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“I am sorry, you want to what?” Maren’s loud voice echoes through the hallway, Ridoc’s hand quickly coming to cover it, his eyes shifting along the dark shadows. He had been on the receiving end of Xaden’s shadows too many times to trust any of them.
“Would you hush?! This is a stealth mission, and we need your help with runes. Also, with getting Cat into their room. Imogen is getting the other two, but this really depends on you,” Sloane explains from the flier’s other side.
“I can’t believe you want to lock Cat in a room with Riorson and Violet. Do you not remember the sparring match where they almost killed each other? Or the way Cat screamed when the lightning flashed through the sky, not even half an hour later?” Maren tried to force them to see logic, but they had their mind set on this foolish plan.
“Of course, we remember. That’s why we are doing this. The sexual tension between those three is off the charts, and that includes surviving last year when Riorson and Vi were dancing around each other. Now, are you going to help us or not?” Ridoc asked, his voice lower than normal.
“Fine. You are going to do it no matter what I say. Just know I will tell them this was your idea. I don’t feel like being killed when they get out.”
****
“Maren, where are you taking me?” I question, my eyes covered by the damn blindfold I had reluctantly agreed to wear. Maren, whom I had always trusted since we were in diapers, had cornered me after dinner, asking me to extend that trust a bit more and follow her. Blinded.
“Trust me, I am doing this for the betterment of the squad. We need you to work out the tension between you all before it explodes in the sparring ring again. Please just know I tried to veto this idea,” Maren groans before shoving me. That is when I feel the energy from the runes surrounding me. Ripping off the blindfold, I take in the large space, the door frame covered with dozens of runes. Ones for holding, sound nullification, and even concealment. His voice stops me dead in my tracks.
"What the fuck are you doing in here?" Xaden growls, his shadows limited by the rune etched above the door. I am guessing it is either courtesy, or Imogen, or Maren, both the best after me. He and Violet were against the north wall, their backs leaning against the wood, choosing to ignore the desk on the opposite side and the lavish bed between the large windows.
"Apparently, there is sexual tension between your girlfriend and me that is too much for our squad. I am guessing none of us is allowed to leave until we figure it out, if the runes tell me anything." I move to sit at the desk, faking my focus on my nails, instead feeling the air shift as the two lovebirds shift around me. First rule of passing time: make your company fill the space with talking while you look unaffected. I quickly glance behind them, studying the runes more.
"We don't have sexual tension." Violet protests, my own heart hammering in my chest as I slam my mental shields down when I notice Xaden looks too long at me, that calculating gleam in his onyx eyes. He had never confirmed having a second signet, especially a mental one, but sometimes the way his eyes lingered or how he would answer questions I had only thought raised more red flags. The usual swell of jealousy and envy hit me, but it was soon swept under by the flood of arousal as I looked at her next to him. How small and fragile she is compared to his height and bulky frame. I always adored how small he made me feel, but he makes her look miniature .
"Love, even I can see the tension. There is a reason we try to keep you two from sparring together. I caught Ridoc with a boner after your last match. And I would hate to have to kill your friend for getting hard at the sight of you.” Xaden looks to her, his eyes full of an emotion I have never experienced: utter devotion. There was a point in time when I would have given up the damn Kingdom to be on the receiving end of such devotion, but now I just feel like Loial has abandoned me. I don’t think I want to be loved anymore, which is odd because being loved is all I ever wanted. I force my eyes away from them, instead picking at my cuticles, a nervous habit I had never been able to break.
Maybe my mother was right, and love is completely useless. I had tried for the last two years to build an unbreakable fortress around my feelings for the man in front of me, accepting that he would not be mine, that the crown would not sit atop my head. I had finally accepted it. Only for small cracks to form in the foundation, little wisps of forgotten feelings escaping and wrapping around my heart, intertwining with new desires for not only my ex, but his soulmate. Was I so fucked up that I couldn’t even have a normal crush? Anger rushed into my blood, boiling in my veins at my traitorous heart.
"What can I say, Xa? You have good taste. First me, now Violet. It's like you're attracted to power. The choice is yours, Violet. How are we going to settle this?" I try to focus back on the situation in front of me. Dwelling on my feelings will not help us out of this, at least not these feelings. Maren had better run and hide when I get out. Because she knew I wanted to do my time in the Drift, kill the venin and leave Riorson and all of them in the dust, squad loyalty be damned.
"You're not attracted to me!" She exclaims, wiping her hands on her leathers as she refuses to meet my own eyes. Eyes that I kept locked on the damn runes burned into the wood, trying to decipher if there might be a loophole out of this. Squinting at one, I notice the hidden rune for honesty. Fuck .
