#prince!ethan

Grayson stared at her back, aghast. The woman was impossible! She made every word that passed her lips a contest of wills. His jaw set, he rose from the bed to stand before her. He looked formidable with the relentless, firm brown eyes, too hard in comparison to what she had seen in bed. He looked like he could kill her without even putting a hand on her…something she still expected him to do. She couldn’t harm him without the crown matrimonial or her punishment would be death and war for Dracovia…but what stopped him from killing her? She had no army with her nor would her death reach her father in years to come should Grayson will to hide it. She was alone and she was unprotected in this strange land and all she had was the mercy of this one willful man who watched her as a lion watched a gazelle.

''I do not expect you to bow to me, but when I call, I do expect you to show up.“

She lifted her chin and met his eyes. "Have you not learned that I am not a broodmare?" she countered.

Grayson stretched out his hand placed it at her hip, adding pressure to it as he pulled her near. The sheet fell away and he pulled her bare skin against his. And then he kissed her. It was not the hardened kiss from before, but one of gentleness.

At first, Y/N refused to react to him but her hands went to his arms. They were hard, the muscles prominent, and his skin was so very warm. She became aware of the hair on his chest against her breasts.

As his kiss deepened, he loosened his hand from her hair, his arms encircling her shoulders. He moved her so her head tucked into the curve of his shoulder. Y/N gave up thinking. She was a mess of sensations he provided, every feeling new, strange and undreamed of. She pressed herself closer, running her hands over his bare back, feeling the way the muscles moved, so different from the smoothness of her own back. He began to kiss her ear, nibbling on the lobe until he heard her stifle a giggle.

Grayson gave a low, throaty chuckle once her knees turned to jelly and she collapsed against the strength of his arm behind her back. He bent, put his other arm beneath her knees, his mouth never leaving her neck, and carried her to the bed. He kissed her body from her forehead to her toes and she couldn’t believe how easily he swayed her beliefs and pushed her into the same mindset she was trapped in when he had his hands over her the first time.

Before long she could bear no more kissing. She ached all over and she pulled his hair to better meet his mouth. She fastened on his lips hungrily, greedily, ready to feel him inside her, around her, to completely numb her senses with Grayson Dolan, her mortal enemy.  

Grayson’s senses were reeling, his body on fire. Never had he had the leisure to make love to a woman as he did tonight, and never had he imagined the pleasure of it. Y/N's passion was as fierce as his own, yet neither rushed their lovemaking. When he moved atop her, her arms held him tightly, pulling him nearer. There was no pain for her this time; she was ready. She moved with him, slowly at first, until they reached their highs.

Eventually, despite her initial distrust for the man, Y/N fell into a deep, exhausted sleep, her leg thrown over Grayson's, her hair twisted round and round his arm.

But Grayson did not fall asleep immediately. This was the first time for this soft woman he held, but in a way, he felt as if he had just lost his virginity, too. And that was certainly an absurd notion. He could not possibly remember every woman he had taken to his bed, but tonight was infinitely different. He had never experienced such passion. With other women, when he felt he’d come, they drew back. But not Y/N for she had given as much as he gave.

He picked up a lock of her hair from across his neck and held it up, letting the firelight play though the strands. He held it to his nose, then to his lips. She moved against him and he snuggled closer. Even in sleep, she wanted him nearby and it drew a smile to his lips. His eyes grew heavy. For the first time he could ever remember, he was completely content.

Until he remembered why he woke up in the first place...He woke up because of treasonous words that she uttered in the silent night, unaware he felt the lack of her warm body atop of his.

Running a hand through his hair nervously, Grayson sat up slowly. It's been almost an hour since his new bride finally settled back in the bed, her breathing evening out rather quickly after. His heart beats loudly, deafening so, his mind unable to slow down even for a moment. How could he fall asleep now when he knew this angel beside him was simply a devil in disguise?

'Dragon', Grayson corrected himself, shaking his head at the very notion. How could he ever trust her, love her, when he knows she had come with a plan of her own? Despite what Ethan had warned him about, Grayson ignored it all and opened his heart to her. It didn't do him much good, especially now when he knew she would never love him, not even like him. He went into this marriage blindly, hopeful and willing to change if it meant it would create a bridge between them and their kingdoms as well.

Foolish, that's how he felt. Like the biggest fool in this world, but he closed his eyes and laid back slowly. He didn't want to alarm her to his conscious state as she alarmed him when she left his embrace. Grayson wanted to promise the world to her, to offer her everything she could ever dream of and all he expected in return was her heart.

