Flynn tweaked my nose, using his wings to pull me tightly against him. “You need fun, too. We’ve all been working hard. Between training with Tesha and your research, we have barely seen you. We can all use some time to play together, mate.” While I agreed, I was hesitant to stop my project. My mates and I had gotten little time together since I awoke from my injuries. Duties they had neglected and my training and research kept all of us busy. I also knew that they were occupied with investigating Cecilia and the events that had led to my near death. While we had not yet discussed it, I knew that information would be forthcoming. I couldn’t repress the small shiver. While I was grateful for my wings, I wouldn’t wish the pain I had experienced on anyone - even Cecilia and her minions. Facing it - facing her - would still be a challenge.
“Are the others joining us?” While I enjoyed spending time one-on-one with Flynn, I missed all of my princes. The past several days had been lonely. Stolen kisses under Tesha’s watchful eyes or over the pages of a book weren’t the same thing as being the center of my mates’ attention. It was such a heady thing to have all of their focus and attention on me. I squirmed slightly in my seat.
Flynn’s grin was wicked, noticing my movement. “Yes, Sunbeam. All of us have missed you. We want to spend time with you.” I glanced at my books again, but my decision was already made. How could I resist all of them?
“What did you have in mind?” I wanted to tease him, sound uninterested, but even I could hear the eagerness in my tone. Flynn’s grin widened as he stepped in close. Hauling me from my seat, he pulled until I was flush against him, molding our bodies together. His ruby eyes were hot, the corners crinkled with laughter.
“Oh, there are quite a few things I have in mind, Sunbeam.” His wings flicked against my own, a brush of silk. My eyes were locked to his mouth, unable to look away from his lips as they formed words I could barely focus on. “I thought we could all fly first. We’ve never flown together. You’ve barely had a chance to use the wings you’ve waited for. I know Tesha’s had you exercising them, but it’s not the same thing. We all want to fly with you..” His wings pulled me in tighter, and my hands pressed against the hard, taut muscles of his abdomen. “It’s hard work, flying. We’ll definitely work up a sweat. I figured we could take another dip in that tub you love so much.” I was nearly panting, unable to resist running my fingers across his abdomen and up to his chest, loving the feel of hot skin under my sensitive fingers.
“We could always start in the tub.” My voice was throaty, my sole concentration locked on his body.
“Aren’t you feeling adventurous, Flower,” Hunter’s amused voice whispered in my ear. I had been concentrating so fully on Flynn, I hadn’t even heard the other princes enter. Now that they had my attention, I realized they had all ringed me, nearly identical smirks on their lips as they watched me in Flynn’s arms.
I grinned, pressing myself more fully against him. He was right. We needed time to play together and cherish the bond we were lucky enough to have formed. “Well, it was just a suggestion.”
Neel stepped forward, gripping my chin tightly in his fingers as he brushed his lips across mine. “Don’t worry, Sweet Pea. We’ll take care of you. Flynn’s correct, though. We really want to fly with you.”
I wanted to sigh at the loss of their touch as they let me go but I bit my tongue. As much as I wanted their hands on me, to continue where we were the last time we were in the tub, I did want to fly with them. I spent my life dreaming of seeing the world from the skies, and besides the few times I had been carried, I still hadn’t had a chance to do so. This would be important for me as well as for them. “Let’s fly, mates.”
Blaine threaded his fingers through mine, tugging me into the lead as we left the small nest I had created for myself in the library. Servants and members of the Court tended to avoid me there as my position was still relatively precarious. Although I knew that my princes and Master Jaison had met with the king and his ladies I had decided it would be more productive for me to continue my work during that time. I was not a part of their family nor the Court. I didn’t understand the politics and did not want to act inappropriately in a situation that would already be difficult for everyone involved. Even my label as a Guardian had not yet been officially announced. It didn’t bother me, however. I was not used to attention - unless it was negative - and was not sure how I would handle it in the future. I hadn’t even taken the time to explore the palace despite my curiosity regarding my new home. Tesha winked at me from her stance at the doorway as I was towed past. I blushed in response, ducking my head from her gaze.