"I never said that, and it is not like I can lie, not with that rune active. And I find it curious that you didn't deny an attraction to me." I say, standing and making my way towards her. Xaden steps in front of her, and I briefly nod to the set of runes near the door handle. Runes that I thought were forgotten with the Mairi matriarch. I feel the gentle tug of the magic woven into each rune brushing against my skin, the room a spiderweb of magic lines. We were never warned that with advanced study of runes came the ability to see the magic imbued with them, so I often wonder if this is something uniquely cursed to me.
"You hate me!” Violet screamed, her eyes jumping side to side.
“Again, I haven’t said that in a while. I don’t hate you as a person, more as a concept. You are everything I can never be, and you have everything I ever wanted.” I don’t move, my chest aching from how deeply those words were pulled. I am going to fucking ruin anyone involved in this scheme.
“What do you mean, everything you wanted? You have to be one of the most spoiled people on the Continent! Your uncle drapes you in Deverelli silk like it's common cotton!” She pushes past Xaden, stepping closer to me.
“Exactly! It is all for show. Every yard of silk is a representation of his wealth, his connections. I am just the breathing mannequin that he uses for dress-up. Do you honestly think he actually cares about me? I have Drake and Syrena, but they are always on the front lines. Do you realize how pathetic and embarrassing it is to be the second-born DAUGHTER? One daughter, fine, but to have two with no sons? No wonder my parents shipped me off to my Uncle. And then, when I do finally find someone who I thought cared about me, if only a little bit, I allow myself to let my guard down. To be myself and finally not worry if I was going to be wed to a creepy old man – at least Uncle found someone of a similar age to me. Only for my stupid power to explode and ruin that as well.” I turn towards Xaden, my glare leveled at him.
“And you! Walking around like a storm cloud. I get it, I was the last person you wanted to be with, but did you have to be so negative about it? I was barely past girlhood, and all I knew was that you hated me without getting to know me. I spent years trying to be what you needed in a wife. I even begged to be isolated while I got my mindwork under control because your emotions were so intense, but of course, I wouldn’t be granted that bit of mercy. No, I had to parade around, seduce you, and maybe even secure an heir, when all I wanted to do was be by myself. I do need to apologize. That night, the last night we were ever together, I shouldn’t have used my mindwork on you. I can try and deflect blame, saying I wasn’t fully in control, which I wasn’t, but I also saw you slipping away. Saw my ticket to safety, even if it was a loveless marriage alliance, fall through my fingers.” I stagger back, my inner truths snatched away from me, flung into the open like the day’s weather report. I can’t let myself look at them, can’t stand to see how they are judging me. I need out. Out of this room, out of this house, out of this country.
“I still don’t understand how I am someone you can never be? You are strong, powerful, and mostly liked among your friends. Plus, you are wicked smart and excel at runes! I am a Rider whose joints are always at war with me, and every day is a struggle to get out of bed, let alone go fight. My body fails me while yours stands there as a mocking reminder that you were born healthy and not broken.” Violet steps closer, her chest against mine.
“You are so fucking blind if you can’t see how strong you are. Not to mention, you get the privilege to be as strong as you want with no worry about whether it will make your next betrothed feel less masculine. One of the lessons drilled into me was how to be meek and submissive so my future husband could feel superior. You have a partner who is completely in love with you, tore his school apart, and put the entire Rebellion at risk for you. One who adores how strong you are, who pushes you to get stronger, and wants an equal, not a life-sized doll. The man behind you loves you in a way most of us can only dream about. So yes, I hate you as a concept,” I lean down closer to her, noticing how defiant the blue in her eyes looks, how her cheeks are flushed. “But I don’t hate YOU. I actually admire you.”
Her hands surge up to my cheeks, holding me still as her mouth crashes against mine. Her lips are pressing roughly against me, trying to force my mouth open. My body locks up, my wide brown eyes meet Xaden’s, who looks relaxed against the wall. Violet rips herself away from me, a glare already on her face.
“Don’t look at him. He isn’t the one kissing you. I am. Look at me.”
“Bossy little thing, aren’t you. I am still trying to figure out why you are kissing me.” I allow my head to tilt to the side, noting the minuscule nod given by Xaden as he spectates.
“Because I refuse to lie to myself, and Xaden. I am attracted to you, and seeing you be so vulnerable, even against your will, makes me want to silence you so all of your truths aren’t ripped from you. To let you have some privacy. And the best way to shut you up seemed to be kissing you. Now, are you going to kiss me back, or am I going to continue to look like a fool who just kissed my boyfriend’s ex in front of said boyfriend?” She breathes as I lean down further. My hands are filled with her leather-clad legs as I lift her and walk forward, her back ending up pressed against the wall, as I slot our lips together. My lips gently move against hers, encouraging her to open hers while my hands move from her thighs to hold her ass, an ass I can now properly appreciate.
