Warning: Sexual themes (nothing heavily explicit)

The Ball (Choice II)

"A ball?" Manon asked.

Dorian nodded.

"You wish for me to go to a ball with you?"

The King smiled hesitantly. "Yes."

There was a pause, and then…

"Hmm, I feared this day would come." When Dorian blinked in confusion and, dare he hope, excitement, she added. "The day you would finally lose your mind."

Dorian's face fell and the witch actually hesitated. She covered her tracks well especially when he didn't notice. "Reconsider, please."

Her expression didn't change. "You would take an Ironteeth witch to a ball?" Manon crossed her arms. "Imagine the message that would send."

The King smiled a little, like he knew a secret. "Is it that you don't want people to know about this? About us?"

She tilted her head, her white hair shifting in the light. "Us?" She repeated quietly, curiously.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice to match her own. "Do you truly believe people do not notice a wyvern suspiciously parked on the courtyard throughout the night? Rumors spread."

She actually had to hold back a smile. "How does that prove anything?"

Dorian glanced to his left, where two of his guards were standing by. Only four knew of her well enough to keep their distance when she was around Dorian. These specific two were the ones that had been outside Dorian's door the night she had arrived from Morath, bleeding and unconscious. "You are not exactly…inconspicuous."

A smirk. "Inconspicuous?"

"When you're here, you…show." She gave him a look. "Are you aware of how beautiful you are? Truly?"

The witch's chin lifted. "A compliment? Impressive, given we are not in bed and you are not on your knees."

She could have sworn one of the guards coughed. They knew about that too so there was no point in keeping it a secret. Dorian didn't notice the slip or chose to ignore it. "Come to the ball with me," he repeated.

"No."

He was disappointed and Manon tried not to think of how guilt crept up from the base of her neck. "It's a small one. No guests from outside the city will be coming."

"No."

"You don't have to sit next to me. I will not be on a throne or wearing my crown."

"No."

"We don't have to dance, or even mingle. Honestly we could just be at the edge of the room-"

"Dorian, no."

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

"It would be a real shame if someone as beautiful as you would consciously refuse to go to a ball. Especially with a partner as handsome as the King, child."

The duo turned to the voice and Manon glared at the older woman. "If either of us is a child it would be you-"

"Philippa? I thought you were still with Aelin," Dorian cut in, even stepping half in front of Manon as if to protect the maid.

The woman smiled as she bowed. "Your Majesty, I am planning to return to Aelin soon, but I had some business to take care of beforehand. If anything, perhaps I can find your companion an appropriate dress to wear to your celebratory ball."

"I would rather rot in a maggot infested hole than-"

"Manon would appreciate that, wouldn't you, love?"

Love?

At her hesitation, Dorian gave a wolfish grin, taking Manon's arm and handing her over to Philippa, who was already assessing the witch. "Gold," the woman muttered, "gold would look nice, to match those eyes."

"The ball begins at seven," the King said.

"I will have her ready by then."

"Dorian," she was shaking her head, caught off guard. It's true they had agreed on…somethings, but a ball?

His smile remained as he took his place in front of her. "It will be fine. It's a simple event." As Philippa took her arm and frowned when she didn't budge Dorian took a step forward, even going so far as to place a hand on her waist. The first time he initiated physical contact with people around. "Please, for me, just this once. Because of what we talked about, remember?"

He was referring to what they spoke about only the week before, when he traveled East to where she was stationed at. Their talk lasted hours, deep into the night.

Manon seemed to think about it, her manicured eyebrows coming together.

And then she said something that made him stop.

"I've never worn a dress."

As Dorian stared at her in a new light, Philippa let out a little breath. "Well, first time for everything, come now."

"Hey," Dorian called as Manon wearily followed Philippa. "It's your choice. I'll understand, if you don't go."

The witch looked back at him for a moment. And then she nodded.

