Marriage.

Xalendra dreaded the thought of tarnishing her soul—any further than she might have already—but the desperation she felt was only growing by the second. She had to do whatever it took to sate her yearning, lest it drive her mad.

“If it must be done,” the princess said nervously, “I will go through any ceremony. Anything to make this curse ease its madness.” She looked to Kylia, who had decided to voice no objections, as servile as ever. Xalendra bit her lip anxiously, averting her eyes as the magic itch burned inside her.

Winnith appeared the slightest bit surprised. “If you understand, and truly cannot control yourself, then it must be done. I can find a qualified official before the sun rises. In this case, you might want it quick and discrete, so we will perform the ceremony here, in the castle. Just follow me.”

Xalendra nodded, unable to keep her eyes from her handmaiden entirely. Kylia apprehensively followed along as the three women made their way through the dark hallways and down to one of the castle's inner chambers. It was a small space, made for confession, primarily. A pair of booths sat in the back wall, and a large fur rug spanned the floor.

“Wait here patiently, and I'll return shortly,” Winnith told them as she lit a couple sconces. “Control yourself at least that long, Xalendra.” The queen held her in a brief look, and then left the princess and her handmaiden alone.

Xalendra stood in the small room, silent but for the crackling of the kindling. She noticed Kylia make herself comfortable on the floor—comfortable as possible, given her condition. She longed to join her, but daren't risk her soul any further. Still, her body burned with the cursed desire, and her eyes would not stay away from the girl sitting anxiously on her knees. The thoughts of what they did earlier in the night kept creeping back into her mind...