Married
It was the middle of the night when Dorian heard the faint cry of the baby. He rubbed his eyes, felt Manon stir besides him.
"Dorian-"
"I'm up," he whispered.
He quietly lifted himself off the cot. He watched as Manon brought the blanket up to cover her face. Dorian drew the curtain to the side and saw that the baby was already being tended to. The healer had her wrapped in her arms. Dorian turned to go back into the room but the woman beckoned him forward. Instead of joining her on the couch he stood facing the jars that lined the wall. He let his fingers skim the rims. He stopped when he reached one with black liquid; Black poison.
"Is it this one?"
"Yes."
He lifted the jar and took off the lid, sniffed at it. Returned it to its spot.
He walked to where the woman was sitting and held out his arms, the woman handed him the baby. He moved to sit on the rug. The baby squeezed one of his fingers with her tiny hand.
"She can try to carry it to full term. My visions have never been wrong, but..."
"You think she should take the poison?"
The woman nodded. "She will begin to show and people will notice. The sooner she takes it-"
"The smaller he will be," he whispered.
"I cannot tell you if she will have another. My visions don't go that far. But she is half Ironteeth and Crochan, her chances are very slim. I tell you this because I know you must produce an heir. It won't be an easy choice, but you still have to choose. It isn't rare for a king to have a mistress, but if she is to be queen...perhaps it would be best to let her go."
"No."
The woman bowed her head. "Then I will help you anyway I can."
"Would it be possible?"
"I don't know."
Dorian took a deep breath, "I don't want her to get her hopes up. I don't want to cause her anymore pain; I don't want her to have to go through this again."
"And if she chooses to?"
He looked down at the baby in his arms. "If she chooses to, I will support her."
"Even if it causes you more pain?"
Dorian slightly nodded. He stood up and handed the baby back to her.
"Where are the others?"
"Safe. The got back a couple of hours ago. I arranged several huts for them to sleep in. You two will stay here."
"Thank you," he said. Dorian turned to walk away but stopped mid-stride. "What can I do to help her?"
The healer gave him a sad smile, the wrinkles on her face stretching. "Stand by her. Don't let her see how much you are hurting. Convince her to take the poison, she will still need to take it." She sighed. "Be strong. For her."
Dorian enter their room. Manon was still tangled in the blanket. He slightly lifted it to lay back down. Manon turned and curled into him. She kissed his shoulder, eyes still closed. He moved a strand of hair from her face.
"What would you name him?"
"Do you want to name him?"
"I don't know," she whispered.
"He deserves a name," he said, quietly.
She shook her head. "I don't want it to be real. Don't want it to break me any more than it has."
He kissed her temple. "Then we don't have to."
Manon brought his hand to her lips.
Dorian studied her. He would do anything to make her smile again.
"Chaol," he said.
A small tug of her lips. "Never."
Dorian brushed his lips against hers and she let out a quiet hum.
Manon murmured something.
"What was that?"
"Would you want to try again? After..."
"I don't know," he said honestly; quietly.
"What if I can't?"
"Then we won't."
"I don't know if I want to," she whispered.
"You don't have to, Manon."
"Any child we would have will always have an arrow at its back. I wouldn't want to bring a child into this world knowing that it might resent us because they have no freedom to do what they want. Did you ever wish you weren't a prince? That you didn't have obligations. People depending on you.
He took a deep breath. "I remember being really lonely. Chaol was the closest thing to a family that I had. My mother only wanted to marry me. My brother is terrible, I've spent most of my childhood avoiding him. My father...you already know about him. I want to be a good king. Sometimes we can't always get what we want. But I'm here now. Here with you. And I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. But I wouldn't want that for our child. To feel that kind of loneliness. To be scared of failing their people."
"I felt the same, growing up. I had nobody to teach me...about anything; everything. My grandmother would either push me at men or tell me who to kill. The first time...I was so confused. I didn't know how to feel. I wished..."
"You wish?"
"I wish I had a mother. Some kind of family."
"Maybe we can be a family."
She smiled. But then it vanished.