…

Manon huffed in discontent as she looked over the side of a pillar overlooking the ball that was going on that evening in the castle. She had refused to be presented like the humans were, preferring to enter at her leisure and without drawing attention. Her dress was nice, even she could admit it. Most importantly, it did not restrict her movements, she was still the weapon she had been forged to be. Philippa was good when it came to combining colors and the silver and gold sleeveless dress fit well with the silver circlet surrounding her forehead. The dress' neckline was a little low, but Manon wasn't particularly concerned with showing skin. The gold arm cuffs on both her upper arms were the only jewelry other than the one on her forehead she allowed. Manon did not like necklaces as those could easily be used to strangle.

Someone approached from the side and the witch deftly moved around the pillar, avoiding any chance of interaction. She could see Dorian among the growing guests, looking rather Kingly in blue and gold. They matched, she thought wryly, wondering if he was the one who chose the dress for her or if Philippa had asked him what he would wear beforehand.

The Blackbeak looked toward the way she came in, heavily considering leaving the room. She knew what her presence there could mean to these guests. How Dorian would immediately come and greet her.

Asterin's words all those nights before came to mind.

A Witch Queen.

Manon did not want to be Queen. For truth, she wasn't sure she wished to mean something to Dorian-or him to her-despite their talk. Connections were a weakness and though his magic gave him power, she knew her enemies would come for him-not that she was considering it. She loathed the mere thought of being confined to a castle to host parties like these, to bear children and learn to sew or sing or something equally ridiculous. She was a warrior, someone who thrived in battle, not a doll to be put on display. She felt that the title of Queen would be synonymous to 'cage' really.

Dorian, however, was born and bred to be a King. She could see it in the way he spoke to his guests, the way he smiled and chuckled, the way the royal ladies hounded him like hungry dogs. She knew most would go to extreme lengths to have a chance at being Queen…Manon had the sudden urge to growl as one such pretty young human woman touched over Dorian's chest, trailing her manicured fingers toward his waist.

The fool merely smiled and for a second Manon wondered if he fancied her, but she realized his movements were calculated and distracting. Removing the woman's hand in a way she wouldn't notice, keeping her at a respectable distance with words and sly grins. Tricking her into thinking he liked her.

"Woah-um, hello."

Manon turned slowly to the sound of the voice, her eyes taking in the guard uniform, the young face, the visible weapons. The man was human, plainly handsome, and his eyes held a shock she had seen before-though not to this extent. She almost felt uncomfortable-almost. She remained silent, watching him watch her.

"My name is Evian," he said, daring to step forward. Manon didn't react. "Forgive me, but you are-" he breathed out as if he couldn't explain. Humans were so superficial it was marginally disgusting. She could already see herself luring this man to a quiet little spot in the servant's quarter and emptying out his blood supply in a moment's notice. She would make sure there were no sounds and no witnesses. Dumping the body would be child's play in such a huge castle.

"I've never seen someone so beautiful," Evian muttered, his eyes glazing over.

"I would agree," a new voice joined in. Manon internally groaned while outside she kept herself composed. Dorian was staring at her, an unreadable look on his face despite his smile. "You actually came."

An idiot. That was what she was. A manipulated fool.

Most were staring their way now, to this little corner in the large room. Dorian either didn't care or didn't mind, especially as he inclined his head and went for her hand. "Manon."

The witch discreetly glanced around, taking in the shocked looks and the open mouths. One girl looked close to crying, an older man muttered a 'is that not the Blackbeak Matron?' to another.

Manon took her hand back before Dorian could kiss it, her mind going back to another kiss in another room. The little princeling didn't seem to mind, instead stepping close enough she could smell him. She could see the guard from before retreating, knowing his place. "You look stunning."

Manon didn't even blink as she said, "I know." She wouldn't comment on him despite the fact that the attire looked quite nice on him, the gold sparkling.

He chuckled a little. "Would my lady honor me with a drink?"

Honor me.

Words of respect, despite the fact that her rank as Matron and Wing Leader meant nothing to these humans. Most appeared scandalized at this point, but she could see the wheels turning in their heads. Shifting between rumors and what was now fact. When Manon looked back at Dorian he raised an eyebrow and she knew he wouldn't be angered if she refused.

"Fine," she said, signaling forward with a tilt of her head.