Flynn twisted around us, racing to be in the lead. I couldn’t help but giggle as he used his wings to balance and run backward in front of us, making faces at me. Jett sighed from behind me. “You wonder why they treat us as younglings yet you act like this.”
“This isn’t being a youngling! It’s having fun! Remember fun, brother mine?” Jett simply huffed, ignoring the way Flynn stuck his tongue out at him. Hunter ran to join Flynn, the two taking turns running, jumping, cartwheeling, and doing tricks to make me laugh and stumble in Blaine and Jett’s grip. Neel didn’t seem to share Blaine and Jett’s disdain for theatrics, though he didn’t seem inclined to join in either. He merely shook his head, a small smirk on his lips as he followed behind us. What felt like hours of endless, twisting corridors led us up to a private rooftop.
I raced to the wall that edged one of the sides of the open area. I sighed, taking in the view from so high. Trees and grass glittered in the sunlight, dappled by raindrops. I hadn’t heard the rain earlier through the thick walls of the palace. I knew no one would have let me fly for the first time in the rain. The air was crisp and fresh as it licked over my skin, catching and pulling at my feathers. The urge to spread them wide was a physical ache. I knew my smile covered my face as I spun to face them. “We can really fly?” Part of me was still hesitant - it was high- but my body was urging me on.
Jett’s hands were gentle as they stroked my hair. “Yes, Starshine. It’s time. You haven’t had a chance yet. I’m sorry we didn’t get to it earlier. Tesha’s been working hard to help you strengthen them. We’re all with you. We’ll catch you if they get tired.”
Neel stepped next to Jett, his eyes bright in the sunshine. “We’re going to step off one by one. Watch each of us. I know you’ll have watched others fly, but I really want you to study us. We each fly slightly differently. You’ll find a way that’s comfortable for you. Once we’ve all done a lap, we’ll come back and guide you out. Alright?” I nodded, eager for my turn despite the twist in my stomach.
Flynn sent me a cheeky grin, jumping from the edge and falling for a moment before letting his wings unfurl with a snap as he spun. His laughter echoed up to me making me grin as I leaned over the waist-high wall. Hunter followed his brother, his grin wide as he let himself tip backward over the edge, his wings spread wide to catch the current.
Blaine tenderly brushed his fingers over my lips, drawing my gaze to his before he stepped to the edge. “You don’t have to fall into it. Your wings will hold you if you choose to goof off like these guys. Watch Jett and I. We prefer the control our wings give us over the freefall technique.” He spread his citrine wings, turning his face up to catch the sunlight before he arched them, flapping hard to raise himself into the air. I could see the muscles in his back tighten as he rose from the ground. Jett’s technique was similar to Blaine’s, using his strength to lift himself from the ground and circle me rather than waiting for the currents to guide him. They all fanned out around the open edge of the rooftop, waiting for Neel to join them. Neel blew me a kiss from the edge. He really seemed to be the ballast between his playful and serious brothers. While he worked his wings, he didn’t rely solely on his own strength, falling slightly until the current helped to lift him.
I was breathless watching the sun reflect off all of them. We had few chances to spend outdoors in my time with them. I had been too injured du
ring the moments we were to enjoy seeing them in the sunlight. They were iridescent, glowing and powerful in the simple light of day. My heart surged, and my wings ached. I longed to join them, to be part of the glimmering rainbow that they created. Jett’s eyes were soft as he studied me as if he could guess the thoughts running through my head. “Come on, Starshine. Your turn. We’re here to catch you if you need it. I doubt you will. I’ve never met anyone as strong as you are.” His brothers nodded or grinned their agreement.
I breathed in deeply as I reached the edge, the wind now a steady pull at my folded wings, whipping and twining around me, playful and strong as steel. Although I knew they said they would catch me, I didn’t want them to have to. I wanted to fly, not fall again. I wasn’t willing to take the risk that Flynn and Hunter had. I spread my wings wide, letting the air fill them, pushing them back. I enjoyed the pull of the muscles that I had been working hard to strengthen. I flapped them, pushing hard as I tried to lift myself straight up the way Blaine had. That was far harder than I had thought it would be. They both had to be incredibly strong to lift their full weight without any additional help.
