Chapter Text
It had started a few months prior on a picnic. Her partner, formerly Rhiannon Glenwood, now known as Lady Rhiannon to match her husband Lord Astarion, and Kateřina’s newly betrothed - the local hermit wizard Lord Gale - were currently too preoccupied with making eyes at each other while Kat was stuck with the annoying vampire.
“What would you like for your birthday?” Lord Astarion had asked, as if none too conspicuously, tearing petals off of a daisy.
She had looked at the poor thing and despite her usually unsavoury opinion towards plants she had gritted her teeth. “Nothing from you.”
A month later she had been over at his mansion browsing the newest collection of jewellery with Rhiannon, looking at a particularly well-crafted bracelet.
“I could buy it for you,” he offered.
Kat shook her head resolutely. “And I would not accept it.”
He picked it up swiftly, turning it in his hand, analysing it closely. “Is it not ornate enough? Are the gems not to your liking?“
She blinked at him in confusion. “No, not at all?“
He put it back down, visibly discontented. “Then why?“
“I just,” she huffed, “forget it.”
Astarion just gave her the look. A sight she was now very much used to seeing, knowing full well he won’t let it go.
“I dislike charity,” she tried again.
“This is not charity, it would be for your birthday,” he argued lightly, “tell me why you won’t let me gift you anything.”
“It’s not you.”
“Is it not? But you let the other two dote on you,” he whined, flailing his hands about pathetically.
“You must have been paying very little attention,” she snarked, remembering all the times she fought against accepting Rhiannon’s and Gale’s so-called little presents.
“You storm, but you never not give in at the end.”
She opened her mouth to further reason with him. After coming up empty however, she closed it promptly, puffing her cheeks before eventually releasing a frustrated sigh. “It’s not you,” she murmured, repeating herself.
“Then tell me what is so I can fix it next time.”
“Careful, Lord Astarion, I might begin to think you have a heart,” she deflected in jest.
He tipped her head up with a finger under her chin. “Just for Rhiannon and you, darling.”
It felt like she was drowning in his eyes, his features too soft, too handsome for a man so agitating. She looked away. “I don’t like feeling indebted.”
Ever so gently, he touched her cheek to make her look at him again, stating reassuringly. “You would not be, I promise.”
“Please,” she tried to switch the tactic, looking up at him with the best doe eyes she could muster, “just let go of the issue.”
He let go of her face, his hands falling down by his sides lifelessly. “Fine.”
With that he had strolled out of the room, leaving her not feeling good about her victory at all.
Finally on the day of her birthday she received a box. Kat inspected it, suspecting it might be from the stubborn elf. She opened it with curiosity, too impatient to see the contents, and a little scared too. The whiff of lavender that greeted her as she took off the box lid however was a confirmation enough on its own. The flower being a signature smell of her betrothed.
Inside was a little textile bundle. Pale dusty pink, almost white, like wild roses. She pulled it out, revealing it to be a dress. Simple, without any embellishments or trims but made of the finest of fabrics she’d ever touched. She ran her fingers over it, the silk slipping between her fingers like water, cool and soft.
She felt a swell of affection towards Gale. He knew her so well, picking out the perfect combination to make her ideal garment.
Kateřina had to wear it that day. Just for him.
༻❁༺
Astarion stood to the side, greeting guests with Rhiannon and Kateřina. His wife was pleased as punch to both do a favour for her partner, organising a small gathering for Kateřina’s birthday, and get to show off some of the mansion renovations while at it as well.
Currently, the mood in the vampire’s mind was complete boredom, if not for the two of them talking to each other with such gentle tones, all the way into harsh teasing and giggling within seconds of each mood. Playing their own little word games.
She was wearing the dress. He couldn’t stop noticing it.
His wife side eyed him. “What is it we can do for you, my Lord?” her voice was thick with sarcasm, and a little of something else.
“Nothing currently,” he promised, pretending to look up and away from her.
“Not at my birthday party!” Kateřina angrily warned, puffing her cheeks with a playful frown. The threat was still meant.
The vampire waved her away, watching slyly as the blonde woman’s green eyes followed his leather clad fingers. “I’m saving it up for you, later, birthday girl.”
As she had for months, Miss Vávrová turned up her nose at him. “I care not for this tiring back and forth. It’s my birthday.”
Rhiannon’s eyes twinkled. “Are you going to use that all day?”
