Lust
It wasn't love that connected Ephraim to Tana. It was lust.
L'Arachel was pregnant and her vain and outgoing personality was weighing on his nerves. He needed something more, something dangerous. Sure he had been in plenty of life or death situations and it strangely thrilled him, but since the war was over and the continent was at peace life had become boring. He in no way wanted war, but wanted some sort of chaos.
When it happened he truly felt alive. Sitting in the dark next to L'Arachel all he could think of was that day in the marketplace. He even felt a stirring in his groin thinking about it.
It was blazing hot and L'Arachel was getting overheated.
"I can't take this heat anymore! Someone please escort me back to Frelia castle before my beautiful porcelain skin is damaged."
Eirika volunteered to do it. "Ephraim and Tana can get the rest of the supplies you need. I'm going to take you back."
L'Arachel put her hand to her forehead dramatically. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to ruin your day."
Eirika smiled. "It is quite all right L'Arachel."
Ephraim wiped the sweat from her cheek. "What else were you looking for?"
"Oh, just some spices and herbs to take back to Rausten."
Tana cut in. "I know exactly where those are. I can get them really fast."
"That would be wonderful." L'Arachel beamed.
Eirika went off with L'Arachel and Ephraim and Tana began to walk toward the store.
Tana was wearing a tight red shirt that showed her cleavage. She was never scared to show skin. Her low cut sheer skirt revealed red cloth shorts underneath. It teased Ephraim as he walked behind. Tana turned and caught him looking.
Ephraim looked away quickly but had been seen. Tana grabbed his hand and pulled him into an alleyway behind some stands. It was dark and the sounds of the market were in the background.
She whispered into his ear.
"I know what you want and I can give it to you without strings attached."
Ephraim started to say something, but Tana put her hand to his lips.
"You don't have to say anything." She slowly put her hands on his waist and started to loosen his belt.
Ephraim quickly took control of the situation and turned her around and lifted her skirt. The only thing that kept this from being a sin was that red piece of cloth. Once it was out of the way there was no turning back.
Her moans and whimpers were haunting him tonight. Visions of him thrusting his passion into her flashed in his mind. The danger of being caught pulsed in his veins. He had to see her again.