I opened my eyes and moaned as my fingers twitched. My golden gaze looked up from where I was, but my mind didn’t put two and two together. I tried to move my arms or my legs, but after a very painful attempt to twitch, I finally realized that I had fallen. I closed my eyes, feeling the pain spike through my body.

What had happened, I thought through my pained haze. Oh . . . I had slipped. I shivered, giving a soft cry as I did so. I still couldn’t change quite well into my bat or mist form, so I had hit the stones with a sickening breaking noise.

I didn’t feel anything, or anyone until I felt a slightly frantic hand checking my pulse, and I opened my eyes, looking into a pair of reflecting blue, shimmering with worry. Who was this? I thought. I couldn’t remember seeing her, but I knew who she was strangely enough.

“Adrian?” Her voice was soft and flowed like silk, and she was whispering but the noise still pierced my skull, making me give a whimper. Her fingers were cool upon my brow as she brushed strands of my hair out of my face. “Adrian, what happened? Did you fall?”

I tried to open my mouth, but all that came out was a gurgle. She tipped my face to the side, and I felt warm liquid slip out of my mouth to puddle on the floor. It slipped down my cheek and down my neck, and I coughed, spitting out more of the liquid. I felt that cool hand brush against my face again, pulling my hair out of the way of the puddle of liquid that I believed to be blood now. After all, I hadn’t eaten anything this morning . . .

“Adrian,” she whispered softly, and I turned my eyes, too weak to move, and caught her polished sapphire gaze.

Finally, recognition dawned in my pain filled haze. “Ph . . . Phoe . . . nix,” I gasped out, my fingers curling uselessly on the stone. The pain pounded at my body and my head, which I cracked as well. I wanted to sob, but I couldn’t find the strength to do so. The pain was choking me, making it hard for me to breathe.

I heard her murmur something before I felt the cool fingers against my bloodied lips. It was all the warning I had until I was pushed forward, her body coming to support my broken frame from behind. I bit down on my lip, my fangs gashing my lower one as I fought not to cry out. My body was shivering, trembling and shaking violently as she pushed my head down on her shoulder, her small body cradling mine.

I felt the cool hand touching my forehead, while her other loosened my cravat, and that restricting feeling upon my throat eased. I hadn’t quite realized that it was choking me until she removed it, laying the silk beside us. I didn’t notice, but before she pulled me up, she had rolled the sleeves of her ruffled shirt up. She gently held out her left wrist, holding it in front of my face.

“Adrian, bite.”

My eyes widened in horror. I had never really bitten someone. I had always knocked them out then slit the wrists, gathering the blood in a chalice. It didn’t feel right to bite them, and I couldn’t make myself do that. To Phoenix, however, it was more than that. I didn’t want her to die. I shook my head, causing me to moan, my stomach turning in distaste and pain.

“Adrian, I want you to live, not to die,” she whispered softly into my ear. Her warm breath washed over my ear, and down my neck. “I embrace both parts of you, and I see and accept what you are, even if you do not. Adrian, if you are to recover from this, you must take blood, and I would prefer that it were mine. I am not . . . quite human in that aspect. It will help you far more than a regular human’s would. Now, considering I don’t want to loose you, and your mother would be furious, bite.”

I really had no other choice but to follow her order. She held her left wrist against my lips and I slowly opened my mouth, my fangs gently scraping against the skin, but didn’t break it. I was too weak to break her skin. I could catch the faint whiff of her blood-scent, and gave a soft cry, my body throbbing in pain. The broken ends of bones grated together as I breathed, and my blood soaked my clothes.

Phoenix gently tilted my head back onto her shoulder, making my neck arch as her free hand produced a dagger out of thin air. I watched her through heavy-lidded eyes as she slipped the tip of the blade along the visible vein on her wrist. A very fine trickle of blood was released and slipped down her fingers as she held her wrist up to my mouth, some of her life slipping down the side of my face, taking the path that my own had traveled.

I hadn’t realized how cold I was until I felt the warm liquid slip down my cheek and down my throat. I swallowed convulsively as the warm life filled my mouth, touching the back of my throat through my parted lips.

Slowly, I opened my mouth, gently settling it upon the wound and cautiously flicked my tongue out. I felt her shiver against me as I did this, and my eyes closed to taste her.

Her blood was coppery, faintly metallic, and yet there was something underneath this taste. It was something I couldn’t quite place my finger on. It wasn’t a human flavor as they tasted mostly the same . . . this was . . . intoxicating, and I wanted more. I gave a slight whimper, feeling the power held within it as it slid down my throat. I remembered that she once told me that she was an old creation from gods and days long gone. If this was true, it was proven by the taste of her blood.

I felt the healing going straight to my wounds, gently righting the bones and closing wounds. Her power danced along my skin, reforming my bones faster than what I could have ever thought. I wanted to taste more of her, the sweet taste of her blood, and my fangs pressed against the wound, slicing it open more.

My tongue lapped at the bleeding wound like a cat with cream. As I gently laved the wound, I felt her shiver again, giving a slight moan as she buried her face through my hair to nuzzle my neck. Her breath was soft, and she swallowed lightly, her right hand lying gently against my stomach. Her fingers tangled into the part in my vest, just a few fingertips touching the silk of the shirt.

Lost in the ecstasy of her Bloodsong, I failed to notice she had been calling my name for a while now. The strength had returned to my body as my hand had lightly clutched hers. I placed a last lingering kiss upon the nearly healed wound, and lowered her hand to rest upon my chest, my own covering and holding it lightly.

