Page 17 of The Curse Between Us

Since that first expedition into the new valley several weeks before, it had become a private refuge for Edric and Zephyr. On occasion, they were forced to share it with teams of researchers from their universities and libraries, but most days, it was theirs and theirs alone.

Today, Edric needed that peace, that solitude, that blossom-scented breeze stirring Zephyr’s dark hair as he gazed at Edric with his fathomless blue eyes. He rode out of the palace, not even pausing to thank the guards at the gate as they raised it to let him pass. He would chide himself for his unbecoming and frankly unkingly rudeness later.

The rough path that led eastward down through the mountains had smoothed out under constant wear these past weeks. It allowed Edric to maintain a good pace, but when he drew up his horse at the entrance to the valley, a quick glance confirmed that Zephyr had still managed to beat him here.

He was sprawled by the stream, face tilted up to the sky and eyes closed. Edric swung down from his horse and approached quietly, but when he was a few feet away, Zephyr opened his eyes and smiled up at him, showing neither alarm nor surprise at his presence.

“Hello, Edric.”

Edric dropped to the ground with a sigh, aching to lay his head in Zephyr’s lap, to feel his fingers comb soothingly through his hair. Of course, he did no such thing, instead maintaining a careful distance and propping his head on one elbow to look into his husband’s face.

Zephyr’s smile faded as he gazed back at Edric, a slight frown creasing his brow. “You’re upset.”

“I’ve just come from another council session,” Edric explained with a sigh. “Hadley, Alec, and Herbert have not given me a moment’s peace since we first visited here, since the priestesses first spoke of the prophecy.” He plucked at a blade of grass, tearing it to shreds, then immediately regretted destroying a piece of this place. Restless, he climbed back to his feet, pacing around the open meadow. “Does it hang as heavily over you as it does over me? Wondering if every move, every decision I make, is truly my own choice or determined by some ancient prediction?”

Zephyr remained where he was, a slight frown creasing his brow. “In some ways, yes. I do wonder. I want to believe our actions are our own, but I also know nothing is as simple as that. If we are truly a piece of this prophecy, if we are the ones who are meant to restore balance to our world--” He shrugged, looking away. “That is what frightens me. The possibility that we might fail.”

Noting the distress on his face, Edric crossed back over to his husband and laid down on the grass beside him. “We won’t,” he said. “I don’t know what it means, Zephyr. What our broken world being put together again can look like. But look around.” He waved a hand at the meadow, the stream burbling nearby. “We’ve already begun it, haven’t we? Our world is changing, and if Clara and Hadley are correct, it’s all because of us.”

“A heavy responsibility,” Zephyr murmured, though some of the tightness around his eyes began to ease.

“But one that we carry together.” Reaching out, Edric laid his gloved hand on Zephyr’s shoulder. “I hate that there is nothing we can do except wait. Alec and Herbert are making plans, attempting to foresee every eventuality, consulting with Hadley as to what she imagines might be coming. But all their theories will drive me mad.”

Zephyr laughed, laying his own hand over Edric’s. “I can only imagine. You would much prefer the simplicity of a battlefield, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes,” Edric admitted. “Somehow, I doubt that is the test that lies before us.”

“As do I,” Zephyr said softly.

The conversation faltered, but the quiet was not an uncomfortable one. Edric could hear the birds calling to one another from the treetops, the splashing of the waterfall, the steady and familiar sound of Zephyr’s breathing. The stress and tension slowly melted from his body as he laid there, eyes slipping closed. This place was a miracle, and even if it did foreshadow dire events to come, Edric could not help but marvel that he had had a hand in creating it.

“Tell me something good,” he said without opening his eyes. “How are matters at home?”

He could hear the smile in Zephyr’s voice as he replied. “Good, for the most part. Clara is pleased about the increase in devotees at the temple, these past weeks, and when Clara is happy, the rest of the kingdom generally follows.”

Edric could only imagine. “And at the palace? How are Wilfred and Pierce?”

“Exactly as they always are.” Zephyr laughed. “Pierce has had a portrait of himself commissioned, wearing the regent’s diadem. He claims he’ll need it as proof that he once held power in the land, when he’s old and his memory begins to fade. Personally, I think it’s pure vanity on his part, but I’m sure it will be striking when it is finished.”

Edric grinned, imagining that conversation. For all his eccentricities, he liked Pierce, and he had proven himself quite capable during the time Zephyr was away. If he wanted a portrait of himself in testament to his time as regent, Edric would not judge him for it.

