by Helene Gadot
Whist grabbed my hips and pulled himself out of me before flipping me over onto my hands and knees, facing the others. Whist sank into me behind at the same moment Sky pressed himself into Saber. They fucked us completely in unison.
Whist's fingers dug into the soft flesh of my hips, then slid up my sides until he cupped my breasts, twisting and pinching my nipples. I raised my ass to press back against him as Sky bent to pillage Saber's mouth for a moment before he raised back up and grabbed him by the hips. I crawled towards them and Whist followed me so I could take Saber into my mouth.
He moaned and slid his oil-soaked fingers along my back until he reached my ass. He teased the puckered hole before he pushed his fingers inside.
The four of us became a tangle of limbs and lust, moving to a symphony of murmurs and keens and sighs and groans. Saber came first, shooting his release down my throat, slamming his fingers as deep in my ass as he could reach. With his taste in my mouth, I followed along right behind him and we both milked Sky and Whist into theirs.
Whist and Sky left Saber and I on the bed to grab washcloths to clean us up. I laid my head on Saber's chest and he stroked my hair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
"Have fun, love?"
I let out a low and satisfied chuckle. "Maybe. You?"
"Always." His smooth, smoky voice wrapped around me.
Whist and Saber returned, their hands gentle as they ran warm clothes over us. Saber and I left them to it, wrapped up in each other. The other two tossed the rags in the corner of the room and snuggled up to our backs.
I wanted to fall asleep like this every night for the rest of my life.
A stray flash of Aster flickered through my mind along with a pang in my chest, but I shoved it away. I couldn't even begin to figure out where he'd fit in with the rest of us and I was happy with what I was building with my three assassins. I doubted he'd want to snuggle up with us after a night spent in mutual pleasure.
But I also couldn't lie to myself and pretend I didn't feel something missing ever since I became aware of my fourth kindred.
NINETEEN
Elora waited for me in the courtyard and led me to the training grounds. I threw a hand up and waved goodbye to Aster. He escorted me since my assassins were needed for a job before the gala tonight. Not an assassination, thankfully. Security for the party. The king had yet to bring them back into the fold; I assumed since they would become princes if I accepted the bond with Aster. It was all very strange and confusing and the books weren't helping me understand the politics as much as I'd hoped. What I had learned was I hated politics. I hated the fraud, the games, the lies, the masks.
I was a bit bored, the danger and intrigue I expected nowhere in sight. It was giving me time to get to know my kindreds better, but it was also giving me too much time to dwell on my fourth and it wasn't something I wanted to talk over with Saber, Sky, and Whistler. I knew what they wanted, and they were trying hard not to push me. Something I appreciated. But it would be nice to talk to someone who was a little more unbiased.
"Ready for the gala tonight?" Elora asked.
I shrugged. Not really. "I guess."
She snorted as she wiped down the blade of her sword. "Not too excited to be brought before the royal society and introduced as the prince's kindred?"
"Nope. Especially since I haven't decided what to do about it yet."
She shoved her cloth into her pocket. "I thought you had decided."
"I thought I had too, but I see the reasons to stay." I frowned at the sword in my hands, wish it held the answers I needed.
Elora slid her sword back into the scabbard on her hip. "Sure, it would make your other kindreds happy, it would make the prince ecstatic, it would help in our current goals, but ultimately you have to decide for yourself if it's something you want."
"Was it hard for you?"
She stared over at the orchard, her eyes not seeing the trees, but looking into her past. "I never had a choice. I was the royal guard. Then, Indigo and I met, and we both felt it. From there, it was such a whirlwind, I never stopped to make a choice."
"Do you regret it? Would you have chosen differently?" I needed to know, to understand. She has left a common sort of life and ended up a fucking princess. One day, she'd be a queen.
