#otp: the prideful king whispers a surrender as she cups his stolen heart against her chest

[shelbysbrother]

Jujak, Cora & Helios

Jujak: One of our characters helping the other prepare for a special occasion

Cora remembered the days when Rheaused to help brush her hair before a big gala. The ones in honor of herbirthday, particularly, had always been extra special. Or seemed that way,anyway.

As it was, she sat at her vanityalone, absentmindedly brushing her hair so much that she didn’t pay attentionto how there were no knots anymore. When she remembered it was best not to getlost in memories again, she shook herself out of it and put the brush down, paintingher lips a deep red to match the gown draped across a nearby chaise. She’d justfinished patting blush to her cheeks when the double doors to the bedroomopened, and in walked a face that always made her heart beat fast.

Helios wore his most regal attire,adorned with the red and black Calore colors that matched her dress. Or herdress matched his clothes, she supposed. He strode over to stand behind her,hands clasped behind his back until he could place them gently on hershoulders. Her face remained impassive, though; unsure of why he’d come to herearly. She was supposed to meet him once she was completely ready so they couldenter the ballroom together. They’d been doing better, certainly, as far asthings between them in private went, but there was still something…missing. Shecouldn’t quite explain the feeling, but there felt like a chasm between them,and she didn’t know how to close it. Considering what the occasion was, and whowasn’t here to celebrate because of him, she was sure that didn’t help any.

“Have any plans changed?” sheasked him, voice neutral. Professional.

“No, nothing like that. I…wasn’tsure if you might want help or not.” A hesitant, awkward pause passed. “I knowyou used to have an army at your side before your birthday parties.”

“I’m fine. If I needed help, Iwould’ve asked for my ladies-in-waiting.” She’d wanted to be alone, notsurrounded by strangers. Unfortunately, she still wasn’t sure if Helios fellinto that category or not.

“Really?” He raised a brow andlooked over at her dress, and the stringy shoes on the floor. The dress fastenedfrom the back.

She sighed and stood, giving hishand a pat before walking over to the lovely piece of clothing, and shimmyingit up her body. It was loose, off the shoulders, and when she finally had itup, she held it in place and turned her head to face Helios. Well…her gaze fellto his boots, not quite able to look him in the eye. “Could you?”

He took a couple steps, placingone hand on her lower back, while the other efficiently zipped her dress. Hishands only lingered long enough to smooth out her dress. When he was done, hestepped back, hands clasped together in front of him. “Is there anything else?”

Cora looked down at her shoes,then sat on the plush chaise lounge, her gaze flicking up to Helios. “Just theshoes, if you don’t mind.”

Shaking his head to show he didn’tmind at all, Helios got down on one knee, and gently lifted a foot to rest atophis leg. There was just enough of a slit in her dress for the fabric to part ina waterfall of fabric, her leg practically bare as Helios helped her get theheel on and fasten it. Silvers always did love their high couture, and she hadto admit, it was a little more freeing than some of the ball gowns she loved towear.

Once both her heels were on,Helios stood and offered both his hands to help her stand as well, and she tookthem gratefully. When she was balanced, though, she realized her hands hadn’tlet go of Helios yet, and he hadn’t let go of her. Their bodies were closetogether, her face not far from his when she looked into his eyes, a certainelectricity in the air that crackled between them. One of his hands releasedhers so he could bring it up to her face, adjusting some of her hair over her shoulder,lightly brushing his fingers over it. She couldn’t look away from him.

“You look beautiful,” he finallysaid, voice tender and quiet.

“Thank you.” She felt breathless,like she might lose her balance for entirely different reasons now. It was whenshe remembered what waited for them that she forced herself to pull away,giving him a small smile. It was amazing, how easy he could cloud her thoughts.“We should get going.”

With what she thought was animagined tinge of sadness in his eyes; he nodded, but held up a finger.“Just…one moment. I have something to give you first.”

Her brows furrowed as he went to adig through a drawer. She remembered him asking her for days what she wantedfor her birthday. Cora had teased sometimes, saying she still wanted that ponyfrom him. Other times she could only be serious, saying that the things shewanted were things he couldn’t buy her. Since the drawer was far too small fora pony, she couldn’t guess what he finally settled on.

He pulled out something, closedthe drawer, and then hid whatever it was behind his back as he walked back toher. After a moment of anticipation, he revealed the neatly wrapped box with asmall, red bow on top. Based on the shape of the gift, it wasn’t hard for herto see now what it probably was.

“Happy Birthday, Cora,” he said, agrin on his face as he opened the box for her to display what lay inside. Hereyes widened at the stunning necklace inside, a string of rubies with diamondssurrounding each gem. It reminded her somewhat of her wedding ring, and it mostcertainly went with her dress for the night.