My body didn’t hurt as I turned around slightly, using my renewed strength to pull her into my arms. She sat across my lap, her hands gently clutching my shoulders as she turned her expressive blue eyes towards me again. There was a hint of tiredness, but also, barely contained joy, probably at seeing me recover.

I was shocked when I felt her arms go around my neck, holding me tightly against her as she nuzzled her face against my check before laying it against the crook of my neck and shoulder.

My senses were heightened due to her blood, and I brushed my nose along the skin at her neck, breathing in her scent. She smelt like jasmine on a warm night, soft, seductive, and beautiful. I gently tipped her face back with my fingers, seeing the slight flush that adorned her beautiful features. She gave me a soft smile, her left hand resting upon my shoulder, her body seemed to hum against mine while my arms held her close.

I don’t know what possessed me, but my fingers gently held her chin in place as I leaned down, gently capturing her lips with mine. Sure, I was awkward since it was the first kiss I had ever given. My cousin Elizabeth had tried to seduce me more times than I care to remember, but this was different. Phoenix was far more than what I could ever dream. Her lips were sweet as I took my first kiss from her lips, feeling her slender right hand become ensnared in my long, pale hair as she leaned into my touch.

This seemed right, perfect even as I watched her pull back, her eyes shimmering and moving like something alive as she leaned forward. She brushed her lips against mine, a delicate touch as she murmured something against my pliant lips. I didn’t know the language, but it was beautiful as it flowed from her mouth before she claimed mine in a deep kiss . . .

That’s when I figured out my feelings for her weren’t one sided, and she felt the same about me.

I don’t know when, or the why even, but I had grown to love her in more than a platonic way. She danced through my dreams, and sang to my soul. She had always been beside me, helping me when I fell, nursing me when I was sick, and comforting me while I cried. I never doubted that there’d be a day when she wasn’t beside me. She was sunlight within this dark castle, and my light in a world of darkness. I knew now that I could never leave her, and that I never would.

I pulled back from those sweet lips, my fingers gently brushing against her cheek, finally indulging in one of my fantasies. Her skin was so soft, much more than just her wrist or hand. My hand brushed down her neck and over her shoulder, and back up again. My fingers gently traced her lips as she watched me with brilliant blue eyes. There was curiosity there, as well as a little flicker of fear.

She looked at me, gently brushing her cheek against mine before she snuggled closer to me in my arms, her head resting upon my shoulder. “You need rest, Adrian, so it’s up to you which room you wish to go to: Mine or yours?”

I’m sure now that there was an offer in that, and if I chose my chambers, she would have been upset. There would have been something final had I said my chambers. My hand stroked her hair back from her face, the fingers gently caressing her jaw as I thought. I laid my face against her head, whispering softly; “There’s nothing wrong with your chambers, Phoenix. Nothing at all.”

I felt her hands tighten upon my shoulder, and she pulled back, a smile that I had only seen directed at me graced her face. There was something shy in her demeanor now, nothing like the woman who ordered me to bite her, but something vulnerable. I watched as she gracefully stood, offering me her hand to rise.

My body shook like a leaf as I inspected the area around my feet, finally noticing the pools of blood. I realized then, that I could have honestly died there, shattered upon the ground. I looked down for a few seconds until I felt her gently hand squeeze my limp fingers, and I looked over at her. I still hadn’t gained my full height, but I was taller than she. Phoenix probably came to my chin, if not a little lower.

I felt her left arm wrap around my waist, pulling me close as she rested her head upon my chest. She trembled slightly as my free hand came to rest upon her back, holding her against me. She turned to the side, her head still resting upon my chest as she gently, but firmly, propelled me forward, supporting my shaking body as we left the scene of my accident.

I leaned heavily upon her as we made our way to the floating dais that would take us up to the bedchambers of the castle. It was in a nice part of the castle actually, and well away from any disturbance that might occur. It was peaceful and quite, well minus the occasional were-wolf howl, but I’ve grown to that sound, so I’m used to it. I know Phoenix is. The were-wolves seem to love her for some reason, and she likes them. I think what shocked me was that everyone had a name.

The floating dais finally stopped, jerking my already sick stomach, and I leaned heavily against Phoenix as we both stepped off. Her hand gently squeezed my waist as she started to propel me towards her chambers. My feet were slow as I watched every move they made to make sure I’d not fall. I was still shaking when we finally made it to her room.

Phoenix released my left hand as she pushed open the heavy door and then led me inside to sit upon one of her chairs. I collapsed limply into the chair, almost a boneless sprawl. Slouching down, I looked around her room and gave a small smile.

The room was large, but not overtly so. A large four-posted bed sat along the wall, leaving only the head-side of the bed and one side free. It was covered in black silken sheets, covered with pillows of the same color. There was a small fire blazing merrily in the hearth, but what shocked me the most was the massive bookcases that covered all but one wall, which held crystal doors to a balcony and a dresser.

Many, many books lined those shelves. Most of them were really old and worn. The room didn’t smell like old books like the library did, but smelt like her: The soft fragrance of field flowers and the smell of a storm on the horizon. I turned my head, my eyes lighting upon the bookcases and a small table.

The bookcases were tall, nearly touching the vaulted ceiling, and each facing side of the cases were engraved in spiraling ivy designs. The wood was nearly black, and so the etchings showed up as pale strands of silver within. The carvings were everywhere that you could see, almost like a delicate scrawl.

I sighed, turning my eyes away from her bookcases and noticed that she had a book and sheets of parchment lying upon her table. The book was old and care worn, obviously read many times. I leaned slightly to the side to get a better look at it . . .

mênin aeide thea Pêlêïadeô Achilêos

oulomenên, hê muri' Achaiois alge' ethêke,

pollas d' iphthimous psuchas Aïdi proïapsen

hêrôôn, autous de helôria teuche kunessin

oiônoisi te pasi, Dios d' eteleieto boulê,

ex hou dê ta prôta diastêtên erisante

Atreïdês te anax andrôn kai dios Achilleus.

