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V alda had to drag herself off of Maris. The least she wanted was to pull away from the warmth of her skin. She wanted to stay there, to drink from the heat radiating off her body and sleep, gods she needed to sleep wrapped in her embrace or else she would believe it was all a lie.

Maris was there, before her, with her eyes wide open in desperation and amusement, looking at her as if she blinked, everything would dissolve into nothing. She wanted to kiss her again. She wanted to part her lips and drink from her as if she hadn’t been able to have her for eight fucking months.

How was Valda able to survive so long without tasting her was beyond her, but now that she had, she wanted nothing more than to spread those fucking thick thighs and delve back into her… But Maris looked like she wanted to satisfy her as much she had done moments ago. Valda wanted to satisfy all her needs, even if those needs required her beautiful Sealian to be the one to give her pleasure.

Swallowing hard, and trying to regain a sliver of control, Valda stood from the bed, her hands clutching the edge of the blouse and peeling it from her body.

She heard Maris’s breath hitched and she couldn’t help but smile, knowing her mate was enjoying the view. As she tossed the blouse, her gaze went straight back to Maris, who now leaned on her elbows, staring at her as if she was a goddess, but not just any goddess, hers.

“Missed me?” Valda asked .

Maris’s eyes shot from looking at her abdomen to her face. Maris tilted her head back, her dark blue curls splayed like waves over the pillows. “Take your throne.”

The invitation made something snap inside Valda. Her muscles coiled, her pulse thrumming in her ears. Her mate could undo her with a single look, but this... This was something different.

Without breaking eye contact, Valda moved, her knees sinking into the mattress as she climbed onto the bed. She straddled Maris’s chest first, her thighs pressing into the younger woman’s sides as she leaned forward, her firm hands bracing on the headboard.

For a moment, she hovered, teasing them both while Maris’s hands stroked the skin of her thighs. The air between them was thick, almost suffocating, as Valda searched Maris’s face for hesitation or doubt. But there was none. There was only raw, unadulterated lust and desire reflected in those blue eyes.

Valda was so wrong for even thinking that Maris hated her. No one that claimed to hate another person looks at them with the need burning in Maris’s eyes. She was almost sure that if she took a second longer hovering over Maris, the Sealian would probably pull her down.

Valda’s voice was husky when she spoke. “Let me know if I suffocate you.”

“Oh, please,” Maris chuckled, her hands now moving to grip Valda’s ass. “I can take you just fine.” Maris’s lips curved into a teasing smile, and Valda’s breath hitched as her lover’s warm hands slipped between her thighs. She stroked her aching clit once before moving back to her thighs, gripping her tightly as her fingers pressed into the firm muscle.

Valda let out a shaky breath as she shifted her weight, her knees sliding wider apart as she moved up, finally settling over Maris’s face. The first touch of Maris’s lips against her made her entire body jolt. She sucked in a sharp breath, her head falling back as a low groan tore from her throat.

She had died and gone to the Elysian fields.

Between the warmth of Maris’s hands on her thighs and the silky softness of her lips on her folds, Valda was truly in Elysium.

Maris didn’t hesitate, her tongue darting out to taste her, soft and tentative at first but quickly growing bolder. Valda’s fingers curled into the headboard, leaving marks from her fingernail on the dark wood as she struggled to keep her balance. The heat, the wetness, the maddening way Maris licked and sucked at her clit; it was overwhelming .

“Fuck, Maris,” Valda gasped, her voice breaking as she rocked her hips forward, unable to stop herself from chasing the pleasure her mate was giving her. Her thighs quivered as she lowered herself further, fully seated on Maris’s face now.

Her grip on the headboard tightened as Maris’s tongue flicked against her clit, sending delicious jolts of electricity up her spine. Every stroke, every press of her mouth was a tormented bliss, and Valda felt her control slipping away.

Maris’s hands roamed up her thighs, her nails grazing Valda’s skin, leaving red swells, making her shudder. When those hands gripped her hips and pulled her down even harder, Valda let out a desperate moan, her head falling forward, pressing her damp forehead to the cold wood of the headboard.

She was unraveling faster than she ever thought possible. She had forgotten how good Maris was with her mouth, how dexterously she could get her off.

Fuck. She had missed this woman more than anything. Her body craved her like air and water, and yet, as she pressed harder against her mouth, Valda couldn’t get enough.

“Gods, you are so fucking good,” Valda sobbed, swallowing down the need to cry out there and then. “Good girl,” Valda muttered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her ragged breathing. She glanced down, only to be met with the sight of Maris’s oceanic eyes gazing up at her with an adoration and hunger.