“Helios…” She tentatively reachedout to touch it, as if it couldn’t possibly be real. It was beautiful, forsure, but something about just how breathtaking it was made her apprehensive.She remembered how not long ago – or what didn’t seem like long ago – she wastold her family always gave her what she asked for. A reminder used as a reasonfor why she shouldn’t complain about the things asked of her, about the things she shouldn’task for. She was given beautiful things, things she liked, therefore she shouldbehave, be quiet, be easy. She should remember her place, which meant that everyone,including the siblings that didn’t seem to think twice about leaving her behindso they could get to safety, were above her. They had power, and she was only meant to obey, not question.

Is that what this gift meant? Wasit ultimately another noose meant to serve as a reminder of her position?Except this time it was Helios in power instead of her family?

“I had the hardest time thinkingof what to get you, but I remember you used to always love jewels like these.”He gave a nervous smile, and she had to smile back. He wasn’t wrong, but still.The sheer extravagance of it made her nervous. It’d been so long since she feltlike she could freely enjoy anything. “Do you like it?”

The earnest expression on his facemade her resolve crumble, and she knew she couldn’t turn it down, whether sheliked it or not. Lucky for her, Helios somehow seemed to have excellent taste.“It’s perfect.” She pulled her hair over one shoulder, baring her back to himonce more. “Would you help me put it on?”

She saw what looked like a hiddensmile as he worked to take it carefully out of the box, putting it around herneck with care and clasping it at the back. It felt heavy against her barechest, but gods, it looked amazing. When she turned back around, he was stilladmiring it around her neck. “Even more beautiful than before.”

Trying to hide the anxiety she felt,she looped her arm through his and led him toward the door. “Come on, YourMajesty. We’re going to be late.”

In seemingly good spirits, theydeparted toward the ballroom, making their entrance at the top of the stairswith great fanfare before descending together, hand in hand. The party was infull swing, and no expense had been spared to make the place look dazzling.Tables upon tables of delicious delicacies, a fountain of champagne withcrystal flutes filled almost to the brim surrounding it. The orchestra played aslow song for her and Helios to dance to, but even in his arms, so close to himlike before, she felt that chasm again. He was with her, but he was putting onenough of a front to make her wonder if she’d imagined everything in her room.No, she thought. She knew his duties. That didn’t mean he wasn’t sincere withCora…right?

When the song stopped, he bowedand kissed her knuckles, the smile on his face not quite reaching his eyes. “Itwould be best if we mingle with some of the court, see how they’re enjoying theparty. Meet me at the steps when we’re done?”

Cora tried to smile back, nodding.Complying. Even if this was her birthday party, it was always about pleasingeveryone else. It always had been, and it always would be. “Of course.”

With another kiss to her knuckles,he disappeared into the crowd, and Cora was left to handle her queenly dutiesalone. Well, mostly alone. She talked with some of the other ladies of court,laughed at topics she used to find funny, pretended some of them might actuallycare about her when they were excited to show her what magnificent item they’dgotten her. For such a splendid birthday party, she felt so…out of place. Shehad learned to put on a front, to be the queen Helios and everyone else needed,but wasn’t today supposed to feel a little more special? Even for her?

Her glance wandered around theroom, only to land on Asteria, the girl flitting around with unadulterated joy,and Cora almost felt sick, especially when she caught Helios doting on her ashe always did. Wonderful. Asteria, of all people, seemed to always have thefreedom Cora craved. She was allowed to reach for whatever she wanted. She wasallowed to do as she pleased while everyone cheered her on – even if that wasmurdering her brother. Yet Cora was the spoiled one for asking too much of thepeople around her. Right. She grabbeda flute of champagne from the table and took a dainty sip, trying not to guzzleit in one go.

Cora tried to return tosocializing, but yet another sight caught her attention later, and this time,it knocked the wind right out of her. For a moment, she thought she might be inthe past as she watched the scene unfold with horror. Helios was smiling with awoman whose face Cora couldn’t see. All she saw was the luxurious spill ofgolden hair, and the back of a beautiful, form-fitting gown. Suddenly, all ofCora’s insecurities came roaring to life, and there was no tampering them downthis time. This was more than just a reminder of how charming he used to be atparties. Of how much Cora had wanted Helios to look at her during her own birthday parties so badly. It was a reminder ofthe ever so perfect ghost Cora thought had long since stopped haunting thisplace.

Why wouldn’t Helios have a thingfor blondes?

Times like these made Cora hatehow much attention she paid to Helios, in the past and the present. She’dalways tried to shrug the longing stares off to keep her daydreams alive, butshe’d known. She’d known. And it made the sight of them so much worse now. It’s not her, it’s not her, it’s not her. Corafinished off the rest of her champagne in one drink, and then forced herself tolook away. She couldn’t do this. She didn’t want to feel like less on her birthday. Like she wouldnever live up to every woman in the room tonight. Like she wasn’t enough for afamily who probably wasn’t thinking about what day today was, if they were evenalive. Like…like she’d never be enough for Helios, the man she felt guilty forloving so much. Was he more than the man everyone thought he was, as shebelieved, or was she the one being tricked? Was she really just a naïve girlthat could be fooled easily?

