#read more

With that said.

Out of all five beasts in said human AU here's why I don't think that any of them would do this

mystic flour and silent salt, well speaks for itself they just wouldn't do it

burning spice, in ancient times things such as what this is about was not seen as bad but as a way to say you were stronger then someone else and a way of saying you could do whatever you wanted to this person(like give them pizza/j) because you were stronger, now burning spice does operate on the might makes right mindset but keep in mind he is based off Shiva(a ladies man for short) and that burning spice has the attention span of a fried goldfish and wouldn't do it to golden cheese simply because he would rather fight her or crush her as an equal opponent and he wouldn't find it fun because where is the thrill in toying with a helpless thing as he would word it.

Shadow milk, now this gets blurry because shadow milk would do something but not physical, say he would make up lliusons to humiliate pure vanilla but its safe to assume shadow milk does not like being touched and he doesn't like being vanurable so doing something of this sorts would be distastful so if he did something eggsensual it would not be physical and he probably would do eggsensual purrassment but not eggsensual saltment... sorry for the code names man don't want this taken down but I think you know what I'm saying.

Chapter 9

The Saturday morning sun had risen softly, and streamed in with welcomed ribbons that danced along your marbled bedroom floor that day. The most imortant day, that was; for today, you would recieve not one new title before your country, but two.

When you finally did open your eyes, you weren't terrified, nor full of as much fear as you had been these past couple of months -- this morning, your head was clearer than it had ever been, the plan for the day already in place, your decision already made.

What warmed your heart even more was what was in store for the girl who'd slept over last night in your chambers, still slumbering peacefully beside you.

"Delanceyyyy," you cooed, leaning over and gently rustling her shoulders. She stirred, softly growling at the intrusion. You jostled her again, this time leaning in closer.

"My wonderful, beautiful, maid-of-honor to beeeeee," you said in a sing-songy voice, your gaze lifting as Lucille quietly tip toed into the room. She made way to your window table with a small silver tray of pastries and tea, the aroma and her presence a welcome one.

Your sister grumbled once more, but at the smell of the fruit-filled tarts entering the room, she cracked open an eye.

"Did you eat without me?"

You and Lucille shared a giggle, and you leaned back as your sister made to sit upright, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"No -- Lucille just brought up a few things from the kitchen," you explained. Lucille quietly stepped closer toward the bed, sitting just on the corner of it.

"I figured you'd rather take your light breakfast in here, rather than face the frenzy that is already happening in the dining hall this morning," she winced, and you nodded knowingly. God, she knew you so well. "With your family arriving early this morning, and of course many of the guests coming in throughout the day today-"

"Has Dorian's family arrived yet?" Delancey interrupted, fully awake at this point. Your breath hitched as you remembered one crucial piece of today's plan that hinged on just this. Lucille shook her head once, and Delancey's lips pursed at the denial.

"The King and Queen of Auderlan have not arrived yet," she confirmed, now looking to you. "However, many of your distant relatives have already made their arrivals and... well, it's gotten quite crowded in the foyer."

You blinked, swallowing once.

"How is-"

"I've already checked on him too," Lucille said, a small smile on her mouth. "He's doing just fine, and his assistants are already beginning to prepare him for the ceremonies this afternoon."

Your heart warmed, just at the thought. Soon, you realized. Very soon, his hand would be yours, a ring on your finger, and you'd soon share a last name. A title. A country.

"Let's eat then, shall we?"

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

You watched yourself through the reflection as your hair and makeup were done meticulously, grateful that you were not alone. In your mind, you went over and over how this day would go, a day you thought wouldn't happen this way when this all started; when the Selection began, you'd been sure you'd end up alone, a Queen on her own leading her country by her own hand.

And you would, to a certain extent. You didn't plan on the Selection actually working, though, and truly finding someone capable of taking that title alongside you.

"You're thinking too hard again."

Your mother's voice pulled you from your thoughts, and your eyes met hers beside you in the long mirror. She sat beside you with a smile on her face, her makeup already complete and her hair half-done. She gave you a knowing look as you gazed back at her, not really sure what to say.

"I just... want this day to go perfectly."

She took in a long, slow breath, and let it out just as slowly.

"I think we all want what's best for you, my dear," she said, her eyes closing softly as the hairdresser began working on her updo once more. "You need to trust that you're making the right decision, and that your family is here to support you, no matter what."

