The Dark Heir - Nyx

31. Theia.

Her lungs began to ache. Theia felt a small pang of disappointment when Nyx pulled his mouth away and swam them back to air. Oh, what a death it would be. They both gasped in air, Theia's legs dropping from his waist to keep herself afloat.

"The palace or the beach?" Nyx asked in a quick pant, his mouth moving to her cheek. Heat sparked as she realized what he meant. Her dream from the night before flickered in her mind as her arm hooked around his neck and she dragged herself impossibly closer.

For once, despite the flames beneath her skin, she didn't want the harsh sex they'd grown used to. It had been full of hatred and violence, and though she enjoyed that, kissing him softly in the sea sounded far more appealing. She was tired. Tired of fighting for dominance, fighting to survive, fighting her emotions. Theia didn't care if this was her succumbing to the love for Nyx that she knew was nestled deep in her ribs, she just wanted a moment that felt as easy as it had been to kiss him.

"Can we lay beneath the sun? Can you just kiss me?" She whispered, pressing her face into the wet hair on his jaw. One of his arms looped around her lower back, anchoring her body to his.

"I'd love nothing more," he murmured. Theia let out a small laugh when he tugged her thigh over his hip and began swimming. Sure, he was a warrior, but swimming with one arm seemed dreadful. Theia pressed a kiss to his pink cheek and shoved beneath him, sending herself below the surface. She felt him reach for her but she was too quick.

Theia swam towards the beach until she could walk, breaking the surface with a heavy gasp for air. She brushed her wet hair back, turning to look for Nyx. He was walking towards her with a wide smile, his wet curls seemingly darker even with the sun dancing upon them. Theia let out a laugh even though nothing called for it. She felt light, like the weight of centuries was plucked from her shoulders by the same male that sat it there.

As they walked onto the beach and laid another towel beside Nyx's, Theia couldn't help but wonder if each day would feel like this. Would they be back to hating each other tomorrow? Would Nyx find Cresseida and decide Theia was simply a passing moment? It was a nice moment, as she laid beside him and laid her cheek on his wet chest. Her fingers twisted in the dark dusting of hair on his chest, traced the tattoos across his skin.

Even if they woke up tomorrow and Nyx decided that he didn't want to smile for her, she wouldn't be angry at the day they had. Even if it didn't last forever, Nyx gifted her a moment of peace. Theia shifted her cheek against his skin, pressing a kiss to the muscle there. His fingers were caught in her wet hair, his other hand drawing circles on the thigh that was draped over his waist.

Theia decided she would savor today. She'd ask him to have supper with her, watch the sun fall, and perhaps they'd end the night in one bed. Her stomach lit at the thought. She wondered if he remembered how to have intimate moments like that. She didn't. For centuries, sex had simply just been a way to let out her anger and frustration, to lose herself in pleasure and pain.

If they'd done it slow with gentle kisses and quiet moans, she wouldn't know what to do. Would his hips slam into her? Would he close his hand around her throat and spit degrading names at her? She enjoyed that, but it didn't feel right for today. Theia pressed another kiss to his skin and let her eyes fall closed, focused solely on the warmth of the sun, the sound of Nyx's breath in time with the waves.

Time passed, though she didn't know how long. Eventually, she felt lips against her hair and heard the soft murmur of Nyx's voice telling her they should go inside. She blinked her eyes open, squinting in the sun as she sat up. Nyx sat up with her, stretching his arms out as he offered a sleepy smile.

"Did we fall asleep?" She asked, rubbing at her eyes. Nyx nodded as he let out a small laugh.

"I woke up a few minutes ago, the sun is going to set in a couple hours. Would you like to go have dinner in the city or make some?"

His question reminded Theia of their time in Velaris so long ago, the first time she realized that she loved him. Or what she thought was love. It felt minuscule to the way she gravitated towards him now. It had been childish, and maybe their centuries of hatred made the passion grow.

Theia was quiet as she rose to her feet and dusted the sand from her skin. Trying to decipher emotions was too much. They'd only had one good day. It was foolish to believe there was anything more beneath the way they were alone together and played in the sea.

"Let's cook together," she finally responded when Nyx rose and began shaking the towels off. Theia pulled the linen clothes over her body and took the towels from Nyx as he pulled his shirt on. They were quiet on their walk up to the palace, and Theia couldn't help but wonder if he had the same thoughts as she did.

They walked into the large home, gentle chimes of glass dancing in the breeze filling the silence. "How about we wash up and then meet in the kitchen?" Nyx suggested. Theia nodded, offering a tight smile as she began to climb the stairs. They entered the lounge room, Nyx dropping the towels on the table as he aimed for his room. Theia stopped, swaying from side to side as she tried to determine if she should follow him or bathe on her own.

Too much, too fast. Theia hurried into her own room and shut the door, peeling the dry and damp clothes from her body and marching into the bathing chamber. She washed up quickly, scrubbing her tender scalp with the soap. The sun had burned her skin, helped by the salty sea water.

Feeling clean, Theia dried herself and pulled on the green gown from that morning. At least she would have the chance to wear it now. She pulled her wet hair over one shoulder and sighed, reaching for the door handle. Nyx was already in the lounge room, dressed once more in linen clothes and jewelry. Her eyes lingered on the rings he wore before she cleared her throat and followed him to the kitchen.

Nyx led her down the stairs, around the entrance, and down a long corridor. They passed the dining area, open and welcoming to the sea beyond. Theia smiled softly as she scanned the home. She wondered how simple life must seem in a place like this. When they entered the kitchens, large and open, Nyx began filing through the pantry and ice box to find food.

Theia leaned against the counter, watching him as her fingertip danced across her lip. He laid out vegetables, fish fillets, seashells filled with meaty clams. When he was finished, Theia offered to search the cabinets for pots and pans. It was mechanical, empty. Whatever joy had been swirling in her chest hours before felt like it had vanished, and Theia cursed herself for diving too deep into her thoughts.