The King's smile returned full force. He was pleased, perhaps even giddy, as they walked to the open bar set up on the east side of the ballroom. "Thank you for coming." He looked her over. "It's refreshing. You actually don't look like you're about to go on a murdering spree for once."

Manon's hand twitched, her fingers itching as she held back her claws. "You look like the spoiled brat the rumors describe you as." Even presently, there was talk of Dorian slowly regaining his old reputation. Though Manon was aware of his act. If anything, it would be better than the truth. Of the reality that was this broken Prince turned King.

He was staring and she narrowed her eyes marginally. "What?" She asked, though her tone was clipped, annoyed.

Dorian inched closer, enough to spread rumors. His voice was low though, so only she could hear. "You look like a Queen."

A dog. That was what he was. A dog smitten by the first pretty thing he lay eyes on. Controlling her breathing, her nerves, Manon stared right into those sapphire eyes. "Do not forget what I am," she muttered. "It is far from a Queen."

Dorian twitched though he tried to hide it by clearing his throat. What did he want? She wondered. What was going through his troubled mind? "We have quite the assortment of drinks, what would you like?" Good, he was changing the subject.

Humoring him, she turned to the bartender, who was staring at them with wide eyes. She watched as sweat formed on his brow. "I don't drink."

Dorian inclined his head in acceptance before he asked for wine. It seemed the tense silence around them finally broke, people coming back to their senses as conversations began again, albeit subdued. Soft music came from the stage at the end of the room. As she turned to watch the way the musicians played, a familiar scent arose.

She was tempted to smile as Chaol Westfall, Dorian's right-hand man, stepped toward them. He was wearing quite the outfit, a variation of Nesryn Faliq's Captain of the Royal Guard uniform. "Your highness," he said as he bowed low, though the moment he went back up his eyes locked on her and remained there.

Blatantly ignoring the distrust, the King raised his glass. "Chaol, you made it."

"I said I would," he bit, giving Manon a warning glance before facing Dorian.

"Though you both know each other, I wish to do some formal introductions." He stepped close to her, enough that Chaol stiffened more than he already was, his right arm itching toward the ornate sword on his side. "Chaol, this is Manon Blackbeak, Matron and Wing Leader. Manon this is Chaol Westfall, my right-hand man and personal adviser."

Enjoying the former Captain's uneasiness, Manon smiled in a way that caused quite a few to turn and stare. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Adviser. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Chaol hid his scowl expertly, but her eyes caught the way his neck muscles tightened. He would definitely be more of a challenge to take out than the young guard from before. She liked when they fought back. "The pleasure is mine," he still said and she commended him for keeping his cool. He did not bow however, and she didn't ask him to.

Dorian cleared his throat. "Is Faliq back from the border?"

Chaol made sure Dorian knew exactly how dangerous he thought Manon was with the way his eyes narrowed on her before turning to his King. "She and her guard are a day's ride out. If the weather is favorable, then they will arrive sometime tomorrow."

Dorian nodded. "Good, as always, I expect a report."

"Of course."

Enjoying herself, she reached for Dorian's arm just to see how Chaol would react. "Mayhap you should ask your Adviser for a drink?"

When Dorian faced her the former Captain's expression changed. He was weary and confused, but most of all…angry. Perhaps the rumors hadn't reached his ears, or maybe he thought Dorian smarter than that. Maybe it was just now that he was realizing a witch was next to the King at a ball thrown in his honor. That the King had deliberately chosen to stand next to her. That he asked her for a drink. That they matched.

"You're right," Dorian said with that pristine grin of his. "Chaol, would you like something?"

"Could we talk? The Captain has a message for you." His lie was so obvious even Dorian blinked, his smile faltering. Chaol made no move to hide his intentions as he looked right at Manon. "I'd prefer if we spoke somewhere more private."

Knowing Dorian would be too uncomfortable to agree without making her feel like he distrusted her, Manon nodded. "I will be near the musicians," she muttered in a voice meant to scramble the heads of men.

The Adviser almost growled as he grabbed Dorian by the arm and led him away.

…

"What is she doing here?" Chaol demanded as he and Dorian walked into an empty hallway.

"So Nesrin doesn't have a message for me?"