“Perhaps we ought to commission one of our own,” he said. “In full ceremonial dress, severe and pompous, with a map of our joined lands spread on the table before us.”

Zephyr rolled over, propping himself up on one elbow and grinning. It was beginning to grow warmer as the sun rose higher in the sky, and they both discarded their gloves. “But where would it hang? We would need two versions, one for my palace and one for yours.”

“We could hang it here,” Edric suggested. “So we could laugh at it every time we visited together, wondering how we ever managed to remain composed long enough for it to be painted.”

They both broke into laughter at the idea, and Edric felt his heart swell in his chest at the way Zephyr’s eyes crinkled up in his amusement. He ached to reach out, to smooth those lines away, to feel the softness of his skin under his fingertips. His good humour slipped away as he stared at his husband. If they were truly prophesied to be together, if all of this was indeed meant to happen-- then why could not they touch one another?

Edric rose to his feet, hands clenching into fists at his sides. “It isn’t fair,” he muttered under his breath. “If the world is asking so much of us, can we not even have this? Can we not even have each other in all the ways we want?”

They had made an art of bringing themselves pleasure in shared settings, but Edric did not refer only to sexual acts. He wanted to be able to push Zephyr’s hair away from his forehead, to press a comforting kiss to his brow or his cheek, to stand behind him and massage the tension from his shoulders without clothing in the way. He wanted it all so badly, his chest ached with it.

A moment later, he felt Zephyr’s presence behind him. “Perhaps it is part of the test,” he said. “We entered this marriage for reasons other than desire and affection, Edric. Those things have come with time, and I am grateful beyond words that they have. Maybe, when all of this is over, that will be our reward.”

“Reward?” Edric spun to face him, jaw tight. “I don’t want to jump through hoops decreed by some distant power before I can touch you ungloved, Zephyr. I want to show you, here and now, how much I have come to love you.”

He only realized what he had said as Zephyr’s eyes flared wide, as his lips parted on a surprised inhale.

Edric had known it since the first time they came to this meadow. Had seen the way Zephyr smiled at the flowering trees, the way he tucked the blossom Edric offered him behind his ear. That was the moment Edric knew: he was in love with his husband.

He had not, however, intended to declare it so suddenly, to impose his feelings on Zephyr that way.

“I’m sorry,” he breathed. “Zephyr, I’m--” He started to turn away, his throat tightening, but Zephyr stopped him.

“Don’t,” he said fiercely. “Do not be sorry, Edric, either for feeling it or for saying it.” He met Edric’s eyes, his own a brighter blue than the sky above them, and said, “I love you.”

Maybe it was the stillness of this place, the way it always felt like something out of a dream. Maybe it was the way they were already stripped so bare to one another, hearts exposed under the shining sun. Edric could not say who moved first, whose careful control broke, but the next thing he knew, his hand was in Zephyr’s, and he felt no pain.

Zephyr pulled back immediately, apologies tumbling from his lips, but Edric just stared at his hand, bracing for pain that did not come. He frowned, then reached out again. He did not touch Zephyr, but left his hand hanging in the space between them, a fragile hope blossoming in his chest.

“Trust me,” he whispered. If he was wrong--

Zephyr swallowed heavily, but met Edric’s eyes as he extended his own bare hand. Their fingertips brushed together, as delicate as the flutter of a butterfly’s wings, and again there was no pain.

Exhaling deeply, Edric turned his wrist and placed his entire palm flat against Zephyr’s. Neither moved as the seconds passed and they felt only the warmth of each other’s skin, the calluses formed by years of fighting a war they had brought to an end. “It’s a miracle,” Zephyr murmured. “Edric, how is this--”

“How is any of this possible?” Edric asked. In that moment, he didn’t care about the prophecy, didn’t care about the forces of the universe meddling in his fate. All he cared about was the feeling of Zephyr’s hand in his own, the words they had just spoken aloud.

A smile of pure joy broke across his face as he tightened his grip. “I love you,” he said again, deliberately this time, enunciating every syllable, imbuing them with weight and significance. “Zephyr, I--”

He was cut off by the press of Zephyr’s lips against his own.

