Page 23 of The Curse Between Us

Edric woke to a light breeze blowing across his naked back, carrying with it the scent of sun-ripened peaches from the fields outside the palace. He shifted slightly, not yet willing to rise, but then laughed as the tickling sensation along his spine grew more intense.

“It’s too early,” he said, words muffled by the way his face was pressed into the mound of pillows.

“Nonsense.” Zephyr dragged his fingertips along the curve of Edric’s back, just above his buttocks, and Edric inhaled shakily, arching into the caress. “We have duties to attend to this morning, my love, and if we wish to perform them in a timely manner--”

“We must make an early start of it.” Rolling onto his side, Edric met Zephyr’s smug look with a grin of his own. “Oh, very well.”

He leaned in and closed the distance between them, sighing into his husband’s mouth. In the three months since they had reshaped the world, they had learned each other’s bodies in the most intimate and creative ways, but Edric would never tire of this, of the ease with which he could touch Zephyr now. Every morning they woke, pressed together with no barriers of fabric between them, and Edric marvelled at the path that had led them here, to a world made anew by their bond.

Zephyr slid across the sheets towards him, the long lines of his naked body pressing against Edric’s with a flattering urgency. Edric drew back to press kisses along the curve of his jaw, the place under his ear where his dark hair curled in the warm Rafrian air, his bare, sunkissed shoulder. Though they still travelled back and forth between their lands, they did not have to part in order to do so. They could both maintain their health no matter the length of their stay, further proof that something broken in the world had been mended. In the past three months, they had not spent one night apart, nor had they failed to make the most of that time.

With a soft sound of pleasure, Zephyr tilted his head to the side, inviting. Edric laughed but indulged him, continuing to press kisses along the exposed skin, experimenting with the pressure of his lips and cataloguing every noise Zephyr made in response. He could feel Zephyr’s cock hardening against him, his own stirring in response, and without breaking the kiss, Edric reached into the table by the bed for the jar of oil they kept there.

But when he moved to slick his fingers, to reach between Zephyr’s legs, Zephyr stopped him with a hand on his wrist. “I believe it is your turn,” he said, eyes heavy-lidded with pleasure and anticipation.

In this, as in most things, they were well-matched, both taking great pleasure in any and all types of lovemaking. Edric shrugged, less interested in the fairness of it than in the sheer enjoyment, and passed the jar to Zephyr.

With a firm kiss, Zephyr rolled him onto his back, gazing down at him with so much appreciation and affection in his eyes that Edric felt himself flush. Smiling, Zephyr placed a kiss to the centre of his chest as he coated his fingers in the oil and ever-so-gently pressed one against Edric’s opening.

Edric’s body welcomed him easily, his legs spreading further to allow better access. He closed his eyes, luxuriating in the sensation of Zephyr’s long, clever fingers inside him, the peach-scented breeze adding to the heat building in his body. Zephyr worked him open with infinite patience, alternating between sweet kisses and sweeter words murmured into Edric’s ear as he did.

The low simmer of arousal began to climb higher, small sounds of need falling from Edric’s lips. He arched into Zephyr’s hand, three fingers inside him now, and opened his eyes.

Zephyr raised one eyebrow at him. “Yes, Edric?”

Scowling, Edric shifted his hips. “You know what.”

“No, I don’t believe I do.” Zephyr crooked his fingers in a way that made Edric gasp with pleasure. “Is there something you wish of me?”

Edric laughed and leaned up for a kiss. As he did, he tugged at Zephyr’s shoulders, rolling him over onto his back, hand sliding free of Edric’s body. Grinning down at him in triumph, Edric settled himself over his hips, Zephyr’s hands instinctively closing at his waist as Edric slowly sank onto his cock.

“Yes,” Edric said, once he had caught his breath. “That is what I wanted.”

“How convenient.” Zephyr smiled up at him, looking all too pleased with himself. “It is what I wanted as well.”

Edric kissed him again, briefly but deeply, and then began to move. He loved the way Zephyr felt inside him, the way he allowed Edric to set the pace while still moving with him in perfect rhythm. He was slow today, indulgent, taking Zephyr as deep inside as he could before raising himself up again, helped by Zephyr’s strong hands at his sides. A rivulet of sweat wound its way down Zephyr’s chest, highlighting the sharp cut of his muscles, and Edric reached down to follow its path, leaving Zephyr shivering under his touch.