Her little gasp is all the permission I need. Sliding my tongue past her parted lips and teeth, I feel her tongue meet mine. Not backing down, she lets hers run along mine, mixing the taste of vanilla with the remnants of my strawberry. Her eyes are closed, her legs are tight around my waist, while her hands are anchored at the base of my skull. Little rolls of her hips let me know that she is craving something more, something I won’t give her right now. I move my eyes from her to Xaden, my body lighting up as I watch him palm himself over his own leathers. His eyes meet mine, and I see it, that infuriating smirk laced with desire as he takes in the sight of us making out against the wall like a bunch of horny teenagers.
Violet keeps kissing me, her tongue rubbing over mine in a sensual dance while my hands start to shift. Moving my left arm more securely under her, I allow my right hand to trail to her thigh, squeezing the muscle and pulling her closer to my body, close enough she can find friction against me. My left hand rests on her left hip, and I use it to pull her against me, to feel that forsaken leather against my stomach. Easing up on devouring her lips, I place one chaste kiss on her mouth before lowering her to her feet and heading to the door. Letting my eyes glance at the runes, I notice they no longer shimmer, and so I let my hand lie against the handle.
“I’d say the tension is worked out. See you, Sorrengail and Riorson,” I quickly dismiss them, swiftly opening the door and heading straight to Maren’s room. Fuck my revenge, I need my best friend, my chest gaping open from the truths pulled from my heart. A heart I had tried to protect, but was forced to throw onto a blade and watch it be cut like butter. Feeling tears burning my eyes, I hastened my steps, trying to hold my emotions back until I was safely in her room. The only place I would ever let myself fall apart.
****
“Good morning, Cat,” Trager greets as I step into the crowded dining room. Our entire squad is present, including Violet, whom I have managed to go weeks without seeing outside of classes. It is not like I was actively avoiding her, just that our schedules conveniently did not line up. Despite her trying to corner me in hallways, in the bathing chamber, and even a pathetic attempt to get into my shared room with Maren.
“No talking before coffee,” I grumble, easily accepting the cup of doctored coffee Maren already has in her hand. Keeping my eyes closed, I bring the iced concoction to my lips, letting the coffee into my mouth. Enjoying the sweetness for a few more seconds, I allow my eyes to open. Only to see everyone watching me. Some were in shock, some with indifference, and then there was Violet, who looked ready to jump over the counter to taste the coffee straight from my lips.
“What are you all looking at?” I ask, moving to grab a plate of fruit, ignoring the spread of protein.
“You look like you saw gods with that coffee. You even moaned!” Sloane gaped, a piece of sausage halfway to her lips.
“Coffee is the only thing that drags me out of bed in the morning. Of course, I take a second to appreciate it. Now, who put chocolate frosting out because they are going to get their ass kicked less on the mat next time?” I meet everyone's eyes until I stop on our Wingleader, who has a flush on his cheeks. Looks like he may have a sweet tooth himself. Interesting. Settling in beside Trager, I grab a slice of peach and bring it to my lips, avoiding the hazel eyes across from me. I hear the sharp stab of metal on porcelain and safely assume Violet has stabbed a piece of bacon, but I don’t dare look up, instead grabbing half of the papaya to follow my peach.
“How the fuck do you eat this thing? Uncle usually has it cubed up when we visit.” I stare at the fruit in contempt, dreading the teasing that will come from this.
“Some people say it is like eating a woman. You just dive in and go feral,” Ridoc supplies, his eyes focused on my hand, now dripping with juice.
“If that is how you eat a woman out, then I am surprised you ever get repeat lovers. The proper way to please a woman is to start teasingly, like this:” I quickly cut my eyes to Violet, noticing that she is hanging onto every word coming from my mouth, before running my tongue along the flesh of the fruit, softly, gently. Getting to the empty seed pocket, I allow my lips to seal and slurp, catching a mouthful of tropical flavor.
“That is how it is done properly, Gamlyn.” I take in Violet’s flush as she shifts in her seat before grabbing my knife and fork, cutting the fruit up. Keeping my eyes locked on the telling blush residing on her cheeks, I spear a cherry and pop it between my lips. Maren’s elbow jabs into my side, and I try not to wince at the look of what the fuck on her face.
**** Post-War
“Another pint?” The barmaid asks, already grabbing the thick crystal before pouring another ale. I feel the air next to me shift, and then her hand is on my shoulder.
“ Two fucking years. I thought you were dead, we all did. So imagine my surprise when Cam, I’m sorry, did you know he was a fucking prince, tells me where to find you. What the fuck happened, Cat?” Maren seats herself next to me, already signalling for her own pint.
