Sergei Romanov
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His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 1, 2009 22:59:59 GMT -5
My fingertips near burned when I brushed her face with them, the silken locks of her hair tempering my flesh like ice upon a wound... Only this wound I craved, wanted more of until I was enveloped wholly, body and mind alike. "Beautiful." I didn't realize it was Ruskovian I spoke til it was well out of my mouth, but I never looked away from her eyes. Ask, I mentally begged, and my breath literally caught as I felt the subtle pressure of her face as she leaned so slightly into me. Such a tiny movement, so dainty and ladylike. My fingers shifted slightly in her hair, just barely caressing her locks as I watched her.
I'd leaned, I realized, my face inches closer to hers now than it had been before. I was losing myself in her, knew my heart was already succumbing, and I didn't want to stop it at all, didn't even want to slow it down. "Ask me," -- again, in Ruskovian, only this time I mentally cursed myself. Switching, I tentatively tested my newly found Aragonian language, having learned it for no other purpose but to show her how very interested and serious I was with her. "Por favor, Princesa, me pregunta."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 2, 2009 1:56:35 GMT -5
Oh, how easily it would be to forget myself, to let him touch me like this forever. His fingers made my heart pound, throb in my chest. Behind my eyelids I could surrender to him, and I did for a long, beautiful moment. Time stretched and though I wanted more, I knew that if I never got more than this, it could still steal my heart. These gentle caresses that made my skin burn and my mind cloud. This was the desire that I had found so rarely, and had always turned my back on because of more practical considerations.
I might have stayed that way until the end of time, but his voice brought me back with unfamiliar words in a voice that was rough and yet still so musical. My eyes fluttered open, I felt a little dazed as I looked into the dark chocolate pools of his gaze. After so long of denying myself, I was so easily caught.
My hand came up to very gently rest against his cheek. "Por favor mi señor," I whispered. "Por favor, me besa."
And then, without even thinking that since I had asked him that I should wait for him to comply, I closed the distance between us and gently pressed my lips to his.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 2, 2009 11:45:30 GMT -5
Was I imagining it? The way her face lay, the fire that seemed to smolder in her - was it merely a reflection of my own? And then she moved, her fingers so gently touching my cheek, and I could feel whatever last vestiges of me come undone. It was well that she answered me then, for it allowed me to pause the briefest of moments and kept me from reacting brashly and breaking my promise. No, I never wanted to break a promise to her; already I knew if I hurt her, it would be far worse than scalding my own heart.
Please, I understood. Please, and no more - but I didn't have to fret over figuring it out. Within the blink of an eye her lips were on mine, warm and soft, pressing against my own in a gentle fashion far from the fierce passion I felt for her at this very moment. I stirred in reply, my lips instantly accepting and returning the kiss, pressing more firmly than hers had, though with a tenderness that spoke much of my concern for her comfort. My hand shifted in her hair, coming now to cup her face as we sat, ever so lightly touching, ever so carefully entangled...
And I loved it. I made no move to pull away, reveling in the sweet bliss of the moment as if I were paying homage to her. How I'd been lucky enough to be here with her now, like this, I'll never know, but I was sure I used up much of my luck in it.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 2, 2009 13:03:31 GMT -5
It was a bold move for me to kiss him, so bold that it made our kiss tentative at first, a soft brush his lips against mine. But then he reacted, his lips pressing against mine more firmly, with more passion. His large hand cradled my face, making me feel so small and delicate. Oh Mother, I could cry from the beauty of this moment. The way he touched me, the way he didn't push... It was so pure. Even with the desire bubbling inside me, making my temperature rise, it was clean, unsullied. It was worthy of my upbringing.
My hand stroked his cheek, smooth and freshly shaven, as our lips parted ever so slowly. My forehead came to rest against his, my body trembling and my breathing uneven. "Ah mi señor, mi señor hermoso," I whispered, my eyes closed. "Usted está robando pedazos de mi corazón."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 2, 2009 13:39:23 GMT -5
Time stretched, covering us like the protective embrace of a mother guarding her children, steely, impenetrable... and just like that, the moment burst like a soap bubble, coating me in warmth and aching, longing for more of her. I only just stopped myself from pressing my lips to hers again when the kiss ended; the only thing that halted me in good truth was the way she laid her forehead against mine, eyes closed. It struck me, the gesture, in a way I never would have anticipated.