"My grandmother used to beat me, Dorian. I don't...I'm not...I'm not normal. She beat me so much that I began to not even feel it. She used to beat me and make me sleep with men. I can't..."
"You are nothing like your grandmother, Manon. Nothing like her."
"What if I did the same? What if I would do that to my own child?"
"You wouldn't, Manon."
"I'm scared. I'm scared of what I..."
"You wouldn't."
"I never thought it would be possible. For me to have a child. Never even thought about it. I already knew the risk but... I thought I could. Some stupid part of me thought I could. That I could have one. Have one with you." She kissed his shoulder. "I never thought that it would be something that I wanted. Something that could still happen."
"It could."
"But what if...what if it dies? What if they keep on dying? You need an heir. What if I can't provide you with one. What if I can't have one for the Wastes."
"You don't need to provide me with anything. You are enough, Manon. You are everything."
"But you still need one."
Dorian opened his mouth to reply, but she continued. "I can't provide you with one, but someone can."
Dorian closed his eyes. "Stop. Stop it, Manon. You are what I want, damn the rest."
"And your people?"
Dorian stayed silent.
"Your people need a king that could provide future rulers."
"Once Aelin is back she can rule Adarlan. Her children. She can-"
"And what becomes of you?"
"I die."
"You die and I stay here, right?" She bit her lip, then released it. "I stay here and live a long life. Alone. Without you."
"Stop looking at me like that. You know I can't do anything about that."
"I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry, I just hate when you don't think you deserve things. You deserve to have that kingdom, Dorian. You deserve to be happy. To have children who love you. To share with them stories; books. Watch them play with all your dogs. You deserve to have that, Dorian. To know what it's like to have children. To experience it. Don't lie to me. Don't tell me you don't want that."
Dorian hid his face in her hair. "I do." He paused. "I want that with you."
"And when I tell you I can't? When I tell you I can't have any children."
"I don't know what to say, Manon. You're asking me-"
She let out a small laugh. "I know. I'm sorry, It's just...what are we, Dorian?"
"Whatever you want us to be."
"Stop that. For once stop being so selfless." She opened her golden eyes and touched his lips with her fingers. "What do you want us to be?"
Dorian kissed her fingers. "I want to marry you." Her finger stayed on his lips while his cupped the sides of her face. "I know you will outlast me. I know that we might not be able to have children. I know that many won't approve..." He rubbed his thumbs on her cheeks. "But I love you. I love you, and I want to make you mine. I want us to be married. And then I want to tangle myself to you in every way possible."
"People will try to hurt you, Dorian. My grandmother and other covens. Erawan is still looking for me. He won't be so forgiving when he finds out that I'm with the man who escaped from his hands. He wants to use me for something..."
"Do you think he wants to make you his queen?"
She shook her head, "I don't know."
Manon removed her fingers from his lips and wrapped her hands around his waist. Dorian watched as her brows scrunched together. "Will...will your mother approve?"
He shook his head. "I don't know."
"Will Chaol approve?"
Dorian smiled, "Not at all."
Manon grinned.
"Will your thirteen approve?"
"Yes. They are loyal to me."
"And Abraxos?"
Her eyes lit up, "You haven't officially met him have you?"
Dorian shook his head.
"Do you want to?"
"Will he bite me?"
She chuckled. "I think he is rather fond of you. Might even have a little crush."
Dorian laughed. Manon cupped his cheeks and brought his lips to hers. She pulled back, her joy from a second ago vanishing.
"You don't have to do this alone. You aren't going to do this alone. We will do this together. We will survive this together," he said quietly.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He kissed her.
"I'm hungry," she murmured on his lips.
"I'll get you something." He moved to get off the bed but her hand stopped him.
"I want to tell Asterin. My second should know. She will understand."
Dorian moved to hover over Manon. He kissed her again and then got off the cot. "I think that is a great idea, Manon."
He watched her as she nodded. He put on his shoes and made his way back into the kitchen.
Manon watched Dorian as his hands sank further into the water. His beautiful face in deep concentration.
"You're doing it wrong."
Dorian scowled. She let out a laugh.