Your heart squeezed at her words, and you found a lump forming in your throat as you pondered over just how right she was. How silly these past few weeks were, how you'd acted so out of line with her, with your father, even with Delancey at times... and after all, they would always have your back when you needed them.

At your silence, your mother opened her eyes, watching as the tears filled yours.

"Oh darling, do not cry," she cooed, leaning over and uncaring that the hairstylist held an iron so near to her head. "You'll ruin your pretty makeup, hon. There's nothing to weep for, my love."

You sniffled softly, meeting her eyes that held all the clarity you'd ever need.

"I know mother, I just... I love you so much. All of you; you, dad, Lucille, and..."

You paused, your face falling as you glanced down at your hands. Your mother smiled softly, taking your hand in hers.

"Save that part for the altar, my dear."

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

It was nearly 2:30 when your seamstress brought in your gown, fussing over getting you into it in time before the wedding began. She found you pacing in your quarters, reading over the vows you'd written over and over and over again the night before -- it'd taken you nearly 5 tries to get it to sound just right.

That was, after you'd had to have the hardest conversation of the Selection yet, and send home the final male that had been competing for your hand in marriage. You thanked God that Delancey offerred to stay with you Thursday and Friday night to help you through that one.

"It's nearly zipped up, Princess," the seamstress promised, and you simply smiled, delighting in the way the lace clung to your bodice.

"No worries ma'am; we've got time," you assured. Still, the older woman fussed and fiddled with the zipper and clasps on the gown until it was just perfect, even waving Lucille over for assistance when needed. She'd already gotten ready herself, in her pale green down and crown of daisies decorating her head; it had fit her best, after all, as she would be the one tossing the petals.

"It looks perfect," Lucille assured, fanning out the short train behind you as you turned, taking yourself in before your long mirror. The seamstress tucked your veil into your hair with ease, the long tulle flowing freely down your back, shimmering in the afternoon light. She nodded once in approval, but Lucille's eyes shone only with wonder.

You turned then as your sister poked her head into the room, her smile beaming as she beheld you before the mirror.

"We're about ready to begin lining up, that is, as long as you're ready?"

You turned, looking yourself one last time over as Princess. After you walked down this aisle, took this man's hand in marriage, and accepted your new title as Queen, you'd never be the same.

"I'm ready."

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

You'd walked these halls and stood in this greenhouse a million times before -- but never as nervous as this.

You hadn't expected to be nervous, but you supposed every woman was allowed to be on her wedding day; even future Queens.

"Are you ready for all of this?"

You turned to your dad, his eyes bright as he peered down at you. You took in a deep breath as you held his arm, the wedding march tolling from just beyond the tinted glass doors.

"I think I've always been ready, thanks to you and mother," you said honestly, giving him a little squeeze. He grinned, leaning in to kiss your cheek. "I just didn't believe it until I met him."

The glass doors opened, and Lucille strode forward first, her confidence refreshing as she tossed the fresh white petals onto the walkway through the gardens. She'd made it halfway to the altar before the fountain before your sister stepped forward, turning to wink at you only once, and stepped out into the sunlight, her bouquet held tight as she walked, her steps in time to the music played beautifully by the live musicians nearby.

Once she'd made it to the altar, and the preist had the entire congregation rise, your father guided you forward, as he'd always done, one last time.

"Now it's your turn, daughter."

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

You couldn't focus on anyone else but the man at the end of the aisle.

He stood there, his black suit tailored perfectly to him, his dark hair beautifully tousled as the sun shone down on his tanned skin. Everyone had their eyes on you; but you could only see him.

For a moment, however, you did smile toward your mother, sat at the front as tears streamed down her face, pure joy radiating from her as she watched you walk forward, her husband delivering her first born to another. As you neared the end of the aisle, finally, finally, your father loosened his grip on your arm.

"I trust that you'll protect my daughter with your life, and I trust that you'll do great things at her side as King," he said honestly, looking into your fiance's eyes. Tears glistened in your own as you saw that rare smile once more, your father embracing his new son-in-law at once, his acceptance true and honest. "You're not only welcomed, but celebrated now, in this family, as one of us."

He shook your fathers hand, his perfect teeth gleaming.

"I would do anything for your daughter, sir," he swore, nodding at once. "I'd lay down my life not only for her, but for this country as well. I'll be sure to make you proud as I stand by her side, not only as her husband, but as this country's King as well."