'That's not going to happen now, is it?' Grayson sighed as his mind turned on his heart, his hands rubbing his eyes tirelessly as he hoped he'd wake up and see it was nothing but a dream – a horrible nightmare.

Propping himself up on his elbow, he looked over at the peaceful looking woman who seemed to be oblivious to the heartache she caused him as she fought tears and plotted his downfall by the fire. He truly thought she might like him when she let him take her. Grayson gave her choice when it would happen for a good reason – because he wanted her to want him back just as badly as he wanted her.

Unlike his twin, Grayson knew she'd be a beauty – an exquisite beauty that no man would be able to look away from. He made sure to see her before he was ever made to be a king and while he was losing in the trials, Grayson swore he'd win to have that crown because having that crown meant having her and he knows that motivated him to defeat Ethan in the end. Perhaps Ethan would have fought harder had he tasked his Dracovian spies to send him an image of their dragon princess too? After all, Grayson wasn't blind to the lustful looks his brother sent Y/N's way from the moment he set his eyes on her and it didn't sit well with him at all.

Shaking his head, Grayson didn't know what to do now. After all the work he's put into becoming king and staying on the throne, he finds himself with everything he's ever wanted. So why does he feel like he's stuck in a nightmare?

Because she will never love him.

No amount of love and kindness he offers would ever be enough to extinguish the hateful flame within, but Grayson refused to give up. Looking at her moonlight illuminated face, hearing her soft breathing and feeling her smooth skin? Grayson swore he'd change her mind.

If he can't?

He'll do what every good king does....He will put his kingdom before his heart and give her the proper punishment for treason.

Hoping that can be avoided, Grayson decided to start his charms as soon as she opens her eyes, sending his chef a text to make a proper breakfast early on, sure to have his bride fed. Another thing he's decided to do is break the rule he knew she expected him to uphold – sleeping in separate chambers was the worst thing for them now. He had to be in her bed every night, regardless if she wanted to let him between her legs or not. He wouldn't force her, that much would be true, but he wouldn't sleep in his own room anymore. It's a risk, a dangerous one, but he knew she wouldn't kill him before she gets the crown matrimonial and without that? He would be safe in this bed as long as he's careful what he's signing.

Happy with his decisions, he finally closed his eyes and released a heavy sigh. If anything, he will at least try and fight for the love he had developed for the dragon princess that no image could do justice. Even with the knowledge of her stunning looks, Grayson was speechless when he finally set his eyes on her.

'There is no such creature in this world that's as captivating as she is.'

A single ray of sunshine came through the window, its heat tickling Y/N’s nose. Sleepily, she brushed at it then tried to turn away but something held her by the hair. She lazily opened her eyes and saw the strange bed canopy overhead. When she remembered where she was, she felt her face grow hot as blood rushed to her cheeks. Even her body seemed to blush.

She moved her head toward the other side of the bed and looked at her sleeping husband. His lashes are long, thick and dark, a shadow of a beard starting on his cheeks. Asleep, his cheekbones were not as sharp, his face much more welcoming and relaxed. He didn’t seem as the formidable foe she imagined him to be.

Grayson laid on his side, facing her. Pursing her lips, Y/N allowed her eyes to roam over him. His broad chest had a small area of dark, curling hair. His muscles are made large, shapely mounds. His arms are capped by a round, firm muscle. Biting her lower lip, her eyes drew down to his hard, flat stomach with a built-in six-pack, making her swallow thickly. It was only after a moment that her eyes went lower. What she saw did not seem so powerful as it felt the previous night, but as she watched, his manhood began to grow.

She gasped and her eyes flew back to his. He was awake, watching her intently with a smirk, his eyes growing darker by the moment. No longer was he the relaxed boyish-looking man she had awakened to, but a man of passion, the warrior. Y/N tried to move away but Grayson still held her trapped by her hair. What was worse, she didn’t even want to fight him. She remembered that she hated him clearly; but more than that, she remembered the pleasure he had given when he made love to her.

"My dragon," he whispered and the tone of his voice made chills run along her arms. It’s more than the tone he used or the look of his dark eyes that had her insides turning, but the words he had spoken…dragon? He called her a dragon. And whether it was his intention or not, her heart had melted an inch with his recognition of her true nature.

He kissed the corner of her mouth boldly, waiting for a sign of resistance. Her hands pushed weakly against his shoulders but even at his slight touch, her eyes closed in surrender. Seeing her so, Grayson smirked before he kissed her cheek, her ear lobe. Then, as she gasped for breath, his mouth came down on hers. His tongue sweetly touched the tip of hers and she drew back, startled. He smiled at her as if he understood how strange the sensation must be for her.