With one last look that sheimmediately regretted, she hurried off toward the palace gardens, one of herfavorite escapes for parties like these. The queen going for a stroll outsidewouldn’t be suspicious. And she needed it. She needed some air.

The wind was crisp against herface, the leaves of the nearby trees already beginning to change color. Herfingers touched the rubies around her neck, and suddenly, it all felt tooheavy. Suffocating. With trembling fingers, she unclasped the necklace and letit drop into a patch of grass by the stone steps. She rubbed at her now barechest, heading down the stairs and toward the beautiful fountain. Cora took aseat at the edge, staring at her reflection in the water, the sun just startingto set so that the sky was colored purple and pink. What did she do now? Howcould she look at Helios later and not feel like just another pawn to him? Howdid she open up her heart and close this divide between them once and for all?Could it even be closed now after everything that happened? Would the pastalways be there to torment her?

“Is everything all right, YourMajesty?” The cordial voice broke her from her thoughts, and she looked up tosee a surprisingly handsome young man wearing House Osanos colors. She thoughtshe remembered seeing him before. But who…ah, Glaucus, that’s right. He’dalways seemed like a nice fellow. “I don’t mean to impose, you just seemed…troubled.”

Cora gestured toward the spot nextto her as an invite. “You’re fine. The ballroom was just becoming a little toohot. Have you had a good time?”

Glaucus bowed his head beforetaking a seat. “I have indeed. You and the king throw some of the bestparties.” He smiled. “And may I say, a happy birthday to you. I hope you’ve hada grand time tonight.”

Cora tried to smile. “I have. Ieven feel just a little older.” Though that had nothing to do with the birthdayitself, and more to do with what life had become.

Glaucus seemed to study her for anunnerving amount of time. “You know…I mean no disrespect for your planner, butperhaps some entertainment would’ve done the night some good as well.”

“You mean the orchestra didn’tcapture your attention?” she teased, knowing he was probably right.

He chuckled. “No, I was thinkingsomething more like this…”

Placing his palm toward thefountain water, the surface began to ripple until cute little turtles made ofwater began to swim around in formation, waving their little fins toward Cora.They continued on for a while until they swam around to arrange the words‘Happy Birthday’ with their bodies. Cora broke out into a bright smile andchuckled as they dissolved back into a puddle, giving the faintest of claps toshow her appreciation for the trick.

“Oh, Glaucus, that was wonderful.Thank you.”

“I could do more, if you’d like.It’s nice to see you smile.”

While she couldn’t wipe it awaycompletely, her smile did fade a little at the observation. Was it honestly soobvious to people? “No, that’s okay. Really, though, it’s one of the best giftsI’ve received tonight.”

“Thank you, that’s high praise. Iwould’ve never dreamed that would live up to what the king gave you.”

Cora stared into the water wherethe turtles had been only moments before. She wasn’t sure how to answer that.Which may have been answer enough.

“I don’t mean to be bold, YourMajesty, but…I could give you another gift, if it’s appropriate. And if it’snot, then please forgive me, as I don’t mean to overstep.”

Well that wasn’t worrisome. Still,she was curious. “Continue.”

He gathered his words a momentbefore doing so. “I don’t pretend to know how you’ve been doing after all thistime since…that day happened.” Thesiege, she knew he meant. “But if you would ever wish to seek reprieve…I wouldbe happy to attend to you however you wish. Whether it’s more water shows, orby completely different services. Whatever would make you happiest. But otherkings and queens have sought out such…attendance, so you wouldn’t be the first.I promise I would never speak a word of it, either. The public and the courtwould never know.”

Well. That was…not what she’dexpected. Yet, it was what she’d always wanted, strangely. Here was a handsomeboy at a party, finally lavishing her with attention. Here was someone whocared enough to see her struggle and offer her help. For all intents andpurposes, she should be jumping up and down to say yes. Glaucus was sweet, andif ever an offer were to be made, she was glad it was from him.

All she could think of was Helios,though.

He’d taken many verbal beatingsfrom her in private – because stars forbid she do anything in public. Shewasn’t so stupid as to try that. It had felt like he tried to connect with her,even if she couldn’t trust herself to know what was real and what wasfabricated. Gods, could she ask someone else to give her their time when allshe ever thought about was the man she’d loved for years? No, no she had tosort that out first. She couldn’t keep running away from what scared her most.

“Glaucus, you’re a kind man foroffering, but…I’m loyal to my husband. I could never do that to him.”

He nodded once, understanding.“Should things change, I just want you to know the offer will always stand foryou, Your Majesty. You’ve been a good queen to us all, and I would be humbledto return the favor to you.”

Stars, she was an idiot forturning this man, so help her. She stood, giving him a warm smile. “You’re agood man, Glaucus. Never forget that.”

