Alard the Fae: Part One (complete)

Female Reader x Male Monster (both cis)

The frosty morning made itself known as you woke from slumber. The crispness of the air and the scent of cold upon your nose let you know, without looking, that outside the world would be covered in delicate frost. The labyrinth would appear like glass as soon as the sun hit it.

“Fuck, he’s going to be whiny this morning,” you grumbled as you put on your slippers. “Best nip that in the bud.” You pulled on your quilted robe and left your chambers.

The hallway showed signs of life escaping the labyrinth outside. Small creatures scaled the walls, sluthered between cracks in the stone, or fluttered through the air as you passed by. You swatted at pixies as they tried to rip at your hair. They must have locked the cats in the kitchen again, you thought.

Down the hallway, the pixies left you alone, avoiding the very room you were heading towards. You let yourself in without knocking, going across the room towards the fireplace. Across the room is a great bed with an even greater lump in the middle.

The lump pulsed and writhed, it shifted back and forth before eyes peered out from under the blankets. Their icy blueness would have filled the room with an extra chill for most, but not for you. You were used to these eyes and immune to their effects now.

“It is cold,” a deep voice rumbled.

“And what does it look like I am doing, my lord?” You scoffed over your shoulder.

A long, pale hand jutted out from under the blankets and a finger pointed at you. “Your job in this labyrinth is to take care of me! ”

You tutted as you added wood to the fire. “Oh, poor baby.”

“How dare you mock me?” He hissed.

“Lord Alard, my job here is to keep things running. I am not your mother, nor a babysitter, nor a guardian to you because you are a grown man.” You fanned the embers, hoping it would catch flame soon so you could head to the kitchen and take care of yourself.

The blanket shut around the bed and deep grumblings could be heard underneath.

“What was that?” You called back.

The blanket rose until it slipped from Alard’s head and rested around his shoulders. His long black hair was matted and bunched from sleep, but he was attempting to look regal anyways.

You raised your brows at him then turned back to the fireplace.

“You’re only human,” he hissed. He loved to toss this in your face.

You scoffed. “Trust me, I know, my lord. You need not keep reminding me. And don’t go on with why I am here or I will stop trying to light this fire.”

He was quiet for a moment.

“I’ll bring breakfast once it is ready.” The flames were beginning to catch and the wood was crackling away. “Unless you have something else to say?” You stood, turning to look at him glaring in your direction.

His sharp features looked dulled by his sleepiness, and his usually silky hair was so unkempt it looked like thick briars. His long neck stretched further out, and the feathers sling the side of his face and jaw ruffled.

“Good morning then,” you said as you left his chambers.

Working for Lord Alard wasn’t exactly a dream position. Despite his power and authority he was kept at arm’s length by the rest of the unseelie court. His aunt, the queen, kept him in the labyrinth for several reasons. The biggest being he was dangerous and whoever got lost inside the labyrinth deserved to be found by him.

The kitchen was quiet that morning, but as you walked in, the stove burst to life and the lights brightened. You went over to the pantry and opened it, letting out several cats that went yowling into the halls to deal with the pixies. The kettle whistled and a teacup was placed upon the counter.

“Good morning, Dey,” you said as you filled the cup.

The cabinets rustled and a tea bag fell out from inside one. You picked it up and placed it into your cup.

“He’s in a mood this morning,” you said. “Do we have what it takes to make his favorite? Or am I asking too much?”

The stove opened and wisps of smoke billowed out. Tiny embers followed and a face was made amongst the smoke. “You spoil him.”

You shrugged. “I enjoy my free time. The happier he’s kept, the better off my day is and the more I get away with here.”

Dey sighed.

“What’s that?” You laughed.

“Oh nothing.” Dey’s image fluttered in the smoke, vanishing away until the cabinets began rustling and rattling again.

You sat with your tea until a bowl of cream appeared upon the table. “Out with it, Dey. I’d like to have some sensible conversation before Alard gets up and going.”

A pot was thrown onto the stove, rattling about until water dropped inside it. “Alard’s keepers never last long, that’s all I was thinking.”

“I am aware of the history,” you scoffed. “But I highly doubt that’s really what you were thinking, Dey.”