Shifting his hips slightly, Edric clenched his muscles, making Zephyr curse under his breath. His hands tightened on Edric’s hips, pulling him down fiercely, his own hips rising off the bed to meet him. Edric increased the speed of his movements, rising and falling more rapidly now, eyes locked onto Zephyr’s as they climbed higher towards the peak of their pleasure.

He knew the signs of Zephyr’s impending climax well: the shallowness of his breath, the way his eyes would flutter closed despite his intentions, the way he would gasp Edric’s name over and over in broken whispers. Wrapping his own hand around his erection, Edric stroked himself, leaning back slightly to put himself on blatant display, knowing it drove Zephyr wild, a reminder of the times when this was all they could have of one another.

As expected, Zephyr’s eyes flared wide, and he batted Edric’s hand away to replace it with his own. He was thrusting up into Edric now, no finesse or control, and Edric tipped his head back, shuddering, as his orgasm hit him with sudden intensity and he spilled over Zephyr’s hand.

“And now it is your turn,” he murmured, still moving over Zephyr’s body. “Let go for me, Zephyr.”

With one last impossibly deep thrust, Zephyr did. Edric hummed in satisfaction as he felt the warmth of his release inside him, moving his hips in shallow thrusts to coax the last tremors of pleasure from Zephyr’s body.

Slumping forward onto Zephyr’s chest, Edric kissed him, slow and deep. “A bath, and then breakfast?”

He closed his eyes in contentment as he felt Zephyr’s hand settle in his hair, smoothing it away from his forehead. “Yes, I think so.”

“Or we could simply remain here,” Edric suggested. “Surely they can manage without us.”

“A tempting idea.” He could hear the amusement in Zephyr’s voice. “But I believe we would come to regret it.”

Sighing, Edric rolled off him, rising from the bed and stretching his arms over his head in a shameless display. Equally shameless, Zephyr watched him with clear appreciation, eyes tracking a slow path from the top of Edric’s head down the naked length of his body.

Jutting out one hip, Edric winked at him. “Come along. If we’re quick, we may have time for more play before the attendants come in search of us.”

He had never seen Zephyr scramble out of bed with more speed. Laughing, Edric caught him around the waist and dragged him towards the bathing chamber, stopping every few feet to exchange teasing kisses. It would be a marvel if they ever managed to make themselves presentable, but then, they had accomplished far more marvelous deeds together.

◆◆◆

Two hours later, Edric and Zephyr were dressed in formal yet comfortable attire, their clothing perfectly suited for a ride through the countryside. A procession of courtiers and ordinary citizens trailed behind them as they rode out from the palace along the newly constructed road. The road stretched northwest from the heart of the palace, winding its way toward the distant mountains, offering a glimpse of the beauty that lay beyond.

The past three months had been a blur for both Edric and Zephyr, filled with moments of personal discovery and growth. These months had also seen monumental changes for the kingdoms. Crews, consisting mostly of former soldiers, had labored relentlessly to carve out new paths through the rugged terrain of the mountains. The road east of the palace had been expanded to accommodate wagons and carts, making trade and travel easier. In addition, this new road that Edric and Zephyr now traversed was meant to serve as an alternative route into Eskarven, climbing steadily into the mountains. It passed beneath the peak where Abyss had been laid to rest, winding its way toward the Eskarven path on the other side. Along the way, it skirted the edges of the newly-named forest, Eskria, a symbol of the new era of cooperation between their lands.

Though Edric and Zephyr had traversed this road countless times in recent months, stopping to lend a hand with the construction at times, today their journey had a very different purpose. Today, they were not crossing the mountains, but rather heading to their destination, nestled in the heart of the range: a perfect, serene blue lake, its still waters a mirror to the sky above.

As they rounded a bend, the lake came into view, and Edric felt his breath catch in his throat. It was a sight he had seen many times before, yet every time it struck him anew with its beauty. Zephyr, riding beside him, let out a soft sigh, his eyes reflecting the same awe. The lake shimmered under the sunlight, just as it had the day they had helped bring it into being. But today, there was something new—something that made the scene even more breathtaking: a gleaming marble temple, perched on the shore of the lake. The pillars of the temple rose majestically, reaching for the cloudless sky, their pristine white surface shining in the sunlight.

Edric pulled his horse to a halt on the smooth stones in front of the temple, his heart swelling with pride as Alec came striding out to meet them. Alec stood tall, his posture proud and confident. His hands were planted on his hips as he regarded Edric and Zephyr. “Well?” he asked, his voice laced with anticipation. “What do you think?”

