by Helene Gadot
I finally took in his own appearance and my eyes bulged. He wore formfitting gray trousers, his ass had never looked more enticing, and a blue shirt, opened at the collar, giving everyone a peek of his chiseled chest, the color making his sky-blue eyes shine.
"We want to see too. Stop hogging her." Aster yelled the words from deeper into the bedroom.
Sky grinned and backed out of the bathroom and crooked his finger for me to follow. I shook my head at his antics, but trailed him from the bathroom and was blinded by the beauty of my kindreds in dragons clothes. Each one of them wore a shirt like Sky's with different shades. Saber's was scarlet, Aster's was a blue so dark it was almost black, and Whist's was silver.
Their eyes and skin gleamed as they stared back at me.
Indigo's entrance broke apart the tension smothering us. "It's time. Let's go."
TWENTY-FIVE
The dining hall had transformed into something magical. Lanterns and candles flickered their light against the stone walls, setting the gems embedded into the rocks ablaze, rainbows arching from them. The lines of tables were gone, only a few remaining along the edges, food weighing them down. A group of musicians played in one corner, soft music trickling around and echoing against the walls. It was excellent music, but it lacked a little something. A little soul. Now I understood why they offered me a job teaching music to the people here. They understood the mechanics, but there was no emotion, no longing or joy or sorrow in the music.
Whist's warm hand settled low on my back, brushing against the bare skin the dress revealed, Aster on my other side clutching my hand. I looked over at him and smiled, wishing we'd had more time together lately. He still looked at me when he thought I wasn't paying attention with turmoil burning in his eyes, like he wasn't certain I was truly his, like he was afraid to believe.
I hadn't had time or the chance to reassure him and now there was a new kindred dividing my attention. Warmth filled me as he smiled back at me. His real smile, not the one dripping with charm, the one that brimmed with real happiness and a hint of wicked humor.
And once we left here, regardless of the outcome of the vote, we'd be back in the palace, constantly on alert for the king's next attack. Would the group of us even know how to function as a family once things calmed down? Our entire relationship was mostly stolen moments together before diving back into intrigue and danger. How would things fold out if we ever found peace? Would we realize we weren't a good fit once we had more time to truly get to know each other? Or would our relationship finally flourish?
Aster leaned over to whisper filthy words in my ear. "I want to fuck you in that dress. You look beautiful."
I quivered and tightened my grip on his hand. "You're almost as bad as Sky."
"You have no idea, gorgeous." Whist snorted. Did he hear?
Indigo drew our attention as she gasped and clutched her chest with both of her hands, her eyes wide as she stared across the hall at a male dragon, tall and lean with dark brown skin and hazel eyes. He stared back at her, disbelief on his face. It was like the rest of us disappeared and no longer existed as they gazed into each other's eyes.
I recognized the way she rubbed at her heart. I knew what it meant. I just couldn't believe it was happening.
Princess Indigo had met her third kindred.
TWENTY-SIX
The crowd of milling dragons parted as Indigo and the man drew closer to each other, walking as if they were in some kind of trance. They halted an inch from each other, the bond so strong between them I could almost see the tendrils connecting them.
I'd never seen it played out this way. Was this what it looked like with my kindreds to everyone else when we found each other? It was beautiful. They both had such awed expressions on their faces, filled with delight and tentative hope, it made my heart ache.
Tears stung my eyes as they embraced, burying their faces in each other's necks. I glanced over at Elora to see how she was handling it and she was smiling wide with tears shining on her cheeks, not the slightest sign of jealousy or frustration.
Bastian stepped through the crowd and into my line of sight, his gaze on me. I knew better than to expect the same even though everything in me screamed out to cross over to him, a string of my bond unfinished and unattached.
I forced myself to be the one who broke away first, fulfilling my promise to respect his choice. Indigo and her new kindred had stepped away from each other and a ring of dragons surrounded them, chattering and congratulating them over the discovery of the bond.
"This is amazing. I can't believe this is happening."
Aster had a shrewd expression on his face. "The timing could not be better either."
I scrunched my nose at his political view though I couldn't deny he had a point. This could weigh heavily in our favor.
Whist tugged me away from Aster. "Come on. Let's get something to eat. They let me play in their kitchens today."
Happiness bubbled up in my chest, almost salivating at his words. "I've missed your cooking."
He looked at me with determination set in his face. "After this, you'll never have to miss it again."
My heart melted at the rare romantic comment from my stern and serious assassin. Sky and Saber came with us, leaving Aster and Elora to make their way to Indigo through the throng around them.
Whist filled a plate for me so high I wasn't sure where to start without sending it all to the floor, especially eating it one-handed.
"You'll have to share this with me. I can't eat all of it."
Whist nodded and guided me over to a few chairs scattered around the edge of the hall, his hand inside the back of my dress, his fingers stroking my skin.
While we eat, I watched the dragons celebrate. It was a bit similar to the ball back at the palace in Faligrey, people milling about and talking and laughing and dancing, the fancy clothes. The biggest change was there was no class difference here. The leaders of the Assembly danced and ate with and beside those who served—the laundry workers, the soldiers, the kitchen staff, the vendors. I couldn't imagine the nobles of Faligrey doing such a thing.
