𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 16

The room is silent, the only sound is your ragged breathing and the crackling of the fire. You feel utterly spent, your body boneless and still trembling in the aftermath of his touch. Eris is lying beside you, his eyes closed, a satisfied smirk on his lips.

As your senses slowly return to you, you become acutely aware of your current state, a mix of pleasure and exhaustion, your body still hot and sensitive to his touch. Eris seems blissfully unaware, or simply unbothered, by your condition, his hand tracing lazy circles on your stomach.

"Well, princess." he says, opening his eyes and rolling onto his side to look at you, "I think it's safe to say I've thoroughly worked that proper little attitude out of you."

His smirk widens as he seems to drink in the sight of your disheveled state, your hair in disarray, your lips faintly swollen from his kisses. You try to will your body to respond properly, to conjure up some witty retort, but you find your mind still hazy, your limbs weak.

Eris watches the war of emotions play across your face, relishing in the sight of you so thoroughly undone. "Cat got your tongue, princess?" he teases, his hand moving to your hip, tracing the curve affectionately.

He props himself up on one elbow, his hand moving to your hip, his fingers tracing the skin there. "It seems I've truly made a mess of you, princess" he quips, his eyes roaming over your body.

Your mind is still in a fog, overwhelmed by the intensity of the night's activity. You open your mouth, intending to retort, but all that comes out is a shaky breath. Eris chuckles, clearly enjoying this state he's reduced you to.

After a while, the glow of intimacy begins to fade, reality seeping back into your consciousness. You become aware of the passage of time, and the fact that the wedding discussions are still ongoing, waiting for you. Eris seems to sense your thoughts, and reluctantly peels himself away from you, sitting up on the edge of the bed.

"We probably shouldn't keep them waiting," he says, his voice betraying a hint of reluctance. "Can't have your parents thinking I've already gotten to you, can we?"

You pull yourself into a sitting position, smoothing down your dress and attempting to tame your unruly hair. "You already have...at your birthday" you say, your voice still tinged with a bit of breathlessness. "Though if they only knew..."

Eris chuckles at your comment, his eyes raking over your form, clearly pleased with what he sees. "They wouldn't be happy about it, that's for sure," he says, standing and offering you a hand to help you up.

Once you're standing, you take a moment to steady yourself, your legs still feeling a bit weak. Eris doesn't miss your slight wobble, and he grins, clearly amused. "Careful there, princess," he says, his hand gripping your waist as if to keep you upright. "You're still a bit shaky, hmm?"

You shoot him a glare, trying to muster up some of that earlier confidence. "I'm fine." you say, though your voice wavers slightly, betraying your words. He lifts an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, his grip on your waist tightening.

"You're cute when you try to act all tough." he says, leaning in, his breath hot on your ear. "But I know what you really are underneath that tough exterior. A quivering mess at my mercy."

He punctuates his words with a soft nip at your earlobe, drawing a gasp from you. You feel a shiver run down your spine, your body reacting instinctively to his touch. He chuckles at your reaction, clearly enjoying the effect he still has on you.

You steel yourself, trying to keep your composure, despite how affected you are. "And you're a cocky, smug bastard." you retort, pulling away. "Always so sure of yourself."