I blinked, trying to make sense of what was written on the paper, and I know I couldn’t make sense with the weird letters in the book itself. It looked almost like the language of the Rus, but this more solid and delicate and some of the letters were strange. The letters seemingly flowed, and the handwriting on the page was as delicate.

I jumped when I felt a slender hand upon my shoulder, and I turned my eyes to look up at Phoenix who was smiling lightly.

“Oh, so you’re interested in my scrawls?”

My face turned slightly red as I looked up into her face. “Actually, what language is that? It almost looks like what the Rus use, and it’s not Romanian.”

She walked over to the table, her fingers lightly tracing the words. “It’s Greek actually. A wonderful story of sorrow, of hate, revenge, and, in a way, love.” She picked up the book and held it out to me. “I was actually starting to transliterate it into Latin, or our alphabet. It makes it easier for me to remember what the words are.” She laughed, almost fondly as she brushed her fingers against what, evidently was her writing. “Greeks are long winded people, Adrian, and they have a word for everything.”

I looked at the book, and I couldn’t make anything of the language or the letters. “But . . . you said it’s a story. What does it say?”

Phoenix laughed and took the book from my hand to sit down on the arm of the chair. She held the book down, pointing at the words as she went translating. “I keep forgetting that not everyone knows Greek. So, here we go: The wrath sings, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles, that destructive wrath which brought countless woes upon the Achaeans, and sent forth to Hades many valiant souls of heroes, and made them themselves spoil for dogs and every bird; thus the plan of Zeus came to fulfillment, from the time when first they parted in strife Atreus' son, king of men, and brilliant Achilles.” She gave me a soft smile before she shut the book. “I was going to translate it into Romanian for you, but I think it looses its beauty when taken out of the Greek. You don’t hear the flow of the words and the inflection correctly.”

I gently took the book from her grasp and turned it over in my hands. “I . . . I would like to learn, if you are willing to teach.” I looked up shyly at her, knowing that she would be pleased by my response. Her fingers brushed over my cheek as she smiled gently at me.

“I would be honored to teach you Greek, young master.” There was an almost playful tilt to her smile at my title.

I gently laid the book upon the table, and placed my hand across her waist to rest upon her side. I looked up into her shimmering eyes and smiled lightly. “I think that’s the first time you’ve called me ‘young master’.”

Her fingers gently tucked a few strands of my hair behind my ear before the fingertips brushed against my jaw. “Mayhaps I saw it as my one last time to call you that. It seems fitting.”

Her soft touches sent fire racing along my skin, and I leaned slightly into the touch, my lips lightly brushing her wrist. “Indeed,” I murmured softly against her wrist, lightly kissing the faint mark of her blade upon her skin. “And I should call you my teacher once last time.” I gave a smile, probably baring some of my fangs. “But then again, you’ll always be my teacher.” I laid a soft kiss in the center of her palm, my free hand reached up to gently cup her wrist.

I felt her body give a delicate shiver, and her hand trembled in mine as she turned it over to lace her fingers with mine. Her thumb caressed the back of my hand, and now it was my turn to shiver. The touches she gave seemed to be going straight to my head, no pun involved. I released her hand, and I tugged her so that she fell off the arm of the chair and sprawled into my lap.

She twisted in my lap, turning to face me as I sucked in a swift breath. Her eyes were smiling as her right hand brushed against my cheeks before slowly falling to rest against the left side of my chest, settling above where my heart beat. She worked her left arm behind my head as she pulled me closer, my arms tightening around her waist and keeping her close.

Her lips brushed tenderly before gently settling them against mine. Her sweet tasted lingered on my lips as she pulled back, the blue depths of her eyes darkened in thought. Slowly, her right hand slipped to my throat, her fingers gently playing with the buttons of the silken shirt.

Her eyes seemed to lighten and a soft smile played upon her lips as she bent forward, shifting her body so that she was straddled across my lap. Her lips brushed my cheeks, my closed eyes as I released a soft sound into the dark night. Her lips trailed across my jaw, kissing the underside, up to the area behind my ear. Her soft breath fanned against me, making me shiver as she placed a light kiss upon my ear. I gave another noise as I felt her soft fingers unbutton a few of the shirts closures, gently brushing against the speeding pulse in my throat.

I shivered, my mouth moving soundlessly and my throat swallowed with a click as I felt her gently take the flesh of my neck into her mouth and bite. I felt a stirring in my loins as Phoenix’s lips caressed my throat, her teeth sometimes biting, and my hands tightened upon her waist. I wanted to pull her closer to me, tighter against me as I felt her push against the hardness that was developing in my groin. I couldn’t help but gasp as she pushed herself harder against me, her fingers slowly and gently unbuckling my vest. Her hands were slow, as were her lips, trying not to startle or scare me, but to make me relax and ease me.

She deftly unbuckled my belt, slipping that and the sword and sheath over the side of the chair to fall gently to the ground. My body arched under her soft hands as her lips gently kissed the hollow of my throat, and gently back up the other side. I felt her lips linger over the blood trails, gently flicking out her tongue to take some of it.

My eyes closed as my head rolled back against the chair, and my breath came in a sharp gasp. I shivered and my body arched under her soft touches as she deftly, yet slowly and gently, unbuckled my vest, slowly unclasping my shirt. Her warm lips touched every inch of bared skin, making me shiver.

