Crimson midday light poured through the palace's towering spires, painting everything in blood-warm hues.
Ethan woke alone for the first time since arriving. The massive bed felt too empty without Lilith's warmth. No chains held him now—trust earned in sweat and whispered promises. Silk sheets still carried her scent: jasmine, smoke, and something uniquely hers.
On the pillow beside his head lay a single black rose and a folded note in elegant script.
*My heart,
Explore the gardens if you wish. Touch anything that calls to you. Return to me by dusk.
I will be waiting.
Yours eternally,
Lilith*
He smiled, tracing the letters with a fingertip. Naked, he slipped from the bed and padded barefoot through arched corridors of black marble veined with glowing red.
Servants—demons of every shape and size—bowed as he passed. Some curious, some reverent. None threatening. Whispers followed him like gentle wind.
"The Queen's offering…"
"He glows with her favor…"
"She has not smiled like this in centuries…"
The gardens opened before him: an impossible paradise under the eternal crimson sky. Towering black roses the size of dinner plates. Trees heavy with glowing violet fruit. Streams of liquid starlight sang over obsidian stones. Butterflies with wings of living flame fluttered past.
Ethan wandered, barefoot on soft moss. He plucked a single glowing berry—sweet fire burst across his tongue, warmth spreading straight to his core. His body responded instantly, cock stirring with familiar need. This realm was built for pleasure.
A soft voice called from a shaded arbor. "You must be the one who has her so enchanted."
He turned. A petite succubus approached—skin pale lavender, tiny curved horns, silver hair in loose waves. She wore a sheer wrap that hid nothing. Eyes sparkled with friendly curiosity.
"I'm Lila," she said, bowing slightly. "First attendant to Her Majesty. She speaks of you constantly."
Ethan flushed. "Ethan. Just… Ethan."
Lila smiled warmly. "The entire court feels the change in her. She is stronger every day—your gift. The essence you give so willingly… it radiates through the palace. Even the walls seem brighter."
He shifted, aroused and shy at once. "I just… want to make her happy."
"You do," Lila assured. "More than you know. But word spreads quickly in the nine circles. Rival queens watch. Some envy. Some scheme. A few whisper of challenge."
Ethan's heart tightened. "Challenge?"
Lila nodded, expression softening. "Nothing immediate. But power like hers—growing so suddenly—draws eyes. Be at her side. Love her fiercely. That is your greatest strength."
She reached out, touching his arm gently. "And if you ever need a friend in these halls, you have one."
Ethan smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lila."
He spent the afternoon wandering, tasting fruits, letting warm streams wash over his skin. Every sensation fed the slow, constant ache of need—this body crafted to refill quickly, to always be ready for his Queen.
By late afternoon he returned, heart pulling him back to her like gravity.
Lilith waited in their chambers, bathed in dying crimson light. She wore only a sheer black robe that clung to every curve, nipples dark against the fabric. Ruby eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
"My love," she breathed, crossing the room in three strides. Arms wrapped around him, lifting him effortlessly against her. Kiss deep, hungry, loving.
"I missed you," she murmured between kisses. "Every moment apart felt like years."
Ethan clung to her neck. "The gardens are beautiful. But nowhere near as beautiful as you."
She carried him to the bed, laying him down gently. Robe fell away. Glorious bare skin against his.
"Then let me show you how much I missed you."
She kissed down his body—slow, worshipful. Mouth on his throat, nipples, stomach. When she reached his cock—already hard and leaking glowing pre-essence—she looked up with tender heat.
"May I taste you, darling?"
He nodded, breathless. "Please…"
Lilith took him deep—slow, loving suction. Tongue swirled. Hummed soft vibrations. One hand cupped his balls, rolling gently. Tail teased his inner thigh.
Ethan moaned her name like prayer. Fingers threaded through her hair, careful of horns.
She brought him to the edge twice—pulling back each time with teasing smiles. "Not yet. I want you inside me when you give it."
Finally she rose, straddling his hips. Guided him in with trembling reverence.
Tight, wet heat swallowed him whole.
They both sighed in perfect unison.
Lilith rode slow—deep rolls, grinding clit against him. Hands laced with his. Eyes never leaving his face.
"Ethan… my heart… you feel like destiny."
He thrust up gently, meeting her rhythm. "Love you… so much…"
Pleasure built like warm tide. She leaned down, breasts pressing to his chest. Kissed him through every stroke.
"Come with me, love," she whispered. "Fill me again."
Climax crashed gentle and overwhelming. He spilled deep—thick pulses of glowing essence. She absorbed every drop, walls fluttering in tender orgasm. Skin flared brighter crimson.
They stayed joined, breathing together.
After, she held him close. "Lila spoke to you?"
He nodded against her shoulder. "About rivals. Challenges."
Lilith's arms tightened protectively. "Nothing will take you from me. But yes—the realm stirs. My power grows too quickly for some. There will be a gathering soon. The Night of Crowns. All queens attend. I must show strength."
Ethan kissed her collarbone. "Then let me help. Let me give you more."
She smiled, eyes shining. "You already do. But tonight… I want to teach you control. How to hold essence longer. Build it stronger. So when the time comes, you can flood me with power no rival can match."
Magic sparked in the air. Gentle lessons began—her hand on his cock, stroking slow. Teaching breath, focus, edging.
Hours of sweet torment. She brought him to the brink again and again, denying release until he trembled.
"Hold it, love… feel it build…"
When she finally allowed climax—riding him hard, tail wrapped around his base—he erupted like never before. Essence thicker, brighter, endless pulses.
Lilith screamed in ecstasy, body glowing like a star. Power surged through the palace—windows rattled, torches flared higher.
She collapsed over him, laughing breathlessly. "My gods, Ethan… you're incredible."
He held her tight, spent and proud. "Only for you."
Evening brought dinner in bed—servants delivering platters of glowing fruits, tender meats, wines that tasted of starlight. They fed each other, licking juice from fingers, kisses tasting sweet.
Night deepened. Slow lovemaking followed—missionary, tender. Legs entwined. Whispers of forever.
Just before sleep, Lilith traced his cheek. "Tomorrow we begin true preparation. You will stand at my side at the gathering. My consort. My love."
Ethan kissed her palm. "Always."
Outside, shadows lengthened across the realm. Distant queens felt the surge of power and narrowed their eyes.
Inside their chambers, two hearts beat as one.
The Night of Crowns approached.
And Ethan would give everything to keep his Queen safe.
To be continued…