Chapter 24: Wedding night

As Seraphina and I walked through the grand corridors of the palace, the sound of our footsteps echoed softly against the marble floors. My heart pounded in my chest, and a flood of questions swirled in my mind.

What exactly was expected of me tonight? Was this really happing? The prospect of consummating our marriage loomed over me, filling me with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity.

I glanced at Seraphina, trying to gauge her mood. Her expression was unreadable, her eyes focused ahead, and she maintained a cool, composed demeanor. I felt a pang of discomfort; it was awkward to be married to someone I hardly knew. We had danced, exchanged vows, and kissed in front of everyone, but the reality of being alone with her now felt overwhelming.

As we approached the door to our chambers, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Wh the doors oped, I was struck by the room's sheer magnificce. It was ev larger than my own room, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and chandeliers that cast a warm, inviting glow.

The bed was a grand canopy style, draped in rich, silky fabrics that hinted at luxury and intimacy. Soft, fragrant petals were scattered across the bed, and candles were placed strategically a the room, their flickering light creating a romantic atmosphere.

Seraphina led me inside, her hand still holding mine. I couldn't help but notice the slight tsion in her grip, and wh I looked at her face, I saw a flicker of something—was it doubt or concern? Her usual composed and confidt demeanor seemed momtarily shak.

The door closed behind us with a soft click, and the atmosphere in the room grew ev more charged. I felt a lump form in my throat, the reality of our situation pressing down on me. Seraphina released my hand and took a step back, her gaze turning cold and assessing as she regarded me. The air betwe us was thick with unspok words, and the tsion was almost unbearable.

After a momt, Seraphina's eyes softed slightly, and she spoke in a low, almost hesitant tone. "This is... new for both of us," she began, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I understand if you're nervous, Elara. This is a night meant to solidify our bond, but we will proceed at a pace you are comfortable with."

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddly dry. "I... I appreciate that," I managed to say, my voice trembling slightly. "It's just... all so overwhelming."

Seraphina nodded, her eyes searching mine for a long momt. Th, without warning, her gaze shifted from cold to something much more intse—something that looked very much like desire.

"Let's see how far I can get you," she murmured, her voice dropping to a husky whisper that st a shiver down my spine.

Before I could react, she stepped closer, her hands reaching out to gtly push me towards the bed. My heart raced as I stumbled back, the soft mattress catching me as I fell. Seraphina followed, her movemts slow and deliberate as she climbed on top of me. Her eyes burned with an intsity that both thrilled and terrified me.

"Tell me wh you can't take it anymore, and I will stop," she said, her voice a low growl that st waves of heat through my body. Her eyes, dark and intse, held a promise of something wild and unrestrained.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. The proximity of her body, the feel of her weight pressing down on me, was overwhelming. Her sct, a mix of sandalwood and something uniquely her, veloped me. She leaned in, her lips brushing against mine in a soft, teasing kiss that left me breathless. It was a tantalizing whisper of what was to come.

"Are you sure?" she murmured, her breath hot against my lips. I could only nod again, my heart pounding in my chest.

With each kiss, each touch, she explored me, leaving no part of me untouched. Her hands moved to my tights. She pulled them off slowly, her fingers brushing against my thighs as she did. Every touch was a tease, a promise of what was to come.

Seraphina knelt betwe my legs, her hands running up and down my thighs in a slow, tantalizing motion. "You're trembling," she noted with a smile, her voice filled with a mix of satisfaction and affection. "Do you want me to stop?"

I shook my head, my breath coming in shallow gasps. "No, please, don't stop."

She chuckled softly and continued her slow, deliberate exploration. Her fingers hooked into the waistband of my panties, and she looked up at me, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Are you sure you want this?" she asked, her voice a seductive whisper.

But as she began to slide my panties down, a sudd wave of vulnerability washed over me, and I found myself whispering, "Stop."

Seraphina paused immediately, her eyes searching mine. "Are you okay?" she asked gtly, her voice full of concern.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, I just... I don't think I'm ready."

She rolled off me, lying beside me on the bed. The room was silt except for the sound of our heavy breathing. I felt a mix of relief and regret, my body still humming with the remnants of our passion.

Seraphina reached out, taking my hand in hers. "You did well," she said, her voice soothing. "There's no rush. We have all the time in the world."

I nodded, feeling a swell of gratitude for her patice. "Thank you," I whispered, squeezing her hand.

We lay there in silce for a while, the tsion slowly ebbing away. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls, creating a sse of intimacy that was both comforting and unfamiliar.

I realized that despite the awkwardness and the uncertainty, there was also a growing connection betwe us, a bond that would only strgth with time.

As I lay there, I found myself feeling more at ease. Seraphina's presce, though commanding and intse, was also a source of comfort. We might not know each other well yet, but there was a sse of mutual respect and understanding that gave me hope for our future together.

Evtually, Seraphina broke the silce. "Rest now, Elara. We have a long journey ahead of us."

I nodded, closing my eyes and allowing myself to relax. The bed was soft and warm, and Seraphina's hand holding mine was a reassuring anchor. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sse of peace settle over me.