Ever After, Chapter 6
Title: Ever After
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Andy/Miranda
Length: 4000 (this chapter)
Summary: AU, sort of a crossover with “ Three wishes/hazelnuts for Cinderella”.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Cinderella or the Devil Wears Prada, I only (ab)use them for fangirl moments!
A/N: This was supposed to be the last chapter, but I could not make it all fit and I did not want to compromise the length of certain scenes, so there’s still more to come. This chapter is mostly just Andy and Miranda mush. I hope that’s alright? ;-D
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4| Chapter 5
Chapter Six
The room had gone completely quiet and every single pair of eyes moved to Andy. For a short moment it didn’t matter that she had just interrupted the King and had the entire court looking at her. Her sole focus was her father, on his knees, in front of His Majesty, looking roughed-up and admitting to a crime. When the outraged look on the King’s face registered, Andy staggered slightly, falling into a curtsy as low as she could to hide her burning cheeks and stammering a string of apologies. She felt completely lost and torn between the wish to die of embarrassment and the urge to protect her father, criminal or not.
A warm hand on her back urged her up and Miranda’s voice remained even as it travelled across the large hall. “Maximillian, please carry on.” The King regarded the two of them briefly and then turned his attention back to the prisoners. Richard, however, still looked at his daughter with wide eyes. Andy flinched as she saw the king step closer to her father and clear his throat.
Miranda removed her hand from Andy’s back and whispered, “Emily, escort Andréa into the hallway.” The red-head’s unhappy look was countered by an icy, commanding stare from the older woman and Emily quickly moved to pull Andy by her dress. Confused brown eyes sought out blue ones but Miranda had already turned her attention back toward the scene on the lower level. Andy was too shocked to protest and stumbled after Emily until the door was closed behind them.
“Thanks to you, I’m going to miss all the fun,” Emily scoffed once she had let go of Andy’s dress. She walked a few paces and then turned around to regard the other woman with a softened expression. “Is that really your father in there?” Andy who had been staring off into space, faced Emily and as it dawned on her she slowly nodded. Suddenly it all started to make sense. The many “journeys” her father had gone on. The pieces of silver he had continuously brought home and handed over to Clarissa, which were more than he had ever earned from selling a good horse. However Andy could still not imagine her father doing something as despicable as robbery. It seemed bizarre.
Andy must have looked truly lost because Emily refrained from mocking her any further and moved to sit down on the stairs around the corner. Her mind racing a hundred miles a second, Andy moved to join her. She sat and drew up her knees and leaned forward to hug them. “What...” she faltered and continued in a barely audible whisper, “what’s going to happen to my father?” The red-head did not respond and the silence spoke for itself. Feeling the heat of tears push at her eyes Andy hid her face in her palms and let her head drop to her lap.
She cried as quietly as she could. She knew Emily didn’t particularly like her or had patience for an emotional outburst. So it startled her when she felt a tentative hand on her shoulder, lightly patting her, as if unsure about how to display such a basic act of compassion. Andy thought it best not to acknowledge it but felt herself calm down a little. The sound of an opening door forced up her head. She heard brisk steps approach and then Miranda’s face peeked around the corner.
“Ah, there you are!” Andy wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or terrified. She hadn’t liked the evil little grin on Miranda’s face right before she had come to recognize her father. Miranda had seemed thrilled at the idea of punishing whoever had made the mistake of laying hands on her coffee shipments. Andy didn’t dare to look at the older woman. She was probably very angry, not only about disturbing the King but also about the fact that it had been And’s father who was responsible for the low supply of coffee in the castle. A fresh stream of tears spilled from her eyes.
From the corner of her eye Andy watched Miranda step closer and effortlessly sit a step below her. A hand, reaching for her knee, made her look back into those blue eyes, which held none of the earlier triumph. Instead Andy found concern and slight confusion. Miranda’s thumb was rubbing soothingly through the fabric of her dress and Andy hiccuped, forcing her tears to stop. The tiny smile on the older woman’s lips made her feel safe and when Miranda moved her hand away from Andy’s knee to trail her thumb tenderly across the tear stains on her cheek Andy knew that she loved Miranda.
A warmth welled up inside of her. It was different from the molten heat she had felt earlier and it caressed the very core of her being. She had the urge to reach out and pull the princess closer but she was acutely aware of Emily watching them. Miranda’s warm palm slid across her cheek and Andy exhaled loudly. Yes. This was it. The one feeling she had only known from books, and whose existence she had grown to doubt. She lost herself in the blue eyes, seeing only affection, and she knew everything would be alright.