In the back of my mind, I was worried and nervous, but Phoenix was soft and gentle, easing these feelings out of my body, but I couldn’t help but feel apprehension. I didn’t want to hurt her, nor make myself feel like a fool. The feelings . . . I gave a soft moan as her slender hands tentatively brushed my skin, making me give a soft cry. Her hands elicited emotions that were foreign, yet familiar and wonderful. I was grateful that I could repay her with my innocence. I found it immensely funny that I was innocent. I was an adult for three years, and yet I had never stepped up to do what my father entreated.

‘Be a man, Adrian,’ he would tell me, but there was no woman that I wanted, well, only one that I wanted. I never thought that she would feel for me. Only in my darkest desires had I ever thought that this would happen.

My hand reached out to gently stroke the soft red-gold hair as I felt her soft silk shirt brush against my chest. She kissed her way back up, her hands lingering on my exposed sides. My fingers tangled in her hair, claming her lips in a passionate kiss. My right hand gently ran down her back, softly stroking her.

I softly brushed my lips across her cheeks, over her chin to the underside of her jaw. Trailing my lips up her jaw to her ear, I gently nipped at the lobe, her body shivering in my arms. I couldn’t really bite her flesh, more like nipping it. My fangs would get in the way if I tried to bite her like she had me. I contented myself with softly nipping at the warm flesh as I brushed kisses down to the hollow of her throat.

She arched back, baring her throat to my mouth as her hands slipped up to grasp my shoulders. Her throat arched as I brushed my fangs against the pulse in her throat, making her give a sharp gasp. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I gently laved the left side of her neck. I could smell her sweet blood under the skin and smiled, knowing that she was mine, and would give that gift to no other man. My teeth nipped slightly harder at her skin, leaving a nice mark there as I continued down the slim line of her neck.

I brought one of my trembling hands between us, my fingers deftly snaring the ribbon of her shirt as I kissed the base of that slender neck. I shifted in the chair slightly, my other hand upon her back, holding her close. My fingers twined around the lace, gently pulling it out of the eyelet. Once it was freed, I tossed the ribbon over the side of the chair, and sat there, my face nuzzling the hollow of her throat.

Gods, I wanted so much to please her, but I was unsure of how to proceed. I only knew that I was aching, and I wanted her to touch me. I gave a shuddering sigh as I felt the fingers of her left hand gently stroking the back of my neck, sending the feeling straight to my loins.

Phoenix was trembling as she ran her right hand down my arm to gently grasp my hand. Gently, she ran it up the front of her body, settling it against her rounded breast.

I looked up at her, still apprehensive, as she brushed a few strands of my hair out of my face. Her smile was delicately clothing her lips as she nodded, strands of red-gold hair fell down between us. Her fingers gently brushed the back of my hand before she brought her right hand to cup my cheek.

“Go ahead, Adrian, and do what you feel. Don’t be ashamed or frightened that you don’t know.” She bent forward, brushing her warm lips against mine, and her dark blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “That’s what being innocent is about, karemia.” There was a slight breathless tinge to her voice, and I was glad I wasn’t the only one feeling that way.

I leaned my face up and brushed a kiss across her lips. “Are you?” My voice was filled with need, and it was husky, not sounding at all like my own voice.

Her smile wavered slightly, and she tilted her head a fraction to the right. Her eyes darkened in thought, contemplating something. She opened her mouth, then closed it with a slight frown tugging at her lips, still thinking. “Adrian, would you be mad that a woman you slept with wasn’t innocent?”

I thought for a second, my right hand gently rubbing her back. “No, as long as there was affection between us. Why do you ask?”

She tilted her head more, my response lightened her dark eyes. “Because, simply stated, I am not.”

I felt a stab of jealousy, but I mentally shook my head. She was an adult woman who had lived far longer than I ever would. I didn’t own her, nor could I ever. She was like the sun: you could try and catch it, but you’d not have it for long. What right did I have to feel jealousy?

I bit my lip as I looked up at her. I’d found that I’d perfected the art of biting my lip and not gashing it with my fangs. I gently removed my hand from her breast to brush the backs of my fingers against her cheek. “Did you feel . . . affection for him?”

She looked at me, her eyes lighting in humor, but a sorrowful one. “No. He cared not about me, but only of my title . . .” She looked away briefly, something infinitely vulnerable in her face. “I did not want him . . . I did not care about him . . .” She turned back to me, her fingers gently stilling any comment I might make. “It is in the past now, and that is where it shall stay. Right now, all that matters is you and I.” She leaned forward, her fingers against my cheek as she kissed me.

I didn’t know what to think. What she had just told me . . . it could be alluded to that she was forced, and that would explain the fear I saw earlier. The strange vulnerable demeanor that she seemed to radiate now. That was one emotion I would never have imagined Phoenix showing, or even feeling. She was never vulnerable, or at least, so I thought. Now I knew differently.

Her soft silk shirt fell open as she pressed herself against me, making me gasp into her mouth at the alien feeling of warm flesh against my own. I couldn’t think right but the word ‘forced’ echo through my mind. I gently grasped her shoulders, tugging her back lightly. “If you don’t feel comfortable . . . we don’t have to continue this . . .” Gods, those words hurt for me to say, but I knew that if she wasn’t at ease with this, I’d never forgive myself.

Her eyes sparkled before they claimed my lips. “Adrian, if I was uncomfortable, I wouldn’t have asked you into my chambers . . .” Her breath was soft as it whispered against my parted lips. “I wouldn’t be sitting here like this with you, my prince.” She brushed a soft kiss against my trembling mouth. “I . . . want you, Adrian,” she whispered, her voice soft, and husky. “And I want to touch you . . . I want to make you remember this night . . .”

