Princess Annabeth entered the art room, she was met with the familiar sight of her parents, the king and queen, standing by the large wooden desk, their faces red with argument. The air was thick with tension, and the usual calm and serene atmosphere of the room was disrupted by the palpable anger and frustration emanating from her parents.
However, as soon as Annabeth closed the door behind her, her parents immediately composed themselves, their expressions smoothing out into masks of calmness and serenity.
"Ah, Annabeth, dear, thank you for joining us," the queen said, her voice sweet and melodious, but with a hint of tension underlying it. "We were just discussing... matters of state."
Annabeth felt a surge of frustration as she watched her mother put on a fake smile and adopt her usual poised demeanor. She had always hated it when her mother did this, as it made her feel like she was being treated like a fragile glass vase that might shatter at any moment.
She reluctantly took a seat in the chair her mother had indicated, her eyes never leaving her mother's face. She could see the tension in her mother's shoulders, the way her eyes darted away for a second before returning to Annabeth's face.
"Please, Mother, just say it," Annabeth said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of annoyance. "I'm not a child who needs to be coddled and protected from the truth. Whatever it is, just tell me."
Her mother's smile faltered for a moment, and Annabeth saw a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes. But then, she seemed to collect herself and began to speak in a smooth, measured tone.
"Annabeth, dear, we've received word from the Dark Kingdom that Prince Titus has been... hesitant to fulfill his obligations to you. It seems that the Prince has... other plans. He's been searching for his true mate, and it's possible that he may have found her, if that's the case, then our marriage arrangement may be... null and void. Which means he might not want to marry you at all."
Annabeth felt a pang of anger and hurt at her mother's words, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she leaned forward, her eyes locked on her mother's face.
"If he doesn't want to marry me, am I allowed to move on?" Annabeth asked, her voice cold and detached. "I mean, am I also allowed to try to find my own mate?" She paused, her expression unyielding. "Since I thought our marriage was arranged and settled long ago, I guess I was wrong. But I would gladly send him a gift to thank him for giving me my freedom back."
"And you see, Father, I've told you that I don't want to marry that man. What he just did to me is pure humiliation. I've already told you that I love Armon, and marrying him would have saved me from this kind of rejection."
"Annabeth!'' her father exclaimed, rising from his chair. 'You are to marry Prince Titus, not the son of a duke. You're my only heir, and you should be married to the Crown Prince, nothing less."
Annabeth's face burned with anger and frustration as she stood her ground, her eyes locked on her father's. "I will not marry Prince Titus," she said, her voice firm and resolute. "I will not marry a man who doesn't want me, a man who is only interested in finding his true mate. And I will not marry anyone who is not Armon."
The king's face turned purple with rage, his eyes bulging with fury. "You will do as you're told, Annabeth," he thundered, his voice echoing through the room. "You are my daughter, and you will obey me. You will marry Prince Titus, and you will do it with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Do you understand me?"
Annabeth felt a surge of defiance and determination. She knew that she was taking a risk by standing up to her father, but she was willing to do whatever it took to be with the man she loved. "I understand you, Father," she said, her voice calm and steady. "But I will not marry Prince Titus. I will marry Armon, or I will not marry at all. The choice is mine, and mine alone."
The queen gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "Annabeth, how can you be so foolish?" she exclaimed. "You are a princess, and you have a duty to your kingdom. You cannot just follow your heart and do as you please."
Annabeth turned to her mother, her eyes flashing with anger. "Why not?" she demanded. "Why can't I follow my heart and do what makes me happy? Why must I be forced into a marriage that I don't want, just to satisfy the kingdom's needs?"
The king slammed his fist on the table, making Annabeth jump. "Enough!" he roared. "You will do as you're told, Annabeth. You will marry Prince Titus, and you will do it soon. Or else..." He paused, his eyes glinting with menace. "Or else you will suffer the consequences."
"Oh, so I should follow like some cattle taken to the slaughterhouse? I'll be damned if I do. Maybe you're not my father at all. If you were, you wouldn't subject me to this loveless marriage."
Her mother had had enough of this banter. She shot up from the chair she was sitting on. "Annabeth!" she exclaimed, and a resounding slap was heard in the room. "How dare you! Speaking to your father as if he's one of your friends? He's not only your father, but your King as well, so show some respect, you damned child!" The Queen was furious, her face red with anger. She was known to be even more fierce than the King, and was dangerous when angered.
