Chapter 36

After the servant cleared their dinner plates, Ely reached for her goblet.  Bringing it to her lips, she took several sips.  Killian drank the sweet liquid in his goblet just as heartily. The dinner had been delicious indeed. That only left them with one last thing.

Killian's eyes reflected coyness, though the devious smirk could not be pushed away. "Will you need a hand preparing for your bath?"

"Yes, that would be lovely."

Ely stood gracefully and began walking toward the bathroom. She glided across the marble floor, kicking off one leather slipper then the next. Turning to give one last look at Killian from outside the bathroom door, Ely untied the sash of the robe and let it slip with an elegant flow down her body to land silently onto the floor.  Ely rested her hand on the doorway and grinned at Killian, covering her mouth to stifle the giggle at his stunned, jaw dropped expression.

Batting her eyelashes she asked, "Are you coming?"

She disappeared into the bathroom.

Her question snapped him into movement. The boots he wore came off with haste and a loud double thunk.  With a hungry grin, he strode toward the bathroom.

Killian slowly shrugged the robe off his broad shoulders letting it fall to the ground with a soft flutter joining Ely's chemise on the tile floor.

"I am a bit overdressed to assist with your bath, am I not?"

"No, I do not think you are overdressed at all," she shrugged. "Unless, of course, you do not wish to do laundry at the same time as you bathe."

Ely pivoted, auburn tendrils fanning around her.  She ascended onto the shallow platform around the outside of the tub then stepped in the warm water. Facing Killian, Ely grinned and slowly lowered beneath the water's surface, eyes rolling closed.

"Mmmm, wonderful!"

Ely leaned back against the tub, indeed drinking in Killian's incredibly muscular form, desiring terribly to demand he get in, but no. She couldn't.  The teasing wasn't done yet. As Killian stood there, shoulders rolled back, muscles flexed, Ely continued in the delicious teasing game they were batting back and forth at each other.

"Is this," his wry smile returned, "better?"

Her face morphed into a pout, slowly shaking her head "no". The flash of mischief in those dilated emerald orbs revealed Ely was in no way disappointed but still desiring more.

A coy frown spread upon Killian's face. "Dear, oh dear. " He strode forward. "I do not wish my-" Another stride. "Queen-" One more stride, lips curving into a smirk at Ely's deep inhale when he said Queen, "To be upset." Both hands grasped the edge of the tub.  He leaned forward. "I believe I can help, however."

The first strong leg swung over the tub, sinking into the water.

"Getting warmer? Any better?"

Even without an answer, of course Killian continued to climb into the bathtub with her. They both fit within the spacious vessel, close yet comfortable, but Killian was far from satisfied.

Killian leaned forward.  He adjusted himself so he was suddenly leaning over Ely. The coy smile became a lusty one.

"How about," his warm breath on her lips, "now?"

Ely's grin became more and more difficult to hide.  Killian played along wonderfully.  She bit her lower lip when he finally stepped into the tub.  Heart racing, Ely raked her teeth over her lower lip.  The deeper Killian  sunk into the water, the deeper Ely knew she was sinking.  Turning back was no longer and option.  She would convinced Vanessa to go about the rebellion a different way.  How could Ely betray Killian now?

Warm water sloshed around them in the massive tub.  Oval shaped, higher in the back where Killian settled against.  His legs on one side, hers on the other. It was a perfect fit.

Reaching for the soap and a cloth, Ely kept her eyes anywhere but on Killian.  Awareness tickled her skin everywhere his eyes traveled. She knew he eyed the cloth, following its path gliding over her skin.  She felt him watching.  His fingers curled around the edge of the tub. 

Ely's eyes slowly moved upward.  Killian leaned forward, hovering above her, hands gripping either side of the vessel.  He smiled down at her.  Midnight blue eyes raged with the fight against the urge to take her right there.  Ely returned his blatant advances with a playful frown, continuing to wash.  Although, she went a bit faster than if she were alone.  Elyena knew that she was transparent enough for Killian to know she was enjoying this game as much as him.

Killian's grin suddenly shifted. "Shame," he sighed, leaning back against the tub. "Here I thought I was getting warmer."

Perfect.

That move sent Killian falling directly into her trap. Grinning deviously from ear to ear, Ely eased forward, taking the time to enjoy his silent gaze under a quirked brow.  The soapy water dripped down her naked form. She inched toward him on her knees, glancing down to ensure the width of the tub would fit them like this. It did.  She straddled his legs and traveled closer to him.

When Ely was close enough, she slid her flattened palms up his toned stomach and firm chest.  A devious grin and twinkle of mischief flickered in her eyes.  Ely didn't stop until she was directly straddling Killian's lap a, hovered over his very eager manhood.  A growing tightness in her belly fluttered but she fought the inner urge to slowly lower. Not yet. Playfully, Ely stroked her fingertips over his chest and shoulders.