My eyes closed, and my head rolled back again as I felt her flutter soft kisses on my throat before biting down hard on the area right under edge of my jaw. The bite made me arch my back, giving a low moan as the sensations traveled straight to my loins again. I was painfully aroused, and I had the feeling she was just starting her touches.

“Let me touch you, Adrian,” She whispered against me as my throat arched in utter trust. My body trembled badly as her hands found their way back inside the opened shirt, gently touching the sensitive skin as she continually tortured my neck. It barely registered when I felt her slender hand slip between us to fleetingly caress my restrained member, and my eyes shot open with a sharp cry before they closed on a moan.

I was breathing in ragged gasps, feeling her slender fingers lightly, and fleetingly brush against me. I couldn’t find the strength to open my eyes, and so I sat there, focusing upon the delicate touch of her fingers and the warm, wet kisses that branded my throat. I felt her left hand caress the skin on my collar before slipping around my shoulder, fingers kneading the flesh there. Her right hand was lightly running along me, and I arched my back, trying to force her hand against me.

There was a breathless chuckle, then I felt her hand slip apart the laces upon my leather pants. I felt the tension slowly ease out of my waist as the ties were pulled slowly apart and soon, there was no restriction upon my erection. I gave a startled cry as I felt the tips of her fingers brush against my freed erection. The touch was gentle, and trembling, but it was a steady pressure as she caressed me. I felt her lean back to watch me toss my head against the chair. As I said, only in my darkest fantasies had I ever thought this would happen. The feel of her soft fingers caressing me was almost too much for me to take, and I gently grasped her wrist, bringing her hand to my mouth, kissing her fingers that were slick and warmed by my own flesh.

The taste was unique, salty and yet not entirely unpleasant. It was my own taste and essence I licked and suckled. Her fingers were trembling, so was her whole body as I kissed and licked at her fingers. My right hand gently tugged her close to me, my lips tenderly claming her own. Soft and gentle kisses were exchanged as I pulled her closer to me, feeling her leather clad legs brush against my freed erection.

I slowly kissed the corner of her mouth, trailing down lower to place soft, gentle, sucking bites upon her slender throat, making her gasp and arch her throat in trust to me. My hands gently tugged the back of her shirt up, wanting to touch the bare skin of her back. I completely tugged her shirt out of her pants, and my hands settled against her bare flanks, my fingers gently caressing her spine. She shivered as I sat forward, bringing myself closer to her. I slipped my left hand up her side, brushing the side of her breast. She gasped, then moaned softly as my fingers fluttered lightly over the smooth, warm skin.

Her slender fingers dug into my shoulders under the shirt and vest, giving a soft moan as my fingers brushed fleetingly against her nipple, drawing it into a hard nub. At her soft gasps, I grew bolder and gently rolled the hardened flesh between my fingers. I ran my hands up to her shoulders, gently parting the shirt and slipping it off her shoulders. Now, there were no hindrances in touching her, and I could fully see what she had always concealed.

For my entire life, I’ll always remember the first time I saw her at my father’s many balls. I was being hounded by cousin Elizabeth and several other feather-brained ladies, and I had finally gotten away when I turned and saw her standing there, so prim and poised, and yet she was shy. I didn’t understand why until I made my way over to her. She was wearing a dress. A dress! It was a long, burnt cream color with golden embroidery at the waist, neck, and hem, and where the cloth gathered upon her upper arms, leaving the fabric to fall gracefully down to her wrists. Her delicate feet were clad in golden sandals, lacing up her slender calves. Her hair was upswept, a few of those beautiful burnished gold, shimmering in the many candles of the ballroom. The hair was softly curling and pulled high atop her head, her slender neck was exposed. A golden choker covered that slender neck, seeming as if it were part of her own skin. She shifted on her feet, her eyes shy as they looked around the room. Her dress curled around her body, clinging and accenting her soft curves. The neckline was low, stopping at the gentle swell of her breasts as they were hugged close together due to the corset that was likely worn underneath. For some reason, I seriously doubted that she wore the corset.

I remember I walked over to her, hearing my cousin’s shrill cry as she looked for me. She was shocked, her beautiful blue eyes reflecting that, and more. She was happy that I was here, smiling with delight. Cousin Elizabeth and the featherbrains showed up, rudely interrupting our pleasant conversation, stating that I belonged to Elizabeth. Belonged! I couldn’t believe my cousin stated that! I was a member of the Royal house, and there for, the only person who owned be until I came of age was my father. Cousin Elizabeth was shaming the Tepes family name! She had been flirting with nearly every male in the room, me included!

Phoenix calmly took my arm, ever the one to smooth the waters, and stated that I was waiting for my lady to show up. The Dark Priest Shaft had detained her, she said. She also stated that I had previous obligations concerning her, and that a promise was a promise. I couldn’t help but smile, placing my hand over hers as befitted a gentleman. Cousin Elizabeth was very furious, but she left Phoenix alone, knowing full well that Phoenix was in my father’s good graces.

It was also the first time I had ever danced with her, better yet, the first time I had ever held her. I remember being little, and her comforting me when I crashed into the wall, but this was different. I held her a little closer than was proper as we danced, most people getting out of our way just to watch us. I felt her trembling in my arms as she looked up into my eyes. My gaze fell down to where she was close against me, and my eyes caught her breasts, barely covered at this perspective, and I blushed, pulling her closer to me and laying my head down upon hers. My cheek brushing her ear and soft hair. I had drawn our hands together between us and my left hand was still modestly placed upon her upper back. Her fingers had tightened against my shoulder, clutching some of the velvet jacket.

