Chapter 20

Jason's mouth drifts from my lips to my neck, each warm exhale sending small shivers across my skin. He eases me back against the desk; the cool wood meets my spine while his heat closes in from the front.

"Jason…" My voice trembles with emotion.

He pauses, eyes dark with desire. "Is this okay?"

My cheeks burn, but I nod, reaching for my belt. My dress falls, baring my shoulders, and his gaze darkens further.

He lifts me effortlessly and carries me to the bed in the inner chamber. I sink into the silk as he undresses, his sculpted body emerging. His mouth finds me again, brushing kisses along my collarbone and downward, each touch flaring across my skin.

I've never felt this before, clinging to the bedding, soft whimpers escaping me. "Jason…" I murmur, voice sweet and dazed.

He falters, then loses control, his movements turning urgent. The desk rattles, ink and papers scattering, but we don't care.

When it's over, he holds me close, unwilling to let go. I rest against his sweat-damp chest, his heartbeat still racing, a smile creeping onto my lips.

"What's so funny?" he asks, brushing my flushed cheek.

I shake my head, kissing his jaw. "Just… happy."

His eyes soften, and he pulls me tighter. "Me too."

The next morning, I wake in his warm embrace. He's already up, watching me with a rare softness. "Morning," he says as I stir, his usual stern features melting.

His lips quirk, and he pulls a small box from under the pillow. "For you. Happy birthday."

I blink, stunned. I'd forgotten my own birthday, but he hadn't. Inside the box are white jade earrings, carved like tiny jasmines—my favorite flower.

"When did you get these?" I ask, touching them fondly.

"Saw them last month in Belmor Town," he says, slipping them onto my ears, his fingers trembling slightly. "Thought they'd suit you."

My heart warms. I lean up, pecking his lips. "Thank you."

His eyes darken, ready to deepen the kiss, when Talia's voice calls from outside. "General, Leah, breakfast's ready!"

I push him back, blushing. "Time to get up."

After breakfast, Jason heads to the training grounds. I'm back in the courtyard, tending flowers, when I notice the servants bustling, secretive. "Talia, something going on?" I ask.

Her eyes dart. "Nope, just regular cleaning."

I'm skeptical but let it go. That afternoon, I'm practicing calligraphy in the study when Jason returns, holding a new cloak—fiery red fox fur with white trim.

"Try it on," he says, draping it over me.

I touch the rich fabric, awed. "This must've cost a fortune…"

"You're sensitive to cold," he says simply, fastening it.

It fits perfectly, making my skin glow. His gaze lingers, intense. "Come with me," he says.

A carriage takes us out of the pack, into the countryside. I lean against his shoulder, lifting the curtain. "Where are we going?"

He just smiles, pulling me closer, and says nothing.