Having successfully figured out the first piece, she reached down and retrieved the other. This one looked a bit more self-explanatory, and only took her a second to derive its orientation. This too was made of black silk, but it was much thinner than her lower garment, nearly completely transparent. She flung it around her shoulders and pushed her arms through its sleeves. Pulling it around her she tied the single tie upon the front. Finally dressed, she turned to look in the mirror that sat behind the screen. Looking at her reflection, Sara decided to unbraid her hair and let it fall around her shoulders. She ran her fingers through it, straightening it as best she could and stood to look at herself. The upper garment was open from top to bottom revealing her bare skin from her neck all the way down to well below her navel. The only tie was just below her breasts, pulling the front together slightly. It accentuated her body nicely but left nothing to the imagination. The sheer fabric was so entirely see-through she hardly saw any point in wearing it at all. The bottom also left very little to the imagination. It was a thicker silk and so hid the portion of her body it was designed to conceal, but it left the rest of her totally revealed. The thin cords traced lines up over her hips and came together in the back. Her backside was completely exposed except for the thin cord that ran down its length disappearing between her legs. The outfit was significantly more revealing than Sara had intended, but she found it did appear to make her body more attractive somehow. The black silk stood in stark contrast to her creamy white skin, making her seem more visually appealing. Sara gathered what little courage she had, and with a nod to herself in the mirror, she turned and walked out from behind the partition.
CHAPTER 99
Seth
Seth watched the partition patiently waiting for Sara to reappear, all the while imagining what she might be wearing when she did. None of his imagined fantasies had prepared him for what he saw when she stepped out from behind the barrier.
Sara strode out from behind the small screen, her head held high, and a look of determination on her face. Seth tried not to stare, but was unable to wrench his gaze from her. He could not believe what he was seeing and silently swore to himself if there was anything at all worth worshipping in the world, he had found it. Sara strode across the expanse of the large room and stopped at the foot of the bed, smiling at him sheepishly.
“Do you like it?” she asked, her teasing smile returning.
Before he could reply she turned around slowly allowing him to see her from every angle. Seth, try as he might, could not help but study her inch by inch in fascinated wonder. Her outfit was composed of two pieces, both made from black silk like the one he now wore. Her top was split all the way down, revealing a trail of milky white flesh from her neck to her lower abdomen. The silk of the top fluttered at the edges with the rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed. These too he could see clearly through the clothing, though he tried his best not to stare. As far as he was concerned, however, they were perfect, firm and round, and apparently she was a bit cold. As she turned he watched her hips twist, and his eyes trailed down the entire bare length of her toned legs. She paused briefly when she had her back to him, and he traced her body again with his eyes up her calves, to her thighs and up again to her completely bare backside. Seth’s breath caught in his throat at the discovery and he choked, unable to control the reaction. He heard a small giggle escape Sara’s lips as she twirled slowly to face him again, and it apparently pleased her to no end, finding Seth’s face had gone completely red.
“So?” Sara asked. “How do I look?”
“You look breathtaking,” Seth admitted.
Seth fought his body’s urge to displace the blood his brain would need if he were to try and escape her advances this night. Seth knew that if she pushed the issue he would be hard pressed not to give in.
“I’m sleeping on top of the covers tonight,” Seth stated jokingly, but thinking to himself it was his best defense.
“Don’t be silly, my love. I will be good, I promise,” Sara said, her smile fading slightly. He had offended her.
CHAPTER 100
Sara
Sara walked around the bed to the side Seth was seated on, his eyes following her the whole way. She walked until her legs pressed against the mattress and reached her arms out to hug him. Grasping his neck with one hand and his hair in the other, she pulled him to her, hugging his face into the bare flesh between her scarcely concealed breasts. She held him there for a minute before releasing him, and when she did he gasped for air and looked at her accusingly.
“I thought you said you were going to be good?” Seth accused.
“I’m sorry, was that too much?” Sara asked sarcastically, the teasing grin returning once again.
“Just a little,” Seth stated, trying once again to regain his composure.
“I’m sorry. I will try and be more cautious,” Sara said, a hint of mischief in her voice.
Without another word or warning Sara leaned over, and pressing as much of her body against his as she could manage, she crawled slowly across him, to her side of the bed. As she cleared his body she paused, her bare backside in the air only inches from his face, and she gave her hips a little wiggle. Finished with her charade she settled into a sitting position beside him and waited for him to start breathing again.
