Chapter 82 - [Bonus ]A Maiden's Innocence (2)

Ignis walks to me and lifts the mattress. He turns it on the other face while I help by sustaining it and avoiding making too much noise by dropping things on the floor.

Once done, I sit on the floor and use the water to wash the sheets. With my magic, it's easier than expected. Fortunately, water seems to link easily with the blood, so the sheet is clean after using cold water and inducing a lot of pressure.

One of the first enchantments I was taught was to clean fabrics. One needs a lot of expertise not to ruin the material while removing the stains.

It took me months just to stop tearing my shirts apart.

But then, after I learned, I found all the other spells easier to control.

Once done, the sheets are clean and dry. They only lack the aroma of soap: that's the only thing that makes one realise they haven't been washed... Uhm, not in a conventional way.

I sit back on the bed after Ignis puts the sheets back in place. I could take them off without difficulties, but I have no clue how to redo the bed. Luckily, Ignis does. I guess it's something he learned in the army.

Once he's sure I'm calm and composed, he drags me in his arms. His body is warm, and his hug is comforting.

«How are you feeling?» he asks.

«All right.» I better not mention the uncomfortable sting down there.

I'm regretting my hurry, now. I shall remember for the future.

«Oh, Ignis, I'm sorry!» I sigh. «I ruined this with my haste. I didn't know, though... I couldn't imagine that something that feels so right could hurt.»

I lean my head on his shoulder as he lies down. He hugs me tenderly, running his fingers down my back and kissing my hair from time to time.

As for me... Ah, I enjoy his warmth and nestle in his arms. I keep my thighs strictly locked together in fear a few drops of blood slip out. But it shouldn't happen: the bleeding stopped, and now it's just about the burning and itch.

«Next time, let me take the lead, all right?» he whispers before pecking my forehead.

I purse my lips in a fake sulk and hide my face in his chest.

«You didn't like this?» I murmur.

This liar. He liked it so much!

I am sure: I saw him sighing, and I heard his moans of pleasure. Oh, but what if it wasn't enough?

Maybe men have different needs than just pleasure. What if he wants more than this? I can't even imagine what he would like, though.

Am I that bad at lovemaking?

«Ignis, what did I do wrong?» I inquire, snuggling even closer and gripping his shirt while lifting my head to look at him.

The lantern I brought isn't enough for this big room. The shadows on his face prevent me from reading his expression.

«You hurt yourself,» he says, moving a lock of my hair behind my ear. «And then, you didn't stop.»

«I couldn't do that!»

«Why not?»

«I already teased you once,» I point out. «I can't do it twice! What would you think if I stopped just for this?»

He would never allow me to tease you again if I left him hanging for the second time in a row. Not to mention we won't see each other for a few weeks, maybe months.

«It's not just, Veronica.»

He turns on the side and pulls the blanket on us. His arms allow me to settle more comfortable before clenching me again.

«You should have stopped and told me what the matter was,» he says. «You wanted us to talk about how we feel and what we want, right? I thought it was valid for both of us.»

«Yes, that's the case,» I sigh. «But this is different. You were liking it, so I couldn't stop! I wanted you to feel good.»

«Oh, Veronica,» he chuckles, rubbing his nose on my neck. «You don't need to please me. Whatever we do, we should like it together, right?»

«I did like it, though,» I admit. «I wouldn't do anything I don't want.»

«Next time, please, be more careful.»

I nod, realising that getting hurt like this will bring no good.

I was already imagining a night of passion; then, I would have disappeared while Ignis was sleeping and returned to my room... It was all so perfect in my mind.

Yet, now, I don't want to get up. It's cosy in his arms, and he doesn't look like he's going to sleep. Not even a blink from his side makes me think Ignis wants to rest. Oh, but it's unfair!

Love has always made me drowsy, till now. Why isn't he yawning?

«Thank you for thinking about me,» he whispers, pressing his forehead on mine, «but you shouldn't be this selfless, Veronica. It's an order from your King.»

«Now, you do want to order me around!» I mutter, turning my back to him. Yet, I don't move from his arms. Too comfortable to step away. «You weren't this fiscal about being the King before...»

«Hey, don't get annoyed,» he says, peeking at me from behind.

I can feel his stare on me, so I don't turn my head. Even if my whole body tingles with curiosity: I'd like to see his expression! Is he teasing me? Is he serious?

«I'm not annoyed. But stop nagging. It was just an incident,» I moan.

«Don't be this reckless ever again. You won't hear me nagging, then,» he replies.

I sigh, relaxing in his arms. I close my eyes, only for a few seconds.

«If something like this repeats itself,» Ignis adds, in the dark, «you won't hear the end of it.»

If I knew Ignis could be this stubborn, I wouldn't have married him.

«I will be more careful,» I admit. «Next time, no one will get hurt.»

Not too much, at least.