



Chapter Twelve__Part:1
POV: Kaden
The morning light streamed through the curtains, painting the room in soft gold and shadows. The peacefulness of it was a stark contrast to the weight of everything that had happened between us the night before. I watched Astrid as she ate, each bite she took drawing me deeper into a feeling I couldn't quite name. Contentment, maybe. Possession, definitely. She was mine, and seeing her like this, relaxed and at ease, in my bed filled a part of me that had been empty for far too long.
But beneath that contentment, there was a restlessness, too. The bond between us, which I'd tried to keep at bay, thrummed stronger now, and it was getting harder to resist the pull. I knew I had to tread carefully, but with every stolen glance and every soft smile she gave me, it was as if the choice was being taken out of my hands.
"Thank you for breakfast," she said softly, pulling me from my thoughts. Something tender was in her eyes, something unspoken but palpable, like she was beginning to see me—not just as the king of Rathguard but as a man who would give anything to protect her.
"You're welcome," I replied, my voice low. I traced a finger down her arm, feeling the goosebumps rise in response. "It's only the beginning of how I want to take care of you."
Her lips parted slightly, and the flicker of desire in her eyes was unmistakable. The tension between us was electric, thick, and heavy, and it was taking all my control to hold back. The way she looked at me, her flushed cheeks and her eyes wide with something akin to longing, stirred a primal need inside me.
But it was more than that.
I leaned forward, slow and deliberate, capturing her lips in another kiss. Her lips were soft and yielding, and the taste of the peach still lingered in her mouth. As I kissed her, my hand found her waist, pulling her closer until her body was pressed against mine. She melted into me, and for a moment, the outside world ceased to exist. There was just the feel of her, the taste of her, and the unspoken connection that pulsed between us.
When I pulled away, I rested my forehead against hers, my breath coming in shallow bursts. "Astrid," I murmured, my voice rough with need. I want you to know that whatever comes next... I'm here. Not just because of the prophecy or the bond, but because I choose you."
Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, the vulnerability in them nearly undid me. She didn't say anything, but she didn't have to. The way her hand came up to cradle my face, the way her thumb brushed against my cheek, was answer enough.
Before I could stop myself, my lips found hers again. This kiss was more urgent, more demanding. I couldn't hold back any longer. I deepened the kiss, pulling her onto my lap as I let my hands explore the softness of her body. Her skin was warm beneath my fingers, and each touch seemed to draw a soft sigh from her lips, making me crave more.
"Astrid..." I whispered against her lips, my hands sliding down her waist to rest on her hips. She gasped, her body arching into mine, and I couldn't help the low growl that escaped my throat. The need to claim her, to show her how deeply I felt for her, surged within me. But I held back, barely.
This was her choice. It had to be her choice.
"Tell me what you want," I murmured, my lips brushing against the soft skin of her neck, my voice low and thick with desire. "Tell me, and I'll give it to you."
Her fingers tangled in my hair, and the soft gasp she let out was all the answer I needed. I leaned her back against the bed, trailing slow kisses down her neck, her collarbone, and further still, each kiss a promise of what was to come.
Every inch of her was intoxicating, and the more I touched her, the more I wanted to explore every part of her. I could feel her pulse racing beneath my lips, her breaths coming in shallow bursts, and the soft moans she let out only spurred me on.
But this wasn't just about satisfying desire. It was about making her feel cherished, wanted, and loved. I wanted her to know she was more to me than just the mate bond or the prophecy. She was my everything.
The feel of her body beneath mine, her warmth seeping into me, only deepened our connection. With every soft sound she made, every tremble of her body, I could sense her surrender—not just to the moment but to us, to what we were becoming.
"Astrid," I whispered her name like a prayer, pressing a kiss to the hollow of her throat. Her skin was soft, her scent intoxicating, a blend of wildflowers and the lingering essence of magic that clung to her. I reveled in the way she responded to me, each touch eliciting a soft gasp, each kiss making her pulse race faster.
She tilted her head, giving me more access to her neck, and I took full advantage. I kissed her gently at first, savoring the taste of her, but with each moment, the hunger within me grew, fueled by the undeniable bond between us. It was getting harder to hold back, to keep the animal inside me at bay, but for her, I would.
My lips hovered at her ear. "You have no idea how long I've wanted this," I whispered, the words unfiltered and raw. "How long I've wanted you."