When Seth finally did, Sara gave him a few moments to relax and regain control of his body. Feeling he had had enough time she placed one hand against his chest and let it rest there a moment. No protest forthcoming, Sara decided to once again push her limits with him just for fun. She slid her hand down from his exposed chest, tracing the line of his muscles. Leaving his chest she continued to slide her hand down his abdomen. Not wanting her plan to be an obvious one, she traced the line of his uppermost abdominal muscles across his stomach and then down his side. Tracing the black silk down his hip she slid her hand down the outside of his muscular thigh as far as she could reach comfortably. Tracing her fingers around the curve of his kneecap she began to glide her hand up his inner thigh, letting her fingers brush his skin lightly. She watched his face out of the corner of her eye as she moved her hand further and further up the inside of his leg. Feeling silk once again she looked down to watch her hand trace the rest of the way up to her goal. She directed her hand up the remaining inches until Seth grabbed her wrist, only a fraction of an inch away from what she sought.
Defeated, Sara sighed loudly. She knew she shouldn’t push him. She should wait as he had asked her to. But she wanted more than anything to give herself to him, and though teasing and enticing him was fun, she found it increasingly hard to wait. With her lower lip jutting out in a pout she turned her body to face him.
“I guess that’s a no then?” she asked him.
“No, it’s a not yet,” Seth answered.
CHAPTER 101
Seth
Seth fought hard to contain his body’s urge to have her, his entire body shaking from the effort. He had almost let her reach her intended target, deciding against it at the last second. He wanted them to do the right thing and be joined before he gave in to her. It was hard denying her desires, especially since he desired the same thing. It was now even harder seeing her actually pout over his denial. He felt bad for doing it, but figured it would only be a matter of time before she got what she wanted. If only they could discover another way to share their passion to relieve some tension. Feeling as if he betrayed her, Seth decided to try and redeem himself.
Rolling onto his knees Seth slipped one arm behind Sara’s back where she sat next to him. The other arm he slid beneath her legs. He picked her up and held her to his chest a moment, enjoying the feeling of her warm bare flesh against his. Pivoting on one knee, Seth laid the woman he loved down in the middle of the bed, placing her head upon a pillow. He lifted his own body above hers, and placing one leg between hers he lowered himself to press into her. Beginning at the top of her head, and ending at the bottom of her feet, Seth kissed every inch of the front of
her body. Whether exposed or unexposed he left no portion of her untouched by his lips. He too traced her entire body with his fingertips, lightly brushing circles upon her milky skin in no specific pattern. Often goose bumps arose on her flesh. Sometimes, when caressing more sensitive portions of her body she would shudder in delight. When his body got the better of him and sent blood coursing to parts of him he would usually protest against, he let it happen. He did not try to hide it from her, and when it brushed against her body he was not ashamed. He continued showering her with kisses and let his fingers slide upon her skin until she panted loudly and sweat began to bead on her forehead. When he had finished he lay down next to her and pulled her body into his. Hoping he had done enough to redeem himself. Hoping he had given her enough to satiate her for a while so they could do things properly when the time came.
CHAPTER 102
Sara
Sara lay in Seth’s arms her back to him, her bare backside pressed warmly into his lap. She waited until her heart finally slowed, and her breathing returned to normal. When her body finally relaxed she crawled from his arms to the top of the bed and slid beneath the covers. She gestured for Seth to do the same, and hoped he would not deny her. He didn’t, and soon he too was beneath the blankets with her. She reached across the bed and put out the lantern that rested there and Seth did the same on his side of the bed. In the darkness Seth again began to pull her into his arms, but Sara was not yet ready for sleep, and so she decided it was only fair if she could return some of the pleasure he had given to her moments before.
Sara rolled to face Seth. She did not want to upset him by going too far and so decided to take it slow. If he wanted her to relent at any point, she promised to herself she would obey. Sliding her body close to his she pressed his shoulder lightly, asking without words for him to roll onto his back. Seth obeyed her silent command. Again Sara placed her hand upon his chest, and this time traced designs across his body with her fingertips. She let her fingers glide upon his skin up and down his arms and over his shoulders. Across his chest and down his abdomen her fingers slid. She did not move to kiss his body as he had done for her, knowing that he would not allow her near as much leniency as she allowed him. Instead, she continued with her hands tracing every inch of his body. When she thought herself too close to the spot she had previously been stopped at she would veer away and trace elsewhere with her fingers. Several times she approached his manhood with her fingers and Seth made no attempt to stop her, but each time she contained herself and led her hand away. In one such instance she had apparently gone closer than she believed and felt her hand brush against it unintentionally. Sara immediately withdrew her hand and apologized quickly.
Seth then told her he had come to a decision. He had decided so long as they kept their hands above each other’s clothing, they could do as they wished, except that one thing that was permitted only to couples that had been joined. Sara accepted his decision happily, and thanked him for reconsidering. She continued to trace lines across his skin beneath the sheets, and this time when she neared the area where she would have previously changed direction, she continued her path drawing all of her fingers down the length of him, smiling to herself in the darkness.
Long hours passed in the room Seth and Sara shared. They spent the time taking turns in exploring each other’s body in new and exciting ways. Eventually, however, they grew tired. Sara allowed herself to be pulled into his arms again and eventually they went to sleep.