“Let the air help you, Sunbeam. You’re doing well. Don’t fight against the fall. You need to drop some to catch the current. You’ll come back up. I promise.” Flynn called to me, his smile soft now rather than cocky. He was right. I had to take the risk, had to let myself fall a little and trust that I would be strong enough to pull myself back up again. A part of me wanted to close my eyes, to pretend that the drop wasn’t far higher than even Cecilia had taken me. I wouldn’t do it though. It was my turn to fly, and I was going to see and feel every moment of it. I dove forward, slightly jerking as I let my wings spread as far as they could go. I wanted to scream, but the sound lodged in my suddenly tight throat. I flapped hard, trying to pull myself back up or reach out for one of my men. My muscles screamed in protest against the violence of my movement.
“Don’t fight it!” Hunter called from a few feet above me as I fell. “Spread them wide!” I wanted to bite a sarcastic reply at him but fought the urge. Inhaling a gasping breath, I spread my wings as far as they would go. A sudden gust of the air pulled me up, my wings catching the wind and pulling me high in its path. I gasped at the stretch in my muscles, before my flight evened out. Movement caught my eye as I struggled to balance and direct my motions with the playful tug of the wind. Flynn flew upside down underneath me, a wide grin on his face.
“You’ve got it Emberly! The current’s got you now. Move your wings like you’ve been practicing. You’ll stay steadier. Let the current catch you again when you start to tire!” His voice was enthusiastic, his smile wide. I tried to follow his instructions. He was right, I realized. I didn’t have to flap them hard the way I had been doing on the patio. Small movements kept me on my path. I could see now why Flynn kept his hair braided as the movement of my wings and the push of the air pressed my growing hair into my eyes and mouth, the tickle a minor irritation as I tried to focus on my movements.
“You’re doing so well. You don’t have to think so hard. Feel it. Your body knows what to do.” Jett’s warm voice came from above me, and I risked my balance to glance up to see him a wing’s length above my head.
I flexed my wings, trying to let my muscles relax into this new form of exercise. “Just look around! Flying is fun!” Hunter’s voice was nearly lost in the whirl of the wind against my ears. I could see him and Flynn racing on ahead now that they knew I wasn’t about to fall. Blaine, Jett, and Neal stayed in formation around me. Whether they were happy with the easy flight or worried about me, I wasn’t sure. As I let the breeze play through my feathers and enjoyed a view of the ground that I had rarely been gifted a chance to see, I felt my smile widening. Hunter was right—it was fun. It was also soothing, and if I could have managed it, I would have stayed in the air forever. I wasn’t skilled enough yet for the trick flying that the rest of them could do, but I greatly enjoyed watching Flynn and Hunter swoop, dive, pivot, and parry each other in midair.
As much as I wanted to keep playing with my mates, my wings were growing tired quickly. I tried to hide it, but my princes were quick to catch on. “Follow us to land.” Jett’s voice was stern as he saw me fighting to stay in the air, reaching out a hand to balance me. I didn’t want this to end; I was having fun, and a part of me I hadn’t even realized was empty was filling up. Missing my wings had left a gnawing ache inside me that this flight was gradually helping to fill.
“We’ll fly again soon, Sweet Pea,” Neel’s voice was a gentle call as he beckoned me to land. “We can’t do that if you injure yourself in the process.” I knew he was right, but I still had to fight my instinct to stay airborne rather than landing on the rooftop. The landing slightly jarred my teeth, making my knees ache and burn. I would have to practice that part. The princes made landing look as easy as they had taking off, and in truth it required precision, strength, and skill.
I was panting, trying hard not to wince at the pain in my wings, when Flynn wrapped his arms around me. “Sore, Sunbeam? Still want that bath?” His voice was husky, only partially from the war cries he had been screaming out during our time playing.
Four sets of eyes zeroed in on us, all hot and intense. “I don’t know if just a bath will be enough.” My words were a murmur, and I wanted to bite my lip as soon as they escaped. Blaine groaned, raking his fingers through his hair.