I was brought back to the present as I felt her hands move away from my shoulders as she allowed her shirt to slip from her arms, falling at my booted feet. I looked up at her, catching those beautiful sapphire depths sparkling with trust and love. Her breasts were perfectly formed, rounded, generous and yet not large. It was as if she were like the carved statues in the chapel. Her skin was smooth, like the marble of those statues, but tinged a very pale pink, no, actually more of a soft gold hue. Her nipples were a delicate pink, and I turned my face up to hers again. Her delicate features were tinged with a delicate blush at my scrutiny, as her hands came back to wrap around my neck, drawing me into a gentle kiss.

The delicate and slender fingers of her right hand brushed through the hair at my temple as the kiss slowly became more aggressive. I felt her give a soft moan into the kiss as I brought my hand up to gently cup her breast, kneading the warm, exposed flesh. I broke off the kiss, to gently kiss a path down her neck, fluttering kisses over her exposed shoulders, and down further until I kissed the start of the gentle swelling of her breasts.

I bent my face down further, tenderly kissing the sensitive flesh. I felt her fingers tighten in my hair, her hands trembling as I brushed kisses around the hardened nipple.

“Adri . . . Adrian . . .” Her voice was a breathless whisper, a soft moan at the beginning. I trembled, shivering in delight at the way she moaned my name. “Adrian, please . . .” Need laced her voice, making it softer than I had ever heard.

I obliged her whispered plea and gently brushed my lips against her nipple before taking the small nub into my mouth. I heard her cry out, her fingers convulsing in the long strands of my hair as her back arched as I slowly licked and suckled at her breast, brushing my face against it before I switched to her other one.

Her voice was ragged as she moaned my name. I decided to be daring and gently took the nipple between my teeth, biting down, nipping at her sensitive flesh. I felt her one of her hands gently stroking my hair, trembling. Her body was humming, vibrating with her pleasure and I was pleased that she was finding ecstasy in my touch. She was shivering, shifting in my lap and causing the juncture of her thighs to brush and press against my erection. I moaned softly before I bit at her other breast, not wanting to neglect the other of the new sensation.

With reluctance, I pulled myself away from the play at her breasts to lightly nip the offered throat, biting gently at the area under her ear. I brushed my cheek against hers before I whispered softly to her.

“I think this chair has out done it’s usefulness, don’t you think?” I was quite aware that her intimate spot was pressed tightly against my erection, her hips moved every once in a while, pressing down into mine. She was as aroused as I was, if not more as I saw the delicately flushed features.

I brushed her hair back, tucking it behind her ear as she blinked, my hands traveling from her waist down her thighs and back to gently wrap around her back, pulling her as close as she could get to me. Her breasts molded themselves against my chest, sending thrills of pleasure through my body to settle in my loins.

She buried her face into my neck, my hair feathering around her as she nuzzled the crook of my neck with her nose. “Yes, let us move, my prince.”

I shivered lightly as she snuggled closer, her breath fanning my neck. “Then come,” I whispered as I slowly stood, allowing her to unravel her long legs to stand in front of me. I gently pushed her shirt from where my feet sat, gently letting her slip down so that her booted feet touched the ground. My hands were splayed upon her back, holding her close.

She gently pulled away from me, swaying lightly upon her feet. I shook my arms allowing the silk shirt and velvet vest fall back onto the chair, baring me from the waist up. I blushed slightly when I realized that I was fully bared to her loving gaze. She smiled gently at my embarrassment as she held out her trembling hand, and without hesitation, I took it, allowing her to pull me close to the side of her bed.

Phoenix stepped back from me, her fingertips trailing from my face, down my neck, and over my shoulders. They trailed down further over my taught stomach muscles to gently touch my aching erection. I trembled, my eyes closing part way. I gasped as she gave me a gentle squeeze before resting her hands upon my waist.

“You look erotic like that, Adrian. Nearly completely nude, clad in black, standing out proudly while your moonbeam hair floats around you,” she whispered softly, my acute hearing picking it up. “Midnight and starlight, Adrian . . .”

I gave her a soft smile before I reached out to grasp her waist in my hands, gently kneading the supple curve of her body. I ran the tips of my fingers up and down her sides. I placed my hands upon her hips, gently squeezing her. The leather was so soft, it was hard to believe it was it was leather. It was supple and clung to her body, as did her knee-high boots, much like mine. I swiftly knelt in front of her, my face nuzzling her stomach as she ran her fingers through my hair.

Her hands braced themselves on my shoulders as she shifted her weight, bringing one foot off the ground so that I could slip the boot from her leg. The leg was taught, lean and slender under my hands, the leather making it slimmer than what it was. I repeated the process with the other leg until she stood there clad only in her leather pants. I looked up at her through the fall of my pale hair, and smiled at her.

Phoenix’s body was tense as my fingers gently picked the laces apart. As the laces started to become looser, revealing her flesh, I brushed my lips against the trembling warmth. Her fingers tightened upon my shoulders as my tongue darted out to lick at the exposed skin, causing her to shiver and give a soft moan.

Soon, I had her laces undone, my fingers gently hooking the waist at her back. My fingers softly caressed her rear before I slowly slipped the soft leather off her slender form. Without words, she lifted her slender feet, allowing me to fully unmask her beauty. My fingers gently trailed from the smooth skin upon her calves up to the gentle curves of her hips.

She was small and slender, more so than I ever thought, and suddenly, as I looked upon her, I realized how right it was to be kneeling before her. She was a goddess, an angel that should be worshipped, loved, adored. And she was mine.

I felt her fingers brushing through my silken hair, making me give a purr deep in my throat as I nuzzled her stomach. The fingers of my right hand gently caressed the soft skin of her lower stomach. I slowly slipped them lower as I brushed open-mouthed kisses beneath her navel. My fingers slipped lower, brushing the shivering flesh at the corner of her thigh before brushing through the soft curls at the apex of her thighs.