Elora whipped her head back to me. "Hell no. I love her. More than I ever thought possible. And I love Lysander. He's my best friend. The three of us fit together perfectly, like we were made for each other. Which, I suppose we were. But my parents were an awful match. I had four of them. Two dads and two moms. It was a disaster. They never found a groove, always fighting over each other, dealing with petty jealousies. So the bonds aren't always the best options. I don't understand why it works for some and doesn't for others. Maybe because we're human. Maybe my parents could have been great together, but they didn't work hard enough for it. Or maybe whatever force drives us together made a mistake. But Indigo, Lysander, and I work hard together. We make sure we communicate and are transparent with each other. We still fight and have misunderstandings and hurt feelings. We aren't perfect. But we're perfect for each other. You seem to have that with your assassins and luckily they're completely willing for Aster to join. That's a big deal. That they aren't upset and possessive. I think the five of you could work. But you have to let go of your view of royals. If you can't, then you and Aster are doomed. Which could break up the lot of you."
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. I'd never heard her say so many things total before. She was usually focused on training, and she left personal matters out of it.
"What?" She frowned in confusion.
A smirk pulled at the corner of my lips. "That was just a long speech."
She faked a scowl. "I've been watching you agonize over this choice for days. And I've watched the prince agonize over you. He's trying to give you space, but it's killing him. And I've also seen the way you stare after him. Look, get to know him. Spend time with him. Alone. See if there's something there beyond the bond riding you. Hell, take him out for a spin and fuck him. That's my advice, if you want it."
I stuttered. "I... I'll definitely think about it."
She nodded briskly. "Excellent. Now. Think you can take on a live opponent or do you want to keep working with the practice dummy?"
TWENTY
Sky retrieved me from training, the guards not far behind. "How was it, doll?"
"It was fine. Elora said I'm improving, but she still kicks my ass."
Sky chuckled. "She's an excellent fighter. One of the best. If she wasn't Indigo's kindred, she probably would have ended up being made an assassin."
His words reminded me of something I'd meant to ask. "What exactly are your roles going to be if you're going to be princes?"
"Same as Elora. We'll be princes, but we'll also be his personal security team. Elora also serves as Indigo's bodyguard. Right now, we're in a sort of limbo, acting as extra security for the crown, until after the ceremony. Speaking of, Whist is going to meet us at the gala. He's running security for the event and is scurrying around barking orders."
"What exactly should I expect tonight?" Other than a terrible, uncomfortable, infuriating time.
"Just a disgusting display of wealth. A lot of food, drinks, and dancing." Sky looked over his shoulder at the guards. "Right guys?"
They didn't respond. Dicks.
I lowered my voice, hoping they wouldn't overhear. "But what about the whole introducing me as the prince's kindred part?"
Sky waved a careless hand through the air. "Oh, that's nothing. We'll have to stand with the royal family and the king will take it from there. Then, there will probably be a dance between you and the prince while everyone watches."
"What? You call that nothing?" I winced at the screech that accompanied my words.
He patted my arm. "You'll be fine. Just follow Aster's lead. He's an excellent dancer and I've seen the way you move to music. You're a natural."
I gnawed anxiously
at my bottom lip. "Maybe I should have kept up the lessons with that horrible troll woman."
"I'll practice with you back at our place. You'll be fine, doll. Promise." He opened the door and held it open for me.
"Right." I watched as he waved at the guards and slammed the door in their faces.
"Don't you trust me?" He faked a pout.
I shrugged and winced. "Sort of?"
"What?" His pout turned real.
I rushed to explain. "I trust you. But I also know you like your jokes and pranks."
He took my hands in his. "True, but never at your expense, doll."
"I know." I frowned around the sitting room. "Where's Saber?"
He dropped me hands and shrugged. "I don't know. Aster was here when I left, I thought he was waiting around for you."
"I'll check his room."
"You hungry? I'll make a snack while you run him down."
"Sure. I could eat."
I marched along the hall to Saber's room, stopping right outside with my fist raised. Murmured voices kept me from knocking. It was Aster and Saber talking. About me.
"I cannot bear this much longer." Aster sounded frustrated.
