Thank you for your continued support so far! This time I bring ya a chapter a little sooner than the last time you had to wait. Hopefully it meets your expectations!

To "Guest": Thank you so much for your sweet review!

Chapter 6: Surrender

The sound of people chattering surrounded him. Perched high atop his black stallion, the knight quietly observed the townsmen and women at the market exchanging goods and trivial words. The vendors displayed their merchandise, which ranging from dried fish to beautiful jewelry in the market-area while fascinated nobles and middle-class workers alike viewed them pensively.

The air was warm and humid, the last remnants of summer still lingering in the air. Kaname closed his eyes, inhaling the fresh air while he listened to his surroundings.

His moment of peace never came. Instead he opened his eyes and looked ahead, once again wary of the empty feeling that settled in his chest.

Something was missing.

He pursed his lips.

The faintest of memories sailed before his eyes; he recalled soft skin and sensual touches, moans and whispers.

His horse twitched nervously, neighing softly as he sensed his owner's distress. Kaname shook his head and gently patted the stallion's broad neck, assuring him.

Clearing his throat, Kaname continued onwards through the town square. Vaguely he noticed some children playing by the fountain. Girls and boys, dressed in colorful yukatas, laughed loudly as they ran after each other and splashed the water from the fountain.

His mouth pulled into a small smile. He'd been like that once; young, carefree and happy…

He watched as a woman came over to one of the boys, gently tapping his shoulder. He looked up in surprise before recognition dawned upon him. The woman smiled gently at him and patted his shoulder, gesturing towards the other children.

Once upon a time, he'd had a mother too. Under her love and care, he'd had a happy childhood filled with adventures and joy. If he concentrated hard enough, he could still hear her voice as she sang for him at night…

The boy waved at his friends as his mother led him away from the fountain. He watched the two of them, envying the boy and reminiscing about his own relationship with his mother.

His life has been like a long summer; his childhood merely a dream compared to the life he was living now. It had all vanished in just one day…

Sensing danger, garnet eyes snapped over to the other side of the fountain where a little girl was busy waving at the boy as she smiled. In the distance he noticed a carriage coming at her at full speed, the coachman's eyes set on the horses as he whipped them to full speed.

"Yah!" Kaname's legs twitched on each side of his stallion, and instantly the black mammal was moving at full speed. Just as the horses and the carriage were about to run over the girl, he came up beside her and snatched her into his arms, securing her on his horse as the carriage sped past them.

He quickly ordered his horse to a halt, holding onto the girl as he watched over his shoulder as the carriage stopped just a few blocks away.

Turning towards the girl in his arms, he murmured gently: "Are you all right?"

Wide eyes stared up at him in wonder; her cheeks were flushed with color and her mouth was open in shock.

"You need to be more careful," Kaname said, checking her for injury. "You could've gotten very hu–"

"It's him!"

"It's the black knight!"

"It really is him!"

People gathered all around the knight as he got down from his horse. Trying his best to ignore the attention he was receiving, Kaname reached for the girl and lowered her gently off the horse. Her eyes remained on him the whole time, lost in awe and wonder.

Once he was sure she was able to stand on her two feet, Kaname turned towards his horse and was about to mount it when a man yelled in the distance.

"My daughter! My daughter!"

The crowd split to reveal an elder-looking man sprinting towards them. He sailed towards the girl and hugged her in his arms.

"My daughter!" He cried. "Are you all right?"

"Hai, otou-sama," the girl whispered as she hugged him back.

"Ah, goodness!" The man yelled, pulling away from the embrace as he looked her all over. "How many times have I told you to be mindful of your surroundings? You never know what can happen!"

"I'm sorry, otou-sama…" The girl frowned.

"I'm just glad you're all right… I could've lost you too," he cried.

"This man saved me!" She yelled, pulling on Kaname's black cloak. Having watched their interaction, Kaname momentarily forgot that he was still there.

The man returned to his original height and eyed him.

Not used to speaking with strangers, especially when there was a crowd surrounding him, Kaname kept quiet, waiting for the man to speak.

"Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, your highness!" The man yelled, getting down on the ground and kneeling before Kaname's shoes.

Awkwardly, Kaname shuffled on his feet and bent down to touch the man's shoulder. "Sir, that's no-"

"It really is the black knight!" A woman yelled next to him. "You deserve all our gratitude! Without you, we would still be at the mercy of the Shirabukis!"

Kaname blanched. "You should thank your King, not m-"

"We are overjoyed to have you here! You are a warrior of our people! For such a long time, the Shirabukis have reigned in this province and kept us hostage… your bravery has freed us!" An elder man cried.

"It was all done by the King," Kaname tried to explain, "he led us to victory-"

"That is nonsense, and you know it!" Another man yelled, holding his fist in the air. "The king sat in his protected carriage and watched his soldiers get slaughtered. He only stayed to take your glory!"

Kaname quieted. As the king's loyal knight, he was obligated to protect the king's reputation. He was not to claim glory nor gratitude; his merits were supposed to stay in the shadows while the king basked in the people's praise. But the villagers were speaking the truth; throughout their battles, the king was protected at all times – he barely touched a sword and yawned through each ordeal. Whenever they won a battle, he addressed the nobles and elites of the village and spoke of their glorious victories.

Normally, Kaname would not care about the king's behavior as long as he was safe. But as he fought for his life at the battlefield, he couldn't help but feel his buried hatred and anger come back to life.

He'd watch as the King was tended to by maids and servants; how he would calmly sip his tea, barely glancing at the battlefield where his men were losing their life one by one.

Kaname's sword would suddenly feel heavier in his hand; as blood dripped from the silver, he imagined what it would feel like to slide the weapon into the King's heart. How his heterochromatic eyes would widen in shock as he begged for his life like the coward he was. Kaname would watch as he slumped to the floor, all traces of life leaving his body.

Then he'd blink, and recognize his surroundings. He was the king's knight. His duty was to protect the king above everything else. And yet, those feelings of disobedience and hatred kept growing…

You are the biggest coward I've ever known. You don't dare to wield your sword on the battlefield, yet you won't hesitate to put your hands on the queen…

Ah, the cause of his eternal confliction.

"Kaname… touch me…"

He was woken up from his stupor by the sound of the villagers around him.

"It was he who drove the sword through the reigning Shirabuki lord in this province! The tales are true!" A man yelled, bowing his head in respect towards Kaname. "You are our savior, a true hero!"

"I only did what my duty requires of me," Kaname spoke softly, once again trying to contain their excitement.

"We should have a king like you," the girl's father spoke, staring at the knight with awe. "I heard you are the Queen's personal knight. Not only are you fierce in battle, you are the one who protects our precious and beloved Queen."

The Queen….

Her warm smile flashed in his mind.

Yuuki.

"Ne, you know the queen?"

Kaname looked down to find the girl once again tugging at his cloak. Her eyes were wide and full of excitement. "Really, you do?"

Protecting the queen was a feat he gladly took pride in. His kill count and battle-skills were things he preferred not to boast about.

"Indeed I do," he replied, smiling.

"You are so lucky!" The girl gushed, her cheeks blooming with color. "The Queen is so beautiful! I saw her one time when we were visiting our relatives. I've never, never, never ever seen someone so beautiful before! She really is wonderful!"

Eyes that shimmered with mirth in hidden moments; cheeks that turned pink whenever he teased her; lips that were plump and beautiful, even softer to the touch… The sound of her voice; the fine silk of her hair and the elegant and fearless way she walked ahead of him in the palace hallways…

Kaname nodded excitedly. "She really is beautiful, our gracious Queen."

"I really want to be like her one day! Tell her that for me, will you?" The girl hugged his right leg, her hopeful eyes looking up at him.

"H-hey!" Her father chided, trying to pry away his persistent daughter. "He is a royal knight! You mustn't be disrespectful!"

"It's all right," Kaname smiled, fluffing her hair. "I'll be sure to tell the queen what you said to me. I know she will be very pleased."