"I don't think there is anything in here. I don't feel anything. I should feel something."
"Maybe they are scared of you. Maybe they think you are the most terrifying creature to ever live."
He laughed. "They should be more scared of you than me."
It was said in jest, but Manon couldn't help how her chest constricted when he said those words. And Dorian paused as if he can feel her sudden sorrow.
"I didn't mean that, Manon. I'm sorry, I was just pla-"
"You don't need to apologize. I know you were." She gave him a smile, "My stupid emotions just keep getting the best of me."
"They aren't stupid."
Manon waved his comment away. She was sitting on one of the smaller boulders. Dorian was waist deep in the river, his hands reaching forward, ready to catch anything that might come his way.
"This isn't working."
"Stop complaining."
Dorian took a deep breath, his hands going lower. Manon laughed at his odd posture. "You're hopeless."
Dorian slightly turned to look at her. It happened so fast that she didn't have time to even move away.
He had used those wicked invisible hands to splash her.
"Dorian!"
He laughed and splashed her again.
"I can kill you, you know!"
Dorian curled his finger, "Come and try."
Manon slid down the boulder. She slowly walked towards him, stopped at the edge, her bare feet barely touching the slightly cold water.
He held out his hand."Come."
She shook her head; smirked.
Dorian smiled wickedly.
Manon felt his invisible hands under her shirt. Felt him begin to unbutton it, the fabric sliding off her shoulders, exposing her. She noticed the small shock in his eyes. He hadn't seen her body since they last slept together. The past week has been stolen kisses in the dark. Dorian and Manon were the only ones who knew where the keys they held were hidden, and the last one was still out of their reach. Manon had spent most of her days in the company of her thirteen, while Dorian had spent his with the men. And now... he was standing right in front of her, his eyes studying the small bump of her stomach.
Manon shifted; uncomfortable. Dorian slowly walked towards her. Beads of water running down his bare body. He got on his knees before her, raised his hands and placed them on her belly. Placed a kiss against it.
"You're beautiful." His fingers moved to the buttons of her pants. His sapphire eyes met hers, asking permission. She nodded and Dorian gently removed her last piece of clothing. He ran his hands up and down her thighs. He stood up and placed a kiss on her lips, his hands tangling in her hair. Dorian pulled her into the water. She gasped at the coldness. She pressed her lips against Dorian's neck, trying to steal his warmth. Her hands dug into his hair, legs wrapped around his waist; her hair wrapped around her, the ends clinging to his body. Dorian moved her lips away from his neck and kissed her deeply. A loud bristling of leaves made them break apart. Manon turned her head towards Abraxos. She gave Dorian a quick kiss and walked out of the water, sliding her clothes back on; Dorian followed.
Manon placed her hands on top of Abraxos' head, he nudged his nose against her stomach. Manon smiled. She heard Dorian walk forward. His footsteps light.
"Abraxos," she whispered. "This is Dorian Havilliard. He's very special to me, so be kind. We both know how vicious you can be," she added with a quiet laugh. She walked towards Dorian and took his hand. She placed his hand on Abraxos's head, guided it up and down his scales. Dorian smiled.
Manon released Dorian's hand, but still he continued to pet him. Dorian got on his knees as Abraxos turned over to lay on his back.
"Abraxos! You lazy-"
Dorian laughed. "It's okay, Manon," he said as his hand ran up and down Abraxos's stomach. Abraxos glared at her. "She's just jealous," Dorian told him.
Manon got on her knees next to Dorian and cupped his cheeks. She pulled his lips to her and kissed him. Abraxos growled. Manon smiled. Dorian sighed.
"Don't worry," he told him. "I like you more."
Manon pushed him, and Dorian gently nudged her back.
"We should head back, Manon," he said. "They will be looking for us soon."
She took a deep breath and nodded. Dorian stood and offered her his hands. Manon took them and Dorian pulled her up.
Abraxos shifted himself into a sitting position . Manon placed her hands on him, but looked at Dorian. "Do we really have to," she whispered. "I don't want to leave him."