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

You'd been kept grounded through the lengthy ceremony simply by focusing on the man before you, his gaze unfaltering and his presence calming. The two of you had gotten through the longest of it before it was time for the vows to begin, and you tried your best to hide the way your hands shook as you turned back to Delancey to accept your vow booklet from her.

She only smiled, her hand lingering on yours for a moment longer.

"You've got this," she promised. "Just speak from your heart."

You swallowed, smiling softly as you turned back to face him. He was watching you with softened eyes as you shakily opened your book, clearing your throat as you began from the first, pencil-scratched line.

"Azriel," you began, your voice already wobbly. "The day I met you, I had not known that in a few mere months, I'd be standing up here with you, accepting your hand in marriage, and taking you by my side as King of Illea."

You paused, swallowing thickly.

"When the Selection began, I truly thought I would not find a partner for myself, and I believed I could navigate running this country alone; I've seen my parents doing it from such a young age, and they've taught me so much, and selfishly I figured that I could handle all of that myself." You paused, chuckling. "Pretty cocky, isn't it?"

The congregation shared in your chuckling, and Azriel cracked a smile before you, his gaze never leaving you.

"My parents are perfect for one another," you continued, glancing toward where your mother and father sat in the front row, their hands entwined and tears in both of their eyes. "And, I was sure that I would never find something like that in my life. But... then you really got through to me, Azriel."

You looked up at him now, the rest of your speech mostly memorized, both in your head and in your heart.

"You kept persuing me, despite all of the others who tried doing the same. You didn't care that this began as a Selection process, you stuck it out with me until the very end. You listen to me, you care about me, you see the little things in me too, things no one else does."

Azriel's eyes shone as he stepped closer, brushing away a stray tear that fell from your cheek.

"You're all I never knew I wanted, and was lucky enough to have. I am grateful that you are willing to continue this journey with me, not only as husband and wife, but at my side as Illea's King too; you encourage the best version out of me, and I want to continue that version of myself, with you."

The crowd softly clapped as you finished your vows, and Azriel took a deep breath, his hands finding yours and holding them in his. Delencey took back your book from you, and you watched confused when Azriel opened his mouth to speak, no words before him -- just you.

"Y/N, you were never an option to me," he began, his voice softer than you'd ever heard it. "When I walked into your home the first day your family welcomed me into it, I knew. You, in all your... well, rather surprising sass for a Princess," he said, pausing as the crowd again chuckled. You couldn't help but giggle as well.

"...I knew you needed to be mine. I didn't care how long it took, or how much time I needed to give you. I still don't mind to do whatever it is you need from me -- as your husband and King of this country, what I said was true. I would gladly lay down my life if it meant you would go unharmed, Y/N, as you've very quickly become the most important thing to me on this Earth."

Tears streamed down your face now as you gazed up at him, his heartfelt words coming straight from his chest.

"I love you, Y/N, and I can finally say that now to you and mean it. I told you once that, never in my life... well, never in my life, have I loved someone the way I love you."

The crowd clapped as Azriel finished, and you couldn't help but to pull him to you, wrapping your arms around his neck and hugging him tight. His hands found your waist, clinging to you unlike any other time he had before, his grim firm and sure.

Your husband.

You barely heard the priest, barely heard yourself as you repeated his words back. You barely registered sliding the metal band onto Azriel's finger, and him slipping the beautiful, silver and emerald one onto yours; you only registered his final words before Azriel had you tucked into his chest once again, this time his lips pressed against yours as he kissed you with finality.

"You may now kiss the bride!"

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

The celebration to follow was nothing short of a royal party; glittering crystals decorated every table, candles and fairylights twinkled throughout the gardens, and servers passed through the growing crowd with delicacies of various sorts.

A few hours had passed since you'd walked back down the aisle, this time now hand-in-hand with Azriel, your husband. Your cheeks had begun to ache from the constant smiling you'd been doing; however, your hand never grew cold, as Azriel's was always in it.

By the time the evening meal had come around and the two of you finally had a moment to yourselves, it was nice to sit beside him at your sweetheart table, just the two of you overlooking the garden full of guests.

"The sunset is beautiful tonight," you commented, working through your meal quickly, but with royal precision. Azriel mirrored you, leaning to pick up your cloth napkin when it slid off of your lap.

"No more beautiful than my wife," he said lowly, leaning in to kiss your cheek. You blushed like a schoolgirl, trying to regain focus once more. You'd only gotten through a fourth of the guests as far as hello's and how-are-you's, and you knew that there would still be cake cutting and the coronation to follow the meal. Not to mention, one of the more important matters of the evening...

