The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 67: A Gentle Interlude

Chapter 67: A Gentle Interlude

Despite the shifting tensions that had shadowed the palace halls in recent weeks, the court was unusually quiet today. It was as though even the walls had agreed to take a breath. Lucien welcomed it. He welcomed the way the sun filtered through the tall windows of the council room, painting the marble floors with gold. He welcomed the silence, too—a blessed reprieve from the endless debates, the daggered whispers, the sideways glances.

He had half a mind to nap in his seat.

Alexander, unfortunately, looked like he had every intention of keeping Lucien on his toes.

"Are you even awake, husband?" Alexander leaned over from his chair, voice low and teasing. "Or have I married a remarkably well-dressed statue?"

Lucien gave him a glare that was only half-hearted. "Some of us enjoy peace. You should try it sometime."

"Oh, I enjoy many things," Alexander murmured, a wicked smile dancing on his lips. "Peace just isn’t one of them."

Lucien rolled his eyes and returned to reviewing a modest proposal on border trade with one of the northern provinces, only to find Alexander’s gaze still fixed on him. The moment their eyes met, Alexander lifted a brow—challenge or flirtation, Lucien couldn’t tell.

Probably both.

"Do you need something?" Lucien asked, his voice calm, too calm.

"I need many things," Alexander said. "But right now, I’m just admiring how well your ceremonial coat fits you. Is it new?"

Lucien blinked. "This old thing?"

"It’s doing... dangerous things to me," Alexander said, lips twitching as he feigned seriousness. "I might be too distracted to govern today."

Lucien suppressed a laugh, turning a page. "Should I have it removed then, for the good of the kingdom?"

"That depends," Alexander purred. "Would that involve you undressing in the council chamber? Because I doubt the ministers would survive it."

Across the room, a few scribes glanced up at their exchange, clearly pretending not to be listening. One of them even dropped his quill.

Lucien shot his husband a warning look. "You are insufferable."

"And you," Alexander said, "are irresistible."

Lucien coughed to cover his grin and ducked his head. "We are still in court."

"I’m aware. It’s thrilling."

The banter continued throughout the afternoon, as they attended minor meetings with trade envoys and regional lords. Though nothing of great consequence came across their desks, Lucien found himself oddly enjoying the day. Perhaps it was the ease of Alexander beside him, or the rare feeling of lightness that had settled in the air, but for the first time in a long while, he wasn’t waiting for the next political ambush.

At one point, during a lull in the meeting, Alexander leaned closer and whispered, "You’re in a good mood today."

Lucien nodded without looking up. "Maybe I’m getting used to all this."

Alexander’s gaze softened. "You’re doing better than most would in your place."

Lucien’s hand stilled on the parchment. "You think so?"

"I know so," Alexander said, the teasing gone from his voice. "You walk into rooms full of people who resent you and still hold your head high. That’s more strength than most of them will ever show."

Lucien looked at him, genuinely touched. "Thank you."

"Also," Alexander added slyly, "you looked devastatingly handsome all day, and it’s been driving me mad."

Lucien choked on a laugh. "There it is."

They finished their final meeting just after sunset, with the corridors glowing a soft amber from the evening light. Most of the court had retired, leaving behind a comfortable hush. Lucien stood from his seat, stretching his arms slightly. He hadn’t realized how stiff his back had gotten from sitting so long.

Alexander joined him, his gaze raking unabashedly from Lucien’s head to toe. "Careful. If you stretch like that, I might have to drag you off before we even make it out of the room."

"Control yourself, Your Highness," Lucien murmured with mock sternness.

"No promises," Alexander said, stepping beside him as they began walking through the dim corridor that led back toward their wing of the palace.

Their footsteps echoed quietly, the tension between them now charged and unmistakably electric. Every brush of their arms, every shared glance seemed to hold the echo of all the things they hadn’t said aloud in public. The easy teasing from earlier had given way to something warmer, deeper.

As they passed a tall window overlooking the moonlit gardens, Lucien slowed slightly, glancing out into the night. "It’s quiet out there too."

Alexander looked past him. "We could take a walk, if you’d like."

Lucien shook his head, his voice lower now. "No. I think... I think I just want to be with you."

Alexander’s eyes glinted. "Then let’s go."

They turned down the hallway leading toward their chambers, walking side by side in silence. Not the heavy kind, nor the awkward kind—but the kind that said everything already had been said. Alexander reached for Lucien’s hand without hesitation, lacing their fingers together.

Lucien felt the familiar warmth of Alexander’s palm against his and let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding.

Whatever tomorrow brought—whispers, resistance, politics—they had this moment.

"Long day, wasn’t it?" Alexander murmured, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. His grip on my hand tightened, a silent reassurance that we were done with the formalities of court life for the day.

"It was," I replied, leaning into him slightly. "But it’s over now. We’re home."

Home. The word felt like a balm to my weary soul. Our chambers were a sanctuary, a place where we could shed the heavy cloaks of royalty and simply be ourselves. Alexander pushed open the heavy oak door, and I followed him inside, the familiar surroundings welcoming me like an old friend.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls. The air was warm and inviting, scented with the faint aroma of sandalwood and lavender. Alexander closed the door behind us, the sound echoing softly in the quiet space.

"Shall we change out of these ridiculous court clothes?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement. He began to unfasten the intricate buttons of his tunic, his movements slow and deliberate.

I nodded, my fingers trembling slightly as I reached for the laces of my own garment. "Yes, please. I can’t wait to get out of this corset."