“So, what will happen to... the prisoners?” The red-head blurted, dragging the other two from yet another intense moment. Miranda stood and offered her hand to Andy. “They are being sent to prison for now.” She tugged the younger woman down the few steps. “They will have a trial tomorrow.” Andy came to a stop right in front of Miranda, her face full of worry about the possible outcome of such a trial. Gently brushing a few messy strands of hair out of Andy’s face the princess continued softly. “I... persuaded the King to not apply... the common punishment this time.” At this Andy couldn't help herself and she leaned in and enveloped the older woman in a tight hug, burying her wet face in the crook of her slender neck. Andy’s whispered “thank you” was acknowledged with a slight nod and a soothing rub on her shaky back.
“Now. It’s late and time for supper.” Miranda drew away from Andy but entwined their fingers and turned to her speechless apprentice. “Emily, have the servants bring two portions to my room tonight.” The red-head nodded quietly, her eyes darting slowly between Andy and Miranda. “Oh, and inform the kitchen that Andréa will not be fetching breakfast in the mornings. The servants will keep doing those kind of tasks.” Emily gave another slow nod and kept looking at the two women in front of her. Realization travelled across her features and her eyes went wide. “Oh!” she exclaimed, her lips remaining a circle for a few moments.
“That’s all.” Miranda said quietly, the brief smirk leaking through her voice. “Uhm, yes, Miranda.” Emily spun around and took off as fast as she could without outright running. Suddenly alone with Miranda again, Andy felt shy. She was relieved that her father was safe for now, so she took the liberty to let her thoughts trail back to the earlier events in the library. The blush creeping across her face jumped over the small gap and continued its conquest on Miranda’s cheeks as the older woman seemed to realize the direction Andy’s mind had taken. Miranda gently pulled Andy by their joined hands and whispered. “Come.”
They walked up to Miranda’s room in silence, occasionally glancing at each other with a smile. The servants had already started the fire and is was warm and dry when the princess guided Andy into the room. A soft hooting alerted them to the wakefulness of the owl and Miranda led Andy to the wooden stand next to the bed and reached out to gently stroke the bird’s head. “Andréa, I want you to meet Rosalie.” The small animal seemed to lean into Miranda’s touch and Andy was sure it was puffing up its throat in pleasure. She stepped closer and looked at Miranda for permission. “Go ahead,” the older woman nodded.
“Good evening Rosalie. I’m Andy.” She reached out and used her index finger to stroke the brown plumage. Miranda watched the younger woman interact with the owl and another smile graced her features. “She knows who you are. She actually made me attend the ball.” The white lock of hair fell forward as Miranda lowered her head to look at their still joined hands. “I hadn’t planned on going. I detest balls. But Rosalie...” she gave Andy’s hand a soft squeeze and looked back up. “She knew you’d be there.” Andy smiled at Miranda and then at the bird. “Thank you, Rosalie.”
A soft rapping at the door startled them and Andy let go of Miranda’s hand. She still wasn’t sure what the boundaries were of what they were doing. Miranda was after all still a princess. When the servants carried in their meal Miranda motioned for Andy to sit at the table and then moved to open the window so Rosalie could fly out for her hunt. Once the servants had left, Miranda sat down across from Andy and regarded her thoughtfully. Andy looked back into those blue eyes and she thought she saw uncertainty so she reached over and took Miranda’s hand in her own.
“You can hold my hand in front of the servants, Andréa.” The older woman’s voice carried a bit of ice in it but Andy realized this was because Miranda felt unsure. She gently stroked her fingers. “I will from now on, I promise.” Miranda’s eyes lit up and Andy thought she might truly drown in their incredible depth. Their mutual smiles connected them across their steaming plates. “Eat now, Andréa.”
They ate quietly, the silence being comfortable and full of shy smiles and lightly stroking fingers. When her plate was half empty Miranda put down her fork and began to intently study every movement Andy made. The way she scooped up vegetables, the way she raised the food to her mouth, the way her lips closed around the fork and especially the way she chewed and absently licked her lips. After swallowing another bite and getting really self-conscious Andy leaned back and gave a pout. “Why are you staring at me?” Miranda smiled gently. “You are adorable when you eat.”
Warmth spread from her belly and up her neck to set her cheeks on fire and Andy had trouble breathing. Hearing such things from the older woman made her happy and more confident about her feelings. She was certain now that this was love and it might be a little strange to have it directed at another woman, but when Andy thought about Nate or Prince Christian and then looked at the beautiful person in front of her, she knew that it was right. Miranda stroked Andy’s fingers gently and slightly leaned across the table. “Andréa, now that we’ve established that I do not need you as my assistant...“ she lowered her eyes shyly. “Well... I still would like for you to stay here with me.” Her hooded eyes found Andy’s. “As my companion.”
Andy rose from the chair on impulse and it startled the other woman. She walked around and shuffled the table away from Miranda, who looked at her with doubt swirling among the blue of her eyes. Without hesitation, Andy slung her hands around the older woman’s neck and slid onto her lap with both legs dangling down to one side. She ran one hand up and through the soft white locks and put her forehead to Miranda’s, nuzzling her nose. She whispered, “I would love to.” They both broke out in little grins and Andy giggled as she rubbed her cheek against Miranda’s. The princess reached behind Andy and locked her arms behind her back. “Thank you.”
