Page 38 of Zepharali: Lord of the East Winds (Lords of the Wind Book 3)

Lazaar

“Thank you for an amazing afternoon,” Lazaar whispered against Zepharali’s throat outside his quarters.

His core radiated from their much-needed time alone.

Zepharali had surprised him with a lavish spread of his favorite foods and desserts, including him, satisfying all his hunger.

They’d gone for a swim together, just the two of them, under the bright sunlight with no interruptions.

Then his beloved had laid him down in their hidden cavern and made the sweetest love to him. Everything he’d endured the past weeks felt worth the wait.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I did too,” Zepharali murmured before sucking on his neck.

Lazaar closed his eyes, moaning and grinding against Zepharali’s strong thigh.

He no longer cared about their numerous guards standing in the background. He was used to it and didn’t let it limit his affection.

He took what he could when he could.

“I love you,” he confessed, tilting his head back.

More.

His beloved’s growl in his mind was stimulating and sexy.

I want more too, but if we don’t start to get ready now, we’ll be late.

Promise I can climb on top of you again tonight.

Zepharali gripped him by his hair and kissed him so fiercely that it left him with no doubt as to what would happen later.

“You look like a titan’s true love, like a prince, your grace.” Oleksandr smiled in approval of Lazaar’s formal, handstitched thigh-length tunic and cloak made of the finest black diamonds and pearls.

“I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you, Olek.” Lazaar never thought he’d be here, so happy and so in love.

“Come now, your grace.” Elephaa got in line behind him with the rest of his court, again wearing the colors that represented his true nature. “We don’t want to upset Scáthanna by arriving late.”

Zepharali waited for him at the bottom of the long staircase.

Lazaar almost lost his footing when he saw him in a sleeveless blue butter-soft leather tunic that grazed his ankles and a heavy gold cloak that trailed several feet behind him. Zepharali watched him descend the stairs as if he were the most beautiful man he’d ever seen.

Lazaar whispered one of his favorite spells and sent shimmers of iridescent light and heart-shaped white smoke around them before it dissipated through the open sunroofs.

“Mmm.” Zepharali hummed the moment Lazaar was in his arms. “My romantic warlock. You look beautiful.”

Lazaar inhaled his sun-sweetened scent. “And you smell good enough to eat.”

Zepharali hugged him tight, whispering only for him to hear, “You should be learning fighting spells, not ones to woo me when I am already yours.”

Lazaar chuckled. “I’m learning both, my lord.”

“Scáthanna awaits,” Dorema noted, her guards pounding their spears in acknowledgment.

Lazaar didn’t miss that they wore full battle armor instead of formal attire.

As soon as they’d cleared the palace grounds, the people lined the streets as if watching a parade.

People bowed in reverence of them hand-in-hand with their vast court of loved titanesses.

Sunflowers, lilies, brilliant yellow marigolds, and fresh lavender were thrown at their feet as they made their way through the maze of garland-strewn streets.

The cheers and praises for their lord were loud enough to be heard from the highest mountaintop.

It was evident that every patron, species, and creature was affected by the fullness of their titan’s nourished heart.

The main square was artfully decorated and the stage was crafted in the grandest design he’d ever seen. Far more spectacular than any play he’d watched in Chessuven.

After being shown to their viewing balcony, they waved and accepted the blown kisses of admiration before they sat in their highbacked chairs.

Oleksandr waved from his private booth on the opposite side.

He and his elf-siren lady were preparing to marry after the next liturgical feast. Lazaar didn’t mind him spending this special occasion at her side.

Zepharali sipped from his goblet of fine wine and sampled the elegant finger foods placed at their table while acknowledging the dignitaries and council members being led to their stands.

Lazaar was almost bouncing in his seat while he read the program.

He never imagined being as happy and fulfilled as he was now, all because of the man at his side.

Later, he’d show his beloved how much he appreciated all he’d given him.