"I know it's hard. And I can't promise you anything. She needs time."
"I'm not sure how much time I can give her. My father is growing impatient. I would never push her or you, but I also don't want any of you to die. And only my father's own laws are keeping you four alive." Aster muttered a long string of curses.
It surprised me. He was usually so eloquent and careful in his speech.
"Then we'll run. And we'll help in any way we can from Havisam. I know that's not what you want to hear. It took everything for her to agree to accepting us and we almost lost her," Saber said.
"Why is she so against it?" Aster asked. "I don't understand."
Saber sighed. "She's been on her own for a long time and during that time, she spent it railing against your family and your laws. When she agreed to stay with us, she had to give all that up, granted that was more about the fact that your father wanted her dead and less about us. Accepting the bond with the prince of the family she blames for her family's deaths?"
"Which neither Indigo nor I had anything to do with. In fact we are fighting to change all of that."
"She knows. Which is why she suffers your presence. But Rhapsody is different. She won't let a bond force her. She has to actually feel something for you. And every single time you're around her, you're acting nothing like yourself. You're flirtatious, but withdrawn. And she knows it's not the real you. She chose us because she cared about us. Not because of the bond."
Tears pricked my eyes at how well Saber understood me.
Aster cursed again. "That is not something I'm very good at."
"I know, but if you want even the slightest chance, that's what it's going to take."
Their conversation seemed to be wrapping up, so I hurried back down the hall back to Sky, my stomach in twisted knots. He raised his brow at me as he slid over a plate of fruit and cheese.
"He and the prince are busy. I think they'll be out soon."
"Eavesdropping, doll?" He wagged his brows.
"Maybe."
"Hear anything juicy?" He plopped a grape into his mouth.
I fiddled with a piece of cheese. "Nothing really important."
"Uh huh. Sure."
"Weren't you going to teach me how to dance? I doubt it'll be long before we have to get ready. The princess is sending me something proper to wear."
Sky walked around the table and took me into his arms. "I need you to be the music."
"What?" I asked.
"Sing, doll."
Of course. I hummed a popular dance song I thought might be the sort of thing they would play at the gala. Sky led me into a dance I had no trouble following. He was confident in his steps and between him and the music, moving in time with him came naturally. We whirled across the dining room floor, and I drowned in the icy blue of his eyes. When I reached the end of the song, Sky dipped me low to the floor, pressing a kiss to the bottom of my throat.
A throat clearing jerked us both to our feet. I spun around to see the prince standing there watching us with burning eyes and a clenched jaw.
"Apologies. I didn't intend to interrupt. I merely wanted to make sure you have everything you need for tonight."
My hand clutched at my pounding chest. "Your sister is sending over clothes and Sky has told me what to expect tonight."
The prince gave a militant nod. "Excellent. I realize it is a bit of a pain, but I appreciate you keeping up the ruse."
"I get what's at stake if I don't."
"Right. Well, I'll be off and will see both of you in a few hours."
I guessed he decided not to listen to Saber's advice. I ignored the twinge and reminded myself it was easier if he kept the distance between us. Even though I'd hoped he would listen and I would finally see who he really was.
"Let's go see what Saber is up to, doll. Maybe surprise him with a little fun?"
TWENTY-ONE
I grinned at Sky in excitement, Aster momentarily forgotten, and let Sky drag me to Saber's room. Sky didn't bother knocking, instead he eased open the door. He and I both halted to enjoy the view.
Saber stood shirtless with a paintbrush in his hands, paint splattered across his face and torso. He had never looked more beautiful. Sky and I exchanged a heated glance, his desire for Saber as strong as mine.
I closed the door behind us and Saber noticed our entrance. He looked up with a soft, innocent smile. "Hey guys. Have you been here long?"
"Am I that sexy when I'm lost to the music?" I asked Sky in a carrying whisper.
"Definitely, doll."