With one last goodbye, she madeher way to the stone steps; hurrying up them faster and faster the closer shegot to the top. When she was there, she stopped abruptly at the top, the colordraining from her face when she saw the bare patch of grass with no necklace insight. No, no, no, please no. Cora looked around the surrounding area longenough to confirm that, no, it wasn’t there anymore. She ran her fingersthrough her hair, returning to the ballroom with a stomach that wouldn’t stoptwisting and turning. Helios was nowhere in sight, or by the stairs, and shedidn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Watch her turn down a man,only for him to go sneaking off with the blonde.

Nope. No, she wouldn’t think ofthat.

Resigned, she said her farewells to whom she could, and made her way back to her bedroom, shoulders heavy withregret and dejection. What a stupid, stupid girl she was. This birthdaycontinued to get worse and worse, and she had a bad feeling it would only getworse from here.

After stalling for as long as shecould, she finally reentered her bedroom, body weary from worry of all sorts.Only part of that was alleviated when she sat Helios standing on the balconythrough her window, hands resting against the stone ledge as he looked out intothe distance, a bottle of champagne at his feet. He wasn’t with anyone else, atleast, yet it was odd he left before everyone else had.

She opened the doors and walkedout, heels clacking against the stone surface until she stopped to look out aswell. It was silent between the two, stretching so long that she started tofeel worried again. Something felt off…more so than usual.

“Did you have a good timetonight?” he finally asked. His voice was level. Controlled. Not good.

“It was a good party,” she toldhim honestly, voice quiet. She couldn’t make herself look at him. Not yet.

“You didn’t meet me at the steps.”Words spoken through nearly clenched teeth.

“I went outside. When I came backin, you were gone.”

Silence. It seemed to go onforever, until he repeated himself. “You didn’t meet me at the steps. I gotworried.”

“I didn’t mean to.” The truth. Shehadn’t thought he was paying attention to her. “I just needed some air.”

“Are you sure?” There was a bitingtone to it that made her look over in worry. His face was just a little red,but he still wasn’t looking at her. How much had he drank? She was about toask, when he pulled out the very necklace she’d searched for, placing it acrossthe balcony’s ledge. Oh. “Or were you just looking for some place to leavethis?”

Her brows furrowed as the familiarwash of anger bubbled up. Is that the only reason he was upset? She thought,for a split second, he’d actually been worried about her. He was just worriedabout appearances, though. “You know, I really didn’t feel like wearing itafter the person who gave it to me was having such a wonderful time withanother girl.”

Now it was his brows thatfurrowed. When he spoke, there was more confusion than restrained anger. “What?”

“Oh, were there so many that youcan’t remember?” She gripped the ledge, heartbeat racing. “You were talkingwith that blonde girl in the yellow dress, and you both looked like the best offriends. Someone from the old days?”

“What, one girl made you think Iwas going back on my promise to be loyal to you?” he asked, this time lookingat her so their eyes met.

“Yes,” she said resolutely, watching his expression drop at hercertainty. She felt herself get worked up more, words spilling out. “I knew youwould be loyal for the sake of the crown’s image, but I never thought you’d beloyal to me. You have no reason to be. And she…she was stunning. I saw how shelooked, how she doted on you. And of course you’d be attracted to any blonde inthe room like that, because from the back I could’ve sworn…I thought that for amoment…”

Cora swayed a little on the spot,hand gripping the ledge tighter now to stay upright as black dots danced acrossher vision, heart racing from the stress of it all. Gods, she was going to besick. Her ears were on the verge of ringing, which made the sound of thechampagne bottle clattering all the stranger as Helios rushed over to her,strong arms around her waist to hold her up. Her hands rested against his chestas the world tried to stop moving.

“Cora…Cora. I’ve got you, just look at me. Look at me.” She took a deepbreath and tilted her head up slowly. Her vision was blurry, but slowly beganto clear as she focused on the chill air hitting her warm cheeks, on thedissolving panic in Helios’ eyes. She was calmer now. She felt…safe.

“I felt like I wasn’t good enoughagain,” she admitted quietly, finding her voice. She owed him an explanation asto why she was so stressed. As to why she took off the necklace. “The necklacebegan to feel like another present to just…get me to do what everyone elsewanted, and…and I couldn’t breathe with it on.”

Again, it was silent, but withless tension as Helios moved some of her hair back, their faces so close now.His voice wasn’t as angry when he spoke. “Is that why you were with GlaucusOsanos?”

Dread filled Cora, even though shehadn’t actually done anything with Glaucus. She’d turned him down. “You knew Iwas outside with him?”

Helios sighed. “I told you I wasworried. Parties…they’re a good place for bad things to happen, and my enemiesknow the quickest way to weaken me.” His gaze was intent as he looked at her,and this time, Cora’s heart skipped a beat. The queen would be the choice,but…that’s not what this sounded like. “I asked the guards where you’d gone,and they said they had eyes on you outside. So I followed. I found the necklaceby the stairs…and Glaucus giving you a fountain side performance.” His thumbcaressed her cheek as he watched her, his other arm still tight around herwaist. “He made you smile. And laugh.” He swallowed. “I hated that it wasn’tme.”