“Do you think it is because you’re human? Or is that perhaps the reason why you try so hard?” Dey asked.

You looked up from your tea as Dey opened the stove and you saw their form inside the embers.

Dey sighed again. “Changelings usually don’t last long inside the courts. Especially not the unseelie court.”

“And?” You huffed.

Dey slammed another pot onto the stove. “Perhaps that is why you last so long.”

You looked back down into your tea, stirring it slowly. “I have lasted so long because of luck. The queen thought I was cute as a baby, and she was in mourning. That is why I lasted. I learned how to handle myself amongst the fae. I studied magic, I befriended you, and now, it is my job to make sure Alard remains comfortable here so he doesn’t make a mess again.”

Dey chuckled.

“Oh what?” You huffed. “Out with it Dey!”

“You and Alard, so different, yet the same,” they breathed.

You were getting frustrated by Dey being so cryptic when two plates were placed in front of you. The cart was then bumped into the back of your seat.

“Fine, keep your secrets.” You loaded the cart and returned back to Alard’s chambers. The pixies were dispersed, and some of the cats looked very smug about themselves.

It was warm inside Alard’s chambers now, but he still hadn’t moved from his bed. You pushed the cart to the fireplace then went over to the bed.

“Get up, you lazy sack. You call yourself a dark terror. Look at you!” You picked up a pillow from the floor and struck the bed with it. The blanket caved in, there wasn’t a body in the bed. You clicked your tongue and sighed.

You were grabbed from behind by long limbs which gripped and pulled you. Long black nails dragged along your neck and Alard’s unkempt hair tickled the side of your face.

“Look at what?” He chuckled.

“A brat.” You tilted your head back to look up at him. “Go and eat your breakfast.”

Alard’s hand coiled around your neck. “I don’t usually let humans talk to me that way. What makes you think you're so special?”

“Stop trying to scare me,” you scoffed. “You try this routine every so often, I’m bored of it.”

His hand tightened around your neck and he lowered down to your ear. The black feathers on the back of his arm stood on end so they brushed against your cheek. “Bored you say? Then I need to up my game a little.”

You grabbed his wrist and the iron ring on your finger touched his skin. He wrenched back, pulling away from you and holding his hand aloft. “I told you to get rid of that!”

“You think I would listen to you?” You adjusted the ring on your finger. “Be grateful it’s just the ring.”

Alard sneered at you, watching you as you returned to the cart. “Be grateful I let you live.”

You snorted and started laughing. “My god, if the people who you caught in the labyrinth could see you now.”

His scowl deepened, and those sharp features began to awaken again.

“Sit down and eat breakfast,” you giggled. “Stop trying to look tough in front of me. You know it doesn’t work.”

Alard approached the cart, looking down at the plate of food before him. It was his favorite breakfast, so he didn’t say anything as he began to eat.

“I’ll brush your hair when you’re done,” you told him as you picked at your own food.

Alard placed a berry upon his lips. “I’m not a child. I can brush my own hair. I don’t need you babying me in the same breath as belittling me.”

“So says the big man who tried threatening me not but a few moments ago,” you tossed back.

Those eyes flashed up to you, sharp and frightening under any other circumstance. But you knew Alard too well to take them seriously.

Alard smirked. “That is what I dislike about you humans the most. Your assumed belief that you are superior.”

“When did I say I thought I was superior?” You asked.

“You needn’t say anything. It’s apparent.” Alard eyes flickered over you. “Thank goodness you are not a man, or it would be so much worse.”

You sniffed. “Finally, something we can agree upon.”

His smile grew. “Is that why you stay amongst the fae? Your displeasure with your own ilk?”

You looked up from your now empty tea cup. “I stay because I would be killed.”

“I keep you safe,” Alard replied.

A berry rolled across your plate and fell into some cream. You plucked it up and ate it, licking the pad of your finger.

“The labyrinth is better for you anyways,” he continued.

“Oh, suddenly it’s good I’m here. I thought I was lucky to be left alive,” you huffed.

Alard tilted his head to the side. “You are lucky. Being the queen’s pet and all. Your whole life is owed to luck.”