“We lost Uncle, so I was placed in hiding,” I answer, keeping my voice from quivering. Two years of my life are gone, like they were inconsequential. Swept away with the brush of a hand and the flourish of my sister’s signature. The look of resigned regret on her face had haunted me the first few months, along with the unanimous support of the council. If I hadn’t had Drake checking on me, I might have tried to make an escape, but then I would have left the village defenseless.
While the council had wanted to treat me like a damsel, Syrena got to be a warrior first, Queen second. She had demanded that I be placed in an abandoned village, one she had been warned by Aaric would fall without help. Help in the form of a lone flyer who had spent hours in the sun training the other citizens. Who had spent months working on runes and traps to that, when the Venin army stormed in, the Duchess of Tyrrendor was already on her way. The first wave stood no chance, but all of our preparations were just an elaborate distraction. Garrick had spent many nights travelling to meet with me, putting contingency plans in place, as well as bearing witness to the signing of my will.
I am due back in Tyrrendor in a few days, assigned as the official diplomat between Poromiel and the newly freed Province of Tyrrendor. A Province that was celebrating not only our victory of the dark wielders but also the return of the beloved Duke.
I know Maren won’t let me get away with such a short explanation, especially since I had disappeared during a skirmish after Xaden had handed Violet the Province. I wonder if anyone had thought that I had turned. That I had done the one unforgivable thing and had drawn from the source.
“I know, Drake told me about it soon after the Final Battle. So you are going back for the celebration. Are you excited to see them?” Maren nudges me, releasing me from the hard questions I know she is dying to ask.
“I haven't seen them since the kiss, and I was too focused on the war to appreciate her. Has she gotten better-looking? Does marriage suit them?” I let my head hang in defeat, grabbing my new ale and downing it before wiping my mouth with my hand. A hand with more scars than a princess should have.
"How many drinks have you had?" Maren lays her hand on my shoulder, the buzz of the tavern surrounding us as the band kicks up, the strumming of a lute lighting my blood on fire.
"Enough that I can admit I want to kiss Sorrengail again." My head hits the bar, my fingers up to signal another round. This will be my fourth, wait, no fifth today.
"Like, want to kiss her from desire, or want her in some weird competition way? Because Cat, she is married to him . Not dating, hell, not even betrothed or engaged or whatever you want to call it. They exchanged rings, and she has his last name." This is why Maren is my best friend; she knows me. Even when I feel like a ghost in my own skin. Skin that holds stories in the form of scars, days in the sun spoken in the constellations of freckles that mar my face and shoulders.
"Yes. No. I don't know. I know I want to kiss her lips to see if they still taste like him . At this point, I'm willing to bathe in her scent because maybe Xaden will love me just as much. But now I see her lips and I want to see if they are still as soft as they look. I want to hear if she is a moaner or a whiner. To see if her eyes close when she comes, or does she keep eye contact like the last time? I'm so confused, Maren."
"I wish I could help you, but I think what is best for you is to let him, and by extension her, go. Move on, Cat. They both have. You gave up years for peace. You should get to be happy with someone you choose, not some alliance or someone who is going to have you drowning in ale,” Maren speaks, causing more fractures in my heart. Because maybe she is right. Is it really worth it to be their secret? I deserved to be loved in the open, not shut away like a shameful secret.
How does one move on when the ones that I need to move on from are the sole reason for my continued breathing? How do I wake up each morning and not long to see them in the bed beside me? Or yearn to see Violet sitting on my desk, her legs tucked under her, a playful smirk on those full lips. To see Xaden leaning against the wall, his onyx eyes tracking each shift in the light as if he doesn’t control the essence of the shadows.
****
“Princess Catriona escorted by Duke Drake,” The steward announces, my hand tucked into Drake’s elbow as we descend the stairs into the packed ballroom.
“You look like you are about to jump out of your skin. You were trained for this for years, cousin,” Drake teases, his mouth close to my ear as the other guests cut their eyes to us.
“That was before I was sent off like a bastard heir. These people most likely see me as someone who abandoned her wing during battle. I can’t blame them.” I let my eyes trail to those surrounding us before they land on Rhiannon, her hair unbraided and a wicked grin on her face. Her legs are already carrying her my way, the rest of our squad falling in step behind her.
“Look at what the dragons dragged in. Damn, you look good for being isolated for so long,” Rhiannon says before pulling me into a hug. A hug I struggle to return because, despite being surrounded by a village full of people for the past two years, touch had become a foreign concept for me. Unless it was for sparring.
“It is good to see you all. I am glad to see you on your feet, Sawyer,” I nod to the older rider, his arm braced against a heavily pregnant Jessinia, her hands flying as she signs. Pointing at me and then at the stairs, and back to me.
