Content after such a meal, Narcissa moved back to rest against the pillows that were propped up by the dragon tree.

Lucius shifted back to join her. "This must be the first time in days that you have allowed me to rest," he commented as he glanced from the sunset sky to Narcissa.

The young witch looked up at Lucius then to see that there was a slight smile on his face.

"I do apologise for dragging you out so early and keeping you on your feet all day," Narcissa said, "You really have been falling asleep instantly."

Lucius just smirked. "Indeed. You have exhausted me so much this past week... but not in the way I would preferably choose." Before Narcissa could respond he continued. "I was starting to think that you were just trying to tire me out so that I wouldn't be able to have my bed time fun with you."

Narcissa's amusement instantly faded and her forehead creased. Although Lucius sounded like his usual smug self and Narcissa knew that he was joking, she still took his comment to heart: For many a true word is spoken in jest.

Why would he say such a thing? Narcissa bit her lip slightly. She was troubled because she loved her husband too much to allow him to ever think that she wanted a break from him. Narcissa decided then to continue down a path that would lead to the inevitable. Narcissa shuffled closer until she was pressed up against Lucius's side. He turned to face her then and she met his eyes. Those grey pools held such depth.

"I would never want that for you are such a handsome thing," Narcissa teased back as she began to comb her fingers through her husband's long blond hair.

Lucius quirked his eyebrows as he gazed down at Narcissa. He was suddenly reminded of how she had calmed the winged horse.

He held back a grin. "Cissy, I am not an Abraxan."

"I know," Narcissa started as her fingers began to trail a path down his chest, "But you are my mighty stallion."

Immediately passion ignited behind Lucius's eyes and he shifted. His trousers were suddenly feeling uncomfortably tight.

Narcissa flashed him a devilish smile, in response. "Do you wish to take me for a ride?"

The sultry question caused Lucius's amusement to vanish instantly. His face stilled but his eyes went wild. Suddenly Lucius's lips smothered her own and Narcissa gasped out against the ferocity of his kiss.

()()()()

The night had finally drawn in and the sky was as black as raven wings. However the darkness was lit up by the many stars which formed clustered constellations. Everything was quiet now as the newlyweds passionate cries, no longer rung out in the wilderness. There was only contended silence. Narcissa and Lucius lay lazily on the divan. They had taken to huddling underneath a thin blanket as they worked to catch their breaths.

Lucius found that his limbs felt so incredibly heavy. "Oh yes Cissy," he sighed as he managed to draw his wife into his arms. "This is defiantly the type of exhaustion I prefer."

Narcissa giggled as she settled into the comfort and security of Lucius's embrace. "As do I."

She grinned then. "Although I do believe that you may have set a record, for you did not last long."

For the first time ever Narcissa saw the faintest colour appear on Lucius's cheeks.

The young wizard however was an expert at hiding his emotions. "Nor did you," he retaliated, smoothly.

Narcissa just shrugged in agreement before snuggling deeper into Lucius until her head came to rest against his collar bone.

The feel of Narcissa's supple skin and her curves caused a heat to remain in Lucius's blood so he brought a leg over Narcissa's waist, effectively trapping her against him. Narcissa made no complaints and instead just sighed in content at their intimate position, made all the more so by their nakedness.

"I bet you have had many an escapade out in the open," Narcissa retorted then as she began to draw patterns on Lucius's chest.

Lucius felt strong tingling sensations as her fingertip ran across his skin. However he pushed aside Narcissa's attempts to tease him and thought seriously for moment.

Narcissa gazed up at him and watched silently.

Lucius shook his head then. "No…Actually this is my first time ever doing so," he remarked.

Immediately Narcissa's teasing smile faded. She felt a deep, rushing heat in her chest. It was utterly euphoric and left her body trembling all over. The first time. Narcissa became elated by the notion. She had shared a first with Lucius! It was an intoxicating idea and her heart swelled with pure happiness.

Lucius noted the subtle change in Narcissa's demeanor and he smiled gently. "It is your fault," he continued, "For I have never felt so utterly compelled that I could not wait."

Narcissa's eyes sparkled but her features remained innocent. "I apologise for that."

The way her eyes danced, Lucius knew that she wasn't the slightest bit sorry.

Suddenly though Narcissa fretted her lower lip. "I really do hope that this place is deserted." I cannot believe we forgot to use a silencing charm.

Lucius just grinned internally for his male pride burned. "Even if there was a passerby, it is too late now," he responded.

Such an observation caused a deep blush to break across Narcissa's cheeks. The idea horrified her and yet Lucius was right:If someone had heard them expressing their desires, it was indeed too late to do anything about it.

"But It's very very unlikely though," Lucius comforted, then. "We are the only ones for miles around."

Narcissa just nodded in response before she took to staring up at the dragon tree which sheltered them. "Thank you so much for bringing me here," Narcissa gushed as she turned her attention back to Lucius, "It was most considerate of you as I really do enjoy sight-seeing and history."

