Sapphire yielded, allowing herself to be laid back against the expensive fabric of her bedspread. Her blood warmed and she leaned into the witch’s hands as they found their way to her thigh, tracing delicate circles on her skin. Her breath hitched at the contact, a small moan threatening to break free, so she buried the sound in the witch’s lips. Ashes took deep, reverent breaths at her neck, inhaling the perfume on her skin. Heat rippled wherever their skin met, and Sapphire lost herself in the feeling.

‘I want –’ Sapphire murmured into the witch’s lips.

‘What do you want, princess?’ Ashes’ voice was unhinged in a way that lit Sapphire’s core. ‘Tell me.’

‘More,’ Sapphire groaned. ‘I want more.’

Ashes cupped a hand behind her head, pulling her closer, a delicious smirk on her face. ‘Greedy,’ she breathed, full of headiness. Ashes captured her lips again, wilder than before. Her other hand wandered under the hem of Sapphire’s gown, finding soft, sensitive skin and as Ashes bit down on her lip, Sapphire threw everything down at that kiss.

Her desire, her desperation. Because, in that moment, she knew she would damn the kingdom, sell it and all its riches, and leave it to crumble in the annals of history for more of this, of the witch pressed against her. And for the feeling that had started to burrow its way into her heart.

Ashes pulled back, staring at her, and Sapphire whimpered. The witch took her hand and studied her scarred palm. Sapphire tried to shrink away, suddenly conscious of the jagged skin.

‘Don’t hide from me,’ Ashes commanded, and her fingers wrapped around Sapphire’s wrist. Sapphire watched as she pressed her cold lips to the scar. They remained there for a few moments before lingering over Sapphire’s open palm, her delicate fingers digging into Sapphire’s skin.

‘You’re not the only one with scars, princess,’ Ashes mused, shifting the sleeve of her dress from her shoulder. There, Sapphire found jagged scars running across the witch’s skin.

She reached out a timid hand and Ashes nodded, allowing Sapphire to trace the lines gently.

‘Did – did someone hurt you?’

Sapphire stared at the pattern of risen flesh, trying to memorize the vulnerability the witch was offering her. But Ashes simply shrugged, pressing her lips against Sapphire’s once more.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when Ashes’ body stiffened and she pushed away from the bed.

‘I have to go.’

Her eyes darted around them as if she was searching for someone looking in on the private moment they had shared.

‘But – I want –’

‘I know,’ Ashes said, her voice strained as she pulled Sapphire in close for a quick kiss that brimmed with promise. ‘I know. But when my coven calls, I must go.’

‘Do they know,’ Sapphire questioned, unsure if she truly wanted the answer, ‘that you’re here with me?’