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We’re finally free to enjoy life together.
29
AURORA
This day has surely been the most special of my entire life, though I am certain that with Zalith there will be many more—a lifetime of them.
My feet are now sore from the amount of dancing I’ve done, and my head is dizzy with the excitement of the day and the drinks I have enjoyed. I have danced, eaten, laughed, and enjoyed the company of others for hours and though I fear I might just drop to the floor with exhaustion soon, I continue with the celebrations.
One of Zalith’s aunts, who I have met briefly today, stops me as I leave the revelers to find something to quench my thirst. She is an intimidating presence, tall and strong and though she is older she has the eyes and face of someone much younger than her age.
“Aurora, dear. May I say how pleased I am that you and my nephew have joined in this way? I have to say you have exceeded all of my expectations… I mean, as a human.”
“Thank you,” I reply, knowing that she means well even if her words seem to be slightly offensive. This is not deliberate, but just the naga way.
“So, how do you feel as a human ruling over naga lands?” she asks. “I know you have the support of your mate and of his parents. I trust you are not intimidated by the role you now find yourself in.”
“If I am honest, of course, there are some fears. But I would rather recognize this and push beyond them to the other side. I know this is more of a human than a naga trait, but I can only be true to who and what I am.”
She smiles and nods her head. “You will indeed lead with conviction,” she says. “I am sure of it.”
Something about her words touches me because I never believed I could ever be in this situation. Or that I could ever be authentic, having hidden my magic all my life. Now I am free to be myself and free to be with the man I love, who loves me for it.
“There you are!” says Zalith. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything," he says looking at his aunt. I can tell he is trying to get my attention and I have to hide my smile.
“Of course not, nephew,” she says. “I was just congratulating your beautiful mate and telling her how certain I am that she will make a great ruler—human or not.”
He nods at his aunt in thanks, and my heart is ready to explode with contentment.
“She will,” he replies, turning to me with a smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak to my mate.”
She smiles and nods and he all but whisks me away. “Sorry about that but I just need to get you alone,” he says as we head back towards our quarters.
“Of course, something you need to speak to me about,” I tease. I look across at him and see the smile stretch across his face.
“There are things we can talk about,” he says.
“I see,” I reply, smiling. “And what is it that we should so urgently discuss right now? Military strategy maybe?”
He sweeps me up into his strong arms and I laugh, and he joins me. “Later perhaps. Although there are some things, I wish to say to you.” His tone has changed now, and there is seriousness about it.
His large, quick strides mean that we are almost at our quarters. When the door is opened by a servant, he carries me inside and tells the staff they can leave for the day and join the celebrations, which they gladly accept.
Next, he carries me upstairs and places me gently on the edge of the bed then kneels before me. We are now at eye level, and I’ve never seen such sincerity in his eyes – in anyone’s eyes before.
He takes my face in his hands and presses his forehead to mine. I smooth my hands over his hood, and he hisses. “What is it?” I ask gently. For a moment, he says nothing, just rests his head against mine, and I can sense the contentment in him. It permeates the air like a balm.
Eventually, he pulls back just slightly and places a tender kiss on my lips. “I am just so overcome by my love for you, Aurora. But not just that. It’s so much more. It’s admiration, and I can’t bring to words how much of that I have for you also.”
Softly I touch his cheek and I’m now also overcome by his words. “And I for you,” I reply, the words catching in my mouth I’m so choked up with emotion.
He gazes into my eyes, his golden eyes more piercing, more vibrant than ever. “I love you more than life itself. And I cannot believe how lucky I am to have you.”
That’s it, tears now streak down my face, and then his mouth is crashing upon mine, his arms wrapping tightly around me as mine are his. We kiss with a need, a love, a passion that is raw and true, and once again I am being shown something completely new. He never ceases to surprise me. Our love never ceases to surprise me.
Breathless, he pulls back. “Lift up your arms,” he says, and I do as he pulls off my dress. He hisses as he traces his eyes over me, perched there upon the end of the bed in my underwear.
With some precise movements of his claws, he snips at it discarding the fabric, until I am sat naked before him and then he is spreading my legs, opening me up to him. He flicks his tongue tantalizing over my inner thighs before he is at my sex, gently lapping at me, running his forked tongue over my folds in ways no human ever could.
