I'm sorry for the long wait. I was busy with life and school...and a month off from writing this fic.
I am thrilled that y'all are liking this, whether you're a longtime reader or new to my work. I couldn't do what I do without the support of my readers! Please enjoy, and don't forget to leave a review!
Tao desperately wished there were some windows in this volcano sanctuary she was now practically entombed in. With no day- or sunlight, Tao had no way of keeping track of time as she wandered amongst the shelves of the Demon Lord's library. Much of this volcano remained a mystery to her, the doors responding to only Ragna's command, and at this point, she could only access any of the passageways along with of the bedchamber and library. What secrets lay behind these as-of-yet unopened portals?
She looked down at the silk, still furious by Ragna's abrupt disappearance and his ridiculous assumption that he could decide what was best for her. As if!
She whipped around to see one of the armored servants. "I'm thirsty. Fetch me some water,nya!"
Within mere moments, a golden goblet and pitcher was offered to her atop a splendidly-crafted tray. As she sipped the water, she eyed the husk of armor thoughtfully.
"Stand on one foot." The armor followed her command, one foot lifting up in a smooth movement.
"Take me out of this volcano." she stated. The guard was motionless.
"Show me a way out of here, meow." Tao stared at the armor. Not one single tic or sway to indicate even the imitation of a person, especially a person balancing himself on one foot.
"Dig a tunnel out of this volcano." she tried. Again, no response. Perhaps it could only do one thing at a time, after all, it had no mind of its own.
"Put down your foot." she said. The foot dropped to the ground noiselessly, and Tao repeated her previous escape commands. The guard was no more responsive than before. She went to the writing table and took a piece of paper, impatiently mixing some ink before writing a message for her sister.
"Deliver this to Torakaka of the Kaka Clan." Tao said, holding out the letter. The servant did not move, and Tao stubbornly moved forward, still holding out the paper. As if afraid of the letter, the armor moved back, refusing to be touched by the parchment.
"Ugh!" the Kaka Princess balled her fists in frustration. She stalked back to the bedchamber, tempted to just tear everything apart and break all the porcelain or crystal she could get her hands on and just toss his rich fabrics and rugs into the fire-pit. And his books! Hah, that would serve him right! A malicious smile spread across her lips as she looked at the pile of bedding, imagining all that silk, satin, and velvet smoldering in the fire.
She stopped herself before embarking on such a destructive deed. She remembered the pleasure he had in his eyes as he played his pipa for her, or showed his books to her. Despite what he had done, doing such a thing to the possessions he was willing to share with her would be a grave disservice, and with a wince, an insult to his charity.
Looking down at the silk, she frowned before she picked up her original clothing. It was wrinkled from having been slept in and a bit dirty from her frantic running.
"Wash this and press it, meow." Tao said handing her cloths to the armored guard, wondering if the deed would be done. To her surprise, it was, the garment brought back to her in a short amount of time, the white and yellow so clean it almost shone, and the fabric smelling faintly of jasmine and freesia.
Where was the laundry done in this volcano? Usually, laundry was done outside, or in a room that led to outside, for the ease of carrying water or loads of clothes to hang on the line. An idea fast forming, she took off her red underwear and commanded that it be washed. She followed the servant through the passageways, and it disappeared around a corner. When she came around the corner, there was nothing to be seen.
"... Meow!" She tried this experiment again by telling the servant to go fetch this or that, but like before, the servant would just disappear around a corner or into the shadows – and plenty these were in a volcanic cavern.
At least her old outfit was nice and clean. Deciding to not waste any more time with the servants or locked doors, she changed back into her original attire and returned to the library to read.
Having listened to the petitions of some of the subjects he ruled over, Ragna felt that his afternoon had been productive. He did his best to make sure that his people were safe and prosperous. His ascent onto the Demotic Throne ushered in an end to Terumi's tyranny and blood-lust. No longer did the demons have to fear that they or their loved ones might be snatched away to enslavement in the former Demon General's palace, abused by him or devoured by Arakune for his unsatisfiable hunger. It had taken nearly twenty years, and the world was still healing from its scars. Many remembered the days of Terumi, and had regarded Ragna with the same awe and terror they gave his predecessor.
