Long days turned into short weeks and even shorter months as Althea continued to train daily with Arsalan. As promised they had practised so many fighting techniques, Althea felt as though she could take on a monster if she needed to. Her once gangly limbs now had a vibrant definition to them. Even through her thick winter training garbs, the outline of her toned thighs was evident as she walked back to her rooms from the training grounds. Despite the frigid cold outside this past month, Arsalan had insisted upon them training out there, to Althea's utter annoyance. They had also begun manipulating the power that resided within her. At the end of each week, she and Arsalan would spend a day or sometimes two working her mind and her ability. She was able now, to summon the ability to slow time with delicate ease, and had learned how to teleport quickly from one space to another in the same area. And over the past two weeks, she'd even begun learning how to temporarily rewind time by a few minutes. It made her start to wonder if Arsalan had ever rewound time on her...

Yuletide was rapidly nearing now. This weekend started the twelve days of festivities with the winter solstice ball followed by nearly two weeks of feasting, gift giving, and events, such as ballets, fireworks, and performances put on by the travelling theatre. Althea had already gotten gifts for Jasper, Zella, and Monique. She'd even got a shared gift for Meg and James even though she hadn't spoken to the couple very much recently. She hadn't planned to get anything for Arsalan, only because he had said he didn't celebrate the holiday. In his home country of Persia, they had other ritualistic holidays such as Yalda which they celebrated on the night of winter solstice. No she hadn't planned to get him anything... that is until Yemi visited the institution last week. Yemi was an old merchant who came to the institution selling items to be bought as Yuletide gifts. He had travelled through nearly the entirety of Europe trading and selling items, so his collection of rarities including precious stoned jewellery, delicacies from other countries, swords, pistols, and trinkets, was vast. Althea had marvelled at all he had in his wheeled cart. But as soon as she saw that glimmer of silver from within the deepest pocket of his cart she knew she must purchase it for him.

It was a beautifully crafted, steel dagger, with a handle that formed a dragon, bedecked with blue sapphires that glimmered anywhere it lay. The blade itself was serrated into jagged teeth-like points and if he did ever use it on anyone, god be with them. She imagined it would likely tear the unlucky bearer's insides straight out if it were to be plummeted into them. Though its lethal properties are not what had allured Althea to the blade when she'd seen it for the first time. No, it was the silver gleaming dragon on the dagger's hilt that reminded her so much of the one etched into Arsalan's back.

It had cost her a pretty sum of coin, even more than Jasper's gift had cost her, but she didn't regret it, and knew he would enjoy adding it to his collection. As she neared her bedchamber door, she noticed Zella in her usual sitting position at the doors foot. Nearly every day after training they spent their afternoons together in her room, sometimes reading, sometimes just talking. They had met somewhat of an impassable wall on their research... even Arsalan had stopped showing up to her room after training once he'd read through all of the information. The three of them had come to the conclusion that, until Althea was more proficient in manipulating her ability, they would hold off on any confrontation of the board… just in case of any backlash from them. Arsalan had stated that the most important thing as of now was getting her properly trained so that if there were to be any fall out, she could at least protect herself, she had agreed. Though it did feel as if by doing so, she was giving in somehow... even though she hadn't, it felt like she was admitting defeat to these questions she so desperately wanted answers for.

"Good afternoon!" Zella beamed at Althea in her usual cheery tone.

"Yes it is, especially now that I am out of the cold!" Althea smiled back, opening the door to her chamber which she kept locked now, just in case anyone were to ever snoop through her things. She had kept only a few of the many books she'd taken from the hidden library, putting the rest back in their original spot behind the wall.

"So how is Arsalan? I haven't seen him in quite some time," Zella inquired. The truth was he had seemed distracted as of late. Althea had wanted to ask if he was okay, but she knew he would likely retreat so she avoided the topic when they trained.

"He's been good, we've been working on defensive combat and furthering my ability. He's just his normal brooding self," Althea rolled her eyes with a playful half smile. That much was at least true, he had been especially brutal lately during their combat training. But Althea had the slightest inclination that this was due to how strong she'd gotten over the past months. Even she'd noticed the shift in their sparing dynamic. There were times when she would catch him off guard and nearly take the wind from him, and to combat this, he had begun going harder on her. And despite how sore her arms would be after hours of blocking his harsh jabs, it was all the more rewarding when she did swing a good palm strike and hit him.

