Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 29

A knock at the chamber door broke through the stillness of the morning, stirring Aenyra from the cocoon of warmth she'd sunk into. Her brows furrowed in half-conscious protest as she blinked open heavy eyes, the bright rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. She shifted slightly, her hand instinctively reaching out beside her.

Still warm.

The spot where Aemond had lain only moments ago held his lingering heat, his scent faint on the pillow. A small, sleepy smile touched her lips—he must've just left.

She exhaled, slow and quiet, allowing herself just a second longer to linger in the haze of their shared night. But the door creaked open before she could fully sit up, and her heart jumped.

In stepped one of the household maids, arms full with a bundle of fresh linens, followed closely by Elinda, her expression already a blend of amusement and exasperation.

"Aenyra!" Elinda exclaimed with an incredulous laugh as she stepped fully into the room, the door swinging open behind her. "I thought you'd be down in the training yard by now. The young princes have already started their training."

Aenyra groaned softly, dragging the covers higher up her bare shoulders and neck— she was certain it still bore the lingering marks of Aemond's mouth. Her body ached in the most intimate way, a warm reminder of the night they'd shared. She pushed herself upright slowly, blinking the sleep from her eyes. "Is it really that late? I guess... I just had trouble sleeping."

Not a complete lie.

More like someone made it impossible for me to get enough sleep.

Elinda arched a brow but said nothing. Instead, she strode across the room with her usual briskness, eyes scanning the trail of clothes scattered across the floor like evidence. Her gaze landed on the crumpled gown Aenyra had worn the night before, tossed carelessly near the foot of the bed. She picked it up delicately between two fingers, holding it up with a slight smirk. The fabric was deeply wrinkled.

Aenyra flushed crimson, quickly averting her gaze as if she could will the memories from flooding back—Aemond's hands on her waist, his mouth on her body, the feel of his breath as he whispered her name..

"Princess?" Elinda's voice carried a hint of confusion as she stepped further into the room, her eyes flicking over Aenyra's distant expression.

Aenyra jumped slightly, startled out of her thoughts. Elinda's voice and concerned look snapped her back to the present.

"Sorry, Elinda... what did you say?"

Elinda held up the wrinkled gown, giving it a small shake. "I said I'll have it cleaned. It'll look brand new once I'm done with it."

"Thank you, that'll be nice," Aenyra murmured with a small nod, watching Elinda move about the room with practiced ease.

As the door clicked softly shut behind the other maid, Aenyra's eyes dropped to the rumpled bed. Her heart skipped a beat.

Not much, but unmistakably there—was a few faint specks of blood on the sheets. A flush crept over her cheeks, her breath catching in her throat. Her innocence was no longer intact. That tiny stain was proof—proof she gave herself to Aemond, body and soul. Proof that no one else needed to see.

The weight of that realization settled in her chest like a stone.

"Ahem," she cleared her throat gently, straightening her spine beneath the blankets. "Actually, Elinda... I'd like to dress myself today. I shall call for you if I need assistance."