You looked toward your parent's table near the front of the garden, watching as they chatted and Delancey went on about whatever-it-was to the male beside her. He turned then, and caught your eye. You gave Dorian a knowing nod, to hopefully convey that you were still on track as far as your plan for the evening; he must've understood enough, as he returned the gesture.

When the wedding planner announced that it was time to cut the cake, you were delighted to see how beautiful it had turned out! Delancey had really outdone herself, and once it had been cut and served... well, the beauty went beyond the outside, as the rich flavor was nearly to die for.

You made a mental note to thank her for all of her hard work later.

When the sun dipped lower in the sky, and the horizon was streaked in beautiful hues of pink and orange, your father had ascended the stone staircase toward the castle's back entrance once more, his voice annunciated as he spoke.

"If I could please have everyone's attention," he began, and respectfully, everyone quieted down. "At this time, we would like to begin the ceremony to crown the newest King and Queen of Illea. If you'd all be so kind to find your seats at your tables, and turn your attention to the platform here, the newlyweds will be making their way up here shortly."

Azriel turned to you then, a soft chuckle rumbling in his chest as he reached up a thumb to brush away a few cake crumbs from your lip.

"I suppose that's our cue then."

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

The crowns and pedestals has been brought out and set up on the platform before the two of you had made it up the stairs, Azriel guiding you with a firm hand at your waist to ensure you were steady while guiding the steps ahead. When the ceremony had begun and the two of you stood side by side, your sister and mother joining you on your right; you'd never felt so empowered.

"I first pronounce our newest leader, and King of Illea, Azriel," your Father declared, reaching for the midnight blue velvet box that held Azriel's crown. He gently took it out, holding it high for the crowd to see -- even you joined in their gasps as they beheld the beautifully crafted headpiece, none like you'd ever seen before.

"May his marriage to my daughter be fruitful, honest, full of love, and long lasting; and his leadership along her side be the best thing our country needs."

Your father smiled genuinely as he placed the intricate obsidian crown on Azriel's head, his dark hair cushioning the heavy metal resting there. The small blue sapphires gleamed where they lie encrusted throughout the pointed edges, glistening with each small movement of his head. He returned your father's smile, and then did the most un-kingly thing possible (and the most un-Azriel thing as well) as he pulled your father in for an embrace, his lips barely moving as he whispered a small thank you beside his ear.

When your father turned to you, his smile couldn't be wider.

"And finally, without any further adieu," he said, reaching for the deep green velvet box on the pedestal nearest you. Hundreds of eyes gazed at you, including Azriel's hazel ones, including Delancey's, including your mother's as your father continued.

"I present to you, the Queen of Illea, my eldest daughter, Y/N -- should her leadership and guidance serve this country in the best way, and our land shall flourish under her reign!"

The crowd gasped at the sight of your selected tiara. So unlike your mother's, and your grandmother's, and your great grandmother's before her -- for yours was crafted of the most brilliant silver, woven add threaded with diamonds and emeralds that shone brilliantly in the fading evenlight.

Your father beamed as he stood before you, placing your crown atop your head at once. He leaned in then, throwing protocol to Hell as he too pulled you in for an embrace.

"I couldn't be more proud of you, my daughter," he said softly, his voice quiet against your ear as the crowd clapped behind him. You squeezed him tight, emotion catching in your throat. When he pulled back, his eyes too shone with unshed emotion.

You only smiled at him. "I love you too, dad."

He sighed happily then, taking Azriel's other side and gesturing to the two of you at once.

"I now present to you, the King and Queen, of Illea!"

Azriel's hand was warm as it once again slid into yours, raising it high in the air. People stood, cheering and clapping as though the two of you had just won some sort of competition -- in truth, the support felt nice, though you knew your biggest supporters stood right up here on this platform beside you.

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

As night fell, you'd debated stealing Azriel away for a quick garden stroll. All of the chatting, smiling, drink sipping, it was wearing you out after such a long day. You were sure it had to be wearing him out too -- my God, his first day in this court and look at all he was having to endure...

Your thoughts were squashed almost as quickly as they came, however. You thought that this conversation between the two of you, Delancey, and Dorian would provide a perfect out for you... that is, until an unfamiliar, familiar voice spoke up from behind the Auderlanian Prince.

"So, I see my son was at least still invited to the wedding, despite not being the man in it."