Dorian placed his hands over hers. "It's just for a little while more," he whispered in her ear. "Besides, I've heard that our dear Abraxos has found himself a female companion."
She raised her eyebrows at Abraxos. He gave her a mischievous look.
"You better not."
Abraxos nodded.
Manon rolled her eyes. She knew her wyvern was friendly to Asterin's. She just didn't think he was that friendly. Manon sighed and placed her arms around him. "I'll miss you," she whispered. "We'll be back together soon. But until then, I'll miss you." She laid her head on him. "I love you, Abraxos," she said quietly. Dorian kissed her temple. "Now go," she said.
Dorian gently pulled her back as Abraxos spread his wings and took flight.
"Just come back," she murmured under her breath. "Come back safe."
"He will," Dorian whispered in her ear. "He'll always come back to you."
She turned in his arms and kissed his lips. "I'm ready."
Dorian nodded and they walked to the village, hands intertwined.
Dorian felt Manon turn to her side. It was almost morning and he hadn't gotten much sleep.
"Dorian?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm not feeling so good."
Dorian sat up and quickly reached for the bucket. Manon leaned forward and vomited. She had vomited several times throughout the night. Dorian holding her hair back as she violently gagged.
It hurt him to see her like this, to know that he played a part in this. The healer would check in on her every now and then, but her only advice was the one Manon didn't need to hear. So Dorian held her through it, praying to any god that would listen; prayed for it stop.
Manon paused and took a deep breath. Dorian waited.
"I'm okay," she said weakly. "I'm going to be okay."
"Manon, this is not okay," he whispered. "You need to-"
"Not yet," she whispered. "Please don't make me take it yet."
He shook his head. "I can't bear to sit and watch you like this."
"Not yet," she replied.
Dorian laid back down and Manon rested her head on his chest. He ran his hand up and down her back. "Not yet," he whispered.
"Dorian, where are we going?"
"It's a surprise," he said. Their hands tightly bound together as he led her down into the forest. The blood-stained silk of her pearl flimsy dress swaying against her bare ankles, her hair loose and running down her back.
Dorian stopped when he reached the two doors. They were massive, with red roses and vines intertwined. Dorian let go of her hand and brushed the vines to the side.
Manon took in their surroundings. They were in the middle of the forest, branches swayed above them, the cold dark night making her shiver, only the light of the white moon shining above them. She watched Dorian as he moved to push the doors open. His all black formal attire made him even more achingly handsome. Dorian turned back to look at her. She gave him a small smile. He returned it and opened the doors.
Manon gasped.
Before
"Elide, what are you doing?"
"Your hair, Manon."
Manon was growing frustrated. She didn't want to do this. Pretending to seduce a man for information wasn't something she ever wanted to do. Even Dorian had a hard time controlling his anger when he heard the news. But in the end she agreed. It was the only way. And she couldn't bear putting her thirteen in anymore danger. She was responsible for their safety, and she didn't want to risk it. They had wasted too much time already. It needed to be done. She told Dorian not to worry, that she could defend herself. That she had been defending herself for decades.
"I know," he said. "But sometimes I worry about you. Sometimes I feel like you hide everything inside and not even I can reach it. And If he tries..."
"He won't. I won't let him."
"If he even tries to touch you, I will-"
"If he even tries to touch me, I will kill him."
He shook his head but gave her a small smile. "Be safe. I'll be near."
He kissed her forehead and went to get ready.
"Manon, please stop moving."
Manon paused long enough for Elide to pin her hair. Emma was touching the dress that was laid out on the cot. She noticed Asterin giving her glances every now and then, noticed how distant she has been. Manon still hadn't told her. She still wanted to, but she still lacked the courage to do so. Manon felt like a coward. She could kill and maim, yet she can't even tell her cousin that she is pregnant, that she needed her now more than anything.
Asterin moved forward and handed her the dress. Manon knew Asterin was staring at her as she walked to the restroom. Her thirteen had never been ones to shy away from seeing each others naked bodies. But Asterin stopped showing hers because of her brand, and now Manon was hiding hers; hiding the small bump that was beginning to slowly grow.