“It’s perfect,” Edric said, his voice full of sincerity. There was no need for any embellishment; the temple, simple in design yet full of significance, was exactly what it needed to be. Built with care and dedication, it stood as a testament to the joint efforts of both kingdoms. Alec had been the first to suggest building the new center of worship and learning here, at the very heart of their united lands, and both Clara and Hadley had immediately approved.

Edric’s heart swelled as he observed the pride and joy written all over Alec’s face. There was a quiet satisfaction in his demeanor, a sense that he had finally found a place where his leadership could shine—not as a general, but as a creator, a builder. Alec had commanded the workers with the same natural authority that had once made him the most feared general in the Rafrian army. But here, his purpose was different. His goal was not to conquer, but to unite and build something that would last.

“Come,” Alec said, motioning for them to follow. “Let me show you the sanctuary.”

The last time Edric and Zephyr had visited, the sanctuary had not yet been completed. But now, the temple was ready, its walls rich with history and promise. Swinging down from their horses, Edric reached out for Zephyr’s hand, and together they walked into the cool, serene interior of the temple.

The walls of the sanctuary were adorned with tapestries from Rafria, their intricate designs telling stories of the past. In front of the tapestries stood sculptures from Eskarven, each one a work of art in its own right, adding depth and texture to the space. At the far end of the sanctuary, the altar stood proudly—a massive block of dark marble, smooth and imposing. Two familiar figures stood before it: Hadley and Clara, their presence commanding yet welcoming.

Edric’s heart swelled as he approached them, his smile genuine and warm. He offered a low bow, his respect for them evident. “My ladies,” he greeted them. “You have my sincere congratulations on this accomplishment.”

Hadley smiled warmly at him, her eyes briefly flicking over to Alec before she spoke. “In truth, we did very little,” she said modestly. “Your brother was the driving force behind most of the design and construction.”

Alec flushed at the praise, though he looked pleased. “I had a great deal of help from the Eskarvens,” he countered. He glanced at Zephyr, his expression softening as he spoke of their shared efforts. “Your cousin Wilfred, in particular, was invaluable. I hope to visit the academy soon to see many of the texts he referenced for myself.”

Zephyr smiled and nodded. “I believe he would like that very much,” he said.

Clara, standing beside Hadley, offered her own suggestion. “You may escort me back after the ceremony if you wish,” she said gently, her voice softer than Edric had ever heard it. It was clear that the past months had changed her in ways that went beyond the political. She had softened, but she remained a force to be reckoned with, her strength still palpable. “Once we’ve concluded today’s ceremony.”

At that, Edric exchanged a glance with Zephyr. “And what exactly does this ceremony involve?” Zephyr asked, his curiosity piqued.

Hadley laughed, shaking her head. “Nothing to fear, my king,” she said, her voice light with amusement. “We simply wish to dedicate the new temple, to open it to the world, and to allow them to see the wonders we’ve created here.” She gestured toward the corner of the sanctuary, where a velvet cloth hung over an alcove in the wall. “Come, let me show you.”

Edric raised his hand, pausing to look at Alec for permission. Alec nodded eagerly, so Edric approached the alcove and tugged the cloth away. His breath caught in his throat as the object beneath it was revealed.

It was the sword given to them by Being, encased in thin sheets of glass that gleamed in the light. The blade rested on a marble pedestal, and a silver plaque beneath it bore the name Harmony.

Zephyr stepped forward reverently, pressing his hand against the glass, then pulling it away with a guilty expression. Edric bit back a laugh as he watched Zephyr hurriedly clean the surface of the glass with the sleeve of his shirt, much to Alec’s amusement.

“I’ve done the same thing,” Alec admitted with a chuckle, slapping Zephyr on the shoulder. “It’s hard not to, isn’t it?”

Zephyr smiled softly. “It’s wonderful,” he murmured. “This is a fitting home for it.”

The sword, once a symbol of conflict and division, had now found a new purpose—a token of peace. Edric and Zephyr had discussed the fate of the sword when they first received it, wondering whether one of them should carry it, or whether it should pass between them. But with their world united and at peace, it no longer seemed necessary to wield it in battle. It had become something else: a symbol of what had been achieved through their union and the hard work of countless individuals.

Alec gestured toward another part of the temple. “There’s more,” he said. “I think you’ll like this as well.”

They followed Alec down a hallway that led to a courtyard, where a fountain bubbled merrily in the center. But it was what surrounded the fountain that stopped Edric in his tracks. Laid out on the ground was an intricate mosaic, a map of their land. The fountain formed the center, symbolizing the lake beyond the temple. Edric slowly walked in a circle around the mosaic, marveling at the tiny details—every landmark carefully placed in its proper position. There was the castle of Eskarven, the path through the mountains, the meadow they had named Over, and the new forest.