"Thank you!" The girl exclaimed. "And thank you for saving me! May…. May I know your name, knight?"

He got down on his haunches and smiled, tipping his head forward. "My name is Kaname. And you?"

"Thank you for saving me, Kaname-sama," the girl bowed in turn, blushing slightly. "I am Ai."

"Ai?" Kaname questioned. "That is a wonderful name."

Ai's father ruffled her hair, his lips drawn into a warm smile as the corners of his eyes crinkled into tiny wrinkles. "Ai… She was the last gift my beloved wife gave me. She… Ai's mother died while giving birth, but the proof of our love exists in this child. That's why I named her Ai…. Because of love."

"Love," Kaname repeated, his heart clenching painfully in his chest.

Once again, her beautiful face flashed in his mind.

Is that what I feel for you, Jouusama?

Love?

It'd taken some time before he could get away from the crowd. Though he appreciated their gratitude, he couldn't risk their praise being spread. If Rido caught wind of the villagers hailing Kaname as some hero, he would see red. Knowing Rido's unstable moods, Kaname didn't want to risk his wrath.

After refusing several offers of free food and gifts, he'd managed to escape. He'd tied his stallion to a tree so the stallion could rest and feed. Since the king was busy with formal speeches and meetings, Kaname was allowed to take some time off.

Walking through the market quietly, his mind was jumbled with questions. The interaction with Ai earlier had sparked certain feelings he thought he'd resolved.

It'd been a little over three months since he last saw the queen. More specifically, it'd been a little over three months since that fateful night they made love.

He'd woken up in the early hours of the morning only to discover her naked body next to his. Memories of the night before had flooded his senses, and as rational thought claimed him, panic set in. He'd broken his oath to celibacy and given in to desire; but more importantly than that, he'd committed treason – bedding the queen despite his lowly status as a knight.

As he gazed at her sleeping form, he couldn't help but feel his insecurities return. What if she woke up and regretted what they'd done? What if she got angry with him for taking advantage of her after the king had abused her?

It wasn't the thought of the fatal consequences that would follow such turn of events that frightened him; it was her turning her back on him – her confirming his status as filth and rejecting him.

So he exited the bed as quickly as he could and got dressed in the moonlight. Before he fled her room, he watched her sleep. The fact that she was naked beneath the sheets, and that it was his doing, was fueling his desire. The longer he stayed, the harder it was to walk away.

But his imminent fear of the future and how everything would play out stopped him from going further. As a last goodbye, he'd kissed her forehead, settling with one last secret act of affection before he got on his way.

Hours later, the king announced that they would go on their planned raid of the Shirabuki-controlled providences. He couldn't remember the last time he was so grateful for a distraction.

A shimmering object caught his attention. It glittered brilliantly in the sun, sending light into his sore yes. In a trance, he walked over to the table where the vendor displayed his goods. Once again he was reminded of her; her hidden smile and graceful features; her gentle laugh and tender touch…

"Ah… Kaname…"

She'd called him by his given name; her soft voice caressing his name and delivering it so gently. Ka-na-me; his name, shunned by people, only appreciated by her. He loved the way she spoke it; so breathy and stunning.

He shivered, remembering the feel of having all around him; the softness of her skin and the curves of her body; the heaven at the junction of her thighs… In their entire kingdom, he was the only one that'd been allowed to see her in such a state; he, a mere knight who'd never been destined to more than his plight to serve the king, had touched and tasted her; felt her unraveling in his arms as the outside world remained blissfully unaware.

"Kana... me…"

Garnet eyes closed as her seductive whisper echoed in his ears.

He wanted more.

More, more, more.

But he could not have her. It was forbidden.

He opened his eyes as if he'd been jolted awake from a dream. Numbly he stared at the hairpin in his hand, confused by the rush of emotion that assaulted him when he thought of her. That night… It was a mistake; an idiotic decision on his part that he should've never taken. He only wanted to comfort her, and he was going to do so by quietly checking in on her and then leaving, befitting his role of silent protector.

