Chapter 56: Awakening and Reckoning

Chapter 56: Awakening and ReckoningAriana’s eyes fluttered open gently. She moved quietly, but they widened when she felt something lightly pressing against her chest. Her legs were draped around Zavren’s waist. She glanced down, and her breath caught. His midnight, disheveled silky hair tickled her skin near her chin—his face was pressed right against her chest. Her cheeks burned instantly. What made it worse was the shocking realization—it wasn’t him who had leaned in. She was the one unconsciously holding him that way in her sleep. She was in a nightgown. Zavren must have dressed her. But how had she forgotten herself enough to... ’Quietly leave,’ she whispered to herself, knowing all too well how lightly Zavren slept. Still, she remained frozen for a second before carefully moving her hand to ease him off her. But—why was it so hard? Her body went still again as he instinctively burrowed his face deeper. Her heart thundered as his soft breath fanned her chest through the thin nightwear. Oh, heaven... ’Calm down...’ The words in her head trailed off as flashes from last night rushed back—hot, breathless memories of what they did in the water... in the cave. Her face burned hotter. ’Oh my goodness, Ariana... how are you going to face him now?’ Just then, she felt Zavren shift slightly. Panicking, she snapped her eyes shut. Maybe... maybe if she pretended to be asleep, he would leave. Because if she tried to stand now, she was sure he’d wake—and she wasn’t ready for that. ’Aggghh...’ she screamed inwardly, trying to shake off the memory of the way he had... ’Shhh, Ariana, please...’ she begged herself, not wanting the heat burning across her face to give her away. Then she felt it—his mouth. Her breath caught as something warm and wet wrapped around her nipple through the thin nightwear. His tongue. Her chest began to heave, her breathing uneven, body trembling as she fought to stay still. It felt different as he was doing it... through the nightwear. And then, he pulled away. Her heart raced so violently she feared the flutter of her lashes might betray her. But what made her freeze was the sharp, unmistakable sensation—his gaze. She could feel it. Even with her eyes shut, she knew he was watching her. "Tch..." he muttered, followed by a low groan. Then—to her horror—he chuckled. ’Why is he laughing? Did he already catch me? Oh Lord...’ her heart thundered louder. But to her surprise, he stood. Relief poured into her chest. He didn’t notice... thank goodness. She waited, tense but patient. Is he leaving? Or going to the bathroom? she wondered, trying to make out the sounds. She recognized the sound of the bathroom door—it had a sharper click. But this time, it was richer. The main door. She heard it open, then close. Still, she didn’t move. Her eyes remained tightly shut. Was he annoyed? Did he figure she was fake sleeping and left out of annoyance? she thought anxiously. Slowly, she cracked one eye open and peeked toward the door, her hand pressed to her chest to calm her racing heart as she sat up. Thankfully, he was not there. She opened her other eye and began to breathe in and out to steady her pounding heart. ’How would I—’ "What a smart little snowflake..." Her body froze in shock. Z..Zavren’s voice. She turned—only to see him standing by the window on the other side, leaning against it casually, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His bored eyes were now fixed right on her. Ariana’s heart pounded harder. H... he did not leave, but she heard the door sound. She forced herself to move, stretching into a yawn and raising her hand in a weak attempt to make it look real. ’Oh no, Ariana, make it look realistic...’ Her thoughts scrambled over each other. She bit her lip hard, trying to calm the storm inside her, but Zavren’s eyes didn’t leave hers for a second. Then—he laughed. Her body shivered at the sound. There was something chilling about it. He walked toward her. Her heart quickened faster. "You’d be foolish to think I’d fall for your little theatrical act, hmm?" he said, wicked delight curling in his tone. "Next time, try making it more convincing." Her heart stopped for a beat. He reached her and slowly lowered himself to her level, his hand lifting to gently grip her jaw. A soft, shocking gasp escaped her lips. He tilted her face up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. The moment their eyes locked, Ariana’s heart leapt wildly. Her body tensed, butterflies erupting in her stomach, their wings brushing violently against her insides. Chills surged through her, freezing her in place—as if everything inside her clashed all at once. "Are you regretting last night?" The moment those words left his lips, Ariana felt his eyes darken, the hand around her jaw tightening just slightly—but enough to make her pulse skip. She didn’t regret it. Not one bit. In fact, she had never felt anything like it before. It was just... she didn’t know how to face him now. After what they’d done, after how far things had gone—how could she even think straight? Some of the