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Geranium scented steam billowed out of the bathroom as Cyra turned the dial, making her shower as hot as she could. The scalding spray hit her shoulders and she could feel herself start to relax. Breaking Benjamin blared from the small speaker on the counter as she got ready for date night with Astarion. She stood directly under the showerhead, the water cascading over her face as she enjoyed the peace of having the penthouse to herself. Cyra loved the twins more than life itself, but she could not remember the last time she was alone since they were born.
She wrapped herself in a large fluffy towel and stepped out into her bedroom. The large balcony window overlooked the central park, the evening sky swirled with rosy hues as the sun sank towards the horizon. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she carefully rubbed scented oils onto her delicate dragon scales. Cyra admired how they shimmered in the setting sunlight, their golden hue reflecting on her face. She let the towel fall to the floor as she perused through her closet, mouthing the words to the song blaring from the bathroom as she carded through her wardrobe.
Astarion had told her to meet him at a new tavern, ‘something different from their usual haunts’ he had said. He had given her absolutely no clues and she frowned as she looked at her clothes, unsure of what to wear. After holding several sleek dresses up to her body, Cyra shimmied into a red velvet ensemble and posed in front of her long mirror. She decided it did nothing for her figure and tossed it onto the bed. A few more dresses and pants suits later- all tossed onto the reject pile- she chose a low cut halter dress, black chiffon with slits that ran up both of her thighs.
She sat at her vanity and smoothed her long red hair into a high ponytail, her slim fingers twisting her locks into its usual braid. Cyra smudged some kohl along her waterline and threw a compact mirror into her clutch. Slipping her feet into her newest pair of Louboutins, she took one last glance in the mirror before heading out.
The click of Cyra’s stiletto heels echoed through the penthouse lobby as she made her way to the concierge. The few employees wandering about all stopped to stare at the gorgeous drow woman as she switched her hips with each confident step. Lifting one perfectly manicured hand to ring the bell, she furrowed her brows as she scrolled through all the missed messages on her cellphone. Work orders and countless social obligations flashed across her screen as she waited for assistance.
“Good evening Madam Ancunin, how may I assist?” The concierge asked.
“A car please.” She replied without looking up, the screen of her phone illuminating her amethyst eyes.
“Right away mum.” The concierge replied as he picked up his phone.
Cyra nodded and headed outside. The summer night was still warm on her skin as she waited for her car. A soft breeze twirled her skirt around her long legs. As she scrolled through her messages, a text popped up from Astarion.
“I can’t wait to see you, my treasure.”
Cyra felt her countenance soften into a smile at her husband’s words. For the last few weeks they had both been very busy between work and the children. She and Astarion loved the life they had curated for themselves and their little family, and were satisfied knowing their children would never go through the turmoil they had experienced. Closing her messages and emails, she let herself gaze at the photo of the twins on her homescreen.
“Good evening Miss Cyra.” A grey haired chauffeur said, pulling her out of her thoughts. He stood with the door of the towncar open, his hand held out.
“Good evening Jacob.” Cyra replied as she slid into the backseat.
“Where are we off to this evening?”
“The Crimson Tempest please. Have you heard of it?” Cyra asked.
“Oh yes, supposed to be real special Miss Cyra. I’ll get you there in no time at all.” The driver replied with a smile.
Cyra leaned into her seat and closed her eyes while she wondered what Astarion had planned. It was not like him to be secretive, yet for the past week she had felt he was up to something. All she was told this afternoon was Crimson Tempest, and not to worry about what she wore. Which of course she did.
She rolled the window down for some air and heard the unmistakable sound of waves rolling onto shore and gulls calling in the distance. The thick salty sea air was cool on her skin as she gazed into the darkness. Cyra could just make out a line of masts in the dim light of the harbor.
“Where are we?” Cyra called to the driver.
“Almost to the Crimson Tempest, mum.” The chauffeur replied with a smile.
A moment later the car rolled to a stop and her door popped open. A pale hand was held out to her as a familiar voice purred.
“Good evening, little dragon.” Astarion pulled Cyra close to him, his crimson eyes scanned her body. “You look magnificent this evening.”
“Thank you, Noachi . What are we doing out here though?” Cyra asked, gesturing to the coastline.
“I thought a quiet evening alone was called for. You have been working tirelessly and tonight is for you.” Astarion tilted her chin and gave her a soft peck on her lips. A sly smile crossed his face as he took her hand and led her to the docks.
The gangway rocked gently with the waves as the couple walked towards the end of the marina. The misty sea air swirled around them and cast ghostly halos around the lights lining the docks. In the very last slip, a sailboat strung with lights bobbed in the water. The words Crimson Tempest written in flowy golden letters glittered along the side.
As Cyra stepped onto the deck, she noticed a small table draped with a white table cloth. A silver champagne bucket and two crystal flutes shimmered in the candle light. A single long stemmed rose lay across the table. Cyra glanced around the deck and noticed a guitar leaning against the far corner.
“Astarion, this is beautiful! Is this ours?” Cyra sat down and held the bloom to her nose, taking in the rich floral scent.
“Yes my treasure. Our own little romantic getaway. Any time we want it.” Astarion’s eyes glistened crimson in the soft light as he poured Cyra a glass of champagne.
“Where did the name come from?” She asked after taking a sip from her glass.
“It just felt right, we can always change it if you don’t like it.” Astarion replied.
“Not at all, it sounds so mysterious.” Cyra smiled as she took another sip. “What do you have planned for me tonight, Noachi ?”
“Well aside from ravishing you until the sun peaks over the horizon…” He smirked as he reached for his guitar. “I wrote something for you.”
Astarion twisted the tuning pegs as he strummed the strings of his guitar, making sure the sound was just right. The soft melody flowed in the air between them as he started to sing:
“You can see right through my skin
I can't hide when you're looking in
Oh, sometimes, I wonder what it would be like
To feel the stones and not cave in”
Cyra felt her cheeks redden as she listened to the words. Her husband had always been able to see her, look beyond the stone facade and dark past. He chose to love her anyway.
“'Cause you say I'm beautiful
But my love is breakable
I got a glass heart
Full of diamonds”
The last chord lingered in the salt-kissed air. She leaned her forehead against his, the warm glow of the candlelight flickering between them.
"You always know exactly what I need, even when I don’t," she whispered.
Astarion set the guitar onto the floor and pulled Cyra into his lap. His long fingers gently caressed her dragon scales, the warmth of her skin radiating between them. They sat in silence for a moment listening to the waves, lost in each other's gaze.