The sight was almost enough to send her over the edge.

“Gods,” Valda whispered, her voice trembling as she tried to hold on, tried to savor the feeling of Maris’s tongue circling her clit and dipping into her core. But it was too much. Her body was on fire, her muscles trembling as she rocked her hips in a slow, deliberate rhythm.

Maris moaned against her, the vibration sending another wave of pleasure crashing through her. Valda gasped, her hands leaving the headboard to tangle in Maris’s hair, anchoring herself as she rode the pleasure building inside her.

The bond between them flared to life, hot and steady, and for the first time in months, Valda felt whole. This wasn’t just her body seeking release—this was her soul seeking to reconnect.

“I love you,” Valda whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them. She wasn’t even sure if Maris could hear her through the loud moans and faint whimpers, but it didn’t matter. Her body trembled as the peak came rushing toward her like a tidal wave.

“Don’t stop,” Valda pleaded, as she clutched Maris’s hair tighter. “Seashell... Don’ t you fucking stop.”

Maris’s response was immediate. With renewed fervor, her tongue drove Valda higher and higher until, with a strangled cry, Valda shattered.

Her release washed over her in waves, each one stronger than the last. Her thighs trembled, her back arched, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. All she could do was hold on to Maris, her hands tangled in her hair as she rode out the storm.

When it was over, Valda slumped forward, her forehead pressing against the headboard as she struggled to catch her breath. Her body trembled with the aftershocks, her skin slick with sweat. Slowly, she moved off Maris, collapsing onto the bed beside her. She turned her head, meeting her mate’s gaze, and saw the smirk at the corners of Maris’s swollen, slick-covered lips.

“You’re insufferable,” Valda muttered, but the smile that broke across her face betrayed her words.

“And you’re insatiable,” Maris said, teasing and breathless.

Valda chuckled, pulling Maris close until their bodies were pressed together, their legs tangling beneath the sheets. “You say that as if it was a bad thing,” Valda said, her lips brushing against Maris’s temple as her eyes drifted shut.

For the first time in the last eight months, Valda was certain she would finally sleep peacefully.

***

Valda adjusted her blouse for what felt like the hundredth time that morning, pulling it out of her linen slacks, smoothing it, and tucking it back in until it sat perfectly. She exhaled through her nose, trying to shake off the strange blend of nerves and contentment thrumming in her chest. Padding quietly across the room, she sat down to slip on her boots.

On the bed, a tired Maris slept soundly. Her soft breathing was the only thing she could hear aside from the doves cooing outside the window. Maris lay partially wrapped in a thin sheet that clung loosely to her body, draped just enough to cover her chest, part of her waist, and the curve of her thighs. Valda’s gaze lingered, tracing the lines of her exposed skin and the peaceful expression on her face. It had been so long since she’d seen Maris look this at ease.

At the foot of the bed, Cerberus was curled into a ball, her black tail flicking lazily from side to side. The cat’s golden eyes watched Valda closely, as if waiting for a cue .

“Sorry for the racket last night,” Valda murmured with a small smirk, catching Cerberus’s sleepy gaze. The cat raised her head slightly and tilted it to the side, letting out a soft, almost inaudible meow.

Amused, Valda crossed her arms and leaned forward. “Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you. Something extra tasty for breakfast, sound good?”

Cerberus stretched languidly, her paws extending before she rested her head back down, purring as if to accept the offer.

Valda chuckled under her breath, but her amusement faded as her eyes drifted back to Maris. The slightest shift in the bed drew her full attention. Maris stirred, her hair spilling across the pillow in disheveled waves, her lashes fluttering briefly before she settled again. Valda couldn’t help but study her. The memories of the night before flickered through her mind.

Her fingers itched to reach out, to trace the outline of Maris’s shoulder, to kiss her awake just to see those sleepy blue eyes meet hers. Instead, she ran a hand through her own hair, trying to compose herself.

Taking a deep breath, Valda decided it was better to not think about last night. She tied the last knot of her boot and leaned back in the chair before looking at Maris sleeping. A prideful smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth as she remembered her lover’s eagerness to satisfy her.

She marveled at the transformation in Maris. The woman lying in bed now was so different from the hesitant and unsure version she had first met months ago in Oberon Castle. Maris had grown—stronger, fiercer, more confident—and yet, that growth had only deepened Valda’s love for her. She didn’t think it was possible to love her more, yet here she was, completely smitten.