“Yes.”
Interestingly, the wizard was the last one in the door, or perhaps he had engineered it to be so. The wedding planning was taking a toll on the wizard’s complexion, but his warm smile and eyes remained as he took in the visage of the women he loved.
It pained Astarion that he wasn’t allowed the same privilege. Irritated, even.
“You look beautiful,” Gale greeted his betrothed with a kiss to her knuckles.
He was right. The fabric of the dress was just like her. Delicate. The weightless way the dress moved around her befitted her soft bubbly personality most graciously.
“Thank you,” Kat smiled, “for the compliment as well as the dress.”
Astarion smirked to himself. She thought Gale gifted it to her. Excellent, just like planned.
Before the wizard could say anything he strolled closer, looping an arm around his shoulders, gripping it with a tad bit more force than necessary. “Let us not keep the people waiting,” he grinned.
They left Kateřina to lead the way, stalling a bit.
“Leave her at it,” he murmured into Gale’s ear, the man shooting him a look of suspicion. “She won’t accept it from me.” When the man still did not look convinced, he added: “At least till the end of the party.” The vampire acutely noticed his former companion not flinching away from him. A new if interesting development.
Finally Gale allowed that, shrugging. “Very well, but you shall be dealing with the consequences.”
“I’m sure I’ll get out of those,” he breezed back, letting go of him to reach out to his wife to pull her away for a moment. “Relax.”
Her hazel eyes narrowed at him playfully as Gale and Kateřina continued onto the main sitting area Rhiannon had decorated earlier with moon paraphernalia. Mrs. Nightly had been furious she hadn’t asked for help, muttering darkly about the Lady of the house doing ‘unseemly work‘ unbefitting her station. “I am relaxed,” she lied weakly, looking away. “I have to take care of the guests.”
“That’s what the staff is for,” he reminded, groping her ass, ignoring her slapping her hands against his chest to get him to stop. The blows were playful and hardly anything noticeable, far from what she was capable of.
After the attack on her parent’s estate, in between the constant work on their home, the sneaking around with the wizard, and keeping his needs in check, she had bulked up. Her body was still round by any definition, but those curves had become more pronounced in her arms, legs, and her ridiculous back muscles. The people had returned to court with disgust and surprise that they were married and that Rhiannon looked like she could toss all of them back to their winter homes.
“Astarion,” she warned with a light playful trill, the sound bringing him back from his day dreaming.
“Rhiannon.” His voice dropped as he berated her. “For later, don’t wear yourself out. I mean it,” he ordered.
Her body posture softened. “Very well,” she agreed warmly.
“And eat something. Please.”
“I eat enough.”
“Enough so that I can enjoy myself fully,” he reiterated with a hiss. Venom leaked from his fangs, pooling at the bottom of his mouth.
She looked even smaller, nodding lightly.
Gods, he couldn’t wait until later when she was looking up at him like that again.
༻❁༺
Gale bowed to Mr. Anthony and Martina Picklings in turn. “Absolutely marvellous to have you back in town, Mr. Anthony.”
The man’s comical eyebrows made his genuine smile all the stranger, but Gale always thought it was best to pretend the bushy monoliths didn’t exist. “It is good to be home. What things we all missed while we were gone." He flicked his eyes to those on the couch opposite them.
Rhiannon was failing to keep her husband in control; the vampire whispered in her ear while she finally sat down after what Gale imagined was already a long day of preparation. Astarion looked happy. That was what made him pause, seeing his old travelling compatriot smile and it not be pretend or placating. The teasing and arrogance was still there, but his body language was relaxed.
Gale grinned at the elder gentleman. “For a woman that likes to keep to herself, she does stir up a lot of trouble, doesn’t she?”
Martina chortled happily. “Two peas in a pod, the both of them.”
“Which? The husband and wife?” Mr. Anthony asked. “Or perhaps the friends,” he said pointedly to Kateřina.
His betrothed stuck out her tongue. “Mr. Anthony be civil. It’s my birthday. Rhi told me to embrace it.”
Shadowheart intercepted them next. “Happy birthday. I don’t recall this being part of your training.” Kat again stuck her tongue out at her mentor, the half elf grinning at her. “Enjoy your time off.”
“Time off?” Kat asked, but his sister was already giving Astarion shit, Rhiannon leaning away as her husband tried to use her as a shield.
