Heyy guys! Sorry about the long wait! I was out of town, then I got sick. :P
No fun...but anyway, I hope this update makes up for it.
And on a positive note, I got to upgrade my phone to the new GS6 Edge, which has made writing spoon much easier!
XOXO
August 1567
Damon held Elena against his chest, her back to him in the iron bath.
He'd put out all lights besides the fire burning under the mantle.
His heart swelled as she nestled her head into his shoulder, enveloped in the warmth.
There was a difference between seeing the future and experiencing it.
And he never could have imagined this.
He'd taken her virginity tonight.
The ultimate blood sacrifice she could ever relent to him.
And she had no clue...not yet.
But she would.
He'd had visions of the future, had seen the power she'd come to possess, and the love he'd come to feel for her.
Elena Petrova, his brother's betrothed.
He unlatched an arm from her middle, and brought it up above the water.
His hand trailed over her skin, up her ribcage, between her breasts.
Bruises had formed along her collarbone, and he made a mental note to fix that before she left.
No need to have questions raised.
"Do you regret coming tonight?" He asked her quietly.
She hadn't said much to him since he'd led her to the tub.
"No," she admitted, but her voice sounded far away.
"Then what troubles you?" He pressed.
His question brought her attention back, and she turned her head to look at him.
"I've just realized that tonight...It's the first time in years I've done something for me. Something that I wanted, that was rash and irresponsible. And I am afraid that come morning...this feeling will leave me. That I'll come to proper sense and hide myself away again, put back on the mask they've made for me."
Damon gently turned her, drawing her into his lap.
When her deep brown eyes settled on his, he cupped her cheek, "I won't let that happen."
She blinked, "Promise?"
Instead of answering, he brought his lips down, claiming a kiss.
She opened for him eagerly, and he smiled against her mouth.
"You are much too beautiful to be locked away, like the family jewels, and much too smart to be adorned as one."
She smirked, "I mustn't be too terribly smart, if I allowed myself to be seduced by you, my prince."
Damon was lost in her sparkling eyes, "On the contrary, Princess, it is you who's seducing me."
A blush tainted her cheeks, as she bit her lip, "Then I offer my sincerest apologies. Tis a cruel thing, to play a man's heart."
Damon chuckled deeply, "Just as cruel to love a woman's body, yet to be unable to hold her at night."
Elena's brows pulled together, "Can't I stay?"
Damon ran a finger across her cheek, "For a while longer. But I fear our time together will be cut short if our transgressions are discovered. Your father will be looking for you."
Elena sighed, "I'm sure you're right."
Moving to stand, she carefully stepped from the tub, giving Damon a spectacular view as she wrapped a drying cloth around herself.
But instead of looking for her dress, she walked across the room, to the wall holding his full bodied mirror.
He stood from the bath as she inspected herself.
"In truth, our sins may be obvious," she sighed, "You've left quite a few marks."
Damon came up behind her, having wrapped his own towelette around his waist.
He breathed deeply as her long fingers ran across her skin.
"I can help with those," he told her, "But I'll need you to trust me."
She turned, facing him, "I thought I already was."
He smirked, "This is more complex."
She sighed deeply, and moved to his chaise.
"Is this where you finally explain your plan to save me? Or were those simply boasts to find your way under my dress?"
"I meant what I've said," he promised her, "But you mustn't be fearful, or nothing I do will matter."
He sat next to her, and wasn't entirely shocked when she nodded at him, "I trust you."
He smiled, "Then give me your hand."
She did so, extending her palm.
He reached over and grabbed his fallen dagger.
"This may sting; just a pinch," he warned, before scraping the tip across her skin.
Blood pooled in her hand from the cut, and Damon placed his own over the wound.
Chanting lowly, he recalled the words he'd used a million times, and Elena's hand began to heal.
He repeated the incantation, until he could no longer sense her wound.
He slid his hand under hers, bringing it to his mouth, and sucked away the remaining blood.
Instead of the horrified expression he'd expected, Elena's eyes were full of awe.
"You practice the craft," she mused, "I suppose I should have suspected that before. That was a spell you spoke earlier, was it not?"
He cocked his head to the side, "It was. To insure my seed did not take hold and leave you with child."
She seemed surprised by the thought, and he smiled, "You know of the craft?"
She flushed again, but nodded, "My lady's maid, Emily. She's a born witch. I've protected her secret from my father for years, and in return, she is loyal to me."
Damon smirked, "Yes, I don't imagine good King Petrova would take too kindly to witches in his castle."
Elena sighed, "Men like my father tend to be small of mind. I love him, of course, but he is not open to possibilities."
"And you are?" Damon breathed.
Elena smirked, "I came with you tonight, didn't I?"
"Yes," Damon noted, "But there's a difference in rebellion, and breaking the law."
"Magic shouldn't be against the law," Elena protested, "That's the first thing to change, once I'm queen."
Damon rose a brow, "Assuming Stefan permits it."
Elena blinked, then swallowed, "That's a detail to worry about later."
Damon laughed, "Well, then let us worry about the issues at hand."
He rubbed her marks, and she nodded, standing so he could fully inspect her.
Within minutes, her skin was free from any blemish.
"What about here?" She asked him, moving her hand to cup her sex.
"It is still sore from your intrusion."