But then, he'd kissed her. He hadn't meant to; in fact, if he thought about to that moment, all he could register in his mind was the intense urge to kiss and to taste her; he could not recollect any single coherent thought in that moment.

Her warm brown eyes, drenched in tears; her cheek red from the king's hand… In that moment she was so vulnerable and pitiful, he didn't know what to do with himself. Empathy – which he'd learnt to discard years ago – ruled his actions and soon he was giving in to the voice in his head that urged him to kiss her.

Mistake number one was kissing her. Mistake number two was listening to her plea to be touched by him, and granting her request.

He glanced at the shiny hairpin; a ruby red butterfly covered the expanse of the pin, small jeweled flowers spread around it. It was beautiful and… so Yuuki. Always seeking the light and bringing forth hope and joy, even when her heart had been darkened by the years of torment with her unloving king. Her secretive smile whenever she fed the stray cats in the backyard; her serene expression whenever she walked through the gardens and smelled the roses…

A vision formed in his mind, of her, walking in her favorite garden while his hairpin shimmered in her silky hair.

Mistake number three would be buying this hairpin and giving it to her. With it, he would bring her the evidence of his growing affection for her that reached beyond simple physical attraction. Feelings that made him consider the possibility of love.

The butterfly was Yuuki; beautiful and captivating; he could barely afford it, much like he could barely reach for her because of their different social classes.

"Well, sir, what do you say?" The merchant hummed in front of him, twirling his moustache as he eyed the prominent knight who seemed to be struggling with a dilemma.

"Do you want the hairpin or not?"

They hadn't returned yet, she'd been informed by the maids. The information had vexed her for the just the briefest moments until she pushed the feeling away; her king being gone was something she could handle, but her faithful knight not returning was something out of the ordinary…

"My queen…"

"No, no," she panted, cradling his face as she gazed into his eyes, "call me by my name. My given name, and not my title."

He paused briefly; his inner conflict evident in his stormy eyes as he watched her cautiously. "Yuu…" He breathed, amazement curling at the corner of his lips, "ki… Yuuki."

She shook her head, willing herself not to repeat the night that changed her life forever. The sound of thunder outside made her yelp, snapping her out of her thoughts. Quickly she crossed the room and sealed the windows properly, shivering as she eyed the blazing storm outside.

Trees shook and rattled like loose screws in the wind, while bolts of lightning struck angrily at the royal forest surrounding the palace. Carriages and other tools used by the palace servants sailed across the grounds as the servants ran after them.

And in the midst of the thundering storm unfolding outside, all she could think of was the worry that crept up her spine and settled uncomfortably in her chest.

His face came to mind uninvitingly.

Where are you…?

For some time, she'd felt a certain bond form with her knight, however she'd believed it was the common bond between mistress and subordinate that bloomed, and nothing more. For the longest time, she didn't trust him, as was custom for her ever since she'd entered the palace and lived through her loveless marriage. Her heart had been empty and cold, and even as he stared at her with inquisitive eyes, she couldn't be bothered.

But eventually, against her will, she lowered her guard and let him in. His silences and presence became a reassuring aspect of her life; having him around lessened the pain of her loneliness even if he resembled a statue more than he did a human man most of the time.

He cured her of her loneliness; healed her body by offering her food when she denied nutrition. Slowly, but surely, her stoic-faced knight brought life and color into her veins.

That night, when Rido was angrier than usual, she'd felt herself slip further and further into darkness; as he lashed out at her, she lost all energy and will, sinking onto the floor and letting him rain his abuse on her until he was satisfied. She told herself to just get through it; survive the pain and live through it and then finish it all later at a better time, so he could no longer torture her again over his own mistakes.

Numb and cold, she'd heard her knight rushing into her chambers against protocol after the king left. And when he did the unthinkable – kissed her so softly and gently – she'd lost all control over rational thinking.

All she'd wanted was to be touched. To be appreciated and revered; kissed and caressed. And as he stared at her with confliction in his eyes, she'd grasped the opportunity and begged him to touch her, even if it was against his will.

