His Majesty's Devious Sin

Adeline was hoping Elias was joking. He wasn\'t. They did it on the bed, at the edge of it, and upon the headboard, until her trembling legs gave out, and her body twitched at his touch. 

Adeline had lost count of the minutes that passed, until her thoughts were plagued by his cold caress, the heat of her body, how warm he filled her, the sound of their skin slapping against each other, and his quiet grunts.

"Would you like a bath?" Elias cooed, his fingers kneading her scalp. He laid on the bed, naked, with her head tiredly resting on his chest. His gaze flickered to her thigh which was dangerously curled around his slowly rising manhood.

"Yes," Adeline mumbled. 

Adeline was exhausted. There were marks all over her pale skin, and hickies were bound to form. She\'d need to wear a turtle-neck shirt today, or else everyone would know.

"I feel sticky," she added on, her voice lowering an octave.

Adeline was trying her best to stay awake, but she felt too comfortable. Elias\'s gentle scalp massage sent her eyes fluttering shut. His heartbeat was a lullaby and his quiet voice a bedtime story. 

Their bodies molded perfectly together. His body was hard and powerful, but hers were soft and small. Somehow, that combination made sense.

"Alright then," Elias murmured. 

Elias turned and kissed her at the top of her head before reluctantly detangling himself from her to draw a bath. When he exited the bed, he glanced back to see she was on the brink of falling asleep, her head slowly nodding before snapping awake.

Elias smiled. "Do you feel that comforted by me?"

Adeline blinked. "Is that even a question?"

Elias supposed not. Seeing as she was so willing to fall asleep in his arms, he couldn\'t help but smile a bit wider. He liked that she was comfortable around him. Her guard was always lowered near him. He preferred it that way.

- - - - -

"Where are you going?" Elias asked, even though he already knew the answer. 

Sometimes, Elias just wanted to hear the truth from her mouth. He had finished getting dressed and was now seated by the couch, watching her get ready. He enjoyed the show, even though she didn\'t intend to give him one.

Elias watched as she clasped her bra and slipped on her underwear. He especially noticed the bright pink marks on her neck, where he enjoyed the most. She placed on a white turtleneck and paired it with khaki pants, the simple act drawing his attention.

"Well?" Elias said.

Adeline turned around, her breath caught in her throat. He was handsome. Words couldn\'t describe his devastating beauty. He was leisurely sitting on the couch, legs crossed, head leaned on a propped-up arm. He turned a simple couch into a golden throne. His aura was impeccable.

"To see Lydia," Adeline said with a slight smile, fond of her good friend. She placed on her heels and then walked to the vanity. Through the vanity mirror, she saw him over her shoulders.

Elias raised a brow. 

"We\'re going to be in a private restaurant today," Adeline added. She slipped on golden accessories to match her outfit. But nothing could ever outshine her ruby ring, bright and shimmering on her finger.

"Did you know the Claymore Shareholder meeting ended in a tie?" Elias drawled out, standing up and sauntering towards her.

Adeline was putting her earrings on when he touched her shoulder. She jumped at his touch, electricity flying. "Liddy didn\'t tell me that."

"Of course she didn\'t. Would you tell someone you\'re using them?" Elias asked. He pushed her fingers away and began to put on the final earring for her. He noticed her frown, and he smiled.

"Why else would Lydia take you to a restaurant, where the two of you would be caught in photos? Think about it, darling."

"Lydia is trying her best to come up with a solution for us," Adeline said. "I wouldn\'t mind if she uses me."

Elias sighed. He rested his hands on her shoulders and stared at their reflection in the mirror. Adeline was stunning, from her golden hair to her emerald eyes. 

There wasn\'t a single flaw in sight, and he wanted to devour her even more. She seemed like an unattainable presence in this world, something so ethereal, mankind could never dream of touching her. 

Elias bent down and kissed the side of her head. "You\'re too kind, darling."

- - - - -

Sure enough, Elias\'s predictions were true. The second the royal car pulled up to the restaurant streets, cameras were already flashing. Adeline stepped out to blinding lights, voices eagerly shouting for her attention, and people pressing forward to catch a glimpse of her. Bodyguards were stationed everywhere, until they formed a clear path for Adeline to walk to the restaurant.

Adeline smiled for the cameras, even when she couldn\'t see any more. She waved and nodded her head, greeting many people who came.

"Your Grace, look this way!"

"Your Grace, how are you feeling?"

"Is it true that you\'ve fully recovered, Your Grace?"

"Will we expect to see an Heir to House Luxton?"

Adeline froze at the last question. She turned to see where it came from, but Lydia was suddenly behind her. Instantly, Adeline perked up, a grin breaking out.

"Let\'s get you out of the limelight, I think I\'m going blind," Lydia mused. She linked her arm through Adeline\'s and began walking with her to the restaurant. 

Lydia turned to her friend and smiled. "So, Your Grace," she teased. "Are you feeling alright?" 

The cameras continued to obnoxiously click and flash, capturing the endearing moment between the two. Soon, the duo was gone and hidden in the restaurant.

"One of the reporter\'s questions caught me off-guard," Adeline admitted with a weak smile, just as the manager quickly came to greet them, and guide them towards a private room in the restaurant, far from windows and prying eyes.

"Please enjoy," the manager said, bowing deeply, just as he handed them the menu for the days special. 

"Oh, the one about heirs," Lydia said, realizing what Adeline meant. She glanced at the menu and turned to Adeline.

Adeline quickly ordered the first thing she saw and Lydia did the same. They passed the menu to the manager who took it with two hands, to show a sign of respect. Then, he promptly left them alone.

"Yes, that question," Adeline mumbled. "I-I almost wanted to say an heir was on its way, but I don\'t want the public to find out until Elias has accepted the baby," she whispered.

Adeline placed a hand on her stomach. "Even though I\'m pregnant, h-he\'s still quite rough in bed, as if he\'s not scared about hurting the baby."

Lydia\'s gaze softened. She had an inkling Elias was just rough normally, but if he knew his wife was pregnant and was still cruel… Was it intentional?

"But then, he\'s always rough, so I don\'t know," Adeline admitted. "He does listen to me though. When I ask him to slow down, he does…"

Lydia slowly nodded, eager to offer an open ear. "You should sit him down and have a proper conversation," she said. "It\'s better for the public to find out from your mouth, than rumors spreading of the pregnancy."

Adeline blinked. Communication… The break or make factor of any relationship. She was just worried. "What if I voice my concern and another argument breaks out?" she asked.

"Then you should dump him."