Annabeth slowly got to her feet, her nose still bleeding and her face throbbing with pain. She curtsied to her parents, trying to keep her eyes downcast and her expression submissive.
As she turned to leave, the King's voice stopped her. "Annabeth," he said, his tone firm. "Remember, you will marry Prince Titus as planned. And you will do it with a willingness in your heart. Do I make myself clear?"
Annabeth felt a surge of anger and resentment, but she knew better than to express it. She nodded, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Yes, Father," she said, her voice flat. "I understand."
The Queen's eyes narrowed, as if she suspected that Annabeth was not being entirely truthful. But she said nothing, and Annabeth was able to escape the room, her heart heavy with sorrow and her spirit crushed by the weight of her parents' expectations.
Arriving at her chambers, she was still fuming. When her lady-in-waiting saw her bleeding nose, and a slightly swelled lips, she was shocked.
"My lady, what happened to you?" Emmarentia said, as she brought her some herbal remedies to stop the bleeding. "Let me tend to your injury," she added, gently touching Annabeth's nose and lips.
"You know already, since I have devils for parents," Annabeth said, her voice still laced with frustration. "They demand things I just can't give. One day, they'll demand my soul, mark my words."
"But my lady, who hurt you?" Emmarentia said, concern etched in her voice.
"My mother," Annabeth replied, her words laced with hurt and bitterness. "They're forcing me to marry a man who rejected me, just because I'm a princess. It doesn't matter how I feel, or what I want. I'm just a pawn to them, a means to secure an alliance or a title."
"Is Prince Titus no longer the one you're to marry? But I thought your marriage was arranged long ago?"
Emmarentia was shocked by what her ladyship said. "Yes, but he no longer wishes to continue with the alliance," Annabeth explained, her voice laced with sadness and frustration.
"But why, my lady?" Emma's curiosity was piqued.
"He wants to marry only his true mate," Annabeth explained, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "As we speak, he's already in the middle of searching for her."
As the silence reigned between them, a thought crossed Annabeth's mind. "Can you go and tell Lord Armon that I would like to meet with him at our usual place, later?" Annabeth said to her lady-in-waiting.
Emma was terrified for Princess Annabeth, knowing what she was doing. If the sovereign found out, they would both be in trouble. But since she couldn't refuse her lady's request, Emma nodded and left Princess Annabeth's chamber to deliver the message.
As she paced around her room, Annabeth's mind racing with thoughts of indignation and hurt, she couldn't help but think of Armon, the one person who had always made her feel seen and loved for who she truly was. She had been forced to keep her relationship with him a secret, hidden away from the prying eyes of the court and her parents' disapproval.
But now, with Crown Prince Titus's rejection, Annabeth felt like she had been given a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could be with Armon, openly and without fear of reprisal. The thought sent a spark of excitement through her, and she felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was still terrified of what her parents would do if they found out, but this time she was ready to face the consequences. For the first time in her life, Annabeth felt like she was taking control of her own destiny, and the feeling was both exhilarating and terrifying.
She stopped pacing and stood in front of the mirror, gazing at her reflection. Her eyes blazed with anger and hurt, but she also saw a spark of defiance there. She was a princess, yes, but she was also a woman, with her own desires and dreams. And she would not be dictated to by the whims of a man who didn't even want her. With a newfound sense of determination, Annabeth felt a sense of empowerment wash over her.
As she waited for Emma's return, she decided to take a nap to pass the time, which seemed to be dragging on at a glacial pace. She lay down on her bed, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over her, but also a sense of hope and anticipation for what the future might hold.
It was already five in the evening when Emma returned, and she found Annabeth still sleeping peacefully. Emma didn't have the heart to wake her up, seeing that she was mentally exhausted. The toll of the day's events was evident on Annabeth's face, and Emma's heart went out to her lady. Truly, the King and Queen were uncaring and neglectful of their only child, prioritizing their own interests and ambitions over Annabeth's well-being and happiness.
She decided to wait until her ladyship woke up. When Annabeth finally stirred, Emma immediately relayed the message from Lord Armon, and began to prepare Princess Annabeth for a secret meeting with the Duke of Fevermore's son.
Since the princess would be attending the meeting alone, Emma knew she needed to be disguised to avoid recognition by the castle guards and the nobles who might be lurking outside the castle walls. Emma quickly set to work, gathering a simple yet practical outfit and helping Annabeth to transform into a commoner. She dressed Annabeth in a plain cloak and a hood, and carefully styled her hair to conceal her identity.