They gazed at each other, lost in the depth of their eyes and the sincerity behind their smiles. After a moment Miranda raised a hand to gently pull Andy’s chin toward her. Their lips met softly, without urgency. It was a kiss full of tenderness and reassurance. Andy felt safe, like nothing in the world could harm her anymore. She felt the arm around her pull her closer and the hand on her chin travel into her hair to gently rub against the base of her neck. Andy felt the fire in her abdomen begin to rise as the tip of Miranda’s tongue slowly trailed across her bottom lip. She inhaled deeply through her nose to commit Miranda’s smell to memory.
A knock on the door made them pull apart but Miranda’s hands stayed wrapped around Andy possessively, signaling for her to remain where she was. “Come in.” Andy had to smirk at the slight annoyance in Miranda’s voice. The door opened and a servant ushered a royal messenger into the room. The young man hesitated a bit when he saw them, but recollected himself, clasped his hands behind his back and straightened his shoulders. “Your Highness, I have news from the King.” Miranda nodded for him to continue. “The prisoners have been escorted to the cellars and will receive food. Their trial will commence tomorrow around midday and Andrea Sachston is being summoned as a witness.”
Andy’s body stiffened, but Miranda began to trace warm circles on her back and turned to the messenger. “Tell my brother that she will attend. That’s all.” Then she motioned for the servant to clean the table. “Have two portions of breakfast sent up tomorrow. Andréa will be eating with me.” The servant gave a quick bow and followed out behind the young messenger. Andy beamed at the thought of spending breakfast with Miranda, however the prospect of having to speak in front of the King during a trial made her apprehensive.
Miranda dipped her chin and raised her eyes. “Do not worry. I will make sure your father will not be harmed.” Andy nodded and relaxed into the other woman’s embrace. “Miranda? You should know that I understand he will have to face punishment, if he is indeed guilty.” She reached up to slowly trace Miranda’s jaw line, keeping her eyes on her fingers as they moved down toward the pointy chin. “The relationship between my father and I...” she briefly looked back at blue eyes, “... well it hasn’t been that warm since Clarissa and her daughter came to live with us.” Miranda nodded gently, not wishing to shake off Andy’s fingers. “When my mother was still alive, he’d take me hunting or we would go riding for hours, just to spend time together.”
“He taught you how to use the crossbow?” The older woman asked distractedly while Andy’s fingers fleetingly brushed across her lips. Andy nodded and became fixated on Miranda’s soft mouth. “Father taught me to ride and hunt, and how to care for horses. My mother taught me to read and write and how to be kind.” Her thumb was now stroking Miranda’s bottom lip. “I think, when my mother died, something in my father died along with her.” Despite the sad memories, Andy felt life shooting through her veins. She realized that being able to share this with Miranda meant a lot. The safety and warmth radiating off the other woman, clawed at Andy’s soul and she was convinced Miranda’s spirit and her own were one.
Touching Miranda’s soft skin seemed to expand her consciousness and heighten her senses. Her own skin became more sensitive, her ears could pick up the slightest shift in the other woman’s breathing and she could smell the distinct fragrance of vanilla, bathing oils and marble dust radiating off Miranda. She moved her fingers once more, only to have Miranda open her lips slightly and pull at Andy’s thumb with her teeth. The sensation of a warm, wet tongue against her skin sent a pleasant shiver down her spine and Andy welcomed the now familiar feeling of gathering heat below her belly. She could not suppress a moan when Miranda began to rhythmically suck on the thumb, her tongue pressing against it in waves.
Heart pounding in her ears, chest heaving with shallow breaths and cheeks and ears flushing a dark crimson, Andy could only watch her thumb disappear between those soft, warm lips. It dawned on her that the ridiculous things Lily had once described about what happened between a man and a woman who became intimate, actually looked frighteningly appealing when adding Miranda to the picture. The thought of the princess moving her hands under her garments flooded Andy with such intensity that she jerked her hand away from Miranda’s mouth, immediately missing the contact. The other woman sent her a crooked smirk and began to push Andy up. “Flip one leg over,” she instructed.
With her muscles buzzing like a beehive Andy managed to sit back down, a leg dangling to either side of Miranda’s lap and her dress hunched up at her knees. Warm hands on her lower back pulled her hips closer and her abdomen softly collided with Miranda’s body. It forced her eyes closed and a moan from her lips. Gentle fingers tugged at her scalp and she soon found her mouth on Miranda’s, swiftly being entered by that hot tongue. Andy could do nothing but hold on to Miranda’s shoulders when the older woman moved one hand up to pull their chests together, and lower the other to the soft swells of Andy’s backside. She felt like she was about to faint. She tried to focus on the tongue dancing against hers, on the sweet flavour of Miranda’s mouth, listening to their joined heartbeats and the soft rustle of fabric when Miranda began to rub her behind.