He was the first to ever touch her this way. Not her king, but her knight; her sworn protector who would die for her gladly.

And she couldn't forget about it. No matter how many times she willed herself not to think of it, she couldn't stop thinking about it.

She'd woken up to cold sheets, believing that everything had been a sweet dream. Her bruises had served as a painful reminder of her brutal nightmare. But she was naked and sore in places she'd never been sore before; and if she concentrated hard enough, she could still smell his musky scent lingering in her sheets.

Feeling a sudden urge to see him again, she'd quickly pulled on a nightgown and ran towards her door where she knew he would be waiting.

Pulling the door, she'd halted in her tracks when the face on the other side of the door was not the knight's.

"Oo-h, hey, your highness," the blonde guard blushed, trying to keep his eyes away from her revealing costume. "Is everything all right?"

"Kanam-" she shook her head, "I mean, where is my usual knight?"

"Oh, Kaname left a few hours ago," the blonde relaxed his shoulders, relieved that the queen wasn't in any emergency. "He went with the king to fight the Shirabukis, your highness."

"O-oh…" Yuuki let a rush of air escape her mouth. "I… I see. Will he be back soon?"

Green eyes regarded her curiously. "I cannot say. It could take months – maybe even a full year. Why, your highness, do you have a message you want me to give him?"

Months? A year?

"Um…" She fumbled, lost in thought. Snapping out of her thoughts, she straightened her back and schooled her features. "No, I do not. I was just curious about his whereabouts since I was not informed of his departure nor that he would participate in the raid. I do hope he returns safely as I am accustomed to his presence, that is all. I take it you will be his replacement, then?"

Ichijou nodded excitedly. "Hai! Kaname said I was the only one he trusted to watch over you, and the king went with it. So here I am!" He grinned, momentarily forgetting whom he was speaking to. His face drained of color. "Oops, I mean, y-your highness!"

Yuuki resisted the urge to giggle, barely letting the faintest of smiles pass her lips. "It's all right. Just be sure to address me properly in the future in front of other people."

"Yes of course, y-your higness!" Ichijou vowed.

Yuuki nodded, amused by his behavior. "I shall return to my quarters and get properly dressed for now."

"All righty," Ichijou quipped. "Um, I mean, all right, your highness."

Yuuki turned and opened the door.

"As for Kaname… don't worry about him. He always comes back. His skills are incomparable and he will make sure he returns as soon as possible. You have my word on that, your highness," the green-eyed knight spoke softly.

"I appreciate that," Yuuki said, closing the door.

And though she believed in Ichijou's words, she still fretted over Kaname's absence. Their actions confused her, but no matter how many times she thought it over, she couldn't help but marvel at how right it had felt. His touch and caress; the way he kissed every corner and crevice of her body, almost as if he was worshipping her… His calming scent, which reminded her of winter days and sweet spice, engulfing her being as his slick skin made contact with hers.

"Yuuki…"

How her name tumbled from his lips like a prayer, and how utterly captivating he'd looked as he smiled afterwards.

He took my virginity; turned me into a woman in the darkest hours of the night, changing me forever – and then he just left. Suddenly, I was more lonely than I ever was before.

A month later, she'd come to a startling realization.

He'd spilled his seed inside of her. In the heat of the moment she'd locked her legs around him and forced his control to slip.

What if… what if she was pregnant?

"Say… if the king was to bed me one of these days, would there be a possibility of me conceiving a child?"

She sat regally on the examination table, tools from her health check-up scattered around her. Kaien Cross, her distant relative and royal physician of the palace, had placed his notes on the nearby table as he took a seat on the opposite side of the queen.

Pushing his glasses up his nose, Kaien's usually cheery countenance had twisted into one of grief.

"Unfortunately, your highness, due to your history of denying yourself nutrition, you have weakened your body severely. Your menses have barely returned and you are still in recovery. At this point, I do not believe you're able to conceive and I cannot guarantee the possibility in the future."