Edric had been dreaming of this kiss for many months. Since their wedding night, at least, if not even earlier. Zephyr’s lips were soft and plush against his, warm and welcoming. Sighing, Edric deepened the kiss, bringing his arms up around Zephyr’s shoulders and pulling him closer. It was an indescribable joy, holding him so tightly, and after a moment Edric pulled back so that he could rest his forehead against Zephyr’s, letting out a shaky laugh.

“Is this a dream?” he asked under his breath.

Smiling mischievously, Zephyr reached out and pinched him lightly, just above the elbow. Edric yelped more in protest than in pain, then gasped as Zephyr leaned down to press his lips to the spot he had just pinched. “Apparently not,” Zephyr murmured, lips tickling over the soft skin of Edric’s arm. “We are awake and aware, and for reasons unknown to me, your touch brings me only pleasure, not pain.”

Edric smiled, holding Zephyr’s gaze. He slowly licked his lips, watching as Zephyr’s eyes dropped to follow the movement, darkening as they did. “Well,” Edric said. “I am not inclined to look upon this blessing with suspicion. I believe we ought to take advantage of it while we can, if you are willing?”

Zephyr swallowed roughly. “I am,” he said. “The things I’ve wanted to do with you, Edric, you have no idea--”

“Then show me,” Edric said, a series of vivid images already running through his own mind. Zephyr made an approving sound and surged forward again, lips meeting Edric’s in a desperate kiss.

It was no less wondrous the second time around, and now that Edric was not bracing for something terrible to happen the instant he dropped his guard, he could enjoy it fully. He had not kissed anyone in a long time, but his body remembered, and the depth of his feelings for Zephyr only heightened the sensation. He slid his hands down to rest at his husband’s hips, thumbs digging in slightly, and Zephyr groaned against him, shamelessly pressing himself further into Edric’s hold.

He could have stayed there for hours, just kissing, but it seemed Zephyr had other ideas. His hands, laced behind Edric’s neck, slowly dipped beneath the collar of Edric’s shirt, tracing a light line between his shoulder blades. Edric bit back a moan as Zephyr nipped lightly at the point where his neck met his jaw, teasing. “Can I remove this?” Zephyr asked, tugging at his shirt.

It was more than warm enough in the meadow, and judging by the way matters were progressing, they would be creating heat of their own soon. Edric nodded frantically, releasing his hold on Zephyr and stretching his arms over his head to assist him in removing the offending garment. As it fell to the ground, he arched an eyebrow at Zephyr and nodded towards his own shirt. “It would only be fair.”

“Let us not risk disturbing the delicate balance of this place,” Zephyr replied, laughing. He pulled his own shirt over his head in an unhurried, deliberate manner. Edric watched hungrily as his chest was bared to view, the knowledge that he could finally reach out and touch all that inviting skin making him somewhat light-headed.

There was a slight pause as they both stared at each other, chests rising and falling with their rapid breathing. Then Edric stepped closer and wrapped Zephyr in his arms once more, running his hands down the smooth expanse of his back. Zephyr stiffened in his arms, shuddering, and Edric repeated the motion with increased pressure just to watch him react again. He traced the long line of Zephyr’s spine with the tips of his fingers as he trailed kisses along his neck, remembering how he had been informed it was sensitive. Judging by the way Zephyr moaned, he had not exaggerated.

But he must also have been paying attention, that night they first touched themselves in each other’s presence, because he smirked as he dropped his hands to rove over Edric’s chest, barely brushing against his nipples. Edric let out a cry of his own, leaning into the touch, as Zephyr followed the path of his hands with his lips and tongue. Throwing his head back, Edric groaned as Zephyr’s teeth scraped ever so lightly over his nipple, jolts of pleasure coursing through his entire body.

Edric’s knees weakened. Restlessly, he tugged at Zephyr’s hands, bearing him down onto the soft grass. Both kneeling, they met in another kiss, fiercer with the deepening of their desire. Edric buried his hands in Zephyr’s dark hair, marveling at its softness, as Zephyr pushed gently at his shoulders until he was sprawled on his back, Zephyr straddling him.

He stopped, a wicked gleam in his eyes, before shifting his weight forward so that their lower bodies came into contact as well. Edric hissed through his teeth as he felt the insistent press of Zephyr’s erection against his leg. Raising his hands, he placed them at Zephyr’s hips again, those sharp lines of bone and muscle that cried out to be held. Zephyr looked down at him, his lower lip caught between his teeth as he rocked forward again. Edric guided him, urged him on, pulled him closer until they were straining against one another. A bead of sweat rolled down Zephyr’s neck and onto his collarbone, and Edric surged upwards to chase it with his tongue, rolling them over in the same movement.

