The flames of the candles are dancing with the warm breeze. The temperature of the room is just right. The scent of the flowers comes in by the windows.

A silky fabric flows between these fingers, while skilled hands tie a knot.

What?

Why? Where?

When have I learned to tie this specific knot?

As the contours of the scenery take shape, I can also see what is happening. Oh, it's one of those dreams again.

My dream's lover is now tying me down to the bed. Queen Theodora is blindfolded, her hands are joined together and fixed on the headboard with a nice ribbon. Her lips are split to let oxygen flow in her lungs, while her skin is blushed.

The same knot that ties her hands decorates her right ankle but her legs are free to move. This feels like wrapping a present if we ignore the fact that she can't move.

She, because I am not her. I wouldn't allow this no matter what. As a Queen, at that! Who in the world could tame the ruler me?

No one, because this is just a fantasy.

Also, it will fade soon. These dreams don't last too long. A few minutes, and I'll return to the real world.

This man's hand caresses my thigh, and Queen Theodora gasps. I get that, being blind makes you feel everything more. It's the rest of this ritual that I don't understand.

Oh, she's being tortured by a pervert! Yeah, the guards will soon arrive and save you, your majesty. Just hang in there...

No, no, no! Why is my skin so soft under this pervert's lips? Why are my sighs so sensual?

I need some time to remember that I feel everything this weird person feels.

I'm not attracted by myself, luckily.

This man's mouth is on the calf, almost on the knee. It's moving up, bit by bit. Also, Theodora's breathing has quickened. Is she panicking?

«Do you want me to stop?» this man asks.

Good grace, don't you see she's scared to her guts? Let her go, you pervert!

«No,» she breathes. «Don't leave me like this...»

Ah, I give up. If she's lost her mind, do what you want.

Reconsidering it again, don't. Since I see all you see, please keep things contained. I'd prefer not to kiss myself.

His hand caresses my thigh and reaches in between my legs. Oh, how weird. It's hot and slippery.

This man's fingers slide in without resistance, and Queen Theodora moans in pleasure.

I can get this too, your majesty. This is one of those things that make me moan as well.

However, this man's lips curl in a grin, and he's just so content. As if he was the one being pleasured. He leans his chin on the Queen's knee and observes her face with almost creepy awareness.

By the way, why am I dreaming of this?

It must be one of those so-called wet dreams. Even though it's a rather odd way to dream of making love.

The reason behind it all might be some hidden desire of mine. However, my Duke is way better than this man. I can't resist so much without twisting or panting, yet Queen Theodora is still in her clear mind. The only sign of her pleasure is the quickened breathing and a moan or two from time to time.

I would be already at the limit by now, under my Duke's expert caresses.

When this man starts kissing the inner part of the Queen's thigh, I remember that I'm still in the wrong place. What a perverted mind I have.

I don't want to know how it feels to make love from this side of the act. Not with myself, please!

The noise of the ropes tightening makes me realise that the Queen is fighting against the restraints. Her breath is now unstable, and she spreads her legs wide in an invite.

When the dream disperses, this man's lips are so close to down there that I catch a glimpse of my intimate part before waking up.

I open my eyes wide and stare at the canopy before figuring that I'm back in the master bedroom, in Stoneyard. I don't move a muscle for a while before activating my body inch by inch.

Oh, I've actually managed to fall asleep!

It doesn't seem like much time passed. However, my Duke left me alone in bed! Where is he?

I rub my eyes and look around, spotting my husband on the sofa.

«Good morning,» I exclaim with a smile. «You left your wife alone...»

«I didn't,» he chuckles, putting down the papers he's been reading. «I'm still here.»

«You're too far,» I comment while sitting up.

«By the way, it's not morning anymore.»

«What are you talking about?» I mutter while turning towards the clock. Oh, already? Two twenty?

What a pity, it looks like I skipped lunch.

I'm not too hungry, so I'll just wait for tea time.

I move my legs out of bed, intending to run in my husband's arms. My wet underwear stops me.