While the surging ache for more flooded my bones, my mind was blanketed with a.. tenderness, a protectiveness that I had no right to feel. But, I did, oh Svaros I did, strong enough that I let my hand brush down over the back of her head, trying to soothe the tremble of her lithe body. My lord, my lord... It was all I understood. That, and no more, and I wished desperately to, to know what words came from her mouth at the moment. Of all the times for a language barrier... I angled my face slightly that my lips were able to brush her cheek, my voice pitched soft to ride upon the wake of my breath towards her ear.
"I feel strongly for you, Princesa," I murmured so gently. I could smell the sweet perfume that cloaked her, but oddly it didn't stir my phallus, but the strings upon my heart. "I am sorry if I have no right to, but I do. Svaros help me, because I cannot stop myself from it."
Was I afraid of how she would react? Oh by the gods yes, but she deserved to know. Gently I touched her face with my free hand, not wishing to make her feel trapped between my cheek and my hand, but wanting to touch her, to cradle her in my arms.... A move that, yet, I would not allow myself. Not until she showed me I could.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 2, 2009 14:14:36 GMT -5
It occurred to me only then, when he did not react to them, that he did not understand my whispered words. I felt a tad foolish then, for thinking he was fluent after a few simple words of his own in Aragonian. On any other day, I would have been glad later that my spontaneous words didn't ruin anything, but then he spoke. All else was forgotten as it felt as if a vice of hope surrounded my heart, squeezing it almost unbearably.
I wanted ever so much for his lips to touch me again. On my cheek, on my own lips, on my neck. But even in the middle of that want, I didn't let myself forget of our position. "Then only stop it if you cannot honour it my lord," I whispered in reply, trembling still though time it was from my daring words, this time spoken in D'Angeline. "For you are stealing my heart, one piece at a time."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 3, 2009 15:07:19 GMT -5
Her words were more than I could have allowed myself to hope for. A tension I didn't realize I held until it was gone fled, and for a moment all I could do was press my cheek to hers, drawing in her warmth, her softness, reveling in the sweet aroma that clung to her. And then I kissed her again - not on her lips, but upon her jaw, then once more a touch lower, working my way slowly back to her mouth. I didn't linger much with the kisses, but neither did I hasten them, but savoring every touch of my lips upon her skin as I could.
"As you are stealing mine, Princesa," I whispered just before my lips met hers again, pressing with tender care at first, but behind it lay a passion, one I held in check so she might know I wasn't going to attempt to bed her like the d'Angelines did. I wanted her - that was beyond question, beyond doubt, but more than just a dalliance.
Strange, I thought. I'd never wanted another like this, and I never expected to, coming to the land of Angels.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 3, 2009 21:14:13 GMT -5
And just like that, there was an understanding between us. For the first time, I truly allowed myself the daydream of spending the rest of my life with him. With his cheek pressed against mine, the touch so intimate and yet still proper, it was a heady dream. It wasn't just that I desired Sergei's body. I desired the rest of him too, the tenderness, the strength, and yes, even the part of him that cheekily began letters Hello lovely.
Oh Mother. I didn't think there was any hope that I would retain my heart. I kissed him back, at first tentatively, then firmer as the taste of his lips inspired my passions. My hand went to his where it rested against my cheek, simply laying against his skin.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 3, 2009 21:50:03 GMT -5
Mayhap it was silly, but it still surprised me when she accepted my kiss... and by the gods, she not only accepted it, she returned it. This was more than I could have hoped for before now, and I found myself not bothering to contemplate it, to allow myself to overthink it. Right now, there was only Mercedes and I, and the gentle touch we shared.
