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The flame from the candle you cradled between your palms cast shadows that danced across your face as you ambled through the dark corners of the hideaway. The hour had just grazed past midnight and the normally populated common areas were uninhabited by its usual residents.
You shifted the lit wax to one hand as you approached the double doors to the library. When you pushed one open, a cool draft breezed through the open space. It sent the candle’s flame into small oscillations that looked much like half-pirouettes before settling down again. Once the space was big enough for you to slip inside, you let the door shut behind you and it produced a light, scraping noise against the floor.
Your lungs were inflated with a deep breath that you hadn’t even noticed you’d been carrying until now. Upon noticing that the hideaway’s library was deserted, you let yourself exhale and relax your shoulders. Not even Tomes occupied the desk at the end of the room which was a minor surprise considering he usually stayed relatively late.
When you glanced to the right, something in the distance caught your eye. There seemed to be a faint glow emitting from behind one of the tables, but a bookshelf was corrupting your view. Someone must have forgotten to extinguish a candle on their way out. You’d handle it after retrieving what you snuck all the way over here for.
You weaved through cluttered stacks of books and chairs strewn about to reach a specific shelf. Coming to the library every so often for an hour or two of reading wasn’t uncommon for you. Although it was a little more rare to discover a book that you could truly immerse yourself in with devout interest.
The story and characters of this particular book were so engaging that you’d already burned through half of it in just three days. Yesterday in particular, you’d flipped page after page until the wax of your candle was nearly melted to the bottom and your vision was blurred.
You set your candle down on the shelf and tapped a finger against one of the book’s spines before dragging it along the line of novels. You felt the ridges created by the tiny spaces between each one in search of your read. Your finger abruptly dove into a sizable gap and you quickly drew your hand away to lean closer for inspection.
You recognized the stories next to it and sure enough, that slot was a result of the absence of the very book you were looking for. Rather than feeling disappointed, your mind was clouded with confusion instead. It was there just a few hours prior when you stopped by for a few chapters after lunch. And you were sure that you’d put it back in the right place too. Being an organized soul, you were extra tedious about these things and so you doubted that it could be a fault of your own.
Perhaps someone really had discovered and selected your particular book to read. You didn’t feel like starting a new one in the meantime either in fear of getting too interested which would result in the stories getting all jumbled up in your head. After a few seconds of pondering your options, you decided to just go ahead and retire to your chambers for the night and return the next day to check again.
Something bright in the distance swelled into the corner of your vision just as you were reaching for your own candle. You swiftly whipped around only to come colliding with a solid figure directly in front of you.
“Oh- I’m so sorry.” The words tumbled from your mouth only to fade away when you looked up and saw who the person was.
The former successor to the title of Archduke of Rosaria stood less than an inch away from your trembling figure. Joshua Rosfield’s expression was that of concern as he placed a gentle hand on your shoulder.
“I didn’t mean to startle you, are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” You nudged his hand away with a smile blossoming on your lips at the sight of your closest companion. “But great Greagor, you really did scare me.”
“Sorry.” The look in his glassy blue eyes was genuinely apologetic.
“Don’t worry about it.” You shook your head to dispel his worries before taking a short moment to soak in his appearance.
A flickering sphere of flames was levitating at his side, casting a warm glow within a few feet’s radius of his surroundings. It explained the mysterious illumination you’d seen hidden away behind one of the shelves when you’d first entered the library.
Joshua was dressed down slightly for comfort with a few of the heavier layers of clothing that he usually wore stripped away. His layered blonde hair the color of rich champagne was more disarrayed than usual, but it framed his sprightly features perfectly. The look in his bright eyes was inquisitive as he stared back at you. One of his hands was half concealed behind his back and right as you noticed, he brought it into view.
Clutched in his possession was a large volume, its hardback the color of faded lavender. You recognized instantly that it was the missing book from the shelf you’d been searching for just a moment ago.
“Might you be looking for this?” His words flowed in a deep, pleasant tone.
“It is.” You reached out to accept the weighted book in your hands. “How did you know I was reading this?” You asked, still a bit astounded by the circumstances. Joshua’s hesitation to speak gave you the idea that he wasn’t exactly prepared for this interaction to take place.
“I was in here the other day to speak with Tomes and I may have seen you with it.” His eyes flicked down to avoid your gaze while he rubbed his wrist in an absent minded manner.
“It is pretty hard to miss, to be fair.” You shifted the largely dense novel back and forth in your hands. You traced the divots on the cover created by the lettering that assembled the title as the connection started to fasten in your mind. “Were you reading it?”
“Perhaps I was.” He confessed subtly and that was good enough of an answer for you.
“So?” You looked to him expectantly. “Please, tell me what you think.” Your excitement was starting to bubble up over the prospect of discussing something that possessed so much of your interest.
