I didn't say anything as I moved my fingers in her hair, gently massaging her scalp. The soothing feel eased her under my touch, as her eyes closed in temporary bliss.

Lush honey hair flowed till her back and I took my sweet time moving them to one side of her shoulder, "What is your perfume made of?" I traced my nose by the side of her neck. My hand was still buried in her hair, only tightened its hold in a feverish feeling.

"I… don't," she said in a breathy whisper, "Y- You said… not to attract attention to myself… so I didn't use any," she confessed.

I closed my eyes, resting against the back of her head. Only one thought rushed through my head. A strong urge to hide her from everyone and everything. She didn't even know how susceptible she was to the men around her. Maybe she… truly was someone else. A normal being for her world, but a nymph in mine.

"So you've got a body scent…" I murmured. Now I knew why she scented of that deeply sweet but so faint fragrance when she woke up by my side that morning.

Morning essence. A trait of the mystical, as priests and holy scriptures, talk about.

My arms, ever so slowly, encircled her, fingers curling around her bare waist. I could feel the jewelled chain sitting there, always touching her skin. So lucky that chain was.

Althea sunk into my embrace. Head rested calmly against my chest as I moved my fingers around it, tucking out the hook so the chain loosened from her waist. I chucked it off to one corner.

Realising the discomfort the jewelries were causing her, she raised a hand to remove the amulets when I stopped her.

I held her wrist, so delicate, but even then I knew she could land a fair punch. That made me smile. "Should I remove them?" I asked her softly, lacing my fingers with hers.

She lowered her gaze, trying to contain her smile, but couldn't when it unravelled beautifully across her face. So shy, telling how pure she was, contrary to my ways.

Her head moved in a little hum, gentle enough for me to just notice. Planting a soft kiss over her cheek, I shifted to face her, holding her shoulders lightly to push her against the pillows so she was resting on her back.

"Do kings… do these things?" she asked with a small laugh, the fact amusing her that I was willing to do something as removing jewels off her.

"Being a king and being Julian are two different things, Althea," I took her feet in my hand to untie the anklet. Everything about her was deliciously delicate.

"And I'm Julian to you, not a king." I looked into her eyes and she stared back intensely, so… lovingly, refusing to look away. The anklet left her feet, and I lowered my mouth to kiss the spot.

I heard a soft gasp. She was so startled by my action, "I'm- I'm just like… any other woman, Julian…" She was still trying to reason out why I would want her. Still so unaware of her allure.

She may try to mix in the herd, but she didn't know. She always stood apart. Like a lone little flower in a ground full of weeds.

"Says the one who knows how to do everything. That too with perfection?" I mused, removing the other anklet to slowly trail up my kiss. Her legs trembled as I kissed all the way up her calves till the back of her knees. Given her breathing that had quickened, eyes pressed shut, she was so not ready to be kissed anywhere near her thigh.

Lowering the skirt back to her ankles, I placed my hands by her side to hover above her. She opened her eyes, and to my very surprise, held my gaze instead of shifting away in shyness, like she used to.

"There are many women who-" she sucked in a ragged breath when I leaned lower to kiss the place where the jewelled chain had sat around her waist. Holding her small waist, I moved my lips by the contour, just like I'd imagined.

Her breath came in shallow pants, hands coming to rest over my shoulders, which she immediately withdrew when she realised what she was doing.

"Who?" I murmured, removing her amulets and bracelets as I dropped soft kisses on each of her wrists.

"Who know… how to read, cook, dance…" She wasn't even sure if any such woman existed, her voice betraying her belief.

"And fight too?" I grinned, removing her earrings.

"Make me meet one, and I shall replace you with her," I whispered to her, the addicting mystical scent driving me insane.

With one last tug, her necklace came tumbling by. I was always in control, but this time I couldn't when my fingers buried in her hair before I could even know. Like a want emanating from somewhere deep within me.

Her face said it all, how she was revelling in the feel, neck arching over the pillows, honey hair looking like dark gold split around as I weaved my fingers through them. With her eyes closed, she looked so safe, so comforted, satiated that I couldn't help but run my lips over her jaw, right up her cheek to behind her ear. She was everything no one else could be. A rare pearl in an ocean of chaos that my life was.