Dorian's entire demeanor changed and the conversation fell silent as his mother and father approached, his swallow thick as he worked to keep his emotions in check. Turning slowly, he faced them both, and plastered on the fakest smile you'd ever seen.

"Father, mother... a pleasure to see you both, as always."

Dorian's mother gave him a pleasant smile, and bowed her head to you in turn. You returned the gesture -- a greeting between Queens, you realized.

The King of Auderlan was nowhere near finished though, it seemed.

"So. Tell me. Have you been enjoying your last few hours of Illean freedom before sailling back to Auderlan with us in the morning?" He drawled, not even noticing Delancey's growing glare in his direction. You nudged her with your elbow, shaking your head slightly. Let him handle it.

Dorian sighed, the picture of calm. "Actually, father, I thought I might stick around for a while. Or, at least come back and visit often, seeing as we'll be signing that trade agreement with Illea as soon as we're back on Auderlan soil."

Dorian's father's brows furrowed, his stare going hard.

"You don't know what you're talking about, boy," he spat, turning his gaze on you instead. "Whatever this Princess has been telling you, it's confidential information that doesn't concern you whatsoever-"

"I'd watch what you say," Dorian growled, stepping closer to his father. Your parents had come to see what the commotion had been about, silently joining you at your side. "She is now the Queen of Illea, if you recall."

"Then she should know that without your hand in marriage, you won't be setting foot on these grounds again come tomorrow -- nor will I be signing any agreement without my son guaranteed to marry an Illean Princess. Which," he sneered. "If you recall, she is unavailable to you at this point. She chose the Illyrian instead; must've seen you for the lowly brat you truly are."

You glanced to Delancey, and your heart ached as you watched her face fall. You knew what was going through her head; she'd never see him again. She should've never fallen for him in the first place. This was your Selection, after all -- what she'd done was wrong anyway, getting so involved with someone that was supposed to-

"I am marrying an Illean Princess," Dorian declared, his eyes first meeting yours. The corners of your mouth turned upward as you nodded in encouragement, and Azriel only blinked, clearly confused.

"If she will have me."

Your mother and father looked at one another, Azriel leaning in and asking what was going on, but you just hushed them all. As Dorian strode toward your sister, her crestfallen face illuminated only by the twinkling lights and still-burning candles, her tears continued to flow as he took her hands in his.

"Delancey-"

"Dorian I'm so sorry," she said, her voice cracking. "I don't know what I was thinking, I should've never got involved with you in the first place, and now I've ruined so many things for you and your country, and I might not ever see you again and-"

Everyone nearby gasped when he took her face in his hands and kissed her, right there, in front of everyone. Her eyes were wide, but she let him do it, her own hands finding the lapels of his suit to cling to before he finally broke away.

She was still wide eyed when he pulled back, gazing down at her with that cat-like gleam in his eye. "Dorian, why-"

"Delancey, I love you, but I need you to stop talking," he said, his lips curling back to reveal a megawatt smile that left everyone surrounding the small circle chuckling along as well. Tears began to well in your eyes as you watched the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen play out before you, and you knew what was coming next. Azriel seemed to have caught on as well, as his hand slid around your waist, pulling you close to him once more.

"You were so unexpected, but everything I've ever wanted and needed, Delancey," he said, dropping to one knee before her. Delancey pressed one hand to her mouth as he continued holding the other in his own, his bright blue eyes gazing up at her in pleading. "I know I love you, and if you're not ready, I understand. But, I at least must ask, just so I will know for sure... Delancey, would you do me the honor in-"

He didn't even get the words out before Delancey had leaned in, her arms wrapped around him once more, her lips on his more confirmation than anyone needed. You cried with joy as you watched, tears streaming from both Delancey and Dorian's eyes as well as they held one another, relief permeating the air around them as they knelt there in the grass.

Your mother had begun weeping as well, your father watching in shock at what was happening before them. When you turned to them, he only asked you softly, "Had you known of this?"

You nodded in confirmation, and your mother smiled through her tears, pulling you into her arms at once. She continued to cry, happier than ever for both of her daughters, who how now found happiness in others, as well.

When the two rose, the King only stared angrily down at his son.

"Congradulations," he ground out. "You found a loophole. Big deal. We'll sign the trade agreement with Illea once we arrive back at the glass castle."

Dorian chuckled softly, giving his father a single pat on his shoulder.