Zephyr had followed the same path, and when he reached the end, he turned to Edric, pulling him into a tight embrace. Edric rested his chin on Zephyr’s head, inhaling the comforting scent of pine from his soap.

“We made this,” Zephyr said softly, awe in his voice. “I can’t believe it. We created this world, just by being together.”

Edric smiled and nodded. “Not just by marrying,” he said, his voice steady. “It took more than that. It took the choice to give our alliance a chance, to turn it into something true. It took the choice to really know one another and encourage our people to do the same.”

Zephyr tilted his head back and looked up at Edric, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Choice,” he echoed. “Not just an ancient prophecy?”

Edric laughed softly, shaking his head. “No. The marriage was only the beginning. It was never about the prophecy. It was about what we chose to do after.”

Zephyr’s eyes sparkled as he pressed a soft kiss to Edric’s lips. “Not that it was hard for me to fall in love with you.”

Even after all the time they had spent together, Zephyr still managed to make Edric blush. Edric laughed and whispered his own words of love in Zephyr’s ear, the sound of the crowd’s quiet murmurs around them slowly fading away.

“It’s overwhelming,” Zephyr whispered after a long moment. “I can hardly believe it. This is our future, Edric. It’s so beautiful.”

“I know,” Edric replied softly, his smile tender. He leaned down and kissed Zephyr again, a slow, lingering kiss that felt like the perfect end to a perfect moment.

Zephyr pressed a kiss to his cheek before turning to Alec, who had been watching them with a proud and indulgent smile. “You’ve created something truly special here,” Zephyr said warmly. “Congratulations, Alec.”

Alec’s grin widened. “Technically, you two made something special first,” he teased.

Edric pulled Alec into a hug, laughing. “Accept the compliment,” he said. “Or Zephyr will continue to praise you endlessly.”

Alec chuckled and adjusted the knot of his hair, glancing at the sky. “Besides, it’s nearly time to begin. We can argue over who deserves more praise later.”

With a final, reluctant glance at the beautiful courtyard, Edric allowed himself to be led back inside the sanctuary. Today was about more than them—it was about their people, their kingdoms, and the new era they had brought into being.

Inside the sanctuary, a crowd had gathered, filling the space to its limits. Clara and Hadley waited at the altar, and Alec slipped away to join the ranks of the watchers, giving Edric a supportive squeeze on the shoulder as he passed. Taking a deep breath, Edric held out his hand to Zephyr, and together, they stepped up to the altar, ready to speak to their people.

“Greetings, my friends,” Zephyr said, his voice filled with warmth and pride. “Thank you for joining us today as we dedicate this new house of learning and wisdom, a place where we can all find refuge when needed.”

“It stands at the center of the mountains that once divided us,” Edric continued, his voice rich with conviction. “But now, thanks to your efforts in building the new roads, it truly belongs to us all.”

Zephyr smiled at the crowd. “We will continue to bear the names of Rafria and Eskarven with honor and joy, but they are no longer opposing forces.”

Edric winked at the crowd. “If my suspicions are correct, in a few months, a new generation will be born—one that belongs to both kingdoms equally.”

A ripple of laughter passed through the crowd, and Edric caught several fond looks exchanged between couples. He glanced at Zephyr, noting the playful amusement in his eyes.

Clara and Hadley stepped forward, each holding a circlet of flowers—red and gold, the colors of their united kingdoms. Clara’s deep voice echoed in the room as she spoke. “Today, King Zephyr and King Edric join themselves together, not only in marriage but in true partnership. They will rule together, over a land united in love.”

With a nod from Clara, Edric and Zephyr bent their heads. Hadley and Clara placed the circlets on their brows, the sweet scent of the flowers filling the air.

As the crowd erupted into applause, Edric pulled Zephyr forward into a kiss, a kiss full of love and joy. When they pulled apart, Edric smiled at Zephyr, the flowers crooked on his head, but his joy more radiant than Edric had ever seen it.

“I believe we can safely say the prophecy is fulfilled,” Zephyr murmured, for Edric’s ears alone.

Edric grinned, his heart light. “Now what?” he asked, adjusting Zephyr’s circlet.

Zephyr shrugged, smiling widely. “I have no idea.”

Edric turned to face the crowd, waving as they cheered. “I guess we'll find out together.”