When I felt her kiss firm against mine, felt the warm touch of her hand over my own as it rested upon her face, I felt myself come undone still further. For long moments the kiss held, my fingers brushing against the smallest portions of her hair, until it naturally broke. "Mercedes," I whispered, my face lingering so near hers that my lips brushed hers as I spoke. "It is early I know, and I am sorry if it is too much so for you... but I would like to court you, if you would allow it."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 3, 2009 22:42:43 GMT -5
Oh, I was in heaven. His lips on mine, his hand cradling my cheek, the taste of him filling my senses, the sun shining down on us. The only way it could have gotten better...
And it did. I drew back to look into his eyes, to search for what I needed to see. It was honesty I needed, I had been played the fool too many times. And honesty I found in abundance. "You... you really mean it," I breathed, my heart nearly bursting with happiness. "Oh yes my lord, I would more than allow it."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 4, 2009 10:23:02 GMT -5
For not the first time this afternoon, her response was more than I could have hoped for. She smiled, her face alight with a happiness that reflected what I myself felt, answering me with vigor and delight. "Sergei," I whispered, my arm unabashedly catching around her waist, carefully cradling her a bit closer to me. "Call me Sergei, for I am yours, in heart and mind."
My d'Angeline tutor would have been proud, and so would I, had I not been so caught up with Mercedes. My lips found hers again and I kissed her with a fervor and passion, my heart overflowing so with affection and happiness that I thought I should drown.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 4, 2009 23:13:08 GMT -5
I didn't know what had gotten into me. To have been so cautious with my heart and my desires, to this state where I thought I might never find someone through my guards, to kissing him like we were already engaged to be married. His hand slid around my body, bringing me even closer to him so that I rested my hand against his chest. All the gods above, I didn't think I could get any happier, but his words echoed through my mind as I kissed him back, increasing it even more. For I am yours, in heart and mind. I started to lose my grip on myself, my mind spinning with the enormity of the situation. My fingers began to stroke along his chest and I matched his kiss with unbecoming passion before I remembered myself, and broke the kiss with a gasp.
I leaned back, my hand covering my lips as a flush of embarrassment covered my skin. "I'm so sorry Sergei, I forgot myself," I whispered, distressed by my behavior. I knew it was in my blood, but never had it run away with me so quickly.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 5, 2009 21:13:31 GMT -5
I must have been dreaming - I could find no other explaination for how exquisitely this day had turned out. Mercedes had not only accepted the kiss, but had told me of her feelings, and had accepted, too, my query to court her.
When she pulled back my instinct was to follow her, and I had to catch myself as I leaned out after her a few more inches. Only then did I realize, really, how forward my advances were, and that.. Oh Svaros, she must think me a cad! I was pressing her as if she weren't worthy of more, and that couldn't be further than the truth with me. I dropped my hand away, giving her an abashed smile even as she apologized. "No, it was I," I said softly. "I should not have pushed you so... Forgive me, Princesa." Reaching, I brushed her silken locks back once more, tucking them ever so gently behind her ear before straightening myself, hoping to ease her situation with the distraction of food. Everyone loved food, right?
"Shall we eat?" Smiling, I waited for her answer before moving, more than happy to postpone anything that delayed us going back to the City.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 6, 2009 15:45:49 GMT -5
His smile eased my embarrassment, and my hand slowly fell away from my tingling lips as they curled up in response. It was impossible not to smile in return, for his grin lit his handsome face with an infectious glow.
"I forgive you Sergei," I said, though I had never blamed him. "Yes, let us eat. And... you may call me by my given name, if you wish. I like the way you say it." If I hadn't already been flushed, my cheeks certainly would have gone red with my forwardness. But it was the truth, and we were courting now. I used my ignorance of Ruskovian courting traditions as an excuse for the informality, though I still looked down shyly.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 7, 2009 15:40:57 GMT -5
"I'm glad, for I like the way that sounds rather than your title. Thank you..." The rosy warmth entered her face again, and she glowed like a single, beautiful star upon a velvety expanse of ebony sky. By the gods did I want to kiss her again, but rather than that I turned, settling our plates before us and retrieving utensils to get the food. Lastly I pulled out a bottle of wine that had set me back quite dearly in gold - I'd purchased it myself, not relying on my families monies. Handing her a glass, I took one out for myself as well before tossing her a jovial grin. "Shall we toast, Mercedes, before dining?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 7, 2009 16:14:56 GMT -5
I glanced up into his face again as his voice trailed off, and saw my own thoughts reflected in those brown eyes. We both wanted each other, but we were also both holding ourselves back. It warmed me to know that he wanted me enough to have to use restraint. I took the glass he offered, nearly dropping it when our fingers brushed each other and the sensation went straight to my head. Oh Mother, I had to get a hold of myself.
