It was hard to sleep that night.
Aveline was tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable position.
But there was none.
Theo seemed content enough to lay on his front with an arm flopping off the bed and lightly snoring.
He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow!
How do men do that?
Aveline sighed.
The silver of moonlight streaming through curtains was distracting.
The cracking of the firewood should be calming but she felt anxious that it would go out when they sleep.
Theo’s body heat should be reassuring, but she was worried about waking him up.
Aveline just couldn’t sleep.
The case was too close to home.
Like a mirror of her life.
Maybe fathers are crappy everywhere…
Deciding that she would be more successful with a sleeping tonic, Aveline sat up, making sure that Theo was undisturbed, and got up.
However, her feet barely touched the floor before she was suddenly pulled back into a warm, solid, naked chest.
“Theo!” She loudly whispered.
“Hm.” The man’s voice was deep and husky as he nuzzled into his wife’s hair.
“Don’t go.” His arms tightened around her stomach.
“I was going to come back.” Aveline whispered.
Is he awake?
“Stay here.” Theo’s body was like a furnace.
He slept naked – Aveline only realised after the second time sharing a bed.
Theo had encouraged her to do the same but she only flicked his forehead at the suggestion.
“I’m right here.” She reassured him while patting his forearms to loosen his hold.
But the scars there distracted her.
Aveline felt a raised one on the outer arm.
He must have gotten his while blocking an attack.
Then she felt another one, near his palm.
Possible accident; maybe from cooking…
As she mapped out each scar, her eyes slowly began to close until it was all dark.
The next time she opened them, it was because of something very distracting behind her.
Although her mind was awake, her body was in that marvellous state where her limbs felt relaxed and numb.
So, Aveline did the next best thing, and shuffled back slightly to feel –
Is that a weapon?
Even with her eyes closed, her brows furrowed.
Luckily, the owner of the ‘weapon’ made his presence known.
“Apologies, my wife.” Theo’s morning voice was deep with a hint of raspiness to it.
His voice never failed to make Aveline feel heat down there.
“It seems like my dragon has arisen too early.”
It was at the moment, Aveline realised that her head was laying on his arm as a pillow.
Theo used his other arm to pull her closer and his ‘dragon’ nestled itself tightly between her buttocks.
So hard.
Her husband sighed contently as he pulled them so close that there was barely any space between them.
He buried his face into her neck to litter light pecks along the skin.
Aveline didn’t even have it in her to scold him for pulling her nightgown down to peek at her breasts.
It’s not like he hasn’t seen it before.
“Although, you are stirring the dragon quite a bit…” He spoke more to himself than anyone else.
I should move.
Tell him off.
Aveline considered her options:
Move from the most comfortable position ever to reprimand her husband for being horny.
Or, pretend to be asleep and let him pamper her.
The option with the less movement won.
So, Aveline did nothing as Theo’s hand slowly reached in and cupped a breast.
Her nipples were already hard from the moment she felt his erection against her.
“Ha…” Aveline breathed as she felt his hot hands on her.
Theo paused.
I can hear you think!
Probably imagine the smile as well.
Then he began to gently massage the flesh between his palm.
Sword-calloused fingers twisted and pinched her nipple as his hips began to move against her back.
Don’t make a sound!
Don’t let him know that you’re enjoying this!
Under the pillow, her hand fisted the sheets as Theo’s thrusts sped up and a wet patch was forming on her garment.
He rolled the nipple between two knuckles before lightly tugging it upwards.
The mix of pain and pleasure was something that Aveline didn’t expect to enjoy.
But she wanted more.
“Ngh.” Her husband moaned right against her ear.
His hot breath tickled her skin as his actions grew more erratic.
“Aveline…!”
With a high-pitch moan, Theo buried his face against his wife’s neck as he came all over her nightgown.
Silence fell over them as they bathed in the afterglow.
Theo cuddled up behind her as he sweetly stroked the chestnut locks.
“Do you want me to…?” His voice drifted as he made the offer.
How sweet.
Aveline smiled with her eyes still closed.
“If I agree, I don’t think we’ll leave this bed.” She laughed as she rolled her neck to nuzzle towards the man.
“I can’t help it if my wife is too irresistible.” His lips found her as they shared their first kiss of the day.
This is nice.
I like it.
Unfortunately, that sentiment didn’t last long the moment Wren sashayed into the room.
“Good morning, Lovebirds!” Her voice was so loud that it echoed off the walls.
Immediately, Aveline and Theo scrambled to pull the quilt up to their chests.