Last night she had thought she learned all there was to know about love between a man and a woman, but now she thought, perhaps she knew very, very little. There was much more to learn from this man and of this man and how to use that knowledge for her own gain, but right now? She just wanted to let herself go.

His eyes are nearly black as he pulls her to him again. He ran his tongue along her lips, touching the inner corners especially. She parted her teeth for him, desperate for a taste of him. He was better than the richest honey; hot and cold, soft and firm. She explored his mouth as he had explored hers, no longer shy or reserved with him. How could she be when his fingers have delved lower, pushing inside her?

She ran her hands over him as he lowered his head to her neck, running his tongue along the pulsating beat of her carotid, the only friend he had of her – her pulse couldn’t hide how nervous or excited he made her. Instinctively she leaned her head back, her breathing turning deeper, quicker.

When his lips and tongue touched her breasts, she nearly cried out. She thought perhaps she might die under such torture. She tried to pull his head back to her mouth but he gave a deep, guttural laugh that made her shiver, her insides turn and her heart? Her heart felt warm, big and incredibly full.

Maybe he did own her.

When she thought that she would lose her mind, he moved on top of her, his hand caressing the inside of her thighs until she was shaking with desire. When he pushed himself inside her, she cried out; there was no relief to her torment. She clutched at him, her legs pressing around his waist as she rose to meet each thrust. Finally, when she was sure her heart would explode, she felt the pulsing throbs that released her and soon after, Y/N felt his dick twitch and his own release followed. Grayson collapsed on top of her, holding her so close that she could hardly breathe. But at the moment she didn't really care if she ever did breathe again.

Grayson didn’t move, still buried deep inside her as if she is his saving grace. It’s insane to think he could fuck her into submission and feelings, but he had only one way of making her stay with him, committed to him and in the last twenty-four hours she had only ever seemed to care for him when he was inside her. He would have to use that for his own agenda to work. Some women have their hearts in their vaginas and while he sensed she wasn’t one of them, he hoped she’d associate him with pleasure instead of hate.

A knock on the door had startled them both, enough for them to both open their eyes and for Grayson to catch the strangest look in her eyes. It looked like clarity, total and complete sobriety from the ecstasy he tried to give her and the self-loathing in her previously warm eyes had turned them back to the ice she held when she first laid her eyes on him. With a single knock against the wood, Grayson had lost her again.

“I’ll get it.” He murmured, nearly wincing as he pulled out. She wrapped herself up in the sheets again, her eyes wide as she thought about how badly she’s already failing. Grayson tied his bathrobe hastily, moving to the door as fast as he could. Peeking through a small crack, he was ready to draw blood from whoever thought it would be a smart idea to interrupt the king so early after his wedding night.

“What?!” Grayson hissed at the elderly man who cast his eyes down at his feet almost immediately as he caught the wrath of his king.

“You’ve told me to bring breakfast bright and early, I’m so sorry to be interrupting you.” Bowing, the chef stepped back in fright and Grayson softened immediately. He did make the order and it must have taken a while to make the food that made his stomach growl with the delicious smell.

“It must have slipped my mind. Thank you, chef. I’ll get it inside.” Grayson smiled mercifully, opening the door to pull the wheel carried table filled with so much food that several people could overeat and still there would be too much left.

“What’s happening?” Y/N’s tone is dark and low, her lips set in a firm line. She tried to look as regal as possible but Grayson nearly laughed out loud at her current disheveled appearance. She looked like a woman would after she was well taken care of in the sheets and he believed he had done just that. Instead of insulting her by laughing, Grayson decided to do a little show of all the food he had made for her, pointing and smirking at everything on the table with a self-satisfied look in his chocolate brown eyes, much lighter now when he wasn’t lost in his desire for her.

Frowning as she shifted and felt Grayson’s semen leave her, Y/N cleared her throat. She felt disgusted with herself, like she needed her skin rubbed off with scalding hot water and peeled off if that didn’t work. She could feel him, smell him on every inch of her skin and the worst of it all? She loathed just how cold she felt when he wasn’t wrapped around her or how giddy her heart felt when she saw the shit-eating grin on his face as he proudly pointed out his favorite food – banana pancakes and avocado toast.

“We do have food in Dracovia.” She lifted an eyebrow, her left eye narrowed ever so slightly in amusement. He was too immature, too kind, too ready to fall in love with her that she actually felt a little remorse over her initial plan…not enough to cancel her vengeance, but enough for it to sting as she imagined a world without him or his big, strong arms.