Archie waddled from the bathing chamber to greet the two girls as they each sat. "And good afternoon to you too Archibald," Zella crooned, petting the cat beneath his grey speckled chin.

"So has Layana finished your evening gown for the winter solstice ball this weekend?" Zellas asked, looking up from the cat now.

Althea nodded, smiling.

"Yes, it's in my bathing chamber if you'd like to take a look. It's not quite as extravagant as my gown for the fall equinox ball, but I opted for something a bit more simplistic this time around."

"I don't think it's possible for you not to look extravagant. But I'll wait to be the judge of that until I see it on you this weekend." Zella always flattered Althea, which is one of the many, many reasons she'd grown so fond of her beloved friend.

…

After dinner that night, Althea found herself being steered up the stairs by Jasper as he kissed her neck and chest at each landing. Oh how she revelled in the feeling of his warm lips, and his fingers as they traced her skin. This time however, Jasper pushed the door to the floor below hers open as he pulled his lips from hers.

"Mm, wait," she paused looking up at him, "it's one more floor up." Had he drunk more ale than she'd thought tonight?

He just smirked down at her, "oh I know love, but I want, no need you right here, right now." His voice was like a siren's call into her ear as his breath melted against her skin.

She breathed out a sigh as he trailed a hand down the loose cotton tunic and trousers, gripping her rear through them.

"My room is right here," he nodded his head towards the door across from them. Her breath caught slightly. She'd never been inside of his room before. Suddenly her heart began beating faster as he laid his palm flat against the small of her back, leading her towards the large wooden door. Why was she nervous? It's not as if she didn't know what to expect... there would be a bed, and a bathing chamber... and maybe a desk. But somehow it was different. He was leading her to sleep with him, in his bed. Something about it felt more intimate to her. His fingers caressed the doorknob, twisting it until the door clicked open. The room was dark, but as soon as she took the first step inside, the deliciously citrus scent of him filled her nose. Althea wrapped her arms around herself as the frigid draft of the room swept up her body now. Jasper let go of her and began lighting the sconces using one from the corridor outside of his bedchamber. He also used it to light the fireplace which would hopefully warm up the room quickly.

Althea gazed around the room which was about the same size as hers, but the bed was larger than hers, and this room was decorated in a light sage green, with green cotton bed linens and a green canopy atop the bed. A large wooden desk sat in one corner, scattered with books and scrolls, above it was a large stained glass window with an image of a horse and chariot. Althea bit her lip as she took in the stunning surroundings.

Once the hearth was lit, Jasper returned his attention back to her, watching as she gazed around the large bed chamber.

His hands slithered around her waist, pulling her to him as he leaned down to unite them in a smooth, supple kiss. She closed her eyes as Jasper slid one hand up to cup the back of her neck, pulling her in deeper with each movement. She could hardly breathe, she was so immersed in the delicious taste of his tongue on hers. And she'd hardly even noticed when he'd begun walking her backwards towards the large bed. When her legs met with the force of the wooden bed frame, she reached down to his belt without breaking contact with his lips, as she unbuckled the clasp.

She was desperately yearning for him from within. Tonight was the first night he'd been at the institution for a fortnight. He had left the first week of December for a mission he was needed for in Skyworth. She'd attempted to ask him what he'd be going there for, but of course, he couldn't give way to any details. She loved him, but she sometimes wondered if given the chance, he would choose her over the cadre and its corrupted board. But she kept telling herself that if he knew, if she showed him the ancient memoirs and texts, that he would choose her without a thought... and yet she still hadn't. She'd had every opportunity to share the knowledge with him, but something had always stopped her. She would know when the time was right, and when it was, she would tell him everything.

He laid her down on the bed and began kissing from her lips, down her neck. Althea delighted at the way his hair fell from its tie to tickle her neck as he kissed up to her ear. She arched her back at the sensational feeling of his warm, wet lips and tongue.

Jasper broke away from her and smiled as he pulled the tan tunic over his head. He was devilishly handsome. Althea bit a lip as she wondered at him. Loose strands of brown hair swirled around that angelic face. Throwing the shirt to his side, he looked towards her once more, noticing the loving stare she gave him.