Manon slipped the dress on. It was pearl colored, made of very thin material. It left her arms bare, and it swayed when she walked. She has never worn a dress before, and she never thought she would, or would want to. She ran her fingers down the material; smiled to herself. Manon moved from side to side, making sure her bump was concealed. When she was satisfied, she walked out.
Manon met Elide's eyes and they both smiled. She turned to look at Asterin, but she was gone.
"You look beautiful, Manon."
Manon looked down at her feet. "Thank you, Elide."
She looked up to find Elide beaming with joy. She hadn't spoken much to Elide in the past weeks. She vaguely remembered Dorian telling her about the time she talked to him. "Elide?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you love him?"
Elide stood silent.
"Cause if you do... that's okay."
Elide bit her lip.
"People change. I've..."
"I know."
Manon picked at her dress. "... And If you really want to know... you should do it with someone you love."
Elide walked forward and wrapped her arms around her. "Thank you."
Manon hugged her back.
Emma looked curiously up at them. "Do what?"
"Nothing," they said in unison.
Emma rolled her eyes. "Nobody ever tells me anything."
Elide grabbed Emma's hand and led her out of the room.
Manon placed the pearl-silk shawl over her shoulders. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She ran as fast as she could. Her hair unpinning and flowing behind her. Her once beautiful dress now smeared with blood, her shawl wrapped around her wrist. She had pulled off her shoes when she fled, her bare feet now meeting the cold mud over and over again. A hand reached out to grab her wrist. "Don't touch me!"
"It's just me, Manon," he panted. "Just me."
She threw her arms around him. Buried her face into his chest.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
"You're lying."
She shook her head.
"Did he hurt you?"
She bit her lip, still trying to catch her breath.
Manon watched Dorian as he sat at one of the tables, pretending to flirt with one of the girls. He caught her eye and she smiled at him, telling him that she got what they needed. Dorian casually began to excuse himself. Manon walked down the corridor. She felt someone grab her wrist. She turned and found four men staring down at her. The man holding her wrist pulled her towards him.
"So you're the bitch that Erawan wants to bred," he spat.
"Let me go."
She felt another man wrap his hand around her other wrist.
"No," he said. He moved his lips towards her ear. "Once Erawan is done with..." he laughed,"I'm going to-"
His eyes greedily ran down her body. Stopped at her stomach. He gave her a haunting smile. "Look at this boys... seems to me our whore already started whoring around."
The other men laughed.
The man holding her wrist ran his hand down her arm, moved to touch her stomach.
Manon snapped. One moment there were four men in front of her and the next she had a spine in her hands. She looked down to see three of the men torn to pieces. Her iron nails had pieces of flesh stuck to them. She looked up and her vision focused in on Dorian. He had his bare hands around the fourth man's throat. But he hadn't moved to kill him yet. Manon made herself move towards him. She met Dorian's eyes. "Do it," she whispered.
He hesitated. Manon took her nails and placed them around the man's throat. "Let go, Dorian."
"Manon-"
"Let go."
But his hands remained. Manon's nails dug into the flesh of the man's throat. The man screamed as her nails began to pierce through his veins. Dorian finally let go; turned away.
The other men didn't have time to scream. She wouldn't make the same mistake. This man deserved it. She wanted to hear him scream.
"Just kill him already. Please, just kill him."
"No," she said. But she felt her tears begin to run down her face. "No," she whispered.
"Please," he whispered, his voice cracking.
With one final slash of her nails, the man's body thudded to the ground.
"Manon," Dorian whispered.
She ran.
Dorian led her to a stream. She didn't speak, just continued to wash the blood off herself. Her dress was smeared with blood, torn in certain places.
He closed his eyes.
"I'm not scared of you. I don't hate you. I don't-"
"Not right now, Dorian. I don't want to hear it."
He opened his eyes. Took in their surroundings. He knew this forest. The legend behind it.
"Manon-"
"Not right now."
But he continued, "I'm a coward."
"No, you aren't.
"I am. I didn't-"
"I shouldn't have asked that of you, Dorian. It was cruel of me-"
"Cruel? Manon, he tried to... I was a coward. I failed. I know you can protect yourself but I should of-"
"No."
