Saber let out a soft sound.
This time, Shichen didn't just give her a quick peck—he kissed her deeply.
Caught off guard, Saber stared at him from up close. Meeting his burning gaze, she found herself swept along by his momentum.
She'd never experienced anything like this before. It felt more intense and far less guarded, yet not uncomfortable at all.
So this is what a real kiss feels like, she thought. A peck makes you overthink; this kind of deep exchange stirs the body and the soul.
At her age, she should've known this already, but being a king had delayed it until now. No wonder Rider pitied her for never having loved—love really is this beautiful.
Saber felt herself falling in love. She closed her eyes, put her arms around Shichen's neck, and, a little clumsily, kissed him back. For that moment, the Holy Grail, her wish, and the burdens of a king all flew out of her mind—she was just a girl.
Shichen hadn't expected her to respond; he'd thought she'd just bury her head like an ostrich. Looks like his efforts these past days hadn't been in vain. He held the petite Saber closer, shut his eyes, and guided the pace—while letting himself enjoy it.
Before long, Saber was out of breath and pulled back, gulping air but not letting go. Shichen barely gave her time to breathe before kissing her again. Competitive as ever, she refused to be outdone.
Holding each other tight, they toppled onto the bedding and lay on their sides. That was awkward, so Saber rolled and took the lead, sitting astride him—the King of Knights, after all.
Shichen, delighted, casually set a barrier outside the tent—Saber was so fired up he suspected he wouldn't be able to resist much longer. His hands found the hem of her sweater and lifted it. Saber broke the kiss to catch her breath and let him help her out of it, then leaned in to kiss him again, curious how long he could keep up.
Left in a thin camisole, her figure was slender and fair. Shichen rested a hand on her midriff, feeling her breathing quicken. Saber paused for a heartbeat, then let it go, completely absorbed in the kiss. It was beautiful—so different from the fatigue and pain of her years as king.
Maybe, she thought, joining the Grail War really had been to meet him and reclaim things she'd missed at that age. The thought brought a twinge of guilt, but even more joy. With her wish impossible anyway, she felt strangely light.
He liked the balance of strength and softness in her. Holding her by the waist felt natural—though now he wanted more. He lifted the edge of her camisole; she slipped it off and tossed it aside.
He took in her—blue, lace-trimmed underthings that looked modern on someone so timeless. Odd, but fitting in its own way. As they kissed, his hand found the strap at her back and a soft click followed.
He rolled, gently pressing her down. Saber didn't resist, her delicate face flushed like a red apple. Shichen looked down at her, eyes burning. Embarrassed by his gaze, she raised a hand to cover her face, which only made it easier for him to move.
"Is this okay?" he whispered at her ear.
"Mm…" Saber answered faintly.
"Really okay?" he asked again, brushing a kiss against her earlobe.
"Y-yes…" She stopped thinking and simply followed his lead.
"Then… lift your arms."
She did as told, and he eased the last of it away. He placed his palms over her chest to feel her heartbeat—left or right, he wasn't sure, so he covered both. Saber jolted at the touch, heart racing, heat rising. To distract her, he kissed her again. She loved kissing; she threw her arms around him and answered eagerly.
The tent grew warmer, the barrier keeping in the heat and keeping out the world. He moved to her pale neck; when his teeth gave a light bite, she frowned, then melted. He didn't linger—just a taste—then moved on. Eyes suddenly wide, she hugged his head to her. The newness of it all enthralled her; he, too, was entranced.
Night deepened. The moon hid behind clouds, darkness covering the world; only their tent glowed. Everyone else slept; with the barrier blocking sound and light, no one would notice a thing.
After a long while, he finally whispered, voice low, "May I?"
"May you what?" she murmured without thinking.
"What do you think?" he teased.
"I… I don't know…" she said, confused.
"Then… let me decide?"
At this point, there was no way he'd stop.
"Mm…" Saber closed her eyes and nodded lightly.
Soon after, she let out a soft, pained sound she'd never made before—fade to black.
~~~
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