"You are the most beautiful creation of them all Althea Lezant," he leaned down to place a gentle kiss against her lips.

In a series of swift movements, Althea was without her cotton tunic, trousers, and undergarments and Jasper kissed his way down to the apex of her thighs. She craned her neck and arched her back as his hot mouth met with the dampness there.

Althea shot a quick hand to him, tangling her fingers through his hair as he swirled his tongue around the part of her that throbbed for him. Oh, how she had missed this over the last weeks. She'd touched herself, the way he'd taught her, nearly every night, thinking of him. She'd imagined it were him sliding into her, rather than her own fingers. She'd thought of the way he looked as he was nearing his climax, focusing on that determined face of pure ecstasy as he pulled himself from her to explode on her stomach.

Unable to stop herself she sat up, breaking his contact with her core and reaching for the white under trousers he still wore. She pulled them down swiftly and reached for his already hard erection. Without skipping a beat, she laid on her stomach and put his length into her mouth. She had spent the past three months memorising all of the things that put him into a full euphoric state, and one of them was when she circled her tongue around the head of his cock, as she was doing now.

Althea looked up at him as she did so, watching as his head rolled back.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"My god Althea," he moaned, suppressing a swear as he bit his lip and entangled a hand with her hair. She continued pleasuring him for a few minutes, pushing him nearly to the edge before removing him from her mouth. She loved the power she felt when he was at her mercy.

When she finally removed his length from between her warm lips, she stood, smiling nefariously at him. He bent low, bringing his mouth to her ear.

"Mm, I have missed you so much, every second I was away, I thought of you, and every night as I laid in bed, I imagined it were I inside of you as I stroked myself." Jasper's voice was a wicked caress against her neck.

In a swift motion, Jasper pulled her up from the bed until she stood so close to him that his erection slid over her stomach. He reached a hand down to grip himself, gliding his cock, still wet from Althea's mouth, against her core.

A small moan escaped her lips at the sensation. Her body ached for Jasper, so desperate for him to fill her she was a quivering mess.

As if reading her very thoughts, Jasper grabbed her waist and pushed her onto the green cotton blankets. His bed was just as comfortable as hers, if not more so. But she didn't have much time to relish in it before Jasper was at her entrance, seemingly just as eager as she was as he wasted no time slipping himself into her.

Althea let out a sob of pleasure as he slid fully into her with such ease due to the pool of wetness that had drenched her there.

"Oh Jasper!" she cried out as he began thrusting in and out of her with such haste she felt the need to grip his shoulder to slow his tempo. Understanding, he paused his movement. Althea used this to her advantage, gyrating her hips into him as she clenched him tightly inside of her.

Jasper's eyes rolled back in his head and she could feel his arms beginning to shake as he held himself above her.

"God be damned, you must have the devil within you to feel this..." he was unable to get out the rest of the words as he dropped to his elbows, holding her close to him as she continued bucking her hips into him.

Althea could feel herself so close to that feeling of release she'd been so desperate to receive. She'd been able to push herself over that edge when she'd pleasured herself, but she was desperate to feel that erotic sensation from him as they made love. She could feel the bursting explosion building within her as she began clenching around him harder and faster.

She was close... so close as her mouth gaped and she reached a metaphorical hand out towards release. Althea dug her nails into Jasper's flesh and he groaned into her neck. He lifted himself back up with a hand and began pounding into her quickly and hard. So hard he had to put his knees onto the bed as he’d pushed her back. He thrust faster and faster until he was attempting to pull himself from her opening.

"No wait," she pleaded, so desperate, and so close to her own euphoria that it hurt.

"I'm sorry, I'm," and with a swift pull from within her, he painted her torso in his milky white seed.

Althea breathed out a defeated sigh as Jasper grunted, stroking himself as the full extent of him drained onto her stomach. She closed her eyes, slowly coming down from the high she'd been chasing. Something inside of her ached with a need so deep and unmet that it pained her. Jasper flopped down on the bed beside her and leaned to kiss her hot, flushed cheek.

"It gets better every time," he breathed out, clearly exhausted from their activities.

