Crowns And Shadows (MXM) (Book 1)

XX: Siren

Hyacinth

I stood outside the heavy oak door, my heart pounding like a restless bird in my chest.

I had felt so confident when I had left my home but now that I was about to witness my challenge, I felt like I would melt away.

That was the day I'd paint the princess. I didn't know what awaited me but after the first painting, she said that she had felt confident enough to have me paint her again. I was excited but she didn't tell me what scene I should've expected. I thought we would be in the garden, or the parlor. But when I arrived, I was led to her room.

I clutched my satchel of paints and brushes, the weight of them could never have matched the weight of the nerves under my skin.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked softly. "You can come in Hyacinth," she called, her voice a melodious invitation that sent a thrill down my spine.

As I pushed the door open, a rush of warmth enveloped me. The room glowed with golden light, and there, by the window, stood Aria. She had her back to me as she stared at the sprawling view of the lake.

She was a vision in a very light silk dress that flowed like water over her body. My breath caught in my throat. The delicate fabric clung to her form, and I couldn't help but notice how it hinted at the graceful lines beneath. My cheeks flushed as I struggled to maintain my composure at the view of this almost see through dress.

"Hyacinth," Aria said, her voice smooth and inviting. "I hope you don't mind my attire. I wanted to be comfortable during the scene." Her smile was both playful and teasing, a spark of mischief in her dark eyes that made my stomach flutter. That was most definitely not what I had envisioned on my way there but I could not complain.

"No, it's... it's lovely," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. I set my supplies down, my hands trembling as I fought to focus. The sight of her was overwhelming.

I began arranging my paints, but I could feel Aria's gaze on me, a gentle challenge that sent my heart racing.

"Do you think you can capture me like this?" she asked, her tone playful, yet there was a depth to it that left me breathless.

"I-I will do my best," I replied, my voice shaking. I turned to the canvas, trying to steady my hand, but every brush stroke felt infused with the tension in the room.

I glanced up, and Aria walked away from the window to a tub full of water and red rose petals. I hadn't even noticed the tub at first since my attention had all been drawn to the princess. Her walk was sultry, the sunlight casting soft shadows across her skin, making her look majestic, magical even.

She dipped herself into the tub and supported her neck on the rounded rim. She then raised herself, slightly adjusting above the surface of the water. Her dress already fueled my wildest imaginations but in that moment, it had gone practically transparent. Her deep pink nipples weren't subtle at all and very much erect underneath the fabric. The petals stuck to her pale skin creating a beautiful contrast and almost matching the reddish rouge on her lips ."Let's begin then, shall we?" she said, shifting into a new pose enabling her to look at me comfortably. I could see the thin strap that held her dress slowly slip down her shoulder with a casual grace that felt almost deliberate. Perhaps it was. Had she not yet realized the effect she had on me? Each small movement drew me in, igniting a longing I couldn't quite name.

I dipped my brush into the paint, my heart racing with each stroke. Each glance at her made my insides turn to jelly. The way the fabric hugged her body from it's wetness sent a warmth spreading through me, to areas I didn't know could even feel such warmth.