She should've been relieved. All hell would break loose if she was carrying Kaname's child; not only would the king find out that she'd bedded his half-brother, but the two of them could be punished for treason – even executed.

And besides, how would Kaname feel? He'd fled after their night together; perhaps he was regretting the whole thing. The last thing he would want was a child to serve as a reminder.

But, as she sat there quietly absorbing Kaien's words, she couldn't help but feel her heart drop in her chest. Dreams of one day holding a child of her own in her arms shattered; the image of a little girl with garnet eyes and wild brown hair vanished into nothingness.

She concealed the lonely tear sailing down her chin as discreetly as possible.

"For now, you mustn't overexert yourself. Your health has taken a severe toll and you are still recovering. I cannot express how overjoyed I am that you have begun to eat again and take care of yourself. The fact that you are menstruating somewhat again is a great sign. I do believe I must thank your stubborn knight for taking care of you."

"The rounder you get, Jouusama, the happier I get."

Yuuki smiled faintly, remembering his stubbornness. "He is indeed capable, that knight of mine."

Months passed. She found herself longing for his return; walks in the gardens with Ichijou were not the same, though she did find herself gradually enjoying the green-eyed knight's company. He was funny and clumsy where Kaname was serious and precise; it was nice to have someone next to her who wasn't flawless and perfect.

But at the end of the day as she sat on her bed and let her hand slide across the sheets, she thought of him and prayed that he would survive and return unscathed. And if he were to return with scars, she would ki-

Thunder struck outside her window. She clenched her teeth, willing her fear of thunder and lightning to fade away. She glanced towards the window, wondering if he was out there somewhere.

Why can't you return to me? If not to guard me, but to keep me warm?

Yuuki shook her head, annoyed by her thoughts that seemed to revolve solely on her dark knight. She didn't know where they stood; she didn't know if they would go back to being strangers and forget everything that happened between them, or if they would continue where they left off.

She wasn't sure if she knew his heart anymore. He'd always appeared genuine and kind-hearted beneath his stoic and sometimes frightening exterior. But the fact that he left just like that had to mean something, right?

And if she was being honest, she didn't know her heart either. She didn't know what she felt about him. Was it simple affection, born out of the time they spent together? Was it attraction only? After all, he was one of the most beautiful men she'd ever seen. Oftentimes she believed he didn't belong on a battlefield; his noble features and delicate beauty belonged among royals.

He was more handsome than the king, his half-brother. Yuuki admitted this gladly.

Part of it was attraction, she deduced, remembering his touch and how she quivered in his arms. But was there more to it?

Was it…. Love?

Another loud noise permeated her room. Sighing, she walked over to the window and closed it properly.

As the window locked in place, she froze, registering the sound of labored breaths coming from entrance of her room. Every hair on her body rose as she shivered with anticipation, her mind working on full-speed trying to verify her suspicion.

She could hear the other occupant of the room breathe harshly.

Slowly, she turned on her heel, eyes searching in the dim lighting of her room.

And there he was.

The man that haunted every thought and dream of hers.

Her faithful knight.

Kaname.

Garnet eyes glowed in wonder as he stared at her. He looked as if he'd walked up the steps from hell and entered the gates of heaven; his hair was tousled and wet – longer than she remembered – falling down his back and framing his face. His attire was smeared with dirt and rain, brought on by the storm outside that shook the landscape.

He stood there by her door, just silently watching her as she did the same, unable to believe her eyes.

He'd returned. After so long, he came back.

Just like he promised.

Hours, minutes, decades – he wasn't sure how much time passed as they stared at each other.

"I couldn't stop thinking about you," his voice shook with emotion. He inhaled and exhaled, unable to calm himself.

Her eyes softened in response, her shoulders lowering.

"Couldn't… stop," he repeated shakily, still remaining rooted on the spot.

Yuuki understood all too well what he meant. She couldn't stop thinking about him either. No matter how hard she tried, he consumed her entire being.

"No matter what, I…" He continued as his heart hammered in his chest.

Yuuki nodded quietly. Slowly, she reached up with her hand and released the hairpin holding the upper part of her hair.