He looked out at the bustling city of the Capitol. Surrounding the brimstone metropolis was a patchwork of mines and orchards. Everything looked so peaceful, especially when he recalled what the Demotic region had been like before the end of the old regime. Smoke had filled the air, and demon misery was rampant. Some demons became favored by Terumi and were given positions that enabled them to abuse their fellow demons. After Terumi's demise, those 'chosen ones' had reacted in different ways. Some rebelled against the new regime, but others were quick to capitulate and offer allegiance to the Bloodedge's children in hopes of keeping their comfortable positions.
Though Terumi liked to torture people, Ragna was well aware that demons were not the only ones who could possess such a hideous trait. To prove to his Region – and the other regions as well, Ragna had disposed of Terumi's 'pets', along with dismantling much of what they did. This city had once been blanketed in smoke from the multiple smokestacks belching foul substance into the air, the factories operated by those who did not care about what they were doing to the environment, and the smell of dead bodies that littered the streets.
Most of these factories were gone and only a few remained, running more efficiently and cleanly, producing things the demons could use or enjoy rather than weapons of war. It was almost hard to think that this city was once a filthy hellhole like most of the region.
He turned to the Sages, nodding in approval. In his place, they were the religious authority of the Demotic region, leading the ceremonies and festivals as well as working with the military to keep law and order, since Ragna could not be everywhere at once. Aside a few mistakes and unscrupulous members within the ranks of the Sages or military, the system Ragna and his siblings had created after Terumi's downfall had worked well to serve the needs of the demons of the Demotic region.
"It is always a honor having you among us. Will you be joining us for supper?" Shyu asked as he bowed his head.
"Not this time." He looked forward to going back to his Palace and enjoying the company of his captive Princess, and perhaps coaxing her to eat. "Keep up the good work."
"None of this 'good work' could have been accomplished without you, Lord Ragna."
The Demon Lord smiled wryly for a moment before spreading his wings and taking off. As he looked down at the city, he mused about how nice it would be to show Taokaka around. Would she enjoy watching an Agni Odori? How would she feel about a masked festival? Or the New Years' celebrations? There was so much he wanted to show her. He didn't want a prisoner or pleasure-toy, he wanted a wife, a true mate. Imagine the surprise on the faces of the Sages when they were presented with this beautiful Kaka princess as their Queen!
He arrived at his home and slid through the lava, his booted feet making quiet clip-clopping sounds as he walked along the smooth rock floor. Taokaka was in the library at the desk, leaning over a book. As he approached, she did not acknowledge his presence even though he knew she could hear his steps.
The Demon Lord stopped across the desk from her, placing his palms on its polished surface.
"What, no enthusiastic greeting for your loving Lord upon his homecoming?" he asked.
"Nope." she replied dryly, her eyes fixed on the page in front of her.
"Not even a haiku?"
Tao slowly lifted her gaze.
"My heart remains cold,
Lump of stone within my breast,
It yearns for freedom."
"Oh, that was very good!" Ragna stood back up, clapping his hands. "But a little depressing. Let's liven up the mood.
"The dragon beckons,
To you he offers the world,
His heart burns for you."
Damn, that's also a pretty good one... but Tao wasn't about to admit that. She merely crossed her arms as she eyed the Demon Lord, noting his Imperial regalia. If she wasn't his prisoner, she would have given him a compliment on his appearance.
Ragna did not miss the fact that she had changed back to her original clothing, but decided to not press the subject for the time being.
"You know what, I'm simply famished. Running a Region is not easy. I do apologize for being gone longer than I anticipated. I trust the servants gave you what you needed?"
"I need my freedom, nya." she replied in a deadpan tone.
Refusing to be put off by her attitude, he shrugged. "Shall we eat in here and talk about books, or should we retire to my bedchamber? Or would you like to see the dining room?"
"I'm not eating, meow!" She crossed her arms more tightly, glaring at him defiantly. Not missing a beat, Ragna clapped his hands and summoned a servant with a tray that was laden with the makings of a modest supper for two. He had tried to impress her with banquets and lavish spreads to no avail. Perhaps she would feel more at home with a simple meal.
