Far beyond guilt and hesitation, Emily pulled her lover closer, unfurling her eager body in the lukewarm water. Arthur adjusted himself on top of her, as their nudities merged between the scattered petals and the lush foam. She instinctively arched her back and wrapped her thighs around his waist, rubbing her pubis hard against his stiff manhood. Arthur sank into her shortly after, holding on to the edge of the tub. Each energetic thrust made Emily's body shudder and bounce against the marble bottom, rekindling the burning arousal inside her. Simultaneously, Arthur's curious fingers roamed around her neck, grazing her collarbone and her quivering breasts. Emily seized him and shook her hips until she was moaning and gasping for air. She tried to lock her gaze to the ceiling, but Arthur gripped her chin and forced her to stare back at him. She realized his amber eyes were so bright, that they could somehow comprise Rosetta's thousand splendors.

Suddenly, he groaned and pulled away from her, breathing heavily. Emily thought he was about to leave, so she reached for his hand once more. To her surprise, Arthur did not turn around as she initially assumed. On the contrary, he tugged her hair and forced her to bend on the adjacent wall. A few seconds later, one of his big hands pressed her swollen bud, massaging it very gently, while his wet fingers worked their way between Emily's buttocks. She shivered as soon as she felt Arthur's thumb circling around her tight entrance; she knew exactly what was about to take place. She stood still and allowed him to break her resistance little by little, from his thumb to his index finger and his staggering length. The initial contact made her sore and tense, but her body gradually expanded and adjusted to his size. Just then, an unexpected stream of pleasant sensations vanquished the pain, and she pleaded for his impetus all over again. They reached their climax together, in complete symmetry and correspondence. Fortunately, Emily did not have to run this time. She was able to hold him close to her chest and kiss his lips in silence, as if it was meant to be that way from the very beginning.

*

The next couple of days were some of the happiest in Emily's life. She would spend her evenings conversing with Lord Arthur, contemplating their pasts, discussing their favorite books, and exploring each other's bodies. They made love on the bed, on the floor, and on the couch, unafraid to immerse themselves in the delights of fervor and imagination. And even though Arthur had to leave the room every morning to check on his husband or attend to his business, he was always excited to come back and find her sitting by the fire. Emily simply could not get enough of his tender, intelligent character. She found it easy to cuddle in his arms and talk to him for hours; she almost forgot about the daunting difference that pulled them apart, the inflexible dynamics that bound women to their masters. She had to remind herself that Lord Arthur would never view her as an equal, even if his affection seemed genuine, and that he owed his love to someone else. Despite that, she still found herself longing for him and daydreaming about a future together.

–Have you ever wondered if there is some kind of place, somewhere beyond the stars, where a couple like us could share a life in peace?

Her odd question took him by surprise, but he did not look flustered at all. He reached for her hand and kissed it dearly, as they lay naked on the unmade bed.

–Perhaps there is… Right across the ocean.

–What?

–My grandfather did a lot of sailing during the war. He told me about the land of the pagans.

–The savages?

–They are not savages, Emily. Their culture is different, that is all.

–They murder their own children.

–That is a blatant lie. Our soldiers made that up to justify their brutality. They pillaged and annihilated entire towns. Yet, they dare to call their enemies beastly.

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Emily nodded, taking in the revelation. It was not entirely shocking, though. She was well aware of powerful men's constant tactics to control and manipulate their subjects' beliefs.

–That explains why they despise our people and our religion so much.

–They can be hostile, and some of their customs may be shocking to us. However, we are also alike in many ways. They work, they dream, they struggle, and they suffer just like we do. The thing is, marriage between men and women is endorsed in their culture, while same-sex relationships are severely punished.

–Really? Shit, isn't there some place in the world where people can simply love and marry who they want to?

–I am afraid our societies are not ready for such a degenerate outcome.

They laughed with ease, and Emily rested her head on his placid chest once more. She suddenly remembered the obscene rumors about Arthur's father; she wondered if his celebrated and heroic grandfather had ever dared to sleep or even to marry pagan women during his numerous expeditions. She pictured how scandalous that would be.

–Arthur, our realm needs urgent reforms. People should not be afraid to be different, or critical, or curious. We should be able to question and reinvent ancient traditions. I heard the king is coming to your annual ball. Perhaps you could address the situation with him. You are a respected man; he will listen to your proposals.

–The king is a reasonable and benevolent ruler, but there is not much he can do at this point; he is about to retire.

–Then hopefully one of his heirs will advocate for change, and you can be part of it.

–I would love to. Regrettably, the religious council would never allow it. It is their duty to designate the king's successor. And they will always choose someone who endorses their interests.

Emily sighed, frustrated. Arthur was right: Rosetta's theocracy was extremely rigid and deep-rooted in every aspect of social life. Most importantly, religious authorities were completely aware of their power and they would never renounce their privileges.

–Well, I believe the religious council should be overthrown.

Arthur's eyes automatically widened out of shock. He certainly had never heard such a radical statement before, despite labeling himself as a critical thinker.

–You are taking things too far, Emily. You should watch your mouth.

His lack of tact made Emily pout.

–Why? Because I am talking about your boastful husband?

–Yes, you are talking about my husband, but also about our realm's entire belief system.

–Easy for you to say, being part of an elite that oppresses people like me.

An awkward silence followed her reproof, and Lord Arthur became sullen. Part of him understood her rage; he simply did not know how to embrace it. Emily tried her best to calm down, but her eyes got teary. Her lover pulled her closer then.

–I am sorry, I didn't mean to bring you down.

–Please be honest with me, Arthur. Do you really care about me? Do I mean something to you? Or am I just an experimental game?

–Don't be silly. Of course I care about you. If this were a perfect world, I could prove it; I could give you my life. Unfortunately, we will never be more than a forbidden affair. There is no hope for us. You said it yourself that night at the pond.

Emily was hurt by his words, even though she comprehended them. She decided to change the subject. It was futile to think about the future; they still had to focus on their present challenges, for instance, Lord Leandre's family plans.

–I guess you are right. We were not even supposed to be here in the first place. Thank you so much for helping me out.

–Don't worry about it. It was a delight to share my nights with you. I tried my best to avoid impregnation, so you do not have to struggle with an unwanted pregnancy. When Leandre finds out you are not with child, he will probably assume there is something wrong with you, and he might select another maiden for the springtime.

Emily leaned in to hug him, brushing his neck with her fingertips.

–You are a great man, Arthur. If I ever were to become a mother, I would be more than happy to bear your child.

They were about to kiss, but suddenly the bedroom's heavy door swung open. They almost jumped as they recognized Lord Leandre standing at the threshold.

–Holding hands, huh? Just like two peasant maidens... Anyway, I hate to interrupt, love, but the festival's final party is about to start. Hurry up, go get dressed. Emily is coming too; I want to introduce her to the royal family.

Arthur quickly rose to his feet, giving one last glance at his restless lover. Emily tried to convince herself that their ardent affair would conclude as soon as he walked out that door, but it was impossible. She did not want to admit it; she might even hate herself for it. However, she could not deny it anymore: she was in love with her master, and no amount of risk or judiciousness could change it from there on.