Torture and laughter

I'm observing the back of the princess as she watches Nikolai and Valendor compete over something trivial. Her intense concentration mirrors my own, but for entirely different reasons. Each slight movement she makes sends ripples through me, and her dress has inched up, revealing more of her soft skin pressed against mine. The sensation of her body against mine is both thrilling and torturous.

The biggest challenge of my life right now is concealing my growing physical reaction. I shift subtly, hoping to the Goddess that she won't notice. Part of me relishes the closeness, not wanting her to move, while another part of me is desperate for her to shift just enough to ease the tension.

I can feel her warmth seeping into me, my breath catching with every tiny adjustment she makes. The playful banter between Nikolai and Valendor becomes a distant hum as I focus entirely on her presence, her scent, the gentle pressure of her body against mine.

The princess has joined the fray now, speaking animatedly and laughing with Nikolai and Valendor. As she leans forward, she nearly slips, but I grab her waist to steady her. The contact sends a jolt through me, a mix of pleasure and torture.

"Haroun, tell us about the competition," Nikolai says, snapping me out of my reverie. His eyes glint with mischief. The bastard knows exactly what he's doing.

"What competition?" the princess asks, twisting in my arms to look at me. Her proximity is intoxicating, and I silently curse the Goddess for testing my resolve.

"Uh, there's a swordsmanship competition soon. I'm going to participate," I say sheepishly, trying to focus on anything other than the feel of her in my arms.

"That's great!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm making my heart race even faster.

"It's nothing," I mumble, embarrassed by the attention.

She looks at me with those piercing gray eyes, and I can feel my face heating up. The room seems to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this charged moment. Her smile is radiant, and for a second, I forget to breathe.

"Haroun, you should be proud," she says softly, her hand resting gently on my arm. "We all believe in you."

Her words fill me with warmth, and I nod, unable to form a coherent response. The Goddess may be testing me, but in this moment, I feel like the luckiest man alive.

Nikolai stands up, breaking the moment. "I have to leave, my Princess. I have something to do for the magic tower." He grabs Valendor by the arm, pulling him up as well.

I'm relieved to see them go. Valendor, with his frequent visits and clear affection for the princess, always seems to be making moves. I've noticed the marks on her lips. Greedy bastard. Not that I wouldn't do the same given the chance, but still, he's such a greedy bastard.

"So soon?" the princess asks, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Nikolai gives her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, soon enough I'll be around so often you'll get sick of me." He leans in, placing his face in her palm. I close my eyes, unwilling to watch this display. Gag.

As they leave, the room feels a bit emptier. The princess's gaze lingers on the door, but then she turns back to me, her smile returning. The intimacy of the moment between her and Nikolai gnaws at me, but I push it aside. She's here now, with me, and that's what matters.

The princess snuggles closer into my arms, and it's a beautiful torture once again. I'm thinking desperately about anything but the soft body pressed against mine.

"Swordsmanship competition, huh?" she murmurs softly.

I wrap my arms more tightly around her, pulling her even closer. "Yeah..." I say, my voice barely steady.

"Think you can win?" she asks, her breath warm against my neck.

"I don't think I can lose," I respond, perhaps a bit too cocky, but confident nonetheless.

"Very well," she says, a playful glint in her voice. "What do you wish for as a prize from me, hmm?"

"I don't know," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant but feeling a spark of excitement. "Let me think about it."

"Fine. I'll give you one wish. If it's within my capacity, I'll grant it or do it for you," she says after a minute.

I can think of several things I would use that wish for right now, with the soft warmth of her body in my arms. Ideas swirl in my mind, each one more tempting than the last.

"No take backs," I say, a grin spreading across my face.

"Of course," she agrees, sitting up and smiling up at me.

The warmth of her presence, the promise of a wish, and the thrill of the upcoming competition fill me with a heady mix of determination and longing. As she nestles against me, I can't help but feel like the luckiest man in the world, even if it's just for this moment, because unfortunately there's another two luckiest men in the world.

*

An hour later, I feel the soft, steady breathing of the princess against my neck. I look down to find her fast asleep. Carefully, I lift her from my lap and place her gently on the bed, tucking her in. I linger for a moment, watching her serene face before quietly leaving the room.

As I step into the hallway, a soft light spills from the drawing room. I hesitate, debating whether to intrude on the quiet space, but curiosity gets the better of me. I walk over and open the door to find Valendor braiding Nikolai's long purple hair into an intricate braid. The sight of their easy camaraderie sends a pang of jealousy through me.

"Guess who decided to join us," Nikolai says, glancing at me over his glasses, his amethyst eyes twinkling with mischief. Valendor gives his braid a sharp tug in response.

"Ow," Nikolai mutters, wincing.

"Haroun," Valendor acknowledges me with a nod.

I walk into the room and sit on the sofa opposite them, feeling a bit awkward. Nikolai, ever perceptive, notices my discomfort.

"The princess is asleep?" he asks, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I just put her to bed," I reply, grateful for the change of topic.

Nikolai, however, has other ideas. "Anyway, who else noticed the princess' lips today? Because I sure did," he says with a mischievous grin, causing Valendor to choke on air in a fit of laughter.

Valendor chokes on air, his usually composed demeanor shattered. It's a little hilarious, and I can't help but chuckle.

"Really, Nikolai?" Valendor manages to say, his voice a mixture of exasperation and amusement. Nikolai now begins to laugh a full on belly laugh.

"Nikolai…" Valendor warns, shooting him a reproachful glance.

But Nikolai is undeterred, his laughter only growing louder. "I wouldn't comment on it if you were a little more moderate," he manages to say between fits of laughter.

Valendor's expression darkens, his usual calm demeanor slipping. "If we're counting sins now, Haroun was hiding a boner all evening, rather horribly at that. We ALL noticed," he retorts, his voice laced with anger.

I feel like the air has been knocked out of me as I struggle to process Valendor's words. My cheeks burn with embarrassment, and I find myself choking on air just like Valendor moments ago. Nikolai, now on the floor in fits of laughter, only adds to my humiliation.

I clear my throat, attempting to regain my composure. "Perhaps we should focus on more... appropriate topics," I suggest weakly, my cheeks still aflame.

Valendor nods in agreement, his anger dissipating as quickly as it had come. "Yes, let's keep the conversation civilized," he says, shooting a pointed look at Nikolai, who finally manages to compose himself only to laugh even more.