“I’m afraid I haven’t made it very far yet.” He admitted.
“Well, how much did you read?” You set the book down face up on the nearest table before turning back to the candle on the shelf and blowing it out with a quick puff.
“Let me show you.” He grasped the back of a chair tucked into the table before pulling it out for you.
You descended into the chair with a soft plop and Joshua pushed it forward again before taking the seat next to you and waving his hand. The ball of blazing flames swayed further away from him to hover over the center of the table and light up the cover of the book.
You cracked it open to where the built-in silk ribbon lay in the fissure. It was located a fair amount of the way through right around the halfway mark. You were about to compliment Joshua’s ability to read so quickly when your eyes landed on a few familiar words written at the end of a chapter. You recognized the last paragraph to be the same one you left off on during your last session at the library.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t lose your place.” Joshua spoke up to voice the suspicion that was forming in your head. “Let me show you where I was.” He scooted closer in his chair until your thighs were touching and you could just barely detect the pleasantly aromatic scent of his hair.
You pushed the book closer until it could be equally shared between the two of you. Joshua started flipping the worn and creased yellowing pages before landing on one that was about ten or so chapters back.
“Here.” He tapped the middle of the page and you leaned closer to skim the words.
“Alright, so you’ve still got a ways to go. I’m sure you’ve noticed it has a bit of a slow start, but I promise it gets really interesting.” You replied.
“I can assure you, I already find it interesting.” Joshua’s lips curved into a benevolent smile.
“You would truthfully admit to enjoying a romance novel?” You propped an elbow on the table and rested a hand against your cheek as you angled inwards to face him.
“If I were to answer yes, would that be so appalling?” There was a bite of playful sarcasm in his tone.
“Not at all.” You shook your head in an earnest gesture. “Besides, romance is just a portion of the story.”
“Yes, the drama and political dispute between feuding royal families is what makes it such a bittersweet tale. It makes it sort of…” Joshua paused to consider the right choice of wording as he rubbed his jawline in thought. “A forbidden love if you will.”
“Precisely.” You nodded enthusiastically. “It’s interesting to see how the protagonists handle the pressure of conflict.” You let your hand drop to rest on the table and it fortuitously brushed against the side of his own.
The pulse of your heart rate fluttered quicker within your chest. You felt your cheeks prickle with warmth when his eyes glanced over, as the gesture hadn’t escaped his notice. And to your surprise, he didn’t retreat but rather adjusted his hand to rest on top of yours instead. The Phoenix’s fire highlighted the twinkle in his eyes as he returned his gaze back to yours.
You couldn’t explain why you felt particularly timid. You and Joshua were considerably close and comfortable around each other. This was still despite the fact that you’d always possessed an inkling of an attraction for him ever since your very first introduction that only seemed to bloom as time progressed. Although you never let it consume you in the way that it had in the past few weeks or so. Perhaps it was because his recent behavior at times eluded that there was a possibility of reciprocation for those affections.
“I’m curious, do tell me.” Joshua leaned closer with a hopeful expression. “Do the couple defy their societal expectations and end up together?” He asked and it took you a moment to realize that he was still talking about the book. You took a subtle breath to suppress your flustered demeanor and assure that you wouldn’t falter upon responding.
"That’s for you to keep reading and find out, I won’t spoil it for you.” You shook your head, determined in your answer as Joshua chuckled.
“I suspected you’d say as much.” He looked down again to where your hands were touching and you admired the way his long eyelashes dusted the tops of his cheeks.
“So what made you interested in this book particularly?” You transitioned the subject slightly to progress the conversation. “Aside from the fact that I was reading it.”
Joshua considered your question for a moment as he rubbed his thumb across the top of your hand. Then he looked up, his oceanic blue eyes casting an amenable gaze.
“I suppose I should be truthful with you if it isn’t evident already.” He paused for a moment to think before continuing. “I was searching for a common interest for us to discuss.”
It was a simple statement, yet it took a moment for your mind to comprehend. It left you in a state of hazy confusion since you were under the impression that your friendship had progressed much further beyond such trivial things.
“Joshua, I can’t deny that’s very sweet of you.” You willed your eyes not to shyly drift elsewhere as he stared at you with an attentive expression. “But we already share plenty of common interests already, do we not?”
“I can’t disagree.” The look on his features suggested that he was contemplating whether or not to share more detail. “However, when I saw how engaged you were in this book, I thought to myself that if I read it as well, I might be able to impress you even if by just a little.”
“You’re being truthful with me right now?” You tried to maintain composure although you couldn’t hide the elation that was trickling into your voice. Instead of offering a verbal response, he settled on a curt, bashful nod instead.
