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Chapter 23 - Flame
Luella
I had never felt like it.
It was lovemaking or something close to it. I felt like both my body and soul connected with Metheus’ own, even if we woke up still virgins in a sense. Both of us. It filled me with wonder that I could share such an experience with the man who had become my husband through an arranged marriage.
It was not a love match, he said. It still echoed in my mind, but it had become hollow. Distant.
Metheus always left the bed early in the morning. He was the child of the sun, body ready for another day of hard work. He did not have to do it, as he had both power and wealth. His hands could heal the soil in a matter of minutes, and he could declare days of leisure and rest. Now, I understood that it was about covering up his power and being one with the people.
Despite his quiet demeanor, nobody hated him here in Arrowspear. They realized that it was the way he was – reserved, melancholy even. The arrogance I perceived from him was a shield. I had torn whatever sheath he covered himself with and saw him for what he was. He was afraid that I would laugh at him. But why would I do that?
There was no reason. However, I had found more reasons to be there. With him.
When I stretched happily that morning, I realized that he had not left. My hand had made contact with a bare chest.
He was still there.
I eagerly turned towards him and saw that he was awake, eyes gazing at the ceiling. With one arm resting on his forehead, he looked deep in thought.
“Good day, Metheus,” I said. I thought of calling him a term of endearment, but I did not know how he would react to that.
The hand that rested on his forehead reached out and hugged me to his chest.
“Good day, Luella,” he returned my simple greeting.
“You stayed,” I remarked, pleased. I rested the palm of my hand on his chest, reveled at how solid it was. His heartbeat was steady, but soon it sped up.
“Yes, we are newlyweds after all,’’ he said with a crooked grin, his calm voice belying his pounding heart. My own picked up his rhythm.
“Thank you,’ I whispered.
“For what?” he asked, a frown on his face.
“For sharing your secret with me,” I said. I knew of it before but did not fully believe it.
“It was not like I would be able to hide it from you. I was obviously inexperienced last night.”
He sounded sheepish but more open.
“That is not completely true. Your fingers weren’t,” I teased, but it was I who ended up blushing as he hooted at that.
“At least it was not entirely a waste,” he murmured.
The way he was looking at me was making me melt. There was something coiled, building inside of me. He kissed my forehead.
“Would you like to try again?” I asked, cheeks aflame. Now that I knew about his secret, I was more afraid to take a chance on his feelings.
His eyes darkened. Then, he looked away from me and exhaled audibly. He was still thinking about last night. I knew he hated perceiving himself as a failure. He was good at almost everything: governing his people, wielding several weapons, and farming. The books piled up in one corner of our room suggested he was a scholar, as well.
I was none of those. My powers were strengthened by a curse handed to me. Nothing else was truly mine. I was not a terrible student, but I was not as bright as Carolina or as charismatic a leader as Samuel.
I was the firebird, a shifter, and a witch. I could not even control my own power until Metheus came along. If anyone failed miserably on this bed that we shared, it was not him. It was me.
“What are you thinking about?” Metheus asked as he stroked my cheek.
“That you are perfect,” I choked out, marveling at how sincere I was.
