Truly, Moon never believed she would be getting to this point in her life. Marriage? Moon had never considered herself the marriage type, or well, more like she wasn't worthy of it. And yet, she found herself in her office, listening to Xiox list off names of famous wedding planners that could assist her in everything she could possibly need. How had her life come to this? It was all so unbelievable to her.
The winter sunlight filtered through the frosted windows of her office, casting long shadows across her desk as she absentmindedly traced her finger along the edge of the papers Xiox had spread before her. Each breath she took felt heavy, weighed down by the reality of her situation.
Truthfully, everything had happened so quickly she didn't even really realize what was taking place. If it weren't for Xiox being such an amazing assistant—plus a fatherly figure who convinced her this would not only be beneficial for her happiness but also for her empire—she might not have gone through with it.
Moon didn't entirely think against it, even if she never liked to admit it. Every part of her being was entangled with Soltero. She wouldn't consider them to be soulmates, but they had definitely loved each other far longer than she'd like to admit. She fantasized about him most days, wishing he'd stay, wishing he'd only ever gaze at her like she was the moon to his sun, like she was the air he needed to breathe. Gods, she desperately craved this irritating man and yet hated him at the same time.
But this was all truly happening, and she couldn't have wanted it any other way.
When he had asked her such a simple question—hand in hand with his eyes of devotion staring so lovingly at her—a whirl of emotions had burst inside of her, yet she reacted so little. He sat there on his knee, waiting for anything, nerves clawing at him. But when he saw that small tear slide down her pale cheek, sun beaming in through the foggy windows making her look unreal, he just knew. That smile was so somber, pulling at his features, just waiting to hear what he wanted to hear.
Through a trembling lip, she ever so faintly whispered, "Yes..."
Soltero nearly leapt up from his position to hug her so tightly. Instead, his motions were slow, deliberate, and sweet, pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss as he ran his hand through her chestnut brown locks. Her hair felt like silk between his calloused fingers, and the scent of winter roses that always seemed to follow her enveloped him completely.
The moment truly felt magical and special, the love and passion bursting within her despite how much hatred and rage she held. She just pressed her hands to his chest and allowed herself to melt within his flurry of kisses. She could feel his heart racing beneath her fingertips, matching the rapid pace of her own.
The rest of that day really felt like a blur; she was still so dazed and shocked by the whole thing. But what she could recount was them spending the rest of the evening in her greenhouse, where they just talked—talked casually as if they were just kids again, discussing trivial things and nonsense. The humid air of the greenhouse clung to their skin, a stark contrast to the bitter cold of the northern empire just beyond its glass walls.
Soltero had never seen Moon look so peaceful. Now he understood why she cherished this greenhouse so much—it made her calmer. The feeling of serenity and peace combined with the warmth put her war-stricken mind at ease like never before. This was simply just a side he had never really seen of her that often, but he listened to every word even if their conversation was going nowhere. Her green eyes seemed to shimmer in the fading light of day, softened in a way he rarely witnessed.
Moon talked about trivial things, like her most prized flowers, where she retrieved them, and so on. A maid even came out occasionally to bring them tea—a rose-blooming tea that was said to make the magic flowing within you strengthen and help keep your mind focused. The delicate porcelain cups clinked softly as they sipped, steam rising between them like unspoken promises.
When Moon started to ramble on about her military plans, Soltero perked up, curious about this topic of discussion.
"My mother and father may have taken over many areas of the northern empire with this military, but they are, well, not that great," Moon said in a more monotone voice, tapping the edge of her cup with her long, perfectly manicured nails. The soft clink of nail against porcelain punctuated her words. "I need well-trained soldiers. I need a better trained military."
She paused, her expression darkening slightly. "Something is telling me something could go wrong at any minute. I need a military that will follow the lead and passion of my command, but I'm still working out a long-term plan for that. The soldiers I have now are alright, but it all needs to be... better." Moon mumbled the last bit of her sentence, turning her emerald gaze to stare off into the distance of her greenhouse, her eyes probably fixed on the snow falling outside of the humid greenery fixture. The contrast of white snow beyond the glass and the lush greenery within seemed to mirror the duality of her own nature.