"Manon-"
"You are the only bright part of my life, Dorian. The brightest part. I don't want to see your light go out. I don't want you to cross that line. Even if it's to protect me," she whispered.
"I can't promise you that."
"I can't promise you I won't kill. I don't want to. I don't want to be a monster. But-"
"He deserved it."
"He did." She looked up at the moon. "We should go-"
"No. I want to show you something first."
Her liquid gold eyes looked up at him.
He held out his hand. Manon stared at it; slowly placed hers gently against his. He tightened his hold and pulled her up. He led her through the forest. His magic feeling the hum of the cathedral. His eyes searched until they finally landed on it. The only thing visible was the big doors; the rest was covered in vines and roses.
He removed his hand from hers and pushed the door open.
Manon gasped.
Manon took in her surroundings. It was so beautiful. There were no pews, no ceiling, only a large throne was placed in the cathedral. The throne was made of branches and vines. Flowers tumbled down its sides. The columns were tall. Grass peaked through the floor. Manon looked up towards the sky; looked up to admire all the stars that seemed to glow even brighter for them.
Manon reached for Dorian's hand. He gently pulled her towards the throne. She sat down on it; laughed when her feet dangled. Dorian tore at the branches and began to twist and tangle them. He picked four pretty roses and placed them on his handmade crown. He kneeled and held it up.
"My queen," he said.
Manon smiled.
Dorian stood up and placed the crown on her head; kissed her cheek. Manon patted her hand on the empty space beside her. Dorian sat. She tore the branches at the armrest and made her own crown. Dorian bowed his head forward so she could place it on him.
Manon held his hand.
"Manon, do you know what this place is?"
She shook her head.
"This place is supposed to be a myth. I didn't think it actually existed. Only a legend in one of my books. But... as the legend goes, this cathedral will only appear for..." He looked into her eyes. "If you ever doubt my love for you, think of this place. Because Manon, this place is only meant to appear for those who are bound together. Body and soul. You said that witches had no such thing as mates, but this place is proof that there is something between us, something stronger...unbreakable."
Manon looked down at her belly. "And this?"
He looked down at her stomach, "I don't know why this is happening, I just hope that everything will be okay in the end."
Manon leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. She smiled.
"Dorian Havilliard?"
"Yes, my queen?"
"What do you think it would be like to be married?"
Dorian pretended to think.
"Manon Blackbeak?"
"Yes, my king?"
He sat up and tore another branch from the throne. Twisted it.
Dorian's sapphire eyes held hers while he bent down and kneeled on one knee. Manon froze; It was just a thought. She didn't expect him to-
"Manon Blackbeak, I love you. I want to spend whatever time I have left in this world with you. You are my sword and shield. I will spend the rest of my days trying to make up for the years it should have been you. Should of been you who I woke up next to. The one I should of been kissing. I will love you until the darkness claims me. Even after. And If I could live forever I would spend it beside you. I will try my hardest to never disappoint you. Whatever you want...I'll do whatever you want. We don't need to tell anyone. Just you and me. It was always going to be you. It was always you, Manon." He closed his eyes and brought her hand to his lips. Opened them and looked right into her soul. He leaned forward so that his lips hovered over hers. "Hello, witchling," he whispered. "Will you marry me?"
Manon stared into his eyes. It felt unreal. Unreal that this beautiful creature loved her. Wanted to be with her. Loved her for who she is... what she is. But looking into his eyes...she knew. Knew what kind of man Dorian was; he wouldn't force her to do things...would love her with everything he had. He would be hers. Only the moon above them to bear witness to their private vows. And here she was, in her pearl blood stained dress. Manon never needed anybody to hold her hand, but with Dorian...she would gladly walk beside him. As his equal. He wouldn't be like the other men, the ones who belittled her because she was a woman; witch. For the first time in her life she realized that it was okay for her to want this. To want to be with a man. To be owned by one in the most healthiest way possible. No, he wasn't like other men. Dorian is what other men should want to be. What other men should be. She was ready. Ready to give herself to him. Ready to finally go over the edge with him. Ready for them to be bonded. Ready to give him her life.