“You test my control, Starshine.” Jett’s voice was gruff, his lips twisted in a wry grin. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, and tried to regain control of himself. He stepped forward to grab my chin, holding my eyes with his. “Do you want us to make love to you?”
I was nervous, but I did want them. “I want all of you.” A chorus of groans filled the air this time, hands reaching out to stroke down my wings, my hair, and my neck. I murmured in approval, pressing into their touch.
Jett kept his hold tight on my chin, the heat in his eyes churned an answering fire inside of me, and I tried to arch into him. He smirked, keeping a distance between our bodies. “We all want you, Emberly. We adore you. Physically though, you aren't quite ready to take us all—yet.” I wanted to turn my gaze away in embarrassment, but he refused to let me. “It's nothing to be embarrassed about. We have all time in the world. You'll be able to take us all eventually. “ It was my turn to moan at the image he created. “For now, we want to ease you into it. Make sure you enjoy yourself. It will be easier, especially your first time, if you’re with only one of us. Would you be comfortable with that?”
I squirmed, a knot of embarrassment and dread forming a hard ball in my stomach. “You want me to pick one of you?” They all nodded, their gaze intent on me. “Isn’t that-” I trailed off, a little unsure how to phrase my thought. “Isn’t that picking a favorite though?”
Neel massaged the back of my neck as he sent me a slow smile. “No, Sweet Pea, it’s not. There’s no favorites, and we know it. There are five of us. There will be times when it will be easier - or just preferred - for you to have one or a few of us at a time. It doesn’t mean you love the rest of us any less, or that some of us are getting special attention. It’s just part of a mating.”
While it did make sense, it still felt odd. “I don’t know that I can pick just one or two of you. It feels wrong. You’re all my mates, I want all of you.”
Blaine’s eyes were soft, but a wicked smile twisted his lips. “Would it help if we picked this first time? So you can see that, while we’re envious of them getting a chance to touch you, there is no jealousy? Would it soothe your fears?” I paused to consider this offer. Could they really do it? I knew I couldn’t pick one or two to be my first. Slowly, I nodded. Blaine exchanged looks with his brothers. Their wings flipped, eyebrows arched, eyes rolled in a dance of silent communication. They would show that to me, I thought. I wasn’t going to have them making all decisions behind my back with that silent language of theirs. It was convenient for certain times, however.
Blaine
’s eyes returned back to mine, and from the grin he sported I assumed he had guessed what I was thinking - although maybe the small pout I wore betrayed me. “Let’s be logical about this. Jett and I are rough lovers. That’s not something we should introduce you to for your first encounter.” His heated gaze promised that there would be an introduction—very soon. “Flynn tends to lose control as well. If it’s acceptable to you, Neel and Hunter could be your firsts.”
I studied them, one by one. I saw no anger or resentment in their faces, just hunger, joy, and amusement. The knot in my stomach loosened a little, and a new kind of fluttering took its place. “Yes. That’s good.” The words were a whisper as they fell from my lips. Neel reached out a hand for mine, pressing a kiss to the back as he took it to lead me down from the roof.
“You’ve enjoyed the play we’ve done in the bath. Would you prefer going there again? Or would you like us to take you to our rooms?” Hunter’s voice was soft and sweet in my ear as he ran fingertips across my sensitive wings.
“Your room.” The bath was where I played with all of them. It felt odd to use it if I was only going to be with two of them.
Neel shot me a small smile over his shoulder as he continued to tow me down the hallway, twisting around staircases in our path. “Our rooms it is.” He led me through a doorway arched with emeralds, and I knew he had chosen Hunter’s room. The scent of wood hung heavy in the air as Hunter closed and latched the door behind him.
“Nervous, Flower?” Hunter’s tongue curled around my ear as he whispered to me, the heat from his body enveloping mine. I could only nod.
“It’s normal, Emberly.” Neel’s eyes were serious. “If you want us to stop, all you have to do is ask. If you don’t like something, you tell us. Alright?”
The Valkyrie's Princes Page 16