The desk was large enough to accommodate the food and dishes, and Tao sat mutely as the servant quickly arranged the dishes, placing a stew-pot in the middle of the surface and arranging several smaller dishes around it. Ragna sat down on the chair that had just been placed there for him, and lifted the lid of the pot. A rich aroma of spices filled the air, and he took a deep breath.
"Five-flavor soup, it's a favorite dish of the Demotic region, though I hear that it tastes and smells a lot like sea-prune soup. Would you care to verify that?" he asked as he ladled some into a gold-edged porcelain bowl, sliding it across the table to her.
"No, I would not." Her arms remained crossed as she tried to keep herself collected. Gods, she was starving! And the soup did remind her strongly of sea-prune soup, a staple among the Kaka Clans due to the limited variety of plants that grew in the water of their only ocean. She wanted to taste it, it smelled so damn good...!
A sudden growl from her stomach made it all too clear to her – and Ragna – that she wanted the food. Keeping a level stare on her, the Demon Lord lifted his spoon, touching its rim to his lips and gently tilting it, savoring the hot liquid as it slid across his tongue. He swallowed several more spoonfuls as she stared at him defiantly, her own food untouched. From one of the smaller platters, he took a meat bun, tearing part of it and dipping it into the soup, letting the bread and meat soak up some broth before eating it. He dipped another piece of meat bun and leaned across the table, waving it under her nose. Pointedly, she turned her head away.
"Come now. I know you're hungry. I asked the chefs to prepare this especially for you." He poked her cheek, leaving a couple of drops of broth on her face, and she hissed in irritation before rising from the table and going to the door. Upon realizing it was locked, she hit the door with the side of her fist in frustration. With a swipe of her wrist, she cleaned the broth off her face and retreated into the archives, placing as much distance between herself and the scent of the food as she could.
Ragna was tempted to go after her, but he remained where he was and finished the rest of his food before going off in search of the Kaka Princess that had captured his heart. She was sitting under the light of a lamp, reading a book.
"Why won't you eat?" Ragna asked with chagrin as he looked down at her.
"Because."
"Because why?"
"Because I said so, meow."
"That's not an answer."
"It is if I say it is." Tao retorted.
"You're so cute." Ragna replied with a bemused smile.
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not!"
"Are too."
"Nuh-huh!"
"Yea-huh!"
"Hmph." She scowled and looked away before she felt his hands on her upper arms. She tried to twist away, but he held firm.
"Taokaka, I don't like seeing you hungry. Anything you want to eat, will be made for you."
"I'm not hungry."
"Your stomach told me otherwise." he casually reminded her.
"You listen to my stomach, but not my words." she replied sullenly.
"I listen to the truth."
"I'm telling the truth when I say I want to go home,nya!"
Ragna nodded briefly. "Yes... but the truth is that you're also attracted to me and... curious."
"Am not."
"Are too." He smirked at her. "Let's not waste any more time arguing. I won't talk about food... at least, until breakfast. For now, I'm ready to settle in for the night. I've had a long day and was thinking about a bath. Perhaps you would join me?"
"Ha!" Tao did not attempt to hold back a disdainful snort.
"Can you blame a guy for trying?" he asked cheerfully. He was not deterred by her silence as he tugged her to her feet, determined to stay in good humor. "I'll show you the grotto."
"Grotto?" There was a glimmer of interest in her eyes, and he had to hold back a smirk, keeping his face calm as he led her from the library to a chamber near his bedroom. A pool of water was fed by rivulets streaming down the rock wall, and several lamps provided much-needed illumination. At the edge of the pool were various bathing paraphernalia, freshly pulled sponges that smelt wonderfully of the sea they came from, beautiful arrays of soap, some in intricate shapes and patterns, flowery scented shampoo that made even Taokaka eager to wash her hair, and towels that looked like they could be used to drape the form of a Goddess.
"Of course, if you would prefer a hot bath, the servants can draw one up for you." Ragna replied, thinking about the heavy golden tub that was part of his collection of treasures.
"Uh... no, no. This is fine."
"Well, then. Ladies first." He gestured to the tranquil-looking pool.
"Not with you in here, nya." She crossed her arms. With a slight incline of his head to hide his smirk, the Demon Lord retreated from the cavern.