All Cora could do was stare indisbelief. Was it possible…that he cared? Every time he gave her reason tobelieve, she was too scared to. Afraid that if she let herself fall completely,his walls would go up again, and it would have all been a dream. “Helios…”

“I love you,” he said so suddenly,so tenderly, that Cora was left speechless once more. “I know you hate me forthe things I’ve done, and I understand that, but my feelings won’t change. Idon’t feel this way for appearances, Cora, I swear to you. I cared for you as afriend when we married, but…this,” he said, gently sliding one of her handsover his heart, “happened because there is no one like you. Not before, and notnow. I need you to know that. Do you know that?”

Cora’s throat tightened. All shecould do was shake her head. He was so convincing…she wanted to believe him.She wanted to believe this was real.

His forehead touched hers, and ahint of desperation shone through in his voice, so rare that she thought shewas imagining it. “I want you. I loveyou. There is no one else.” His handswere warm against her body and the back of her neck, either trying to stop herfrom shivering with adrenaline, or because his words, for once, felt like theywere from deep within the heart. She didn’t fear being burned, though. He wassafe. He was comfort. “You’re all I think about. All I dream about when I’masleep. You’re this all-consuming fire that engulfs me. That makes me feelcentered. You’re more than goodenough, Cora.” He took in a deep breath, trying to regain his composure, butshe wasn’t used to seeing him this rattled. She wasn’t sure what to expect. “Iknow you don’t trust me, but if I have even the slightest chance…if I can keepyou from slipping away…then you need to know it’s you. I want to make youlaugh. I want to make you happy.” He swallowed. “I’m yours. I will always beyours.”

Cora felt dizzy again, but forentirely new reasons. Helios Calore loved her…and for the first time, shebelieved it with all her heart. His eyes were closed as he waited for aresponse; like he might be praying to gods she wasn’t sure he believed in. Sheslid her hands up from his chest to his face, placing her lips on his sweetlyat first, deepening the kiss the longer it went on.

“I don’t hate you,” she whisperedwhen she pulled away, her hand caressing his face, feeling breathless in themoment. “I was angry. I was hurt. I felt betrayed.” Each word looked like itstabbed Helios in the heart, but she didn’t mean it like that. Not this time.“I still feel angry sometimes. But I’m angry because I care. I’ve always cared.I’ve tried to hate you because I felt so guilty for being in love with you.”Finally, his gaze fell on her, heated, and filled with a sparkle she didn’t seeoften. “But I loved you before, and I haven’t stopped. I love you, Helios. It’sjust…grown. I know more of you now. I see more of you.”

She brushed some of his hair back,his eyes transfixed on her face. She was tired of feeling guilty. All she coulddo was move forward from what happened. There was no going back. So she wouldtake this, with both hands, and never let go. It was time she did something forherself. And now that she felt it, deep inside, that this was her Helios…thatshe could trust him…she didn’t want to hold back. The chasm finally felt likeit was closing. It felt like she could finally reach him.

“Do you promise not to shut meout?” she asked, kissing his cheek, his jawline, his neck.

“I will if you will,” he said,voice hoarse as he backed into the balcony ledge, head tilted back to give hera better angle.

“I promise.” With that, she gavehim a peck on the lips, then grabbed his hands, and the necklace, and led himback into the bedroom, shutting the balcony doors behind them. She placed thenecklace on her vanity, and then made sure every door was locked. She wanted no guards coming in and interrupting amoment she’d waited far too long for.

She walked back over to Helios andturned around so that her back was to him, and brushed her hair to one side. Ittook everything in her not to look nervous. “Unzip me.”

It was like she could hear hisbreath hitch. A moment later, he was behind her, a hand gently holding herwaist while the other unzipped her, much more slowly than he’d done so earlier.His finger grazed her skin as he moved it down, down, until it could go nofurther. Both his hands were on her waist now, and his mouth was on her neck,her shoulder, leaving soft kisses everywhere he touched. Cora turned so thatshe could face him, hand pressing the dress against her body still. Eyes lockedon his, she let her hand go, and the dress fell into a pool at her feet,leaving her in nothing but a slip. Helios watched her, a hunger in his eyesthat she found to be intoxicating. It was nothing he hadn’t seen before, but itall felt different. They were seeing each other in a new light, and it was themost intimate thing she’d ever experienced.

She kicked the dress away, andtogether, they made quick work of her shoes, and all the buttons, and buckles,and whatever else on his jacket, throwing that off to the side so she was leftwith nothing but a well sculpted abdomen to admire. She grinned up at him, likea cat that’d just ate the canary. “This reminds me of all the times I lovedwatching you train. You really did anumber on me.”

There it was. There was that smileof his that she loved so much. He picked her up, and she wrapped her legsaround his waist, hands wound around his neck as he carried her to the bed,both of them smiling. He was about to lay her down when she stopped him. “Turnaround.”

