Page 22

“Hold still. Let it come to you.” He ran his tongue along my neck, before returning to my lips, teasing me as I tried to kiss him back.

I tilted my head until my neck was completely exposed, trusting him not to bite me.

I was a fool for trusting a blood thirsty stranger .

But in this moment, I didn’t care. All I wanted was him.

He circled around a bundle of nerves and then pushed one finger… two fingers, inside of me, pumping in and out. Slow and deep. He curled his fingers, hitting a spot that made me cry out, as he swirled round and around.

I moved with his rhythm, hungry for friction.

I was a wave crashing against the shore…

over and over. I left my body as I reached the pinnacle of an ancient song strumming in my core.

My muscles spasmed and clenched as I gripped his shoulders.

He supported me until my legs stopped shaking.

And then I melted into the bed, covered in a sheen of sweat, as I came back into myself.

He eased his fingers out of me and settled his hips on top of mine, pressing his full weight into me. I could feel him throbbing against my thigh. He stared down at me for a moment, wonder on his face, before he rolled to his side and propped his head against his hand.

“Satisfied?” He couldn’t contain his smirk.

“You…” I breathed. “Are exceptionally gifted at that .” I gave him a delirious smile. He bit my bottom lip and tugged in answer, sending another wave of pleasure through my core.

“Do you need me to help you relieve your… I’ve never… touched a man that way,” I said awkwardly.

“We’ll do it all soon enough, if I have any say. Tonight, this is enough. You’re perfect.” Galen nuzzled into me and threw a leg over one of mine, locking me in place.

After a few minutes of warm, content silence, I asked sleepily, “Should you leave now? We don’t want to be caught.”

“Do you want me to leave?” Before I even had a chance to respond, he was on me again; kissing my throat, making me see stars, until my nails were digging into his back in blissful agony.

“Is it alright if you stay? We won’t get in trouble?” I choked out the question as his tongue ran along sensitive skin. The Queen’s cold eyes flashed into my mind and I shivered. Or perhaps it was his mouth giving me the chills.

“We won’t get in trouble. It isn’t considered taboo to share a bed with someone here.

Sometimes multiple someones. We don’t adhere to the same rigid rules as your humans.

My mother might not like it, if she thinks you’re pulling me away from her choice of bride, but perhaps she should get used to the idea of us. ”

My mind was still stuck on the multiple someones. “You mean sex with more than one person… at the same time?” I must have misunderstood him.

“Yes. You are innocent, aren’t you?”

I cringed, my cheeks growing hot. “You come from a sheltered upbringing. Will you tell me more about your life back home?” he asked, pulling away to study me. I didn’t feel ready for him to know who I was.

“Maybe later.” I smiled, tugging him on top of me. His gleaming white teeth beamed down at me in the soft orange glow of the fading oil lamp. We didn’t talk for the rest of the night.

The next morning, Galen was out of my bed before dawn. I instantly missed his warmth. I watched him dress and tried to contain my awe at the back muscles that rippled as he bent down to retrieve his clothes.

“I have to get ready for a meeting with the Elders. You’ll find that I have a relentless schedule.

What I would give to stay here and eat you for breakfast—maybe lunch too.

” He bent down to kiss me goodbye on the forehead.

“I’ll see you at dinner. Don’t be surprised to see Isla.

Her family will be living here until the festival.

I’ll talk to her soon—let her down gently. ”

“No… don’t!” I cried out with a little too much urgency. “Don’t change your plans for me. Last night was a mistake… The wine went to my head. I need to focus on returning to Erador. I can’t afford to be distracted.”

I couldn’t allow myself to care for him, was the truth I left out. I needed Galen’s friendship more than whatever this was. If I lost him, I’d have no one. Not to mention Sylvia’s wrath .

There were a million reasons why this would never work. Last night shouldn’t have happened. I’d once again been reckless and selfish—caught in a perfect storm of alcohol, hormones, and pent up… something .

But when his eyes narrowed, it felt as if I’d been punched in the gut. I’d hurt him and he wasn’t hiding it. “If that’s what you’d prefer. Then, of course. I’d hate to be a distraction.”

He turned and left without another word, severing our connection with the slam of a door. I laid in bed awhile longer, thinking of our incredible evening together… and how easily I’d ruined things. I’d pushed him away, just like Deric.

I’d never witnessed a courtship founded on feelings—on love.

I couldn’t remember much about my parents’ relationship.

There was a fog that existed over my early years.

Ophelia had told me it was due to witnessing such a traumatic event.

I remembered almost nothing of my father.

He’d left no impact on me, other than feelings of abandonment.

I knew deep in my bones that he and my mother hadn’t been a love match.

Just like the women that came before me, I wasn’t destined for love.

Thinking I had choice would only complicate things, if I managed to get back to Erador.

I’d channel all of these feelings into serving the Crown…

even if I didn’t want it. Romance only existed in books anyways.

And love with a faerie Prince… it was so unfathomable, it was laughable.

He didn’t want a mortal human. He’d grow bored of me once the novelty wore off, then disappointment and pain would be all that was left. I’d made the right decision.

I didn’t have much time to ponder my feelings. Lusha came in with a tailor and they began getting me ready for my first day of training. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing as they fitted me for tunics, shirts, leggings, and even leather armor. Why did I need armor?

“Who sanctioned this? Surely not the Queen,” I said while the tailor circled me, measuring and pinning.

Lusha giggled before saying, “Prince Louis and Rafael both insisted it was necessary for your training. You don’t like pants, Miss?”

“I don’t dislike them, I’ve just never worn them,” I said defensively. Lusha raised her brows in confusion, as if she thought I’d lived under a rock before coming here. Not under a rock; just from a different rock entirely.

“Lusha, I need to tell you something— privately .”

She nodded before asking the tailor to leave us for a moment. “What is it, Miss?” Her blue eyes were so sincere, it was easy to open up to her.

“You may want to sit down,” I said, pointing to one of the cushioned chairs in front of the hearth. She hesitated for a moment before complying .

“Lusha, I’m not from Nymera.” Her eyes grew large, but she didn’t interrupt me. “I lived in Erador until a few days ago. I somehow crossed a bridge to this world while I was sleeping. The Princes found me in the forest… and I believe you know the rest.”

Lusha’s face contorted from surprise to professional neutrality. “Please don’t tell anyone,” I pleaded. “I don’t know how to world walk—I don’t know that I’m capable of any magic. I don’t want to become a false prophet for your people. I just want to get home.”

Lusha gave a firm nod before standing and brushing her skirts.

“Well, that explains a few things,” she said slowly.

“It seems almost too good to be true. We’ve waited so long for a way back to Erador.

Your secret is safe with me. I’ll do what I can to help you adjust to your new life here.

And I might have the occasional burning question or two.

” She gave a shy smile and I felt a wave of relief roll through me.

“Of course. I’m happy to answer questions. After all, it’s the home world of your people too.”

“So you don’t wear pants in Erador?” We laughed together before inviting the tailor back in.