"You were getting warmer.  Just not warm enough," she cooed.

"As I thought," Killian smirked.  Lowering his hands, the warm palms rested on her hips.

While Ely's hands raked the oils through his raven hair, Killian's hands deftly explored her curves. They slid admiringly up to her shoulders, circling around them once before they slid down her arms.  Ely's eyes fluttered closed, breath catching in her throat while Killian's fingertips grazed across her collarbone.  They slid down Ely's sides until Killian held her waist.  He began to glide a hand down her stomach, hip and thigh firmly squeezing the tender flesh of her rear. 

"I think I know how to get you  as warm as you wish to be," he growled.

Killian's dark gray eyes locked on hers.  One of his hands slid to the junction between her legs.  Ely rolled her eyes closed, lost in the worshipful touches.  Mouth dropping open, breath hitching she felt his fingertips stroke along her center.  Fingers curling into his shoulder, she moaned softly, hips rocking shyly against his knuckles.  Every stroke, every graze sent her tumbling deeper and deeper.

"Y-yes," she exhaled, biting her lower lip.  "G-getting ahh warmer."

Adding pressure, Killian reached around and gripped her hip.  "More... my sweet?" he asked. 

Ely's eyes flew open, staring down at him.  Killian wanted to hear Ely ask for it.

Ely nodded, chewing her bottom lip.  Releasing it slowly, she hovered her lips over his, "Yes...more."

"As my Queen desires." Killian captured her lips.

Pulling back his hand, he securely took hold of her hips.  He brought himself up to her, pressing his member against Ely's folds.  Her eyes widened, locked with his.  The movement elicited a small gasp that morphed into a moan. Leaning down closer, Elyena tilted her hips to welcome his entry.

Killian inhaled sharply, breaking their kiss as he shuddered an exhale but their eyes were locked in a dangerous heat. One strong pull and Ely was seated from her elevated position. Killian lowered back into the tub, both letting out a breathy moans when finally his length was sheathed in her to the hilt.

"Is this warm enough for you?" he panted, grinning at the bliss of having Ely's warmth tightly engulfing his length.

Their hips languidly ground against each other in sweet ecstasy, pulsing around and inside the other.  Killian's hands  roamed Ely's moist, bare skin, one settling on her lower back.  The other cupped her rear globes to guide her movements.  Killian set a slow and tortuously delicious pace.  Soft groans sounded from Killian mixing with the gently sloshing water and Ely's moans.

A storm once again swirled behind his gray eyes.  Brilliant cerulean burst through the charcoal like an explosion.  Ely's brows furrowed briefly at the sight.  She wondered again what could cause such a unique phenomenon.

Ely revelled in how Killian's pleasurable touch made her feel. Desired, sensual and beautiful in this intimacy.  How could a tyrant be so attentive?  She kept her heated gaze locked with his as they rocked.  Their sounds echoed off the stone walls of the room.  Moonlight streaming through the glass paned windows highlighted Killian's features.

A fervent storm was brewing in Ely's eyes as well. "I think it could get a bit...hotter."

Digging her nails slightly into Killian's shoulders hinted of the pleasure already bubbling in her belly.  Ely raised her hips, pulling herself up his length then lowered herself, letting out a throaty groan. She continued to rock her hips, lift and lower slowly all the while watching Killian's expressions.

The reaction was exactly what Ely expected. His eyes flew closed, fingers curling into the soft flesh of her back and rear.  Leaning his head back, he relished in the feeling of her flexing muscles. Ely was driving him wild with this bold dominance, and she was fully aware of it.  Killian wouldn't let it go just the one way.  She wondered, though, how long until he took back control?

Killian threw his hips up with hers, working in a deliberate counter-rhythm. As Ely rocked down, head thrown back, Killian pushed up.  Each thrust caused their hips to grind together in sweet passion. Killian groaned, using his powerful hands to bring Ely down with more strength so he could thrust up into her that much harder and deeper. His body trembled from the depth reached.

She made up her mind right then.  This would not be their last bath together. The water sloshed as their hips crashed deliciously together. Ely's hands cupped Killian's neck bringing them closer.  He was driving her wild and the burning energy that exchanged between them was perfect evidence.

Killian's strong hands held her in a firm yet tender embrace, except to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.  The blazing heat in those swirling eyes fixed on hers.  Desire, passion, attraction, every emotion leaked out in his touch.  Ely felt it in a smoldering charge through her skin every time he peppered a kiss along her collarbone.  Her thighs tightened and trembled around Killian's hips growing closer to the edge of release.

Killian was fueled by her sheer passion and eagerness that poured out with each thrust.  The tightening of his muscles and trembling thighs, a sure sign of nearing his climax.  Killian's pace began to increase. 

