“Perfect,” Marcus gasped, his rhythm faltering as pleasure overtook him. “Like she was made for this — for us.”
I whimpered as Septimus’s fingers found my overstimulated clit, circling it mercilessly. “Please,” I begged, not sure if I was asking him to stop or continue.
“One more,” he whispered in my ear, his other hand squeezing my breast. “Give us one more, Livia.”
Marcus thrust up harder, hitting that perfect spot inside me. “Come for me,” he commanded, his voice deeper than I’d ever heard it. “Let me feel you.”
The combination of their words, Marcus filling me so completely, and Septimus’s skilled fingers pushed me over the edge one final time. This orgasm was different — not the explosive force of before, but a wave that rolled through me,stealing my breath and making my vision blur. I cried out, my body clenching around Marcus’s length.
He followed me over the edge, his arms tightening around me as he spilled himself inside me with a hoarse cry of my name. We stayed like that, joined and trembling, as the aftershocks of pleasure rippled through us.
Finally, I collapsed against him, utterly drained. Marcus eased us down to the bed, still joined, cradling me against his chest. Septimus stretched out beside us, eyes closed. It was only as I drifted off to sleep, I remembered about the lecture I was supposed to be at.
28
Iarrived at the training grounds well before dawn, watching the sky transform from black to deep indigo. The still surface of the obstacle course lake reflected the fading stars like polished obsidian. In the quiet morning air, I could hear the muted splashing of the waterfall that fed the lake from the academy’s elaborate aqueduct system.
This early solitude had become a ritual for me — a rare moment of peace before the demands of the day closed in. As the Emperor’s son, every move I made was scrutinized, every decision weighed for its political implications. Here, in these brief moments alone at the academy, I could simply be another man, not the Imperial Heir.
The water trial today would be challenging for Lady Cantius, and it would be a true test of both skill and courage. I found myself unusually concerned about her performance, more so than was appropriate for a fellow cadet — even one I’d personally instructed.
Our early morning swimming lessons had become the highlight of the last few days. There was something aboutLady Cantius that defied easy categorization. She carried herself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior, not a sheltered noblewoman. Her insights on the Talfen conflict revealed a mind that questioned rather than accepted — a rarity among the Empire’s elite. And when she moved through the water, there was a fierce determination that spoke of someone accustomed to fighting against currents, both literal and figurative.
“Lord Northreach,” Legate Varius’s voice interrupted my contemplation. “You’re early.”
Varius had served my father for years before accepting his position in the Academy. Although he had not mentioned my identity in front of the other students, I was fairly certain it was him whom my father was receiving reports about my progress from.
I turned to face him, automatically straightening my posture. “I wanted to assess the course conditions before the trials begin.”
He nodded approvingly. “Always thorough. Your father would be pleased.”
I doubted that. My father was seldom pleased with anything I did, but I kept that thought to myself. “Have there been any changes to the course since our last attempt?”
Varius gestured toward the far end of the lake. “We’ve added submerged obstacles in the final stretch. And the waterfall crossing will be running at full volume today.”
My eyes narrowed as I studied the course. During our previous attempt two weeks ago, half the cadets had failed to complete it. With these added challenges, the failure rate would likely be higher.
“The conditions seem unnecessarily harsh,” I observed carefully. “Especially for those still mastering basic swimming techniques.”
Varius’s weathered face hardened. “War is harsh, Lord Northreach. The northern rivers don’t become more forgiving because a cadet is unprepared.”
I inclined my head, accepting the rebuke. “Of course. I merely thought—”
“Your concern for your fellow cadets is admirable,” he cut in, his tone softening slightly. “But remember, those who cannot meet the standard have no place among the Dragon Elites. Better to wash out here than die in battle.”
The words were familiar — standard academy doctrine. Once, I’d accepted them without question. Now, after my conversation with Legatus Santius, I wondered how many potentially valuable riders we lost to this unforgiving approach. If the Talfen truly had their own dragons, as Santius claimed, we would need every capable rider we could train, not just those who excelled at arbitrary trials.
“The others will be arriving soon,” Varius said, glancing toward the main academy buildings where lights were beginning to appear in the windows. “Prepare yourself, Lord Northreach. I expect you to set the standard today.”
I nodded, watching him stride away to make final preparations for the trial. Despite my seemingly privileged position, Varius had shown me no leniency in his trials. If anything, he drove me harder than the other cadets, knowing my failure would reflect poorly on the academy in the Emperor’s eyes.
As the sky lightened to pale lavender, the other cadets began to arrive in small groups. Valeria appeared with her usual entourage — Cassia and Drusilla flanking her like ceremonial guards. All three were daughters of high-ranking Imperial officials, their positions at the academy as much a result of their family connections as their abilities. Valeria, in particular, had made it clear on numerous occasions that she considered herself my most appropriate match, a political alliance her father nodoubt encouraged. Gods help me if she ever found out who I really was.
“Jalend,” she called, abandoning formality as she approached. “You’re looking particularly determined this morning.”
I offered a polite bow, though inside I seethed at what they had done to Lady Cantius. “Lady Valeria. Ladies. Are you prepared for today’s trials?”
Cassia tossed her golden hair, a practiced gesture of nonchalance. “Of course. Though I hear they’ve made the course more challenging this time.”