You glared up at him. “So I suppose it’s your misfortune I was placed here to care for you? A hunter of men and a human, what a pair!”

He clicked his tongue and set his empty plate down.

“Do you want me to brush your hair?” You asked.

His cold eyes flicked away. “I suppose, if you want to.”

“Brat,” you said within a cough.

Alard’s vanity was a mess. His things were scattered about the surface, disorganized and chaotic. You found his comb and brush, both of which were hidden amongst the damage. As you picked them up, you saw Alard’s reflection in the mirror. He stood behind you, watching as you searched the chaos of the vanity.

“I don’t see how you make such messes,” you sighed.

“That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” Alard walked around you, sitting down before the vanity. “Don’t pull my hair this time.”

“It’s a briar patch, you may feel a few tugs.” You started with the comb, working at the ends so brushing through the worst of the thicket wouldn’t be a chore.

Alard grunted as you started brushing. “Be careful.”

“I’m surprised you’re anxious about a little scalp pain with all you do,” you chuckled. “You can get bloody, but what woe is it I pull your hair.”

“No wonder my auntie likes you. You’re just as mean as she is,” he pouted.

You smirked, making work of the tangles and mess of his hair. “You think so? That’s a mighty compliment. She must like you to some degree to send me here and care for you. Doesn’t that make you feel better?”

He sighed, leaning back as you worked. “I suppose it is nice having someone care for you. My last keeper wouldn’t even come into my room, let alone have the joy of brushing my hair.”

You leaned down close enough so your lips touched his ear. “You think I care about you?”

Alard snapped his fingers at you. “Don’t start. I’m trying to be kind.”

“That must be difficult for you.” You giggled.

“Oh, so funny,” he grumbled.

The comb started moving smoothly through his dark hair, and green shimmer began to appear. You switched to the brush so that it brought out the luster and shine in his locks. His head turned slightly and he huffed.

“I don’t want to go out into the labyrinth today,” he grumbled.

“Is there someone out there?” You asked.

“Just arrived.” he leaned back in his chair and grumbled. “It is so cold out there, I dread the hunt today.”

“You’ll survive.” You set the comb and brush down. “There, much better. Do you want me to braid it for you?”

Alard rose from his seat. “No. I have to go.” He went to his wardrobe and opened it. “I can feel whoever is out there moving about violently.”

You picked up his robe as he dropped it from his form and laid it over the vanity chair. You then went to his bed to make it. “That is how you like them.”

“Not when it is cold,” he growled. He got dressed as you made the bed, then left without saying a word. You cleaned up the cart and left, going back to the kitchen to deliver the dirty dishes.

Later that afternoon, there was a scream that rattled through the castle. You looked up from your tea and even Dey went still.

“My goodness,” Dey murmured. “What on earth was that?”

“Probably Alard playing with whatever wandered into the labyrinth today,” you sighed. “I wouldn’t worry too much.”

Dey shifted, moving about the kitchen. “I’m not so sure.”

You looked towards Dey with a look of confusion, but you had no time to question it. Suddenly, the cats ran down the hallway in a cluster, hissing and spitting as they went.

“What on earth had gotten into them?” You wondered out loud as you stood and went towards the door.

As you peered out a haggard looking man in leather armor stood before you. He was bleeding from a bite mark that encompassed the top of his head, and his hair was matted and tangled in a crusted and partially frozen lump.

“My lady,” Dey gasped.

You took a step back from the man who lunged at you, trying to grab hold of you.“Stay still! Come here!”

“No thank you!” You rushed to try and get to the knife drawer, but the man grabbed your arm with one hand.

“I won’t hurt you. Just shut up.” The man pulled you backwards, as if trying to pose in front of the door. “Let's see that monster try something now!”

Dey rattled the cabinets, but the man didn’t seem to be paying much mind. You grasped hold of him, pressing your iron ring to his exposed skin, but it didn’t burn him. He was human, like you. He must have been someone the unseelie court or the queen herself put into the labyrinth. Judging from his armor and the bite-like mark around his head, you assumed he was some sort of royal.

You heard Alard roar down the hallway and the man kicked the kitchen door shut.  He backed up with a laugh. “Let’s see him try. Let’s just see.”