I felt her hand rest over the back of my neck, drawing heart shuddering emotions into me as she took my face in her palms, studying every detail.

"Your existence is my greatest finding, Julian…" she tried smiling, but it wavered in happiness or sadness, I couldn't tell. Tears moistened her eyes, but never a drop fell. Like she didn't know what to feel.

It was definite there was something she was hiding in her cryptic revelations. The secrets only seemed to unfold as time would pass by.

Her hands, slim and gentle, ran down my shoulders, moving over my skin like a cool dancing wind. I shivered, restraining myself from increasing my grip on her.

She found a scarred spot by my upper arm, a long-forgotten wound that wasn't from the battlefield.

"Guess I missed one of the wounds." She gave a faint smile. "When did it happen?" she asked, brushing it with her thumb.

"When I was one."

Her eyes went wide, then softened in sympathy. "How?" she whispered.

I released a sigh, stroking her hair. "It's nothing uncommon in the royal household. A child's murder is plotted before he or she is even born. Senseless race to the throne," I gave a humourless chuckle, staring ahead as my jaw hardened at the very thought of them.

Meekly, she looped her hands around my neck, slowly bringing me closer, leaving me in utter surprise. "You are so strong, Julian," she whispered, but never having the courage to do what we both wanted.

"Not stronger than you, little tackle master," We laughed at the memory, silencing only when our lips entwined, slow, soothing and needy at the same time.

Our kiss grew intense. Much more serious than it had ever been. Her fingers trailed up to my head, weaving in my hair, adding to the frenzied beating of my heart. It made me remember how she had so easily drawn her fingers down my neck, the painfully pleasing movement robbing me of my breath.

I smiled into the kiss, tracing my thumbs down the length of her neck just as she'd done to me. That made her shudder in delight. Gently stroking up and down, and she was whimpering in the kiss, much to my contentment.

Gradually, the grip of her hand tightened on my hair, silently asking to cease the kiss. We pulled apart. Her lips wet and rosy, gleamed under the moonlight as she caught her breath. I buried my face in the crook of her neck, wanting to sleep the night in her arms.

When our hearts calmed, I heaved a breath, rolling aside to avoid putting all my weight over her. I wasn't sure of myself if I'd be able to resist kissing her again if I still lay there. The night had grown into its peak, stillness all around us.

She opened her eyes to look besides as her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. I caressed her cheek, her eyes closing in the feel.

Quietly, I picked a tall jar kept at one corner, pouring it out in a goblet. The drink would help me calm my head a little that had messed up after the kiss. Though a strange part of me wished I could drink Althea to satiate myself.

Stirring in her place, she opened her eyes, massaging the back of her neck in tiredness. But the next instant, she sat upright, alarmed.

"You're… drinking?" she gasped.

"It's made by mother." I took a sip, "you do not get drunk drinking this."

Curious, she inched closer, peeking in the jar, though nothing was visible in this moonlit darkness.

A frown etched on her face, "But I didn't see her in the celebration…"

"She didn't come," I clucked, "But she sent this with one of my aunts from Greece."

Mother had told me how she wanted to devote the rest of her life to the service of Zeus in Olympia. With the exception of attending only my wedding. Making her agree other than that was impossible.

A slow smile came up to me as she stared at the jar for a while, then slowly kept it back beside me.

"You want to taste?" I asked carefully.

"Uh yeah, a sip would do," she replied timidly.

Grabbing another goblet, I poured a bit for her as she cautiously took a sip.

"Mmm," she closed her eyes, relishing in the taste. The small action was enough to make heat race through my body.

"Is it made of fruits?" she asked, and I nodded with a shrug. She swayed in amusement. Not because of the drink, but as if she had come to a realisation.

"How didn't I know, the ruler of Romanos was fond of fruit beer all this time," she snickered to herself, finishing her drink, "Why haven't I written it till now…"

As she was growing more and more comfortable with me, she talked about strange things. Probably belonging to her world. Real or imaginary, I still had a hard time figuring out.