They avoided the older woman’s eyes as they tried to be as nonchalant as possible.
Wren stood at the end of the bed with her hands on her hips.
She took in Aveline’s blushing cheeks and Theo’s stubborn grip on the fabric.
Wren narrowed her eyes.
“Did I disturb something?”
“Yes!”
“Not at all!”
Theo and Aveline replied at the same time.
The pair shared a panicked glance.
“I was going to get up to make some tea anyway.” Aveline offered a friendly smile as she shrugged and made a move to get up.
But Theo’s arm stopped her.
His eyes were shaking in panic as he subtly shook his head.
What?
Aveline wanted to say something, but Wren was observing them like a hawk.
“Seems like I did intrude.” Wren gasped dramatically.
“Ah, young love!” She teased.
Theo rolled his eyes as he put on his king voice.
“Why are you here?” He raised a brow.
Wren looked the pair up and down, dragging out the pause until Aveline felt like she wanted to hide.
Then a smile broke out.
“It’s finally ready! I wanted to tell you myself as soon as possible!”
At first, Theo seemed confused as he blinked at the elder.
But Wren was nothing if not persistent.
“You know – what you planned…” She hinted through gritted teeth.
“Planned what?” This time, Aveline was looking at him too.
“Did you cum so hard that your brain stopped working?”
Aveline gasped as she pulled away from the man.
How did she know?
Her horror turned to admiration when Wren swiftly dodged the pillows that Theo threw at her.
How is she so fast?
It was Theo’s turn to grit his teeth.
“Yes, I recall.” He ran a hand through his hair as he nodded to the woman.
“We shall join you outside.”
Both of us?
Wren curtsied before taking her leave.
Her eyes met Aveline’s and she winked before dashing out the door.
The pair sat in an awkward silence.
Aveline pulled the duvet closer as Theo stole glances at her.
When their eyes accidentally met, they both spoke at the same time, again.
“What did you plan?”
“Do you want to bathe together?”
“Ah.” Aveline bowed her head awkwardly.
This man just had his hands on you and now you can’t even look him in the eyes?
“My plan…” Theo began as he straightened up.
“Is a surprise for you.”
He held out his hand.
Aveline stared at it.
The golden band glistened on his finger.
The only jewellery that he wore apart from the occasional earring.
Aveline smiled as she took it.
❀
Knowing what the people around her were like, it was probably not the best idea to let them blindfold and lead her down an unfamiliar path.
Theo held her hand as Wren cleared the way towards…
something.
At least they didn’t walk for long before coming to a stop.
“Are you ready?” Theo’s hands were on the blindfold as he teased the surprise.
“I think I’ve waited long enough?” Aveline sniffed the air to see where she was.
Fruit.
Are we at a farm?
Suddenly, sunlight filled her vision.
It took a couple of blinks to see everything again.
In front of her was Wren and Fourth with beaming smiles on their faces.
Behind them was a cosy cottage with purple wisteria along the front walls and a seating area under the roof.
They were surrounded by apple trees and when Aveline looked back, there was a clear path between the cottage and the main garden.
They were still within the estate, since the waves could be heard over the rustling of the leaves, but the location felt much more secluded.
“What is this?” Aveline looked towards Theo.
The man behind her smiled as he took her hand and guided her.
“Your surprise.”
“Welcome, Your Majesty!” Fourth opened the front door and they all entered.
The scent of herbs and tonics immediately hit her.
It was like something activated deep inside and Aveline was eager to find out more about this cottage.
Inside was just as cosy and warm.
To the left was a sitting area where Hales and View greeted everyone while arranging a bouquet of flowers.
The largest room was at the back with counters along all the walls with a sink and burner.
Along the walls were various hanging herbs, cabinets of the ingredients that Aveline used.
In the middle was a work island with books neatly piled around, a pestle and mortar, and space just for clutter while she did her research.
The final room was a library with walls filled with books and a little reading nook by the window.
“There’s one more surprise!” Theo took her into the library to pull out a ladder from behind a shelf.
He directed her to ascend and she did.
The ladder led to a mini rooftop patio with a view of the sea and orchard that they were in.
The main house was behind them without feeling too imposing.
There was a seating area and a snack tray set out for the pair.
“So, this is the surprise?” Aveline watched as Theo poured her some juice.
“Are you surprised?” He countered as he sat next to her on the bench.
Aveline’s heart raced as he placed his arm on the backrest.
She sipped her drink.
“I think I am.”
“Think?” Theo raised a brow as he came closer.
“Fine, I’m surprised! And happy!” Aveline rolled her eyes as she mimicked his movements and pressed their foreheads together.