You struggled, but he held you tighter, hurting your arms as he pinned one back. Your other slapped him, trying to pull his hair or hit his face.

“Stay still,” Dey whispered to you.

“They thought they could get me,” the man huffed. “They thought this old labyrinth would be my end. But they have no idea who they are up against. They had no idea.”

You rolled your eyes, you didn’t care. All you wanted was to be set free before Alard got into the castle and made a mess. You then heard his deep chuckle and the groaning of the castle as Alard made his way inside. The man went stiff and still, he held his breath as a chill crackled through the air.

“Come out now, we shouldn’t be playing inside,” Alard snarled.

Everything grew dark and the flames in the torches were snuffed. Even The light inside the stove went dim. Everything was silent, frozen, and like death. The man’s breath was the only thing you could hear, and it was growing annoying.

The door opened slowly, and dark feathers blew inside. Shadows began creeping around the corners, building and writhing like wisps of fine cloth. The doorway became pitch black and feathers poured inside as Alard’s blue eyes appeared.

“Big mistake, little man,” Alard’s voice sounded angry. “You don’t know what you’ve got there.”

The man backed up and a cabinet door flung open and struck the back of his head. He yelled and flinched, which caused him to yank a little hard against your head. You whimpered and Alard thrust himself inside.

“You fool!” Alard screamed. “I was toying with you before! But you hurt her, you will not know the end of suffering.”

The black feathers rose up around the man and two large hands grabbed him. He was pulled down, yanking you to the floor as he vanished into the void screaming.

Alard dropped everything, rushing to you and picking you up into his arms. He held you close, grasping the back of your head.

“I’m fine, Alard,” you murmured.

Alard’s embrace tightened and he pressed his cheek to your temple. Something felt different, this wasn’t the usual Alard. You wrapped your arms around him in turn, feeling him relax then.

“Are you sure?” he breathed.

You wanted to reassure him, but he seemed to be in such a stranger state than you were used to.“Yes, it’s okay.” You wanted to pull away, but he kept holding you. You sighed and stayed there, resting yourself against him. “You don’t need to worry about me, it was just a man. I could have handled him.”

“Perhaps you could have. But I do not wish to think about it either way,” Alard sighed.

“How did he get inside?”

“He found his way through the labyrinth somehow. I’m not sure.” Alard pulled back then smoothed his fingers along your cheek. “He’ll pay for it either way.”

You shrugged. “Must be someone to outwit you.”

Alard scoffed. “Don’t start with me. Not now.” He brushed your hair aside. “He touched you, that is what offends me most.”

Dey chuckled softly.

“Why is that?” You asked.

Alard nose brushed against the side of your face and he remained silent.

The queen’s eldest son had passed away when you were an infant. Most human changelings were transformed or left for much worse fates, but the queen took favor with you. Her grief made her sympathetic, and your cries reminded her of her son in his infancy. The queen raised you up, a strange but not uncommon practice amongst the unseelie. Human children were often raised as spies for the court, and you were not so different.

You were called the queen’s dog, her constant companion, her pet. So, it came as some surprise when the queen asked you to take care of her nephew, the mad dog of the royal family. Alard was not unknown to you, in fact you had come into contact with him several times when he was brought before the queen. He was a powerful asset to her, as well as a great liability.

“He needs training of his own,” the queen told you. “He needs a master whose hand he will obey.” She handed you a wooden box which contained your iron ring. She recoiled from it and watched as you placed it upon your finger.

“Alard hates humans, what makes you think he would ever obey me?” You moved your hand side to side as you admired the rather unimpressive chunk of metal around your finger.

“He hates men,” the queen replied. “But women have always been a weakness for him. It is one of the reasons I do keep a rather light hold upon him.”

You glanced up at her. “So you think because of that I can control him?”

She smirked and slipped her long fingers under your chin. “If you are anything like me, it will be easy.”

You had been by Alard’s side ever since, taking care of his castle as well as him. He hunted in the labyrinth, he did as the queen told, but it was you who helped to calm the mad dog.

That evening, after that man had gotten through the maze and into the palace, you hadn’t seen much of Alard. You had gone into his room to take him his meal, but he still hadn’t returned.