Her longs locks spilled down her face and back, joining the rest of her tousled hair. His eyes darkened at the action, watching how her hair shined from the candle-lit glow.

He became intensely aware of her thin, white nightgown as she slowly began to walk towards him. He could see the contours of her body; her perk nipples poking at the thin fabric.

She was a goddess, walking his way and he was on the edge of heaven and hell, wondering which way to go.

Yuuki halted in front of him, her brown eyes wide and sincere as she gazed at him with the utmost patience in the world. She let his eyes roam over her as he fought to control his breathing; she waited until she knew he was ready.

Yuuki already knew what she wanted. She'd known all along, but seeing him in the flesh removed all her excuses.

She wanted him.

Ever so gently, she fingered the opening of her nightgown. It slipped down her right shoulder, revealing her collarbones and the swell of her breasts.

He raised a calloused hand as if to touch her, but he halted mid-air.

Kaname lowered his hand, unable to take the next step.

"I shouldn't want what's not mine…" He whispered harshly. "I shouldn't yearn or desire, but…"

Yuuki remained quiet, her eyes glowing with affection and acceptance.

"You've cast a spell on me, your highness. I can't get you out of my mind."

She took the last step, her body close to his as she raised her hand and settled it gently above his heart, feeling it beneath layers of skin and bone.

"Would you believe me if I said I felt the same way?" She whispered, watching how his eyes widened upon hearing her voice for the first time in months. "…Kaname?"

She made sure to caress every syllable of his name as lovingly as she could. She saw the effect it had in his eyes; how they suddenly glowed with yearning and desire.

She reached up on her tip-toes, her lips searching his. He wavered against her mouth, their lips inches apart.

"If I do this…" He shivered against her mouth. "If I do this, there is no turning back… You understand, don't you?"

She knew what he was asking. She knew exactly what he meant.

If I choose to walk down this road with you, will you follow me to the very end?

Confidently, Yuuki nodded as she looked into his eyes, reaching for his soul.

"Forget our titles," she whispered hotly against his mouth. "Forget who I am outside these walls."

She grabbed his hand and placed it above her heart, mirroring her hand above his.

"Look at me as a woman. A woman whose mind and body belongs to you."

Kaname had never imagined such sweet relief before.

The moment his lips crashed into hers, he found bliss and heaven mingled together in the taste of her kiss. If he thought their first time kissing had been extraordinary, then this was life-changing.

It felt like a weight was being lifted off his chest as he held her close and kissed her for dear life. He felt lightheaded and giddy; desperate for more as he walked them towards her bed.

He was done thinking about consequences and duty; he was done with turning his back on what he truly wanted. He accepted the desire that flooded his veins and made him come alive with want and raw need. His feral side basked in the feel of her lithe body in his arms and how willingly she offered herself to him. Months of being apart; of witnessing pain and death and misery has turned him into a raw beast that hungered for her softness and sweet caress.

Whether it was heaven or hell he was entering, he didn't know, but the queen was following him willingly. He shredded her gown and feasted on her body; he swallowed her cries and responded with his own.

Yuuki helped him undress; he let her see every ugly scar again and again, revealing every last bit of himself in a pledge of undying devotion. Kaname basked in her equal desperation as she healed him of every wound and scar.

Tangled together in her sheets, he sunk inside of her like an anchor sailing to the bottom of the ocean. He wanted to stay there forever, inside of the woman in his arms that he adored and worshipped.

The way she moved against him set him on fire, and he was in no rush to extinguish the flame consuming them. The same applied to Yuuki, who welcomed each hard thrust with her own desperate ones. Right now, all she needed was him – there was no time for slow and gentle – they moved against each other as if another eternity would pass before they saw each other again.

Perhaps it was love, or perhaps it was pure lust – as Kaname once again sank inside of her, he knew for certain that he was done fighting against his desires.

Until they were both burning up in flames, he would not stop pursuing her.

And the queen, who cried his name with tears in her eyes, surrendered with him.