I don't think we have sex, or make love, or any such words. We rut like animals, bestial, primal need fueling both of us. For hours and hours, beyond dawn, past the midday summer, I lift my hips to meet his, turn and push my ass back, never stopping. I don't know how long we remain joined, together, whole.
“I want to marry you,” I say, when I can finally speak again.
That gets his attention. Ryther rolls back on top of me, smirking. “That good, huh? And we’re mated, little queen.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes. And you keep saying, I didn’t have a choice at the time. Well, I want to make it clear I choose you. So, marry me?”
There’s an entire storm in his eyes. “Yes. Now.”
I laugh. “Right now?”
“Immediately.”
I’m not opposed, and according to what Caenan said to me of his union to my sister, I understand we only need to share words for it to happen. Vows.
“I will protect and care for you until my last breath,” Ryther tells me. “Wife.”
I suppose I’ve already given him my word.
Fuck. I want him again.
"There you are!"
Ryther grunts, glaring at the intruder, who has the good sense to remain at a distance.
Loch. He likely doesn't want a better view. "Sorry for the interruption, but it's important. You need to come."
"I was about to," I growl in his direction.
Never mind that I've come at least a dozen times, if not two.
Reluctantly, Ryther kisses my mark on my neck and rolls off me. He hands me his shirt, which is the only piece of clothing still mostly in one piece around us.
It's winter-night, and there's snow all around us, though I don't feel cold at all.
"What?" I demand, once relatively dressed.
Ryther's pulled part of his pants back on.
Loch seems apologetic. "We have a problem. It's his brother."
44
AT THE END
Darina
As we walk through the palace, I frown, confused to see so many people asleep.
“Why—”
“You’ll see,” Loch assures me.
Not only are they asleep, by the way they grimace, thrash, and moan, I’d say they’re also plagued by nightmares.
What the hell is going on?
Loch takes us to a handsome room close to my library. By the smell, the belongings I can see, and the general familiar sense, I gather this is where Ryther has been staying while researching that bond-severing spell he offered me tonight.