“My, that’s very considerate of you Joshua.” Without necessarily thinking, you angled your hand out from under his to weave your fingers together. “Although if it’s my turn to be truthful, you impress me without having to speak a word.”
Joshua looked up from where he was studying the connection of your hands before speaking in a gentle whisper.
“I’m at a loss for words.”
“Quite honestly, so am I.”
The silence that fell between the two of you felt safe and secure. As remarkable as the hue of his pale, blue eyes was, you couldn’t help but let your gaze drift down to his lips. They were plush with a rosy pink shade that appeared as fragile as butterfly wings. You couldn’t cease your thoughts from festering into those of capturing them for yourself.
You felt a strand of hair slip past your ear and brush across your cheek to breach your vision. Your free hand moved up to brush it away only to intercept Joshua’s with the same intention.
For a second, the two of you remained frozen in that position. Then you took your hand away and allowed him to tuck the bothersome lock behind your ear. His fingers lingered for a moment before moving away and it was then that you noticed just how close his lips were in proximity. So much so, that they were nearly all you could see and you couldn’t keep your eyes from drifting down to them.
It was hesitant on both of your behalves. Joshua’s crystal blue eyes lidded half-shut as he ever so slightly drew closer. The gesture was just enough to allow contact in what wasn’t exactly a kiss, but rather a still touch instead. His bottom lip barely nudged against your top before grazing down until your mouths were aligned in a motionless connection.
It was a brief gesture reflecting that the two of you were still in a yearning search for the other’s full consent. It ended a mere second later and after that, it was like the flip of a switch in which the both of you completely understood without having to voice the nature of your desires.
Any remaining morsels of fear washed away from your heart as you took the initiative. You swept forward to reconnect your lips in a fervent kiss. Joshua expressed a hushed noise of wonder that was harmonious to your ears as you gifted several disarrayed pecks to his primed lips. He was swift to regain his composure and match your vigor as best as possible.
With the thudding of your heart and the complete foreign nature of this act with him, the air was quick to deplete from your lungs. Just as quickly as you’d initiated it, you separated from the kiss, chest steadily rising and falling to replenish your breath.
“Please…” Joshua seized your other hand so that he held both in his possession. “Do it again just like that, I beg of you.” He implored with such needing passion to the tone of his deep lilt that you felt your skin prickle in heat.
Who were you to deny such a request when it was the same you’d been so hopelessly pining for up to this very moment? And so indulge him you did.
Joshua let your fingers slip out of his hands for you to draw closer into an amorous hug. As your chest pressed against his, you swore that you could feel the thud of his heart sync with your own. You closed your eyes and met his silken lips with measured movements. One of his hands rested on the small of your back while the other reached up to caress your cheek.
It was almost as if there was a soft humming buzz in your lips that took residence as a faint pulse. It was clear that the two of you were still exhibiting a good amount of restraint in the face of partaking in such a new act together. Although as it progressed, some of the caged desire started to break free.
As the kiss grew more rhythmic and open-mouthed, you could sense Joshua’s summoned flames start to flicker wildly behind your closed eyes. It emitted soft, crackling pops reminiscent of the clattering of tiny glass shards.
Without thinking, in a natural gesture you found yourself clutching onto the material of the back of his shirt tighter. You felt his kisses start to drift to the corner of your mouth before reaching your cheek and traversing further down until he was lining your jaw with them. He nuzzled into the crook of your neck with a few more smooches and strands of his light amber hair tickled beneath your chin. Joshua accepted you into an even more secure embrace and for a moment, the two of you sat slightly swaying in the presence of one another before he pulled away first.
“I’ve wanted to confess to you for quite some time now.” His eyes were swimming in thought as he nibbled the corner of his bottom lip. “I suppose there couldn’t have been a better way.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” You looked over at the ball of embers that had settled back down into its previous calm state.
“My affection for you goes well beyond friendship.” Joshua professed as he took your hand in his. “And if you don’t believe my words, take it from my heart.” He brought your palm up to rest against his chest.
You could feel his quickened pulse racing in his chest at a pace that paralleled your very own. With a broad smile on your lips, you stole his other hand and guided it to your own chest. Upon feeling the matching rapid beat of your heart, Joshua quietly whispered your name.
A moment later, he leaned in to resume the kiss and so you closed your eyes, willing to accept. As he neared, you felt the slight puffs of air from his steady breathing on your top lip. Just as the connection was about to be made, the clamorous groan from the double doors at the front of the library filled the room. Your eyes snapped open and you jumped back in a startled state as your heart leapt forward in your chest. Thankfully, the two of you were much further back in the room, however, it was clear that your privacy was soon to be interrupted by another’s presence.