His stormy eyes opened slowly.  In the brief moment they were open on hers, Ely saw brilliant blue eyes staring back ather.  Not a speck of charcoal.  Before she could linger on it long, Killian bowed his face into Ely's bouncing breasts. His warm lips met the sensitive center then lavished open mouth kissed the middle crevice.  He alternated eagerly between the left and right peaks until they were hardened pebbles. Ely shuttered, raking her fingers through his raven locks.  She pulled him harder onto her breasts, trapping his velvety warm mouth in place.

The gift of one last jolt was his hand sliding to where they intimately joined.  Killian vigorously rubbing circles around the tender bundle of nerves. Ely slowed her thrusting, lungs burning for air from her labored breathing. Her inner muscles clenched tightly around him.

Throwing her head back, Ely trembled and moaned as her peak ripped through her body.  This only strengthened Killian and pushed him ever closer. Killian's pace had kept with hers.  His own pleasure finally shattered as her muscles clenched.  With a loud, guttural moan, Killian squeezed his eyes shut, jaw tight.  His seed burst within her welcome depths.

Panting hard for breath, Ely whimpered.  Her arms embraced Killian's neck never wanting to let go. His arms immediately responded, snaking around her back, hugging himself deeper into her chest.  Her erratically beating heart thumped into her ears.

Ely released her embrace around Killian just enough to lean her forehead against his cheek.  Her entire body was tingling and numb, making her giggle at the sensations.

Still straddling him, Ely cupped both his cheeks.  Killian slowly opened his eyes, revealing beautiful cerulean eyes dominating the onyx.  Her brows dipped, noting the change.  Usually charcoal with specks of blue, this time the color was switched.

Reaching behind her, Ely took the soap and cloth, rubbing the two together.  Gently she wiped it in small circles over Killian's shoulders and arm. She then moved to his chest, down to his stomach.  She gazed at every ridge of sinew and contoured curve.  It reminded her again of the man in her dream.

Wrapping her arms around him, Ely pulled him forward enough to reach behind and wipe the cloth over his strong back. She brought the cloth back around to his stomach and wiped it down even below the water to where their two bodies connected.

Rubbing more soap onto the cloth again, Ely washed her upper body as well. She then rinsed off the aromatic suds and squeezed the water out of the cloth over each of them to rinse away the soap. Now came the moment she had dreaded. Ely looked at Killian's eyes, noting the swirl of charcoal and blue remaining as she lifted herself up, letting him exit. Then she rubbed more soap onto the cloth diligently wiping it down each of his legs in circles again all the way to his feet.

Smile fading for just a moment but remaining peaceful, Ely took one more gaze over this man. Every muscle, limb and gesture screamed strength, power and authority as a King. Though Ely had seen Killian's arrogance and anger, she had also seen passion, genius and sensitivity.

A wave of confusion came over Ely.  With more soap on the cloth, she laid back against the other side of the tub to wash her own legs and feet. Ely longed so much at that moment to run out and go talk to Vanessa. Spill out how her heart ached, torn in turmoil.  Tell how when at his true self, Killian's eyes changes.  Share how twice now, he had begged Ely to save him.  Somehow Ely had to admit to herself that if this, the one before her now, was the true Killian hiding inside, she would easily fall victim to the same affections Killian felt for her.

Ely wasn't sure yet, however, if it was Killian's ambitious obsession feeding those feelings or genuine love and adoration. She hadn't been around Killian enough to read that part yet. Something deep inside her told Ely that though he put on theatrics of arrogance in his words, Killian spoke no lies.  Hopefully he was seeing she could be trusted as he wanted to be trusted.

This was a dangerous game she played.

Every man, especially a King, had his secrets but Ely could not admit hers until Killian admitted more of his own. He had made her Queen. The title and station thrilled Ely's heart almost more than anything else because of the good she and Vanessa could do, have done, for the kingdom.  With the title had also come a strain on her relationship with Vanessa.  Moreover, Ely had to be sure she could honestly support anything her husband and King did. It would be important that he listen to her ideas even if at times Killian disagreed. It was the importance of listening.

Another pang of fear stung her heart.  Now that they had been intimate, the next expectation would be an heir.  Did Killian know of the difficult pregnancies her family had?  How many of them had died?  Ely would have to set Vanessa up to takeover the projects Ely had in progress.  This would ensure their completion if something happened to Ely in childbirth.

Flashing a bright smile at Killian, Ely  rinsed then placed the soap and cloth back on the side of the tub.  Not truly knowing how long she had been laying there lost in her own thoughts, Ely felt her cheeks heat. The calm expression on Killian's handsome features gave a hint.

