Chapter 44: Morning Intimacy

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The next morning, Nia lay in bed, the moon streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over Kiyoshi's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful, so content in her arms, that she could not help but feel a wave of tenderness wash over her. She watched his chest rise and fall with each breath, the strong line of his jaw, the dark lashes resting against his cheeks. Despite the embarrassment she felt the night before, she could not deny the joy she felt waking up next to him.

As she moved, she felt Kiyoshi stir in his sleep, his arm tightening around her. Her cheeks became warm once more as she remembered their lovemaking from the night before. It had been so passionate, so intense, that she had almost forgotten how to breathe. She could not help but wonder if he felt the same way. She shifted slightly, letting her fingers trace idle patterns on his chest, watching as his abdominal muscles flexed beneath her touch.

The bed shifted as he rolled over, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at her. His eyes were still half-lidded with sleep, but there was a playful glint in them, nonetheless. "Morning, love," he murmured, running his free hand through his disheveled hair.

She swallowed hard, feeling even more self-conscious than before. "Mm-hmm," she managed to reply, burying her face in his chest to hide her blush. His laugh was warm and gentle, brushing against her ear like a caress. "Why so shy all of a sudden?" he teased, tracing a finger down her cheek. "Aren't you proud of what we did last night?"

She peeked up at him, feeling the heat in her cheeks intensify. "Well...yes... I mean... I am just not used to it..." Her voice trailed off as he pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.

"Shh," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "I am your husband, and you are my wife. There's nothing to be ashamed of." His finger continued to trace lazy patterns on her skin, each touch sending a shiver down her spine. "Besides," he added with a wicked glint in his eye, as he whispered in her ears, "I am not finished with you yet."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. Despite her embarrassment, a thrill ran through her at the thought of him wanting more. She glanced up at him, the hesitation in her eyes obvious. He must have seen it, because he leaned down and pressed his lips gently to hers, his tongue tracing the outline of her mouth. She felt her resolve melt away as his kiss deepened, and she parted her lips to welcome him in.

As they kissed, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting their intimacy. Nia pulled away from Kiyoshi with a start, her heart racing.

"Your Majesty the Royal dressmaker has sent word that your outfits for today have arrived," the servant on the other side of the door announced. "She requests your presence to finalize the fit and make any necessary alterations."

Kiyoshi, with a playful glint in his eyes, rose and walked towards the door. "Inform them," he said, his voice firm but kind, "that the King and Queen are currently indisposed. We have matters of the utmost importance to discuss."

The servant bowed deeply, a hint of surprise and curiosity in his expression. As the door closed once more, Kiyoshi turned back to Nia, his face filled with mischief. "And what exactly did you think we were discussing?" he asked with a wink, climbing back into bed and pulling her close.

She laughed, her body shaking with the force of it. "I do not know," she managed to reply, her breath hitching as he trailed his fingers down her stomach. "Maybe the importance of fashion?"

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Very funny." He leaned in, kissing her deeply, his tongue dancing with hers. As their passion ignited once more, she felt herself becoming lost in the sensation, her body melting into his.

"There's so much more to tell you," She gasped between kisses, her fingers tangled in his hair. "About the council meetings, your brother and his wife, the state of the kingdom's finances..." Her words trailed off as he continued to kiss her, his hands moving over her body, making her feel desired and cherished.

"You've done amazingly, love," Kiyoshi murmured against her skin, trailing his fingertips over her hip. "I should have been here by your side." His touch was light and gentle, but it sent a shiver down her spine.

"You were where you needed to be," she assured him. "And now, you are here." She felt a surge of affection for him, a deep, abiding love that she hadn't known was possible. His hands moved lower, cupping her bottom, and she arched into the touch, feeling a hunger building deep within her. He kissed her again, this time more urgently, and she could feel herself growing wet with desire.

"Kiyoshi" she breathed out, feeling her body respond to his touch. He moved his hands to her hips, pulling her against him as he kissed her deeply. His tongue danced with hers, and she felt a need growing inside her that she hadn't known was possible. He slid his hand lower, cupping her intimately, and she arched into his touch, a moan escaping her throat.

He broke the kiss, gazing down at her with hooded eyes. "You are so beautiful," he murmured, trailing his fingers over her skin. "I have missed you." His touch was gentle, but it sent shivers of desire through her. He leaned in, kissing her again, this time more urgently. She wrapped her legs around his hips, feeling the heat between them grow.

His hands moved to her breast, caressing and squeezing, and she arched into his touch. "Kiyoshi," she gasped, her body trembling with need. He kissed her again, his tongue dancing with hers, and she could feel herself growing wet with desire. His fingers found their way inside her, stroking her, and she cried out, her body tightening around him.

He moved them lower, his fingers expertly teasing her, and she felt herself growing closer to the edge. "Kiyoshi," she moaned, her hips moving in time with his touch. He kissed her again, his hand sliding between them, and she felt a powerful wave of pleasure wash over her. She cried out his name as her body shook with release, her muscles relaxing into the afterglow of their lovemaking.

They lay in comfortable silence for several long moments, their bodies still entwined, the warmth of their skin mingling. Then, with a hesitant voice, Nia spoke, "It seems your brother Daemon and his wife Elspeth are displeased with your return."

"They have made several attempts to win over the officials and the court and have insulted me whilst you were away", Nia explained.

Kiyoshi remained silent; his jaw clenched tight. The news did not come as a surprise, but the confirmation of Daemon and Elspeth's underhanded tactics and outright disrespect towards him stung. He knew they were ambitious and power-hungry, always seeking to undermine him in any way they could. But he was the king, and he would not allow them to usurp his authority.

"And that is not all," Nia continued, her voice barely a whisper. "It seems… Elspeth has been… well, I saw her with a servant," she whispered, "In a rather… compromising position."

Kiyoshi's eyes widened in shock. "She what?!" He demanded, sitting up quickly. "When?"

"A few nights ago, while you were away," Nia replied, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I did not want to say anything before..." She trailed off, biting her lip. "I thought I should tell you, though. It was rather... shocking to see."

Kiyoshi let out a small chuckle, "Wow, can you imagine my 'fit to be king' brother, getting cheated on by his wife with a servant? That is rich." He reached out to take her hand, "You are the best, Nia. I cannot thank you enough for telling me this. I knew they were up to something, but I did not expect it..." He trailed off, a grim expression on his face. "Well, I guess now I know for sure that I cannot trust them. They've made their intentions clear."

"What do you plan to do?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

"That is for me to know and for them to find out," Kiyoshi said with a dark grin. "But I can assure you, they will regret underestimating me. As for you, my dear Nia, you have proven your loyalty time and time again. I want you by my side, not only as my queen but also as my friend. Together, we will make this kingdom great again."