Alexander’s eyes darkened with desire as he watched me struggle with the tight laces. He stepped closer, his large hands easily undoing the knots that had been so difficult for me. "Let me help you with that," he said, his breath warm against my ear.

His touch was gentle yet commanding, and I shivered as his fingers brushed against my skin. The corset fell away, leaving me in nothing but my linen shift. Alexander’s gaze lingered on my exposed collarbones, his expression hungry.

"You’re so beautiful, Lucien," he whispered, his voice thick with longing.

I blushed, lowering my eyes. "You always say that."

"Because it’s true," he replied, his hands moving to my shoulders. He slid the shift off my body, letting it pool at my feet. I stood before him, naked and vulnerable, but with Alexander, I never felt exposed. I felt cherished.

He stepped back, his eyes roaming over my body with an intensity that made my heart race. "Turn around," he commanded, his tone firm but not unkind.

I obeyed, my movements slow and deliberate. I could feel his gaze on me, tracing every curve and line of my body. When I faced him again, he was already undressed, his towering frame commanding and powerful. His chest was broad and sculpted, his skin flushed with desire. His eyes were dark and hungry, and I felt a thrill of anticipation run through me.

"Come here," he said, holding out his hand.

I took it, allowing him to pull me closer. His touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, then my lips, his mouth moving with a tenderness that belied his dominant nature.

"I’ve been thinking about this all day," he murmured against my skin, his lips trailing down my neck. "About having you in my arms, feeling your body against mine."

His words sent a rush of heat through me, and I moaned softly as his hands moved down my back, cupping my hips. He lifted me effortlessly, cradling me against his chest. I wrapped my legs around his waist, my arms around his neck, feeling small and cherished in his embrace.

"Alexander," I breathed, my voice trembling with desire.

He carried me to the bed, laying me down gently on the soft silk sheets. The room was warm, the candles casting a soft, intimate glow. Alexander loomed over me, his presence commanding and overwhelming. I felt a surge of longing, a deep, aching need that only he could satisfy.

"Tell me what you want, Lucien," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Tell me how you want me to touch you."

I bit my lip, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I—I want you to take me, Alexander. I want to feel you inside me."

A dark, hungry smile spread across his face, and he leaned down, pressing a fierce kiss to my lips. "That’s what I love to hear," he murmured, his hands moving down my body. His touch was firm yet gentle, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin that made me shiver with anticipation.

He kissed his way down my body, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of fire in their wake. I arched my back, moaning softly as he paid special attention to my nipples, sucking and nipping at them until they were hard and sensitive. His hands moved lower, cupping my ass and squeezing gently, his touch both possessive and reverent.

"You’re so perfect," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. "So responsive. I love how you react to my touch."

I whimpered, my body thrumming with need. "Alexander, please. I need you."

He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Impatient, aren’t we?"

He moved lower still, his lips brushing against my inner thighs. I spread my legs wider, giving him better access, and he hummed his approval. His tongue was warm and wet, tracing patterns on my skin that made me squirm with pleasure. He teased me, his touch light and fleeting, until I was writhing beneath him, begging for more.

"Please, Alexander," I gasped, my voice hoarse with need. "I need you to fuck me."

He looked up at me, his eyes dark and intense. "Say it again," he commanded, his voice firm.

"I need you to fuck me," I repeated, my voice steady despite the desperation I felt.

A triumphant smile spread across his face, and he moved between my legs, his thick, hard cock pressing against my entrance. I moaned, my body aching for him, and he entered me slowly, his eyes locked on mine.

"You feel so good, Lucien," he groaned, his voice thick with desire. "So tight and hot."

I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into me. He began to move, his thrusts slow and deliberate at first, but gradually increasing in speed and intensity. The bed creaked beneath us, the sheets tangling around our bodies as we moved in perfect harmony.

"Alexander," I cried out, my voice breaking as pleasure washed over me. "Harder, please."

He growled, his movements becoming more urgent, more demanding. He pounded into me relentlessly, his cock filling me completely, stretching me in a way that was both painful and exquisitely pleasurable. I met his thrusts with my own, my body moving in rhythm with his, our connection deepening with every passing moment.

"That’s it, Lucien," he panted, his voice hoarse with exertion. "Take it. Take all of me."

I moaned, my body on the brink of orgasm. "I—I’m close," I gasped, my voice trembling.

"Me too," he replied, his thrusts becoming frantic. "Cum for me, Lucien. Let go."

His words were all the encouragement I needed, and I cried out, my body shaking as pleasure overwhelmed me. My orgasm ripped through me, waves of ecstasy crashing over me like a tidal wave. Alexander followed soon after, his body stiffening as he buried himself deep within me, his seed spilling into me in hot, pulsating bursts.

He collapsed on top of me, his weight heavy but comforting. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close as our hearts slowed and our breathing returned to normal. The room was quiet, the only sound the soft crackle of the candles and the faint sound of our labored breathing.

"I love you, Lucien," Alexander murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my shoulder.

"I love you too," I replied, my voice soft and full of emotion.

He lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine. "Always and forever," he promised, his voice steady and sure.

I smiled, my heart full to bursting. "Always and forever," I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.

We lay there for a long time, our bodies still joined, our hearts beating in unison. The world outside our chambers felt distant and irrelevant. In that moment, there was only Alexander and me, our love a beacon in the darkness, guiding us through the trials and tribulations of our royal lives.

As the candles flickered and the room grew dim, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Alexander’s arms were my safe haven, his love my anchor. And in that quiet, intimate moment, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, our bond unbreakable and our love eternal.