Chaol looked close to bursting. "Are you serious? She could kill you at any moment!" Dorian raised an eyebrow. "You don't even have your weapons on you!"

Making sure no one was listening, the King leaned forward. "I trust her."

The shock on Chaol's face would have been humorous had this been any other situation. "Are you sleeping with her?" When Dorian breathed out, his Advisor shook his head. "Are you insane?! That-that thing isn't one of those frilly women you used to distract yourself with! She's not even a normal witch!"

But Dorian wasn't paying attention to him. "Thing?"

Chaol wiped the sweat building on his forehead. "Do you want to die, Dorian? Is that it?"

"She's not a thing and don't be so dramatic-"

"Why did you bring her to this ball? What message are you trying to send? The only reason I was there was because one of my guards-your guards-saw her with you! Do you know what the people will say when they find out you brought an Ironteeth Matron to a ball?"

Dorian frowned, but he wasn't upset. "If she wanted to kill me," he said slowly, "she would have done so already. The Blackbeaks aren't our enemies anymore. And I didn't bring her, I invited her. She came on her own free will."

The former Captain was muttering things, pacing as he grabbed unto his sword. "What of our people, Dorian? Your kingdom needs you and instead of doing your duty you're spending time with someone who isn't even allied to us? A killer?"

The last question made Dorian nauseous. Of course he cared for his kingdom! He sometimes stressed over it so much he would have nightmares so bad he would wake up vomiting. Being with Manon…changed things for him in that aspect. He didn't feel like a King around her, just Dorian. It cleared his mind and made him tired enough to fall asleep. And after their talk…

"Perhaps I want an alliance," the blue-eyed man said, making himself focus. "An aerial cavalry would do Adarlan good." Chaol's fierce expression remained. "As for my people, I'm not particularly concerned of what they think when it comes to who I do or do not bed. If it concerns you so much then say that we are delegating."

"Even if you were 'delegating." A scoff. "It wouldn't explain why you invited her to a ball meant to find you a Queen."

And there it was.

Dorian shrugged. "The theme wasn't decided by me. We both know it's a custom people need to get over. I only agreed to maintain tradition by going to the ball because, like you said, our people need it." A pointed look. "Not to find myself a wife."

"Tell that to the people who say you purposely walked up to her. Of the way you bowed and she didn't bow back-"

"Witches don't bow-"

"Are you in love with her?"

The question caught Dorian so off-guard he jumped on the spot. For truth, the King wasn't entirely sure if what he felt was love. A growing affection perhaps, but that it had all started as pure lust hadn't escaped him. The kiss had been a product of his curiosity, but it ended up meaning more than that, making him rethink his feelings on it all. When he had gone to the fort to the East of Adarlan he made sure to take a full day off just to seek her out because of it.

He hadn't been surprised she had not shown up, but she certainly had when the King arrived at her bedroom after hiking up the tallest mountain in the area. He had smiled at her when she opened the door as twelve witches stood behind him, all of them armed and poised to strike.

Manon had allowed him to remain, sending out her sentries until they were left alone. They talked a lot, for hours on end. And it had nothing to do with their sex life or the kiss. They had been hunted by demons, metaphorical and literal. They both had idolized abusive family figures and had to rework their network-their entire minds-to recognize the fact that they were not monsters. They both cared deeply for their friends and wished to protect their loved ones at all costs. They were leaders, accepting of their roles despite the fact that they didn't choose their lives. It had been a revelation, a relief, to speak to someone that understood. Who knew what it was like to fight the literal darkness within them.

"Dorian?"

The young man swallowed. "I don't know," he admitted. "Maybe." He cringed a little when he thought of Sorcha, the healer that could have been his Queen had she lived.

He had always wanted a healer as a Queen.

But fate worked in mysterious ways.

And he was not the same Dorian as before.

"I want to talk to her."

Dorian actually snorted, politeness thrown aside as he blurted out an "of course not" that rebounded off the walls.

"The witch could be manipulating you."

"Humor me," Dorian remarked, getting tired of the conversation and hoping Manon was still in the ballroom. Chaol couldn't understand their connection and Dorian did not want to explain it to him, at least not yet. "If we married, who would gain more out of it?"