The party continued as such. Kateřina was showered in attention, leaving Gale to enjoy his favourite pastime - watching the women he loved. He had to be more careful with Rhiannon, since they were in Astarion’s estate, but he was able to watch Kateřina freely. Contentment spread throughout his limbs and continued as the party went on. In that moment, he was assured that they all would be happy for quite some time together, if not for the rest of his life. Then Rhiannon would be there to take care of Kateřina. They would be safe with Astarion watching them. Even if it was from afar if something happened to his marriage.
Gale made a small noise of amusement at the thought, watching the couple go about the party. Rhiannon was a bit more attached. If she felt lost in a conversation, she would find him, wherever he was in a room, and that seemed to ground her and help her. Astarion was more subtle. His fingers would reach in the direction of her. When they were in the same space, they stuck together like glue.
Shadowheart noticed him watching as she sat beside him as the others played a card game. “Do you even recognize him?”
He smiled and shook his head. “I dare say you don’t either.”
“No,” she laughed. “He’s still the same to me. Always will be. It’s just different now.”
“Don’t tell me you too?”
“Lady of Darkness, no.” She swatted at him, Gale chuckling in response. “I might think of him the same way as I do of you. In a sense. He’s dead if he hurts her.”
“Absolutely,” he agreed, but his heart wasn’t in it.
It was meant to be. It couldn’t not be. For all the things to align as they did. Gale was not a man of faith in terms of destiny, but he was starting to have faith in other things. More tangible, reachable dreams.
Kat twirled around happily when the last guest aside from their little inner circle left. “Have I thanked you enough for the dress?” she sang, “It’s like a dream.”
Gale wordlessly handed her a little box.
“What is this?”
“My gift to you.”
She cocked her head to the side, sweetly, blinking at him. “But you gave me the dress already.”
“I didn’t,” Gale kissed her cheek.
Kateřina gaped at him before closing her eyes and exhaling through her nose. “That ass.”
“The worst,” Gale nodded sagely, “for wanting you to have something pretty.”
Kat smirked. “I’ll deal with him later.” As Rhiannon entered the room, her grin grew larger. “Or perhaps right now? Oh, my dear Rhiannon don’t accidentally lock the door to this room behind me,” she dramatically put her hand on her forehead, Rhi giggling at her. Kateřina slowly closed the door behind her, still making a big show of her leaving. “Oh no the door is closing! My dearest friend and my betrothed in the same room, don’t you dare even look at each other’s un-gloved hands!”
Gale used mage hand to lock the door himself as Rhiannon ran into his arms. “Finally,” he breathed out painfully, pressing a kiss into her unruly hair. “You look so well, my dear. Glowing, even.”
“Don’t joke about that,” she murmured into his vest, holding him tightly. “I’ve missed you so much. I can’t handle not even looking at you in public.”
“The season is beginning, most will be thinking of the younger crowd that’s going to make a mess.” He sighed again heavily, rubbing her back. “Hells, Rhiannon. What are you eating?”
She smiled up at him bashfully before placing her lips against his for a tender kiss. Comforting and filled with yearning.
Gale closed his eyes, trying to enjoy the comfort of holding her close for what little time they had before someone found them. As they broke apart to breathe, he pressed his forehead into hers. “After the wedding, it will be easier,” he vowed.
“I know,” she mumbled sourly. “How have you been?”
So simple a question, so all encompassing. “This is all driving me mad. If not for your help with the bedamned event, I would have stolen her away by now.”
“I don’t think she would be against that option.” She rubbed her lips over his fingers, brushing over his knuckles with kisses. "This has been really hard.”
He once again had no choice but to agree. The court would have immediately sniffed out him going to Astarion's estate; their marriage would have been labelled a sham. Kateřina picked Rhiannon up a few times for what she had called Rhi's ‘conjugal visits', but that itself had been way too risky.
At best, they had been forced to meet in private at hotels. Even just to spend time together. To be alone and talk and not concern themselves with who could be listening. It was equally as tricky. Even with all their spells, anyone could be watching.
Rhiannon kissed him again, holding onto his cheeks tightly. “I love you,” she whispered.
“Just as I love you,” he answered, even quieter. “I must take my leave.”
His lover nodded, the tears already starting. “Fuck, sorry.”
“How could I be sure that you really miss me?” he teased gently, wiping some of them away. “Goodnight.”
