FROST AND FLAME

Paris and Mateo are in stolen moments of passion. Their breaths were uneven, their whispers and moans filling the otherwise quiet space. Paris clung to him as though he were the last shred of freedom she could grasp in her gilded cage.

"Stay," she whispered against his lips, her voice trembling with both desire and desperation. But Mateo, ever cautious, shook his head. "No..."

Before he could decline, Paris shut him up with a kiss, gave him kisses down to his groin, and his manhood, she started sucking him sloppily and Mateo groans in pleasure.

"You're irresistible, Your Grace"

"Yeah...I know..." Paris then pushed him down her king-sized bed, she undressed herself seductively as he watched her, yearning to have all of her.

She climbed on him and inserted his manhood into her privates, they both let out a loud moan while she continued riding and grinding.

***

Sabi approached Paris's chambers with a light step, carrying the supplies Paris had requested. Her day had been eventful enough with the opulence of the palace overwhelming her, but she was slowly settling in.

She reached for the doorknob when she heard it, a sound that made her freeze in her tracks. Low groans, soft gasps, the rhythm of intimacy.

Sabi blinked, her hand retreating from the door as though it had burned her. Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Oh my goodness" she whispered under her breath.

She looked around, unsure of what to do. Was she supposed to knock? Walk away? Pretend she hadn't heard anything? The logical part of her mind told her to leave, but her feet wouldn't move. Instead, she found herself pacing near the door, her sandals scuffing softly against the marble floors.

"Why am I being judgemental? They are married and they have every right to do it anywhere and anytime" she thought, her heart sinking at the idea.

The thought of Paris sharing such an intimate moment with someone who seemed so cold and detached didn't sit well.

Leaning against the wall opposite the chamber, Sabi debated, should she wait or return back later? She's new and very uncertain.

***

In his study, Levi leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on the monitor displaying the live feed from the hallway camera outside Paris's chambers. He had been reviewing some palace matters when Sabi's pacing caught his attention.

The confusion on her face, the way she bit her lip as though struggling to decide whether to stay or leave—it intrigued him. Levi's fingers drummed against his desk, his expression unreadable.

"She's troubled," he muttered to himself, though he didn't know why he cared. He wasn't one to indulge in the emotions of others, much less dwell on them. And yet, he couldn't look away.

When the chamber door finally creaked open, Levi's lifted a brow.

***

Sabi's pacing came to an abrupt halt as the door to Paris's chambers opened just enough to allow someone to slip out. Her jaw dropped slightly when she saw the figure cloaked in a feminine hooded robe, moving swiftly and avoiding her gaze.

She was about to mutter a word, but her lips won't utter it, the figure brushed past her without a word, their head bowed.

It wasn't until they turned the corner and disappeared from view that it dawned on her. "Was that... a woman?" she whispered, her brows knitting in confusion.

Her mind raced. Paris being with another woman was so unexpected, so entirely at odds with the picture she had painted in her mind. Sabi shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "Not my business," she muttered to herself.

She hesitated a moment longer before finally knocking.

Paris opened the door, her cheeks slightly flushed, though her composure was otherwise intact. "Sabi," she said, her tone brisk. "You're late."

"Apologies, Your Grace," Sabi replied, trying to keep her voice even. Her eyes flicked briefly to the disheveled bed before she quickly averted her gaze.

"Get the materials set up in the bathroom," Paris ordered, dismissing her with a wave of her hand.

Sabi nodded, moving past her with a grace that masked the storm of questions in her mind.

***

Sabi made her way back through the hall carrying the now-empty box of supplies, she ran into him.

Levi stepped out of a side corridor, his imposing frame blocking her path. His sudden presence caught her off guard, and for a moment, she simply stared.

"Your name," he said abruptly, his voice deep and commanding.

Sabi blinked, thrown by his directness. She hadn't expected him to speak, much less address her. His voice was like molten steel, intimidating

"Uh, Sabi," she replied after a beat, her voice steady but her heart racing.

Levi's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, his piercing eyes scanning her face as though searching for something.

"You didn't bow earlier," he said, his tone clipped.

Sabi frowned, the hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. "Didn't think it was mandatory for staff to break their backs every time we see you, Your Grace."

The sarcasm in her voice was subtle, but it didn't go unnoticed. Levi's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, she thought he might lash out. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile.

"Bold," he murmured, almost to himself, before turning on his heel and walking away.

Sabi stared after him, a mix of confusion and irritation bubbling within her. "What's his problem?" she muttered, adjusting the box in her arms. "This castle is weird, did I make a mistake? A lesbian married Duchess and a rude Duke?

***