A deep, startling moan forced Andy to break their kiss and she raised her flushed face upward in an attempt not to suffocate. “Shh, easy... breathe.” Miranda whispered against her throat and proceeded to trail soft kisses just below her jaw. The hand around her shoulders slid down to her waist and a thumb stroked firmly along the inside of her hip bone. Andy whimpered when Miranda moved down along her abdomen, drawing languid circles on her clothed skin which was set ablaze at the contact. Not entirely sure why, Andy felt herself push forward and into Miranda’s touch. The sensation of soft hair gliding against her cheek as the princess began to suck on her pulse point, combined with the two hands so close to her molten heat, clouded Andy’s brain and all coherent thoughts left her.
“I.... I...” she could not even speak. “Shh, darling. It’s alright, I have you.” Miranda mumbled against her skin as she moved her face lower and kissed Andy’s chest. Entirely out of reflex Andy’s hands flew to pull the older woman’s head closer as she felt the warm tongue slide down between the swell of her breasts. At the same time the hand on her backside grabbed tighter and the fingers at her front glided down her thigh. “Miranda,” she hissed when those fingers lifted the hem of her dress and proceeded to slide back up her leg. Feeling Miranda’s warm hands against the thin fabric of her undergarments Andy stiffened. The hot liquid from her middle had spilled between her legs, and she was suddenly embarrassed and worried to spoil Miranda’s gown.
The older woman raised her head, leaving behind a cold trail on Andy’s flushed chest. She gave a reassuring smile and leaned her forehead to Andy’s. “It’s alright, please let me take care of you.” The affection in Miranda’s eyes made Andy’s heart sting and she felt herself nod. Their eyes never leaving each other, Miranda slid her hand higher and ever so slowly cupped the area between her legs. Andy’s eyes went wide and she swallowed hard. Allowing Miranda to touch her so intimately felt so right, so perfect. As if she belonged there. Andy pressed her hips closer, pushing into the other woman’s touch. She felt the warmth of Miranda’s palm through the linen fabric and wrapped both her arms tightly around the princess, pulling her as close as she could.
Soft lips found her earlobe and began to suckle as Andy continued to push against Miranda’s hand in a slow rhythm, guided by the hand still massaging her backside. She heard herself hum and moan with each forward thrust and Miranda whispered soft words of encouragement into her ear. “Keep going, darling. That’s it.” Driven by a mysterious force that seemed to pick up her body and push her toward a cliff, Andy felt her movements increase in speed. She buried her face in the soft skin between Miranda’s shoulder and neck and tightened her arms around the other woman, knowing that she was the anchor that would keep her grounded. Breath coming in short, heavy gasps she hooked her feet around the back of the chair to pull herself even closer against Miranda.
She was floating in a huge, wild river, being pushed toward the edge of an explosive waterfall. The burning area between her thighs became the center of her existence, where Miranda melted into her, joining them in body and spirit. A ripple went through her, violently shoving her toward the edge. She could hear the thunderous water pound in her ears, or was it her own blood? Holding onto Miranda her body thrusted frantically, wave after wave crashing over her as she seemed to jolt into the air. Suddenly her body stiffened and she began to fall along with the violent water, hot foam surrounding her as she clung to Miranda and screamed.
For a while she was only aware of the warm body in her arms. She felt like she was under water, struggling to reach the surface, but the soft murmur of Miranda’s voice guided her upward. “Andréa. My Andréa.” Her lungs burned from the large gasps of air she was drawing and the older woman held her tenderly, stroking her hair. “Shh, you’re safe, my darling.” Andy was overwhelmed with emotions. Her strength slowly returning, she tightened her grip on Miranda once more and nuzzled the soft neck. Tears welled up in her eyes when she could no longer contain the tenderness that burst from her heart. Miranda gently removed her hand from between them and rubbed soothing circles over her back.
They remained like that for a while until Andy’s breath had slowed to deep, even movements of her chest. She shyly pulled away from Miranda, staring at the wrinkled, bunched-up dress on her lap. Delicate fingers wiped the moisture from her cheeks and reached to pull up her chin. She felt embarrassed but as soon as she looked into the older woman’s face and saw such depth of emotions in the twinkling blue, she felt complete. Like she had finally come home after a long, lonely journey. Andy felt as if she had the sun trapped inside her chest as it wrapped her in such luxurious warmth and happiness that she began to grin so brightly that it hurt her cheeks. She leaned in to kiss Miranda. Their lips fell against each other, salty with tears, solidifying their connection in soft, calm motions.
When they pulled away, Miranda brushed the damp strands of hair from Andy’s forehead and gave her a sheepish look. “Stay with me tonight.” Andy leaned forward to briefly nuzzle Miranda’s nose and whispered, “there is no place I would rather be.”
