Chapter 18 She Is Mine!

• From that moment forth, she would belong to Erick, for that was her resolute decision. She surrendered to the enigmatic force that set her quivering beyond her wildest imaginings, allowing it to claim her. She perceived her entire being thrumming and heating in an uncanny manner, as though something profound within her was stirred into life by her union with the prince.
• Gradually, it seemed she ceased to be herself and began to merge into what he was. She couldn't pinpoint exactly what that entailed, nor did she particularly care; her sole desire was to be his. She yearned for him to shield her through eternity. She would sooner yield to Erick than fall victim to baser lusts and become an object for Florian and the rest. Just as she sensed the onset of some transformative process, everything halted.
• What had transpired? A piercing chill enveloped her. Her eyes flickered open to find Erick regarding her with an inscrutable expression, withdrawing in silence, his features etched with grave concern. Moreover, he cast glances at her intermittently as if she were or possessed something utterly beyond his comprehension. Had he experienced a change of heart? Had she committed some misstep?