Twenty-Three

A soft gasp escaped Emily's parted lips at the sudden intimacy of having this beautiful prince hovering over her so closely.

Her skin prickled with goosebumps and heat spread across her face and neck. Her breathing quickened and her heart fluttered wildly in her chest as she tried to maintain calm composure. Her heart raced so hard it made her breathing shallow.

Her stomach clenched in anticipation of having to...to kiss him, as she squeezed her eyes shut tightly in response to the feelings coursing through her body.

"O-of course!" She whispered breathlessly, trying to appear confident despite the pounding in her chest.

He inched forward so that his face loomed directly above hers. "Anything you want..." He breathed as he drew closer still, his warm breath fanning across her skin teasingly. "I'll be happy to do."

His lips brushed against hers tenderly, barely making contact, yet managing to send a shiver down her spine nonetheless.

"...mmmhh..." She groaned softly, closing her eyes and tilting her head back slightly to meet his advance.

Her lips trembled slightly as he pressed them firmly against hers before parting slightly to allow access for his tongue.

Their tongues touched lightly at first, tentatively exploring the unknown territory with care, seeking permission from the owner of that mouth before venturing deeper into uncharted territories.

Eventually, her tongue gained courage, and pushed forward slightly to touch the tip of the Prince's. The two explored each other for several seconds longer, tasting each other's lips and mouths thoroughly before parting, leaving behind a lingering, tantalizing taste.

The kiss itself made her feel dizzy.

A tingling warmth suddenly burst through her body from the point of contact, and she heard a matching gasp from the prince.

Their eyes shot open in shock at the same time as their hearts raced wildly at the sensation.

Emily immediately broke the kiss, turning her head away in embarrassment and taking several deep breaths while trying desperately to regain control over herself. Her body was on fire with excitement, desire and euphoria.

Every inch of her skin felt flushed and burning. Her clothes stuck to her skin like a second skin, leaving behind no room for movement at all. Even the slightest friction of the material caused the nerves inside to go haywire in response.

In the corner of her vision, Adrien stared down at his open hand, flexing it lightly in wonder.

"Do...." She coughed lightly. "Do you feel...awakened...?"

He gave a soft laugh and shook his head. "I...cannot say. I don't know what I'm feeling." He lifted his head to gaze up at the sky as a faint breeze ruffled his hair, revealing his neck for a moment before he dropped his gaze down towards her.

His violet eyes blazed with a fire Emily had never seen in them before. A feverish intensity that made her blush scarlet in shame at what she had done.

"However." He smiled knowingly, shifting on the bench closer towards her, trapping her between himself and the backrest. "You definitely seem to have awakened something in me."

She opened her mouth.

And closed it.

Opened.

Closed.

Opened.

Closed.

Every time she thought she had a response, it died on her tongue.

His eyes danced with mirth, and he traced his fingers along her cheek.

"Worry not." He spoke gently, before suddenly pulling away from her, that teasing look fading from his face in a moment. "I won't attempt to push you further."

The loss of the physical contact between them came as a shock to Emily's system.

She shivered.

Adrien stood and held out a hand to her.

W-what on earth had just happened...

Emily gingerly reached out to take hold of the Prince's hand, allowing him to pull her upright and assist her up. Once she regained her balance, she released her grip on the Prince's fingers and stepped backward cautiously.

The blood rushed to her face as she felt her heart continue its frantic beating within her chest, pumping vigorously.

It felt like something had ignited within her body and ignited the nerve endings of every single cell throughout her entire being, causing them to burn intensely with a sensation she'd never felt before. Everywhere!

Everything seemed heightened; even the cool air felt colder and fresher against her heated flesh, sending chills running down her spine while simultaneously warming her core simultaneously.

Adrien gazed deeply into Emily's eyes as he pulled her to her feet, his intense gaze burning brightly in the early morning sunlight, filling her vision completely as he spoke to her with a sincere tone,

"Lady Emily...If you would allow me one more opportunity to test this...this 'waking power' I feel so strongly within myself...I promise I shall try not to scare you off. Please believe me."

His voice was low and filled with an intensity she'd never heard coming from the prince before as he looked upon her with hopeful longing written plain upon his features.

"...Very well..." She replied reluctantly, avoiding eye contact with him and blushing darkly when she heard those words come out of her mouth.

His expression softened considerably and a relieved smile tugged at his lips as he watched Emily shyly return the gaze to meet his once more.

A gentle breeze blew through the trees, rustling the leaves and brushing away loose strands of hair off her face while caressing her skin lovingly, reminding her of how nice it was outside.

She inhaled deeply and tried to relax as she waited patiently for the Prince's next move.

The Prince moved forward slowly, eyes locked with Emily's as he approached her.

He came close enough to wrap his arms around Emily's waist, wrapping them around her firmly while pressing his body flush against hers, taking a moment to breathe in her scent before he kissed her lightly on the lips.

He took advantage of the situation and slid his hands over her hips and around her butt, pulling her tightly against him while sliding his tongue inside her mouth. She gasped loudly in response and shuddered involuntarily at the unexpected pleasure of being held so close.

His breath was more ragged when he pulled away again, gaze heated.

"...I see..." He whispered.

"Y-you...?"

He brushed her cheek with his fingertip, before stepping away to give her a bit more space. "I had to be sure kissing you didn't always have that response."

He smiled apologetically.

She swallowed and nodded. "And...what did you conclude?"

His fingers reached out to gently touch her face again, but only briefly. "It does seem that something happened that first time. Although...I'm not yet certain...if I am a key....then I will be certain to never leave the keybearer's side."

He offered her his arm.

Emily gulped and reached out her hand, grasping hold of his elbow, trying to ignore how his skin seemed to tingle against hers.

P-probably because...I just woke him up? Woke his powers? The magic? Yeah...that must be why...there's no other...other...

There's nothing else he should affect me this much. Right?!

"Come." He lead her forward through the garden.

...I suppose...maybe he really is a key after all...and now...we've...

Her eyes trailed down to where their bodies were still touching, to the points where skin touched skin, and felt a powerful tug within her.

...woken him...

"...Do...you feel any different?"

"No, not particularly. However," He trailed a finger down her cheek again. "My thoughts do feel clearer now..." His voice was rough, deep. It sent a jolt straight to the pit of her stomach.

She quickly looked away from him again.

...Gah! Down girl!

"...yes..hmm." She managed to keep herself from squeaking, at least. "I see. Um.."

He hummed softly as he regarded her thoughtfully. "This power within me..."

She glanced up at him from beneath her lashes. "Yes? What is it?"

His smile was warm. "Something feels...more complete."

The heat on her cheeks intensified, and she quickly ducked her head. "That's...that's good..." 

"Although...I might be jealous if all of the keys had to be awakened in such a manner."

"...Eh?"