Whispers of Desires: A Sense of Duty {Book 1}

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 22: 𝕸𝖔𝖗𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕴𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖆𝖈𝖞: 𝕬 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖘𝖘'𝖘 𝕮𝖚𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖞

The next morning, Nia lay in bed, the moon streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over Kiyoshi's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful, so content in her arms, that she could not help but feel a wave of tenderness wash over her. She watched his chest rise and fall with each breath, the strong line of his jaw, the dark lashes resting against his cheeks. Despite the embarrassment she felt the night before, she could not deny the joy she felt waking up next to him.

As she moved, she felt Kiyoshi stir in his sleep, his arm tightening around her. Her cheeks became warm once more as she remembered their lovemaking from the night before. It had been so passionate, so intense, that she had almost forgotten how to breathe. She could not help but wonder if he felt the same way. She shifted slightly, letting her fingers trace idle patterns on his chest, watching as his abdominal muscles flexed beneath her touch.

The bed shifted as he rolled over, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at her. His eyes were still half-lidded with sleep, but there was a playful glint in them, nonetheless. "Morning, love," he murmured, running his free hand through his disheveled hair.

She swallowed hard, feeling even more self-conscious than before. "Mm-hmm," she managed to reply, burying her face in his chest to hide her blush. His laugh was warm and gentle, brushing against her ear like a caress. "Why so shy all of a sudden?" he teased, tracing a finger down her cheek. "Aren't you proud of what we did last night?"

She peeked up at him, feeling the heat in her cheeks intensify. "Well...yes... I mean... I am just not used to it..." Her voice trailed off as he pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.

"Shh," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "I am your husband, and you are my wife. There's nothing to be ashamed of." His finger continued to trace lazy patterns on her skin, each touch sending a shiver down her spine. "Besides," he added with a wicked glint in his eye, as he whispered in her ears, "I am not finished with you yet."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. Despite her embarrassment, a thrill ran through her at the thought of him wanting more. She glanced up at him, the hesitation in her eyes obvious. He must have seen it, because he leaned down and pressed his lips gently to hers, his tongue tracing the outline of her mouth. She felt her resolve melt away as his kiss deepened, and she parted her lips to welcome him in.

As they kissed, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting their intimacy. Nia pulled away from Kiyoshi with a start, her heart racing.

"Your Majesty the Royal dressmaker has sent word that your outfits for today have arrived," the servant on the other side of the door announced. "She requests your presence to finalize the fit and make any necessary alterations."

Kiyoshi, with a playful glint in his eyes, rose and walked towards the door. "Inform them," he said, his voice firm but kind, "that the King and Queen are currently indisposed. We have matters of the utmost importance to discuss."

The servant bowed deeply, a hint of surprise and curiosity in his expression. As the door closed once more, Kiyoshi turned back to Nia, his face filled with mischief. "And what exactly did you think we were discussing?" he asked with a wink, climbing back into bed and pulling her close.

She laughed, her body shaking with the force of it. "I do not know," she managed to reply, her breath hitching as he trailed his fingers down her stomach. "Maybe the importance of fashion?"

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Very funny." He leaned in, kissing her deeply, his tongue dancing with hers. As their passion ignited once more, she felt herself becoming lost in the sensation, her body melting into his.

"There's so much more to tell you," She gasped between kisses, her fingers tangled in his hair. "About the council meetings, your brother and his wife, the state of the kingdom's finances..." Her words trailed off as he continued to kiss her, his hands moving over her body, making her feel desired and cherished.