“Goodness, he’ll probably be a mess when he gets back.” You sighed. You set the cart aside then went over to his vanity. It was still a wreck, so you decided to clean it up while he was out.

You’d spent much of the day cleaning up his feathers, which had been hard with the pixies and cats combined. You dusted off his vanity, moving things aside then sorting them neatly again along the top.

You felt a breath at the back of your neck and looked into the mirror. Two pale hands came out of the shadows then pulled you into Alard’s chest. He held you close and sighed.

“What are you doing?” you asked.

“You would tell me if he hurt you right?” Alard whispered.

You placed your hand upon his. “Would you tell me if he hurt you?”

Alard knelt down to rest his head upon your shoulder. “I saw him holding you, and when you cried out in pain it felt like I couldn’t breathe.”

“You know I have Dey,” you murmured.

“It doesn’t matter. If anyone were to hurt you, I think I might lose control of myself.” Alard growled as if in pain.

You took off the iron ring, setting it down upon the vanity. You then placed your hands upon his, slowly stroking up his arm. “Would you burn the world for me?”

“Perhaps,” he whispered.

You turned around in his arms and looked up at him. “Then why do you fight me all the time?”

He smirked. “Because it is fun.” He pressed his forehead down onto yours.

You sighed and placed your hands upon his cheeks. “Go and change your clothes. You smell awful.”

Alard grunted. “Fine.” He let go and stepped away from you. “I suppose you’ll want me to go and bathe in the spring too.”

“It might be nice,” you chuckled.

Alard undressed right there, leaving his clothes gathered around his ankles. He watched you as your eyes turned to him. Dark markings clawed up his pale form, shifting into the shimmering feathers that fluffed along his face. He smirked at you as you met his gaze.

“You think this is new to me?” You asked. “The first week I was here you tried to bother me with your naked form.”

“You were strangely unmoved.” Alard stroked his hand down his body. “I suppose my auntie prepared you for that.”

“She did.” You pointed towards the door. “Go and bathe.”

Alard stepped towards you and held his hand to you. “Come with me.”

You furrowed your brow.

“Please?” His voice sounded strangely sweet. “I don’t want you to be alone.”

You sighed heavily. “If it will make you bathe. Then fine.” You followed behind the naked Alard into the spring. The waters were steaming that evening, and as Alard stepped into the water his long hair spread out along the surface. You hiked up your skirt, sitting upon a stone and dipping your feet in.

“You’re not joining me?” Alard asked.

“You said you didn’t want to leave me alone. You mentioned nothing about joining you.” You pulled up your skirt a bit more, noticing Alard’s eyes going up your leg.

He disappeared under the water, but like you predicted you felt him tugging on your feet. His long fingers coiled around your ankles, pulling you so you scooted on the rock and more of your legs sank into the warm, dark waters.

You pulled a leg back then pressed your foot at the top of his head. “If you want me, just say so.”

The top of his head and eyes appeared above the surface of the water. He pulled again and you stepped on him again.

“Say it,” you ordered.

Alard lifted his head from the water. “It.” He pulled you into the spring. Your clothes vanished as the water touched your skin. You floated there below the surface, waiting to feel him approach you. The soft touch of his hands wrapped around your waist and he coiled around you.

Coming back to the surface you took a deep breath, and still he was locked around you. You fidgeted in his grasp, pushing against his arms which wouldn’t budge.

“It’s more than wanting,” he whispered. The words caused you to go still and listen. “Even in my youth I was treated like a beast. But you come into my life and treat me like a puppy. Why do I like that? Why do I find myself needing you?”

You sighed and glanced back at him. “Because that’s what I want.”

His cold eyes focused upon yours. “Humans are awfully greedy.” He knelt down, pressing a kiss to your lips that was sharp but warm. “You do know what happens to humans who take on fae as lovers, right?”

“I never wanted to return to the human world. I’ve never even known it,” you whispered, leaning back for another kiss.

Alard bit and moaned, pressing his body closer to yours. “Your children will be more vicious than I.”