“It is good to see you, too, Cat. We thought you might have been dead, but then of course, you wouldn’t let a little thing like a war take you out. Not nearly dramatic enough,” Sawyer jokes as Drake returns with a flute of champagne in his hand.
“Duke Xaden Riorson escorting Duchess Violet Sorrengail-Riorson.” Their names are called, and we all turn to look at them. At him staring at her like she hung the moon. And maybe she did. The way the gold dress flows down her body, she looks like the gods themself crafted her. When they make it down the stairs, her head snaps over to me, her eyes lighting up as she starts to pull Xaden my way.
“Excuse me,” I whisper before ducking from the group, searching for a corner to relax in. Not hide, not escape, just relax . Obviously. I hear the squad call for me, but I refuse to break my stride. Ducking under arms and swerving around dancing couples, I escape into the garden, the emerald green of my gown blending into the shrubs and bushes. Leaning against the stone walls, I let the rocks cut into my shoulders, the pinpricks of pain grounding me as my chest rises and falls quickly.
“Did you think you could escape us so easily?” Xaden’s whiskey-smooth voice surrounds me, the cool caress of his shadows causing my breath to stutter in my lungs. I am shocked to see a day’s worth of stubble decorating his chin; he must not have shaved before the ball. Fuck, that stubble had always made my legs weak .
“I had to try.” My voice comes out stronger than I expected, especially when I see her step into the moonlight, the moon bathing her in a pale glow, making her look like a goddess sent as an offering to us mere mortals. She had let her hair grow during the war, the silver-tipped strands now brushing her waist, and I have a need to see that hair wrapped around his fist.
“Why are you avoiding us? We entered the room, and you vanished like a ghost,” Violet whispers, stepping up to my frozen frame. Her delicate hand brushes the rebellious strand behind my ear, and I flinch. Not much, just not expecting the warmth from her hand. But it is enough for Xaden to narrow his eyes at me.
“I think this is a conversation better held in private. Catriona, meet us in our room after the ball,” His voice turns deeper, more ominous. A voice reminiscent of his days as venin rather than the current ruler of Tyrrendor. “If you don’t, I will hunt you down, and I promise you that it will not be as enjoyable.” Xaden threatens before placing his hand on my head, using it as leverage to place a kiss on my forehead. Violet watches us, stars in her eyes, before she clamours onto her toes to place a chaste kiss on my lips.
“Your lips are so damn soft. Still,” She marvels, and I can’t help it. I let my hands cup her cheeks and pull her back. My kiss is not as soft, we have years to make up for, but I am also mindful of her lip stain.
“I think my teeth would be better,” I whisper against her lips, giving her a playful nip before dropping my hands. My heart is racing, my mind is screaming at me, begging to know what I am thinking, but the look in her eyes silences it all. Eases my worries, and I see how he fell for her. If he felt even an ounce of serenity in those haven eyes, neither of us stood a chance.
****
Quickly making my way down the hallway, I keep my eyes focused on checking around the corners. On the off chance that someone is out of their room this late. My feet glide along the wooden floors, the light click of my heels the only sound through the empty corridor. Tightening the belt on my silk robe, I stop in front of the Master bedroom, the oak door looming over me, the final obstacle. Either to my premature death or to a new level of pleasure. And that decision does not rest solely in my hands – instead, in the hands of my previous enemies to current allies.
“If you continue to stand there and glare at the door, I may think we intimidate you,” Xaden’s voice floats through the air, the lock unlatching from the door jam, the door ominously opening in my face. Ignoring my nerves, I force my feet forward, each step heavy, as my body is propelled forward. The room is lit with two single magelights, casting shadows along both of their faces. Faces that were staring at me from the plush bed – Violet in her thin nightgown and Xaden bare-chested. Both are looking at me with clear hunger in their eyes.
Closing the heavy door behind me, I let my back rest against the wood, my chest heaving as I take in the atmosphere. The scent of mint and citrus is heady in the enclosed space, my own spiced vanilla body wash adding to the aroma.
Xaden is the first to move, rising from the bed, his bare feet padding along the floor until his warm hand is able to cup my cheek, his usually hard eyes softened. The way he is looking at me, I can understand why Violet did all she did to bring him back. It’sintoxicating.
“What has you so hesitant?” His voice is gentle, quiet as my eyes close.
“I don’t know what I am doing here. Why am I here? What purpose do I serve you, to you both? Am I just a warm body? Some way for you to heal from all the shit before the war? Or is it some type of claim?” My voice is timid, afraid of breaking the peace that has settled around us, Violet’s own breathing picking up.
“Claim, what do you mean by claim ? You aren’t making sense,” Xaden forces my eyes to meet his, and I can’t stop the traitorous tears from gracing my cheeks. I cannot let them see me cry .
