That is entirely your fault.”
His answering grin was wicked in the most affectionate way. “I intend to take responsibility quite often.”
She swatted lightly at his chest, but the gesture dissolved when he leaned down to kiss her properly this time. Slow and sweet, not urgent like the night before.
When they finally rose, it was unhurried.
Lucas called down and ordered breakfast delivered to their room.
They dressed while they waited and exchanged little smiles that felt almost adolescent in their sweetness.
At one point Lucas caught her watching him fasten the button on his slacks and raised a brow.
“See something you like, Your Majesty?”
She lifted her chin with mock dignity. “I am merely admiring the king’s impeccable attributes.”
He laughed and crossed the room to kiss her again.
Breakfast arrived shortly after and they ate close together on the settee with their knees touching under a small table. Lucas insisted on feeding her one of the strawberries, and she pretended to be scandalized while secretly loving every second of it.
When duty finally called him away, he didn’t leave without cupping her face in both hands.
“I won’t be long,” he promised.
“I know,” she replied. “If I’m not here, you know where to find me.”
“Enjoy your sanctuary.” He kissed her once more and then he was gone.
Sia lingered a moment in their chambers with her fingertips brushing the rumpled sheets as if committing the sight to memory. A soft smile curved her lips.
The castle felt different as she headed toward the stairs to her art room, as if the very walls approved of her happiness. She was nearly to the stairwell when she heard them.
“…still no heir, though.”
Sia paused.
Two maids and one of the chefs stood just beyond the archway, half-hidden by the doorway. Their voices were low, but not low enough.
“It’s been so long since the wedding,” one of the maids said. “You’d think there’d be news by now.”
“We all know what will happen if there’s no heir. It’s sad really.”
“Things might be looking up, though. Today was the first time they requested breakfast in bed since they married,” the chef added with a knowing grin.
“And still no announcement of a baby.”
“Maybe she just can’t have–”
Sia stepped forward before the sentence could finish. She had had enough and it was time to stick up for herself. The three of them jumped as if someone had thrown a firecracker in their mix.
“Maybe I can’t have what?” she asked calmly. She wanted to make them as uncomfortable as possible.
Silence fell heavy and immediate. The chef’s face was drained of color. One maid dropped into a curtsy so fast she nearly stumbled.
“Y-Your Majesty, we didn’t see you.”
“I think you mean to say that you didn’t intend for me to hear you all gossiping, am I right?” Sia kept her tone cold. Her heart beat hard, but not with shame. Not with that old familiar sting that used to send her fleeing in tears. Not anymore. This was going to end now.
Last night had made all the difference in the world and sealed more than a marriage. It had sealed her confidence.
She stepped closer with her hands clasped loosely in front of her. “You seem very concerned about the state of my womb. Tell me. Are you equally concerned with the state of your positions?”
The chef swallowed audibly. “No, ma’am. Your Majesty. I mean, yes, we care about our positions, of course.”
“I see.” She tilted her head slightly. “Because idle gossip about your queen’s body suggests either boredom or disrespect. Neither reflects well on the palace staff.” She pointed at the chef. “And spreading news about our breakfast requests is equally appalling.”
One maid’s eyes filled with tears. “We meant no harm.”
“Harm does not require intent,” Sia scolded. “Only carelessness.”
Footsteps echoed behind her that were firm and unmistakable. Lucas.
He took in the scene in a glance with the trembling staff and Sia standing tall before them. His jaw tightened.
“What’s going on?” he asked. His voice carried the edge of a king used to obedience.
The chef dropped to one knee. “Forgive us, Your Majesty.”
Lucas’s gaze sharpened. “Forgive you for what?”
“They were speculating about heirs, or the lack thereof.” Sia answered before they could stumble through it. She kept her tone measured, but there was steel beneath it. “They seem to think that our sex life is theirs to critique and offer opinions.” Vulgar, but she could see the words hit home.
Lucas’s expression darkened instantly. “You dared insult my wife? Your queen?” He turned to Sia. “They will be dismissed, effective immediately. Pray I don’t press charges for treason against the crown.”
The maids gasped and one burst into tears. The chef looked like he was about to pass out.
Sia laid a gentle hand on his arm. “No.”
Lucas blinked at her.
“They have overstepped,” she continued, “but they have also been given a lesson.”
She faced the staff again. “You won’t be dismissed today. Instead, you will return to your duties and deliver a message.”
The three of them looked up cautiously.
“The time for rumors is over.” Sia’s voice rang clear in the corridor. “My marriage is not a public spectacle. My body is not public property. And any further disrespect through whispered conversations in the shadows will be met with consequences.”
“Severe consequences,” Lucas added. “And you should all appreciate Sia’s leniency because I don’t feel the same.”
She held their gaze until each of them nodded. “I know it wasn’t just the three of you, so make sure you spread the word that I’m done with the disrespect.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” they chorused. They scrambled away without so much as a customary curtsy as they retreated.
When they were alone, Lucas looked at her in open astonishment. “Wow. I’m impressed that you have suddenly embraced your role as queen.”
She leaned up and kissed him. “Last night meant a lot to me, so I figured I’d better live up to it.”
“You spared them,” he said as he stroked her cheek. “I’m proud of you for that. I was seconds away from firing all three.”
“I know.” She smiled slightly. “That’s why I stopped you.”
He studied her as if seeing her anew. “You didn’t even flinch with your resolve.”
“I’ve flinched enough in my life,” she replied softly. “I’m finished with it.”
A slow grin spread across his face and pride warmed his eyes. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “That was exceptional queen-ing.”
She laughed despite herself. “Queen-ing?”
“Yes. Strategic. Merciful. Terrifying when necessary.” He brushed his knuckles along her jaw. “You handled it perfectly.”
Pleasure bloomed in her chest, different from the night before but just as powerful. This contentment was born of strength.
“I suppose I’m learning,” she said lightly.
Lucas leaned down and kissed her soundly. “You’re not learning,” he murmured. “You’re reigning.”
And for the first time since the whispers had begun months ago, Sia felt utterly, unshakably secure.
Let them talk now, she thought.
They would only be speaking of her authority.