Chapter 3: A Growing Affection

The journey to Felgon was a quiet one. Aeryn sat beside Eirik in the grand carriage, his hands folded nervously in his lap. He hadn't spoken much since their wedding night, and while Eirik had given him space, the silence between them still felt heavy.

When they arrived at the Felgon estate, the grand fortress on the hill stood imposingly against the darkening sky. The servants and members of the household lined up in front of the gate, bowing as the new couple made their way inside. Aeryn's eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar faces, but despite the stiffness in his posture, he offered each person a soft smile.

Eirik had noticed how Aeryn's kindness extended to everyone. Even when some of the council members regarded him with cold disdain — a boy, and one not of Felgon blood — Aeryn remained polite, his eyes always filled with that same gentle grace.

The days passed slowly. Eirik, as promised, did not touch Aeryn. He wanted to give him time to heal, not just physically but emotionally as well. The bruises from their wedding night faded, and though Aeryn was still shy around him, he didn't flinch in Eirik's presence as much as before. They shared quiet dinners, long rides through the Felgon countryside, and brief conversations about the state of their lands.

It was on the third day that Eirik heard it — a soft, melodic sound. Aeryn was in the garden, speaking with one of the maids, when he suddenly laughed. The sound startled Eirik, who had rarely heard such a thing from the young prince. It was light, like the tinkling of bells, and it sent an odd warmth spreading through his chest.

He stood frozen for a moment, watching Aeryn from a distance. The way the sunlight caught his hair, the way his eyes sparkled with amusement — Eirik had always known Aeryn was beautiful. The prince had a delicate, ethereal quality that had drawn attention even among the Felgons, who had long been known for their striking features. But it was only now, as Eirik watched him laughing and smiling with the household staff, that he realized how beautiful Aeryn was inside as well.

The maids adored him. The young prince spoke to them as though they were equals, never once acting above his station. They often giggled around him, whispering behind their hands as he passed, admiring his kindness and charm. Even the hardened guards, who had been skeptical of Aeryn's place in the family, had softened towards him after seeing the way he treated everyone.

Eirik found himself stealing glances more often than he cared to admit. Aeryn was enchanting, whether he was sitting quietly reading a book or tending to the small herb garden he had asked to plant in the estate. And when he emerged from his bath each evening, his damp hair falling in soft waves around his face, his skin glowing from the warmth of the water, Eirik felt something stir deep inside him.

By the fifth day, Eirik could no longer deny the growing desire he felt for his young husband. But it was more than that — it was a deeper affection, a tenderness that made him want to protect Aeryn, to care for him, and to show him that their union didn't have to be something to fear.

That night, as the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Eirik approached the bed where Aeryn sat brushing out his long, dark hair. The prince looked up, his eyes wide and nervous as Eirik sat beside him. A moment of silence stretched between them, the weight of the past days hanging heavy in the air.

"Aeryn," Eirik said softly, his hand brushing against the prince's. "I won't hurt you again. I promise."

Aeryn's gaze dropped to the bed, his fingers twisting nervously in the sheets. "Last time… it hurt," he whispered, his voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.

"I know," Eirik murmured, lifting Aeryn's chin so their eyes met. "But I want to show you it doesn't have to be like that. I want you to enjoy it, too."

Aeryn's cheeks flushed a deep red, and he nodded, though the apprehension was still clear in his eyes. But there was something else there, too — trust. Eirik had kept his word, giving Aeryn space and time, and the prince trusted him to keep his promise again.

Eirik leaned in slowly, his lips brushing against Aeryn's in a gentle kiss. The prince's breath hitched, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned into the kiss, shy but willing. Eirik's hand slid into Aeryn's hair, the soft strands slipping through his fingers like silk. He deepened the kiss, but carefully, always mindful of Aeryn's reactions.

When they finally came together that night, it was nothing like the first time. Eirik was patient, gentle, and attentive to every little sound Aeryn made. The prince's body was still small beneath him, but it responded this time with less fear and more curiosity. And when Aeryn let out a soft moan, the sound made Eirik's heart race.

Outside the door, the maids who had been passing by heard the muffled sounds of pleasure and exchanged knowing looks. One giggled and whispered, "We'll need to prepare a long bath for the young master tomorrow."

Their laughter echoed softly down the hall as they scurried away, leaving the prince and his husband in peace.

The night stretched on, and by the time it was over, Aeryn lay panting, his body curled against Eirik's in a tangle of limbs. His face was flushed, his hair tousled, and his chest heaved with the aftershocks of their lovemaking. Eirik held him close, his fingers gently stroking Aeryn's long hair as he whispered words of comfort and praise.

"You did so well," Eirik murmured, pressing a kiss to Aeryn's temple. "Did you enjoy it?"

Aeryn's face burned with embarrassment, and he buried it against Eirik's chest. His voice was barely above a whisper as he nodded, a small, shy smile tugging at his lips.

Eirik chuckled softly, wrapping his arms more tightly around the prince. "Good," he said, his voice low and full of warmth. "It will only get better. I promise."

Aeryn's breath hitched, but this time it wasn't out of fear. It was something else entirely — something that made his heart race and his body relax in Eirik's protective embrace.

As the firelight flickered and the night grew darker, Eirik curled himself protectively around his young husband, holding him close as they both drifted into a peaceful sleep. For the first time since their union, Aeryn felt safe. And for the first time in his life, Eirik felt something more than duty — he felt love.