Chapter 49: The Night Before Conquest
The palace corridors were silent as Arthur moved through them, his presence radiating power that made the very air hum with energy. He could feel Beatrice before he saw her - her heartbeat, her scent, the way her magic resonated with his own. She was waiting for him in his chambers, but not in the way he expected.
The door opened silently at his approach, revealing Beatrice standing in the center of the room, her back to him as she gazed out the window. She wore nothing but a thin silk robe, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that made his blood heat instantly. The firelight played across her skin, highlighting the way her body had changed since their bond had deepened - softer curves, a glow to her skin that spoke of their supernatural connection.
"You’re late," she said without turning, her voice carrying a hint of command that surprised him.
Arthur stepped closer, his supernatural senses picking up the tension in her body, the way her pulse raced. "I had final preparations to oversee."
She turned then, and his breath caught. Her eyes glowed faintly with borrowed power, her lips parted as she took in his reaction. "I know. I felt it through our bond. The way your power grows with each conquest, each bond you forge."
He closed the distance between them in two strides, his hands finding her waist, pulling her against him. She gasped at the contact, her body arching into his. "You’ve been studying more than orc culture, little one."
Her fingers traced the muscles of his chest, her touch sending sparks through his enhanced nerves. "I’ve been learning what it means to be bonded to you. To feel your power growing, changing you... changing me."
His hands slid up her back, feeling the way her skin hummed with energy. "And what have you learned?"
"That I want more." Her voice was breathless now, her body pressing against his. "I want all of you, Arthur. Not just the king, not just the man - I want the power, the darkness, everything."
The words sent a surge of heat through him. His supernatural senses flared, showing him the truth of her words, the depth of her desire. She wasn’t just accepting his evolution - she was embracing it, craving it.
"You’re sure?" His voice was rough with need, his control slipping as her power called to his.