“Is Violet trying to re-establish that she won? That you belong to her? Trust me, I get it. Message received loud and clear. Everyone can see that you two are so down for each other. You literally turned venin for her. I watched her burn the world to bring you back to your humanity, so I got it. You are soulmates, meant to be together, endgame. I think it is best for all of us if I just leave. Leave the grounds, leave your life really.” I mumble the last part, trying to creep away from Xaden, my hand already turning the doorknob.
“This has nothing to do with some petty drama before the war. I would think you would know us better than that, Cat,” Violet speaks, her voice betraying her hurt as she slides down the bed. Xaden presses his hand on the door, leveraging his full weight against it.
“I don't know what to think anymore! How could I think of the two of you, the definition of a modern-day love story? Why would you even want someone like me? I can’t offer you anything but childhood trauma and the shell of a princess who can barely stand to be touched.”
“We want you,” Xaden’s admission is whispered, like the words burned coming from his throat.
“But I want to be more than a dirty political secret. I deserve to be more than someone you hide in closets, hoping no one sees us sneaking around. After everything I sacrificed, I deserve some peace and happiness. Don’t I?” My voice cracks at the end, and I feel a slice of my heart shrivel up.
“You assume we don’t want more with you. You came into this tonight with the idea that we were going to break your heart, didn’t you? Why did you come then?” Xaden questions, trapping me against the door while Violet leans against the desk.
“Because it is what I deserve. Especially in the years after the betrothal,” I manage to vocalize, my voice haunted by how I behaved, using my mindwork on Xaden and all of those around me. On how I wanted some type of attention: good, bad, it didn’t matter. As long as I stopped feeling like I was forgotten in the background. Like an ornament you only bring out to show off, then tuck back into place to be on display.
“I know I forgave you for that a long time ago. I know that it was hard to lose him, even more so after hearing what he embodied for you. It was probably your own hell, walking the halls and seeing us together, and I am sorry if we created more pain for you,” Violet admits, still keeping her distance.
“You two shouldn’t have had to hide what you were. It was my discomfort to manage, to settle. It was and is your house; I am a mere guest. I don’t want you to censor yourself on my behalf. It is not like I am going to pull Poromiel from negotiations because I see you two kissing.”
“What if we want to be kissing you too? You came in here with the expectation of being another mistress, but you never gave us a chance to tell you what we want.” Xaden speaks as his hand covers my mouth, the salt of his palm lying on my lips. A small, childish part of me begs to lick said palm, and I give in. I let the very tip of my tongue touch his hand, and the reaction is instant. His eyes narrow and darken, and the shadows on the wall skitter along the floor, anchoring around my ankles as one wisp is brave enough to slither up my leg and under my robe. My core clenches as vivid thoughts of another way to use those shadows cement themselves in my brain.
“If you are going to lick me, I can think of a much more enjoyable place for your mouth to be. I have a very good memory, and I recall your mouth being one of your more desirable features when we were younger,” Xaden threatens, his voice washing over me, a haze settling in my head as my body begs to drop to my knees.
“ Good Girl, ” His words are breathed against my ear, my body losing the war, my muscles giving out as I sag in his hold. My cunt pulses with arousal, the fire in my stomach reaching new heights. “We don’t want you for a night, hell, even for months. We want you. Period. Not as a mistress, but as a partner . Girlfriend, whatever title you want to give us. All that matters is that we are yours and you are ours. Am I clear?” Xaden’s question washes over me, my mind still fuzzy from the fucking good girl. Apparently, we aren’t playing games today because his grip on my mouth tightens, forcing our eyes to meet again. “Answer your Duke, Princess.”
I keep my lips shut, instead sliding my eyes to Violet, whose chest is heaving, her bottom lip between her teeth.
“He is right. We have talked about this since he came back. Neither of us liked how we left things before the world went to shit. I don’t want you to think that we are rushing this. We are choosing you, Catriona.” Violet’s words soothe me, quiet the voice in my head that is screaming that this was a trap. Surging onto my tiptoes, I move around his hand and plant my lips on his, falling into the abyss that is his kiss. His hands grip my hips, lifting me against the door high enough that I have no choice but to lock my ankles around his waist. His hands make quick work of my robe, easily undoing the belt, the fabric gathering at my elbows. With the robe gone, I am left in the lace lingerie dress, my chest covered by the custom bodice, an extra strap running along the swell of my breast.
He pushes his tongue past my lips, a groan spilling from him as he plunders my mouth. His tongue explores every crevice, my back braced against the oak as one of his hands moves to grope my breast, the lace rubbing sensually against my pebbled nipple. The warmth of his bare stomach rubs against my core, my arousal clinging to the scrap of lace.
