Page 32 of The Nymph Prince

“Is that an invitation?” I asked, leaning closer to him.

Lorcan’s brow arched. “Perhaps.”

It’d been over a month since I’d been sheathed inside a warm body, since I’d surrendered to the pleasures of sex. My cock ached as I imagined Lorcan beneath me, panting and clawing at my back as I pushed inside him.

“Have you enjoyed your feast?” King Triton asked Lorcan, interrupting the sizzling connection.

“I have. Thank you, Father.” Lorcan spoke to the king in a formal tone, sounding more like the king’s subject than his son.

“I expect you to be in the throne room on the morrow to hear petitions,” King Triton said. His perfect posture, watchful blue eyes, and sharp features were unsettling when added to his bulk and size. There was no mistaking his raw power. “The people of Avalontis need to know that their prince is not a selfish child. That he cares for their well-being.”

“Yes, Father.”

“And you will go to the training arena afterward,” the king continued, moving his hardened gaze to his son. “Your skills need to be honed. Much has come to light in recent weeks, and we must prepare ourselves for a storm unlike any other.”

Lorcan’s brow furrowed. “What’s happened?”

King Triton’s eyes flickered to mine, and my heart skidded to a stop. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop.

“It is a matter best discussed in private,” the king said, not taking his eyes off me. “Without the listening ears of outsiders.”

Lorcan followed his gaze and offered me a tight smile.

King Triton stood from his seat and the merfolk, who’d been lost in dance just seconds prior, stopped and bowed their heads to him. As he stepped off the dais, two guards took position at his back and followed him as he left the Great Hall.

Once he was gone, the chatter started up again and the music changed melodies, going from a lively beat to a slower one, causing the bodies to sway as if they were in a hypnotic trance.

Troy stood, said goodnight to Lorcan, and stepped off the dais.

As he walked toward the main set of doors to leave, I noticed how his gaze darted throughout the room, as if searching for threats. If anyone came too close to him, he’d jerk out of the way before contact was made. It was odd to see him so tense and anxious. He certainly hadn’t seemed that way when he’d been threatening to kill me if I ever hurt Lorcan.

A giggle from the center of the room drew my attention, and I stared with wide eyes at the sight before me.

A young woman with golden hair threw her head back with a sigh as her partner bent and nipped at the base of her throat. Her dress left little to the imagination, showing every soft curve of her body, and even a peak of her beaded nipples. Nipples that the man began to suckle through the thin material. The music swayed in melody, and as the man sucked at her breast, the woman clutched onto him and moved to the rhythm, becoming lost to the sensation.

Around her, the scene unfolded even more.

Women groped men, and men admired women’s undulating hips. Hands slipped under clothes and mouths found glistening skin. One couple wasn’t dancing to any rhythm but their own as they kissed against one of the columns. Two men were against the far wall with their limbs tangled and their mouths fused together.

If the festivities didn’t end soon, there’d be an orgy in full swing. I’d only ever seen such things in brothels. Not in a palace among royalty where fancy feasts were held.

“You seem stunned, mage.”

Looking at Lorcan didn’t help my rising arousal. I stared at his soft lips and imagined them stretched around my cock. I tried to rid myself of the thoughts, but with sex buzzing in the air all around me, it proved to be difficult.

“Are all celebrations so… physical?” I asked.

“We’re sexual beings, Alek,” Lorcan said, smoothing his fingertip along the rim of his goblet. “It’s in our nature. Sex isn’t something to be ashamed of or hidden, but rather celebrated and practiced. Frequently.”

How frequently didhepractice it? And with that question came another. Did he revel in it with Troy?

“Do you have many lovers?” I asked, unable to disguise the bitterness in my tone.

Lorcan’s brow creased and his eyes burned into mine. I’d learned he often gave me such a look when he was mulling something around in that beautiful head of his. My patience was wearing thin at his silence.

Maybe he had many lovers and was uncertain of how I’d react?

“Spit it out, nymph.”