With a final check to ensure that Annabeth's disguise was secure, Emma nodded in satisfaction. "You look like a completely different person, my lady," she said, trying to reassure Annabeth as she prepared to slip out of the castle unnoticed.
Annabeth slipped out of the castle, avoiding detection by the castle guards with a mix of stealth and luck. She ran as quickly and quietly as she could, her heart pounding in her chest, until she reached the edge of the forest. There, she hid behind the trunk of a large tree, pressing herself against the rough bark to catch her breath and compose herself.
The cool, damp air of the forest enveloped her, and the sounds of the castle grew fainter, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. Annabeth took a few deep breaths, feeling her pulse slow and her nerves steady. She peered around the tree, scanning the forest path for any sign of Lord Armon or his servants, her eyes straining to see through the fading light of day.
She was still scanning the forest path when someone enveloped her from behind in a big, bear-like hug. Annabeth's heart nearly jumped out of her mouth as she squealed in surprise, but as she finally caught the scent of the person holding her, she knew it was her beloved Armon. The familiar aroma of leather and woodsmoke, mixed with the unique scent that was all Armon's, calmed her racing heart and made her feel safe.
She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss, her lips brushing against his with a mix of relief and affection. "Do you want to kill me with a heart attack?" she said, chastising him with a laugh for scaring her half to death. Lord Amon was her true mate, the one person who made her feel seen and loved for who she truly was.
But she had never voiced her feelings to her parents, knowing that they would never approve of him simply because he wasn't a prince. They would want her to marry someone with a title and wealth, someone who could secure their family's power and status. But Annabeth's heart belonged to Armon, and she couldn't imagine a life without him by her side.
He held her close and peppered her with kisses all over her face, his lips gentle and tender as he worshipped her skin. Annabeth felt like she was melting into his arms, her heart racing with excitement as she breathed in the scent of his skin and the warmth of his body.
She had never felt this way about anyone before, not even when she was betrothed to Prince Titus, a man she had been promised to marry but had never truly loved. But with Armon, it was different. She felt a deep connection, a sense of belonging and acceptance that she had never experienced before. And she knew that she was falling deeply in love with him, her feelings growing stronger with every passing moment.
"Do you know how much I've missed you?" Lord Armon asked, his voice low and sorrowful. "Every day is an agony for me, knowing I'm not with you and that I might lose you to that wicked prince. I couldn't bear the thought of living without you, Annabeth. I want to be with you, my love, to wake up every morning with you by my side and to fall asleep every night with your hand in mine."
Annabeth's eyes welled up with happy tears as she saw the sincerity in his eyes, the depth of his emotions evident in the way he looked at her. "I miss you too, my love," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to be with you, to spend the rest of my life making you happy. But I have to tell you, the prince did reject our marriage proposal. He wants to marry his true mate, not me."
Lord Armon's face lit up with hope, but Annabeth's expression turned serious. "However, my parents will still be a problem. They're stubborn and refuse to listen to reason. They'll stop at nothing to see me married to a prince, even if it's not the one who was originally chosen for me."
Armon's heart broke after hearing what Annabeth said, but he composed himself for what he was about to reveal to her. "I also have something to tell you," he said, his voice serious and laced with a hint of urgency. "Something that could change everything." Annabeth's curiosity was piqued, but before she could ask him to elaborate, she glanced nervously around the edge of the forest, her eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement.
"Can't it wait until we get to the cottage?" she asked, her voice low and worried. "I'm afraid that we'll be caught if we linger here. The castle guards might have seen me escape, and if they find us together..." She trailed off, leaving the consequences unspoken, but the fear and uncertainty in her eyes spoke volumes.
Armon immediately called out to his horse, and the majestic animal trotted towards them, its hooves quiet on the forest floor. Annabeth's heart skipped a beat as she realized they would soon be alone together in the cottage, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.
She was eager to spend the night with the man she loved, to be wrapped in his arms and to feel his warm breath on her skin. As Armon helped her onto the horse, his hands touched hers, sending shivers down her spine.
She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, and he smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Together, they rode off into the fading light, the forest growing darker and more intimate around them.
They rode for more than an hour, the sun dipping below the horizon as they made their way through the dense forest. Finally, they arrived at the cottage, which was cleverly camouflaged by trees and shrubs, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye.