“I don’t wish to stop.” You pleaded in a quiet whine to Joshua who was turning back to you after looking in the direction of the abrupt noise. He contemplated the situation for a short moment before making a decision and voicing it to you in a whisper.
“Follow me.” He stood from his seat carefully so that it wouldn’t scrape loudly against the wood floor.
Then he extended his open hand out and you grasped it so that he could sweep you up onto your feet. He briskly guided you deeper into the shelves and between two bookcases that were positioned close to one another so that you would be out of sight. Then he waved his hand and you watched as the Phoenix’s flames fizzled out into nothing with a few speckled embers that glided to the floor.
From this point forward, your eyesight was completely void of all light and you couldn’t hardly see a thing aside from the vague outline of Joshua’s form. The only thing you could hear was his shallow breathing and the distant noise of footsteps and rustling pages of books.
You were stunned to feel the sudden presence of Joshua’s lips on your own. You expressed a gasp that muffled against his mouth and you felt your cheeks flare up with heat in response.
“ Shhh shh .” His lips grazed across your cheek and close to your ear.
Then he was pulling away again and for a moment, the silent darkness felt deafening with the loss of contact. And then his lips were firmly pressing against yours for a genuine kiss and you let your eyelids flutter shut. You wrapped your arms around his body and he accepted you into the safety of his embrace. You felt yourself drift slightly until your back was comfortably pressed against the wall.
If whoever the person was that’d entered the library was still around, you didn’t hear it. Neither did you care in the moment. The second born son to the former Archduke of Rosaria was all you could absorb yourself in as he placed kiss after needy kiss to your lips.
His breathing was mildly labored as if he was fighting a rising battle within to contain his desire in your presence. And within just a few moments, you felt the tip of his tongue barely breach your bottom lip. You parted your lips so that he could venture further and join the warmth of your own tongue.
The outright lack of sight made the experience all the more exhilarating. Your sense of touch felt more heightened right down to the details of his soft hair strands tickling your cheek. You slid your hand up from his back to thread within his luscious locks at the nape of his neck to stroke gently.
As he held you close, you let your other hand wander over from his lower back to his abdomen. You toyed with the hem of his shirt before slipping your hand beneath the material and sliding up his skin. The ice chilled touch of your fingers drew a small moan from his lips as his stomach caved in. This time, it was your turn to disconnect and serve him a warning to suppress his volume. You couldn’t see his expression but you could hear the slight brazen puff of air from his nose before he lured your body closer again to resume the kiss.
You let your palm drag all the way up to the lower portion of his chest with satisfaction over the way his mellow skin warmed your touch. One of Joshua’s hands left your back to draw inwards and cup your own with the fabric of his shirt serving as a barrier. It was an intimate gesture that only added to the swarm of affection for him that was cascading through your heart.
The sensation of his entire body pressed against yours made you feel so right as if you were guarded from anything in the world that could pose a threat. The layers of clothing that stuck to your skin was enough to make you feel near feverish, but you didn’t mind at all because his kiss was all that could consume your mind.
Joshua lightly sucked on your bottom lip before disconnecting and trailing several messy kisses down in the direction of your neck. You carefully tweaked strands of his hair between your fingers as his lips latched to your skin to shower you with sentimental kisses and teasing grazes of teeth.
Right when you felt him start to nibble on your skin, a loud clatter echoed through the room and shattered the path of your ministrations together. You realized soon that it was the sound of the library’s entry doors. Joshua’s lips froze in place as your ears strained to detect any footsteps. In the continued absence of sound, you concluded that whoever was in here had indeed vanished.
Joshua pulled away and you saw the dark outline of his hand raise into the air. In a second’s time, a radiating flame was sparking into the palm of his hand before rising next to him. Even though it’d only been a short amount of time without the light’s guidance, you missed his handsome features and you were happy to gaze upon them again.
“We should probably leave before anyone else decides to have a late night read.” Joshua quipped and you nodded to agree. “But before we do, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.” His voice deepened into a more serious tone.
“Anything.” You let your hand drop out from under his shirt before slipping into the grasp of his own.
“If you don’t have anything pressing tomorrow, would you like to meet with me say around lunch?”
“Are you suggesting a date perhaps?” You were pleased that the fire was there to illuminate his flustered mannerisms.
“I suppose I am, would you be interested?”
“I’d be more than happy to.” You gravitated forward off of the wall to peck his cheek.
“Consider it a date then.” Joshua nodded confidentially. “Let me escort you back to your room for the night.”
You nodded with a swooning heart over how gallant and considerate he was in your presence. With your hand still held tightly in his, Joshua turned to maneuver out from between the shelves and down the main hall of the library in the direction of the exit.
And as you swiftly walked past your previously occupied table, the resulting gust of air blew a few pages of the open book left forgotten by the both of you.