The Queen of Aessarion by Astrid Jane Ray

Author:Astrid Jane Ray [Jane Ray, Astrid]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-05T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

In the morning, Isydoris woke up alone and confused. She was not sure if the events from the previous night had been a dream, but her body still tingled with the memory of Azhrael's presence, so it must have been real. She touched the necklace with Maurel’s symbols and blushed at the flashback of her naked reflection in the mirror.

Suddenly, the familiar scent infiltrated her nostrils, and Isydoris snapped out of her shameful thoughts. Searching for the source of the inviting aroma, she noticed a rich bundle of blue heart lilies on the chest next to her bed. She recognized the sort because it was widespread in her native kingdom. Absentmindedly, she wondered where the flowers had come from, and if the reigh had them brought to her room to taunt her with his promise she would never see Atriya again. It did not matter, for she could not suppress the need to come closer. She rose to her feet, and tiptoed to the chest, inhaling the scent that made her think of home.

At first, she felt at ease. The lilies gave her comfort. But then, the faint, fragrant odor reminded her of Hedon and all the times they explored the gardens of The Crystal Palace together. Isydoris remembered the love that was innocent, but true nonetheless. Hedon had never done more than kiss her. They had never succumbed to the temptations of physical intimacy. Instead, her betrothed preferred to wait until their union was blessed in the temple, before the gods and both of their families.

She felt shame, but could not deny Hedon's touch had never inflamed her with such desire as Reigh Azhrael's. The indecent thought filled her with guilt, but the magnetic power of fresh erotic memories kept interchanging before her eyes. Submit to me, Isydoris...that heated voice whispered in the depths of her mind, and goosebumps erupted on her skin at the recollection of his tormenting touch. She swallowed hard, disturbed by these strange feelings that made her skin ignite with that same sizzling electricity.

A loud knock on the door disrupted her thoughts.

"You may enter," Isydoris uttered, half-afraid she would be confronted with her husband.

But it was only Eisla. The girl closed the door behind her, then bowed in a deep curtsy. "Good morning, my great reighess."

Isydoris stared at her in sheer wonder. "Eisla, is this truly necessary?"

"It is part of the protocol, my lady," she explained, slowly rising to her feet. "Respect and obedience is your due from your subjects. Our reigh will tolerate nothing less, and I would not dream of disobeying his orders."

"Yes, I can imagine your loyalty to him runs deep." Isydoris smiled faintly. "What do you need?"

Eisla's features settled into a serious expression. "The reigh wants you to join the council."

"But I thought women were not allowed to partake. You said it had something to do with the ancient tradition." Isydoris remembered a certain explanation Eisla had given her some time ago.

Eisla shrugged. "The reigh announced your presence, and the rest of the members had no choice but to agree with his wish.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.