The thatched roof blended seamlessly into the surrounding foliage, and the wooden door was adorned with vines and moss, giving the cottage a charming, rustic appearance. Armon reined in the horse and slid off its back, helping Annabeth down to the ground.
He then released the horse to graze nearby, where a beautiful waterfall cascaded down a rocky slope, creating a soothing melody that filled the air. The sound of the water was like music to Annabeth's ears, and she felt a sense of peace wash over her as she gazed up at the cottage, feeling grateful to be alone with Armon in this secluded paradise.
He took her hand, his lips brushing against her knuckle as he kissed it, and led her into the cottage, closing the door behind them with a soft creak. As they stepped inside, Annabeth's eyes widened in wonder, and she was wowed by the appearance of the cottage, which was breathtakingly beautiful.
The interior was adorned with various antique furniture pieces, each one more exquisite than the last, and she couldn't help but wonder at the exorbitant cost of such treasures. There were intricately carved wooden chairs, plush velvet sofas, and delicate porcelain vases, all of which seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era.
As she looked around, Annabeth felt a sense of happiness and freedom wash over her, mixed with a thrill of excitement that she had never felt before. She realized that Amon's love for her ran deeper than she had ever imagined, and that he had gone to great lengths to create this sanctuary just for her.
The thought sent shivers down her spine, and she felt her heart swell with emotion as she turned to him, her eyes shining with tears of joy. "Armon, it's beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat.
"I'm glad you like it," Armon said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "And about what I wanted to tell you earlier, I told my parents about us and they gave us their blessing. They would like to meet you someday," he added, his voice filled with a mix of happiness and trepidation.
But despite the good news, his expression was still tinged with concern, and Annabeth's instincts told her that there was more to the story. "What is it, that you really want to tell me, Armon?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle, as she noticed the way he looked at her, his eyes clouded with a hint of fear. It was as if he was afraid to break the beautiful tranquility between them, to shatter the fragile peace that had settled over them like a blanket.
Annabeth's heart skipped a beat as she sensed that something was amiss, and she took a step closer to him, her eyes locked on his. "You can tell me anything, Armon," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here for you, no matter what."
Armon's voice was barely above a whisper as he revealed his plan, his eyes darting nervously to Annabeth's face, as if searching for a sign of her reaction. "I wanted us to elope to the mortal realm," he said, his words tumbling out in a rush. "But I don't have a sigil right now, and I don't think my parents would lend it to us, never mind yours."
He paused, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath, as if steeling himself for her response. "I know it's a lot to ask, and I'm scared that you'll think I'm crazy, or that you'll be angry with me for even suggesting it," he admitted, his voice cracking with emotion. "But I couldn't bear the thought of being without you, Annabeth. I want to be with you, to wake up every morning with you by my side, to explore the world together, and to build a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure."
He took a step closer to her, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I know it's not the traditional way, but I feel like it's the only way for us to be together, to be free from the expectations and obligations of our families and our world."
"Armon, whatever you decide, I'm always with you, no matter what," Annabeth said, her voice filled with reassurance and conviction. She smiled and gave him a wink, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"For now, let's forget about the outside problems and focus on us," she suggested, her voice barely above a whisper.
Armon's face lit up with a warm smile as he pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her waist like a gentle vice. He took a stray lock of her hair and pushed it behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin and sending shivers down her spine.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and husky, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. "You're promised to the Crown Prince Titus," he reminded her, his brow furrowed with concern.
But Annabeth's expression remained resolute, her eyes shining with a fierce determination. "I am," she said, her voice firm and unwavering.
"You're my mate, Armon. I only want to be with you, to spend the rest of my life making you happy, and to build a future filled with love, laughter, and adventure." She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I don't care about the Crown Prince or the royal family's expectations. I care about you, and what we have together. That's all that matters to me."
Without a warning, Armon's lips met hers, Annabeth felt a surge of passion and desire course through her veins. She had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity, and she was determined to make the most of it. With a sigh of abandon, she wrapped her arms around Armon's neck, deepening the kiss as their tongues danced together in a sensual rhythm.
The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their passion. Armon's hands roamed over her body, tracing the curves of her waist and hips, sending shivers down her spine as he pulled her closer. Annabeth's heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she surrendered to the desire that had been building between them for so long.
Annabeth moaned softly into the kiss, pressing herself flush against Armon. She could feel his growing erection pushing against her stomach, eliciting a shiver of anticipation down her spine.
