Chapter 7: Just One More Minute

Saffron’s breathing had turned ragged as Elric pressed her hard against the bedpost. It dug painfully into her back, but she barely noticed. All she could feel was his lips and hands on her body. She had never been kissed quite like this before. She was right, she noted as he bit into her neck, he was rather experienced.
Distantly, she knew this should bother her. That she wasn’t his first but probably one of many but the way he was making her feel rendered the thought moot. She noticed his breathing had increased as well as his temperature; he was nearly hot to the touch. She ran her fingers down the back of his neck and felt…scales. Her hand froze. He pulled his head back to look at her. His eyes were the same…but not. They were more vivid green. Less human than a few moments before.
He saw the startled look on her face and pulled back slightly. He adjusted the collar on his shirt and made to pull it closed. Her hand stopped him.
“It just took me by surprise, that is all. It doesn’t…frighten me. It should. I know it should. However, it does not seem to dull the effect you have on me,” she said, her cheeks flushed from their embraces. He looked at her warily.
“You’re sure? I guess I wasn’t thinking so clearly and let down my guard a bit. It has never happened with…well…before.” He was looking suddenly bashful.
“You mean when you’ve been with another woman?” she chided gently. He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck where the scales shone gently through.
“Yes, however, I was trying to be a bit more tactful with my words. It seems my meaning is apparent.”
“I’m well aware you aren’t a virgin, Elric. For Anros’ sake, you’re an adult. As am I,” she said quickly and avoided his eyes.
“Oh?” he replied, his eyebrows raising as her meaning sank in. “Well, I suppose that makes sense. It wasn’t the Baron was it?” his face drew in slightly, looking disgusted.
“Gods, no! It doesn’t matter who it was. Just know that I am not entirely inexperienced. Anyways,” she waved her hand at him. “The scales don’t bother me, but would you be so kind as to at least warn me before your entire appearance changes?” she asked.
“Of course,” he said, a seductive smile sliding across his face. “Now, shall we return to what we were partaking in before my beast so rudely interrupted?” he leaned towards her again, his breath brushing her face. He smelled of mulled wine and smokey ashes. Saffron found the scent intoxicating.
“I believe we shall,” she said, a matching smile on her face. She wrapped her arms around his neck again, this time barely noticing the scales shifting beneath her hands. He pulled her tightly to him, his mouth devouring hers. She pressed herself hard against him, wanting him to hurry up and slow down at the same time. It had been so long since she had been touched, she hadn’t realized how much her body had been craving it.
His hand pushed up the small linen shift, the only fabric between his hand and her skin. She shivered with anticipation as she felt his roughened skin scrape against hers. He murmured her name as his lips trailed down behind her ear and she shuddered against him. His hand rose higher and she whimpered with desire.
A staccato knock rapped on the door. His hand froze and he sighed. “I shall kill whoever is on the other side of that door,” he growled. Saffron laughed and pushed him away slightly, regret shining in her blue eyes.
“It is probably Mary, finally back to help me get dressed,” she said and leaned her head against his chest.
Elric looked down at her disheveled appearance. “I should say you need it now,” he replied with a laugh, his eyes still dark with desire. Saffron suddenly paled and groaned.
“Well, now she will certainly have something to gossip about!”
“No worries. Wrap that thing around you and I’ll care of the rest,” he said and hurried from the room, flashing her a wicked smile before closing the door behind him. She grasped the corset to her body and listened at the door as he let the lady in waiting in.
“Ah, about time! She has been waiting for ages for you to come to help her get ready. She must look her best to meet my father, you know. I am growing old just waiting for her and no wine to drink at that!” Elric said gruffly. Saffron jumped away from the door at the sound of the maid’s apology and her footsteps. Saffron had just sat down on the stool in front of the large dressing table when the door creaked open.
Mary’s head popped around the corner, her cheeks flushed from the reprimand. “Sorry, m’lady. I was taking care of a few things in the kitchen.” She hurried towards Saffron.
