EDITOR WARNING: THIS CHAPTER HAS NOT BEEN EDITED SINCE FIRST DRAFT (2018). MAJOR PLOTHOLES OR INCONSISTENCIES
After Another long night
Erebus
I clutch my Lumière tighter to me as I stir softly in bed. An odd sensation tore through my groin area. Ignoring it, I turned to the beautiful woman lying beside me.
"Amore" I whispered softly, trying to stir her from her sleep. She let out a low whine and snuggled closer to me. Hell, I was content to stay in bed with her all day, but I was starving and definitely needed some food.
"Amore" I tried again, as one of her eyes opened.
Soon after, the other eye opened as well, as my eyes met a stunning pair of dark eyes. They seemed to twinkle in the morning light. "Adrienne baby, we'd better get up" I encouraged."Alright" she relented, turning over before flinching harshly. Her eyes scrunched. "Erebus," she asked softly, her melodious voice lilting through the air. "Yes, baby?" I answered.
"I don't think I can walk. It hurts...down there" she mumbled. I chuckled softly, before forcing myself from the bed. The cool air hit my skin and more importantly, my hard member.
Promenading over to the other side of the bed, I brushed back the canopy to reveal the most precious woman I had ever laid eyes upon. I swept her into my arms and carried her towards my sumptuous bathing room. The radiant smile adorning her face brought a smile to my eyes.
Gently laying my Adrienne down on a chaise, I glanced towards the large tub dominating the room. Twisting the facets, I watched the water rush into the tub like a small waterfall. Opening the armoire, I grappled for several bath oils before pouring them into the water, enjoying the heavenly scent which filled the air.
Lifting ma beauté into my arms, I gently slid into the warm scented water. Tugging her against me, I lay her exquisite body against mine as I lavished the feeling of warmth seeping into me, soothing my tired muscles.
Hearing ma chérie's small sigh, I reached behind me and slowly began rubbing the Savon into her hair. She smiled, running a dripping hand over my abdomen. Looking up at her, I watched the water drip down her hair in steamy rivulets.
Tucking a wet piece of hair behind her ear, I leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She answered me with a playful splash. "Mon trésor, you do not know what you are getting into" I jested, kissing the tip of her nose affectionately.
She turned her head, flicking her long, soapy, chestnut hair directly into my face. I hissed playfully as she cackled at my reaction. "The fight is on chérie " I declared, splashing a large amount of water straight into her gaping face.
"S-stop!" she gasped after minutes of our fighting. The water had grown cold from our relentless splashing, the floor surrounding the tub soaking wet.
Stepping out of the tub, I sauntered over to the armoire, giving mon ange a nice view. I heard her soft sigh as I tossed her a knowing smirk over my shoulder. Selecting two soft towels, I wrapped one around myself before helping my Adrienne out of the tub.
I stared unabashedly as the water rivulets tricked down her soft skin. Scooping her up, I walked back into my bedchambers. Setting her down on the very tangled bedsheets, I picked up her dressing robe, holding it out to her.
As my Adrienne dressed, I slid on a pair of trousers as a growl tore through the air. I turned around to see Adrienne blushing as I laughed. "Hungry mon amour?" I asked. She nodded softly as I picked her up once again.
She huffed in mock anger. "You do know I hate it when you carry me" she muttered sarcastically as I smiled at her boldness. "Really Adrienne? I can put you down" I answered with fake seriousness as she batted my shoulder.
"I was kidding fang boy" she giggled as we descended the large staircase. As we traveled down the hall, I could smell the fresh baked smell of croissants. Adrienne's stomach let out another loud growl as we both snickered, nearing the dinette.
We reached the set of doors, as the guards bowed to us. "King Erebus, Lady Adrienne." they both said in unison. Adrienne gave them each a smile. I watched the most precious person in my life light up at the sound of our names together as my insides warmed a bit.
There was no doubt in my mind- I love her.
"Lancelin, Harmon, always a pleasure. Please ignore my state, it seems your king has no sense of personal space" she joked, pressing a kiss my cheek. They both laughed merrily, before sweeping open the grand doors. I kissed her forehead in return, escorting her into the room.
"Adrienne"! The entire table merrily called out as she laughed. I sat in our usual seat, tugging her along with me.
"How are you still alive Adrienne! The poor king has over a hundred years of pent-up desire" Adrienne's closest friend, Velorina enthused. She laughed at her friend's bold antics. God. Her small laugh seemed to light up the room. My Adrienne was really someone truly special.
"I was wondering how long you'd both take to get down here, seeing you two were very busy last night" Melchior drawled as I gave him a silencing look. In all the years I've known him, the man couldn't cool his libido for any length of time. He was driven on telling me all about sex- and its many pleasures.
What I experienced last night didn't feel like sex. Yes, it felt good, damnably good- but it was more than that. It was more than just pounding into Adrienne. No, I am certain we didn't just experience sex last night- we made love.
And the fact that someone so precious and beautiful was willing to give herself up to a monster like me was something I couldn't understand, something I don't think I'll ever understand.
"Erebus?" Adrienne's voice broke through the daze I was in as I stumbled back to reality. I apologized quickly before returning my attention to the usual family brunch.
