Hey guys. That's for all the reviews :) glad you liked the chapter.
This one was fun to write lol.
Just giving ya'll a warning though, not sure how regularly I'll be updating this next week or two, because my husband just got deployed and I'm a bit of a mess. (Shout out to any Military spouses out there! ) But when I get through being depressed about his leaving, I should actually have more time to write, so that's kinda good lol.
Anyway, here's this chaper, and I hopeople ya'll like."
August 1567
"Emily!" Elena called, upon entering her bed chambers, "Please tell me the gowns arrived."
The young woman nodded, "Yes, my lady. Just this morning. I have put them in your closet."
"Wonderful," Elena smiled, unfastening her bonnet, "Please, would you pull them out? I would like to see them myself."
"Of course, your highness."
Emily stepped into the closet as Elena sat on the bed.
Moments later, she came out carrying a handful of newly imported gowns.
Elena jumped up, "Oh. These are beautiful!"
"Quite lovely, yes," Emily agreed, "Would you like to wear one to dinner?"
Elena ran her hand over the dark red fabric that laid on top of the pile.
"Yes. I think I would."
She stripped her clothes, as Emily prepared the dress, Elena had selected, and placed the rest back in the closet.
When she reemerged, a mark on Elena's shoulder caught her attention.
"My lady...," she hurried to Elena's side, "You've been with the prince again."
Elena followed Emily's line of sight to the bruise near her collarbone.
She blushed, but didn't deny it, "So what if I have?"
She could tell Emily wanted to protest her opposition, but seemed fearful of doing so.
"Speak freely. This troubles you?"
Now Emily was blushing, "Apologies. But yes. The prince...he is dark, your highness. Magic senses magic, and he possess more than a witch can hold. Dark magic, my lady."
Elena swallowed, "Well, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle Damon."
Emily nodded, knowing her place.
"However, I would appreciate your assistance, if you don't mind. I'd rather not have Stefan, or the king asking questions."
She bared her shoulder to the witch, and Emily sighed.
With ease, she reached out a hand and murmured the necessary incantation to heal her lady's skin.
She wished to press the subject, if only for the princess's safety, but felt the words would fall upon deaf ears.
Elena surveyed her newly healed skin.
"Perfect," she smiled, "Thank you."
Then she moved to pick up the dress on the bed.
The fabric was like silk, running through Elena's fingers.
She had never felt a dress so soft.
And the color, so much darker than her usual attire, appealed to her.
Crimson and black lace.
She felt that Damon would greatly approve of the choice.
"Help me with the ties?" She asked, and Emily nodded in silent agreement.
An hour later, Elena walked from her room.
The dress fit close to her body, but not in a way that was uncomfortable.
It was a sleeveless corset top, with a skirt that reached her toes.
More than a hint of her cleavage was exposed and her hair fell in loose waves down her back.
It was one of the more riskier dresses she'd worn, especially since becoming engaged, but tonight she felt like testing her chances.
Besides, Damon would love removing it later, and any excuse to work him up made the risk well worth it.
A low whistle sounded as Elena reached the hall of the dimly lit second floor, and she turned.
Speaking of the devil...
"Damon."
He stepped from the shadows and into the torch light, his eyes hard on her, like a predator, stalking it's prey before going in for the kill.
"I thought you'd come by here, on your way down to join them."
She nodded, glancing around to be sure they were alone, "I usually do...but I am surprised to see you, my prince. These corridors are usually empty, if you don't count the servants."
He smirked, stepping closer, "How could I miss the opportunity to have you to myself?"
His hand closed around her waist, and she was drug forward, pulled hard against him.
She licked her lips.
"Is it so far beneath you to ask for what you desire?" She scolded playfully.
His hand lifted, tangling in her hair.
He yanked her head back, so her face was forced up at him.
He smiled evilly, "Why ask, when I can take what I want just as easily?"
His mouth pressed against hers then, softer than she'd expected. Almost sweetly.
His hands slid from her hair to her face, as he gently caressed the skin of her cheeks.
He pulled away slowly after a minute, hesitant to end their kiss.
He spoke again, in that language she didn't understand, the words a reverence upon her lips.
"What?" She asked breathlessly.
He smiled, "The translation is rough, but it is close to the meaning of "Who is like my love? Whose beauty can compare?""
She smirked at him, challengingly, "This is love, is it, Damon?"
His hand pressed more firmly against the side of her neck, "You think I'd risk your life for anything less?"
She held his gaze, "Sex."
He chuckled darkly, "I may enjoy your body, darling, but I am not ignorant enough to love you only for it."
"No, just ignorant enough to love me."
"As if you feel differently," he challenged, "As if your heart does not also break at the thought of being parted from me."
She lifted her hands to his, pulling them from her face and squeezing them.
"It does break, Damon. It breaks at the very possibility of having to marry any other, but that is our destiny. The design of the universe, the fates."
