Chapter 39: Candlelit Desires (+18)

    [Warning: chapter contains description of sexual content intended for mature audiences.]

    -----

    Illena''s lips curled into a sly smile, the blush on her cheeks intensifying. Her golden eyes narrowed with playful mischief as she leaned slightly closer to Arkanos, her hand still tracing idle patterns on the water''s surface.

    "Oh, my Emperor," she said in a voice as smooth as velvet, "you do know how to set the mood."

    Arkanos smirked as he narrowed his gaze as well. "Only for you, my queen. Shall I assist you."

    "Or do you wish to tease me longer?"

    Illena chuckled softly, the sound echoing through the chamber. "Impatient, are we?" she teased, leaning in just enough for her breath to brush against his skin.

    Arkanos raised an eyebrow as he replied. "Indeed... So do you plan to keep me waiting?"

    Illena shook her head then stood, the towel clinging to her curves for a moment longer before she let it slip away, falling around her feet like a cloud of white silk.

    Her bare skin was illuminated by the golden candlelight, her delicate pink nipples and pink slit between her legs, her skin was practically glowing.

    She stepped into the bath slowly, the water rippling around her as she sank into its warmth. Her green and silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face as she settled herself beside Arkanos.

    "You seem to enjoy this luxury far too much, my Emperor," she remarked, her tone light but her gaze intense as her hand rested on his chest, her bust pressed up against him.

    Arkanos chuckled, his arm slipping around her waist to pull her closer. "A luxury is only as enjoyable as the company, my dear. And now, it has become perfect."@@@@

    She smiled, her fingers tracing idle patterns across his chest. "Flattery, my dear, will get you far."

    Arkanos tilted his head, studying her. "As if I needed flattery to win you over."

    Illena laughed softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. "True. But it doesn''t hurt to hear it."

    His thumbs grazed over her nipples, teasing them with strokes.

    Ngh...

    Deawing a sharp gasp from Illena as her body arched into his touch.

    Hnn...

    With care, his hands trailed down again, settling briefly at her hips before pulling her closer, molding her body against his. Each touch was as though he was memorizing every inch of her by touch alone.

    His lips parted from hers, but only to trail down her jawline, each kiss softer than the last. He took his time, savoring her, as if every inch of her skin was a treasure meant to be discovered.

    Illena''s head tilted slightly to the side, giving him full access to her neck. Her breath hitched as his lips found the sensitive spot just below her ear, lingering there with a gentle nip that sent shivers down her spine.

    "Arkanos~" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

    He smirked against her skin, the sound of her voice increasing his excitement. His kisses continued, down the curve of her neck. His lips lingered at her collarbone, his tongue tracing a line that made her gasp softly.

    Illena let out a soft gasp as Arkanos''s lips continued their descent, but suddenly, she pressed a hand against his chest, stopping him.

    "Stop teasing me," she said, her voice breathless yet firm, her golden eyes blazing with intensity. "Let''s just get on with it."

    Arkanos froze for a moment, his eyes widened with shock fir a moment. But then in the next instant his smirk widening into a low chuckle as he leaned back slightly to meet her gaze. "Look who''s forward now," he teased.

    Illena''s cheeks flushed deeper, but she held her ground, her lips curving into a determined smile. "And what of it?"

    Arkanos shook his head, clearly enjoying her boldness. "You have a point," he said, his hand slipping from her collarbone to rest lightly at her hip. His voice dropped to a husky whisper as his eyes roamed over her face, locking onto hers with a the grace of a predator watching his prey.

    "But wouldn''t it be so much more fun..." he leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear, "...if you told me exactly what you want?"