Soltero leaned back in his chair, a somewhat entertained smile coming to form on his lips while he took a sip of the tea that was bought for them. Afterwards, he leaned his head into his palm and gazed at Moon with a cheeky grin on his face, his fiery eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Well, you've found the right person to vent about this to," he said, his voice warm and rich in the humid air. "I'd personally be delighted to aid you with this issue."
Moon turned her gaze to face him once more. She raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "Oh? And why ever would you want to do that? Different empires should keep track of their own military," Moon said in a bit of a stern tone.
Maybe she was just annoyed. What did he think—she couldn't manage this on her own? Obviously, Moon had a habit of overthinking some things in a negative light, but that's why Soltero was here: to shine some brightness down on her perpetually stormy disposition.
"Because, cara mia, soon we will be married, and our militaries will be our military," he stated in a bittersweet tone, reaching across the small table to take her hand in his. His thumb traced gentle circles on her skin. "And plus, isn't it my duty as your future husband to be helpful and aid you with anything you need? I'd be more than willing to share my knowledge in such things with you."
"My hero," Moon said sarcastically, bringing her cup up to her plump lips to take a sip of her tea before Soltero spoke again. She tried to hide her smile behind the rim of her cup, but he caught it anyway.
"Plus, it's sexy to see you look even scarier with a more serious military," Soltero teased slightly, leaning into the table, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.
Moon rolled her eyes and stood up to make her way out of the greenhouse and back into the estate. "That's enough from you," she said, but there was no real malice in her tone. A slight flush had risen to her cheeks that had nothing to do with the greenhouse's warmth.
Soltero laughed and quickly caught up to Moon, his hand coming to rest at the small of her back as they walked.
The rest of that evening was simple, though since they were back in the cold temperatures, Moon had more energy to snap at Soltero and lose her temper. Even so, Soltero still treated Moon like the most gorgeous, kindest woman on this planet, loving on her throughout lunch, dinner, and even getting extra spicy throughout the night. Even when Soltero made some silly comment about waiting until the wedding night, they both knew they couldn't wait for that. Their passion was too intense, too consuming to be bound by tradition.
Snap.
Snap.
Xiox snapped his fingers twice, pulling Moon out of her daydreaming. "My lady, please try and focus. This is important," Xiox said with a sigh, laying out a few papers that had different color palettes and designs, sort of like a mood board to find the right vibe Moon wanted to go for. His weathered face showed both exasperation and fondness as he watched his empress drift back to reality.
"Right, sorry," Moon said in a monotone voice, staring down at the papers he laid out. As boring as this all was, it was actually very important, especially since Moon needed to be able to accommodate both her guests as well as Soltero's. Now that Moon thought about it, she hadn't exactly met Soltero's family since before she killed her own family. She wondered how much had changed since then. Would they welcome her with open arms, or would they look upon her with suspicion and fear?
Xiox pointed to a more darker themed choice, something more gothic, which definitely suited the mood for the north region. It was probably the best choice, with its deep reds, midnight black, and golden accents that reminded Moon of the beauties that could still be found in dark things.
"I've ordered for a floral planner to arrive tomorrow in the morning for you to choose your choice of floral arrangement," he continued, his voice measured and calm as always. "Now, I know how much you adore hydrangeas, but you know roses will be the best suited choice." He then pulled out another set of papers from a folder and set them down; they were portfolios for different dress designs and such. "I will have your dress designer arrive in the evening to start on the process of making your gown."
Moon could only let out a long, stretched sigh, leaning forward to rest her face in her palms. The cool touch of her rings against her skin provided little comfort. She had to listen to Xiox almost all day telling her what she needed to do, what needed to be done, and so on. Gods, she had never had to make so many decisions before, and they all needed to be accomplished within a set timeline.
Luckily, Xiox was very good at his job and was doing his best for Moon to be comfortable during this. His loyalty had never wavered, not even when she had taken the throne in such a bloody manner.
As annoying as all of this was, Moon knew how important it was. It was an imperial event, after all. An emperor and empress from different empires joining together at last out of actual love and not because of a treaty deal was a huge deal, so Moon was just going to have to deal with it and get through everything because, in the long run, it would be beneficial.
She straightened her posture, taking a deep breath as she looked at the papers before her with renewed determination. The ring on her finger caught the light, sending prisms dancing across the dark wood of her desk.
Hopefully, things will run smoothly.