Taokaka let out a slow sigh before going to the edge and looking down at the water. The grotto was kept clean by a slow but constant flow of water, and if it was flowing in, then it had to be flowing out somewhere...
Leaving her clothes on, she went into the water, testing the water to detect the minute current. The deepest point of the pool was a couple of feet above her head, and she placed her hand over the drainage, fuming when she found several small crevices in the rock for the water to pass through. She could basely fit her thumb into any of them, much less her whole body. With her Kaka senses, she focused on the flow of water, following it as it wound through the narrow, rocky passageway, feeling claustrophobic as she did so. Finally, the feeling of being closed in disappeared as the water made its way outside to flow downwards in a stream that wound through the tall grasses and palm trees to the beach.
Tao let out a low sigh as she drew back to herself, feeling light-headed. She was skilled with enhanced senses, to be sure, but she hadn't explored the full extent of her abilities. She could chip away at the rock and enlarge the passageway, but that would take time, and Ragna would just stop her. It was too bad that her body couldn't go along with her mind in the water. If she could actually turn to water, that'd be just great.
With resignation – for now – she peeled off her clothing and gave herself a proper bath, taking her sweet time as she did so and enjoying the immersion in the warm water. She leaned her head against the ledge, closing her eyes and simply enjoying the gentle current against her body, feeling reassured that at least in this prison she was not to be totally deprived of such a vital part of her life and being.
A gentle knock drew her out of her reverie, and she looked up to see the shadow of the Demon Lord against the wall. She was actually surprised that he didn't take the opportunity to just sneak in himself and ogle her.
"What is it?" she asked.
"You've been in there a long time. I just wanted to make sure that you were... okay."
"I'm fine. Are you waiting for your turn,meow?"
"To be honest, yes."
"All right then." Tao pulled herself out of the water and with a towel, dried herself before pulling her clothes back on. Ragna was waiting at the end of the short passageway, but she did not acknowledge him and simply returned to the library, fighting a yawn. She would just sleep on the divan. Damned if she was going to spend another night in the Demon Lord's luxurious bed!
She settled down, enjoying the plushness of the furniture as she arranged the pillow under her neck, staring at the rock wall. She dozed only for a short while before she felt arms wrap around her and scoop her up, pressing her against a warm chest.
"Let me go,nya!" Tao growled, wiggling against him as he resolutely walked through the passage to his bedroom.
"You may deny yourself food, but I will not allow you to deny the comforts of a warm bed."
"The divan was comfortable enough!" she retorted hotly as he entered the room, the door closing behind them.
"Not as comfortable as this." Ragna replied with a grin as he set her down on the blankets. She scrambled off it as soon as he let go.
"Why do you insist on being so damn stubborn when I offer you nothing but comfort and amenities?"
"Why won't you let me go!" she screamed back at him. Ragna was stunned into silence for several moments before he quickly collected himself, clenching his jaw to rein in his frustration and ignoring the nagging of his conscience that persisted in telling him that it was wrong to hold a woman captive.
"Because I don't want to." he replied calmly.
"I'll throw everything you own into the firepit,meow." was her acid retort.
"But you know better than that."
"I can't say the same about you."
"Am I truly so ugly and abhorrent that you cannot bear my very presence? Have I not offered you nothing but kindness?"
Tao hmphed and looked away.
"I'll make you a deal." Ragna said as he looked at her. "Let me touch you..."
"What the... Hell, no! You're out of your damn mind,meow!" Her eyes flashed with indignation.
"You didn't let me finish. I wouldn't touch you in any of your... private areas, or anywhere near them."
"And what do I get for letting you touch me?"
"If you truly find me so hateful after I touch you, I'll release you. But if you enjoy it..." A smirk grew on his face, punctuating his statement.
"Then I'll be out of this volcano very soon."
"We'll see." Granted, this 'deal' wasn't really a deal, as he already knew the outcome. But best to show her the truth.
"Feh." Tao lifted her chin haughtily.
"If you would please sit down..." Ragna gestured to a cushion. Slowly, she sat down, remaining alert to his movements and ready to give him the knee to the groin she had planned to before.