She met my gaze, her eyes darkened with emotion. "Then why did you wait?" Her voice was breathless, but there was curiosity in her tone, a need to understand.
My heart clenched. "Because you deserve more than a bond that ties us together. You deserve to choose this... to choose me."
For a moment, there was only the sound of our breathing, the air between us thick with everything unsaid. She shifted in my arms, her fingers gently brushing against my jaw, guiding my face back to hers. Her lips were inches away, and I could see the vulnerability, strength, and desire swirling in her gaze.
"I do choose you, Kaden," she whispered her words, a confession that undid me in the best possible way.
That was all I needed.
In one swift movement, I captured her lips again, this time with more enthusiasm and more intensity. The restraint I'd held onto for so long snapped, and I poured everything into the kiss—the need, the desire, the love that had grown with every glance, every touch. My hands roamed her body, gentle yet possessive, tracing every curve as if committing her to memory.
Her hands slid beneath my shirt, her touch warm and electric, igniting every nerve in my body. The sensation of her fingers against my skin sent a shudder through me, and I growled low in my throat, the sound primal and instinctive.
I pulled back for a moment, just long enough to look at her. Her lips were swollen from our kisses, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes... gods, her eyes. They held a mixture of need and trust that made me want to give her everything.
"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice hoarse with emotion.
She nodded, her fingers tightening in my hair as she pulled me back down to her. "I've never been surer of anything."
Just as our lips met again, a soft but persistent knock sounded at the door, breaking through the heat of the moment. For a split second, I thought of ignoring it. But the knock came again, louder this time, and with it came the harsh reminder of my duty.
Astrid froze beneath me, her breath coming in shallow gasps as our eyes met. I could see the frustration reflected in her gaze, mirroring my own. Slowly, reluctantly, I pulled back, the loss of her warmth immediate and infuriating.
The knock echoed once more, sharp and impatient, pulling me further from the haze of desire that had consumed us. I clenched my jaw, struggling to suppress the growl rising in my throat. Whoever was behind that door was about to face a very angry king.
"Your Majesty," a voice called from the other side, hesitant but firm. "Your audience is needed. It's urgent."
Astrid's fingers lightly grazed my arm, and I looked down at her, the intensity of what had just passed between us still thrumming through my veins. She gave me a soft, understanding smile, but I could see the same disappointment flickering behind her eyes.
Duty. It always had to be duty this and duty that.
With a sigh, I pressed one last kiss to her forehead, lingering longer than I should have. "I'll be back," I promised, my voice a low rumble. "This isn't over."
She smiled faintly, her cheeks still flushed. "I'll hold you to that," she whispered, her fingers sliding down my arm before she reluctantly let go.
I stood, adjusting my shirt and trying to compose myself, though the fire still simmered beneath the surface. It took every ounce of my control to push it down, to remind myself that there were responsibilities I couldn't ignore. No matter how much I wanted to stay in this room with her, to drown in her presence and forget the rest of the world.
With one final glance at Astrid, I made my way to the door, pulling it open with more force than necessary. My second in command, Joran, stood on the other side, his expression carefully neutral, though I could see the unease in his eyes.
"Your Majesty," he began, slightly inclining his head. "I apologize for the interruption, but there are matters that require your immediate attention in the council chamber."
I forced myself to stay calm, though the irritation flared hot inside me. "This better be important," I said, my tone clipped.
Joran straightened. "It concerns the border. There's been movement and sightings of creatures we've not encountered before. The council awaits your orders."
I exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over my face. Of course. The safety of Rathguard could never wait, not even for a moment like this.
"Fine," I muttered. "I'll be there shortly."
Joran gave a curt nod and turned on his heel, leaving me in the doorway. I shut the door with a quiet thud, my shoulders tense with frustration. When I turned back to Astrid, she was sitting up in the bed, the blanket wrapped around her, her expression soft but knowing.
"You have to go," she said quietly, though there was no judgment in her voice—only understanding.
I crossed the room and knelt beside the bed, taking her hand in mine. "I'm sorry," I murmured, kissing the back of her hand. "This was the last thing I wanted."
She smiled, her fingers tightening around mine. "You're a king, Kaden. I know what that means." Her voice was gentle, but there was a strength beneath it. "Go. Rathguard needs you. I'll be here when you return."