Chapter 29: At Last

“Are you sure?” Elric said quietly as Saffron walked towards the bed. She turned and looked at him for a long moment before untying her dress and letting it slide down her body, pooling at her feet. She stood in her shift looking up at him as she unbound her hair and let it fall freely down her back. He could see the shape of her curves beneath the thin material and felt his body lurch in response.
He wanted her. He had since the first moment he had seen her, but he had waited. It had never been the right moment but now, the way she was looking at him, he wondered if this was it. “Are you waiting for an engraved invitation?” she asked, quirking her eyebrow. He smirked and shook his head.
“I’m just admiring what is before me. Are you sure…you’re ready?” he asked again. “If you have even the slightest doubt…” she silenced him with a kiss and pushed his shirt over his head, her fingers trailing against his skin. Pleasure rippled through him as she traced her fingers down his sides. Her touch had always been gentle, healing, but this time, they touched him differently. It was as if she were touching him for the first time. She traced her fingers along his chest and down his stomach. He closed his eyes and shivered.
“I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you,” he said. She looked up at him, her eyes unreadable pools of blue.
“And I, you,” she replied simply. “Are we just going to speak all evening?” she asked with wide eyes.
His eyes darkened and he pulled her to him, pressing the length of his body against hers. She let out a small moan and his entire body felt as if it were alight. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him down onto the bed with her, being careful of his injuries.
He propped himself up on his arms and gazed down at her. “You’re beautiful,” he said. She smiled radiantly.
“You’re not entirely unpleasant,” she replied and sat up enough to pull her shift off. He took in a sharp gasp of breath at seeing her naked for the first time. His eyes traveled down her body, taking in her firm round breasts, the soft swell of her hips, and her long, pale legs. He committed every freckle and scar to memory; she would be forever burned into his mind. He bent his head to her breasts and took one in his mouth.
She gasped with pleasure, her back arched to meet his mouth. Rapture radiated from every place that he touched. With every flick of his tongue, her body shuddered. He kissed his way down her stomach, causing chills to rise on her skin.
He bent between her legs and looked up at her. Her legs trembled as she gazed down at him. He gave her a smile and placed his mouth on her. She cried out and grasped the bed, the blankets crumpled in her fists.
She hadn’t known that it could feel like this. She had prepared herself for pain and possibly a fleeting moment of pleasure. Instead, Elric lavished her with attention. Her body trembled from his affections. His fingers coaxed forth a pleasure she could have never imagined.
When he entered her, he kept his eyes locked on hers. She saw something in them that she hadn’t expected. Love. Their bodies moved as one, fitting together as if they had always been meant to be joined.
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Saffron laid panting slightly, slick with sweat next to Elric. Her entire body still vibrated with his touch. She was afraid to move and break the spell. Elric lay back, a smile on his face as he stared at the ceiling.
After a few moments of silence, Saffron rolled to one arm. “What do we do now?” she asked. Elric laughed and looked at her.
“Whatever do you mean?” he replied, smiling at her.
“Well, I’ve not exactly done this before. Do we sleep? Eat? Do it again?” she inquired, looking down at him. Her long golden hair fell into a silk curtain between them. He curled a few strands around his fingers.
“Do you want to do it again? I’m still a bit sore but I feel like I could make an effort,” he said with a charming smile. She swatted his arm and settled back into bed. He tugged her towards him, ignoring the stabbing pain in his side, his fingers pushing her hair from her face. He leaned down and pressed a small kiss against her temple.
“I think laying here next to you is the perfect ending. Are you feeling alright by the way? I know, erm, the first time can be a bit uncomfortable,” he asked awkwardly, staring resolutely at the ceiling. Her heart lurched at the concern in his voice.
“Deflowered a fair bit of maidens, have you?” she retorted causing him to snort in horror. “I am fine. I am well aware of how a woman’s body behaves, thank you for asking,” He laughed into her hair, still a bit shocked at her blunt response. Her gaze softened and she kissed him lightly, enjoying the warmth that flowed between them.
“You are unlike anyone I have ever met,” he said, still chuckling.
“Yes, well you are my first prince so I suppose I can say the same,” she teased and snuggled closer to him, mindful to avoid his sore ribs.
Elric’s eyes had begun to close when he felt her eyes on him. “Yes? Why are you staring at me?”
“Was it…was I…well. Did you enjoy yourself?” she stammered. His face flushed and his eyes snapped open.
“Are you asking me if I had a good time?” he asked incredulously. “Here I am hoping that I did not hurt you grievously and here you are wondering if you did a good job?”
“Well, yes.” She replied, a blush high in her cheeks. He just stared at her. She stared back, her blue eyes wide and questioning.
“Yes, you did a very fine job. Can we go to sleep now?” he replied, his face still burning. She smiled and nodded.
“Yes, I suppose we can.” She stated and closed her eyes. He shook his head and marveled at her. He had a feeling that she would always keep surprising him.