Sitting in her lavish fitting room adorned with velvet drapes and intricately carved furniture, Lucian tugged at the strings to Moon's corset, getting it as tight as possible. The silk ribbons creaked as they threaded through the metal eyelets, pulling Moon's already slender waist into an even more dramatic hourglass shape.
"Does it truly need to be so tight? I'll do this whole wedding naked if I must," Moon said in slight annoyance, gritting her teeth throughout the spilling of her words. Her sharp canines glinted in the soft candlelight that illuminated the room.
"Don't say such things, my lady," Lucian replied, her kind words ringing out in that motherly tone she always used with Moon. "You will look stunning once I'm finished. All of your guests waiting won't have a choice but to gaze at only you and all of your glory." Her weathered hands worked deftly, finally finishing up with the corset on the back of Moon's flowy, long black wedding dress that was adorned with delicate red laces and intricate patterns of ravens and thorns.
Moon made no comment on her words. As much as she didn't think Lucian needed to hype her up, she appreciated it, knowing Lucian would always view Moon in such a positive light, as if Lucian was viewing Moon as her own daughter despite only being a personal maid for her. The older woman's devotion had been unwavering, even during the bloodiest days of Moon's rise to power.
Moon was dressed beautifully. Her wedding dress, definitely in a sort of gothic theme, was stunning though a bit revealing—not that it mattered much; nudity wasn't exactly much of an issue in this world that they lived in. But the way the dress looked on Moon, it highlighted her most precious curves and sharp edges, making her truly shine like the vicious empress she was. The bodice was adorned with obsidian beads that caught the light as she moved, and the skirt flowed around her like liquid darkness.
Her hair was decorated neatly and elegantly, thanks to Moon allowing Lucian to finally pretty up her hair. Intricate braids wove throughout the lush brown locks that went lower than her ankles. Blood-red roses were delicately placed throughout, as if her hair was a rose bush of its own, but would shine like an ethereal goddess in the northern snow. Each rose had been carefully enchanted to never wilt, a detail Moon had insisted upon—she wanted nothing dead at her wedding, unless she killed it herself.
Thankfully, today was somewhat sunny outside despite the snow still falling—the start of springtime for the Northern Empire, when the sun would reveal itself more often but the snow never relented. Through the frosted windows, sunbeams created prismatic patterns across the marble floor, almost as if nature itself was celebrating this union.
After Moon was finally ready, she turned to face Lucian, who had tears streaming down her olden cheeks, which made Moon's eyes widen out of shock. The vulnerability in the older woman's expression caught Moon completely off guard.
Moon's hands rushed to Lucian's face, gently wiping her cheeks with slender fingers adorned with sharp, polished black nails. "Whatever is the matter? Why are you suddenly crying?" Moon questioned, a rare note of concern in her usually imperious voice.
Lucian simply gently moved away Moon's hands and wiped away her own tears, that warm smile displaying on her face. The wrinkles around her eyes deepened with genuine emotion. "Tis nothing, my lady. I'm just overjoyed to finally see you be filled with happiness." Lucian held Moon's hands in her own, her skin papery and warm against Moon's cold touch. "For the longest time, you've been so distant and cold... It's just good that you've finally found someone that can make you shine as bright as I knew you could."
Lucian's words were always so sweet; she truly was like Moon's motherly figure, and for a moment, Moon wanted to cry herself. A knot formed in her throat as she swallowed back emotion. Moon hated crying in front of anyone, especially people she cared for—vulnerability was a weakness she couldn't afford to show, not even today.
Moon pulled Lucian into a tight hug, standing there silently with her forever until they could hear the ceremony music start to play—an haunting melody played on string instruments that echoed through the palace halls. Lucian gently pushed back from Moon, staring up into her eyes with such affection. "Now, my lady, I wouldn't want you to be late for your own wedding."
Moon couldn't help but laugh softly, the sound like bells in the quiet room. "Indeed, I wouldn't like that either." Her tail, covered in sleek fur dotted like a dalmatian, twitched with anticipation behind her.
Typically, you'd assume that the father of the bride would be walking down the aisle, though considering Moon had killed her mother, father, and brother—each death more creative than the last—she'd rather just walk herself down the aisle. And that is what she did, slowly making her way through the great hall that had been transformed into a wedding venue. Her hair dragged along with the gown, but she looked absolutely elegant. All eyes faced her, some filled with admiration, others with barely concealed fear, but all Moon could see was her to-be groom at the end, standing there with the biggest, goofiest smile.
