The short journey from the banquet hall to the Princess’ Chambers was a struggle for the lovers.  Christina marveled at the feel of Elizabeth’s hand in hers.  This simple contact sustained her and fired her at the same time. She leaned into the solid woman at her side wanting every ounce of contact she could claim until she could have all of her. 

Porter absently touched the key that she wore assuring herself that she and she alone had access to Christina this night.  She wondered for a moment what she would have done if Port or Henry had won this privilege.  Actually she did know.  There was no way in Hades that she would have allowed that to happen.   She was not above fighting dirty when the stakes were high and they did not come any higher than this. She tightened her grip on Christina’s hand. 

She gasped when Christina intertwined their fingers making the contact that much more sensual. Christina looked at her curiously trying to discern the cause of her distress.  Not needing the mind meld to read Christina’s thought she answered the unspoken question. Leaning closer as they walked on she confessed. 

“When you touch me in certain ways my need for you comes so quick it takes my breath away.”

“Really”  Christina raised a Vulcan eyebrow.  She filed that fact away for future use.  She hoped that she would have the skills to keep Elizabeth satisfied on all levels once this mission ended.  She would need to be creative in communicating how terribly important she was to her. She had not imagined that she would bond with a human much less meld with one.  So illogical.

They entered the Royal Chambers and found it was set up for intimate conversation.  The lights were dimmed and a platter of snack and dessert foods rested on a low table.  There were carafes of hot and cold beverages and classical music played softly.  It was all quite proper but Bette did not want anyone sharing this intimate space with Christina other than herself. 

Bette looked at Christina and wondered at this possessiveness that she felt that she had never known before.  She was surprised to find that she appreciated that as a Vulcan Christina let few people in to her inner life.  The intimacy that they shared Christina had not shared with anyone else. Christina had only one sexual partner before her.  Christina was practically a virgin and she loved that.