“I look forward to them.” You turned around in his arms, grabbing hold of his face and kissing him hungrily. His moans grew louder, almost snarling as each kiss grew deeper and more hungry.

You pressed your fingers between your lips to halt him and looked into his eyes. “Finish your bath first.”

He scowled, lip curling, nose scrunching, but he dove under the water while you walked back on shore. You wrung out your hair, watching him as he stood under a waterfall. His long, lean body shone through the water, and his dark hair clung to his form. He turned, pulling his hair all to one side so you could see his entire back. His shoulders were sharp, but broad, tapering down into his muscular back which was dotted with scars.

You smiled to yourself as you drank in this sight. You wondered what it would be like to leave your own mark upon that back. He turned slightly, almost as if sensing your curious little thought. He smirked and disappeared back under the water.

He swam back towards you, coming up on land and smiling down at you. “I have one question for you before I give in to my desires. Do you care for me?”

You thought for a moment, making him squirm while you knew the answer almost right away. You smiled back up at him. “Yes. I do.”

“I knew it.” Alard held his hand out and you took it. “All this time, and all your barbs, I knew you cared for me.”

You stood and sighed. “Don’t get a big head about it. I’ll change my mind.”

“No you won’t.” Alard led you back to his chambers. Your hair dried almost instantly, and the bed looked much larger than before. You took the brush from his vanity, sitting down before it to comb your hair.

“You’re teasing me now,” Alard chuckled.

“I am not a walking mess like you.” You said.

Alard kissed behind your ear and down your neck. “But you like that about me, don’t you?”

You moaned softly as he kissed, your skin felt more sensitive along your neck. You swallowed, taking a deep breath when his lips moved to your shoulder. You looked at him in the mirror. “Let me brush your hair.”

He scoffed. “Fine.” He traded places with you. Sitting in the chair while you stood behind him, gently brushing his hair and letting it turn silky in your clutches.

“When did you know you cared for me?” You asked.

Alard sighed. “I’m not sure. It feels like I always have.” His eyes in the mirror became distant and he held a slight pout. “From the moment you first walked into my chambers, I suppose.”

“That long?” You marveled.

“Don’t get a big head over it,” he chuckled. “And what about you? When did you know you cared?”

You hummed softly, watching his hair flow through your fingers. You smiled to yourself, glancing at his eyes in the mirror. “You made an appearance at the queen’s birthday celebration. You were covered in vines and fireflies, and raving about some caravan you took down single handedly. I was watching you as I fetched the queen a drink and the wild look in your eyes drew me in.”

His brow furrowed and Alard turned around to face you. “How pathetic.”

“I know.” You kissed him softly. “The mad dog of the unseelie court has fascinated me ever since.”

Alard stood from behind the vanity, and in a moment he had you whisked upon the bed. His kisses were harsh, but that’s how you wanted him. You wrapped your arms around him, hoping he would press closer and closer until there was no breath between you.

Alard pulled back, tossing his long hair over his shoulder. He gazed down upon you, taking his hand and running it down the length of your naked body. Your thighs released from his waist, allowing him to gaze down further than anyone had before.

A slight smirk graced his lips and Alard held your inner thigh in his hand. “I see,” he murmured. “How many times have you touched yourself thinking of me?”

You laughed. “Don’t do this now. Touch me and stay silent.”

“I have no desire to stay silent.” Alard trailed his fingers along your loins, tugging to open you slightly. “Once I am inside you, I promise, I am going to be very loud.”

“That’s not sexy,” you sighed.

His hand clasped around your neck. “You’ll see. I’ll show you just how good that is.” He eased himself closer, pressing between your legs then leaning over the top of you. He breathed against your skin, moaning softly against your ear.

“I finally get to hold you,” he whispered. “I will feel your skin against mine, your embrace in the morning-” He shivered and you felt him down below pressing for entrance. “I know you’re not so cold.”

“I never was.” You cupped his face in your hands.

“You’re warm where it counts, my keeper.” He pressed against you, moaning softly. There was a slight pressure and then he was inside. His expression melted, and his mouth hung open as he savored that first moment of warmth and wetness. It was strange to see him so unguarded and unwound, but you liked it.