Some people would say you know you've scored a good one when they are bawling their eyes out when they see you, but Soltero? He looked like he was absolutely trying his hardest to contain himself. The biggest smile stretched across his face, revealing dimples that Moon had come to adore, but despite that, he had tears streaming down his sun-kissed cheeks. She did her best to contain her laughter; she knew he was just going to end up bursting into full-blown tears at the end of the ceremony.
How adorable it was that he really did his best to try and not embarrass her. He knew how much she cared about her image, and this man—this warrior who had somehow broken through her ice-cold defenses—would end up becoming her husband. His fiery orange hair was pulled back into a neat braid, adorned with gold clasps that matched the intricate armor he wore—formal attire that couldn't quite hide the warrior beneath. His tail, a rich plum color with a fiery tip, quivered with emotion.
When she finally reached his side, they took their hands into each other's—her cold, soft hands into his calloused, warm hands. The contrast between them was stark, yet somehow, they fit together perfectly.
She gazed up at him with her fierce green stare, eyes like polished emeralds in her pale face. "You look like you're going to explode," Moon commented quietly, a slight smirk playing on her black-painted lips.
Soltero let out a dismissive huff, the sound warm and familiar. "I'm perfectly content right now. I'm marrying the most beautiful woman in this universe," he stated with that radiant smile and charming personality that just made Moon roll her eyes. But her tail slowly slinked over to curl around his, which, as stated before, was a symbol of trust and affection among their kind—a gesture more intimate than any human could understand.
"The walk was painfully long. I wish I could've just run down the aisle," Moon mumbled quietly, her fingers tightening around his.
Soltero's smile softened, his sun lit yellow eyes glowing with adoration. "Well, I hope it will all be worth it," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.
Their attention was caught when the officiant—a tall, severe-looking woman with silver hair and ceremonial robes—started on with the process.
"We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Moon Takona and Soltero Docenal," her voice rang out, clear and powerful. "Today, they come before us to declare their love and to bind their lives together in marriage. As a symbol of this commitment, they will now take part in a handfasting ceremony—an ancient tradition in which the hands are bound to show that they are united in heart, mind, and soul."
Colorful ribbons were lapped over their joined hands—colors of red, dark blue, black, and gold twined together to form one big ribbon to cover both their hands. Each color held significance: red for passion, blue for loyalty, black for power, and gold for prosperity. The officiant continued while Moon and Soltero held eye contact like feral animals protecting their territory—the territory that was each other.
"These cords are not meant to bind you in restraint, but to hold you together in strength, through every challenge and joy to come. May the knots that are tied here today represent not only the strength of your love but also the flexibility and grace that marriage requires."
Moon took the hanging ribbon on his side, and in turn, Soltero crossed over to take her hanging ribbon side. Together, they tied their ribbons into a knot, symbolizing their love and devotion. The feeling was incredibly intimate and sentimental; even Moon, who prided herself on her emotional control, felt something stir deep within her chest.
"Let this cord always remind you of the promises you make today—to stand together, to support one another, and to grow together. As your hands are bound, so too are your hearts."
Now that the cord-fasting ritual was complete between them, Soltero leaned in, placing one hand on the small of her back and the other hand on her thigh to pull her into a dip before pushing their lips together. They kissed passionately, her hands running through his fiery orange hair, their bodies pressed together. The electricity between them was palpable, a force as powerful as any magic in their realm.
The array of guests stood up to cheer for the newly wed couple—over 100 people cheering for good fortune and graces for the pair. The sound was deafening in the great hall, echoing off the stone walls and high ceiling. Soltero picked up Moon bridal style, her dress cascading around them like dark water, and made their way through the venue and out the doors to the carriage that awaited them.
Surrounding the area were guards, protecting the imperial couple as the whole capitol tried to push their way through to see them. Never had Moon seen her empire so excited for such an event, but for some reason, it made her heart slightly warmer to see so many people excited just to be able to witness her, of all people, after everything she had done to make her people afraid of her. Perhaps there was room for both fear and adoration in her rule.
