Chapter 97 – The Queen's Command
Leonhardt had always been in control.
Even in war, in chaos, in the face of death itself—he dictated the flow of battle, the movement of time, the path of fate.
But not here.
Not now.
Not with her.
Aetheria pressed herself against him, her hands tangling into his hair as she pulled him down to her lips. She kissed him with a hunger that left no room for hesitation—only need.
Leonhardt groaned, his fingers tightening around her waist as if trying to steady himself. But Aetheria would not allow it.
"You're holding back," she whispered against his lips, her voice edged with command. "Don't."
Leonhardt inhaled sharply, his grip on her tightening. "Aetheria…"
"You think I don't know?" She bit his lower lip lightly, making him exhale shakily. "You've waited lifetimes for me. You think I haven't waited just as long?"
He froze.
Her violet eyes burned into his, a challenge, a demand. "You're being careful. But I don't want careful."
Leonhardt clenched his jaw. His body was rigid, tense with restraint. "I don't want to rush this."
Aetheria smirked. "Then don't."
Her hands slid lower, her touch deliberate, coaxing him, tempting him. "But I will."
Leonhardt cursed under his breath.
Aetheria was relentless. Dominating. The same way she ruled over the night, she ruled over him now—without hesitation, without mercy.
He wanted this.
Wanted her.
He had always known that Aetheria was different. That she would never be someone he could control.
And that realization shattered the last of his restraint.
With a growl, he crushed his lips against hers, his hands demanding, claiming.
Aetheria laughed into the kiss, triumphant.
Because for the first time, the God-King—the man who had once ruled the heavens—had surrendered.
And he had surrendered to her.