She attempted to answer, her voice failing her as she let go of him.
Against his better judgement, he looked back.
She was already hugging herself, but smiled and nodded to him.
Gale left the room, already arguing with his heart to go back and hold her again.
༻❁༺
Kateřina moved through the estate, trying to keep her anger in her heart at the stubborn elf.
However, as soon as she saw Astarion standing at the entrance chatting to Mr. Embry, that changed. The two of them were madly discussing shipping routes when the tiefling noticed her approach. "Ah! Until the wedding, Miss Vávrová! The wife and I appreciate the invite. Good luck! Lord Astarion."
The vampire shook his hand. "Let me know about that hunting party."
"Absolutely." Mr. Embry tipped his hat to the both of them. "Miss."
Kateřina waited until the gentleman was out the door. "Good of you to place the blame on my betrothed. That won't work again."
He must have picked up on her expression immediately, smirking cockily. “You like my gift then?”
“I must commend you,” she rolled her eyes, “I did not expect you to be this sneaky, dare I say almost selfless about it.”
She looked down at the dress, once again noting with affection just how beautifully it reflected light. “Nor for you to get my tastes right,” she added fondly.
There was a flash of something softer behind his confident look. “Will you keep it then?”
“I suppose I must. Even if I prefer blue over pink. This shall do,” she feigned disdain, if still making sure he would be able to tell it was all for show, “plus I’ve already worn it. What a shame it would be to throw out something so fine. So…”
She wanted not to admit it, but hoped he caught the unspoken. Thoughtful.
He smiled brightly at her, her cheeks immediately growing hotter in response. “I take it I am dismissed with no punishment?”
“Yes.”
He gently took her hand with his still leather clad one, mirroring Gale from earlier, pressing his lips to it gently, effectively making her heart skip a beat.
She turned to leave, before whipping back with a raised finger. “Actually…”
He eyed her with a raised eyebrow, visibly intrigued by her change of tactic.
“You’ve mentioned not remembering your likeness anymore,” she started, smirking wickedly, “does the same loss of memory apply to the date of your birth as well?”
He caught up onto her game, matching her grin, faking a sorrowful tinge to his tone. “Sadly.”
“Well then I have a punishment for you,” she got close enough to tap his chest with a finger, “you better think of one for when I see you next.”
“For what purpose?”
“You got what you wanted,” she crossed her arms in front of herself, “but I don’t give up so easily. I shall return the favour.”
This time, instead of arguing, he flashed her an amused smile, making her heart’s icy wall put up against him melt a little bit more.
Gale joined them, as well as Ma and Mr. Anthony.
Astarion straightened. “Thank you for coming.” The vampire grimaced. “Gods, who am I?”
All of them chuckled at that, one of the new staff giving them their coats and canes. Kateřina thanked the newest addition. She forgot to ask Rhiannon their name. Next time. “And thank you, Lord Astarion, for the birthday party.” Kat squinted at him. “And the gift I suppose.”
Astarion reached out for his wife as everyone gathered in the entrance. “Of course, darling.”
Rhiannon took over, ever the host. “Thank you all for coming! Do you want to take some food with you for the kids?”
Ma tapped the box in her hand. “Mrs. Nightly was already on it. She mentioned it would go bad? Are you both not eating?” She squinted at Rhiannon in particular.
“The staff take their share, why would it go bad?” Astarion sputtered. “You’re buying too much food,” he pointedly jabbed at his wife.
Rhiannon ignored him, much more patient with him then Kat felt was necessary. She bashfully took out a card and handed it to Kateřina. “Happy birthday. Don’t open it here please.” As Rhi watched her puff up, she did as well to defend herself. “It’s not a gift! I listened to the instructions.”
Ma chuckled. “So you did. You gentlemen better start to learn from Lady Rhiannon.”
“If I may,” Gale offered with a word and an arm, taking Kat out of the mansion as Rhiannon waved goodbye. Astarion was already tugging on her, making Kateřina smirk despite herself.
“Did you at least enjoy yourself?” the wizard asked kindly.
Kat bobbed her head. “I can’t believe so many people came. The city was so empty until last week.”
“It will be even more full, with the wedding,” he warned. As she pulled a grimace at that statement, he laughed jovially. “Not so full. In fact, just this morning I received one letter in particular. My parents cannot attend due to their age. We will be meeting them in Waterdeep.”
“Waterdeep?”