Oh, this must be why people call them wet dreams.

It's not just wet: my underwear is soaked. Also, my belly tingles, and my heart is racing.

What is my subconsciousness trying to tell me, though? That I secretly want to be a man?

I don't think so...

Right now, I can't reach Alexander until I calm down. I lie back in bed and cross my arms, thinking about the matter without hurry.

«Are you going back to sleep?» my husband asks from the other side of the room.

His voice sounds so alluring this morning... I mean, today. It's early afternoon, by now.

I seriously need to calm down. I can't continue heating up with every little thing.

Returning to the dream, I think I'm starting to understand what's the matter.

«I'll rest some more,» I remember to reply. «It's late already, so I don't need to hurry now. Right?»

«As you wish,» Alexander chuckles and returns to his job.

I stare at him, trying to imagine him tied to the bed.

It won't be easy to convince him. I need a fail-proof plan.

I can use his wounded hand as an excuse. I'll say that I want to tie his left arm so that we don't accidentally hurt it. Then, it will be a piece of cake to tie the right one.

Oh, I'll need two ropes for the arms. Shall I tie his legs as well? Hmm... No, it's too much work. I'll keep it simple.

This means I'll have to do all the work, but I bet this is the only way to take the lead. My Duke is rarely in the mood to let me.

That man in the dream was less skilled, but all of that odd show was somehow sweet. He liked the Queen very much, and he was doing his best to let her feel it. I'll have to do the same. I can't count on my technique alone.

If he resists and doesn't let me tie him, I'll have to convince him.

Distracting him and then attacking by surprise is not an option: there's the possibility I hurt his wound.

Forgetting to hide my wily grin, I turn my head to Alexander. He's still working, focused on the papers in front of him.

I have to consider clothes too. I won't be able to undress my Duke after tying him. I'll wait for him to get rid of the outer layers. Maybe even for him to wear nightclothes. Lesser is better, isn't it?

Should I feel a bit guilty for my wicked plans? Maybe.

However, Alexander did so many naughty things to me. He won't complain if I follow my dreams for once. I've been so obedient that he won't take it to heart if I act slightly savage.

Oh, what can I use as ropes? I need two for the arms and one as a spare, in case of need. Do I have thin scarves?

What about the socks? They're pretty long, but I'm not proficient with knots. I might need longer fabrics.

I'll check later when I change. If I manage to tie the socks around my ankle, they'll fit for the Duke too. I'll keep the scarves nearby, just in case. Elasticity is another quality to keep in consideration.

«What are you thinking about with such a face?» Alexander inquires, suddenly so close to me. When did he get here?

I blink a couple of times, looking for an innocent answer.

«Socks and scarves,» I reply.

«Oh, do you need more?»

«Oh, no,» I chuckle. «I was just wondering what to wear today.»

That's right. Changing into a nightgown isn't the best option.

I can keep the scarf and socks on until the moment I need them. I'll just wait for my Duke to get rid of the outer layer of his clothes.

I'll assault... I'll lure him in bed with my most seductive smile.

«You'll be beautiful no matter what you choose,» Alexander continues.

«What is my Duke's favourite colour?»

«Black,» he answers, fast and precise.

He does like dark colours. I do too, but he's always asked me to wear light coloured dresses.

«Do you want this Duchess to wear black, then?»

«Oh, no,» he chuckles and shakes his head. «My Duchess can wear whatever she desires, but light blue or pink are so pretty with your skin.»

«Is that so?»

«Yes, it is. Also, you're just like an angel when you let your hair loose.»

I'll write it down, later. May come in handy in the future.

«Does my Duke like angels so much?»

«No, just one of them.»

«Who?» I ask, blinking innocently.

«If you want to hear the answer, you'll have to properly interrogate me.»

Oh, just wait tonight. This is another note to write down.

«I can try to guess by myself,» I point out. «I don't know many angels, and I believe you don't either.»

I'll ask everything that comes to mind.

He doesn't even suspect he will be under my care. I can't wait, really!

After all, what can go wrong?