Before she knew it, they were already off in their carriage to the after-party ball for the families to fully celebrate them. The carriage was luxurious, lined with velvet and adorned with silver filigree. In the meantime, however, Moon and Soltero celebrated a little themselves in the carriage ride over. After all, it had been weeks since they had fully seen each other—weeks of traditional separation before the wedding that had been almost unbearable for both of them.
As the carriage rolled through the snow-covered streets, their bound hands remained intertwined, the colorful ribbons a stark contrast against their formal attire. Moon looked at Soltero, truly looked at him, and for perhaps the first time in her life, she felt something akin to peace.
Once again, Moon found herself stuck in a party, though this was a whole different feeling because she was trapped in a ballroom of people she despised or didn't particularly get along with. The glittering chandeliers overhead cast shadows across faces she'd rather not see, their light reflecting off the polished marble floor beneath her feet.
Looking around, she stood with a crystal flute in hand filled with expensive wine, its ruby depths catching the light with each small movement. In one direction were Western demons decked out in expensive jewelry—gold and rubies that glinted with every gesture, their boisterous laughter carrying across the room. In the other direction, it was one and the same with Northern demons, though their adornments featured more platinum and sapphires, cool to match their demeanor. The grand contrast of the room mixing between hot and cold made the atmosphere rather humid, which was irritating to Moon's heightened senses, making her grow increasingly agitated as beads of perspiration threatened to form along her hairline.
It didn't help with all the noise and commotion of having to deal with people constantly talking to her, congratulating her on her new marriage—probably in hopes they could be on her good side—but Moon could really care less about that right now. Not only was she dealing with this unwanted attention, but it had been weeks since she was properly satisfied, and she was really about to ruin her whole new marriage just to have someone fuck her. Moon's legs were growing weaker with each passing minute, a needy sensation deep within her core making her shift uncomfortably in her formal attire. Her chest began to feel inflamed with an emptiness inside of her she desperately needed to fill. She desperately needed a distraction, but who knows how long she'd last; hell, she was already four cups down in wine, the alcohol doing little to dull her cravings.
Finally glancing one more time around the room, she perked up a bit when she noticed her newly wed husband striding towards her with that proud, confident grin tugging at his sharp features. His tall, imposing figure cut through the crowd effortlessly, his formal attire accentuating his broad shoulders and powerful build. The golden embroidery on his dark jacket matched the intensity of his eyes, which remained fixed on her even as he navigated the throng of guests. Hopefully, he could whisk her away to enjoy a night to themselves, away from these pretentious socialites.
Unfortunately, just as she was getting excited, Soltero, her dear husband, was cut off from his path by his own brother, Solvieg Docenal. Moon had never fully met Soltero's brother, so she was admittedly a little surprised by how similar they looked—almost like twins, yet years apart in age. The same strong jawline, the same aristocratic nose, though Solvieg's features were etched with more severity. Although this was surprising to Moon, she remained strikingly composed despite how much she was struggling underneath her mask of indifference, her knuckles whitening slightly as she gripped her wine glass.
Moon took another sip of her wine once more before Solvieg completely approached her, taking a small bow to the empress. "Lady Moon, congratulations on your marriage with my brother," he said in a voice that was deeper than Soltero's, yet lacking the warmth. He fixed his posture once again, standing up straight. It was no surprise he seemed to tower over her just like Soltero, his shadow falling across her face momentarily. "I wish you luck and prosperity on your ruling together. I hope to help aid in any future arrangements as an ally."
Even though Solvieg was a lot like his younger brother, he lacked the charisma and warmth Soltero had. Solvieg was way more serious and apprehensive, which Moon couldn't blame him for. From what Soltero had told her about his brother, Solvieg was raised more strictly, which was probably why he didn't push to want to become emperor like Soltero. His attire, though equally fine as her husband's, was more austere in its styling, with fewer embellishments and a palette of cooler colors that matched his demeanor.
Moon gave no hint of a smile. Instead, her gaze was rather distant and cold, her emerald eyes revealing nothing of her inner thoughts as she gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Lord Solvieg. It truly means a lot coming from a close relative to my husband's family." The words fell from her lips with practiced ease, though they held no real sentiment behind them. The diamond pendant at her throat caught the light as she tilted her head slightly, studying him with calculated interest.