“Where we will spend our honeymoon.”
Kat’s breath caught. “Honeymoon?”
The wizard laughed, his crow feet deepening. “I would not think of any other place in Faerûn better for such an expedition. I have not scheduled anything, as to make sure of not missing appointments because of your health, but we will be gone for a month.”
Kat’s jaw dropped, Ma chuckling at her as Mr. Anthony helped the matriarch into the carriage. “That’s so long!”
Gale smiled broadly. “So we have time to rest, and are away from the court for a time. I don’t care to have people calling on us after we wed.”
“You just don’t want guests at the tower to congratulate us in droves,” she accused teasingly. When he only winked at her, she lifted up on her tippy toes. “It’s my birthday, wizard.”
“So it is,” he warmly agreed, politely kissing her gloved hand as he did when he had arrived.
At her disappointed face at the lack of kiss, Ma laughed. “Come on Katka, you’ll have time enough for that and more in that tower soon.”
“Mamá!” she sputtered, Gale turning a little pink himself.
She waved goodbye to him as he closed the carriage door, watching Astarion come out and talk to him. A strange feeling came over her as they left the estate grounds, both men talking to each other in hushed tones as Gale’s own coach came to the entrance.
Kateřina pressed her head against the window before the carriage went onto the harsh cobblestone of the city streets, remembering coming into the city last year. Her birthday had been a smaller affair, Ma coming upstairs into Agnes’ old painting room with a small gift and her favourite food. She hadn’t even truly met Gale yet.
A year later. So much had changed. Her father was out of the picture, she had a betrothed and a partner. Kat rubbed her finger pads over the card Rhiannon had given her, the wax seal of a sunflower in gold delightful against her skin. Compared to the many unknowns and anxieties of that sunny day in Baldur’s Gate, over a year later, Kateřina felt safe.
“Beruško moje, did you have a good birthday?” Ma asked her gently, a little red in the cheeks from drinking.
She nodded. “I did. Thank you.”
Her cousins all wished her a happy birthday again at the top of their lungs for the fourth time that day. The house was in chaos as Kateřina dutifully told them all what happened.
Nelly crossed her arms, Gregory doing the same beside her. “Why couldn’t we go? Lady Rhiannon is just like everyone else in high society. Now I can imagine why she married that leech.”
Kat covered her mouth at the on the nose descriptor as well as the siblings mirroring each other. “She wanted to invite you all, but Lady Shadowheart suggested it would not be best, not while the scandals of last season are so fresh in the minds of the people.”
Nelly sniffed and looked away.
Agnes sat beside her without a word, tapping her wrist that was holding the card from Rhiannon, still unopened. “I thought it was no gifts, yet the Lords and Lady Rhiannon gave you some.”
Kat huffed. “They have the means, and Astarion tricked me.”
“Lord Astarion,” Bellamy teased. The oldest watched Ma and his own mother go into the kitchen to help Fredrick clean up after their own meal. He signalled the rest of the kids, all of them circling around Kat on the couch. “We also got you something.”
“Aw,” Kateřina instantly felt bad, “you shouldn’t have.”
“We wanted to,” they all echoed in their own way.
Kat’s lip quivered. “Příšerky moje,” she laughed, her voice breaking a little as she opened her arms, all of the kids piling onto her in a big hug.
Then Bellamy held Gregory up, the little rascal putting a chain of a necklace over her head.
She caught the locket in the shape of a little heart hanging at the end of it.
“It’s nothing fancy,” Mirabella said quickly, “even with our combined pocket money we could not afford actual silver.”
Kat shook her head. “Not that it would make it any more valuable.”
“But silver is more expensive than pewter, no?” Oscar blinked in confusion.
“Yes,” she booped his little nose, “but I meant that silver is not more valuable to me than the fact you all have given this to me.”
Oscar went a little red at that, as did the others.
“But that’s not all,” Nelly piped up, “open it.”
Kateřina did so, and what she found inside took her breath away.
The locket unfolded into several little plates, each holding a tiny little portrait of one of them, then their parents, mamá and finally Gale, Rhiannon and…
“Astarion?” Kateřina blinked dumbly.
Agnes smirked. “We thought you should always have everyone you like with you.”
“But.”
“And I painted them so I had the last say over who that includes.”
Kateřina huffed, but motioned for them to come closer again so she could cuddle them once more. “Děkuji.”