Unable to resist, Valda reached out and tangled her fingers gently through Maris’s soft waves. A soft groan escaped the sleeping woman, her face scrunching slightly before her eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times, narrowing her gaze against the bright morning light before her eyes focused on Valda.

“Morning, darling,” Maris murmured, her voice heavy and groggy. She stretched her arms over her head, the sheet slipping slightly to reveal more of her bare skin.

Valda leaned forward, capturing her lover’s mouth in a gentle, lingering kiss. “Good morning, Seashell,” she whispered against her lips, her voice low and affectionate.

Maris smiled lazily. “Did you sleep well? ”

Valda chuckled softly and reached out to cradle Maris’s jaw, pulling her into another kiss. “Very well,” she murmured, her lips brushing against Maris’s. “You made sure of that.” She leaned back slightly, her expression softening. “I wish I could stay longer, but I need to meet with Isen. We must set up our next move, and—”

“Without me?” Maris interrupted, tilting her head to the side.

Valda instantly caught the discomfort in Maris right away. She placed a hand over Maris’s and rubbed her thumb across the back of it soothingly. “No, Seashell,” Valda said. “I just thought I’d let you sleep. You haven’t been resting as much as you should, and—”

“I think coming up with a plan to keep everyone safe is more important than catching up on sleep,” Maris said.

Valda nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “True. I was just about to head downstairs and grab something for us to eat—”

A loud meow interrupted her, and both women turned to see Cerberus padding toward them. The large cat leaped up gracefully, settling herself on Maris’s lap as if staking her claim.

“For all three of us,” Valda corrected with a laugh, reaching over to pet Cerberus from head to tail. The cat purred loudly, clearly pleased with herself.

Maris arched an eyebrow, smirking. “She’s spoiled, you know.”

“She deserves to be,” Valda replied, watching Cerberus nestle against Maris. Her gaze then shifted back to her lover. “You can’t dethrone an illegitimate king on an empty stomach, after all.”

Valda wanted to sound confident. Now that Maris was with her, there was nothing she couldn’t face—at least, that’s what she told herself. Her priority was to organize their next move, to strike where it would hurt Arwin most. To do so, she needed to call a meeting with Isen and the other leaders staying in Titania. Afterward, she’d send word to Cressida and have reinforcements ready.

Maris inhaled sharply through her nose. A slight dimple appeared on Maris’s right cheek, and Valda’s stomach clenched. Gods, that dimple… She longed to kiss her way up Maris’s chest, trailing soft pecks along her collarbone, and bless that dimple with her lips. But Maris’s gaze grounded her, kept her from indulging in fantasies.

“What are you planning?” Maris asked, her hand bumping into Valda’s as they both petted Cerberus’ long black fur.

The question hung in the air, making it dense and suffocating. That question was enough to keep her up at night. Her planning could go either of two ways. She could follow her hot head and gather as many men as possible, barge into Oberon, destroy the place, and kill whoever dared to come between her and Arwin. She could slice through flesh and bone until he was the only person standing before her. Then she would plunge her sword into his stomach and watch as his prideful smirk was wiped away and drowned with his own blood before pulling the blade out and cutting off his head in one clean strike. She would grant him what he deserved, a traitor’s death, just like he had shown her.

She could also ask the Vulcanians to join her. If the Vulcanians joined, so would Kayden and the territory of Harmonia. Having Kayden by her side, with his unique gift, could really balance everything out, but she didn’t know where her friend was, or if they were still friends.

This conflict could put a wedge on their friendship. He could’ve been forced to join the Vulcanians or face sanctions from the monarchy. Maybe he didn’t join them and was now fighting for his own life. Or he could’ve joined the monarchy and was now fighting against her.

Valda sighed, as dread settled in her stomach.

If only she knew he was well…

A soft squeeze on her forearm pulled her out of her thoughts. She looked down to see Maris’s hand on her arm, pulling her back to the present.

The concern in Maris’s eyes was evident as she tilted her head. “Valda, talk to me,” she said.

Valda exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly under Maris’s touch. She wasn’t alone in this. Not anymore.

“For months now, I’ve gathered as many soldiers as I could to our side of the war. It’s not a lot—enough to win battles, maybe—but not enough to win the entire war. Too many are afraid…” Valda said, trying her best to hide her frustration.

“With good reason,” Maris whispered, her expression darkening, and Valda could tell she was recalling the hill of corpses they had encountered upon their return from New Agenor.