"To what shall we make the toast to my lor- Sergei," I corrected myself with another soft blush, feeling a little flustered. If I kept this up, he was never going to see the true colour of my skin. But I couldn't help myself. Not only did I want him to think well of me, but I was going to have to eat in front of him in a matter of moments. These were not normal times for me.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 8, 2009 13:17:28 GMT -5
Sweet Svaros, how was she not so plagued with suitors that I'd had to wade through sonnets and flowers left by her front gates? And even now, I could call her mine after a fashion - not as binding as an engagement, of course, but it was a start. I was free to look at her with a fondness and not worry about what she might think of it, free to caress her name with my tongue as I said it in tones meant only for her. Not that I would just yet, no, but I could already see more than just a carefree relationship with her. I'd not lied when I said I was losing myself with her. No, she was stealing me one piece at a time, and I wanted nothing more than to give her the rest of me.
"A toast to us, of course," I smiled at her, my jovial grin sliding into something softer, more serious and caring. After convincing the cork from the bottle, I poured first her glass of wine, then mine, before replacing the cork and setting it aside. "To the past, present and," I added, my smile broadening as I looked upon her beautiful face, "the future."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 8, 2009 16:48:50 GMT -5
"To the future," I whispered, daring a glance up to his face as I lightly touched my glass to his. I would have been rude not to meet his gaze, and secretly I relished it. I relished every glance, every brushing touch, every time he spoke my name. All the small things. Yes I loved his kisses, but I knew that they were burned into my memory. Even if I lived to be old and senile, all it would take would be to close my eyes and I could be young again, kissing my Ruskovian prince for the first time. No, it was the small things I wanted to savour now, before they had a chance to be forgotten. "And us."
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Sergei Romanov
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His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 11, 2009 8:09:21 GMT -5
It would be so easy, I thought as I raised my glass to my lips, to sit here with her and forget the rest of the world. Not just for now, or this afternoon... but forever. I could see her as she was, adorned with furs and silks, gems sparkling against her skin at a Ruskovian fete. I wondered what it would be like in Aragonia, how her family might receive me. I already knew my brothers would delight in Mercedes - how could they not? - but Father, he was always so unpredictable when one went against his own wishes. There was no set promise for me to anyone else; we'd been spared that, us younger brothers. Vlad had taken the brunt of that, but the svoloch deserved it. Probably liked it too, knowing him.
But, ah, no. Should Father meet Mercedes - and he would, if I had anything to say about it - I think she would be received well. More than well, in truth, with her beauty and reserve, her poise. The distant relation with Aragonia would please Father too, but I cared naught for it, not when I was completely enraptured with her eyes. Her hair, her scent, her mind...
All of it flashed through me in the space it took to drink the toast, and as I lowered my glass, I smiled at her, more boyishly than I'd have liked, but I was too caught up in her to mind my expressions overmuch. "And us," I echoed, holding her gaze another moment before turning to begin opening jars and unwrap cloth bundles of salted meats.
"What may I get my lady?" I asked, flashing her a smile that was a touch teasing. I wanted her to be relaxed, to be happy with me, to lose the nervous edge I knew she held. Svaros, I held it as well.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 11, 2009 10:53:16 GMT -5
I took a sip of the wine, the flavour of a good vintage swirling around my tongue and mingling with the faint taste of his mouth. I swallowed before I could dwell to long on the thought, but even so, it heated my blood. I knew I would have to be careful not to make a fool of myself between the wine and his kisses. The last thing I wanted him to think was that I was some lush. And so when he asked what I desired to eat, I swallowed needlessly, knowing I would have to consume something other than wine. Not only was the need there to be polite, but I should not drink any more wine on an empty stomach.
