Chapter 15 - Passion

The phoenix is a majestic and dazzling bird. Its feathers have countless shades of gold and red. And when it spreads its wings, I can see the fire in its feathers. On its head, the feathers align in a different pattern, forming a crown.

The bird is larger than I imagined. It takes a short flight from the cage to a perch in the open part of the room. The tail feathers are long and adorned in gold.

Certainly, this is the pet of a powerful king. Solaris stays quiet, watching the sunrise. Soren approaches her and strokes her feathers. Solaris rests her head on her owner's shoulder and continues to gaze at the shy sunrise. A deep connection between master and phoenix is evident, a bond that transcends the barriers between human and magical creature.

I wait for some sign from Soren; I don't want to startle Solaris or interrupt the moment. When the dawn light turns the sky orange, the king signals for me to approach. The phoenix's feathers glow brightly in the natural light, making her even more beautiful.

To my immense surprise, there are two tiny pearls of tears shining in her eyes. Gradually, they trickle down the phoenix's slender face, and Soren collects them in a small glass vial. They transform back into pearls with a silvery sheen. He hands me the vial, and I step back again.

As the sunrise completes, Solaris flies outside for a stroll. Soren takes my hand, and we walk down the corridor. I enjoy being with him, relishing the moments when he treats me as his equal. But it still hurts to know that he is not mine.

Nevertheless, I let him lead me even though I know where it will lead. Soren takes me to his suite. His room is beautiful but simpler than I expected. There are three different areas in view. One is occupied by an immense canopy bed, another has a large table with scrolls, quills, and inkwells. I imagine Soren works there. The third area is filled with astronomical items like telescopes and drawings of stars. It makes much more sense now that I know Soren is an air wizard.

He hugs me from behind and kisses my neck. Desire instantly courses through me. I think about resisting, but we can barely touch without setting each other on fire.

I turn to face him, longing for his kisses since the real chimera of Thundervale appeared and separated us. Soren looks into my eyes, tenderness and desire in his amber gaze. He enfolds me in his strong arms, and his scent invades my senses. By God, it makes no sense that this man is not mine.

I rise on my tiptoes for a kiss, and Soren smiles wickedly, claiming my mouth. His kiss is fervent, and his tongue sensually explores me. I respond to every caress his hands make on my body. I feel so much desire; I think I might go mad.

I feel him lifting me, and I wrap my arms around his neck. He carries me to the immense canopy bed, where we lie bathed in the soft light of the room. Our bodies intertwine, and passion grows with each shared breath. The room seems to pulsate with the energy between us.

There is no fear, only mutual surrender. The apprehension caused by the chimera of Thundervale begins to dissipate, replaced by the certainty that we belong to each other.

When his hand descends toward my legs, my body trembles with excitement. I am ready. His hand travels up my thighs beneath the dress, leaving a trail of warmth. He moves aside my panties and touches me where I most desire. I can't help but moan. How can a simple touch be so wonderful?

Soren pulls down my dress, exposing my breasts in the neckline. He kisses my chest while touching me, and I feel a pleasure that makes me move my hips to the rhythm of his hand.

When he removes his hand, I feel a wave of frustration. But he steps down from the bed, lifts my skirt to my waist, then kneels and positions himself between my legs. His tongue begins a delightful exploration of my intimacy. Oh, this is so delicious!

The thought that the King of the World is now kneeling to give me pleasure makes my desire reach an uncontrollable level. I reach the peak without being able to contain my screams of pleasure.

Soren lies down next to me and caresses my hair. I feel sweat covering my skin as my body reaches a new level of relaxation. My eyelids suddenly feel heavy.

I open my eyes and realize some time has passed. Soren is still beside me, looking at me with a tender gaze. I feel slightly embarrassed but not at all regretful.

"It's hard not to feel proud," the king's face now expresses mischief. "I love knowing that I'm the first to make you feel pleasure."

I'm undoubtedly red now. Still, I remain determined.

"I think you haven't made me feel everything yet," I give him my best innocent yet suggestive look. "Should I expect more?"

Desire ignites in his eyes.

"You're the one who has to tell me. Can I have you?" His voice practically pleads.

"I've already told you, Your Majesty, you can have anything you want from me."

He lies on top of me and kisses me intensely. My body tingles with anticipation; I am eager to be possessed by Soren.

But then there's a knock on the door. Soren sighs, clearly furious.

"Lord King." Mason's voice calls. "Miss Avalon is on her way."

Curse. The chimera of Thundervale.

"Alright, I better go," I say, moving away from Soren and getting out of bed.

"I'm sorry for this."

"No problem," I say as I adjust my dress. "We'll see each other at a more appropriate time."

He looks frustrated and resigned. I bid farewell to the king with a kiss, which he prolongs several times.

When he finally lets me go, I hurriedly exit the corridor. I don't want to encounter the chimera of Thundervale.

But as Mason barely closes the door to the king's wing behind me, Avalon appears in the corridor. She stops and widens her eyes upon seeing me.

"Hello, Avalon," I didn't intend for my tone to be so cynical. But she shouldn't make that foolish face.

"What are you doing here?!" Her voice sounds irritated.

"Here?" I ask, trying to appear as innocent as possible. But part of me wishes to burst into laughter.

"In the King's Wing, Thalassa!" She practically shouts.

"Oh, yes, of course. Don't worry, Avalon. It's just the chemistry between Soren and me. I mean, he's helping me with a Magical Potions project."

I say this and wink at her, saying goodbye. I walk down the corridor, feeling Avalon's hateful gaze on my back.

—----------------------------

As soon as I can, I run to my room. My heart is racing with the euphoria of everything that happened. I can hardly believe what Soren and I did.

I throw myself on the bed and look at the ceiling. I can't stop smiling. I know Soren wanted much more. And I'm willing to give it.

Despite the opposition from the council and even the prophecy about the future companion of the King, I feel no fear. I am the woman he desires, the only one he wants to be with. I don't want to think about when it will end; I just want to live every moment of it.

Knocks on the door pull me out of this thought. Twyla barely knocked and entered.

"What did you do?" She asked me exasperated.

I sit up quickly in bed. What is she talking about? She doesn't know, does she?

"I don't know," I respond innocently.

"Avalon is furious!"

Oh my God! I don't want everyone to know what happened between Soren and me.

"What did she say?" I can barely breathe.

"I don't know. But she and Soren had a terrible disagreement." Twyla's look seemed to read my thoughts.

"I didn't do anything wrong. I just spent some time with Soren. You know how we feel about each other."

Twyla sighs and sits next to me on the bed.

"I know, Thalassa. I can't blame you for that. But you shouldn't defy Avalon. She may be involved in the future of Eldoria and the other magical peoples."

"What do you mean by 'may be'? Isn't Avalon the chimera of Thundervale?"

"We still don't know. The truth is, her past is as obscure as yours." Twyla explains. "We haven't been able to confirm her story yet."

My jaw drops. Why was I never told this?

"You didn't tell me, and Soren didn't either!"

"Why do you think he doesn't allow you to be near him?" she points out. "And he also tolerates Avalon because he doesn't know which of you will be the future queen."

I feel the urge to scream. I can still be Soren's mate!