Chapter Six
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Andy/Miranda
Length: 4000 (this chapter)
Summary: AU, sort of a crossover with “ Three wishes/hazelnuts for Cinderella”.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Cinderella or the Devil Wears Prada, I only (ab)use them for fangirl moments!
A/N: This was supposed to be the last chapter, but I could not make it all fit and I did not want to compromise the length of certain scenes, so there’s still more to come. This chapter is mostly just Andy and Miranda mush. I hope that’s alright? ;-D
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4| Chapter 5
Chapter Six
The room had gone completely quiet and every single pair of eyes moved to Andy. For a short moment it didn’t matter that she had just interrupted the King and had the entire court looking at her. Her sole focus was her father, on his knees, in front of His Majesty, looking roughed-up and admitting to a crime. When the outraged look on the King’s face registered, Andy staggered slightly, falling into a curtsy as low as she could to hide her burning cheeks and stammering a string of apologies. She felt completely lost and torn between the wish to die of embarrassment and the urge to protect her father, criminal or not.
A warm hand on her back urged her up and Miranda’s voice remained even as it travelled across the large hall. “Maximillian, please carry on.” The King regarded the two of them briefly and then turned his attention back to the prisoners. Richard, however, still looked at his daughter with wide eyes. Andy flinched as she saw the king step closer to her father and clear his throat.
Miranda removed her hand from Andy’s back and whispered, “Emily, escort Andréa into the hallway.” The red-head’s unhappy look was countered by an icy, commanding stare from the older woman and Emily quickly moved to pull Andy by her dress. Confused brown eyes sought out blue ones but Miranda had already turned her attention back toward the scene on the lower level. Andy was too shocked to protest and stumbled after Emily until the door was closed behind them.
“Thanks to you, I’m going to miss all the fun,” Emily scoffed once she had let go of Andy’s dress. She walked a few paces and then turned around to regard the other woman with a softened expression. “Is that really your father in there?” Andy who had been staring off into space, faced Emily and as it dawned on her she slowly nodded. Suddenly it all started to make sense. The many “journeys” her father had gone on. The pieces of silver he had continuously brought home and handed over to Clarissa, which were more than he had ever earned from selling a good horse. However Andy could still not imagine her father doing something as despicable as robbery. It seemed bizarre.
Andy must have looked truly lost because Emily refrained from mocking her any further and moved to sit down on the stairs around the corner. Her mind racing a hundred miles a second, Andy moved to join her. She sat and drew up her knees and leaned forward to hug them. “What...” she faltered and continued in a barely audible whisper, “what’s going to happen to my father?” The red-head did not respond and the silence spoke for itself. Feeling the heat of tears push at her eyes Andy hid her face in her palms and let her head drop to her lap.
She cried as quietly as she could. She knew Emily didn’t particularly like her or had patience for an emotional outburst. So it startled her when she felt a tentative hand on her shoulder, lightly patting her, as if unsure about how to display such a basic act of compassion. Andy thought it best not to acknowledge it but felt herself calm down a little. The sound of an opening door forced up her head. She heard brisk steps approach and then Miranda’s face peeked around the corner.
“Ah, there you are!” Andy wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or terrified. She hadn’t liked the evil little grin on Miranda’s face right before she had come to recognize her father. Miranda had seemed thrilled at the idea of punishing whoever had made the mistake of laying hands on her coffee shipments. Andy didn’t dare to look at the older woman. She was probably very angry, not only about disturbing the King but also about the fact that it had been And’s father who was responsible for the low supply of coffee in the castle. A fresh stream of tears spilled from her eyes.
From the corner of her eye Andy watched Miranda step closer and effortlessly sit a step below her. A hand, reaching for her knee, made her look back into those blue eyes, which held none of the earlier triumph. Instead Andy found concern and slight confusion. Miranda’s thumb was rubbing soothingly through the fabric of her dress and Andy hiccuped, forcing her tears to stop. The tiny smile on the older woman’s lips made her feel safe and when Miranda moved her hand away from Andy’s knee to trail her thumb tenderly across the tear stains on her cheek Andy knew that she loved Miranda.
A warmth welled up inside of her. It was different from the molten heat she had felt earlier and it caressed the very core of her being. She had the urge to reach out and pull the princess closer but she was acutely aware of Emily watching them. Miranda’s warm palm slid across her cheek and Andy exhaled loudly. Yes. This was it. The one feeling she had only known from books, and whose existence she had grown to doubt. She lost herself in the blue eyes, seeing only affection, and she knew everything would be alright.