When they disbanded Bellamy gave her a nudge. “So?”
“So what?”
“What’s in the letter? Poetry?” Nelly asked, fluttering her eyes at her.
“Is it from Lord Astarion?” Oscar asked loudly, Gregory shushing him at the same volume.
“Lord Astarion gave her the dress,” Agnes reminded. “The painting is from Lord Gale. He commissioned me.”
“A painting!” Kat gasped, ripping into the box Gale had given her, all the children laughing.
Mirabella squinted. “A picnic?”
“It was very calming,” Agnes put in.
Kat had to put the cover back on the box as the children reached for her prize. “Thank you, Agnes.”
The young girl smiled knowingly. “Make sure to thank Lord Gale. Man has no idea what my rates are and was too scared to ask. I hope that won’t impact the wedding.”
Kateřina laughed, getting up from the couch.
“No! Wait!” Mirabella yelled, her siblings all shushing her at the same time. “That means the letter is from Lady Rhiannon.”
“It’s for me only,” Kat snarled playfully, getting away from the demons and racing up the stairs. When she heard them all still cackling away in the living room, she slowed, but continued to her bedroom.
Only once the door was shut she allowed herself to open the card.
Dearest Katka,
What a year it has been. I can hardly believe it myself most days. Astarion believes I am too nostalgic for my age, or lack thereof. But I like my memories, for it is one of the only times where when I miss you, I can see you when I close my eyes, and that’s been a lot this winter. I yearn for your giggles and happy smile when we are apart.
I mean think of you and me being alone. Like, kissing and stuff, like we were able to before I married Astarion. The one time a month isn’t enough. I know people aren’t watching us anymore, but I still feel uneasy. I miss sleeping beside you. I miss your gentle sigh when you turn in for the night. I miss putting my hands on your soft cheeks-
Sorry, the yearning made me cry and I needed a second. Maybe a vampire.
Happy birthday, love. I cannot imagine my life without you. How strange that our path crossed at all. It troubles me to think that if you had never left, I would have not known you at all.
You are an inspiration to me. I wish I was as resilient as you. I know you might not think you are, but you have the tenacity of an angry dog stuck in a trap. Stubborn to admit it needs help. We could all use some of that.
I love you. I wish I could say it out loud to you every day. Someday I will, and no one will care that we married different men. I’d love to say someday they would accept us, but we would have to be very important people indeed.
I love you.
Your sun, Rhi
Kateřina pressed the letter to her chest, opening the box back up from Gale.
It was a meadow. Their meadow. It was sunny after a rain, the grass still covered in droplets of water. A picnic had been set up with scrounged items. A blanket freshly washed, bottles of wine taken from the bottom of a tower, and food from a recently attacked estate.
Of course he remembered. Wizards and their perfect memories.
Kateřina put the small painting and the letter underneath her pillow, imagining Rhiannon and Gale pressed against her, as if in Gale’s bed in the tower. Selûne save her, Astarion could be there too, if only for his wife, she supposed.
And she was at peace.
༻❁༺
Rhiannon made a pained noise into the pillow she had her head shoved into. It slowly turned into relief as Astarion gently brushed his lips over her back, placing long assured kisses into her skin. As her breathing evened out, he laid on top of her back, feeling similar to a heavy winter blanket. Or perhaps one that wasn’t very good at keeping one warm.
Her husband-how sweet and strange a thought it still was, one that still made her wickedly happy-continued his ministrations. His long fingers traced along her palms, holding her thicker but smaller hands in his. He pressed his head against her right side, sighing. “Tired out yet?”
Rhiannon knew fully well that he was not, the evidence already pressing against the crack of her ass. “No,” she playfully answered, her voice thick with fatigue. “You’ve missed a spot.” Rolling her hips, she bounced into him.
The vampire hissed, grabbing onto her wrists. “Devil. Be good.”
She smiled into the pillow, lifting her head as he grazed the back of her neck with his fangs. “You looked like you almost enjoyed yourself today.”
“Don’t expect that happening again soon,” he shot back lazily, ignoring her soft whines as the vampire adjusted himself slightly. “You, on the other hand, didn’t listen to my strict orders.”
“I did,” she lightly argued, trying to keep her tone innocent and placating. “I was as relaxed as I can be in any situation.”
“Not really meant for courtly intrigue.”