She coaxed a small smile onto her lips as she opened her eyes to look at him. Despite her own unmet need she was at least happy she'd pleased him.

…

Before Althea knew it, the day of the Winter Solstice ball was upon the institution. Though this event would only include the cadre members residing at this institution, there had still been much hustle and bustle surrounding the event. From the staff preparing tonight's courses, to the next twelves days of feasts, to the large Yuletide tree in the ballroom and all of the decorations, consisting of pine wreaths and garlands and glass baubles of red, silver and gold. They'd even gotten a handcrafted ice sculpture that sat in the courtyard of the institution.

As they had for the last ball, Althea and Zella readied themselves in Althea's bedchamber. Zella had begged her to do her makeup for this event as well, and Althea had, opting this time around, for a lighter cosmetic application to match her lighter features. Zellas skin had gotten a bit fairer over the last months, making the lighter colours suit her skin tone a bit better. Althea had applied a red toned rouge liberally to both her cheeks, dragging it up towards her temples. As for the eyes, Althea had chosen to keep the look simple with a bit of silver dusting she'd gotten from Florence at the apothecary, and a thin coal line above her eyes. She'd also used the berry red lip stain Zella had brought with her, saying it matched the gown she'd picked for tonight.

Of course the girl had been ecstatic upon seeing the results which brought a smile to Althea's lips.

She'd done her own makeup with a similar simple elegance, coating her eyes in the same silver powder she'd done on Zellas. However, she mixed with it an icy blue that, as she put it on, she couldn't help but notice the similarity it had to Arsalans eyes.

Althea had applied a scented lip oil that smelled of something sweet, like a dessert, keeping her lips their natural muted, pale pink.

The door beside her creaked open as she dabbed the oil onto her lips. She glanced to her side and stopped all motion as she took in the pure exquisite beauty that was the Candidus girl. Althea hardly recognized the playful spirited girl whom she'd spent so many countless hours with since her arrival at the institution.

A smile graced Zellas lips as she took in Althea's wide eyed gaze. She'd had another gown custom made for her by Layana, but this time the dress was a brilliantly rich red that reminded Althea of her favourite berry wine. The red dye seeped effortlessly into a smoky grey at the bottom of the gown. But the most intriguing part of this design were the sleeves, which were attached in a long sweep of ombré fabric that connected from her upper back to each of her dainty wrists. That along with the criss cross straps that gathered around her waist. The dress in its entirety was so intricate and reminded Althea of a warrior princess as she marvelled at the cascade of chiffon and tulle that sprawled the ground around Zella.

Suddenly Althea remembered Zella's gift! She had intended to give it to her on the actual night of Yule, but now felt it imperative that she bestow it upon her now, as it would compliment her gown perfectly.

"You look..." Althea breathed out in a near whisper, "absolutely imperial."

She reached into the desk drawer where the gifts she'd gotten for her friends lay, fumbling slightly as she grabbed the black fabric box which held Zellas gift. It was a ruby choker, crafted entirely of silver which had been shaped into elegant swirls around the centre teardrop shaped stone. She'd noticed the girl eyeing it one day as they passed the goldsmiths shop beside Layana's boutique. Althea handed the girl the black box and her lips curved to the side in an awkward sort of grin.

"What is this?" she asked, taking the box hesitantly in her hands.

"Your Yuletide gift of course," she beamed back at the girl, "but I decided to give it to you now, just in case you may like to wear it."

"Oh," Zella sighed, her brows raising in the centre of her forehead earnestly, "you needn't get me anything. Now I feel as though I must retrieve your gift from my bedchamber." Althea just shook her head.

"No no, that is quite alright! It can wait, go ahead and open your gift!" she cooed, watching as Zellas thin fingers lifted the lid from the box. Her eyes gleamed at what she beheld inside and she grasped the necklace in her hands quickly, dropping the box onto the wooden floor beneath her.

Althea let out a soft chuckle as Zella beamed at her wide-eyed. "You got the necklace I was pining after at the goldsmiths shop?" She didn't even give Althea a chance to answer before she was throwing herself into her, wrapping her arms tightly around Althea.

"This is the nicest gift anyone has ever gotten for me," her voice broke into Althea's ear in a sob. She just smiled, hugging the girl back. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome."