“Fucking perfect,” He growls, ripping his mouth away from mine. His eyes are feral. The gold swallowed by the onyx with not a hint of red, his breathing harsh as he shoves the silk straps down my arms. Gentle in his savagery. His teeth latch onto my exposed breast, the cold air chased away by the pure heat of his mouth. His tongue flicking against the nub has my heart stuttering, lust racing through my system as my hands find a new place in his hair. Tugging on a handful of strands as his mouth moves to my other nipple, my chest bows out towards his mouth more. Forcing my eyes open, when did they close?, I look at Violet. Violet, who has taken her own breast in her hand, rubbing and pulling on her own nipple in time with Xaden’s sucks. When our eyes meet, I can’t contain the moan that is wrung from my chest.
“You two look so good together,” Violet moans as she leans farther back on the desk, papers scattering in the dizzying air as her arm sweeps them away. She holds my gaze as her hand moves over her dress, down her chest. Xaden looks up at me, his eyes close to nirvana as his teeth gather the silk and tug, the material falling to rest against my hips.
“This fucking lace,” He mumbles, his hands leaving my hips to work the cursed material past my hips, my legs temporarily removed from his waist as the dress becomes acquainted with the floor. His hands are back on my hips, this time he is lifting me higher, his shoulders between my legs. My head thumps against the wood as his teeth grab the thong and the RIP is the only sound breaking the silence of the room.
“Oh fuck,” I whimper, watching as a smirk converts his mouth into something world-stopping. He keeps his eyes on my face as he takes his time exploring. Running his tongue along my bare lips, a hum comes from his lips as he moves inwards.
Right to where I want him.
“You taste so divine. Both of my girls do. Stunning,” he praises before his lips suck my clit into his mouth, his arms bracing me as I am lifted from the door. My hands tighten in his hair as my body curls forward.
Then I’m falling. The air rushes past me as my back meets the bed and sinks into the comfortable mattress. Violet clambers up beside me, her hair tickling my chest as she leans over to give me a kiss while Xaden returns to my chest where he focuses on the skin around my nipples, biting and sucking the flesh between his teeth, leaving his mark on my skin. Violet pulls back, scooting back to the side of the bed where she plants her feet down, her knees bent.
I feel the bed shift, his presence moving down, the puffs of his breath hitting my chest, then my navel, before I feel him settle between my legs again. His impossibly large shoulders force my hips wider than before, his callused fingers rough against my exposed pussy. I feel them trail up and down, the pressure light before they sink in, stretching me apart and exposing the entirety of my vagina to his hungry gaze. His hands move to my knees, my legs pushed back more towards my shoulders, his eyes roaming over every inch of skin. Flicking my eyes across the bed, I see the look of rapture on Violet's face as her own fingers trace around her nipple. I try to focus on how she is touching herself, on how her eyes move from me to Xaden, but then I feel it. Feel the sudden rush of heat, hear the sound, and my body jerks.
Xaden Riorson just spit on my pussy like a caveman...and worse of all, I think I liked it.
" There is our good Princess. Going to make your pussy take my spit, then my cock," His rough voice drags along my sanity before I feel the first brush of his fingers at my hole. It’s the only warning I get before I am suddenly filled with his fingers, his mouth suctioning my clit between his teeth. My hips cant upwards as he crooks his fingers. My body jerks, my moan bounces along the walls of the room as my eyes search for Violet’s ankle. Tugging her closer to me, I tip my head back.
“I want to taste him inside of you. I want to experience how good you are with your cum mixing in my mouth.” I groan out as Violet scrambles to undress, her elbow getting stuck in the dress. A little laugh escapes my mouth before Xaden thrusts his fingers deep, his name stolen from my mouth as I pull Violet up to sit on my face.
“A Duchess still deserves a throne. Sit on my face, Your Grace ,” I instruct as I use my hands to spread her open and bury my tongue as deep as I can reach. She gasped, her cunt fluttering around my tongue as I held her down. I can hear Xaden’s own moan, his fingers speeding up as they ram inside of me. Unlike years ago, his digits rub perfectly against me, my own orgasm sucking me into the tide of arousal. The type of orgasm that steals your breath, lights your body on fire, and makes it impossible to move your limbs.
Violet continues to writhe on my face, my mouth focusing on fucking her open and toying with her clit until she throws herself to the left. I lay there, catching my breath and savoring the sweet tang that coats my lips and mouth. A delicacy I know I will become hopelessly addicted to. I move to sit up, to go wash myself, when Violet pushes me down, straddling my leg and brushing our swollen clits together.
“Oh fuck Violet,” I moan, my body trembling from the oversensitivity. She lets out a little huff before slowly rocking her hips, the jolt of electricity spreading from my clit all the way to my toes, my body rolling against her.
