As their work was done, Lucius and Rena eventually excused themselves from the party and left the castle grounds. The sky had begun to take on hues of purples and oranges as the day transitioned into night. Magical lamps along the roadways began to illuminate themselves in preparation for the evening hours.
The Arcadian capital was abuzz with activity. Many shops, inns, and restaurants were filled to the brim with people continuing to celebrate the day's festivities. Because of that, the streets were filled with people who were nearly shoulder to shoulder.
Knowing that his face was recognizable all over the capital, Lucius put on his mask and activated the enchantment that encouraged people to avoid him. People could still see him and avoid him, but it made him uncomfortable to focus on, which made people subconsciously want to look away.
"You know, Lucius," Rena said while leaning her head on his arm as they walked. "This almost reminds me of Lelvern. The day you confessed to me. It feels like there's the same amount of people."
Lucius smiled underneath his mask. "Yes, it does remind me of that time. Four years ago is a long time. So much has happened, yet here we are. I'm surprised you aren't mad at me for not speaking to you or reaching out while I was gone."
Rena's face took on a pout for a moment, then settled on a conflicted expression. "Truthfully, I am. I'm confused, sad, angry... I want to know everything. I want to know why you did not try to reach out to me... but Lyrah told me that knowing was dangerous."
"Are you close with Lyrah?" he asked cautiously.
Rena smiled, "Yes, very. She and Natali, the maid with white hair. They both care very deeply for you. For them, they've known you their entire lives... what you have been through; what you have done. They supported me all this time.
Honestly, they are like sisters to me."
"I see. Then I should probably have been nicer, huh?"
"Beautiful." He whispered; his voice slightly strained as he glanced at her in her undergarments.
"Allow me." She said back.
Lucius allowed her to step forward and unbutton his undershirt. The anticipation was killing them both, but at the same time, it increased their thrill.
When the final button was free, her hands slid under the shirt and across his muscular chest. With a gentle nudge, she pushed his shirt and jacket off his arms, allowing them to simply fall to the floor.
For a few moments, she stood there in awe of his physical form. She traced the lines of muscle along his chest and abdomen. Her fingers settled along an old scar he had gotten shortly before being taken from her. While she traced over his body, Lucius removed his belt and pants. She hurried to unclasp her bra.
As it fell to the ground, she felt his gaze settle on her chest. Lucius desired her mind, body, and soul. That hunger sparked a flame in her body that she never expected. He quickly scooped her off her feet into a princess-carry and laid her gently on her bed. The young man placed his arm on the bed beside her face, positioning himself over the top of her, pinning her down.
Her eyes stared at his eyes and trailed down his body, lingering on his mouth, then moving further down. Eventually, they settled on a bulge between his legs. It was dangerously close to her own leg.
In a moment of weakness and desire, she brushed her leg against it, feeling an intense heat and surprising thickness. The pink that once covered her face started to darken, almost matching her hair. Out of reflex, she moved her hands to cover her face.
Before she could do it, she felt his two large hands grab around her wrists. In an instant, her arms were pulled away and pinned above her head. Lucius's face hovered only an inch above her own.
"Do not hide your face, Rena." He panted into her ear. "I want to see your beautiful face tonight. You are mine, and I am yours, and I want you to see it."