A snort escaped me as I imagined how that awful teacher I'd been forced to meet with would react. It would horrify her.
It bothered me that I could find so little I disliked about the dragon lands, that I hadn't unearthed any disturbing secrets. There had to be something, some way they could improve.
The only complaint I had was their rigid control of their borders and I did miss the sunlight.
Kira approached, breaking up my musings. "It's time for your performance."
TWENTY-SEVEN
I threaded my way over to the musicians in the corner, taking the empty seat Bastian's guitar sat in. The rest of them placed their instruments in their laps, waiting for me to begin.
I plucked at the guitar strings, making sure it was still tuned before moving into the opening chords. The beginning lyrics were soft, gentle—a lulling strain. I let my fury and determination ring out on the chorus, calling for peace and unity and change. I called for aid and friendship.
And I called for lost kindreds finally found.
My eyes met Bastian's through the crowd when I sang those lyrics and the intensity he watched me with almost caused my fingers to slip. I tore my gaze away and searched for Indigo. She was caught between Elora and her new kindred, their arms around her, happiness and fulfillment shining from their faces.
I sang for them, the kindred soul bond a bridge between two people no longer lost and separated. A perfect match found when all hope was lost.
I sang for lonely souls still searching, waiting, hoping. For choices and freedom. For new love found after heartbreak. As I sang the words straight at Bastian, I realized it was written for him. My focus had been on what would bring the dragons over to our side, but the lyrics I sang pealed out my yearning for him, for the completion he would bring me. I wanted him to experience the same healing I had with my assassins and my prince.
Every day, I missed my par
ents and wished they were still with me. But my kindreds had softened the constant pain, they'd filled in the holes left by the death of my parents. They'd brought me family and companionship, fun and laughter, freedom and hope.
I wanted the same for Bastian.
He deserved to have those things in his life again instead of remaining trapped in the past, surrounded by pain and bittersweet memories. If only I could make him understand joining us didn't mean he was trying to replace his first family. So I kept singing my song for him, taking this one last chance to show him what he could have.
What everyone could have if we opened our borders.
My song whispered to a close amid thunderous applause pulsing around the hall. My throat clogged with emotion as I stared at the crowd of dragons cheering for my music, no sign of food flying at my face, no muttered curses or loud boos.
This place was excellent for my ego.
Indigo approached the small stage set up to my left for her speech. The applause died down as she turned to face them.
"Thank you for giving me the chance to address you all this evening. As most of you have probably heard, I came here with the intent to work out a treaty with your Assembly. They determined that they wanted you all to have a say in the future between our two nations."
Hushed murmuring broke out among the dragons and Indigo waited for it to die down before she continued. She started with trade, what Faligrey could bring to the dragon lands. She talked about how Faligreans would love the market vendors if they wanted to sell their wares in the capital. And finally, she brought it home to the kindreds. She reminded everyone how two dragons had found their kindreds from Faligrey in just a few days. Imagine how many could find theirs once the borders were open.
I strummed the guitar as Indigo began her closing arguments, completely unashamed at using the cheap ploy to manipulate everyone's emotions. I turned to the other musicians behind me and gestured for them to join, keeping the melody soft and simple so they would have no problems following along.
At the end, the crowd clapped politely, whispering to each other as they reacted to Indigo's speech. She had a true gift in public speaking, I was astounded at how convincing she was. She was going to make such a wonderful queen. I'd never been more certain of it than in this moment. Even without help from the dragons, she would find a way to lead Faligrey into a time of change and progress. I just hoped the dragons recognized what she could bring to them as well and chose to help.
After settling the guitar back on the chair, I followed Indigo back into the center of the hall towards our kindreds, not allowing myself to search out Bastian in the crowd. It was his move, and I refused to push any more.
Two of the Assembly members replaced Indigo on the stage. "Indigo has made herself available if you have any questions over what she asked for and offered in return. You can also direct queries to any member of the Assembly. We have boxes at the door for you to cast your vote on your way out. Thank you and feel free to continue dancing and eating as long as you wish."
My kindreds pressed in on me. "You were amazing."
"That was beautiful, love."
"You never cease to impress, doll."
"Damn, gorgeous."
I smiled. "Who's dancing with me?"
Sky beat the others to my hand and he dragged me away from them with a triumphant grin. Instead of leading me to the area set up for dancing, he ducked through a side door and down a tight hallway.
"What are you doing?" I asked as I tripped along behind him.
"What I've wanted to do all night."
TWENTY-EIGHT
He turned the corner into a small alcove and black surrounded us, only a thin trickle of light slashed across his face from one of the torches in the hall as he slammed me against the rocky wall. I smiled against his mouth as he kissed me hard, grinding me into the stone behind me.
He pulled back a little. "Watching you in that dress all night was driving me crazy." He spun me around so my front pressed into the wall. "I wanted to do this."