Even though he came and gave his greeting, Moon could tell there was something else he wished to discuss than just giving her his blessings. So she let out a soft sigh, the sound barely audible over the orchestra playing in the background. "My lord, is there something more you wish to discuss? You look preoccupied in your thoughts," Moon commented calmly, her tail slightly swaying behind her in its ornate covering, and her eyebrow raised, portraying her curiosity. Her posture remained perfect, shoulders back, spine straight—every inch the empress she was.
Solvieg glanced around briefly, his eyes darting to various corners of the room before slightly lowering his voice. "I heard... you and my brother were working on building up your army, better training and so on," he smoothly ran a hand through his hair, slicking it back, glancing around once more to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "If you could give me a minute of your time in the future, I wish to discuss things further with you." His tone suggested this was more than a casual request, a hint of urgency lying beneath his composed exterior.
Moon could feel a sense of interest swelling up inside of her. What could he possibly wish to discuss with her? The West and North empires both ran drastically differently. She wondered if his business he wanted to discuss with her went on further than just the help with her military. Perhaps there were political machinations at play that she had yet to uncover, alliances forming in the shadows of this very ballroom.
Moon swirled the wine in her cup softly, watching the liquid create a miniature whirlpool before settling. "I'll consider it. The more allies, the better, I suppose." Even though Moon didn't ask for the assistance, but whatever—she thought there's no harm in actually trying to strengthen her reputation. The political game was one she was good at playing, and every move counted in this position she held.
Soon enough, Moon felt that familiar warmth radiating beside her, and a hand reached to rest on the small of her back, the touch sending an electric current through her already sensitive body. She looked up with those cold green eyes of hers to meet the shining warmth of her newly wed husband's glowing yellow gaze, filled with such devotion as always. The contrast between them was stark—her coldness to his heat, her reserve to his openness—yet somehow, they complemented each other perfectly.
"Well, hello cara mia, fancy meeting you here," he said teasingly, lowering himself to nuzzle into her neck and placing soft kisses against her cold, pale skin. His breath was warm against her, smelling faintly of cinnamon and the rich spirits he favored. His proximity only intensified the need she'd been fighting all evening, making her heart race beneath her ornate bodice.
"Ugh, you are being embarrassing again," Moon said, a flustered hue pushing its way to the top of her features while she pushed him away, though all Soltero did was let out a hardy chuckle at his newly wed wife's actions. His eyes crinkled at the corners with genuine amusement, seeing through her façade of annoyance to the affection she tried so hard to hide.
Solvieg just stood there and watched, maybe a hint of disturbance shifting through his gaze, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly at their display. "Excuse me, Lady Moon, I must attend to some other business. It was an honor to be in your presence today," he said, then made his way off, his tall figure soon disappearing into the crowd of nobles and dignitaries that filled the ballroom. The stiffness in his shoulders suggested he wasn't entirely comfortable with what he had just witnessed.
Soltero looked at Moon curiously, his head tilted slightly to one side as he studied her face. "What did you two discuss? You two looked rather serious from across the ballroom," he questioned, not in a threatening way but out of genuine curiosity. For now, he had no reason to suspect Moon of infidelity or affairs. Luckily, Moon had no time or reached that stage in her corruption to tip off the peak of actually succumbing to these devilish desires of hers, since Soltero was always just an arm's reach away. But then again, she never spoke her mind fully to him either. No matter how much Moon opened up to someone, she'd forever keep herself just locked away enough, never finding herself worthy of sharing such deepest emotions that she kept locked away behind walls built from years of solitude and self-preservation.
"Nothing particular..." she said in her usual cold, monotone voice before finishing up the rest of her wine and placing the empty glass on the tray of a passing servant, whose eyes widened slightly at being so close to the empress before hurrying away. The orchestra began a new piece, its sweeping melody filling the air with an almost melancholic beauty that matched Moon's hidden turmoil perfectly.
She turned to face Soltero fully, the layers of her elaborate gown shifting with the movement. Perhaps tonight, finally, she could find release from the torment that had been building within her for weeks. Perhaps tonight, in the privacy of their chambers, she could let go of the rigid control she maintained in public and allow herself to feel—truly feel—in the arms of the husband she was still learning to trust.