"Perhaps a slice of bread and a few of those olives?" I suggested with a shy smile. Relax. Just pretend you're eating at a court event, where you have no choice. But this wasn't a court event, this was in front of someone I wanted to like and respect me even more than my peers. So it was nigh impossible to forget my fears, even when he sent me that smile that nearly made me melt with every appearance.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jul 4, 2009 16:46:17 GMT -5
A slice of bread and a few olives? Why did women never eat much? I hid my surprise at the small order, busying myself instead in unhesitatingly filling her request. I took up one plate and settled her items on it before passing it back, my eyes going immediately from her food to her face again. "My lady," I said as I offered it, still teasing her lightly; I had to do something, else I would find myself trying to kiss her again.
Taking up my own plate, I began stacking it with meats and cheeses, putting a few on a piece of bread that I'd fold over and eat as I had on every picnic I'd taken since I was three. A few olives and some fruit later, I was done with my first helping, and my stomach growled in anticipation. "I drove our cook .." Always! Always it was the most annoying of times that I would forget words, and I paused, momentarily struggling to remember before it came to me again. "... insane, wondering what I should bring along. She suggested this.." I said, shifting my shoulders before popping a sweetmeat into my mouth. After swallowing, I grinned at her. "Apparently the things I wanted to bring didn't travel well. I'm sorry it's not more extravagant, though."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 5, 2009 1:03:52 GMT -5
I thanked him, blushing and smiling at his teasing as he handed me the plate with the few items looking rather lonely on the plate. Especially after watching him fill his own. I felt a little silly to see him at such ease with the food, but fear doesn't always make logical sense. That's why it's a fear.
"What sort of dishes had you wished to bring?" I asked curiously, smiling at his comment about his cook. I put my wine glass down carefully, and tore a piece of bread free, my eyes glancing shyly between his face and my plate. Perhaps I could eat while he spoke, and it would distract me enough? The hope was surely in vain, but it was worth a try.
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Sergei Romanov
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His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jul 7, 2009 14:10:07 GMT -5
"Crepes with whipped toppings was the main one," I said, grinning at her again after swallowing another bite of food. "But I was told the toppings wouldn't hold up to the travel and the time it took between making them and eating." I leaned back some, my plat on the ground between us, and my smile taking her in in a way that I hoped she took as friendly. She seemed.. uncomfortable... with something, and I hoped it wasn't me. "What's your favorite dish, Mercedes?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 7, 2009 15:03:25 GMT -5
I was rather grateful to his cook, for I doubted very much that I could have handled the mess that whipped cream always seemed to make. Bread was one thing, and I chewed and swallowed that first piece without making a scene. Something that could smear across my face and make me look like an uncouth fool was another.
"Our chef in Lleida can sometimes get spices from Carthage, and makes a delicious lamb patty," I said, ripping off another piece of bread. One down, several more to go. "It's a wonderful treat."
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Sergei Romanov
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His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jul 16, 2009 13:15:39 GMT -5
"It sounds like it," I replied, thinking for a moment of spits of lamb across an open fire. Suckling pigs, roasted vegetables, fruits wintered so well they hardly showed any wrinkles. I cast a lopsided smile to Mercedes, my head tilted in such a fashion that, for a moment, I felt like a boy rather than a man. "I get the feeling our meals differ greatly to yours.. but I think you would like a traditional Ruskovian dinner regardless," I added confidently, my eyes never quite straying away from hers.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 17, 2009 1:01:24 GMT -5
He looked at me with that charming, infectious, glowing smile on his face. My heart fluttered in my chest, and he wasn't even touching me. Oh Mother, was I in trouble. And I didn't even have Mama to give me advice on men anymore.
"What is a traditional Ruskovian dinner? I'm afraid I've never had the opportunity to try any of your country's dishes," I said, glancing at him and then back down at my food in an endless cycle. I wanted so badly just to sit there and gaze into his eyes, but I knew it was too dangerous. I already wanted him far too much for comfort.
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