"Hello, princeling," she murmured on his lips. "I've waited a very long time for you," she placed a gentle kiss and then moved her mouth towards his ear, and whispered,"Yes."
Dorian smiled and spread her fingers apart. He placed the ring and kissed her hand. Manon felt tears run down her face.
Dorian took her shawl and placed it over her head; it covered her face.
"You may now kiss the bride," he teased.
Manon laughed through her tears.
Dorian lifted her shawl and let his lips linger over hers.
"Too long. I've waited too long."
He kissed her. "You have my heart, Manon."
"You have mine," she whispered. "Always."
Dorian sat on the throne while Manon laid on his lap. Her back was against the arm of the throne and her legs dangled from the other end. Manon guided his hand up and down the small bump of her belly.
"Manon Havilliard?"
Manon laughed. "Dorian Blackbeak."
He stuck out his tongue at her. She laughed and stuck out hers.
Manon reached to the side and tore out some branches. She twisted them. Made a ring for him.
"Now you are officially mine," she laughed, as she placed the ring on his finger. She leaned forward and kissed him. "Now what do we do?"
Dorian smiled and gently lifted her off his lap.
He moved to the center of the room. Turned toward her and bowed.
Manon followed him and since she never curtsied before, she bowed, too.
Dorian shook his head and Manon thought he was going to correct her, but instead, Dorian wrapped his hands around her waist and said, "You are Manon Blackbeak...and you bow to no man."
Manon smiled. "I thought I was a Havilliard."
Dorian grinned. "I thought I was a Blackbeak."
She wrapped her hands behind his neck, "Now what?"
"We dance."
She titled her head, "But there isn't any music."
Dorian smiled. "Close your eyes."
Manon shut her eyes. Waited. It was a low hum at first, but then it slowly began to spread through the church.
She opened her eyes. "How?"
Dorian kissed her forehead. "There wasn't music last time I asked you to dance. I didn't know if I could, but I tried it a few times. I was waiting for the perfect time to show you."
Manon smiled and Dorian twirled them around. Dorian released her, and still, she continued dancing. Twirling. Her hands towards the sky. Her blood smeared dress trailing her movements. She laughed.
Dorian sat on the throne watching her. He felt like his heart would burst from the joy he felt. He continued to control the soft melody. The one he made for her. The one that reminded him of her. He smiled as he watched her twirl, again and again.
She finally walked towards him, panting. "I think my dancing has improved."
Dorian laughed. "Oh no, love, you're still terrible."
Manon laughed with him. Dorian reached out his hand to grab her, but she pulled away, smirking. Dorian reached out again and she moved even further back. Dorian sat up from the throne. He held out his hand, "Manon."
She smiled and then ran. Dorian chased her. Every time he would get close, she would bolt again. He leaned against one of the columns and closed his eyes. His magic searching for her; his magic still playing her melody.
Manon hid behind a cloumn. She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. She turned to run again, but her body met his and they tangled onto the floor. Dorian used his body as her shield so that she wouldn't hurt herself.
Dorian ran his thumb along her lower lip. She watched as he bit his.
"And now?"
"I don't want to hurt you," he said, quietly.
"You won't," she whispered.
Dorian moved his hands to her stomach. "We shouldn't."
"It's okay. I'm okay. We'll just have to be careful."
Dorian closed his eyes.
Manon moved her lips to his ear. "I want you to make love to me...as my husband."
Dorian faintly smiled. "Say that again."
Manon placed herself on top of him. Her lips hovering over his. His hands running up and down her thighs. "My husband," she whispered on his lips.
He opened his eyes and tangled his hands in her hair. Gently turned her, so that she was spread beneath him.
She ran her fingers along his lips."Will you do something for me?"
"Anything."
She moved her hands through his silky locks. Tugged his head down so that his mouth hovered over her neck. "Right here," she whispered.
Dorian leaned back to look at her face. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Dorian sat up in between Manon's spread legs. He slowly ran his hands up and down her body. Cupped her covered breasts. He pulled at the straps of her dress. The fabric tearing, exposing her full breasts.