“If you are going to grind on me, we are going to do it my way. Now lay there like a good Pillow Princess,” I smirk as I roll on top of her. Her eyes are wide, pupils blown from desire as I set a harsh rhythm. A rhythm I know that would be painful from friction otherwise, if not for the amount of juice dripping between our legs. Reaching around me, my hand flounders as I try to grab Xaden.
“Gods damn it, give me your fucking cock,” I order, my hips pressing deeper into Violet, her little mewls spurring me on. The mattress shifts again, and he is a solid wall of heat in front of me. Shoving my hand down, I force his sleep pants to his knees as my other arm wraps around Violet’s leg, our clits constantly rubbing against each other, my breasts swaying as I hump her.
“If you get your hand on me for too long, I am going to blow my load all over your damn tits,” Xaden grinds out as my fist wraps around him. My dry palm drags against his cock, the precum a crude lube, the friction causing him to wince. Leaning forward, I take him down my throat, feeling his body tense. I hold him in my mouth, letting my spit dribble down my chin while Violet lies moaning and whimpering under me, her eyes focused on where he disappears between my lips.
“I’m going to cum,” She cries out, her hips thrusting up for more pressure. Obliging her, I regretfully pull my head back and drop my gaze to her pussy. A bare pussy except for the thin line of hair, a strip of hair that I use to my leverage. Carding my fingers through it, I pull back, exposing her clit more to me. Lowering myself with precision an archer would be proud of, I roll my own bundle of nerves right on hers, our bodies shaking from the sharp pleasure. Reaching my other hand down, I quickly press three into her, feeling the way she jerks under me.
“That is it, sweetheart. Ride my fingers. Let me show you how to do my finger trick perfectly. Such a pretty slut,” I whisper breathlessly, keeping my fingers buried inside of her as I feel the first flutters of her inner walls. “Such a good girl ,” I mutter. My own orgasm was held at bay only by pure spite, my determination to see Violet cum before me winning out. I watch as her eyes roll, lightning flashing outside as the windows blast open. Xaden’s shadow lashes out quickly, surrounding us in their protective cocoon. As soon as Violet’s body calms down, Xaden shoves me off of her, his cock nudging right at my stretched hole.
“I hope you are close, I am not going to last long. Not after watching the two of you. You two together are lethal,” he purrs as he presses forward, forcing my body to adjust to his girth, a girth that has my eyes rolling backwards. Once he is fully seated inside of me, Xaden shifts up onto his knees and manhandles me onto my stomach, his hands digging into my hips as he pulls my ass back against him. I feel him deeper than I have ever felt anyone, and I scream. Scream as I detonate.
My body goes limp, his hands the only thing keeping me from melting into the bed. His hips snap erratically, his cock bullying its way deeper into me as his grunts sync up with his tempo. My mind takes a vacation from my body, soaking in the chemicals and hormones flooding my brain, my muscles too relaxed to even hold myself up, my body flopping as Xaden uses me to cum.
“So pretty for me. Letting me use your little cunt like my own personal fleshlight. What is it, Princess? Did I finally fuck you dumb?” Xaden grits out, his hands tightening as he shoves my body forward, his cum flooding my insides. He manages to stay on his knees for a few seconds, before collapsing sideways, rolling me with him to where we can both face Violet, who has a dopey smile on her face.
“I like this. My husband and our Princess Consort, in our bed, freshly fucked,” Violet speaks, her voice still breathy.
“Is that what I am? Princess Consort?” I stretch out, reaching my hand towards her and smiling when she eagerly grabs it, wrapping her own around it.
“For now. Until we change the laws to make you our wife, if that is something you are used to. We have lost too many people to let something like cultural norms get in our way. And if anyone has anything to say to that, they can meet Tairn,” Violet states, like she isn’t talking about rewriting hundred years of traditions for me.
“You deserve to be happy, to be loved. And I think we can give that to you. That is, if you’ll have us,” Xaden finally speaks, his chest brushing against my back as his arm winds around me, careful of the bruises I know I will have for days. His much larger hands settle on ours, a perfect blend of tawny, caramel, and fair skin. Each hand was littered with scars that could tell a thousand stories.
“Until our souls are condemned and even after that,” I promise, pressing a kiss to the pile.
“That just means I get to enjoy these perfect hips and handholds myself. They looked so tempting framed by Xaden’s hands,” Violet giggles as her eyes start to droop off to sleep, my own heart rate finally settling down as well.
“Goodnight, my Duchess and my Princess Consort. In the morning, we will work out the rest of the details,” Xaden’s voice floats through my subconscious, a light kiss placed on my temple as Violet snuggles deeper into my front.
I think I’ll like this little life
.