I felt her tremble as my fingers brushed over the delicate hairs. I glanced up at her, smiling to myself as I watched her neck arch back, her eyes closing as she bit her lip. Her fingers trembled as they brushed through my hair, the other holding tight to my shoulder. I leaned back as I let my right hand part the dusting of red-gold hair that was there as my left held her hip steady.

She shifted her legs, parting them to allow me access to her, still trembling, waiting for my attention. I hesitated a few seconds before I brushed trembling fingers over her warmth, making her give a startled gasp. My fingers gently brushed against her, firmer as I felt her response. Wetness started to cover my fingers as I gently caressed her, drawing out soft gasps.

I slowly slipped my index finger into her wetness, making her cry out, her fingers digging tightly into my shoulder. She gave sharp little pants that bordered on moans as I gently slipped my finger in and out of her. She was warm, wet, and snug around my finger as I slowly slipped a second finger into her, making her release more of those panting moans. The soft noises, the moans and the occasional groan set my blood on fire.

My thumb brushed against the little bud I had found while brushing through the hair. Her response was exquisite. Phoenix arched her back, trying to push her hips against my fingers as she let out a shocked cry. I slowly pulled away, gently removing my fingers, and stood, wrapping my arms around her, afraid she might faint on me. Her body was trembling violently in my arms as she buried her face into my chest.

“Why did you stop?” I heard her whisper in a trembling voice. Her breathing came in soft gasps that fluttered strands of my hair.

I laid my cheek upon her soft hair. “Because I thought I had hurt you and you looked about ready to faint.”

She shook her head, pulling back to look up at me, her eyes darkened in pleasure. “No, Adrian. You didn’t hurt me . . .” She gently placed her hand over my heart. “If you were worried that I would faint, you should have placed me on the bed. That’s what it’s there for.” She smiled at me, impish as she brushed a kiss against my chest, over my heart, before looking back at me. “Besides, I think one of us is over dressed . . .”

I felt the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth as I took a step backwards to bend forward, my fingers deftly untying and slipping off the knee-high boots that I wore. I straightened, then turned my face away, knowing a blush crept there in my cheeks as I slipped my slender fingers under the waist of the pants, slowly slipping them down over my hips, and finally, bending forward to slip them off my legs. I straightened again, my face still turned away as I finally stood unclothed in front of her.

I jumped slightly as I felt her soft fingertips brush along the line of my hip, gently brushing against my thigh. I let out a trembling breath as she wrapped her arms around me, her fingers gently brushing the curve of my rear. I pulled her tightly against me, my aching erection pressing into her soft stomach and her supple breasts molded against me. My fingers curled under her shapely rear, pulling her tighter against my hips as my lips caught hers in a sharp and sweet kiss.

She whimpered softly into my mouth as I drew her closer, the tips of her toes barely brushing the ground as I nipped at her lower lip. My kisses trailed lower to place more of those gentle, sucking bites on her neck, making her pant harshly. I slowly padded the short distance to her bed, gently lowering her upon the soft silk covers, my lips never leaving the flesh at her throat. I gently kissed down the slender column of her neck, kissing her collarbone and shoulders before I moved down, laving each one of her breasts before moving lower still.

My hands stroked her sides, making her sigh with pleasure before I slipped even lower, kneeling upon the floor. Swiftly I parted her trembling knees, gently kissing them before I kissed the insides of her thighs. Her skin was so soft as I nuzzled higher, not daring to breathe before I placed a very soft kiss upon the juncture of her inner thigh. I inhaled her soft scent. It was sweet smelling, and I looked at her womanhood before I placed a soft kiss upon her dark pink lips.

I heard her strangled cry, her fingers tightening in my hair as I gently kissed her. My lips wandered over the area between her thighs, my tongue lapped out, catching the honey-like fluid from her flesh as one of my hands gently parted her glistening petals. Her moans were like an intoxicating syrup as I flicked my tongue around her. Her taste alone was addicting as I slipped my tongue around her opening, worshipping her as she should be.

My questing lips found the small bud that my fingers had before, and I gently swirled my tongue around her, as a slow finger penetrated her. Her harsh cry caressed my ears as she panted, her hips moving in time with the motions of my finger. Her moans were erotic as I continued my ministrations to her delicate flesh.

“Adrian! Please!” Her soft cry was mingled with a gentle tugging of her hands in my hair. With great reluctance, I slipped my finger free from her, and placed a last, lingering kiss upon her before slipping in the bed beside her.

Her eyes were bright, shining with emotion as she lifted a shaking hand to brush her fingertips against my cheek. The fingers slipped down and curled around my neck to bring me into a passionate kiss. I felt her leg hook around mine, tugging at me to roll over atop her. I resisted, instead, tugging her forward to sprawl against my chest.

She brushed her hair out of her wide eyes, watching me. I gave her a smile, my hands gently brushing against her face before settling upon her waist. “Please, you are in control. I will not take you; you must take me.” I felt her fingers shakily brush my cheek, her eyes still wide as she sat straddled across my waist.

“But, I mean, I don’t . . .”

I smiled, repeating Phoenix’s own words. “It’s alright if you don’t know, Phoenix. Just do what you feel. Besides, I think you’d enjoy this much better.” I gently pushed her hips lower against me, and I felt my own erection brush against her rear. I groaned, my eyes closing slightly.

I felt, more than saw her nod, and she slowly rose, resting herself on her knees above my hips. One slender hand rested upon my chest, while her other, reached down, gently caressing me. I moaned softly and opened my eyes, watching her move.

