Burn for You

Chapter Twenty-Two

13 April 1845

Rays of vermillion and orange bathed the bedroom in their warm glow. Two dove grey steps led up to a giant bed of furs. The gossip of London had been right about that fact, but what they failed to disclose was that there were the sheets beneath the assortment of carob brown, black and dove grey pelts. Of which Alexander was currently lying under. He was on his stomach, his head turned to one side. His chest rising and falling in a steady beat of snores.
Danika on the other hand, slipped free from the sheets. Her feet padding quietly across the room. Two adjoining chambers; one to the left and one to the right. She chose the left.

Columns of grey stone gave the room the appearance of a cave and carved into the floor was a pool. Large enough according to her husband, to bathe a dragon in. A hollow in the wall next to the pool, housed soaps of floral scents and bergamot orange and towels. Discarding her nightgown by the water's edge, Danika stepped into the pool. The water's cold kiss lessening with each kick, each breaststroke.
Several laps later, Danika went to retrieve a small slab of lilac soap before settling herself on a small ledge of smooth rock.

While lathering her arms, she let out a content sigh. Stealing a moment away by herself was rare since her coronation ten months ago. These days she was usually flanked by a maid or two, guards or Silvio when he was not with his wife. None felt comfortable to let her stray from their gaze so moments like this she treasured.
Rinsing off the lather, she plunged underwater. Sinking to the bottom, she enjoyed the peaceful silence of her watery domain before rising to the surface. Rivulets of water cascaded down her body, her hair clinging to the column of her neck as she emerged from the water. She paused while reaching for a towel, hearing the sound of footsteps.

Alexander strode towards her. Her breath quickening.

"Allow me," he said, his voice low. His gaze a heated caress across her skin, stripping her of words. She nodded.

Towel in hand, Alexander knelt down before her. His grip light on her ankles as he began to dry her in slow, long strokes with the towel. His fingers circling her knee before moving upward. Slow, deliberate strokes across her thighs. Alexander slid the towel between her legs, to cup her sex in his palm, gently petting her dry. Danika let out a soft moan. He pressed a kiss to the soft swell of her stomach. He drew the towel to her waist. His fingers stilling on the reddish marks cutting across her rounder hips.
Alexander felt Danika squirm in beneath his touch.

His expression one of tenderness as he rose to his feet. Upon seeing the goosebumps erupt on her arms, he draped the towel around her shoulders. His arms encircling her waist.

"Danika," he said in a soft voice. "Did you think I would shun you?" His lips soothing her reddening cheeks. "You gave me a most precious treasure four months ago. Your body changed over seven months to bring her into this world and I desire you no less for such a feat. I marvel at your strength, my little dove."

The backs of his fingers a light caress on the soft curve of her jaw.

"How is it?" She asked, a waver in her voice. "Y-you always know what to say to make me feel worthy of your affection."

His mouth traversed upwards to her lips. "Because I love you, Danika."

Alexander lightly tugged at her bottom lip. The request obeyed as she parted her lips, his mouth sealing over hers in a long, deep kiss.

Danika broke the kiss to catch her breath.

"Come back to bed with me," he murmured, holding out a hand to her.

"Don't you have a visit from the Hungarian dignitaries today?"

"No. Rohan had decided to handle matters on my behalf so I can spend the whole day with you."

"How delightful," she said, sliding her hand into his.
Alexander's lips curved into a smile as he guided her back to their bed.

Alexander had buried his head in the crook of Danika's neck. One hand splayed across her stomach which was once more clothed in a ivory nightgown. Her scent of lavender wrapping around him, an embrace he never wanted to depart from. Danika's cheek against his. She looped an arm around his head, her fingers running through his hair in slow, languishing strokes.

"Ba-ba."

Alexander raised his head at the sound, his gaze flickering towards the second chamber.

"I'll go," he said, pressing a kiss to her lips before rising to his feet. Danika eased herself into a sitting position.

Inside the second room was a crib of mahogany wood, intricate designs carved into the headboard. A nest of blankets. The occupant of such a nest had fled to sit in one corner, her small hands gripping her toes. A tiny pair of eyes, the same rich earthy brown shade as her mother's looked up as Alexander stopped by the crib, his hands reaching in. One hand cradling her head as he lifted his daughter up and into his arms.

"My little Annalise," Alexander said softly, pressing a kiss to her little chubby cheek.

"Ba-ba," Annalise replied and he couldn't help but smile. Like her mother, Annalise could look upon him without fear.

Danika's expression softened upon seeing Annalise in his arms. Their daughter looked so small and fragile being held by him but for all of his strength, he would always be gentle with the most precious part of her heart. Annalise saw her mother and exploded into excitable chatter, her arms reaching out.

"Just like her Papa," Danika remarked as Alexander sat down next to her. He let a chuckle, handing their daughter to her.
Danika tucked back a wisp of chestnut brown behind Annalise's ear as she held their infant to her heart. Alexander's hands encircling his wife's waist. His lips a feather-like caress down the column of her neck.

She met her husband's gaze.

A year ago, Danika was pushed from the deceitful arms of William and into Alexander's arms. A place one day she would have to let go of but for now, there was truly nowhere else she would rather be than with Alexander.

The End