“So, what will happen to... the prisoners?” The red-head blurted, dragging the other two from yet another intense moment. Miranda stood and offered her hand to Andy. “They are being sent to prison for now.” She tugged the younger woman down the few steps. “They will have a trial tomorrow.” Andy came to a stop right in front of Miranda, her face full of worry about the possible outcome of such a trial. Gently brushing a few messy strands of hair out of Andy’s face the princess continued softly. “I... persuaded the King to not apply... the common punishment this time.” At this Andy couldn't help herself and she leaned in and enveloped the older woman in a tight hug, burying her wet face in the crook of her slender neck. Andy’s whispered “thank you” was acknowledged with a slight nod and a soothing rub on her shaky back.
“Now. It’s late and time for supper.” Miranda drew away from Andy but entwined their fingers and turned to her speechless apprentice. “Emily, have the servants bring two portions to my room tonight.” The red-head nodded quietly, her eyes darting slowly between Andy and Miranda. “Oh, and inform the kitchen that Andréa will not be fetching breakfast in the mornings. The servants will keep doing those kind of tasks.” Emily gave another slow nod and kept looking at the two women in front of her. Realization travelled across her features and her eyes went wide. “Oh!” she exclaimed, her lips remaining a circle for a few moments.
“That’s all.” Miranda said quietly, the brief smirk leaking through her voice. “Uhm, yes, Miranda.” Emily spun around and took off as fast as she could without outright running. Suddenly alone with Miranda again, Andy felt shy. She was relieved that her father was safe for now, so she took the liberty to let her thoughts trail back to the earlier events in the library. The blush creeping across her face jumped over the small gap and continued its conquest on Miranda’s cheeks as the older woman seemed to realize the direction Andy’s mind had taken. Miranda gently pulled Andy by their joined hands and whispered. “Come.”
They walked up to Miranda’s room in silence, occasionally glancing at each other with a smile. The servants had already started the fire and is was warm and dry when the princess guided Andy into the room. A soft hooting alerted them to the wakefulness of the owl and Miranda led Andy to the wooden stand next to the bed and reached out to gently stroke the bird’s head. “Andréa, I want you to meet Rosalie.” The small animal seemed to lean into Miranda’s touch and Andy was sure it was puffing up its throat in pleasure. She stepped closer and looked at Miranda for permission. “Go ahead,” the older woman nodded.
“Good evening Rosalie. I’m Andy.” She reached out and used her index finger to stroke the brown plumage. Miranda watched the younger woman interact with the owl and another smile graced her features. “She knows who you are. She actually made me attend the ball.” The white lock of hair fell forward as Miranda lowered her head to look at their still joined hands. “I hadn’t planned on going. I detest balls. But Rosalie...” she gave Andy’s hand a soft squeeze and looked back up. “She knew you’d be there.” Andy smiled at Miranda and then at the bird. “Thank you, Rosalie.”
A soft rapping at the door startled them and Andy let go of Miranda’s hand. She still wasn’t sure what the boundaries were of what they were doing. Miranda was after all still a princess. When the servants carried in their meal Miranda motioned for Andy to sit at the table and then moved to open the window so Rosalie could fly out for her hunt. Once the servants had left, Miranda sat down across from Andy and regarded her thoughtfully. Andy looked back into those blue eyes and she thought she saw uncertainty so she reached over and took Miranda’s hand in her own.
“You can hold my hand in front of the servants, Andréa.” The older woman’s voice carried a bit of ice in it but Andy realized this was because Miranda felt unsure. She gently stroked her fingers. “I will from now on, I promise.” Miranda’s eyes lit up and Andy thought she might truly drown in their incredible depth. Their mutual smiles connected them across their steaming plates. “Eat now, Andréa.”
They ate quietly, the silence being comfortable and full of shy smiles and lightly stroking fingers. When her plate was half empty Miranda put down her fork and began to intently study every movement Andy made. The way she scooped up vegetables, the way she raised the food to her mouth, the way her lips closed around the fork and especially the way she chewed and absently licked her lips. After swallowing another bite and getting really self-conscious Andy leaned back and gave a pout. “Why are you staring at me?” Miranda smiled gently. “You are adorable when you eat.”
Warmth spread from her belly and up her neck to set her cheeks on fire and Andy had trouble breathing. Hearing such things from the older woman made her happy and more confident about her feelings. She was certain now that this was love and it might be a little strange to have it directed at another woman, but when Andy thought about Nate or Prince Christian and then looked at the beautiful person in front of her, she knew that it was right. Miranda stroked Andy’s fingers gently and slightly leaned across the table. “Andréa, now that we’ve established that I do not need you as my assistant...“ she lowered her eyes shyly. “Well... I still would like for you to stay here with me.” Her hooded eyes found Andy’s. “As my companion.”
Andy rose from the chair on impulse and it startled the other woman. She walked around and shuffled the table away from Miranda, who looked at her with doubt swirling among the blue of her eyes. Without hesitation, Andy slung her hands around the older woman’s neck and slid onto her lap with both legs dangling down to one side. She ran one hand up and through the soft white locks and put her forehead to Miranda’s, nuzzling her nose. She whispered, “I would love to.” They both broke out in little grins and Andy giggled as she rubbed her cheek against Miranda’s. The princess reached behind Andy and locked her arms behind her back. “Thank you.”