Lucius found himself melting at her heart felt sentiment and by the look she was giving him. Her words caused a glowing heat to spread through his chest and cheeks. It was odd to him but Narcissa's sincere appreciation left him feeling awkward and with a desire to shy away from it.

Lucius just nodded in acknowledgement, for he knew that if he spoke his voice would betray him.

"Lucius," Narcissa began then and her hesitant tone caused Lucius to look down at her. "Before you were stolen away from me this afternoon by those dry winded wizards and I was distracted by this delightful evening, you were going to tell me what was wrong."

Straight away tension stole into Lucius's body and everyone of his muscles instantly went taunt. "I was?" he questioned.

Narcissa merely nodded. "Yes."

Lucius cursed internally because he had hoped that Narcissa had forgotten.

Although Lucius's face remained still, Narcissa could practically feel the cogs turning in his head. He was trying to find a way to evade her question in the coolest and calmest way.

"It can wait until tomorrow," Lucius announced then, "It is unimportant."

Narcissa refrained from furrowing her brow. "Well I believe that this is a perfect time to discuss unimportant things," she replied equally coolly. "For we have nowhere to be and you have no one to see."

"I would not want to spoil such a nice night by boring you," Lucius countered.

Narcissa felt her resolve harden then for Lucius's attempts to evade her question just made her all the more sure that he had been consumed with thoughts about something serious. She would peruse this to the end.

"I could never be bored in your company. Plus we are just lying here," Narcissa began, "Therefore conversing will actually make things interesting."

Lucius felt the muscles in his jaw twitch. You came to play. The young wizard did not wish to resort to such tactics but it was required now that Narcissa was indeed winning. The blanket shifted then as Lucius drew Narcissa flush against his body. He held her tightly as he began to comb his fingers through her hair. "There are other things we could do," Lucius muttered into her ear.

Narcissa shivered in response and her eyes fluttered shut against his caresses.You swine! It took everything Narcissa had not to give in and dissolve in his arms. Marshaling her twenty-two years of self-discipline she avoided falling into his trap. With as much control as she could muster Narcissa placed her hands on Lucius's chest and pushed herself back.

"I would like nothing more but I need time to recover," she said skillfully, "If you do not wish to talk then we could always return to the hotel."

Narcissa refrained from patting herself on the back for she knew that the hotel was the last place Lucius wanted to be. After all, the wizards vying for his attention were still up and they would corner him upon his return. Narcissa had to press her lips tightly together to avoid smiling. Her trump card had worked because Lucius had fallen silent.

If Lucius hadn't felt so outmaneuvered he would have commended Narcissa on her ability to spar with him. The young wizard continued to think fast as he tried to ignore the eyes that watched him for they were fixing him with such an intense gaze. However Lucius made the mistake of meeting Narcissa's eyes for a split second. He was immediately transfixed and the longer he gazed the more he became hypnotized. The emotion behind Narcissa's eyes were gently coaxing him to divulge his secrets. Before Lucius knew it his lips were quivering as he was on the brink of speech. Suddenly Lucius brought his hand to cover those blue orbs.

"Lucius!" Narcissa called out in surprise as she was enveloped in darkness.

Lucius abruptly snapped out of the trance he had fallen into.

It took a moment for Narcissa to recover from her sudden loss of sight but she was quick to try and pry his fingers away. "Lucius," she protested.

Lucius maintained his hold. "Your eyes are worse than veritaserum," he stated.

Narcissa continued to struggle as the weight of his words sank in. "You don't want to tell me what is on your mind. Do you?" Narcissa asked, completely abandoning all composure as she could not keep the hurt from creeping into her voice.

Lucius sighed as there was a twinge in his heart. Oh the guilt. "You have to understand Narcissa, I don't articulate my thoughts. For me it is unnatural and foreign to do so especially when they concern my feelings for you."

Narcissa grimaced slightly. "So this is about me?" As I feared.

She felt Lucius shifting then and she sensed that although he was still pressed against her side, he was now looming over her.

The more Narcissa reflected on Lucius's words the more she realised that he was indeed right. The last time he had truly spoken his mind was months ago and that had only come about because she had provoked him. Lucius had angrily declared that she was his weakness but also gently admitted his love for her. Narcissa remembered the unfortunate time when she had lied to Lucius in order to visit her eldest sister and the argument days later. I have never really appreciated how much it must have taken out of Lucius to tell me what was on his mind... especially after I had betrayed his trust and all.

Lucius watched as Narcissa stopped struggling and just lay beneath him.

However soon enough Narcissa's hands blindly sought out his chest and once found, they glided upwards. One of Narcissa's hands stopped over Lucius's heart whilst the other continued to travel until it held the side of his face. Lucius's skin tingled at her touch and the fingers that were curled around his head and buried in his hair, pulled him down.

"Lucius, I can usually decipher your feelings through your actions," Narcissa said quietly as they were inches apart, "But I'm finding it tiring. Why can't you just share them with me? I want to hear how you feel, even if it means, you saying that you are displeased with me. Just tell me!"