Damon smirked at her, placing his hand over hers, moving their fingers together over her clit.
"The pain will fade in a day or two, but I would have it remain until then. I want you to feel it as you move tomorrow, and know that I was here, inside of you."
He stroked her center, her own hand falling away so he could take control, and she moaned.
"Damon..."
He brought his mouth against her neck.
"I will have you again, Elena," he promised, "I will fuck your body until you no longer feel the soreness in the morning after."
He delved a finger into her, "And I will ruin you for any other man. I will pleasure you in ways that are unparalleled, not able to be competed with, until you beg for me...until the only cock you can stand to have inside of you, is mine."
His words had the desired effect on her, and she peaked, convulsing around his fingers in pleasure.
When she calmed, he slipped out of her.
Her hazing gaze met his, "That shouldn't take long."
He grinned, "We shall see."
Her body relaxed into him then, and he kissed her head.
"I want you to dream of me tonight," he whispered, "I want you to dream about this."
She nodded, looking up at him.
He placed a final kiss to her lips, letting them linger.
Then he sighed, "I suppose we should get you to your bed, before someone comes searching."
"That's probably best," she agreed, before looking to the floor, "Except, you've ruined my gown."
Damon smirked, moving to pick up the fabric, "Please, Princess, what's the point of having magic if you don't use it?"
With a wave of his hand, the dress became whole again.
And just soon enough, too, as he felt himself being drained.
He'd need more blood soon; more magic.
He helped Elena into the gown, forgoing the corset at her insistence, and helped her lace the back.
Other than her damp hair, twisted to her head with the pins, she looked no different than when she'd arrived.
"Perfect," he complimented, "Now come, I'll show you the way back."
She nodded, taking the hand he'd outstretched to her, and he led her from the room.
Elena awoke with the sun that next morning, blinking as her curtains were drawn.
Emily was by her side then, with a cup of tea, "Morning, your highness."
Elena sat up, smiling at her, "Good morning."
Emily handed her the glass, and walked over to the closet, to pick out Elena's dress for the day.
"Your father leaves today," the witch reminded her, "Though he's considered postponing his departure until you are well."
Elena grew confused, "Until I'm well?"
"Of course," Emily stated, having found a dress, "You turned ill, and left the party early. Or so I told their majesties and his highness when they asked."
Elena smirked, "Thank you, my friend."
Emily nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed, "Yes, my lady, but if it's not too bold of me to say, his Lord Stefan is a good match for you. Polite and respectable. But I don't think he'd take too kindly to you fooling with his brother."
Elena blushed, "How did you know I was with Damon?"
"Tis my job to watch over you, Miss," Emily explained, "I saw you leave shortly after the prince did."
Elena took a sip of her tea, "Yes, well, I'd have that truth remain between us."
She stood as Emily nodded, "Yes, your highness."
"Good," Elena smiled, eyeing herself in her mirror, "Now if you would, help me dress. I'd see my father off."
"Of course, my lady."
The dress was simple, after last night's gown, but Elena didn't mind, seeing as it didn't require a corset.
It covered her arms, and up to her neck, making her look every bit the respectable princess she was supposed to be.
But she couldn't shake the feelings that had overcome her last night.
Physically she looked the same as yesterday, but in her heart, she felt different.
And it felt good.
She smiled at her reflection as Emily began twisting her hair up.
"No, wait," she protested, remembering Damon's fingers combing through her locks, "Today, I'd have it loose."
A look of surprise crossed her maid's face, but she said nothing, simply trading the pins for the brush.
"How's that, your highness?" She asked after a moment.
Elena smirked, admiring the soft curls, "Perfect."
Her father, along with King Salvatore and Stefan, were already at the dining room table when she entered the grand room.
Each of the men stood upon her arrival, Stefan moving to greet her.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, looping an arm through hers.
"Much better this morning," she smiled kindly, "I think perhaps I was just overheated last night."
"I'm pleased you are feeling well again."
He pulled a chair out for her, and she sat down.
Her body twinged, as an unfamiliar soreness tore through her core at the hardened seat.
In a flash, she recalled all of Damon's words, and had to fight a blush, as well as a wave of guilt.
She didn't regret her decision, but she did find it unfortunate that she was betraying the trust of everyone at the table.
Especially Stefan, who would be hurt most if her indiscretions ever came to light.
She started on a topic to distract herself.
"You're returning to Mystic today, Father?"
The king nodded, "I fear I've been too long absent already. But not to worry, dear. I'll return for the holidays."
Elena nodded, and her father fixed his stare on her, "I trust you'll continue your studies in my absence. Prepare yourself for the coronation this spring?"
Elena smiled convincingly, "Of course."
"She'll learn much here," King Salvatore promised her father, "As our future queen, I'll extend nothing but the best instructors."
"Be sure and have sessions prepared for parliament," her father suggested, "My poor wife could never quite grasp the works of politics, and I would not see Eleniana struggle similarly."
And just like that, the conversation turned, as it usually did, to the men deciding her future.
Elena knew better than to interrupt.
They could plan all they wanted, and school her in any way they pleased.
She'd play along.
But behind closed doors, the choices were her own, and Damon awaited.
The nights she'd spend with him would be her decision.
Her secret.
And no one would take that away.
Hope ya'll enjoyed!
Can't wait to read the reviews :)