He kissed and licked a trail down my bare back, making me shiver and my nipples tighten in response. He followed the opening all the way to the upper curve of my ass, nipping the flesh before he slid his hands beneath the sides of the dress to reach around my front and cupped my breasts. I gasped and pushed back into him, thrusting my behind into him, his length hard and stiff against me.
"Did you think we wouldn't notice you stealing her away?" Aster's voice whipped my head around and my jaw dropped in surprise at the sight of Aster, Whist, and Saber standing in the hall outside the alcove.
"I figured you three would follow us eventually."
Whist disappeared from sight and the light from the hall went out, casting us all into complete dark. Four warm bodies surrounded me and I was turned around to face them. My other senses stretched out with my vision black and I heard their heavy breaths and shuffling footsteps and quiet whispers as they plotted what they wanted to do to me.
Four sets of hands brushed against me, stroking my hips, neck, backside, breasts. I arched against them, wanting more, already panting and wet for them. I had no idea which hands were which and at the moment, I couldn't have cared less. I was in my favorite place in the world, at the center of my guys.
One of them slid his hand into the slit of the skirt of my dress folding it open and baring my legs. Someone lifted me and wrapped my legs around his waist as he pressed me into the wall. Another set of hands stretched my arms above my head, trapping my wrists against the rocky surface. Their scents had merged, so I had no idea who held me up by the top of my thighs and plunged their cock inside me.
Harsh fingers plucked at my nipples through the fabric of the dress, pinching and twisting them, the sensation shooting through me straight to my pussy. The one fucking me pounded into me furiously, his breath gasping in my ear. A moan escaped me, ringing around the tiny alcove.
A hand covered my mouth, muffling my cries as the inferno inside me raged and bubbled and exploded. I bit the palm of whoever had their hand over my lips and their hand slid lower to wrap around my throat, a mouth replacing the hand, their tongue sweeping into my gasping mouth to dance with mine.
The grip on my throat tightened, and I shuddered, coming again, the orgasm thundering through me so hard my ears popped and rang, floating with euphoria.
When I came back to myself, I'd been repositioned—my hands flat against the wall, someone still holding them captive, my body bent over with my ass in the air, the dress parted from the slit and hanging on my side.
Warm breath tickled the inside of my thighs, the only warning I had before a mouth descended onto my center. Still sensitive from my prior climaxes, I jerked and squealed, wanting him to stop and wanting him to keep going.
Strong fingers dug into the flesh of my hips, keeping me still. Something slick and warm trickled over my bottom. Oil. Guess they'd unearthed some from somewhere. I was willing to bet Sky was the one who found it.
A hand spread it between my cheeks before pushing into me, coating me with the lubricant, readying me for something larger. I wiggled my hips, silently begging for more, always more. A palm cracked against my left cheek, then my right, the sound reverberating in my ears. I moaned and wiggled again, hoping he'd do it again. I was sure it was either Whist or Aster since they enjoyed the rough play. It might have been Sky, but so far he'd been dominant, but the harsher side of him had only come out once. Usually, he preferred to give orders rather than pain. But there'd been an edge of desperation to him since we were reunited, so I couldn't count him out as the one resuming the spanking I craved.
Once my ass burned and ached, a hard cock pushed inside, slowly at first, then it slammed in to the hilt. I smothered a scream as I was stretched and opened wide and the mysterious mouth returned to my core, licking and sucking at my clit, fingers sinking deep into me to press against the soft spot inside. A hot mouth began spreading kisses across my back and two hands returned beneath my dress and ar
ound my front to play with my breasts.
They encircled and teased me, everywhere all at once. A cock nudged my lips, and I opened to take it into my mouth. Cocks and fingers filled me, keeping me riding the edge of pain and pleasure, lust a heady sensation making me dizzy and breathless.
The dick in my mouth swelled and stiffened before spilling down my throat and sliding from between my lips, triggering my own release with a suddenness that shocked me. I cried out as the waves of pleasure coursed through me, trying to drown me in desire.
They didn't let up, demanding more from me.
The mouth below me disappeared, and the two switched places, a new cock in my mouth, a new mouth on my pussy, this one rougher with harsh sucks and nips. I whimpered around the length in my mouth, trying to move with them all, but another strike on the flesh of my ass stilled me.
There was a new edge to our play tonight. Something public and dark and walking along the ledge of taboo. And I loved it. I loved my one on one time with each other them, but there was something powerful when we were all together like this.
It was my first time with all four and it wasn't even over and I already wanted more.
One of the hands on my hips released me and slid to my pussy, joining the fingers already pumping in and out of me. Two hands spread me open, twisting inside of me. The only thing muffling my scream was the cock almost strangling me.
I came completely apart, shuddering and bucking as fire raged through my veins, every nerve lit up and burning. Heaviness weighed down my limbs and the only thing keeping me from collapsing on the stone floor were the grips of my kindreds.
They unearthed a cloth from somewhere and cleaned me up, adjusted my clothes, and let me lean on them. I had no idea if they all reached completion or not, I hoped they did, but they didn't seem to care if they hadn't. They were focused on caring for me.