"No need," he said, grinning arrogantly yet again. You simply watched, as your favorite part of this entire thing came to fruition. "Now that I am to be wed, I shall immediately presume the title of King, therefore succeeding you entirely, with Delancey at my side as the new Queen of Auderlan. Don't waste your ink; I'll sign it when I return, my fiancee with me this time."

He only winked once before his father stormed off.

✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

It was nearly one in the morning when the last of the guests had called for their carriages, and made their way out of the palace for the evening. Lucille had retired early into the evening, and while you and Azriel had stayed with your parents until the final goodbye had been said, Delancey and Dorian had retired to her room (together, bashfully) rather quickly after their engagement had been announced.

Once the former King and Queen had bid the two of you goodnight, your hudband had swept you into his arms and made way across the gardens toward the carriage house, the twinkling lit path like starlight as he carried you along.

You giggled and clung to him with each step, the last remnants of champagne still swirling through your system.

"What does it say that the Queen and King of Illea are sleeping out in the carriage house on their wedding night, and not in the palace where we will reside?"

Azriel grinned, gazing down at you as you neared the massive guest house.

"Privacy," he said, unlatching the door and effortlessly carrying you inside. "It means we want privacy."

You giggled, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

"Yeah, but it's our wedding night," you drawled, your hair draping over his arm as he ascended the staircase in search of the master suite. He took a long breath, working to hold himself together, at least for a little while longer.

"That's precisely why we need it," he mumbled, and you furrowed your brow in confusion. When it finally clicked for you, he'd entered the large bedroom and laid you gently on the bed, admiring how you looked one last time in your dress as you gazed up at him.

"Azriel," you said softly, noting the candles lit around the room. Lucille must've come in earlier and set this up, you supposed. Another mental note of someone you'd thank later.

"We can simply rest, if that's what you wish for my love," he said, shrugging off his jacket and draping it over the room's chaise. You chewed on your bottom lip, shaking your head slowly, trying to convey all the words and thoughts that felt far too dirty for a Queen to say.

Azriel smiled softly, kicking off his shoes before undoing his tie, and then his shirt, and then his belt...

You couldn't hide the way your thighs rubbed together with this skin-tight dress on, nor the way you absolutely drank him in with each item of clothing he removed.

Once he was in only his slacks, did you finally speak.

"Azriel, please... take off my dress."

His eyes darkened at that, and he obliged, crossing the room to you quickly and immediately unzipping. His breath was warm where it grazed your neck, goosebumps erupting over your skin wherever he touched.

"Whatever my Queen wants, she gets."

You shivered at the new nickname, allowing him to slide your gown all the way off, and hang it in the closet across the room. You waited, lying there bare, clad only in your lace panties and silver heels as he turned, taking in the full sight of you. He blew out a breath before he was before you again, his powerful body hovering above you as he lowered his mouth to yours at once.

"My beautiful wife," he said softly, kissing you slowly as his fingers began to trace along your skin. You quivered beneath his touch, visions of every past tryst the two of you shared replaying in your mind from the last few months; the night in the ballroom, the shared moonlight dance after your long day of note-writer searching, the library bookshelf rendezvous, the makeout in the rain-

Come to think of it...

"Wait," You halted him, your hand resting gently against his chest. He paused, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort.

"What is it, my love?"

You sized him up. "Were you... did you... how did you get into my room that night again, when I was out on my balcony?"

Azriel contemplated for a moment, before seeming to remember.

"Ahh, yes -- Lucille, she allowed me in," he said, nodding. "Just like she let me in all those other times to hide my little notes for you. I was wondering when you were going to bring those up."

Your blood ran cold, and you sat up straight.

"YOU were the one leaving those for me?"

He shrugged, pursing his lips.

"It... wasn't obvious?"

You scoffed, shaking your head as you reflected back on each note you received. Sure, each one did fit things he would've said... but...

"I just... never pieced it together."

He grinned, leaning in to kiss the tip of your nose. "I know," he said simply, guiding you gently back down onto the bed. "But, I was still happy to leave them for you anyways."

You laughed, the weight of that finally lifted after all these weeks. Azriel, it'd always been Azriel. It always had been him it seemed for many reasons, he just... made so much sense.

He kissed you more urgently now, his mouth moving in time with yours as his tongue swept against your lips to ask for entry. You happily let him in, a dance happening between the two of you, right there on that very bed. His hands gently cupped and squeezed your bare breasts, eliciting a soft whine from you that had the painful tent in his pants growing, before his fingers slid lower, tracing the lace covering your soaked-through core.