Manon would win an army of soldiers and the support of nations allied to Adarlan, Terrasen included. Dorian, on the other hand, would gain three hundred wyverns with heavily trained, disciplined witches. Not to mention their magic. Chaol seemed to be thinking around those lines. "She would kill you. The second you marry her, she would wait until the people gained her trust and kill you." His lips curled as he stepped toward the King. "Or perhaps she would just wait until your mortal life ended and take control of Adarlan then. She would be unstoppable."

Dorian met the stare head on before he raised his hand and summoned a ball of ice and snow. "This magic-my magic…Rowan told me it was likely it could freeze more than just material things."

Horrified, Chaol stepped back. "What?" He whispered.

"I am not Fae, but my magic is different."

"Are you telling me you think you are immortal?"

Dorian flinched at the hurt in Chaol's voice. "I have my suspicions."

The other man inched back. "And now you tell me?"

"I wanted to make sure first."

"Is that why you sought out an immortal? So your Queen doesn't grow old either?"

"No." And that was the truth. Manon had nothing to do with the possibility of him being immortal. "Listen, Chaol. I know you are worried and I know all this is confusing and new and foreign." Dorian went for Chaol's shoulders, the man who had grown from being his friend, to his Captain, to his Adviser. They were more than friends at this point…brothers. "We need to take things day by day. We need to worry about our Kingdom before the possibility of a Queen."

"Even if I loved her," Dorian continued, "I wouldn't marry her outright. I know your opinion of Manon is…strained, but she doesn't want to be Queen. I don't even know if she likes me beyond the bedroom. It will be a long time, before I am ready to even consider marriage. With anyone."

Chaol stared at him them, closely and carefully. After seconds that seemed hours, the Adviser nodded slowly. "I understand." He raised his head, jutting out his chin. "I still want to talk to her."

Dorian groaned. "Chaol."

"Not today, but soon."

"I can't promise she'll want to talk to you."

"Don't worry about that." Before Dorian could respond, Chaol was already walking away. "Be careful, Dorian."

The King bowed, feeling relief coat him. "I will, I promise."

They shared a look before they both went their separate ways.

…

Back at the ball, Manon was halfway out of her mind and seriously considering leaving when she spotted Dorian come out from one of the many doors surrounding the large room. Immediately ladies flocked to him, trying to strike up conversation while showing off young, supple bodies.

As usual, Dorian was quick to interact, smiling when appropriate and talking about menial things. All the while slowly making his way toward the back of the room, toward her. She watched him approach in amusement, especially as he literally dodged a kiss aimed too close to his mouth.

"Having fun watching me struggle?" He asked with a smile, genuine this time, after he freed himself from the admirers.

Manon crossed her arms. "I have always enjoyed the suffering of men."

He actually chuckled and she let herself enjoy the sound. "I think I've had enough interaction for the day. Would you mind taking a walk with me?"

Manon noticed how dancers had joined the ball and how the attention had fallen on them. Dorian must be used to doing this if he knew when and how to leave. "Where to?" She inquired and he signaled with his hand.

A half-hour into their walk, Dorian was telling her about the paintings on the western side of the castle. "This one here was a gift from a eastern kingdom. Someone once told me it costs as much as a small castle though I've never had it verified."

Manon observed the large painting, taking in the spring landscape it depicted…and not being moved or impressed. She could never understand the arts, even when she supposed she enjoyed music. "It would make good tinder."

Dorian laughed. "Of course it would. Here, follow me. I'll show you my favorite painting in the whole castle."

They walked through a quiet hallway that led them to a small guest room at the end. Despite knowing this was a small room compared to others in the castle, a whole family could live within it. There was a poster bed large enough for two, furnished with a polished dark colored wood. Aside from that, there was a dark lilac-colored couched to the side, a small fireplace, a dresser, wardrobe and vanity made with the same wood as the bed, and a bookcase. Two windows that faced part of the gardens outside were next to a door that Manon could surmise led to a bathroom.