After helping Zella secure the necklace at her throat, Althea entered her bathing chamber to get dressed into the gown she'd picked for this winter's solstice. This gown was far different from the one she'd worn months earlier at the fall equinox ball. As she pulled it from the garment bag, Althea marvelled at the layers and layers of soft tulle. The dress was a stunning blue, so light it almost looked white in the dim light. The bodice had been made to perfectly fit Althea's chest and waist. Like her previous gown, this one also used a clear mesh fabric to seamlessly blend blue lace patterns over her chest and down her arms. However, this dress bowed out at her waist in a waterfall of tulle that was hand beaded with what had to be thousands of glittering icy whitish blue snow flecks. Her favourite aspect of this gown though, was the long piece of lace and beaded detail fabric that draped over her shoulders and down her back like a cape. It gave the entire gown a more regal look which she absolutely adored.

Althea opted to tie her thick mass of brown curls into a style at the nape of her neck, securing the updo with a matching hairpiece that Layana had made to suit her dress perfectly.

When she walked from her bathing room Zella shouted out words of praise, making Althea laugh.

"My goodness, look at you! You look as though you could control an entire kingdom in the snow capped mountains of Lapland!" Zella shouted, swirling her finger, signalling for Althea to spin so she could see the entire dress. Althea did, admitting she had missed a few buttons that she needed Zellas help with.

…

Once they were both fully ready, they began making their way to the dining hall where their feast was awaiting them. Linking their arms together, they made their way down the stairs. Most everyone was already in the dining hall once they entered through the large entryway. Though a few females still gave compliments and asked who made their gowns as they passed by.

The dining hall was loud with chatter and crowded with everyone wearing beautiful Yuletide gowns. As her eyes scanned the room, she was met by Jasper's gaping mouth as he stared in awe at her from across the dining hall. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she waved a small flutter of her fingers towards him. He waved back an unsteady hand at her. Jasper wore a silver suit bedecked with shining, silver metal shoulder braces and wrist cuffs. The design reminded her of the knights she'd read of in tales depicting mediaeval castles with princesses who needed saving. And though she was far from needing saving, she enjoyed the sentiment all the same.

The two girls made their way to their group of friends, making to sit beside them. Jasper of course had saved a space beside himself, and the seat beside that sat open for Zella. The staff had already begun serving tonight's feast, which judging by the mouthwatering aroma that filled the room, was ham. Jasper pulled Althea's chair out for her after giving her a gentle hug as he did. "You look absolutely divine tonight," he'd whispered in her ear as his hand caressed her back.

They sat and talked as they waited to be served their meals. Monique complimented both girls on their appearances to which they'd done the same. Monique wore a lovely white satin gown that had extra layers on the rear for added lift. It suited her well though, despite it not exactly being Althea's style, Monique could look good in just about anything. Meg and James paid them both little attention as they seemed to be in the midst of a very important debate about something.

"So Althea, Jasper... how have the two of you been?" Monique asked, placing a white gloved hand beneath her chin. Something in her blue eyed gaze almost looked... indifferent. However, in a quick blink, any sign of that look was gone. Althea blinked too, looking up at Jasper with a smile. She must have imagined such a silly thing, Monique was one of the kindest souls she'd ever met, all of her friends here at the institution were, even Meg despite her occasional snide remarks and behaviour.

"We are both great," Jasper answered for the both of them. He glanced down to look at Althea, his jaw clenching as he pulled their intertwined hands from beneath the wooden table to mark hers with a kiss, "I'm so glad I've finally made her completely and entirely mine."

Althea swallowed, fixing her smile as she looked from him to Monique. She didn't know why but something about his tone made her feel slightly... odd. She loved him, and she loved the idea that they were both in a way sworn to one another but hearing him say that she was his with such possessive intent... as if she were no more than a wild stallion he'd captured and broken. The thought made a chill rush up and through her body.

Suddenly one of the servants reached down, placing a plate consisting of sliced honey glazed ham, roasted oregano and thyme potatoes drizzled in a red wine sauce, sautéed garlic asparagus and two yeast rolls, before her. One look at the delectable plate of food in front of her and all thoughts of their conversation ceased to exist in her mind.