The kiss was all-consuming, a fiery passion that threatened to engulf them both, and yet, they couldn't get enough of each other. As they broke apart for a moment, gasping for air, Annabeth's eyes locked onto Armon's, and she saw the same hunger, the same desire, reflected back at her.
The air was filled with the soft rustle of fabric as Armon's fingers deftly reached behind her neck, undoing the delicate ties of her emerald gown. The silk fabric slid down her shoulders, pooling at her waist, until her ample breasts were fully exposed to his hungry gaze.
The dim light of the cottage danced across her skin, casting a warm glow over her curves, and Armon's eyes feasted on the sight of her, his pupils dilating with desire. Annabeth's skin prickled with gooseflesh as his gaze roamed over her, her nipples hardening under his intense scrutiny.
She felt a shiver run down her spine as he reached out to touch her, his fingers tracing the curve of her breast, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. The air was thick with tension as they stood there, the only sound the soft rustle of fabric and the beating of their hearts.
Leaning over, he captured one of her nipples between his lips. Annabeth arched her back slightly, gasping at the electric sensation coursing through her body. She felt her nipple harden between Amon's teeth as he sucked gently. He kneaded another with his hand.
Amon released her nipple with a slight pop and turned his attention to the other, teasing it equally. Annabeth threaded her fingers through his short dark hair, tugging him closer.
Her touch sent jolts of electricity straight to Armon's groin. He let go of her rosy nipple and kissed along her collarbone, then lower still until his lips found the soft skin just below her breasts.
Breaking away, Armon scooped Annabeth up into his powerful arms. She gasped at the unexpected action but quickly settled in, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Amon carried her to the nearby bed, and gently laid her down and Annabeth felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She had never done this before, but she was ready to give herself to Amon. She wanted to feel him inside her, to experience the pleasure and intimacy that she had been missing out on.
Amon paused, gazing upon the goddess-like figure sprawled on the bed. His heart pounded in sync with her unsteady breaths.
Armon traced a line down her belly button, pausing briefly before reaching the edge of her skirt. He lifted the fabric and beheld her glistening pink slit, already wet with anticipation.
He breathed in deeply, taking in her musky scent. Lowering his head, he ran his tongue along her outer folds, drawing gasp from Annabeth. He parted her nether lips with his eager tongue.
Tasting her sweet nectar, her hips bucked slightly as Amon circled her sensitive clit. Amon savored her taste, feasting on her like a starving man. His tongue delved deeper, plunging into her warmth. As he lapped at her essence, Annabeth whimpered, gripping the sheets beneath her.
Her thighs trembled uncontrollably, and her fingers pulled harder at Amon's thick black hair. "Oh gosh!" Annabeth cried, grinding her pelvis against his face. With a primal growl, Amon dipped two fingers inside Annabeth, hooking them upwards to hit that sweet spot. Her body convulsed as waves of pleasure crashed over her. "A-Armon!" Her voice echoed through the cottage, a siren's song calling him ever higher.
Armon increased the speed and pressure of his tongue, matching the rhythm of his fingers moving in and out of her soaked center. Annabeth rode the crest of her orgasm, her muscles clenching tight around Amon's probing digits.
As she finally came down from her high, she opened her eyes to find him watching her with satisfaction. She tugged on his hair, pulling him up. "I want you," she said breathlessly, staring into his eyes.
Armon needed no further invitation; he quickly remove her remaining clothes and divested himself of clothing, revealing his sculpted physique. Armon's throbbing cock sprang free, pulsating inches above her smooth, wet mound.
Their gazes locked, their chests heaving in unison. Annabeth guided Armon towards her entrance with one hand. Eagerly, Armon positioned himself at her opening, feeling the heat radiating from her core. She was soaking wet, glistening and ready for him.
Slowly, he pushed forward, watching Annabeth's reaction intently. Annabeth bit her lip, trying to contain a moan as Armon filled her inch by delectable inch. Her body stretched accommodatingly to welcome him in completely. Annabeth gasped as he bottomed out, fully seated inside her.
"Oh, damn it! You're so tight!" Armon exclaimed, he stayed motionless enjoying the way her pussy was sucking on his cock, and letting her adjust to his size.
"Mmmm..." Annabeth moaned as Amon began moving slowly inside her, pulling nearly all the way out before thrusting back in. Every stroke caused little shockwaves to ripple through her core.
He set a deliberate pace, his gaze never leaving hers. Their connection was palpable, intensified by the sexual energy between them. Annabeth clawed at his back, urging him on.
