The room fell silent after what my mate declared. Even if my nose was itching, I wouldn't dare to sneeze.

"That's enough for tonight. I will hear no more. I'll deliver my answer tomorrow. Right now, everyone goes to sleep," said the King as everyone complied.

Still glued to my mate, I followed him out of the room. Simultaneously, I saw Lehar glaring at my mate's back. So, I glared back at him and his gaze shifted to mine. His gaze softened a little, but there was still a scowl on his face. Maybe it was because I broke his nose or that I humiliated him in front of everyone? Either way, I merely continued to glare at him hoping it would miraculously obliterate him.

Finally back into the comfort of our bedroom, I decided to unglue myself from my mate. But he didn't let me. He just clung to me tighter and nuzzled the crook of my neck.

"I'm ashamed," he whispered. "I didn't know how you felt about it. I should have told you about it sooner."

I hugged him back, "Don't worry, I don't blame you... I just hate how things are right now."

He lightly chuckled, "I was quite surprised to see you burst in front of everyone."

I frowned, hoping he wasn't too mad at me. "I'm sorry about that. I-I don't know what came through me..."

He loosened his grip so I could see his face, "Don't worry, I like it. It'll remind me to not make you mad," he said in a joking tone.

I looked down, "I'll do anything to protect what we have. I didn't realize until today that..." I stopped, I didn't know what this feeling was. My heart was beating fast and each time I saw him, he was the only one I could see. "I enjoy your company?" I finished more like a question than an affirmation. No, it didn't sound right. I did more than enjoy his company. But I didn't have a word to describe it. "I-I mean, I don't know how to explain it, b-but each time I'm with you, I-I..."

"It's okay, mate. I understand your feelings... I think. It undoubtedly made me happy to know that you'll still choose me even if other people are courting you," he smiled making my heart melt.

"A-and you? Will you do that too?" I asked hoping he would say yes.

"You don't need to ask. I have waited for you for so long. Do you think I'll change my mind now that I have you?" I hugged him tightly. Hearing him say it offered me the comfort I desperately needed. "Let us go to sleep. You must be tired," he whispered on top of my head before leaving a kiss.

I didn't let go as he held me until we reached our bed. Tangled together, I slowly drifted to sleep with my mate heartbeats as my lullaby.

~~~

As I gradually opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was my mate's face. I smiled, I did miss this view in the last few days. I giggled as I pulled to him closer enjoying his warmth. I couldn't wait to be mated with him. He was so attractive and understanding. I had to admit, the matchmaker choice was spot on.

I wonder if Mira was as happy as I was? I should contact her soon. And maybe my parents too... We did leave on a bad note after all. They were delighted for me, but I was just so stressed and worried about my future. Yeah, I'll call them later. I wondered if they could come to my mating ceremony? I will have to ask Cadfael later.

"You should be careful about what you do with your cute little fingers," groaned Cadfael his voice still hoarse from sleep.

"Huh?"

He pointed my fingers which were drawing narrow circles on his torso. I blushed when I realized what I was doing, I immediately stopped. I was about to pull away, but he grabbed my wrist. He brought my knuckles to his lips only to kiss it. I blushed even harder if it was even possible.

"You're so cute when you blush," he pulled me closer. "I could eat you up," he grinned before kissing me.

It was only an affectionate kiss at first, but then he started to lick and nip at my lower lip. I slowly parted my lips apart, and he pushed his tongue inside. I moaned as he slowly kissed me. Our tongues slowly danced together as he sucked and gently bit it. Then, he slowly broke the kiss as I panted for air.

"You should see your expression right now," he nuzzled my neck. "You're all flushed, your lips are swollen and so ready for me."

"Please," I begged as I felt his hands roaming on my naked chest. Oh, Gods, this felt so good that I...

I gasped and felt myself growing hard. Cadfael hummed in my neck, he must have felt it too. His hands trailed down my chest as he captured one of my nipples in his mouth. I gasped at the contact of his hot mouth on my nipple as his hands were dangerously close to my erection. Suddenly, I felt something poke at my tail. I looked down and almost choked on my own saliva. B-big!

"Don't fret, I'll not take you now. But after the ceremony," he smirked, "You're mine. So, in the meantime..."

He grabbed both our hard on and started to stroke them. I moaned as my hands flew to grab the bedsheets. W-what was this feeling? I-it never felt this good when I was using my hand, so why?

"Oh Gods," I gasped as he squeezed both our cocks together.

He leaned in for a kiss, and I let him. I will let him claim my mouth anytime he wanted. I loved it when he kissed me. I mewled and moaned in his mouth as I moved with his hand. Suddenly, a rush hit my whole body making me gasp as my sight blurred. I tensed and then started to squirm around when he didn't stop stroking. Knowing that he was still hard and grinding and hearing his moans made all hot and needy all over again. Even if I was still so sensitive since I just came, but...

"I-I think I'm gonna... Ahhh!" I moaned as I arched my back.

"Cum with me again," he moaned as he observed me like he wanted to devour me.

He didn't need to ask twice because when I felt him pulse it just sent me over the edge. The same shock rushed through my whole body not only making my vision blur but completely black out.