Narcissa voice cracked by the end and before Lucius could respond to her desperate plea, Narcissa bridged the remaining distance between them. She captured his lips in the softest and sweetest kiss he had ever experienced. It brought to life a hoard of fluttering butterflies in Lucius's stomach. All too soon though Narcissa gently released his mouth but she still remained close enough to nuzzle his face. The young wizard lost his breath at her tenderness and the way she was clutching on to him.

"Please try," Narcissa gently implored, against his mouth. "Try and open up…for me."

Her whispered words may have caressed Lucius's face but they shot straight through his heart. They broke him and left him utterly shattered for even in Narcissa's want and desperation she was still considerate.

Lucius leaned down then until his forehead rested against Narcissa's. His hand still lay between their eyes. He was breathing harshly despite himself. Maybe, Lucius was swayed by the lingering euphoria from their coupling or maybe he was just tired of guarding himself and wished to give in. Maybe it was because he felt like he owned Narcissa so much and did not want to see her hurt. Whatever the reason was, Lucius found that the last of his barriers fell away and his knees shook in response.

"You have by no means displeased me and nothing is wrong,"Lucius started, suddenly "In fact it is quite the opposite. Everything has been... right."

Narcissa did not dare move or breathe in the fear that she would disturb whatever was happening.

She need not worry though for Lucius began again. "I have been…at peace. I didn't understand the feeling at first. It took me a while to identify it and that this is why I have been thinking so hard."

Lucius continued to unburden himself while still shielding Narcissa's eyes. It was easier when no one was watching. "There has just been this serene calmness when I've been wandering around with you. I've felt completely content just too idly spend my days with you and I surprisingly enjoyed it when you babbled on about all the things we needed for our house."

It was like the dam had broken and Lucius could no longer hold anything back. "I never truly knew the depth of my loneliness. I didn't realise it was so vast until you became a fixture in my life."

Narcissa lay utterly helpless as Lucius shifted again and his legs straddled her body. She felt the divan depress on either side of her head where she assumed Lucius's elbows had come to rest.

"I no longer feel lonely and I know now that I won't ever be lonely again… because I have you," Lucius continued as he stroked Narcissa's hair. "You have showered me with such an outpouring of love, that at times I found myself being overwhelmed by it. Unable to know what to do but happy to drown in it."

Lucius removed his hand from Narcissa's eyes then but they remained closed for he pressed his lips against each eyelid. "You have given me the one thing I have desired and craved above all else," he mumbled against her face, "Affection. Such genuine and pure affection. I've never known such a thing. What I have learned from my life experience is that true affection cannot be bought, feigned or forced to manifest."

Lucius pressed his forehead against Narcissa's then. "I use to want affection from my father," he continued, "Then I wanted it from anyone but now I only want it from you."

By now Narcissa was feeling like she had fallen into an icy lake for she was gasping against his honest and bare truths. "Lu-cius."

Lucius felt her entire body trembling, hard but he could not stop. "I love you. I love you so much," he whispered in between fervent kisses.

Narcissa became breathless underneath his continued ministrations.

"I love you with an intensity that scares me," Lucius continued so softly. "For you have healed me and filled my life with happiness."

Lucius fell silent then for his confessions had left him feeling utterly naked. The absence of his clothes did not leave him feeling as exposed as he did now. However there was nothing he could do now though for his words had broken free from the confines of his mind and were out in the world. Lucius could not suppress the nerves and fears that surfaced. His heart was thumping wildly as he was consumed by such devastating vulnerability. However Lucius also felt unbelievable free. For the first time he had surrendered himself to someone.

Narcissa's had managed to regain her breathing for Lucius had stopped kissing her and remained quiet. Without warning, Narcissa's eyes fluttered open then. Lucius sucked in a breath as he met the windows into her souls. Narcissa's eyes sparkled sapphire bright and they were misted over. Narcissa stared up at her husband, whose cheeks were now coloured a vivid red. Lucius did not notice the intense burning in his face until he felt the weight of Narcissa's gaze. He quickly turned his head to look away. Almost immediately though, hands grabbed his face and soon Lucius found himself being forced to meet those blue eyes again.

Narcissa held Lucius's face tightly as she gazed up at him, through watery vision. Despite Narcissa having regained her normal breathing she could not seem to articulate herself. Her lips moved but she could not speak a word. She just felt like she was burning up inside. The rushing and swirling heat that coursed through her blood left her body singing. Furthermore her heart was acting independently of herself. It was now only responding to Lucius and was still thumping along to a frantic beat, his words had caused.

"Th-thank y-you!" Narcissa managed to choke out suddenly.

Her stumbling words were a soothing balm over Lucius's embarrassment and he instantly relaxed against her hold.

However Narcissa knew that her reply was extremely insufficient so she just yanked Lucius down until their lips melded together. "I love you too! God I love you too!" Narcissa gasped repeatedly against his mouth and soon there were no more need for words.