They gazed at each other, lost in the depth of their eyes and the sincerity behind their smiles. After a moment Miranda raised a hand to gently pull Andy’s chin toward her. Their lips met softly, without urgency. It was a kiss full of tenderness and reassurance. Andy felt safe, like nothing in the world could harm her anymore. She felt the arm around her pull her closer and the hand on her chin travel into her hair to gently rub against the base of her neck. Andy felt the fire in her abdomen begin to rise as the tip of Miranda’s tongue slowly trailed across her bottom lip. She inhaled deeply through her nose to commit Miranda’s smell to memory.
A knock on the door made them pull apart but Miranda’s hands stayed wrapped around Andy possessively, signaling for her to remain where she was. “Come in.” Andy had to smirk at the slight annoyance in Miranda’s voice. The door opened and a servant ushered a royal messenger into the room. The young man hesitated a bit when he saw them, but recollected himself, clasped his hands behind his back and straightened his shoulders. “Your Highness, I have news from the King.” Miranda nodded for him to continue. “The prisoners have been escorted to the cellars and will receive food. Their trial will commence tomorrow around midday and Andrea Sachston is being summoned as a witness.”
Andy’s body stiffened, but Miranda began to trace warm circles on her back and turned to the messenger. “Tell my brother that she will attend. That’s all.” Then she motioned for the servant to clean the table. “Have two portions of breakfast sent up tomorrow. Andréa will be eating with me.” The servant gave a quick bow and followed out behind the young messenger. Andy beamed at the thought of spending breakfast with Miranda, however the prospect of having to speak in front of the King during a trial made her apprehensive.
Miranda dipped her chin and raised her eyes. “Do not worry. I will make sure your father will not be harmed.” Andy nodded and relaxed into the other woman’s embrace. “Miranda? You should know that I understand he will have to face punishment, if he is indeed guilty.” She reached up to slowly trace Miranda’s jaw line, keeping her eyes on her fingers as they moved down toward the pointy chin. “The relationship between my father and I...” she briefly looked back at blue eyes, “... well it hasn’t been that warm since Clarissa and her daughter came to live with us.” Miranda nodded gently, not wishing to shake off Andy’s fingers. “When my mother was still alive, he’d take me hunting or we would go riding for hours, just to spend time together.”
“He taught you how to use the crossbow?” The older woman asked distractedly while Andy’s fingers fleetingly brushed across her lips. Andy nodded and became fixated on Miranda’s soft mouth. “Father taught me to ride and hunt, and how to care for horses. My mother taught me to read and write and how to be kind.” Her thumb was now stroking Miranda’s bottom lip. “I think, when my mother died, something in my father died along with her.” Despite the sad memories, Andy felt life shooting through her veins. She realized that being able to share this with Miranda meant a lot. The safety and warmth radiating off the other woman, clawed at Andy’s soul and she was convinced Miranda’s spirit and her own were one.
Touching Miranda’s soft skin seemed to expand her consciousness and heighten her senses. Her own skin became more sensitive, her ears could pick up the slightest shift in the other woman’s breathing and she could smell the distinct fragrance of vanilla, bathing oils and marble dust radiating off Miranda. She moved her fingers once more, only to have Miranda open her lips slightly and pull at Andy’s thumb with her teeth. The sensation of a warm, wet tongue against her skin sent a pleasant shiver down her spine and Andy welcomed the now familiar feeling of gathering heat below her belly. She could not suppress a moan when Miranda began to rhythmically suck on the thumb, her tongue pressing against it in waves.
Heart pounding in her ears, chest heaving with shallow breaths and cheeks and ears flushing a dark crimson, Andy could only watch her thumb disappear between those soft, warm lips. It dawned on her that the ridiculous things Lily had once described about what happened between a man and a woman who became intimate, actually looked frighteningly appealing when adding Miranda to the picture. The thought of the princess moving her hands under her garments flooded Andy with such intensity that she jerked her hand away from Miranda’s mouth, immediately missing the contact. The other woman sent her a crooked smirk and began to push Andy up. “Flip one leg over,” she instructed.
With her muscles buzzing like a beehive Andy managed to sit back down, a leg dangling to either side of Miranda’s lap and her dress hunched up at her knees. Warm hands on her lower back pulled her hips closer and her abdomen softly collided with Miranda’s body. It forced her eyes closed and a moan from her lips. Gentle fingers tugged at her scalp and she soon found her mouth on Miranda’s, swiftly being entered by that hot tongue. Andy could do nothing but hold on to Miranda’s shoulders when the older woman moved one hand up to pull their chests together, and lower the other to the soft swells of Andy’s backside. She felt like she was about to faint. She tried to focus on the tongue dancing against hers, on the sweet flavour of Miranda’s mouth, listening to their joined heartbeats and the soft rustle of fabric when Miranda began to rub her behind.
