When they finally broke apart, their chests heaved. Alena’s lips tingled, swollen from his fervent kiss. Her hands remained locked around his shoulders, afraid he might vanish if she let go.
Leukos’ dark eyes bore into hers, a mix of awe and something she couldn’t quite place flickering across his face. Then the corners of his mouth turned up, and a genuine smile broke free—like sunlight after a storm. It was radiant, unguarded, and so unlike the stoic prince she’d come to know.
“I’ve been wanting to do that,” he murmured, the warmth in his voice making her heart flutter, “for a very, very long time.”
His grin was infectious, and Alena couldn’t help but return it. Laughter bubbled up in her throat. “We could have done that sooner,” she teased, “if you hadn’t kept secrets from me… again.”
A flicker of regret crossed his face. “I know, love. I’m sorry, I just…”
He fell silent as his fingers trailed down her face, brushing over strands of her hair. The motion was reverent, as if now that he could touch her, he couldn’t bear to stop.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Alena pressed.
“I was going to,” he said, and she could see the truth written across his face. “I’d planned to tell you before we set course for the Western Lands. That’s why I was training so hard. I wantedto gain as much control as possible so that when you found out, I’d be able to hold you. If only for a moment.”
His words sent a pang through her chest, her heart aching for the pain and restraint he’d endured. She rose onto her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “Well, you have me now, Leukos, Prince of Megara. All of me.”
A quiet breath escaped him, and his handsome face, framed by tousled dark hair, softened. He pulled her flush against him, one hand cradling the back of her head, his fingers threading through her hair.
“I’m not good with words,” he confessed, his deep voice vibrating against her ear. “But today I’m one of the lucky few to have found my soulmate. And not only that, but mine is the bravest, most beautiful, and most infuriatingly stubborn creature I’ve ever met.”
She leaned back, arching an eyebrow. “Stubborn?!”
Leukos let out a low chuckle, a sound that was quickly becoming her favourite. “Of course, that’s what you pick up on. Yes,stubborn.But it’s that same stubbornness and determination that made me fall in love with you.”
Her breath hitched, the weight of his words dropping into her heart like a stone into a still pond, sending ripples through her very being.
“I should’ve told you sooner. Instead, I brought you pain, and for that I will never forgive myself. It isn’t living if you’re not at my side, Alena. I understand that now.” His forehead pressed to hers, his vow thrumming in the space between them. “My soul is sworn to yours, and I will never, ever let you go again.”
Alena’s heart soared, her cheeks aching from the force of her smile, but she didn’t care. She looked up at him, her chest so full of happiness it felt as though it might burst. “Good. Because I love you, too. You’re stuck with me now—stubbornness and all.”
The words had barely left her lips before his mouth captured hers in a searing kiss. It was possessive, tender—everything she’d yearned for—and she never wanted it to end.
His hands slid to the backs of her thighs, and in one swift motion, he lifted her with ease.
“Leukos!” She clutched his shoulders as instinct took over, her legs wrapping around his waist. A mix of exhilaration and nerves coursed through her. “What are you doing? What if someone sees us?”
He released a low, husky groan, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck. “No one’s here.” His breath was hot against her ear, his voice a seductive rasp that sent a shiver down her spine. “Let me touch you.”
His mouth trailed kisses along the curve of her neck, lips warm against her trembling skin. Her stomach dipped, her legs tightening around him. He paused at her collarbone, his tongue flicking against it, and she let out a broken gasp, her fingers tangling in his hair. He moved lower, pressing soft, reverent kisses across the bare expanse of her chest, each lingering imprint sending shivers coursing through her.
His hands slid beneath her tunic, rough palms igniting trails of fire in their wake. A moan escaped her as the sheer intensity of his touch overwhelmed her senses. Every nerve in her body came alive, a desperate ache building in her core. She wanted more—needed it—and the anticipation threatened to consume her.
Leukos pressed her against the rocky cliff, his body anchoring hers in place. Featherlight, his fingers grazed the neckline of her tunic, tugging it aside just enough to reveal the faint outline of her bound chest beneath. His fingertips traced the edge of the linen, as though savouring every moment before crossing the threshold.
His gaze lifted, locking onto hers in a silent question.
Alena’s heartbeat drummed in her ears. She didn’t fully understand what he was asking, but nodded all the same, trusting him.
With painstaking care, Leukos eased the linen fabric down, baring her breasts to him. The cool air kissed her skin, her nipples hardening, and heat rose to her cheeks. Leukos’ gaze seared her, his dark eyes drinking her in.
The silence stretched taut, and despite the warmth of the moment, insecurities clawed their way to the surface, tightening her throat.
Then his rough voice broke through her swirling thoughts. “Gods,” he rasped, awe lacing every syllable, “you’re beautiful.”
Her eyes snapped to his, and in that look—an unflinching devotion in his expression—all her doubts and fears crumbled.
His large hand drifted over her ribs before claiming her breast. Her heart thundered at the sudden, intimate possession. His thumb grazed her sensitive peak in a gentle stroke, tightening her stomach with a rush of anticipation. When he rolled her nipple between his fingers, a jolt of pleasure shot through her like lightning.