You gasped when he pulled back, his mouth moving down the column of your neck as he kissed and bit and sucked at your skin, leaving traces of him everywhere.

"Azriel..."

His dark eyes found yours as you moaned, arching into his touch as his fingers tugged your panties aside, and began toying with your buzzing clit.

"Keep saying my name like that my darling," he panted, working to keep his control in check. "And we'll be finished here much faster than I'd like to be."

Your body was alight as his thumb circled your clit, your hole clenching around nothing as he continued working on you as though he'd been doing this his whole life. Your fingers threaded through his hair, tugging softly as his mouth descended lower, his lips finding your nipple and sucking it into his mouth.

Your breath hitched as his middle and ring finger entered you, the cool metal of his ring a different soft of sensation against your electrified skin. He worked you open slowly, rubbing you slowly from the inside as his tongue flicked over your pebbled flesh.

"Oh... yes," you breathed, toes curling as his fingers pumped you faster, faster. His gaze watched your face as he worked you open, every little noise he drew from you a gift from above.

"So beautiful," he whispered, leaning forward to kiss your shoulder softly. "My wife... so beautiful."

You gasped as he continued fingering you, waves of pleasure cresting within you. As you drew nearer and nearer toward your peak, your eyes went wide.

"Azriel... please... I want you-"

He cut you off with a kiss, yanking his fingers from you before shoving off both his pants and undergarments.

"Say less, my darling."

In a matter of seconds, he'd positioned himself between your knees, his perfect, large cock resting in his ring-clad left hand. He stroked it twice as he tugged your paties down your legs with his right hand, watching how your essence gleamed in the candlelight before his eyes. He lined the tip up with your hole, the tight opening practically begging for his entry.

"Azzie... please-"

He pushed in slowly, drawing out your moan of delight as he slid into your tight, wet pussy with every agonizing inch. Your breathing labored as he pushed all the way in to the hilt, his hips coming flush with the backs of your thighs before he leaned forward once more, kissing your forehead and gazing down into your eyes.

"Baby, are you alright?"

You nodded quickly, your hands wrapping around his biceps.

"P-please... move..."

He did just that.

His thrusts were slow at first, allowing you to accommodate to his overly large length as he plunged it in and out of you -- but once you'd relaxed, and the tension had left your face, he got comfortable in speeding up with you.

Your mouth opened, a little o forming as he railed you, his skin slapping yours in the otherwise silent house.

"This is why we needed privacy, my darling," he teased, grinning as he continued fucking into you mercilessly. You could barely form thoughts, let alone words as all of your senses were focused into one place, but you had it in you to at least chuckle.

"Mhmmhm... show me just why we need it, husband."

He sighed then, a small "fuck" escaping his lips before he rammed himself harder into you, his cock reaching depths you'd never felt before within yourself. You cried out, your hands clawing at his inked skin with every drive he gave you -- you didn't care how barbaric it was, you simply wanted more, and if this was how life with Azriel would be, you'd consider yourself one lucky Queen.

"F-fuck!" You shouted, your cheeks red at the use of such language and your rising temperature. "Az- oh my- I'm close-"

He growled, leaning in to bite at your neck. You whined at the pleasure, your orgasm quickly approaching.

"Mmmm yeah? You like it when I fuck you like this, hm? Does the Queen like it when her husband rails her, makes her scream loud enough for her entire court to hear? Is that what you want, my love? For your husband to make you cum?"

Your legs began to shake as your orgasm rippled through you, a broken sob escaping your lips at his words. God, YES -- you'd waited months, years for just this. For him.

And now that you had him? Oh, you were quite enjoying him.

You heaved in breaths, gulping down air as you clenched around Azriel's cock, the length of it pulsing inside of you. He grit his teeth as his thrusts slowed, stuttered, and stopped altogether, a sigh of relief leaving his lips as warmth flooded within you. He drained every last drop of himself within you, trusted you so much that he wanted this -- all of it, with you.

He'd laid down beside you moments after, ensuring you were cleaned up and had a bedside water before turning in for the night. The two of you looked upon one another in the dark, his fingers tracing idly along your cheek, your jaw, your lips.

"I love you, Y/N."

The corners of your lips turned upward as you thought of the first moment your father announced there would be a Selection in your favor, and how you'd sworn that you would not be ending this ordeal with a man on your arm.

What a silly, silly thought.

"I love you too, Azriel."