“Of course, you were. Can you help me with this? I’m afraid we don’t have much need for these in Gilramore,” Saffron said and gestured towards the corset. Mary bobbed her head and helped tighten the contraption around Saffron, squeezing the breath out of her. Saffron caught Mary’s appraising eyes in the reflection of the mirror.
Saffron realized that her lips were bruised slightly from Elric’s kisses and that the bite mark on her neck wasn’t quite faded. Mary had a mischievous glint to her eye. Saffron knew before the night was over, everyone in the castle would know about her and Elric’s foray in her bedchambers. Oh well, she was to be married to him anyway. Let them talk; there wasn’t anything she could do to stop it.
Mary helped her into the ruffled yellow gown. It smelled a bit musty and she guessed that it had been in the wardrobe for quite some time. The high neckline was a bit outdated, but it advantageously covered the teeth marks on her white neck.
“Hair down tonight, I would say is best,” Mary said, practically brimming with joy at having a juicy tidbit to share with the others.
“I suppose so,” Saffron said, her eyes meeting Mary’s in the mirror. Mary’s face fell slightly at the steel in Saffron’s gaze. She brushed her golden hair until it shone and then twisted a few loose braids throughout it. She adorned it with simple, matching yellow ribbons.
“I shall return after the evening meal to assist you with undressing. Unless you would rather someone else?” her face was prim. Saffron had a sudden urge to slap the silly girl.
“Your services will suffice, thank you,” she replied icily and walked from the room. Elric had put himself back together and was waiting by the fire when she stepped out. He bowed, per custom, and extended his hand for her.
“I’ll escort you. Verita wanted to but I insisted. Plus, I figure one dragon is enough for you to deal with,” he said as he led her from her rooms. She looked quickly at him and he shook his head with a laugh.
“She’s not a real dragon, just as grumpy as one,” he replied. She smirked.
“Do you happen to have armor on underneath that dress?” he asked as they walked down the long hall and staircase.
“No?” she said, confusion knitting her brows together.
“You probably should. We ‘re here,” he said and pushed open the large doors to the throne room.
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Saffron had only seen drawings of the King years ago so she wasn’t sure what to expect but it wasn’t the ruggedly handsome man seated in the large wooden throne. His dark hair was peppered with grey and there were lines around his blue eyes, but other than those telling signs, his age was indiscernible.
Her eyes darted around the room. There were a few soldiers standing guard behind the King and near the doors, as well as a few unremarkable nobles that sat at the adjoining tables. They murmured behind their hands as she and Elric descended towards the King.
His eyes latched on to her, akin to a hawk watching its prey, as she walked down the aisle towards him. Elric bowed and she sank into a low curtsey, grateful that her guardian had forced her to learn some of the noble customs.
“You may rise,” his voice rang out. It was deep and strong, not an unpleasant timbre like the Baron’s. She stood and her eyes met his for the first time. She could see a vague resemblance of Elric in the lines of his face but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was.
“Father, may I present my fiancée, Saffron Greenreaver of Gilramore,” Elric called out formally and dipped his head before taking a small step back.
“Saffron, you say? Quite an expensive name for a…resident of Gilramore,” he said, his smooth voice rolling over her.
“Yes, your majesty,” she replied, not liking the way his eyes bore into hers. She held her chin high as they stared into one another’s eyes. After a moment, a smile cracked across his face.
“You’ll do, soon to be wife of my fourth son,” he replied, his eyes moving to Elric’s face. Saffron saw how the layered insult hit Elric, causing a muscle in his cheek to twitch.
“Unfortunately, since you were quite unexpected, I do not have the time to make your acquaintance more thoroughly. However I will make sure to do so soon,” King Orion said. Saffron felt as if it were more a threat than a promise for a social visit.
“Yes, your majesty,” she said automatically, her hands clenched at her sides.
“That is all,” he waved them away with a flick of his hand. Elric held his arm out for her as they left the cold throne room. Saffron glanced over her shoulder and blanched as she saw the King staring at her, a slightly unnerving grin on his face.