"The universe controls nothing. Nor do the fates!" He insisted, "Or if you must believe it so, then was it not by their hands that you were brought here? Was it not fated that we meet? If you believe in their influences, then surely it is by their will that you were driven to my arms, and not my brother's."
Elena shook her head, leaning into his touch, "I know not the will of the universe," she admitted, "I only know the desires of my heart. Desires I doubt even fate could change."
Damon's eyes burned into her own, "It would not have the chance to try."
His forehead rested against hers, and she sighed heavily.
"I mustn't linger too long. I am expected at dinner."
"Send Emily down to excuse you."
Despite herself, Elena giggled, "Which would be the third time this week."
She pulled away, "I will come to your chambers afterwards, but my lack of attendance will see suspicions raised. And it is already difficult enough not to get caught."
He groaned a little, "I hate the truth of your words. But very well. I suppose I can wait until tonight."
She smiled, kissing him quickly, "I will hurry back to you."
He dropped his hands, "I am counting on it."
She gave him another smile, before gathering her dress in hand and walking toward the stairway, leaving him alone in the shadows once more.
Elena felt Stefan's eyes on her the minute she entered the room, and he rose from his seat, as he usually did, until she had reached the table, by which time he'd pulled out a chair for her.
The perfect gentleman.
She noticed then that, other than a few servants bringing in a cooked ham, they were alone.
"Your father does not join us tonight?" She asked curiously.
The king hardly ever missed meals.
"Not tonight," Stefan explained, "He was called out on urgent business. He will return in a few days."
"You did not accompany him?" She inquired.
"No," Stefan leaned back, "Ronan de Guildar of Valier is arriving tomorrow morning. I remain here to welcome him."
"Oh," Elena nodded, not that she had any idea who that was.
Stefan chuckled lightly, obviously realizing this.
"Ronan is advisor to King Calder. He is cousin to the crown prince, royal by blood, but not in line for the throne. He's coming on behalf of the King."
Elena's brows furrowed, "Is there trouble in Valier?"
The neighboring kingdom lay hundreds of miles north of Mystic, but had always seemed to be a peaceful folk as she'd grown up.
"Not trouble," Stefan corrected, "But there are some who are uneasy with the merger of our kingdoms. We are powerful just as allies, but once combined, our fathers army will be a force to tremble at," this seemed to excite him, "They just want assurance that their land will be safe from plumage."
Elena nodded, "Valier has never caused disruption in our lands...why should they fear us?"
"They shouldn't," Stefan promised, "The point of this meeting is to assure them of that."
"Ah."
The rest of the food was brought out, and a servant moved to fill their cups.
Stefan took a sip, and moaned.
"Finally, a restock of our wine has been purchased."
Elena thanked the servant as they topped her off, and moved away.
"The red not up to your standards?" She teased.
Stefan smiled, "I prefer quality. Have a taste. You will see my meaning."
Elena did as he suggested, and lifted the glass to her lips.
The bitter taste that usually followed was interrupted by the sweetness that swirled on her tongue.
"It is quite delicious," she admitted, "Imported?"
Stefan nodded, "Yes. I much prefer it to the watered urch sold at the local markets."
Elena took another drink, "I can understand why."
They continued light conversation throughout the meal, and Elena actually found it more enjoyable without the political talk from the king.
It didn't take long for them to finish their plates, and a servant stepped forward to pull back her chair.
"Well, I suppose this is goodnight then," she offered a traditional courtesy.
Stefan stood, coming to her side.
"Please. Allow me to escort you to your chambers?"
She turned his offer over, then nodded.
She could join Damon a few minutes later tonight.
As Stefan took her arm, she couldn't help but think of his brother.
Damon had practically admitted to loving her tonight, though the words hadn't actually been said.
And she knew her own heart's emotions.
She loved him.
She had since their first night together.
Over the past few weeks, that had only grown.
And she had no idea what to do about it.
It scared her, yet thrilled her at the same time.
Especially now that he'd agreed to teach her how to harness magic through her blood.
Perhaps they really would find a way to be together.
Because without some promise of a future with him, her love would only cause them both heartache.
And they deserved more than that.
Elena didn't realize that they had reached her door until Stefan pulled her to a stop.
She put a smile in place ready to bid him goodnight, only to find that his eyes weren't on hers.
They had traveled south, down the length of her dress.
"Your grace?" She called, reclaiming his attention.
To her surprise, a light blush colored Stefan's skin.
"I apologize," he swallowed, "But it is hard not to notice...you are beautiful, Elena. So very beautiful."
Her throat thickened, "Oh. Thank you."
His arm slid from hers, and he hesitated.
Then slowly, lifted his hand to her face.
She watched warily as his eyes darkened, torn.
She knew that look.
Had seen it multiple times, upon Damon's face.
He was going to kiss her.