She wanted more, craved it. "Faster, Amon! Harder!" she urged, her voice husky. Amon picked up the tempo, thrusting harder and faster. Annabeth's inner walls tightened around him, sending jolts of pure ecstasy through his loins.
His grip tightened on her hips, propelling his cock deep inside her with each powerful lunge. The bed squeaked loudly under their rhythmic movement, punctuated by Annabeth's moans. Armon's grunts mixed with Annabeth's gasps, creating a symphony of their primal passions.
She wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, meeting each thrust with enthusiasm. The fierce rhythm continued until suddenly, Armon pulled out. Confusion registered on Annabeth's face, but it quickly turned into sheer delight when she realized what he intended to do next.
Armon flipped Annabeth onto her hands and knees, her round ass now facing him. With a quick slap on her right cheek, he earned a sharp cry from her, followed immediately by a playful laugh. Without hesitation, Armon drove himself home again, impaling Annabeth's eager pussy from behind.
Both gasped in pleasure as he hilted himself deep inside her welcoming warmth. As Armon started pounding into her, Annabeth pushed back against his powerful hips, encouraging him to fuck her even harder. She was near orgasm already, and she needed him deep inside her when it happened.
"Oh gosh yes!" Annabeth screamed, clawing at the sheets as Armon plowed into her relentlessly. Her whole body shook from the force of his lovemaking, every thrust driving her towards oblivion. Armon's grip on her hips tightened, his movements becoming more erratic.
He knew he couldn't last much longer. Annabeth tensed, her inner walls pulsing around him as she neared climax. "I'm coming, Armon!" With a final cry, Annabeth's release washed over her in waves of pure pleasure.
Her channel squeezed Amon mercilessly, drawing forth his own orgasm with untamed intensity. Amon followed suit, his hot seed pulsed deep inside Annabeth, she quivered with aftershocks of her intense orgasm.
They stayed connected, unmoving, basking in the glow of shared ecstasy. After several moments, Amon pulled back slowly, his semi-hard cock slipping out of Annabeth's sodden core.
She winced slightly at the sudden emptiness, sighing contentedly. Annabeth collapsed onto the bed, her sweat-slicked body quivering. "That was incredible," she murmured, eyes fluttering closed.
"No, you were incredible," Armon said, joining her on the bed after cleaning her, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck.
But as they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, Annabeth couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been lingering in the back of her mind.
She knew that their time together was limited, and that tomorrow she would have to return to the castle, where the harsh realities of her life would come crashing back down on her. Her mind was racing with thoughts of the consequences of their actions, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them.
She tightened her grip on Armon, holding him close as if she could keep him safe from the dangers that lay ahead. The thought of her parents discovering their secret sent a chill down Annabeth's spine.
She knew that they would stop at nothing to achieve their goals, and that Amon would be in grave danger if they found out about their relationship. Her parents were ruthless and power-hungry, and they would do anything to claim the Crown of the Dark Kingdom, the most formidable kingdom after the Light Kingdom.
The Dark Kingdom was a place of mystery and shadow, where the strong survived and the weak were devoured. Annabeth's parents would do anything to rule over it, and if that meant eliminating Amon, they wouldn't hesitate.
Annabeth's heart burned with determination as she thought about protecting her true mate. She would do anything to keep him safe, even if it meant going against her own family. The thought of harming her parents, of possibly even killing them, was a heavy burden to bear, but Annabeth knew that she would do it in a heartbeat if it meant saving Armon.
She would fight to the death to protect him, to keep him by her side, and to ensure that they could be together without fear of reprisal. The darkness within her stirred, a fierce and primal energy that threatened to consume her.
Annabeth knew that she was capable of great evil, but she also knew that she would do whatever it took to protect the one she loved. But for now, Annabeth didn't care about the dangers that lay ahead or the secrets they had to keep.
She was happy, truly and deeply happy, and she was in love with the man who held her in his arms. And that's all that mattered. In this moment, nothing else existed except for the two of them, lost in their own little world of love and passion.
The worries and fears of tomorrow could wait, because for now, Annabeth was exactly where she wanted to be - with Amon, surrounded by the warmth and safety of his love. She snuggled deeper into his arms, feeling his heart beat against hers, and let out a contented sigh.
This was her happy place, and she never wanted to leave. As she drifted off to sleep, Annabeth knew that she would face whatever challenges came their way, as long as she had Amon by her side.