He looked at her a long moment.“Do you trust me?”

“I do. But it’s my turn.” Shekissed him on the mouth, slow, sensual. It was time she got her chance toexplore this new land they’d crossed into. “Let go for once. I’ll take care ofyou.”

Nodding reluctantly, he turnedaround, and with great force, hopped backward on the bed so his back landed onthe mattress, and she was curled on top of him, arms wrapped tight around eachother. They bounced a couple times because of his momentum, and Cora couldn’thelp but laugh at the thrill of it. She beamed down at an equally happy lookingHelios, her hands on either side of him, fingers interlocked with his so thathis arms were partially pinned. If she were to guess, this felt like what ahoneymoon was supposed to be like.

“I need my husband’s help gettingthis off,” she said, sitting up a little straighter to tug on the silky fabric.“Would he lend me his hands?”

He smiled and sat up straightenough so that he could more easily pull it off her. “He’s happy to oblige.”

Helios slid the fabric up herbody, discarding it absentmindedly, his eyes roaming over every inch of her.There was a moment of vulnerability that made her want to cover up again, thatmade her forget things were different, but the look on Helios’ face…it remindedher of why she wanted to do this. Everything was different. New. He went tokiss her bare chest, but she gently pushed him down so that his head hit thepillows, her eyes twinkling with confidence, with love.

“Soon,” she murmured, bending downto kiss his neck, her hips sliding down so she could shimmy down his body. Shesat up again, undoing his pants and sliding them down as well until she couldtoss them across the room. Cora hovered over Helios, gently bringing herselfdown until they were chest-to-chest, skin-to-skin. Every part of her feltelectrified where they touched, his body running a little hotter than usual asthey moved against each other, finding a rhythm with general ease.

Cora went to sit up, get a betterposition to move her hips, but Helios shot an arm around her waist, handsplayed against her back, fingers curling into her skin. He shook his head, hisbreathing becoming more ragged as they went. “Stay close. Please.”

She nodded, bracing herselfagainst him, moans echoing in the room as she felt them both build to a climax.In no time at all, waves of pleasure filled her from head to toe, and she felther hips begin to stutter only a little before Helios finished. They lay likethat for a while afterward, Cora on top of Helios, pressing slow, sweet kissesanywhere she could reach. “Told you I’d take care of you.”

He chuckled, brushing his fingersthrough her hair. “I never doubted you.”

Smiling down at him, she placedone more kiss on his lips, and then rolled them over so that he was the onelooking down now. He was hesitant at first, hands running down her bare sidesas he took her in. She wanted to be in the moment, though. No trying for anheir, no pressure for anything at all. It was just the two of them this time,together because they wanted to be close. “I trust you,” she told him, hervoice soft as she searched his eyes. “It’s okay.”

Nodding, he pressed a kiss to herneck, hands definitely warm onpurpose as he massaged everywhere he could touch. She sighed into him, fingersrunning down his back as they moved together, gradually getting faster andfaster again. And this time, she was here the whole way. She was with him forevery kiss and every thrust, eyes locked on his. The pleasure from itintensified the experience to new levels that she hadn’t been sure they couldreach, and for the second time that night, they were falling over the edge, oneright after the other. He buried his face into her neck, and she ran herfingers through his hair, catching her breath from the exertion. Stars…they’dbeen missing out.

After they’d rested and cleanedup, they were back in bed together, Cora’s back pressed against Helios’ chestas they lay underneath the sheets, his arm draped across her waist in thecomfortable silence. She stared out the window of the balcony door, enjoyingthe way the lights gave everything a warm glow outside. In this moment, sherealized…she was at peace. Everything felt calm for the first time in a longtime. The thought of it had her breaking out into a bright smile,uncontrollable giggles falling out.

“What?” Helios asked, shiftingjust a little to try and face her.

She turned on her side so theywere lying face-to-face; smile still wide as her eyes pricked with happy tearsfrom laughing. “This was what I wanted.”

Helios was smiling now, but hestill looked as confused as ever. “Come again?”

“I told you that the things Iwanted for my birthday were things you couldn’t buy me.” She lifted a finger totrace down his cheek. “I wanted you to be open with me. I wanted the wallsbetween us to come down.” She moved closer to place a kiss to his lips. “Iwanted you.”

“I wish you’d known.” He sighed, afaint smile on his lips as his fingers ran up and down her arm. “You’ve hadme.” A smile crept up his face. “I mean, I can’t do fountain shows, but…”

She playfully smacked him. “You’venever needed them. Besides, I love your fire. It keeps me warm.” Completelyrelaxed, and feeling safer than anything right here in this bed with Helios,her eyelids fluttered with sleepiness. She couldn’t remember the last timeshe’d felt this content. She cupped his face with her hand, thumb running alonghis cheekbone. “My king.”

He smiled, turning his face sothat he could kiss the palm of her hand. “My queen.”