“And grateful.” She couldn’t stop the smile on her face.
She closed the distance and pressed their lips together.
“Thank you.”
Theo returned the smile as he chased her lips for one more tender kiss.
“You deserve it.”
Everything in the cottage was packed from her small room in Farren.
Where everyone dismissed it as a hobby; not knowing, or caring, that it was the only way for Aveline to be close to her mother.
Now, Aveline had a whole cottage.
Space for research.
Space to experiment.
Space to teach.
Space for something that was hers.
Am I the lucky one?
Aveline contemplated as she leaned against Theo’s chest.
His arm closed around her as they silently cuddled while taking in the view.
His heart is beating just as fast as mine.
I can’t believe he did it all for me.
❀
Now, Aveline had something to fill her time.
Her schedule included things like: spending time in her cottage; horse riding with Theo; learning more about Paxmouth.
But also the ‘queenly’ duties like: public court, attending council and patrolling the town.
Another thing to add, was relearning how to run a kingdom.
Aveline was mature enough to admit that she forgot most of the lessons from when she was younger.
When she realised just how little her father cared about her, Aveline focused her energy on something that mattered to her.
“Per Your Majesty’s request, I have found the perfect scholar to tutor you.” Petra Rosa was the deputy Prime Minister.
Aveline respected her pragmatic style of working.
Compared to Lark, she was stern but fair; scary enough without being tyrannical.
It was a mystery how she ran Paxmouth with Lark – their personalities were poles apart.
“Thank you, Petra.” Aveline nodded.
“I appreciate you.” She smiled at the older woman.
Not much made Petra break composure, but Aveline learned that the other woman blushed like cherries when she was complimented.
“I can’t wait to meet this tutor.” Theo crossed his arms.
If they were alone right now, he surely would be pouting.
“Why can’t I just teach her?”
Lark chuckled as he shared a look with his sister.
“We know there won’t be much ‘teaching’ going on there!” He patted his friend’s back as the rest of the council murmured in agreement.
“That didn’t need a response.” Theo coughed awkwardly.
“When are they arriving?”
“Today, Your Majesty. He encountered some difficulties on his journey.” Petra bowed her head formally.
“A man?”
That’s the part you’re focusing on?
Aveline wanted to roll her eyes but it was not the time, nor place to be displeased.
Quietly, the door of the council chamber opened and a servant whispered a message to Petra.
“Great. Bring him in.” The corner of her lips quirked up slightly.
Her smiles were not big, but enough to arouse excitement in the others.
“Your Majesties.”
Everyone watched the door.
The air was loud with anticipation.
Just who was good enough to teach a queen about ruling a kingdom?
The double doors opened.
A young man dressed in scholarly robes with a feathered hat entered.
He had the air of a nobleman without being arrogant; someone who seemed approachable and friendly.
The room gasped when they saw his face.
He was the perfect mix of a pretty boy with round eyes and full lips, with a strong eyebrow that framed his face well.
His eyes were the colour of the sea that contrasted with his almost-black hair.
Aveline felt her breath escape her.
Oh…
“What a looker, eh?” Wren mumbled to Petra.
“We’re in court!”
“You’re no fun!” But when Wren made eye contact with Aveline, she mouthed: he’s hot!
Aveline could only smile awkwardly as she looked away.
If only you knew…
“Your Majesties! Thank you for selecting me!” The tutor took off his hat and bowed in front of the court.
“Pip Lyall at your service!” When he straightened, he finally saw who he was talking to.
Oh no…
No…
This is bad…
“Aveline?” Pip practically shouted across the room.
“Is that really you?” He gasped as he squinted his eyes.
“I searched everywhere for you -”
Aveline felt Theo stiffen next to her.
Here we go…
“I was hoping we could have…” Pip blushed as he looked at the floor.
Theo’s hands gripped the arm rest.
“Continued where we left off, but you were gone.”
Why, out of anyone, did it have to be him?
“Aveline.” Theo’s voice was sickly sweet as he called her.
Oh, he’s not happy.
“Do you know this… Pip fellow?” The king’s eyes betrayed his calmness.
Theo was practically mauling the man with his eyes.
“Um… well…” Aveline bit her lip as she gulped.
I should tell the truth.
But can he handle it?
Aveline looked to Wren for support.
The older woman smiled and nodded subtly.
Really?
She looked back to Pip.
The man had a hopeful smile on his face as he waited.
“Pip was…” Aveline swore that everyone in the room leaned in closer to hear her.
“My first kiss.”