The one thing in the room that Dorian was paying attention to however, was the small painting of a pair of brown dogs facing a river, as if searching for prey. "The artist called it 'two dogs,' such a simple name for something that clearly means so much more."

The little princeling was fascinated by it and she let him talk about where he got it and why he loved it quietly, despite the fact that she didn't find it any more impressive than the other paintings around the castle. It was…cute to see him go about something others would try and change the subject for. There was a moment of pause as he gathered his thoughts. "Why is this not in your room if you like it so much?" She asked.

Scarlet covered his cheeks, something she hadn't seen him do before. It made his eyes sparkle. "Sorry, I was rambling wasn't I?"

The witch raised an eyebrow. "It's okay to talk about something you delight in." When he stayed silent for too long, she tilted her head. "You disagree?"

"No, no, it's just…yeah, you're right." He looked away. "My mother didn't like the painting, that's why I didn't have it in my room."

"Then you should move it. She's far away now." In a northern castle with his younger brother. It was quite obvious the former Queen had no desire to come back to Rifthold. Dorian had admitted he didn't want to face her or his brother any time soon anyway. His father's influence was still too fresh in his mind. "If I like something, I wouldn't hide it away," she added.

"Why don't witches kiss?"

Manon stiffened. Dorian's eyes were set on her face, his expression one she recognized. She turned away, toward the windows. "Weren't we talking about your painting?"

He smiled a little as he stepped forward, "tell me."

"I'm not sure, it's not something we were raised to do."

"So was I your first kiss?" She didn't growl at him, but her eyes sent the same message.

"No, you weren't."

"But you said witches don't kiss."

"Blackbeaks don't, unless absolutely necessary. I don't know about the other covens. The last time I kissed someone I was also driving my cleaver through their abdomen."

Dorian's eyebrows raised a bit. "And how long ago was that?"

"Before magic was taken away-why does it matter?"

His smirk grew as he stopped in front of her. "So I was your first kiss in about thirty-forty years?"

Manon was unimpressed. "You are a child."

"Would you kiss me if I asked?"

"No."

His pout was so infuriating, Manon huffed. "Why not?" He demanded.

She thought about it. There wasn't a reason outside of her upbringing and the new Matron was starting to realize just how much control her dead grandmother still had over her. "There is no reason," she let herself admit after some silence.

It seemed he was waiting for that. "One kiss," he pleaded, his voice reminding her of the whines Abraxos gave her when she refused to let him follow after her. "If there's no reason then let me have one kiss. There's nothing bad in just trying it out."

She was already regretting admitting to it, even though it was true. A kiss wasn't a significant act within itself, but it was different for her. Still, even she had to admit that she was curious. What he had done before had been no more than a sliver of a lip-lock. She had barely felt it, though the caress was enough for her to like it. "I want a deal then," she told him.

"Name it."

Her golden eyes narrowed. "One kiss. For a talk with Asterin."

…

Dorian fought the cold shiver that racked through him. When he had gone to the mountain, Asterin had been the first to confront him. Sniffing at him and threatening disembowelment if he hurt Manon in any way, especially in the emotional sense. Staring at the Blackbeak now, he wondered if he would be the one most hurt if whatever they had didn't work out. "Asterin?"

"She wishes to speak with you, without me around." She waved her hand, like she wasn't talking about his potential demise. "She was particularly insistent."

"Chaol wants to talk to you too."

A raise of those pretty eyebrows. "Oh? Is he worried I will eat you alive?"

"Among other things."

Manon took her time as she reflected on it. "I will consider after your talk with my Second." If he survived, he thought wryly.

"It has to be a long kiss, thorough." If he was taking this deal he might as well place his own terms. "Nothing quick."

Manon sneered a bit, but her eyes were defiant. "Fine."

Dorian nodded, but neither moved.

…

"So…are we doing it now or…?"

Manon tilted her head, observing his face, taking in the symmetrical features. The princeling sucked in a breath, his lips parting slightly as she cupped either side of that face with her hands. One kiss, she told herself as she inched forward. One kiss was nothing. His eyes flickered as he followed her motion, leaning down.