Grinning, she turned over again,bringing along Helios’ hand so that his arm draped over her again, and shecould interlock their fingers as she cradled it to her chest. “I don’t wanttonight to end.”

Helios pulled her closer to him. “Sleep.My day is yours tomorrow, and we’ll have more nights to come.”

Now that sounded nice. She smiled,snuggling into the sheets more. “Good. I’ve already missed too much time withyou.”

There was a peaceful silence thatfollowed where Cora almost drifted off. But she felt his lips against her bareshoulder, soft and sweet. “Cora?”

“Hmm?”

He squeezed their hands, sighingas his face nuzzled into the back of her hair. In the still of the night,though she knew there were still things to get used to…she didn’t think she’dever felt like things were more perfect than they were right now, with herhusband at her side, safe, and happy, and so, so much better than any dream. “HappyBirthday.”

[shelbysbrother]

Wake Up Call (cora & helios)

Wake Up Call: One of our characters is trying to wake the other up

It was to be a morning of dull meetings for Helios. Or rather, it was according to the advisor that continued to squawk at her, rattling off every single detail to Cora like she didn’t already want to choke him. Finally, when they reached Helios’ bedroom doors, two stoic guards at either side, she rounded on the portly man with a forced smile. “Unless you want to see the king indecent, you’ll let me get him ready for these oh-so-important meetings. Okay?”

Without waiting for an answer, she bowed her head and glided through the grand double doors, closing them quietly behind her despite her heated exit. There were probably other attendants who could do this. Cora had her own rooms for more than one reason, and they were often where she spent the night, more comfortable and safe underneath her own sheets. As the dutiful wife she had to be, she came to his quarters when he called, but those weren’t always nights she wanted to remember. In fact, they hardly ever were. This morning, however, she had volunteered to rouse the king from his slumber, insisting the staff needed a break, and she needed more time with him. Truthfully, she’d had visions of being anything but sweet, yet as she turned to finally face her sleeping husband, all thoughts of toying with him vanished.

For as larger-than-life as Helios tried to make himself appear to the public, he looked awfully small in his extravagant room and his grandiose bed, the ceilings too high and the room too sparse. He looked alone. And she hated, more than anything, that he looked so innocent. Cora sighed and stepped closer to the bed, the room barely lit except for the light that slipped through the curtains. He laid face down on the bed, head buried into the pillows so much that she could barely see the side of his face. He still wore his pants and boots from the night before, his shirt the only thing that had been discarded. Probably too tired to do much else, she deducted. The sight of him made her want to put more covers on him, not off. Stars, how she hated this. She hated that her heart tugged for him right now.

It was too much like how she daydreamed it would be when everything was right. She would be the doting wife who woke him sweetly each morning, who took such good care of him for the rest of their days. And she would have, too. She would have taken such good care of him. But, the reality of it was, had he not betrayed her and everyone she loved, she would never be with him. And even with that, he still wasn’t hers. Not really. She tried to remember that as she carefully sat on the plush mattress, but the temptation to pretend, just this once, was too strong.

Her fingers glided along his bare back, running sweetly down his spine and back up again. She did this for a few moments, fingers tracing all sorts of different patterns on his back before her hand finally went to his hair, stroking it back with a gentle touch. How many times had she pictured doing this? Just this? Was this how Priam and Selene woke up next to each other? Or Rhea and Cadmus? Was this what it could be like to be married to someone you love? She sighed at the thought, finally pulling her hand away slowly when she knew she had to actually wake him soon. She couldn’t keep playing in a fantasy. Oh, Helios…

“Don’t stop,” came a gentle voice that wasn’t as thick with sleep as she thought it would be. Cora’s brows furrowed as she tried to peek over Helios’ shoulder, only to find that his eyes were still closed. Had he been awake this whole time?

Cora leaned in now, laying her arm against his back, and resting her head atop her arm. She used her free hand to stroke back his hair as she’d done before. “If you cancelled your meetings for today, I wouldn’t have to.” But he wouldn’t. “Would you cancel your meetings for me, Helios?”

It was silent, like he was afraid she might stop again if he told her the truth. He told it anyway. “You know I can’t do that.”

“I know.” She knew that if it came down to her and his stolen kingdom, he would always choose his crown. He would always do whatever it took to keep his power safe, and right now, that meant attending boring meetings. Cora could never completely have his heart so long as Norta was in the picture. If she could ever even have his heart at all. Did he know how to love? He supposedly loved Priam, and Rhea, and all of them. Look where that got them.

He turned a little now, not enough to disturb her position much, but just enough so she could lay on his chest instead of his back, her hand continuing to play with his hair as he gazed at her through hooded lids. While she watched him, she brought her hand down from his hair to stroke his cheek, then down further to trail her thumb across his bottom lip. His eyes didn’t leave hers the entire time. “Lie to me,” he whispered unexpectedly.

An unusual request, but she was curious. “What lie would you like to hear?”