"Give me your foot, if you would." he asked after sitting in front of her. After several moments of hesitation, she did as he asked, slowly raising her foot. He cupped her ankle with one hand and placed his other palm on the top of her foot.
What does he have in mind, she wondered as he looked down at what he held in his hands. He was now dressed in casual garb, wearing a loose pair of black satin pants and a matching long-sleeved shirt with gold buttons and borders. With his snow white hair and pale skin, it made for a rather striking effect.
Ragna slowly caressed the top of her foot, enjoying the feel of her slightly padded flesh and the fact that she wasn't trying to kick him. She sat there, watching him, obviously ready to attack him or pull away.
"Just relax." he murmured, his fingers sliding up to her ankles as his other hand lightly massaged her calf. Dear gods, the very feel of her skin was nearly driving him mad. He was just glad for the cold bath he had taken earlier, for it had helped to calm his nerves somewhat. His fire still raged for her, but he kept it banked, restraining himself as he looked down at her toes. Carefully, he let his fingers and palm travel up her leg, taking his time with the stroking and massaging. Now and then, he would steal a glance up at her face, to see her reaction. Her face was neutral, betraying nothing, but he was pleased to note that she was no longer so tense.
I knew it, he mentally congratulated himself. He knew he should feel bad about making her a deal he knew she would lose, but hey, all he was doing was touching her foot and leg... that really wasn't so bad, was it? As he looked at her, he slowly lowered his head so he could kiss the top of her foot, and was rewarded with the slightest sharp intake of breath. Her self-control was admirable, because even as his hands roamed further, near her knee, she remained calm.
When he chanced a kiss on her ankle, he could practically feel her maintaining her focus, her body remaining still as he kissed further, his nose pressing against the side of her calf.
Tao was in exquisite agony. She wanted to yell at him to stop, and she fought the warmth that was creeping up her throat as he carefully inched her skirt upward. His lips and hands continued their loving attention, and she stiffened a bit as he approached the juncture of upper and lower leg. Whatever happened, she wouldn't let him travel further! She eyed him watchfully as one of his hands moved back down to caress the side of her foot before giving it a squeeze. She wanted to moan, that massage felt good! Resolutely, she bit her lip resisting the urge to purr and rested her chin on her hand as if she was bored.
However, when Ragna reached the side of her knee and pressed his lips there, she was shocked at the surge of pleasure to be gained from this simple act. The Demon Lord had just discovered one of her erogenous zones – an area she had never imagined to exist. She did her damnedest to hold back a shudder, and was only mostly successful – a slight tremor passed through her before she was still again. She had managed to remain silent thus far.
Thrilled at this discovery, Ragna pressed his lips to the area several times before he let his tongue flick against the area, feeling another delicate, restrained shudder pass through the Kaka Princess. Yes! He had won, but he needed to... emphasize his point.
Slowly putting her leg down and tugging her skirt to its original position, he smiled at her before wiggling up so that he was now at her side. He took her free arm and started to lavish it with the same, slow attention he had just bestowed upon her dainty foot and graceful leg. His hands slid along hers, admiring its delicate planes and comparing it to his own hands. When he caressed the inside of her forearm, she closed her eyes and he could see her chewing on her lip. Mmm. Let's see if there's a secret spot I can find here... He tested the area of her elbow that corresponded with what he had found at her knee, but there was nothing there, at least, nothing more sensitive than the rest of her arm.
He would not be deterred, and continued to love up on her arm, lacing his fingers through hers and using his free hand to continue the fondling. As he kissed the inside of her wrist, he was rewarded with another shudder, and grinned to himself before he intensified his attentions on that area.
Damnit, Tao seethed. She had never heard of 'erogenous zones' before, but she was rapidly discovering their existence, and had to bite back a cry as she felt his tongue lavish the inside of her wrist. Oh gods, how long was she supposed to last like this?
It was now impossible to ignore the warm, pulsating feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she took a slow, deep breath, silently praying for it to end soon.
Do you really want this to end? What would it feel like if Ragna touched your private spots? These questions nagged at her as the Demon Lord intensified his attentions, adding some heat to his breath. As soon as he applied the heat to that spot...