Their lips met briefly, the softest of touches, and unlike the last time, she responded. Their mouths moved, testing out the new sensations. It felt more intimate than sex, she thought, especially when he breathed in and pressed his body closer.

When he licked at her bottom lip it was almost instinctual to open her mouth.

He groaned, a deep and full sound that made it impossible to stop. His hands went up to her face and when she tried to catch her breath, he stopped her, deepening the kiss, licking at her teeth. His hands were in her hair now, pulling as he made her open up more.

But the witch was stronger and she broke away to breathe only to bump her head on the wall. How did they even get there? The thought process was caught short as she inhaled. His scent was strong, the attraction heavy despite the fact that they were both fully clothed. And as Dorian's hand stroked her cheek, Manon reminded herself that she had agreed to only one kiss.

Just one-

But the second Dorian came in for a second round, the Blackbeak met him halfway. It was nothing short of natural and she felt him mutter something into the kiss right before he grabbed her thighs, urging her up. The stupid dress got in the way a little, but Manon managed to hook herself around his hips and he placed her on the low bookcase against the wall. One of his hands rode up her dress while the other was on her waist.

"You taste fantastic," he muttered. "What did you eat beforehand?"

Manon frowned a little as she moved back. "What?"

Dorian was so heated it was almost humoring to watch him struggle to tear his eyes away from her lips. "Is it a witch thing?" He asked quietly as his finger grazed her bottom one. As if to find an answer, the King went down again. His moan was a surprise and Manon thought back to her lessons. But she had no recollection or memories that specifically targeted kisses…or their taste.

Perhaps it was part of the trap. Ironteeth were beautiful by default and were trained to utilize that beauty to ensnare and enrapture. The thirsty way Dorian was looking at her seemed answer enough. Slowly, Manon trailed a hand on his neck, pulling him down. She was claiming as she entered his mouth this time and the breathy way he was responding made her feel powerful, in control.

"Bed?" He asked, palming her back. She could barely nod against his mouth, but he caught on immediately, going so far as to carry her over.

As they both landed on top of the sheets their hands were on their clothing, pulling and throwing garments over the side of the bed between kisses. When they were close to being naked, Dorian paused for long enough to speak, his voice heavy with desire.

"I top this time."

Surprised, she breathed out a laugh, but his kiss swallowed it up.

Guys…guys…guys…you don't understand how hard I worked for this one. Usually, my writing comes to me rather naturally, but this one-shot…at least I am very happy with the result and I really want to hear your thoughts about this as well.

It was originally set very differently. With the ball as one fic and their sexy times as another. But I felt that placing them together would flow better and then when I tried to connect them all these other things happened and problems arose and well what could I do? Chaol appearing was completely unplanned as well as them making a deal over the kiss and Dorian showing her his paintings. In the end, I am content with this and I hope you are too.

As for a third part…unlikely. I would understand if you are curious about the respective talks Chaol and Asterin would have with them, but I'll have to leave those to your imagination (at least for now ;]). Also, I felt that the long conversation Dorian and Manon had at her place would be better if it happened off book. Hopefully, I was clear with explaining exactly what they talked about though.

pomxxx – As a returnee you hold a special place in my heart. That my writing style fits 'canon' is very encouraging!

Guest / fandomsareforever15 / Guest / HawkDramione – Here's that awaited second part! And that you all took the time to relay your excitement really inspired me to write faster!

Crescentclaw - I guess it could be said that the Thirteen ship them together, yes! I hope I cleared up the 'first kiss' thing. And I am very much excited for the next book! Can't wait to read it!

Manorian – I've been working on a future one-shot in which Manon is Queen. Stay tuned for that!

Lady Elvira – I really can't stop putting Asterin in these, I really enjoy writing her. Especially because she understands what Manon is going through. I hope you enjoyed the portrayal of Chaol in this one.

MarijaV – I've definitely become more of a fan of these two since I started writing them together.

TaoGrace – Manon/Asterin is family goals to be honest. I've been playing around with headcannons in these chapters. I hope they sound as believable as I want them to be. I hope you like the second part!

Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. I can't stress enough how much I enjoy reading them all! Because I got so many I once again decided to post a day early.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!