The people around me, around this table were closer and indefinitely more precious to me than my biological family ever was. And it meant the world, that someone- a monster, a beast like me, could experience this bliss. I savoured the time that I spent with my family. I've learned to love every moment with them.
"Erebus, can I speak with you...privately" a soft voice whispered in my ear. I nodded quickly, wrapping my arms around her.
I swiftly carried her to one of my favourite spots in the palace - a place where I come to think and reflect other then my room atop the tower. The balcony was just off the main entrance and throne room, boasting a remarkable view of the royal gardens and the hundreds of rose bushes.
I sat ma lumiére down on a chair before closing the balcony doors, allowing us to have some privacy. Sitting in the chair across from hers, I watched her gaze transfixed at the castle gardens.
"They're beautiful" she remarked softly. I said nothing but nodded, taking one of her hands in mine. I almost cringed at the physical contact, and I would have if it was anyone but her. Adrienne's touch and feel on my skin was heavenly and light- not bearing wrath and pain, a stark contrast from the memories I have tried to forget.
"Erebus, I have learned so much about the vampiric people from being here. Your people are nothing like they appear to be. Our family is so accepting, and kind, I can't even fathom how I'd ever thought they were anything but. Out there Erebus, are hundreds of people who hate who you are, who despise your very existence. I need to show them that the hate in their hearts is unwarranted. Asteaia, the town which dwells in hatred and fear and contempt must end. It is time for Asteaia to learn to love, and I must teach them" Adrienne spoke sincerely, her eyes not leaving mine for a second.
"I have to go to them Erebus. I can't willingly sit by, while the town where I come from turns to ruin. I just can't be free, knowing that there are people still suffering there. Please Erebus, let me fix this, for both of us. To allow us to heal and move on, together".
I said nothing, just stared into the distance, thinking. Who was I to prevent my Adrienne from leaving, only for my own selfish desires. She wanted so desperately to return to Asteaia, the place which had broken us both- only to piece it back together again. I wanted to say no, and keep her beside me, wish me forever.
But I couldn't. I couldn't deny this angel anything. How could I? She has taught me how to feel, how to have hope, and how to love. I love her. And I must let her go.
"If that's what you want, then you must return ma lumiére" I answered solemnly, not able to meet her eye.
I felt her hand touch my cheek as I turned to look at her. Tears glistened in those beautiful eyes. Adrienne wrapped her arms tightly around me, clutching me close just like she once did as her tears trickled onto my shoulder.
"I don't want to leave you, but I just have to make this right. I can't ever be at peace without this" she sobbed as I rocked her in my lap, kissing the top of her head.
"I know mon amour, I know. And I will be right here, waiting for the day you return to me, waiting for the day that I can make you my wife".
She looked up, tears still dripping down her face. Even when she was upset, I have never seen a woman more imperfectly beautiful. I placed a kiss on her lips, "I will make preparations to escort you right away lumiére".
"No, Erebus. I refuse to let them hurt you- which the townsfolk will do if they see you" she protested. "They don't know about your peoples Erebus, and I don't want to risk them finding out". My mind whirled at the possibilities. "But what if they hurt you ma lumiére- I can't allow it or even take the risk" I murmured, running a hand over her hair.
"They won't. Please Erebus, I will return to you. Trust me, I beg of you" ma angel pleaded, desperation twinging her voice. I clutched her to me, once more. "Alright". I felt like I was making a mistake, but Adrienne was her own woman. I had no right to control her- even if I do love her. "I must leave at once- I want to be back in your arms as soon as possible" she sighed as I dreaded the thought of her leaving. But I had to let her go, for the sake of her happiness and mine.
~
"Ma lumiére, Aspen will lead you to a path. If you follow this, it will lead you to Asteaia. It has many turns but it is the safest route" I informed her, cringing as my voice cracked several times. Aspen gave me a knowing look.
I wrapped her in my arms. "Be safe mon amour" I whispered, kissing her forehead. Adrienne gently kissed my cheek, "I will return for you Erebus" she murmured, before exiting the door with Aspen at her heels.
I sighed heavily as I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Erebus" Cyan muttered sympathetically as I offered him a weak smile, before turning and heading to my upper chambers.
I said nothing as I passed the guards in the hallway, the darkness brewing under my skin seemed to intensify with every step I took. Reaching my chambers, I threw open the dusty door hidden behind the tapestry, gazing at the damned black crystals as I passed.
The door creaked it's protest as I stepped onto the balcony. From here, I could see ma lumiére, riding further and further away from the castle- away from me. I don't think I can ever be rid of this pain, trembling through my beating heart as I watch my Adrienne disappear. She has changed my life forever. Every action now belongs to her- she is a part of everything I do. While I'm wasting in my tower, every second, every minute I will be waiting, waiting for mon amour to return to me.
Turning from the balcony, I steal one last glance at her retreating figure before returning to the darkness of my room. Closing the heavy door, my eyes shut as the melancholy builds inside my heart- becoming unbearable.
I stumble to the collection in the corner before collapsing to my knees. The crystals form around me and seem to encase me. My eyes forcibly shut as I lay in the coffin, the crystals surrounding my heavy heart.