Zephyr laughed breathlessly, gazing up at him with adoration in his lust-darkened eyes. Edric pressed a kiss directly over his heart, reaching between them to toy with the edge of his breeches. “May I?” he asked.

“Yes,” Zephyr sighed, arching upwards in clear invitation. Edric wasted no further time, scrambling to remove Zephyr’s breeches and the fine linen drawers beneath them. The sunlight turned his skin to gold, and Edric’s breath caught in his throat as he drank in the sight of him in all his naked glory. They had seen each other nude before, but it was different now. Now, Edric could touch him.

And touch him he did. He started at the very top, tracing the sharp line of Zephyr’s cheekbone with his thumb, then over the dip of his upper lip and the swell of his lower, along his jaw and down the side of his neck. He splayed his hand against the firm muscles of his chest, down the trail of dark hair that led past his navel. He smiled as he bypassed his groin, Zephyr pouting up at him as he explored the strength of his thick thighs and shapely calves, the delicate knobs of his ankles.

“Edric.” There was an edge of pleading to Zephyr’s voice that caused him to look up. “This hardly seems fair.”

“If you insist.” Edric pressed a kiss to the inside of Zephyr’s ankle, then sat back slightly so he could remove his own trousers and drawers. He crawled back up the length of Zephyr’s body, deliberately allowing their cocks to brush together, and kissed him again.

Zephyr’s hands slid down his back, nails digging in slightly, then ghosted over his backside, teasing. Edric laughed, and Zephyr tightened his grip, pulling Edric to him so there was no space left between them.

“Those things you wanted to do--” Edric gasped out as Zephyr nipped at the side of his neck. “You may wish to provide an example sooner rather than later.”

Laughing, Zephyr shook his head, pressing an affectionate kiss to the tip of Edric’s nose. “Later,” he promised. “For now, just--” He thrust his hips upwards, cock sliding against Edric’s stomach, and Edric instinctively pressed down to meet him. Clumsily, they repeated the movement until they established a rhythm. Edric braced himself on his forearms, his lips close to Zephyr’s but not actually touching, breathing in and out together as they climbed closer to climax.

“Zephyr,” he murmured. “Oh, powers, Zephyr, it feels so--”

“I know.” Zephyr’s nails dug into the tender flesh of Edric’s backside as he strained upwards, his cheeks flushed rose-red. “Edric, I--”

His mouth dropped open on a long exhale, and Edric felt the warm splash of liquid against his stomach. He thrust forward, the evidence of Zephyr’s release helping to slick the way, and all the muscles in his body locked up as he followed him into bliss.

Edric slumped forward heavily, nuzzling into the crook of Zephyr’s shoulder. He inhaled deeply, filling his nostrils with the scent of the sun-warmed grass beneath them and the faint aroma of musk that clung to Zephyr in the aftermath of their exertions. Zephyr’s hands traced lazy patterns on his back, and neither of them spoke for a long while.

Eventually, Edric rolled over, lacing his hands behind his head and turning his body up to the sun. A few seconds later, he felt the warm press of Zephyr’s lips against his forehead. “Happy?”

“Very,” Edric answered. He rolled his head to the side and met Zephyr’s eyes, soft with affection. “I know we said we could be content without it, but Zephyr, that was--”

“Incredible,” Zephyr finished. “Yes. I know.” He curled in closer, then grimaced at the sticky mess on Edric’s lower body. “But even in this enchanted place, it is unfortunately messy.”

Edric rolled his eyes, climbing wearily to his feet. “Entirely worth it, in my opinion.” Reaching down, he tugged Zephyr up, guiding him towards the stream. “I suggest we have a refreshing splash in this convenient body of water and then do it all over again.”

Grinning, Zephyr brushed past him, casting an inviting look back over his shoulder. “Excellent plan, my love. So why are you dawdling?”

Edric laughed and allowed himself to be led into the cool water of the stream. He would not permit himself to wonder how long they would enjoy this precious gift, to lose himself in worries about the future. For now, they had this one shining day, and the time and solitude with which to make use of their new ability to take pleasure and comfort in each other’s touch.

Plenty, Abyss, and the upcoming battle could wait. Prophecy or no prophecy, they had created this place for themselves and found joy in it. If that was all their union resulted in, Edric would count it a victory.