“Nothing like Astros food! I will stand by this claim till my death!” Grayson exclaimed and by the force of some unknown entity, Y/N actually giggled at his claim before putting a robe on herself, joining him for breakfast. If love and sweetness is what he wants, that’s what she’ll give him…In the bedroom at least. But her dragon spirit will never be tamed, not by anything he says or does for she had been foolish enough to trust Astros to keep their promises before and they rewarded that trust with her friend’s death and possibly her mother’s too.

Before she came to Astros, Y/N was convinced she wouldn’t lie with Grayson nor bear him children. She knew now that being his lover would be essential for her mission, but children were non-negotiable…she refused to give this man children, especially when she knew she’d have to stain her hands with his blood.

As they ate in relative silence, Y/N could only dream of a bath, one that came right after she had finished her food. Grateful, she allowed lady Mareen with her to scrub her clean from the feeling of Grayson on her skin, but Grayson had other things to attend to. He simply showered and dressed as a royal should for he had official business to handle, being shirtless wasn’t an option and neither was not wearing his crown.

''So? How is the dragon princess in bed, huh? Is she a lady in the streets and freak in the sheets? Oh, wait! Did you even delve into her dragon cave?!“ Ethan laughed obnoxiously loud as Grayson rolled his eyes, but he had no patience to gossip, especially not about Y/N.

''Watch your mouth, bro. She's your sister in law and my wife and whether you like it or not, she's a step above you as my consort and you have to show her respect she's deserving of.“ Grayson brushed Ethan off, putting him in his place effectively. For a while, Grayson had wondered if he should tell Ethan about what he heard, but knowing his brother, Grayson knew he'd have her in the dungeons before he finished his confession and he'd lose her before he even had a chance to have her.

''Woah, what happened with bros before hoes?“ Ethan frowned, not seeing how his words irked his brother's temper. In a matter of seconds, Ethan found himself pinned against a wall, Grayson's anger twisted face the only thing in his view.

''Watch. It.“ Grayson spoke through gritted teeth, fighting his temper with every ounce of sanity he's left with after a night he's had, still unable to allow anyone say a bad word about her. Grayson would be her husband and protector until she proved it impossible.

''Got it.“ Ethan stared right back at him, unrelenting and stubborn as well. Grayson knew Ethan was jealous of more than just his wife, but his throne as well. In everyone's eyes, Ethan was the clear favorite, the adored, more sensible twin. Grayson proved them wrong for now, but he still had a long way to go and having a brother who he wasn't sure he could trust anymore and a wife who had vowed to kill him was going to age him faster than anything else could.

''Good.“ Releasing his twin, Grayson stepped back and huffed. He was finally back in control and he could breathe easy.

''Now, we have a meeting with the contractors for the bridge. I want it to open in the next six months.“ Grayson explained, rubbing his chin as his light stubble always caused an itch and he hardly had any time to shave after spending his entire morning with the woman who had already sunk her claws into him.

''What's the hurry?“ Ethan said, his voice crackling after the intense moment he had shared with Grayson. And yes, Ethan was unhappy about his current position as a simple prince and advisor, but he wouldn't hurt his brother. He couldn't hide his envy about the woman who keeps his bed warm, but until there was an heir, Ethan wouldn't go near her in such a manner. After? No one will stop him from charming her as it was clear she wasn't quite keen on Grayson's company as much as he believes she is.

''We could never approach Dracovia with airplanes because they'd crash due to the strange magnetic field around the kingdom and the water route had proven a bad idea because they have a more advanced navy than us. So...land option made for a peace treaty would be proven useful. That way, we have a direct route that's fast and in case we ever need to, we can send an army their way within five hours.“ Grayson spoke in hushed tones, sharing his strategies with Ethan.

''Are you thinking about invading?“ Ethan whispered, looking around paranoically for possible spies who might hear. Talk of war soon becomes acts of war and Ethan had enough decency and wits to know that would be unbeneficial for the kingdom.

''No...but if need arises...“ Grayson sighs, defeated as he remembers his bride's promises made in the dark. ''If the need ever arises, I want a clear route. I don't want to be blindsided.“ Grayson added, determined he's doing the right thing. ''It will also be a good way for Y/N to visit her kingdom too. She isn't just some girl, she's a princess and she is also a daughter who misses her father.“ Grayson remembered how sad and lonely she seemed whenever she thought he wasn't looking and he wanted to give her hope of a quick visit home. She must miss her family and he wanted her to see them whenever it became too hard to be away.