"Why haven't I eaten you till now, you look so edible." I bit my lip in amusement, mimicking her words.

"You must've been a lion in previous birth." She shook with laughter. "you're always trying to eat me." she pointed at her neck, rolling her eyes.

"What can I do when my food is becoming feistier by the day, huh?" My fingers curled tightly around the goblet when I saw her parted lips, surprised at my answer.

"Julian, how do you manage to feel like eating me all the time? I'm a human," she stressed with a pout.

"I'll have no problem eat-

"Wait," she raised a palm to stop me, then glanced down at her dress. I bit back a chuckle. She was looking so adorable, checking herself out.

"I do not look edible today," she grumbled. "Look, I'm wearing dark colours." she flailed her arms, eyes motioning me to look at her ebony-gold dress, which I was happily doing since we came here.

"In fact, I look like a snake ready to bite you," she made a hissing noise.

"Oh, I'm so ready to be bitten by a beautiful snake." I stretched my arms on either side, enjoying the now-what-to-say look on her face.

She inched closer to me, placing her hands on my shoulder as she neared my face, lips hovering over mine.

"You want to eat me, Julian…" she mused, and before I could say something, stopped me with a finger over my lips. Her other hand pulling down my night robe.

"Uh-huh, how about… I do that," she whispered, trailing feather soft kisses down my neck, stopping just to give a little bite. My fists clenched, heart hammered as I-

"Did anyone else call you edible?" I asked randomly, pressing a fist to my mouth. It was the worst timing to actually fantasise about her biting me. Darn it, Julian. Think of something else.

"Yes! Dunk- uh… dun dun dun dun dun…" she did a weird chant, "dunno?" she gave a bright smile.

"Dunk who? Don't fool me, Althea," My eyes narrowed.

"Dun… dunno really, dunno was what I… meant to say." She eyed around me. "Can I have it?" She pointed to the wine jar, much to my surprise. "It tasted good. I- If you'd allow it…" she rambled on.

I nodded silently, waving the jar as she shifted closer, extending her goblet. I took it from her, but she gasped when I seized her hand in the process, eyes waiting for her answer in warning.

She turned around with a huff, grabbing the jar to pour herself, her back facing me.

"Alright, it was Dunkin - my cat."

I raised a brow. Such weird names can only belong to animals.

"He was such a cute little cat, back at home, always licking my fingers. So… uh yeah, I think he found me edible…" she bit her lip, quickly bringing the goblet to her mouth. As if the fact was creeping her out.

Knowing it wasn't any other man who'd dared call her as such, I relaxed against the pillows, staring at her as she busied herself to look at the stars again. Gracefully sitting in front of me, her skirt spread all around her. I wondered how she'd sleep in those heavy clothes.

"Didn't I say, there was a more comfortable way to see them," I sighed as she glanced behind in question.

I simply held her shoulders, tugging her closer till her head rested against my chest, free from having to crane her neck up to the night sky.

She hummed, settling in without protest as she sipped at the drink. I placed my goblet down, calmly folding my hands over her front to hold her. I'd assumed her to flinch at the closeness of my hands. Instead, she rested the side of her head against it, peaceful.

We talked about the various patterns the stars made in the sky. With her pouring in so much knowledge of her own, I was mesmerized.

"Look closer, those three stars going right, and the four above and below it," My face was pressed against her open hair as I guided her to the new patterns.

"Yes!" she squealed, spotting them at last. "They look like, they…" When she realised what it was, she laughed, shaking her head.

"Aren't you romantic, Julian," Smugness hung from her voice, looking at the star patterns that appeared like two people closing their mouths on each other.

"You haven't even seen the half of it," My lips found the pulse by the back of her neck and her musical giggles filled my head.

"Julian," she pushed at me lightly, quietening for a while, "I… would need to," I slicked my lips, biting on, waiting for her languish words to complete.

When she couldn't finish, she pointed at her clothes. "I can't… sleep in these…" she trailed.

"So you want to change?" My voice thickened because my gaze was strained at the delicate laces of her back, crisscrossed intricately. But that was a fake knot. One pull of the lace and I knew it would all open up.

"Yes-" she took in a sharp breath when my fingers grazed over the laces.