A soft cry tore from her throat, but Ragna's grip on her paw and arm prevented her from pulling away. With one final swipe of his tongue and a kiss, Ragna lifted his head to look down at her. Despite her best efforts, she was blushing, and her inhale was slow and shaky.
"Taokaka...:" He wrapped an arm around her middle, and was pleasantly surprised when she went limp against him. They were silent for several moments as he stroked her braided hair, simply holding the beautiful princess within his protective embrace.
"My touch isn't something to be afraid of, is it?" he asked gently.
"Just let me go,meow." she murmured.
"We made a deal, and I won."
"Nuh-huh."
"So you mean to tell me you didn't enjoy my attentions?"
"Maybe."
"Now, Taokaka. I have been honest with you, and I don't think that it's too much to ask for the same in return."
She did not deign to answer.
"Here now, don't be like that." He touched her chin, lifting her face so he could look into her eyes. "I would never force myself on you, but I will not allow you to deny the truth. If you would just relax and enjoy yourself, you would find that I have much to offer..."
She drew away from him. "What about my family? I have no desire to lose them."
"I have no desire for them to take you away from me."
"Do I need to remind you that you took me from them,nya?"
"Of course not." He smiled wryly.
"Ugh." She backed away from him further, taking a couple of cushions and settling near the firepit.
"Wouldn't you like some nice pajamas?"
Her response was a deadpan stare.
"I have so many nice things for you. You don't want to wear the same old outfit day in and day out, do you?" He waved his hand, and several servants appeared, holding up various accoutrements for her to choose from. "Maybe this?" he asked in a teasing tone, and one of them came forward, holding up a red satin nightie that would barely cover her breasts and crotch. The top and bottom hem were edged with black lace, and there was a slit up either side. Tao stared at it with wide eyes.
"Absolutely not,meow!"
Ragna let out a low chuckle and waved the servant away. "Perhaps later you'll be comfortable enough to wear it, but for now..." The next servant held up a sleeveless white nightgown that would terminate at the ankles, making for a rather modest piece of sleepwear. The next servant came forward with a deep red satin robe that could be worn over the nightgown for warmth or added modesty. Despite her frustration, Tao did not want to expend any more energy in arguing, so she nodded.
"But I am not changing in front of you!" she stated firmly as she rose to her feet, taking the proffered clothing. Instead of teasing her or making a lewd remark, the Demon Lord inclined his head and gestured towards a screen that was folded against a wall. The servants unfolded it and set it up, revealing a beautiful design of trees and a garden created with mother-of-pearl, the iridescent fossil standing out against a background of black lacquer. Keeping her eye on him, she inched towards the screen, hiding behind it.
"Don't forget this, my dear." His hand emerged from the side of the screen, causing her to yelp softly in surprise before she saw white silk in his hand. It took her a moment to recognize it as a pair of briefs, and she huffed softly before she yanked it from his hand, hearing his amused laugh before he retreated.
Tao examined the garment, noting with mild bemusement that there was white lace along the edges. If silk felt good on her arms and legs, how would it feel as an undergarment?
Peeking around the screen to make sure that the Demon Lord was a good distance – all the servants were now gone – she then stripped herself and slipped her feet through the underwear. Wow... this actually feels nice, she mused as she rubbed her silk-covered behind. She tied the drawstring closed before slipping on the nightgown. It was the same silk as her underwear, and she let out a slow sigh as she felt the sinuous material slide down her breasts, teasing her already-taut nipples.
She was thankful for the robe, since it helped to conceal her aroused state. Damn, who knew that his touches would have done that to her? And she had been so certain she would win the deal!
She folded her old clothing before she emerged from behind the screen, seeing a faint smile of approval on the Demon Lord's face. He was reclined on the bed with the pipa in his lap.
"Come and lay down." He patted the area next to him. After a moment's deliberation, she sat next to the firepit on the cushions. She might be wearing his clothes, but there was no way in hell she was just going to hand him victory after victory, especially after how he made her feel after his touch!
"I suppose you don't want me to play for you, then?" he asked. She hesitated, thinking about how much she had enjoyed his music.
"Yes, I would like you to play." she admitted.
"That's good to know." He patted the bed again, and she shook her head. He shook his head and smiled. "I'm not going to play unless you come here."