You traced his face with your fingertips, moaning softly as he began to move. He went deeper inside, pulling out slightly then pressing back in. The more he moved, the better it felt inside.

“You’re making noise,” he growled.

“Be quiet,” you panted.

Alard chuckled, grinning down at you. “Not a chance. I’m going to tell you just how sweet you feel. How docile you look.” He bit his lip and groaned. “I can’t believe how delectable you look right now.” he rose back up, looking down to see himself vanishing inside you. “Just seeing how much you truly enjoy me, it’s a great pleasure.”

You whimpered, unable to hold back just how good he was making you feel. You tossed your head aside, covering it with your hand as his strokes went deeper and harder. Alard moved your hand aside, gazing down at you with his sharp eyes and a knowing smile. He pressed inside you, lingering before pulling out and thrusting again.

“That’s it,” he breathed. “I finally have the upper hand over you. Now I know your weakness.”

“Sh-shut up,” you moaned, cupping your hand around his mouth.

Alard laughed, biting your fingers and sucking on one languorously. He moaned with you, arching his back and shivering. “How unfortunate we share the same weakness.” He kissed you again and you wrapped your arms back around him. It was nice to feel his weight upon you. Skin to skin. Breath matching breath.

For a moment, Alard stilled. His body rose above yours and his dark hair curtained around your face. He breathed softly, gazing at you with a loving expression that made your heart flutter.

“I’ve waited for this for so long,” he whispered.

Your smile was gentle. “Then why wait longer?”

His hand stroked down the center of your chest. “I’m savoring it now.” he smiled in return, his eyes soft compared to their usual sharpness. “I want to enjoy you for as long as possible.”

“I’m here forever now.”

“Ah yes, the human is now fae,” he whispered. “How perfect.”

Your bodies were tangled until morning when the harsh light that came through the windows woke you from slumber. You sat up, gazing across the room. You huffed, laying back down and feeling Alard’s hair beneath your cheek.

Sighing softly, you peered across the bed, seeing Alard laying there with his face in the pillow. His body shifted slightly, but he gave no signs of being awake. You pulled back the covers, staring at his bare back and skin while he wasn’t aware. You saw slight marks on his skin, small scratches from your nails you had left during the late hours of last evening.

Smiling, you cuddled up closer to Alard, pressing kisses to his shoulder and arm until he moved. He rolled over in bed, capturing you and cuddling close to you. He buried his face against your back, hiding from the glaring morning sun.

“Good morning,” you whispered.

He grumbled against your back, his grip upon you tightening then relaxing.

You smiled to yourself, placing your hands over his which held you. “Did you sleep well?”

“Be quiet. It is too early for chattering,” he huffed.

You heard a slight rattling and when you looked up you saw the cart before the fireplace with a teapot upon it.

“Stay put,” he then grouched. “Let me hold you a while longer.”

“That’s fine,” you sighed softly, relaxing back in bed. “As long as you’re here, I’m still doing my job.”

Alard scoffed. “Your job. This is your life now.” He rolled you onto your back and raised above you. He pushed his hair from his face and sighed. “Let me get a good look at you.”

You smirked, posing your arms above your head.

“I see,” Alard whispered. “You do look quite different.”

You clicked your tongue. “How different?”

His grin grew. “You look like you are mine.”

You giggled and he dove down, kissing you deeply. You wrapped our arms around him and he returned to snuggling with you under the soft, warm blankets.

“Have I changed?” You asked.

“Subtle,” he murmured. “But it will take time for you to notice the real changes.” He kissed your neck and shoulder. “But I still see the fierce girl who stormed into my room so long ago.”

“Good. I would hate for her to fade away.” You combed your fingers through his long hair and let out a relieved sigh.

After a few quiet moments, you tapped his shoulder, making him grunt in displeasure.

“Would you mind making a cup of tea for me?” You asked.

Alard raised up and sneered down at you. “What?”

You pointed over to the cart. “I would love a cup of tea. You can make one for yourself if you like.”

“Oh, thank you for the privilege,” he scoffed. He then kissed you and rose from bed. You watched him as he stood naked by the cart, marveling at how sexy it was to see him pour you tea. You giggled and Alard smiled back at you.