Chapter 161: Has Nyrielle Changed?
Ashlynn and Nyrielle talked with High Lady Erna late into the night. Their host kept a near endless supply of bite-sized dishes flowing, accompanied by more varieties of wine than Ashlynn had ever sampled in a single sitting. Each time she thought she’d learned to anticipate the strength of Eldritch wine, a new variety would appear that tasted of berries or honey but hit her like an anchor dropped into deep water, pulling her under faster than she realized.
"Mistress Nyrielle," Ashlynn said with intense concentration, trying very hard to form proper words. "Your wings are very beautiful tonight. Did you know they’re made of feathers? And they’re the best blankets. You should wrap me up in your wings like a gift that you can unwrap later when you want to unwrap your best gift," she rambled, snuggling up close to the vampire and reaching out to caress wings that weren’t there.
"I think perhaps my darling has had enough wine," Nyrielle said, unable to suppress her smile as Ashlynn’s usual composure dissolved into earnest affection. This close together, the combination of flushed cheeks and a quickened pulse gave her lover an innocent, defenseless charm that was difficult to resist taking advantage of.
"I haven’t had enough of you though," Ashlynn declared, attempting to look stern but instead managing to look like a kitten trying to intimidate a lion. "I never have enough of you. Even when you’re right here, I miss you terribly." She paused, blinking slowly. "It’s the sun’s fault," she added, turning to glower at the night sky. "It takes you away from me."
"I, I shouldn’t, should, stop. Here," Ashlynn said with some difficulty and a great deal of embarrassment as she saw the amused expressions on both Nyrielle’s and Erna’s faces. Never in her life had she drank to such an intoxicated state and to do so in front of the High Lady of the High Fen... she only hoped the other woman didn’t take it as any kind of insult.
"Heila can take care of you, my favorite morsel," Nyrielle said, leaning in to steal a kiss from Ashlynn’s lips. "Little Snake and I still have things to discuss."
Erna’s unblinking eyes twinkled as she watched Nyrielle’s gaze soften while watching her Seneschal’s clumsy affection. The Blood Princess she remembered would never have been so tender or unguarded but somehow, the gentle affection on her refined features looked even more fitting than the cold distance she was accustomed to from her former teacher.
"I can’t have me," Ashlynn told Nyrielle sternly. "I belong to the most beautiful vampire in the world and she doesn’t share!"
"This way Ashlynn," Heila said gently, turning Ashlynn in place and giving her a gentle shove in the right direction. "Let me help you get ready for bed."