CHAPTER 103
Garret
Morning came quickly, though inside the city’s immense walls light did not readily come with it. Garret awoke early feeling more rested than he had for many days, and quickly awoke Ashton as well. They decided to not disturb their companions, and instead would go get some breakfast, just the two of them. Not knowing how the couple’s first night sharing a bed would go, Garret figured it best to leave them be until they emerged from the suite of their own free will. If they ever emerged at all.
Climbing quickly down the stairs with Ashton behind him, they walked quietly past the room where their companions stayed. Rounding the corner at the end of the hall they entered the dining area which was vacant for all but one table. Seated where Garret and the others had previously sat was Sasha and the inn’s cook. Sasha, wearing an emerald gown, was facing them as they entered. She waved them over to join her and they complied happily. As the boys approached, the man in white turned to see who it was that approached. With recognition upon his face he smiled to them and wished them a good morning. Returning his greeting the boys pulled out chairs from the table and seated themselves amongst familiar faces.
“Did you sleep well?” Sasha asked them.
Both boys nodded in response and Garret elaborated. “I feel better than I have in a week,” he stated.
“Would you care for some breakfast?” This time it was the man in white who spoke.
“That depends,” Ashton replied. “What are you cooking this morning?”
“Ah, you know the rule here. You may have whatever it is you desire,” the man reminded them.
“I know, but I trust your choice of food better than my own,” Ashton smiled.
Garret nodded his agreement as the cook rose from his seat. The man in white was beaming with pride as he took in their words.
“Then it shall be a delicious surprise you will dine upon this morning,” he declared and, bowing to them like some sort of puppet, he turned and sauntered out of the room, his limp more pronounced than the day before.
“Felix seems to like you guys,” Sasha told them as the man rounded the corner and left the room.
“He is an exceptional cook. The duck last night was unbelievable.” Garret’s mouth began to water at the thought.
“Yes he is. He is a good man as well,” Sasha said, her eyes dwelling as some event from the past playing out before her, unseen to the others.
“Have you already eaten?” Ashton asked. “Or will you be joining us for breakfast?”
“I have been awake for some time now, so unfortunately I have already eaten. There is a lot of preparation to do for the festivities, as well as for the inn. Our rooms will probably be near capacity tonight. But perhaps I can put off breakfast tomorrow and we could all eat together then,” Sasha told them, obviously running through her to-do list in her head.
“That would be nice,” Garret stated honestly.
“So what are your plans for today, master Garret?” Sasha asked, one of her eyebrows rising.
“Well, we had discussed visiting the knight’s training grounds, but I get the feeling I may be seeing them a lot in the near future, so instead I was thinking about a visit to the local temples, to get a feel for the different gods and goddesses.”
“That should make for an interesting day indeed. The temples are some of the oldest buildings in the city. Most of them are both magnificent and ancient. They are certainly a sight to see,” Sasha said excitedly. “You know, though, you don’t have to spend too much time now learning about the gods. If you are chosen for any position within the army, or with the mages for that matter, most of your first lessons will be about the gods.”
“That is good to know,” Garret exclaimed. “I was beginning to wonder how I would choose a deity without a proper education about them.”
“So Ashton, I assume you hope to be chosen into the ranks of the white-robed healers. Am I correct?” Sasha now turned her gaze to Ashton, waiting for his response.
“That’s my plan. I really can’t see my future played out any other way,” Ashton admitted honestly.
“And you, Garret, what are your hopes?” Sasha continued her questioning.
“I had hoped to join the army, but I think the knighthood would be much more exciting.” Garret too answered with complete honesty.
“I am unable to guarantee you anything, but if my husband has his way, I think the knighthood is where you will find yourself in the days to come,” Sasha told him, watching the smile spread a
cross his face as she did. “What of your brother then? Does he too hope to join the knighthood?” Sasha’s curiosity got the better of her.
“I honestly don’t know,” Garret shrugged. “He really isn’t into the whole ‘live by the sword’ glory bit. However, since he and Sara met I have not yet seen him back down from a challenge. He even used his own body to protect her from the goblin.” Garret stopped before he revealed anything more of the subject, afraid it might upset his twin.
“So that is how he had been injured, protecting young Sara? That makes sense, it is so obvious how much he cares for her. So you know nothing for his hopes about The Choosing ceremony then?” she asked again, still curious.
“No not really, it’s hard to say. I think he would make a great fighter, he is fast and strong. Honestly, though I’m not sure. At this point I think he would be happy hand-scrubbing latrines so long as he could stay with Sara, but I hope he gets something worthwhile,” Garret told her.
“What of Sara then? Does she have any hopes about the ceremony or does she too just wish to stay by his side?” Sasha asked, promising herself she would stop prying for information as soon as she got this answer.
Age of the Gods: The Complete, twelve novel, fantasy series (The Blood and Brotherhood Saga) Page 23