Dorian leaned down and sucked a nipple into his mouth. Gently tugged at the hardened bud. Manon gasped. Dorian pulled away and ran his hand up her thighs, hiking her dress up to her waist. He moved his mouth down.
"Dorian-"
"Shh," he whispered. "I want to please my wife."
He spread her legs with his hands. Felt her flinch when his tongue slipped inside of her. Her hands rested on his head as he moved. He lapped at her center; took her clit in his mouth and gently sucked.
Manon moaned his name when she came. Dorian licked her clean. He helped her as she tried to remove his shirt. Once it was off her hands went for his belt. She opened the buttons of his pants. She touched him gently with her fingers. She moved to get up, but Dorian stopped her.
"I want to please my husband," she whispered.
"You don't have to, Manon. There will be other times."
She nodded. Dorian placed his shirt under her. She laid back down.
Dorian placed his hands on her hips and gently entered her. They both groaned. He moved against her slowly. Carefully.
"Dorian, you won't hurt me."
He moved forward and placed a kiss on her lips. Thrusted deeper. Manon moaned. She ran her hands down his damp back as he continued to move. Dorian gently flipped them; Let her set the pace. He sat up so that his chest and her breasts were pressed together as they moved. Manon's hands were fisted in his hair, and his were on her waist.
"Please," she panted. "Please."
Dorian moved his mouth over her neck. He placed a gentle kiss, and then bit down. He removed his teeth to lick at the drops of blood. A thousand different colors flashed and connected behind his eyes as their bond snapped into place. As he tasted her.
Manon silently screamed into his hair as she came. She was shaking when she came down from her high. She opened her eyes and smiled weakly. Dorian moved the damp strands of hair from her face. She ran her fingers along his neck.
Manon hesitated.
"I want this, Manon."
"Are you sure?"
"Please," he panted.
Manon circled a spot on his neck and placed a gentle kiss. Dorian's hands wrapped around her back as he resumed his thrusting. She licked the spot, and then she bit down.
"Fuck," he mouthed on her skin. He bucked into her as she tasted him. Dorian pressed his mouth against Manon's shoulder to contain his roar as they both reached their release.
Manon rested her forehead on his. Dorian looked up at her and gave her a tired smile.
"Did you see the colors?"
They were both still shaking against each other. "Yes."
Dorian leaned back and Manon fell on top of him. She moved her mouth to his ear, and whispered, "You are mine."
Dorian kissed her temple. "And you are mine."
Manon Havilliard was deep asleep, drops of her blue blood ran down her neck. His red blood stained her lips. The sunlight sinking into her pale skin. Her hair in tangles.
Dorian reached out and brushed a knuckle against her soft cheek. He smiled. Pressed his lips against her neck. He moved his hand down to caress her belly. Felt Manon kiss the top of his head.
He felt her hands fist his hair as he nudged a finger inside of her. Entered another.
Dorian captured her moans with his mouth.
Dorian was on top of her, a bead of sweat ran down his brow. Manon's hands cupped the sides of his face. He thrusted into her.
Manon moved her finger to his lips. Dorian sucked it into his mouth. Her thin finger pressed deeper in; pressed against one of his sharp incisors as Dorian bit down and sucked on her blue blood. Manon's breath hitched. She pulled her finger out and brushed his cheek, leaving a trail of her blood. She took one of his fingers and dipped it into her mouth. She sucked on the sweet taste of him. The colors behind her eyes flashing once again; their bodies sticky and clinging together.
Manon moaned his name as she reached her peak. Dorian groaned and followed.
"Good morning, my queen," he panted.
Manon gave him a tired smile. "Good morning, my king."
Dorian pressed a gentle kiss on her lips. Manon brushed the hair out of his eyes. "I love you, princeling."
"I love you, witchling."
Dorian rested his head on her chest. She ran her hands down his back.
"Mr. Blackbeak?"
He smiled. "Mrs. Havilliard?"
"You make me so happy," she whispered.
Dorian kissed her.