Ely leaned up, inching toward Killian in much the same way she had done previously. Instead of seductively straddling him, Ely lay on top of him with one arm wrapping around his back and the other resting under her cheek on his chest.

No matter the risks of the days actions, she would enjoy the moment.  With a sigh of her own contentment, a small smile played across Ely's lips.  She listened to Killian's strong, steady heart beat. It amazed her that after everything she had been told even prior to meeting this man, though not ready to admit it, Killian did indeed have a heart.

Killian's arms curled around Ely's back to return her embrace. One hand traveled up to caress the back of her head, lightly raking fingers through her jasmine scented hair.  He simply held her for as long as she would stay.

"I could stay this way forever, Elyena," he confessed, voice raspy but tender.

A warm smile spread across her lips hearing Killian openly express his happiness.  If he or anyone were to ask, there was no denying her mutual feelings. Who wouldn't be able to stay secure in this man's arms?

Goosebumps formed on Ely's arms and a shiver of delight raced down her spine as Killian gently stroked his fingers along her spine. It confused Ely how she could find such peace in the arms of the man who flipped her world upside down. More than anything, Ely wished there was someone who could explain to her why. Specifically, her sister.

The conclusion Ely could come to was that Killian's arrogance and iron fist was a facade. The way freely allowed Ely to improve the kingdom, give the castle a thorough cleaning and restoring the garden.  The wells were almost concluded and wood had been collected to build the school.  Yes, he been supportive of Ely's ambitions, but would he tire of her and let things crumble?

Tilting her head to peer up, Ely smiled at him. "There is just one problem." Her smile grew into a teasing grin as Ely lifted her hand, holding it above the water. The wrinkles from being in the water so long were apparent. "I am getting wrinkled at a such a young age!" Chuckling at her own jest and hesitating to move, Ely placed both hands on his pecs. "Shall we go sit by the fire and dry off?"

"Mmm...I think that would be a wonderful idea, indeed." Killian hummed, rubbing large circles over her back one last time. 

He was pondering leaving the now cold bath when she suggested it anyway, so Killian rose lightly and easily.  Ely stood, letting the water drip down from her body for a bit before reaching for two towels, wrapping one loosely around her body.

Killian led the way back into the chamber, drying himself more in earnest when they made the transition. His dark gray eyes beheld Elyena a moment longer as he watched her intently.  Ely followed shortly after, though quickly dried herself off. She also took another towel to squeeze it over her hair.

The maid had left a small comb on a table beside the chaise, which Ely carefully raked through her locks. The normally auburn hair wild with curls laid straight over her back and shoulders, glowing a dark cherry brown before the raging fire. Shaking her hair out behind her, the tendrils loosened.  She scrunched sections into her hand encouraging the curls to dry.

"Do you need a new dress provided for you?" his thick, husky voice regained her attention.

Spinning to face him, eyes wide, towel clutched to her chest, a blush heated Ely's cheeks when she saw Killian watching her. Why does that happen? Ely scolded herself for being so childish.  There was simply something about how Killian looked at her.

Ely strolled past Killian, accidentally brushing her fingertips against his abs as she went to return the brush on the side table. Turning back around, backlit by the dancing orange flames of the fire, Ely sauntered toward Killian. Ely stood in front of him, barely an inch between their bodies and gazed up at his eyes. Brows furrowing, she raised a hand to cup his cheek.

"Your eyes..." she began, voice trailing off.

They were back to mostly smoldering charcoal with hints of blue.  Flickering light from the fire glistened off of an object in the corner.  Ely's eyes glanced toward it.  His swords.  A comment the doctor made echoed in her mind. 

He has not had migraines as often since your arrival.

Soft linen of a clean chemise being draped over her head broke Ely of her thoughts.  She slipped her arms through the sleeves dropping the towoles.  Killian gave a warm smile and a devious smirk, stroking his hands on her shoulders then around her waist to pull her against him.

"You are beautiful no matter what you wear," he complimented.

Wrapping her arms around Killian's muscular waist, Ely gently stroked her fingers along his strong back. The stability of leaning against him helped her relax.  His warmth seeped through her muscles.  Ely gazed up at him matching his smile.  Killian brushed his fingers under her chin, tilted her head upward.

Just before their lips met she replied, "And you, My Lord," squeezing his sides a bit playfully, earning a jolt, "are very handsome when you smile and show true happiness."

Killian chuckled, chest rumbling with the warm sound then he pressed his lips to hers.  The tenderness nearly stole all the oxygen from Ely's lungs.  It lacked the fever but none of the passion.  Eagerly, Ely returned his kiss, letting her lips linger.  When their lips parted, Killian continued to keep her close.

"Each day you are near me, you save me," he whispered, resting his chin atop her head.

Ely's brows furrowed but she kept her cheek pressed to his chest.  "What do you mean?"

"In time, love.  In time."