memories were already flashing back in vivid detail, making her stomach twist with heat. She shook her head. A slow, knowing grin spread across Zavren’s lips as he leaned closer, his voice a sinful whisper. "I wouldn’t believe you even if you said yes... not after the moves you pulled last night." Ariana’s face turned crimson as she instantly shifted her gaze. ’Oh my—why does he have to call it moves? Ahh...’ she screamed inwardly. Only he could make a word so simple sound so... wicked. Just why? His eyes flickered to her soft pink lips before shifting back to her eyes. "Get yourself ready, Snowflake. We’ll be paying a little visit to someone," Zavren said, and Ariana’s eyes widened. Does this mean we’ll be going outside of the castle? He wants me to go with him? "We’ll be using the carriage... and when I say ’visit,’ I don’t mean an escape route," he added, his voice laced with a grave warning. "You can’t be that stupid to try something that reckless. But I wouldn’t mind—it’s been a while since I went hunting." His grin widened devilishly, and Ariana’s face paled at the chilling weight behind his words. "I’ve already marked your scent. So if you run, we’ll just turn it into a game of hide and seek." The more he spoke, the more her little hopes dimmed—like flames being snuffed out one by one, until nothing remained. Her lips pressed together lightly. "Now, be a good girl like you were last night... and don’t do anything stupid." His fingers brushed against her lips, making her wide eyes lock onto his in disbelief. "I trust you won’t," he finished, straightening before walking away. Even as the door shut behind him, Ariana remained frozen where she stood. H...hide and seek? Did he seriously think of this as some kind of twisted game? She stood quietly, her head spinning, the weight of his words and the intensity of his eyes still echoing in her mind. Moving toward the bathroom, she slipped inside. As she began to undress, her gaze inadvertently fell on one of her breasts—her breath hitched at the sight of a faint, wet mark. A flush crept up her face, a vivid reminder of what he had done. Her face flushed even more with heat as she quickly undressed, avoiding her reflection. * * Ariana walked with Leah by her side, the soft rustle of her gown trailing behind her. After her bath, Leah had suggested she wear royal blue—His Majesty’s chosen color for the day—so they could match. She wondered if Zavren was staying in a different chamber. The castle was massive, with endless rooms and wings... Maybe he was giving her space again. He always seemed to notice her hesitation. She was dressed in a royal blue gown—not the usual light, breezy one. A matching hat sat neatly atop her head to shield her from the strong sun. The brim shaded her face perfectly, which would keep her fair skin safe from sunburn once she went outside. Her wavy hair tumbled down her back beneath the hat. Her small heels clicked softly against the hallway, and her gloved hands, covered to her wrists, held her gown delicately as she walked. Just before they reached the doors that led to the castle courtyard, Ariana paused. Leah bowed slightly, waiting for her sign of dismissal. Instead. ’Greet little Jacky for me... it’s been a while since I saw him.’ Ariana signed gently. Leah nodded, a fond smile curving her lips. "Very well, Queen Ariana. I’ll be sure to tell him—and return with his reply as well." Ariana smiled, a soft warmth curling her lips. As she turned, a guard pushed open the large doors, and Ariana stepped outside. A gentle breeze stirred her hair, teasing a loose strand free from beneath her hat—though most remained tucked safely in place. Her gaze locked on Zavren, who stood waiting, as handsome as ever. His hair was swept back neatly, though a few strands rebelliously framed his face. His royal blue robe and matching trousers fit him perfectly as a king, and his shoes gleamed—a rare pair that looked custom-made just for him. Zavren’s eyes flickered briefly to her hat, a slow grin curling his lips as he stepped toward her. He reached out and took her gloved hand gently in his as he raised it to his lips. Ariana’s lips lifted into a soft smile, even as her heart hammered wildly in her chest. Just as Zavren pulled away gently, his gaze remained locked on hers. Ariana dipped gracefully into a curtsy, her golden eyes meeting his defiantly. The soft clatter of hooves echoed gently as the carriage came to a halt. Ariana turned in surprise, her eyes widening at the sight of not one, but two carriages. A sharp breath caught in her throat as she glanced at Zavren, whose expression betrayed nothing. "I understand Her Majesty desires space," he said quietly, his voice steady and calm. "So I have granted her that wish." W... what wish? Was it because of her fake sleeping that made him think she had done that because of space? Ariana’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. Separate carriages? The thought stunned her silent, disbelief rooting her in place. As if reading her turmoil, Zavren spoke again, his tone unwavering, "We shall travel apart, Queen Aria."