She allowed that jab. The unspoken rule they agreed on. The tip toeing around the issue of her matron. If what she said was real. “And I ate. More than I should have.”
“You did?” His tone had an undercurrent of teasing to the main disbelief.
As such, she huffed dramatically as the situation dictated. “Don’t be like that, you saw me.” Rhiannon gasped as he pressed his hips down onto her with force. She didn’t move, trying to breathe quietly.
His body language broke. He relaxed again.
Rhiannon frowned. “Astarion?”
“Nothing, darling.” He returned to gentler motions, nibbling on her ear, rutting into her when she was a bit louder than just a pant. “My mind is elsewhere. No games tonight. Just us.”
She turned underneath him onto her back, ignoring his sigh of disappointment. “Hey,” her voice wobbled as he seemed to regret the statement.
The vampire’s eyes were not filled with annoyance as she expected. Instead, he had a look of melancholy about him.
Rhiannon pushed her own insecurities away, taking his face in her hands. “What is it that my vampire Lord needs?”
That got him smirking again. “Not a vampire lord yet. These things take time. Such a long, long, long time,” he spat. As she waited patiently for him to continue, he rolled his eyes after a long minute. “This stupid wedding.”
Rhiannon figured that was as much as she was going to get out of him. She coaxed out what she could, carefully, when it was appropriate. Astarion was always up front. She knew mostly everything about the invasion and Cazador’s abuse. That was the easy stuff to get out of him. The hurts that were never going to heal. The shit that was perfect to snarl out hatefully.
It was the ‘disgusting’ emotions that were still hard for him. Rhiannon knew they would always be, in her lifetime.
Rhi mulled over the possibility that he didn’t know he still had unresolved feelings for Kateřina. That was not something she could just say to him, else the elf would deflect.
Instead, she traced his collarbone, then the veins in his neck. As she did, her husband went from leaning over her to laying his head on her chest, nose pressed into her breast tissue.
Rhiannon continued to go over his skin, other hand in his hair, massaging his skull. “Nothing will change when it’s all said and done. It’s just the mess of getting them to the altar. It will be better, actually, because we will be able to visit them and no one can say shit about it.”
He considered what she said for a moment, his head raising and falling in the low light of their master bedroom. “She will need company while you’re railing her husband,” he matter-of-factly stated.
Rhiannon laughed, her husband chuckling at his success in causing the act. “She will,” she agreed.
The elf lifted himself up to a sitting position on his knees, legs spread, leaning back lazily. “Stay there,” he tenderly directed. “Maybe open your legs.”
Rhi slowly did as she was told, watching his body language change back into lust, contently looking up at him.
“Just as planned,” he whispered, not elaborating. Astarion looked over her body as if it was the first time again, before settling on her face. “Tell me what you’re thinking?”
“I’m thinking that if I had known sooner, I would have made more of an effort to sleep with you years ago.”
He barked out a laugh. “What troubles we would have saved ourselves. I think it’s best that it ended up the way it did, pain and all.”
She nodded, smiling brightly.
His head cocked back further, eyes sharpening. “Now, where is this spot I allegedly missed?”
“Come here and I’ll show you.” Rhiannon took his offered hands and pulled him back into her arms, placing his fingers against the in-between space in her legs, lifting it towards her ass.
Astarion hummed. “My, my, what an oversight on my behalf. I hope you can forgive me.”
She squirmed slowly in anticipation, whining again.
“Tell me, darling,” he whispered. “If we hadn’t married… if you had married Gale.”
If he had married Kat, he meant. It stung for a second, before her logical brain caught up. “I would have missed you.” She pressed their heads together, trying to focus on her speech while he still touched her. “Just as much as I miss them. Worse, since we would not have been able-“
He interrupted her quickly souring voice with a kiss.
It was much appreciated. Instead Rhiannon was able to focus on pressing all of her love into every movement of her body against and with him.
They only broke apart for her lungs, but Rhi didn’t dare let it pass her by. “I love you.”
The vampire pushed his face into her neck, grunting as he slowly entered her again, getting louder as she moaned. It made her toes curl and her body shiver.
“All the better that you do,” he purred as he gave them both a second to recover. “Since I love you just as ardently.”
So, like every night before, Rhiannon tired her vampire out and fell asleep in his cool arms. It seemed like a long lost dream come true. Almost everything she had ever wanted.
But it was everything she needed, and that was enough.