Saber blushed as Sky and I stalked over to him. His paintbrush and palette clattered to the floor as I stretched onto my toes to kiss my sweetheart kindred. His hands grabbed my ass, and he jerked me into him, swallowing my moan.
Sky moved behind Saber and kissed the back of his neck, trapping him between us. Saber's cock swelled and pressed against me as he slid his tongue into my mouth.
The three of us tripped over to Saber's bed, coiled in a mass of restless desire. Sky and I rolled Saber onto his back and trailed our lips and tongues across his body until our mouths fought over his cock. Saber fisted the blankets with his paint-splattered hands as Sky and I lashed and lapped and nibbled at his hard length. He tasted delicious, especially mixed with Sky's flavor.
One of Sky's hands snaked between my legs to the soaked warmth waiting for him and plucked and pinched my clit. I squealed and spread my legs wider so he could reach further. He took the hint and rammed three fingers inside me. It was a bit of a stretch, but the slight pain turned into a spreading warmth traveling from my core and through my limbs.
I moved my head to tease Saber's balls while Sky took him completely into his mouth and kept fucking me with his fingers. Reaching across Saber's legs, I wrapped my hand around Sky's length, stroking him up and down. He laughed around Saber's cock, releasing him to take my mouth in a hard and dominant kiss. I melted beneath him, mewling into his mouth, desperate for release.
"You okay, doll?"
I nodded, words escaping me.
"What about you, babe?"
Saber murmured something intelligible in reply, making Sky smile wide. He left both of us, rolling over to the edge of the bed and rustling through the nightstand, and held up a now familiar bottle of oil. Did they have it stashed all over their home?
Sky tossed it to Saber, who raised a brow.
"Remember that thing we talked about?"
Saber smiled and nodded, rolling over and taking me with him until he hovered above me between my spread legs. He ground against me and flicked at one of my nipples with his tongue before he shoved off me and Sky took his place. Sky grinned at me, a wicked glint in his eyes, his hands grasping my breasts, twisting my nipples, making me writhe and moan beneath him.
"Saber is going to fuck both of us, do
ll. Interested?"
An embarrassing sound fell out of my mouth and I nodded frantically. "Yes. Please. Yes."
Sky shivered as Saber poured oil on his ass and he brought his mouth onto my neck, his teeth scraping and nibbling at my sensitive skin. I clutched his shoulders my nails sinking into his skin. He stiffened against me and I peeked around him, grinning when I see Saber had plunged inside him. Saber pulled Sky back by the hips and Sky released my breasts to aim his cock at my opening. Saber pressed forward and Sky slid inside me.
Saber moved in and out of Sky, fucking us both, their weight pressing me deep into the mattress. He was rougher, fiercer than he usually was with me. And I fucking loved it. Sky buried his head in the crook of my neck, sucking and biting. I met Saber's eyes and fell headfirst into his gaze. I couldn't look away, something in his expression demanded I kept my eyes pinned to his. He pounded harder into us, and my body trembled, perched on the edge of the precipice, but I couldn't quite fall over.
Until Sky stiffened and sank his teeth into me so hard he must have drawn blood. I screamed out my pleasure, bucking against him as Saber continued on for another moment until he joined us in release.
Love for the two of them swelled in my chest as I licked and kissed the side of Sky's neck. He teased the bite mark with his tongue and pulled back with a smirk.
"You're going to need something to cover that up, doll."
I snorted. "You mean you don't want me parading your marks in front of the nobility tonight?"
"Definitely not. You're ours, they don't get to imagine you like that."
"Feeling possessive?" I trailed a finger up his back.
"Absolutely. I'm only willing to share you with your other kindreds. No one else."
I shivered as he and Saber finally pulled apart and rolled off of me, taking their heat with them.
TWENTY-TWO
Somehow, I was the first one dressed and ready for the gala. I had used Whist's room to prepare while Saber and Sky had disappeared into Sky's. Hopefully, they were taking some time for themselves. I smoothed the emerald green dress down my torso, my fingers catching in the gold beading.
