STEPS WERE TAKEN IN ORDER TO BLOCK HER PATH,  desperate to carry some of the burden placed upon lithe shoulders.   ❛  if i can’t have children with you i won’t have children at all.  ❜   although, in hindsight, that might’ve just placed even more weight upon her, which was not his intension; goal had been to reassure her, the growing number of concubines nothing but a formality. 

                       NOT ONE TO RECIEVE FLOWERS,  the gesture would’ve made cheeks flush with color if able. although usually cursed with frigid exterior it was nothing but warmth and wonderment that greeted her. distance between them vanished as he leaned closer, a kiss placed at the corner of painted lips as thanks.   ❛  they’re almost as beautiful as you.  ❜   to witness him now was to witness the duality of death; one moment calm and peaceful, cruel and merciless the next. 

                        THE WARMTH OF HER HAND  was missed the moment she let go, causing him to rest his own comfortably behind his back instead; head was held high until she spoke of such personal matters, surely these things were better to discuss in private? he seemed to think so, the look given clearly revealing as much.   ❛  ferti— really? and what if the fault lies with me?  ❜   maybe they should take it as a sign, a sign that the gods thought it best they not reproduce; not that she wouldn’t make a wonderful mother, it was his own paternal instincts that he doubted.

                        THE WEIGHT OF HER CONFESSION  stole his breath away, the happiness she provided the only thing needed to keep him alive. lips connected in hopes to convey what words never could, his feelings for her transcending human comprehension.   ❛  i love you in ways you cannot imagine. no one has ever cared for me the way you do and i cannot until the day i get to call you my wife.  ❜   his future was carved in stone and his path clear, for a life without her would be no life at all. 

                      ❛  YOU HAVE NEVER  been weak in my eyes.  ❜   the final words spoken before he drowned himself in her affection, her sweet kisses mixed with pain was all too fitting for a wildfire such as herself. to contain her was a pointless endeavor, his choice to fuel the flame their inevitable downfall. their kisses deepened as he grew hungrier, the aftermath of their misery awakening a different beast within, a beast that craved the warmth of her embrace and the sting of teeth and nails. hands grabbed a hold of her rear as he hoisted her up, carrying her off to the alter known as their bed. 

         ❛  yenna~  how forward of you. i had no idea you felt that way about me.  ❜   well, she walked right into that one, now didn’t she. 

                            HER FORMAL ETIQUETTE  always caught him off guard, making him feel extremely awkward.  not that he could blame her, seeing as judgmental eyes were always upon them.  still, traces of a frown could be detected, the look given slightly dejected.   ❛  sunhye — you know you don’t have to bow like that…  ❜   she bore a resemblance to a songbird trapped in a gilded cage, making him the only key to her freedom.   ❛  but yes, i would love to.  ❜

                        BODY REFUSED TO COOPORATE,  his muscles still tense from trying to contain the wildfire that was his heart. had it not been for the fact that this was her bed he’d collapsed from exhaustion long ago.   the rough day at work, forgetting to eat, not to mention the perpetual shots of adrenaline, was beginning to take its toll; he should really take better care of his health.   ❛  no thank you, i get enough of those at work.  ❜   features turned soft, almost dreamy, while laying there gazing at her. deep and steady breaths were taken, hopeful that they would soon calm him. though, for each moment that passed, an ache began to grow, a deep yearning if you will. it filled the entirety of his chest, making it difficult to breathe all over again.   ❛  i’m too scared to close my eyes… what if you’re gone when i wake up.  ❜   heartfelt honesty delivered through hushed tones, his cheeks quick to expose his embarrassment. 

                       THEIR DYNAMIC WAS ONE OF EVERGROWING MYSTERY;  one week they would despise each other with such passion — the next, nothing but cherished touches and honeyed declarations. it was a direct result of their clashing nature, how fire and ice never mixed well at all. this week, however, was one of the latter.   ❛  here — i got you flowers.  ❜  proud as the vixen offered the humble bouquet, consisting of black and burgundy dahlias.  ❛  i don’t know, they just reminded me of you.  ❜