A deep, startling moan forced Andy to break their kiss and she raised her flushed face upward in an attempt not to suffocate. “Shh, easy... breathe.” Miranda whispered against her throat and proceeded to trail soft kisses just below her jaw. The hand around her shoulders slid down to her waist and a thumb stroked firmly along the inside of her hip bone. Andy whimpered when Miranda moved down along her abdomen, drawing languid circles on her clothed skin which was set ablaze at the contact. Not entirely sure why, Andy felt herself push forward and into Miranda’s touch. The sensation of soft hair gliding against her cheek as the princess began to suck on her pulse point, combined with the two hands so close to her molten heat, clouded Andy’s brain and all coherent thoughts left her.
“I.... I...” she could not even speak. “Shh, darling. It’s alright, I have you.” Miranda mumbled against her skin as she moved her face lower and kissed Andy’s chest. Entirely out of reflex Andy’s hands flew to pull the older woman’s head closer as she felt the warm tongue slide down between the swell of her breasts. At the same time the hand on her backside grabbed tighter and the fingers at her front glided down her thigh. “Miranda,” she hissed when those fingers lifted the hem of her dress and proceeded to slide back up her leg. Feeling Miranda’s warm hands against the thin fabric of her undergarments Andy stiffened. The hot liquid from her middle had spilled between her legs, and she was suddenly embarrassed and worried to spoil Miranda’s gown.
The older woman raised her head, leaving behind a cold trail on Andy’s flushed chest. She gave a reassuring smile and leaned her forehead to Andy’s. “It’s alright, please let me take care of you.” The affection in Miranda’s eyes made Andy’s heart sting and she felt herself nod. Their eyes never leaving each other, Miranda slid her hand higher and ever so slowly cupped the area between her legs. Andy’s eyes went wide and she swallowed hard. Allowing Miranda to touch her so intimately felt so right, so perfect. As if she belonged there. Andy pressed her hips closer, pushing into the other woman’s touch. She felt the warmth of Miranda’s palm through the linen fabric and wrapped both her arms tightly around the princess, pulling her as close as she could.
Soft lips found her earlobe and began to suckle as Andy continued to push against Miranda’s hand in a slow rhythm, guided by the hand still massaging her backside. She heard herself hum and moan with each forward thrust and Miranda whispered soft words of encouragement into her ear. “Keep going, darling. That’s it.” Driven by a mysterious force that seemed to pick up her body and push her toward a cliff, Andy felt her movements increase in speed. She buried her face in the soft skin between Miranda’s shoulder and neck and tightened her arms around the other woman, knowing that she was the anchor that would keep her grounded. Breath coming in short, heavy gasps she hooked her feet around the back of the chair to pull herself even closer against Miranda.
She was floating in a huge, wild river, being pushed toward the edge of an explosive waterfall. The burning area between her thighs became the center of her existence, where Miranda melted into her, joining them in body and spirit. A ripple went through her, violently shoving her toward the edge. She could hear the thunderous water pound in her ears, or was it her own blood? Holding onto Miranda her body thrusted frantically, wave after wave crashing over her as she seemed to jolt into the air. Suddenly her body stiffened and she began to fall along with the violent water, hot foam surrounding her as she clung to Miranda and screamed.
For a while she was only aware of the warm body in her arms. She felt like she was under water, struggling to reach the surface, but the soft murmur of Miranda’s voice guided her upward. “Andréa. My Andréa.” Her lungs burned from the large gasps of air she was drawing and the older woman held her tenderly, stroking her hair. “Shh, you’re safe, my darling.” Andy was overwhelmed with emotions. Her strength slowly returning, she tightened her grip on Miranda once more and nuzzled the soft neck. Tears welled up in her eyes when she could no longer contain the tenderness that burst from her heart. Miranda gently removed her hand from between them and rubbed soothing circles over her back.
They remained like that for a while until Andy’s breath had slowed to deep, even movements of her chest. She shyly pulled away from Miranda, staring at the wrinkled, bunched-up dress on her lap. Delicate fingers wiped the moisture from her cheeks and reached to pull up her chin. She felt embarrassed but as soon as she looked into the older woman’s face and saw such depth of emotions in the twinkling blue, she felt complete. Like she had finally come home after a long, lonely journey. Andy felt as if she had the sun trapped inside her chest as it wrapped her in such luxurious warmth and happiness that she began to grin so brightly that it hurt her cheeks. She leaned in to kiss Miranda. Their lips fell against each other, salty with tears, solidifying their connection in soft, calm motions.
When they pulled away, Miranda brushed the damp strands of hair from Andy’s forehead and gave her a sheepish look. “Stay with me tonight.” Andy leaned forward to briefly nuzzle Miranda’s nose and whispered, “there is no place I would rather be.”
Chapter Six