A few days without scandals nor attempted murders feel refreshing. But I know it means that a worse challenge is waiting for us.

I've prepared all that I need, and I always keep it nearby. But I know when the harpy is going to strike.

On Lavinia's special day. When the Emperor bestows his gifts and presents her to court.

It seems I won't be able to leave her safe in our room. She'll have to be present.

For the event, Alexander designed special security measures.

Lavinia won't be carried by Kate but by one of the maids from Stoneyard. Another one will be nearby at any moment, and they'll take turns, carrying Lavinia and keeping watch. Kate will be with them in case Lavinia shows some temper.

We warned her that it's dangerous and that the maids will give priority to the baby's safety. Yet, she accepted to be there.

The knights will be arranged in the hall, some of them blending in with the Royal Guard.

Everything has been considered, from that point of view.

All that is left, for me, is to decide what to wear.

«What do you think about the blue dress, Alexander?» I ask him.

I pulled him here, in the closet, to check the dresses with me. The maids brought out a few of the most expensive and adorned, and then they left.

«I like you more without,» he comments.

Oh, well, what a surprise.

«I'm trying to choose what to wear for Lavinia's important day!» I point out. I wouldn't have dragged him here if not for that reason.

I don't like to disturb my husband for trivial matters, but here we're talking about our daughter's debut, in practice!

«It's her special day, not yours,» he points out.

«But I'm her mother, I need to be presentable. I can't let our daughter make a poor figure because of me.»

«No one will be looking at us, my dear. Vinnie will be the star. Just wear something comfortable that you like.»

«What?» Something comfortable? Is he nuts?

«Alexander, that is not possible!»

I want to be the prettiest woman in the hall when I bring down the Empress. I can't do that with comfortable clothes!

I worked hard to regain my hourglass figure. Now, my waist isn't as tight as it used to be, but it's adequate for my new figure.

Actually, Alexander worked harder than me during my operation to lose weight, but he doesn't know it.

«Why don't you try it?» he offers. «Like that, I can see and decide what dress is better on you.»

«It takes an hour to wear any of this.»

«Oh, too bad.»

He moves a step in my direction and rolls a lock of my hair around his finger.

«It seems I can't get you out of your clothes that easily...»

«We're talking about wearing, not taking off.»

He chuckles, circling my waist with his arms.

«You're right. Taking off is way faster.»

«It's not what I wanted to say,» I murmur, rolling my eyes.

Even though he's right. One doesn't need much time to take off clothes if they're ripped.

«The blue one is my favourite,» he whispers before kissing me.

I close my eyes and forget what I am here for. This place is rather dusty, and there isn't much light. We should walk to the bed; it's not that far... Just behind the door...

«Thea,» Alexander murmurs, grabbing me by the hips. He lifts me, making me sit on a table. It seems stable enough to hold my weight.

«Yes?»

«Why did you tease me so much if you don't want to take responsibility for your actions?»

I never said I don't want to. He's making it up.

And I wasn't teasing, by the way.

«You made me believe I could see you undress!» he accuses, backing away by a centimetre to let me see his face.

Ah, what have I done? I shouldn't have asked him to help me choose. I should have figured how it was going to end.

«I never said that,» I murmur.

«But you didn't say you wouldn't.»

«Why would I say that, for goodness?»

«You tricked this Archduke to bring him here.»

«And do what?» I chuckle. No, the right question is what he wants to do to me. I just wanted to choose a dress.

«I don't know. But now it's too late to run away.»

«All right...» I sigh. «I won't run away and bear whatever consequences my unruly behaviour triggered.»

«I like your words, wife,» he exclaims, moving the sleeve down from my shoulder. «But I won't undress you either. It's chilly here, isn't it?»

«I feel rather hot.»

His lips curl upwards, showing me his emotions. He's happy to hear it, isn't he?

I lift the skirt by myself, without waiting for Alexander to do it. I lock my legs around his hips and pull his collar until he bows down to kiss me. His tongue doesn't engage with mine for long.

He kneels down, moving the last part of the cloth that is covering me. The underwear is in his way, so he just rips it and tosses it to the side before kissing my secret place. I lean on my hands, and I move a leg on his shoulders.

It seemed more comfortable, and it actually is. I can feel everything more, like this.

I don't even try holding back moans and panting. And like this, I can see.

It's not really new. I've witnessed Queen Theodora's passionate moments already, but I've never used my own eyes. Always Alexander's.

Feeling my gaze on him, he looks up to me. He stops his ministrations and hugs me all of a sudden.

«Thea, you...» he sighs. «You shouldn't look at me like this...»

He licks my neck as soon as I gasp for air while his hands handle the belt and his trousers. Before I have time to realise the situation and the position we're in, I fall on my back.

Alexander pulls me to him, bringing my bottom to the edge of the table.

I grab his shoulders and lock legs around his waist, groaning when he thrusts inside.

«I wasn't... I wasn't looking in any weird way,» I protest. His thrusts are rather delicate today. Maybe, it's because of the table.

«Never said weird,» he murmurs.

His breath tickles my ear, and I bow my head on the other side, letting him kiss and lick as much as he wants.

I'll have to leave some of my hair down because his teeth nibble my skin, and he sucks in the same place.

As he doesn't want to move faster, I have to do it. But it's difficult in this position.

«Stop struggling, wife,» he scolds me. «Why are you always in such a hurry?»

Because I can't stay like this forever, isn't it obvious?

«Now, look at me,» he whispers.

«I'm already looking,» I point out. I sink my fingers in his hair and caress him, playing with his locks.

We can't stay on a table, like this, forever. Not to mention that the edge is cutting on my lower back. It's not very comfortable.

But I don't want to interrupt this moment just to move on the bed.

And I'll reach the bed in a few minutes: it's just a matter of patience.

«Alexander,» I moan when pleasure takes control over me. So quick... It's unfair... Why isn't Alexander even touched by all of this?

«Yes, my love?» he replies.

«I... Nothing,» I reply, still panting.

His thrusts don't change pace, but his arms hold me tighter. His teeth play with my neck and shoulders.

After leaving me enough time to catch some breath, he kisses me. His tongue forces mine out of my mouth, and they play together. Our bodies are so close that clothes aren't enough to prevent me from feeling Alexander's muscles.

Only after bringing me to the peak of pleasure once more, he decides he had it enough and abandons his stubbornness. His movements slow down, and he stays on me for a few minutes more.

He pecks my forehead and cheeks, caressing my face with his fingers.

«I love you, Thea.»

I know, but I don't have enough air in my lungs to reply. I close my eyes and lean my face on his palm. He doesn't need my reply, does he?

It's clear what I feel. I can't live without him, without this relationship of ours.

I've grown used to his caresses, to his wild ideas. To his loving gaze, to his shameless proposals and remarks. To the way he lets me cuddle by his side at night, and his high temperature, enough to keep me warm at the chilliest time.

I'm so used to it that I don't remember how my life was back then when I was alone.

«Oh, Alexander,» I whisper, hugging his neck.

Just that. I still don't have the energy to talk. And we don't need words as badly. Silence is enough to let our feelings talk.

And my body was damn sincere, wasn't it?