''Hope you know what you're doing.“ Ethan patted his brother on the shoulder, leading him toward the meeting room.

Once they're out of sight, Y/N finally comes out from behind the wall, unsure what to think. She knew why their planes would crash and the reason why must remain a secret. Dracovian navy was far more developed than any other, but this land route? It would be a danger for her kingdom. A peril she'd never let come to be. The road will do her good, but if she finds Grayson wants to start a war? She'll blow the whole bridge and the army to kingdom come...her husband too. But she couldn't help the small ache her heart felt when he spoke of her missing her father...she did miss him and his wisdom, as ruthless as he is...she wondered if he's be disappointed at how willingly she gave herself to this king and how much she craved him. In a way, she wanted to believe in him, that Grayson was a good guy and that she would find Andrea's blood wasn't on his hands, but it was a slight possibility. But if he's not at fault? She'd love him with all her heart. She knew she would...had she let herself, she'd love him even now, after a single night spent under him.

As night came, she found herself in his arms, again and again, her mind numbed by the way he touched her. She didn't fight it, but embraced it. She met every thrust with equal desire and passion, moaned without hiding how good he makes her feel.

Grayson watched in awe as she came undone under him, fascinated by her. She wears her strength and darkness equally well. But what really brings him to his knees is the knowledge she's most definitely not a simple woman – she's always been half goddess, half hell and he couldn't get enough of her.

Just like the previous night, he remained in her bed, his arms wrapped around her tightly. She wondered if it was an Astros tradition for a man and woman to stay in the same bed or if it was just this man who craved love and affection more than any man she had ever met. Dracovian rulers had always had separate chambers connected with a small, hidden passage for the King to come to visit his wife for three nights in a month about ten days after her monthly bleeding. Sex was made to create heirs and it wasn't as tender or slow or caring as Grayson had shown her. She knew only of sex that was made to use a body for the reproductive reasons, but she knew now that there was a way to say I love you, I need you without ever uttering the words.

The nightly stays and joined breakfasts have become a tradition for the newlyweds, one that Y/N secretly loved. She barely saw the king during the day as he went about his duties and she was tasked with getting to know the castle, the people inside and every chance she got Y/N listened in to Grayson's conversations to Ethan. She never got a whiff of something useful, but she had quickly learned he'll only ever tell his twin if he plans a sinister move. Lady Mareen had been another set of eyes and ears in the castle for her, gathering information as well.

A month had passed, two months, the third one on the horizon. Grayson was no longer a guest in her bed, but a resident. She had gotten used to his loving kisses and tender whispers, but that's where the issue had become clear.

''You seem quite unwell, highness.“ Lady Mareen noticed as Y/N pressed a palm against her mouth to stop the churning of her stomach that seemed to want nothing more than to empty the breakfast Grayson had filled her up with – both from his own body and the one after.

''How long had it been since you last bled?“ Mareen whispered lowly, looking around to make sure no one notices the princess and her state. Y/N's pale, shaky and her skin is covered in glistening sweat as she leans against the walls.

''It can't be. I'm...I'm on the pill.“ Y/N states, remembering she wouldn't bleed while on the pill anyway. But she couldn't help and wonder if gods are so cruel that she would now be carrying a child.

''I'll get you a test. Go to your room and speak to no one.“ Mareen whispered, rushing off down the hall and Y/N shook her head, her chin quivering. Walking slowly, holding onto the wall, Y/N tried to be inconspicuous as she neared her room. Her stomach was turning, nausea unrelentingly strangling her as she swallowed thickly, disgusted as she began salivating. She didn't want a child now, nor with Grayson.

It would be a lie if she said she didn't start feeling something for the man who she started to trust, to actually feel comfortable with, but she hardly knew him. She hardly knew his heart and his mind and she decided to change that. She had to, baby or no baby, she had to know who he truly is beneath the handsome charmer he presents himself as.

She waited for what seemed hours, vomiting twice before the lady arrived. The box said a minute would decide her fate, but she had seen the white turn to pink almost immediately after she peed on the stick and she knew that no matter what she had tried to stop, she failed miserably.

''Well?“ Lady Mareen was impatient, just as scared as her princess was. She knew how important this mission was to the young girl, but even more, she knew what it meant to have a child in a loveless marriage. It was a soul-exhausting trap for any woman and she didn't know that her princess had long caved to the gentle caress of this strange king.

Tears in her eyes, Y/N outstretched her shaky hand with terror and spoke with fear.

''I'm definitely pregnant.“

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