"Then don't play." She lay her head down, closing her eyes. The Demon Lord scowled, resisting the temptation to drag her to bed. He set his pipa aside as an idea formed, and he grinned to himself, making the appearance of conceding to her decision. With a wave of his hand, the flames dimmed considerably, leaving nothing but glowing embers in the firepit, leaving the chamber in near-total darkness.
A novice demon warrior had the basic ability to create and manipulate flame in limited amounts. As a demon warrior gained strength and mastery over his power, these abilities increased. Once in a while, a warrior could move beyond the norm of their ability, such as creating darkness in the case of Demons or manipulating metal by the Machina warriors who has gained exceptional mastery of their craft.
Ragna had gained the ability to absorb or exude heat without actually using or creating fire. Slowly, the temperature in the room dropped, and after a while, Tao woke up, shivering.
Her pajamas were comfortable, but the chill in the air shocked her. She pulled her robe around herself more tightly, curling up in a fetal position as she wiggled closer to the embers. When this failed to give her the warmth she sought, she placed her paw over the coals. Only when she actually touched them did she feel warmth. The embers gave off minimal light, and she had to grope around for a bit before she found a heavy velvet cloth that had been draped over a chest. She drew this around herself and resumed her fetal position, closing her eyes.
Several minutes later, she was shivering again. Unbeknownst to her, the Demon Lord was drawing away the heat that the velvet wrap had been trapping, leaving Tao in the same situation as before.
With a quiet whimper of frustration, she rose to her feet, groping around for more blankets. When she drew near the bed, she noticed that it was a bit warmer. Another step closer, and the temperature went up a degree, though it was still cool where she was. She could see Ragna dozing peacefully, an arm folded across his chest, the other splayed across the blankets. He didn't look the least bit cold!
Aha! He thought to use his abilities to lure her into the bed, hmm? She stood where she was for several minutes, having a fierce inner debate about the merits of snuggling into the bed opposed to continuing her defiance.
Her fatigue won over, and she lowered herself carefully, crawling onto the bed with light movements, doing everything she could to not alert him to her presence. She remained alert to the sleeping demon, inching forward as she listened to his slow, steady breathing. When she deemed that she was warm enough, she settled down, pulling a blanket over herself and surrendering to the embrace of sleep.
The Demon Lord let out a slow sigh of contentment before he rolled over, spooning up to her as he draped his arm across her middle, sliding his hand along her hip. The satin made his caress easy, but it was nothing compared to the delicate softness of her skin...
When Tao woke up, the first thing she was aware of was the warm, strong body that was curled up around her. Her first instinct was not to pull away, but to cuddle close to the Demon Lord. She lay there quietly, silently cursing him even as she snuggled into the bed, taking comfort from Ragna's embrace.
When the Demon Lord awoke, he was more than pleased to see that she was now facing him, her chest against his own, her head nestled on his shoulder. He was happy to remain where he was, lightly stroking her hair before he reached down to stroke her exposed wrist, grinning as she shuddered and purred unconsciously from the pleasurable touch.
She stirred awake, yawning and stretching.
"Sleep good?" he asked. She blushed and looked away, starting to wiggle away.
"Aw, don't do that." He grasped her arm gently, pressing his lips to the inside of her wrist before peppering a few more along her arm. "I'm glad you joined me."
"There wasn't much of a choice,nya." she responded coolly, her expression telling him that she had figured out what he did. He smiled innocently.
"How about some music before breakfast?" he asked. She was silent for a moment before she nodded. He propped up a couple of pillows and reached for his instrument, reclining and positioning the pipa as she watched.
Tao lay her head on the pillow, staring up at him with half-lidded eyes as he played. Her eyes focused on the fingers gracefully dancing along the strings before her gaze slowly drifted up to his face. Despite the scars, he really was good-looking, and the enjoyment on his face was edged with what could only be described as tranquility.
As Ragna played, he was delighted to notice an appreciative smile slowly curve its way across her lips.
A/N: Dear God almighty that was the longest chapter I ever did! DX
But I hope this chapter will tell you how sorry I am and I'll post the next chapter next month.
Please review my loyal fans! X3