Esrin guided her gently, his movements slow and deliberate.Every touch was measured, his kisses languid and exploratory.Heat and pleasure built under his thorough hands and lips.With each new sensation, Esrin’s patience made her feel safe, desired, and whole.
When they came together, he held her tightly, his strong arms a fortress of security.It hurt, and she fought to hide her tears.
“I’ve got you,” Esrin murmured, though his own body trembled.“I’ve got you, Ren’wyn.”
Even through the pain, Esrin’s attention never wavered.Slowly, the ache gave way to a sweetness that was new and unexpectedly heavy, but not unpleasant.Ren’wyn blossomed under his care.His magic, unbound in the heat of release, enveloped them.Wind and water swirled, rain defying gravity to rise and drench them in a spectacle of power.
When Esrin’s magic subsided, he turned his attention to her with gentle, reverent touches.The warmth he created melted away her fears, building her trust until she reached a peak of unimaginable intensity.
It felt like he read her mind as her body balanced on a knife’s edge of exquisite pleasure.Eyes squeezed shut, the rise of creeping frost and haunting whispers were just comfort alongside the warmth of Esrin.Except he had stilled, and Ren’wyn looked up athim.
“It’s alright,” he whispered.“It’s alright.”
His dark eyes brimmed with fear, reflecting black mist and shadow from around them, and she knew he was frightened.
She broke her will in two.Pressing one half against her magic, she surrendered to the pleasure Esrin brought her.A rush of release swept through her, light bursting behind her closed eyelids.She shuddered, gripping the comforter as she called hisname.
Afterward, Esrin pulled her close, cradling her trembling form against his bare chest.He ran his fingers over her skin, kissed her forehead, and whispered her name until she calmed.Ren’wyn had never felt so safe, so cherished.
“You are more than I ever dreamed,” he murmured between kisses.“More than I ever thought possible.Since the day I met you, I’ve wanted you so much it hurt.When I held you and Peria together, I dreamed it could be you alone.”
His body, warm and solid, became her anchor.In his arms, her contentment grew.If he were as pliable as the elements he commanded, she would sink into him and disappear from her old life entirely.
His words—so tender and sincere—etched themselves into her, indelible and permanent.No matter what the future held, this moment would remain hers.Even when the year ended and Erst returned, nothing could steal this memory.
Esrin pulled back, sensing her thoughts.The intensity of his gaze burned through her, and a single tear slipped down her cheek.
“I love you, Ren’wyn,” Esrin whispered, his voice strained, as though afraid to say it aloud.“You’re sweet and gentle and soft.You’re kind, even to those who don’t understand you.You deserve something better.”
Her heart twisted at his words.How could he possibly mean them?She was small, simple—unremarkable.Yet, he had shown her nothing but honesty tonight.
“Don’t say it back,” he added quickly.“Notyet.”
His gaze brimmed with devotion.Always, Vair and Lyr’ren had been the center of Ren’wyn’s every decision and desire.Trying to make them proud gave her a sense of fulfillment, her duty a sense of security.Now, Esrin could take that position—his happiness, his love, and his goals becoming a new purpose.Loving him wouldn’t be a problem.It would never be an equal love, but Esrin’s passion and her loyalty could cover any shortage of feeling on her part.The darkening future could be brighter under his light, within the embrace of a man who saw her as beautiful, as enough.
“But I do love you,” she said, her voice steady and true.“I do.”
Esrin’s eyes widened, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.He pulled her closer, kissing her hair.Wrapped in the warmth of his embrace, Ren’wyn drifted into a peaceful sleep, secure in the knowledge of hislove.
In the morning, Esrin pulled Ren’wyn into the shower.Her body ached slightly, though not unpleasantly, and she had bled.Before they got in, he called for breakfast, and by the time they were dried and dressed, the table was set.Ren’wyn flushed, thinking of the assumptions likely drawn by the servants.Esrin waved a dismissive hand at her embarrassment.
“They’ve seen and heard worse, I’m sure,” he said, sitting down to a spread of eggs, toast, and coffee.
She was ravenous.She piled food onto her plate and filled her coffee cup.Esrin smiled knowingly as she tucked in, his plate just as full.They ate quietly, soothed by the tap of cold rain against the windows and the warmth of the fire in the hearth.Esrin’s gaze wandered to the window, his expression hard and distant.
“What are you thinking?”she asked cautiously.
He turned back to her, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness.Setting his coffee down, he bit his lip as if weighing his words.
“I’m going to offer for you,” he said finally.“I am an extremely advantageous match, Ren’wyn.Your family would gain significant standing if allied with mine.You would rule by my side in Ishvaen, next to a queen as mywife.”
Stunned silence followed.Esrin’s face was alight with hope.The idea was entirely to her benefit—yet she couldn’t help but see the difficulties.He would be taking a wife from a lower station.Life in the bustling, noisy city of Ishvaen wasn’t suited to her quiet nature.As her thoughts spiraled, she clenched her fingers tightly against the table’s edge, the wood creaking under hergrip.
And yet… she could run his household well.She would be safe.Esrin would move heaven and earth to ensure her comfort.His family would welcome her.The chance to be settled, bear his children, and live a happy life bloomed before her like a flower.
“Say yes,” he urged, leaning toward her.“Say yes, and let me save you.Let me love you and care for you.I can’t stand to watch you break a little more each day, Ren’wyn.Say yes, and let me make love to you for the rest of our lives.”
A smirk accompanied that last statement, a small attempt to lighten the gravity of his request.