Helios went quiet, expression becoming more serious, if that was possible. His hand came up to brush her hair now, a longing in his eyes that she wasn’t sure she could remember ever seeing there. “Tell me you love me.”

That, Cora had no expected. Nor did she understand why he would ask her to do that. Was this a cruel power trip? It didn’t make sense…“Why?”

“Because I want…” he trailed off, seemingly unable to finish that sentence. He wanted what, though? He wanted her? He wanted to pretend all was well as she did? What did he want? What could Helios Calore want that he didn’t already have?

She showed him mercy, though. She showed him compassion she used to always want to give him. Cora leaned in closer, not stopping until her lips were just grazing his. Then, finally, she moved just an inch more to make contact. She kissed him hesitantly at first, and then she felt his arms go around her, his response more urgent than she expected it to be. When she pulled away, she stared adoringly into his eyes, remembering days when she’d wanted just this. “I love you, Helios. I’ve always loved you, and I think I always will.”

How it would’ve made everything so much easier if that were a lie.

“Your turn,” she whispered, pressing another kiss to his lips. “Lie to me.”

He watched her a long time before answering. “What would you have me tell you?”

Cora thought long and hard about all the things she’d always wanted him to say. All the things she would never be able to trust were true now that they were married. “Tell me you love me.” He seemed surprised, like he was ready to protest if given the chance, but she didn’t want him to lie to her until she was ready, so she pressed on. “Tell me…tell me that even if you didn’t need a Skonos at your side, you would still choose me. Tell me that if you could have any girl in the world, you would still want me as your wife. Tell me I can trust you. Tell me I mean something to you.”

“Cora…” Sometimes she could see just when the realization hit Helios, over and over again, that he utterly betrayed her trust and love in him. Her eyes pleaded with him, though, to lay down his pride just this once and indulge her as he used to. Tell her these lies so she could hold on to something when she knew she could never hold on to him.

His mouth met hers again, never rushed, never demanding. Tentative, like he knew he may never get a chance to kiss her so intimately like this again. He tried to roll her onto the bed more, let her head rest against the pillows, but she stopped him, not wanting him to hover over her as he did…as he did some nights. Beneath him, she could let her mind wander. She didn’t want it to wander now. So instead they laid side by side, Helios’ hand trailing down Cora’s arm as he looked at her. It was hard to let down the stony walls she’d put up to keep out the raging inferno that was Helios. She was afraid that, if she let them down even for a second, she would melt right into him. But she tried now. She tried to let him in, if only for this moment.

“I love you.” What a sweet, sweet sound it was to hear. She closed her eyes a moment, let the lie sink in, then looked to him again so he could finish. “Could I have any woman I wanted, I would choose you. Always.” Another slow kiss to her lips. “Trust me. Please.” Again, another kiss. A ragged exhale. “You mean everything.” Carefully, he moved closer to her, pressed a kiss to her lips, her cheek, her jawline, instinct telling him to roll her over so he had a better angle. Self control telling him to pull back again. No one ever said he wasn’t a smart man. “Let me in, Cora,” he whispered, their eyes locking in a heated stare. “I miss you.”

It hit her, this time, that maybe he was as starved for touch and affection and warmth as she was. That being the violent king he’d become meant being a lonely king. And something inside her told her it was what he deserved. He’d asked for this - demanded it - and so he got it. Ironic, actually. She wasn’t the only one who should’ve been careful of what she wished for.

There was another part of her, though, that knew they were so similar sometimes. Both passionate people, both locked away in their own towers - by his own doing, but still. If they had no obstacles between them, they could set the world on fire. What an even bigger tragedy that made all of this.

She pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss, pulling away after a while to rest her forehead against his. “Do you have meetings tomorrow?”

A huff of a laugh before he shook his head. “No.”

“Good.” She brought her hand to his cheek, thumb stroking the skin there. Maybe, just this once, she could let herself enjoy him. She could let herself enjoy her marriage. “Then I’ll come to you tonight. We can lay like this. Just this. And we can…we can wake up in the morning together. We can hold each other and not be rushed to let go.” She smiled, biting her lower lip to try and contain the overwhelming excitement and nervous energy she suddenly felt. “How does that sound?”

For the first time in a long time, she thought she saw a sincere, happy smile cross Helios’ face. She’d forgotten how boyish he could look when he wasn’t so stoic or stressed. “I think the day will go by too slowly now.”

Grinning, she gave him one last, lingering kiss before she reluctantly parted with him, not missing how he seemed to gravitate toward her just a little, as if he didn’t wish to part either. She got off the bed, walking toward the large window, and feeling Helios’ eyes on her for every second of it. “Prepare yourself,” she said, turning back to him with a smile. He smiled that infectious smile back, turning to bury his face in the pillows so the light wouldn’t blind him. Finally, she pulled back the curtain, and sunlight poured into the bedroom. It was the brightest she could remember it being in a very long time.