Towards the end of the night, just as the wedding reception was wrapping up, the newlyweds—Moon and Soltero—made a swift dash through the grand halls of her estate, their footsteps echoing with urgency. They were in a hurry to finally consummate their marriage, the anticipation between them nearly unbearable.
Soltero wasted no time. As soon as they reached the privacy of her chambers, he pressed his lips eagerly to hers, laying her gently on the soft bed. His hands roamed her body, sliding over her smooth skin, the only barrier between them being the clothes they still wore. But Moon was far too impatient. She had never acted like this before—so primal, so hungry—but it had been too long since they had touched. She wasn't about to waste a single second more.
With a low growl, her fingers slowly shifted, transforming into the black demon claws that marked her true nature. She shredded away both his clothes and her own with sharp efficiency. Yet despite the violent removal of fabric, their lips never parted. The heat radiating between their bodies rose rapidly, igniting a raw and consuming desire.
Once their garments lay in tattered shreds around them, Soltero immediately took her large breasts in his hands, kneading and caressing with a desperation born of longing. Starved for her touch, he latched onto one pert nipple, sucking and biting lightly with his sharp fangs. A low groan rumbled from his throat, and Moon responded with a soft moan, her breath hitching as her back arched into his heat.
Her claws found his horns, gripping them tightly. She didn't want to wait, not even through the delicious teasing of foreplay. She needed him—now. Without warning, she shifted their positions by using his horns as leverage, flipping them over so that she straddled his waist, towering over him with feral grace.
Moon moved slowly at first, gliding her body down against his, until the head of his cock found her entrance.
"Fuck…" Soltero groaned, his hands gripping her waist before sliding to her hips. He guided her down onto him, thrusting upward to bury himself deep inside her with a satisfying force.
This was no tender love-making. Just because it was their wedding night didn't mean they intended to savor it gently. Moon was far too impatient for that. She rocked her hips against him with feverish speed, creating a rhythm of intense friction that had them both gasping.
In sync, they moved—Moon riding him with hunger, Soltero thrusting up into her with purpose. Her hands clung to his horns for support, his gripping her hips tightly to keep her steady. Their mouths stayed connected in messy, breathless kisses, moans and sighs spilling between them.
Soltero looked up into her eyes, his gaze filled with overwhelming devotion. It wasn't just the influence of her pheromones clouding his mind—he was madly, irrevocably in love with her. He had been since childhood, from the moment he saw her gazing out of a frost-covered window at the falling snow. Back then, she was just a girl with cold eyes and quiet grace. Now, she was his wife, his fierce and beautiful Moon—and there was no place in the world he'd rather be than wrapped in her cold, powerful embrace.
Her touch had always been cold, but to him, it was the warmest comfort he had ever known.
Moon felt his body begin to tremble beneath her. Soltero's grip tightened as he rocked into her once more, then let out a guttural groan as he released inside her. Her breath caught, but she wasn't finished.
Not yet.
She could feel the spark ignite in her again, and so could he. Soltero lifted her off his cock only to throw her back down onto the bed. With no hesitation, he climbed atop her and buried himself deep within her again in a rough missionary thrust. He gripped the headboard above her, his muscles flexing as he fucked her hard, driven by the intoxicating haze of lust and unrestrained passion.
Moon moaned his name again and again, her claws dragging deep, angry lines into his back—not that it mattered. His skin would heal quickly. They were built for this, meant for this kind of love.
Later, she would feel a twinge of guilt for her poor servants who no doubt heard everything. But right now, none of that mattered. All that existed was the two of them—savage, consumed, united. Fuck the slow, sentimental kind of intimacy. They wanted this night to be unforgettable—raw, primal, and real.
Soltero filled her up again and again throughout the night, until the first light of dawn spilled across the sky. As the sun rose, he finally pulled out, allowing his seed to leak down her thighs. He leaned in to press soft, reverent kisses to her lips, the golden morning light bathing their naked bodies in warmth.
He gazed into her eyes with fierce, unrelenting passion. She gently caressed his cheeks, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths as she tried to calm her racing heart.
Soltero leaned his forehead against hers.
"I love you, Moon," he whispered.
Moon was quiet for a long moment, her lips parting and closing as she searched for the words. Finally, she closed her eyes and murmured, barely above a whisper, "I… love you too."
Soltero smiled and kissed her again, this time slowly, tenderly—one last kiss to seal a night they'd never forget.