Her suspicions were confirmed as his other hand reached up to brush a strand of hair from her face, and lingered.
Then he was leaning toward her, his breath warm on her skin.
She swallowed.
It would be easy to turn her head; to let his lips graze her cheek, but then he would really have reason to be suspicious.
He'd kissed her before, she recalled.
Why did this time feel different?
Before she had the chance to make up her mind, his lips were pressed against her own.
She responded instinctively, deciding it would be better to play along.
However, the second she leaned into the kiss, Stefan surprised her, turning them so that her back pressed against the door.
His tongue forced it's way into her mouth, and she closed her eyes.
This was not like any other time he'd kissed her.
This was the two of them, alone, and wine induced.
When Stefan's mouth trailed down to her cheek, and onto her neck, she had to draw the line.
His hands were holding her a little too closely, and it wouldn't be uncharacteristic of her to stop him now.
"Stefan," she huffed, lifting her hands to his chest, "Stefan, wait. Stop."
He pulled away at her words, breathing hard. Then seemed to gain sense, and took a step back.
"Elena...forgive me. I lost myself in the moment."
She took a settling breath, straightening herself.
"No, forgive me. I shouldn't have allowed you to get so carried away."
He blushed, "I have probably drank too much tonight. I would never compromise you."
She smiled at him kindly, "Of course not. But I think it wise if we were both off to bed."
"Agreed," he smiled, "Until tomorrow then."
He kissed her hand, traditionally, and she nodded, "Until tomorrow."
She lingered by her door until he had left, and listened until she could no longer hear his footsteps on the stairs.
Only then did she allow herself a breath.
Her eyes closed.
Everything was getting complicated now.
And she didn't know how to stop the spiral.
Before she could sulk too long though, a voice called her attention.
"That was a hell of a bid goodnight."
Her eyes shot open, landing on Damon, who was standing across the foyer.
His stare was cold.
She blushed, knowing what he'd just seen.
"Damon-" she hurried to explain, but his hand raised, stopping her.
"I have eyes, darling," he stepped forward, towering over her, "Now, tell me, did you enjoy my brother's hands on you?"
"Damon," she chided, "That was nothing."
"You didn't answer the question," he noted, "Did you enjoy that? I do not have to wonder if he did."
Elena reached out, taking hold of his arm, "He has been drinking. I feared turning him away would only raise questions. I am his fiancee, and he would not expect me to act abrupt."
Damon smirked coldly, "If that's what you need to convince yourself that-"
"Oh shut up!" She interrupted, pulling him down to her.
Their lips crashed, and Damon's hands wrapped around her, despite his annoyance.
She moaned against him, before pulling back long enough to breathe, "Your room."
She knew some of his magical capabilities.
Knew enough that he could appear anywhere he wished, with just a thought.
That's why it didn't surprise her that they were suddenly in front of his fireplace, despite not having moved.
She leaned away then, separating their bodies.
With a hard push, she forced Damon down onto the chaise at the foot of his bed.
He seemed a little startled by her forward display, but didn't hesitate to help her climb into his lap, moving the skirt of her dress so she could straddle him.
"Elena-" he swallowed, but she kissed him, ending his opposition.
She grabbed his hand, sliding it between their bodies.
"Feel me," she commanded, guiding his fingers against the folds of her womanhood.
He groaned as he realized she had not worn any undergarment, and his palm came up against hot flesh.
"Do you feel how wet my body has become?"
He nodded, plunging a finger inside of her.
She cried out as he kissed her, "God yes. You are so wet, my darling."
She brought her hands to his hair, forcing his eyes to hers.
"That is only for you," she promised, "Stefan may have claim to my title, but my heart is yours, Damon."
He sighed into her, and she attacked his trousers, pulling at his ties.
It took hardly a moment to strip away his clothes.
Then his fingers were gone, and she was sliding down onto something much more satisfying.
Damon's hands tore at the front of her corset top, ripping the dress open, then slid the fabric over her head.
Her bare chest was pressed against his then, and she moved freely, no longer hindered by the fabric.
"I'm yours," she repeated, her head resting against his as she rode him, "Only yours."
A satisfied growl escaped Damon's mouth, and he gripped her tight against him.
In a blink, she was on the bed, beneath him.
But he was no longer inside of her.
Instead, their bodies laid pressed together, their gazes locked.
"What have I done to have you?" Damon whispered.
Elena reached up, stroking his face as his eyes bore into her.
He leaned down, kissing her softly.
"I love you, Elainiana Petrova."
She smiled, "I love you too, Damon. I want you. Only you."
He rested his forehead against hers, and slid inside of her, with one movement.
"You are my heart," he promised her, "And I will find a way for us to be together."
She kissed him, as they moved together, finally feeling at home.
I should get a prize for all this smut lol. But it's a huge base of their relationship in this story, so you're welcome ;)
Hope you enjoyed anyway, and please please review :)