Reaching out, Valda gently took Maris’s hand, stilling it as she petted Cerberus. “Isen told me you didn’t want your people involved in the war—“

“That was before,” Maris interrupted. “I want to fight now, Valda. I want to take back what is ours. But… Sealians are peaceful people. There aren’t many able-bodied warriors among us, and fewer still who are trained enough to be of any real help. ”

Valda’s lips pressed into a small pout as her gaze flickered down to Cerberus, who purred contentedly. “The Skylians would gladly train any able-bodied Sealian willing to fight. We’ll take whatever they can offer, and the rest can train with my soldiers.”

Maris nodded, her grip tightening slightly on Valda’s forearm. “That might work. But…” She hesitated before continuing. “Some of them might want to go back to the Sea Kingdom.”

Moving back, Valda looked at Maris with a deep frown on her face. Did… Maris want to leave her again?

As if sensing Valda’s thoughts, Maris shook her head. “No, Valda. I don’t want to leave you again,” she said. “I love the Sky Kingdom. I’m grateful for everything this kingdom has given me—my parents, Melvian, you—” Cerberus let out a soft meow, earning an affectionate kiss between her ears. “—and Cerberus, of course. But I can’t let my people keep running, moving from city to city, always hoping for the best and living in fear. They’ve told me they want to go back one day. So why not now?”

Valda exhaled slowly, her mind already working through the logistical nightmare such a move would entail. “It won’t be easy. The closest and largest pier is in Ophelia, and we can’t go there. The next option is Prospero, but we don’t know if the Vulcanians have taken control of that port.”

“We’ll find a way, Valda. We’ll protect the Sealians and your people. That’s what the gods chose us for—to protect them.”

“Of course. But Maris… you’ve lost people in the last attack, and so have I. We can’t do this alone.”

“What are you planning, darling?”

Valda’s lips pressed into a thin line as she leaned back slightly. “I’m going to try to form an alliance…”

“With whom?” Maris asked, tilting her head.

“Queen Kenna Hagan.”

Maris didn’t react immediately, which only made Valda’s anxiety grow. Her mate’s piercing blue eyes shifted from Valda to something behind her. Following her gaze, Valda turned to see the trident resting against the wall.

“Maris…”

“Vulcanians and Harmonians are descendants of the god of war. Kenna’s father was even named after him. And yet…” Her eyes flicked back to Valda, “…you think it’s wise to form an alliance with these savages?” The venom dripping from the last word was impossible to ignore.

Valda’s stomach clenched, but she stood firm. “They’re attacking out of anger. Kenna wants to avenge her father’s death.” She paused, watching Maris closely, trying to gauge her reaction. Valda continued, her words slow and deliberate. “We killed their king.”

Maris scoffed and rolled her eyes. “We?” She arched a brow. “The people of the Sea Kingdom didn’t kill him. You didn’t kill him. Arwin did. He should be the one dealing with this. And yet…” Her gaze narrowed. “I have no doubt he’s just sitting back, letting the Vulcanians do what they do best—destroy.”

Valda’s jaw tightened, but she knew Arwin had no intention of dealing with the Vulcanians. He was letting their fury serve his purpose, keeping her from organizing and gaining ground as she needed to.

“I don’t want my people to get hurt,” Valda said quietly. “Or yours. Or anyone.”

Maris’s expression softened for the briefest of moments. “That’s a chance we have to take. No matter how carefully we set our pieces on this war board, people will get hurt. People will die. And there’s nothing we can do to stop that.”

Maris rolled her tongue over her lower lip before biting it. Once again, her gaze shifted to the trident. “I never wanted to hold a weapon in my hand. I always thought what my father taught me about self-defense and using my powers would be enough to protect myself… to protect those I care about.”

Valda stirred uneasily. Maris held something back, and she didn’t want to force her to say it. She studied her lover as she played with Cerberus’ ears. Finally, Maris raised her gaze to Valda and held it firmly for what seemed like an eternity before it fluttered over the wound on her face and the one on her thigh, hidden now by her pants.

“I will not hesitate to grab the trident and kill for you,” she whispered.

Valda’s lips curved into a soft smile as she reached out and gave Maris’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I know. And I would burn everything to ashes for you.”

Maris rolled her eyes and scoffed, yet pulled Valda in for a terse kiss. Valda just knew she wanted to keep it sweet and short, but the need to feel her lover closer, for longer, was stronger. Cupping the back of her head, Valda held Maris in place as she moved their lips together before ending the kiss.

“We will find a way to keep everyone safe, right?” Maris asked, unable to hide the doubt within her .

Valda wanted to sound confident when she answered with an enthusiastic ‘yes’, but the corner of her lips did not curve with her smile, nor did her back straighten when she stood from the bed and left Maris in the chamber before heading to call forth a meeting.