"What if I say… you can't leave this place?" I withdrew my fingers, weaving them to the back of my head. Damnit my fingers weren't under my control.

She sighed, not at all bothered. "What if I say, I can't sleep naked," she answered boldly.

I almost choked in surprise, her straightforwardness thrilling me. "I know I'm not worthy of that," I chuckled, picking a linen sheet nearby to place it in her arms. "Nymphs have their charm. Why would she choose a lowly king like me?" I played around.

"You're not a lowly king!" she said immediately, glancing back in shock.

"So the nymph approves of me, huh?" I bit my upper lip, fascinated.

She looked around haphazardly, flushed, "y- yes she does," she raised her chin in defiance, "but she won't sleep naked."

"I think she didn't notice the linen in her hands," I snickered, as she looked down at the piece of cloth already in her lap.

"I think you'd want to turn around, my King," she gave a lopsided grin, "Nymphs prefer to sustain their virtue."

Plenty of women had called me - my king, but none sounded as tempting as she did. If she really wanted me away, she would've scooted to the far corner till now. Given this place was bigger than my bed. But no, she was at an arm's length.

When she looked back at me, held my stare, we couldn't tear apart from each other's gaze. She wetted her lower lip, pulling them between her teeth. And that somehow made my blood wilder than it already was.

"I would." Leisurely, I pushed myself off the pillows. She gauged my every move closer to her, instead of backing away, "But does my nymph want me to?" I closed a hand lightly around her throat.

Her eyes closed instinctively. A tremble ran up her frame as my thumb caressed her cheek. She sunk into the feeling, "Maybe…" she whispered.

I stroked her hair, placing my lips over her forehead in a slow kiss. She wasn't a woman to openly demand something. I had to be a fool to dismiss her subtle hints.

The hints that exactly mirrored my own desires.

She eased in my arms, forgetting about having to change her clothes as I rubbed her back in slow circles. She looked up at me. Her face softened.

"Julian…" Her voice wavered. As if in a last straw, "The Gods would… come to take me someday…"

Her worries seemed so real, yet I believed I could prevent them. I enclosed her within my arms. "Then I will give them a good enough reason not to."

Emotions swirled in her eyes, so unknown to me that before I could decipher them, she gently placed her lips on mine.

"I wish too," she murmured, but her voice sounded broken against my lips. My heart clenched for a fraction of time.

A feeling. As if soon she'll slip away from me. Somewhere far.

She simply had her lips pressed to me, waiting for me to take the lead, which I heartily did. This time it was slow, comforting as I coaxed her mouth to open up for me. My hands ran down the length of her arms, brushing past the laces on her back until I held her waist, pulling her closer. The tightness of her clothes seemed too unbearable now. Even for her.

I may have imagined making love to her, but in actuality, I wanted to cherish her before anything else. To know her worth, how important she was to me.

What I felt for her was so much more than just fulfilling a need.

"Althea," I said as we ceased the kiss, her warm hands holding onto my shoulders, breathing shallow. "Can I love you a little tonight?"

The only thought I had when I found her for the first time was to make her my concubine. My war prize. A mere entertainment. But just something in her scared yet defiant ways of asserting her will melted my heart.

I was so glad I'd let this flower bloom, let her be the writer she wanted to be, instead of plucking it the first time I saw, by forcing my will on her.

I tipped her chin, amazed to see intrigue dancing in her eyes in place of hesitation or fear for my words.

"How would you do that?" she asked, tilting her gaze. So beautifully unafraid.

"Step by step," I uttered, my voice turning heavier as I drew a line below her collarbones, just above her heart with my finger. It pleased me she didn't even flinch.

"I think we've done step one," I moved the tip of my finger up her neck, to her cheeks, her temple, then back to the base of her neck as my fingers curled around it, bringing my mouth close to her ear, "Kissing all the places above your heart," I husked.

A whimper left her, her body instinctively arching into me, and I welcomed it. She was so reactive to seductive words, sensitive touches, that made my body burn with an ache never felt before.

"Haven't I, Althea?" I reminded her gently, brushing my lips on her wildly beating pulse.