The night had only just begun, and as Rex claimed her with a ferocity that promised to leave her breathless, Aurelia realized that while she had saved Aethelgard, she had lost herself in the process.
Each moan that escaped her lips was both a surrender and a lament, a symphony of pleasure and pain that echoed through the halls of the house she had sworn to protect.
Aurelia pushed herself upright, her legs feeling like water despite the magic coursing through her veins. The shame was a physical weight, but she refused to let him see her crumble further.
She needed to reclaim some semblance of control, some shred of dignity, even if it was merely the dignity of a hostess performing a grim duty.
"This is not where we belong," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. "If this must happen... if you truly intend to honor our pact, then let us go to my chambers."
"The parlor is too exposed."