Her hand was like a feather, gently flitting over my aching member before she held it gently and lowered herself upon me. I gasped at the feeling of scalding wetness as it touched me, slowly slipping around me to engulf the head. I arched my neck, my eyes fluttering, but not closing as she slowly made progress, slipping and holding me within her slick warmth.

The feeling of being inside of her was indescribable. She was warm, wet and soft all in one. The warmth was slow as it enveloped my erection, the gentle wetness slipping against me for easier access. I watched as Phoenix’s head fell back, her hair cascading beyond her shoulders, her back arching as she settled herself upon me having taken me fully within her. Her eyes were closed and her breasts heaved with the exertion of breathing. Her kiss-swollen lower lip was caught between her teeth, as she trembled within her feelings.

My breath caught as I felt her completely wrapped around me. Her slender hand clenched lightly upon my chest, her nails making small marks in the flesh. My left hand rose, twining my fingers with her hand that lay upon my chest.

My breathing was harsh when she finally opened her eyes, shimmering with the deepest shade of blue that I’ve not seen the equal. A tear fell down her face as she brought our entwined fingers to her face, brushing her tear-streaked cheek against my hand.

“Light, this . . . this is beautiful, Adrian,” she whispered, her breathing still coming in short pants. She moved her hips slightly, making me slide within her, and we both gasped. I saw an impudent smile curve her sensual lips as she rose slightly then slid back down. I groaned feeling her wet sheath slipping around me, and caressing me as she slowly rose and fell, taking me within her body repeatedly.

Her hips rose and fell over mine as I gently trailed my hand from her cheek, down to play with a curve of her breast, before falling lower to knead into her waist. Lower still my hand fell until I gently brushed against the nest of soft hairs that crowned the apex of her things. My fingers dallied there, dipping and brushing against her sensitive spots, making her arch back and cry out pleasantly.

I loved the sound of those cries, and I wanted to drink them from her lips, but I was letting her set this pace. It was the best I could do for her. Give her the freedom that was taken from her in her first encounter, and I was content to give her this.

I closed my eyes, my back arching as I harmonized with her gently thrusting hips. I felt a gentle tugging upon my shoulders, and I opened my eyes to see her bright blue ones smoldering with passion and love. Slowly I sat up, sliding within her body as I groaned.

Phoenix wrapped her legs around my back, her ankles crossing behind me as she rocked against me. Her slender arms encircled my neck, drawing me forward into a fierce kiss that took my breath away. Even through our kiss, she didn’t stop the moaning pants.

I smiled through the kiss as my fingers brushed against her while my right hand wrapped around her back, softly stroking down her spine. Her eyes flew wide, her back arching as she pushed herself against me with more force. Her lips broke away from mine as a low cry tumbled from her lips, her head falling back to my open-mouthed kisses.

My lips roamed over her sweating flesh, taking the salty liquid upon my tongue as I lapped against her neck. I felt her body tighten around me, her left hand tightening in my hair while her right tensed on my shoulder. Her sheath squeezed me tighter, and I groaned, hiding my face in the crook of her neck as I felt my ending coming soon.

She groaned, panting harshly into my ear. Phoenix held my face into her neck, whispering to me. “Adrian, take . . . from me what . . . you’ve given . . . to me.”

I let out a low moan, my lips brushing back and forth against the mesmerizing pulse within her. “Oh gods, Phoenix! Do you know . . . what . . . what you’re asking?” I felt her starting to tighten more about me, caressing me with soft little spasms. My whole body was drawn as tight as bowstring begging to be released.

“I do,” she whispered, her lips brushing my ear before she tossed her head, her hair flying behind her and baring her neck completely as she tugged my head closer, my cheek resting against the pulse. “Please, take . . . take what I offer you. It’s the only . . . only purity I have . . .”

I felt her shudder as I withdrew my fingers from between us. Wrapping my arms around her body, I held her close, my lips brushing against her pulse once more before I felt my fangs lengthen slightly. I placed a gentle open-mouthed kiss upon her neck, my tongue darting out to mark her before my fangs slipped into her skin.

Phoenix let out a shocked cry, her release pouring out of her as we both convulsed, attaining our perfection. I released within her as I felt her slick sheath clenching me. I shivered as the warmth filled my mouth again, the rich, coppery fluid of her life. I drank, and I felt her body shivering and shuddering within my arms, as we both felt our orgasms fall over us like water. Again and again, we climaxed in that perfect union, and finally, I fell back upon her bed, her body falling into a boneless sprawl on top of me.

Tears fell down my cheeks as I rolled on my side, gathering her close to me, my lips gently holding on to the bite mark. I withdrew from the bite, my tongue gently taking the last drops before I buried my face into her shoulder, my hair falling around us like a blanket. She stirred within my arms, her breath soft and comforting.

Her hands trembled as they wrapped around me, clinging to me as much as I was clinging to her. After both of our breathing patterns calmed down, she slowly pulled back, laying her head beside mine, nose to nose. Her eyes were like shining lapis, calm, serene, and utterly beautiful. My hand shook as I brushed a stray lock of red-gold hair behind her ear, my fingers tenderly brushing against her cheek. My fingertips wiped away the tracks of her tears; they gently traced the contours of her face, settling upon her kiss-swollen lips.

I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t get my mouth to work. No sound would come out of my throat. I felt her hand move from my back to gently brush my own strands of moonbeam hair out of my face. Her fingers ran along my face much like mine did to her. The fingertips gently fluttered against my parted lips before they fell down to rest upon the left side of my chest.

Her eyes were shining as she whispered softly to me. “Yours and mine . . . they beat as one, Adrian.”