“Of course.” Payton was uncharacteristically gentle when she picked up the gown and knelt beside Salena. She took one of Salena’s hands and eased the sleeve on, before doing the same with the other. Then, she lifted the dress over Salena’s head and pulled it down over the medical gown. “There. Come on. You need rest.”
Payton helped her stand.
“I miss them,” Salena whispered.
“I know.” Payton gave him a meaningful look and nodded that he should take over. “I think it might have given her a sedative because she needed to rest.”
Grier didn’t hesitate. He lifted Salena into his arms to carry her. Payton led them back into the hall, taking them quickly toward a guest room. She opened the wide door to let them in. “It’s not the biggest suite, but I have a feeling she won’t care.”
“Thank you,” Grier said. “This is perfect.”
The guest suite consisted of a bedroom with a small seating area, and a bathing area partially hidden by curtains hanging from the ceiling. Woven rugs matched the tile patterns on the walls. A banner with the silhouette of a cat standing on two legs graced the wall next to a small fireplace. Rings of light created a cylindrical light fixture.
“There is a food simulator left of the fireplace, but I’ll have servants bring you some real food in a few hours when I’m done being scolded.” Payton took a steadying breath and shut the door.
“You know she acts like she doesn’t care as a front to hide her insecurities, right?” Salena mumbled sleepily when they were alone. “I don’t even think she knows she’s doing it.”
“Did she say something to you?” Grier carried her to the large bed. There was a step to get onto the platform it was placed on.
“No, but I know people well enough after a lifetime of hearing their secrets. I won’t ask her about it and embarrass her,” Salena answered.
He lay her on top of the coverlet before pulling up the end to wrap her in it. Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing softly. The pottery piece was still clutched in her hand. He pulled it gently from her fingers before walking around the bed to sit next to her.
Grier studied the shard. It was difficult to tell what the pot would have looked like from the tiny piece but the black glaze on the blue stone was a stunning contrast. “I would have liked to see these.”
“It’s difficult to find the blue clay deposits. A blue pot brings good luck.” Salena’s eyes did not open, and she sighed, half-asleep.
Grier watched her chest rise and fall in steady breaths. He leaned over the side of the bed and placed the shard on the platform, close to the wall for safekeeping, then pulled the bracelet with the crystal from his pocket for the same reason. Settling next to her on the bed, he kept the coverlet between them as he curled around her back and draped his arm over her waist. It didn’t matter what tomorrow would bring. For now, he had her next to him, and he would protect her from all her troubles.
18
Salena anticipated the voice of her sister telling her to wake up. When Fiora didn’t speak, she waited for the warmth of her surroundings to fade. She had no idea how long she lingered in that limbo between wake and sleep before her eyes cracked open. The safety of darkness surrounded her, compounded by a weight over her side and the heat of her blanket.
A soft light came in the form of a vertical line near her feet. She couldn’t be sure but thought she discerned a shift in the darkness, like material rippling all around her. She reached her hand forward and felt the soft plush of curtains around her bed. At her touch, the vertical line expanded and contracted ever so slightly.
She drew her hand back to feel the protective weight draped over her side. Before her fingers found skin, her tired mind registered what was happening. They were in the Var palace, in a guest room. Grier lay behind her, curled around her to hold her while they slept. It was much different from the wedding tent when they laid on their backs, fingers touching.
Her hand tingled at the memory. So much had happened in that brief time as if the universe was trying to give them a lifetime of memories in the short while they had together before Salena must leave. The attraction she’d felt from the first moment had been tinged by fear. That fear was now gone, replaced by a gentler counterpart—hope.
Perhaps it was foolish to be hopeful with all she faced, but life did not feel as daunting at the moment. She had rested. Her body felt better than it had in a long time, every ache and pain gone. The uncertainty of tomorrow could not invade this cocoon they were in. The politics of his world, ones that kept her from staying for the real threat of starting a war with the Federation, and the reality of who she was and what she searched for did not matter. This moment was theirs. She wanted it. She’d hold on to it for as long and as hard as she could, knowing that it would slip away as all things in her life did.
But not now.
Now it was here.
Now she was his, and he was hers.
This time was theirs and no one else could have it.
With these thoughts churning in her waking mind, she wiggled beneath the blanket to adjust herself under his arm until she was on her back. His leg was pressed tightly against hers, separated by a blanket that kept her from touching him fully.
He hadn’t moved but his eyes were open, his gaze clear, as if he’d been watching over her for some time. There was no denying the force between them, the tightening of the thread that held them together. He loved her. He’d said it. For that, she was sorry. Her leaving would only hurt him more.
But then, it would be agony for her as well…for she loved him too.
Salena refused to say it, knowing that it could only make things worse for him when the time came. As much as the idea of him moving on hurt, she hoped that he was wrong about the gods and that he would find a way. She’d put his happiness above her own heart. That is what love was sometimes. It was a sacrifice of one’s self, of one’s needs, of one’s heart for the sake of another’s.
They lay for a long time, gazing into each other’s eyes, both feeling the connection. Salena was almost afraid to kiss him as if doing so would somehow summon a new threat to attack them and keep them from finishing what they both wanted. It was foolish to think that, of course, but still…
The risk was worth it.
Salena leaned forward, pressing her lips to his. The gentle pressure as he returned the affection caused her to shiver. One hand was trapped beneath the covers, but she was still able to hold his head with her other hand. Her fingers tangled in his hair. His beard tickled her chin.
As if thinking the same thing, they both parted and looked toward the strip of light at the end of the bed, holding still as they listened beyond their immediate world. Grier’s eyes flashed with gold and narrowed as if he listened past all barriers.
“Is the universe imploding?” she whispered.
He grinned. “If it is, we better hurry.”
Salena laughed as he rolled her on top of him. The covers pressed between them, padding the feel of his body, yet somehow seductive by the teasing way she was forced to move against him to determine his shape. She kissed him, deeper than before. Her arm freed, she ran both hands along his arms, drawing them away from her and pinning them down. His fingers clasped around hers, trapping her hands to his.
The kiss deepened. He refused to release her fingers, and she ended up squirming over his length, trying unsuccessfully to rid them of their covers. The skirt of her gown blocked her movements. She pulled her mouth from his, gasping for breath. The desire she felt didn’t need much prodding as it flamed to the surface. She drew her lips down his neck to the hot flesh she found there. His pulse beat against her mouth and she smiled, knowing that she affected him as much as he affected her.
Her legs parted, straddling him, but her body was still blocked by the covers. She yanked a hand free and moved it between them, tugging the blankets down the best she could as she shifted her weight to the side. It was hard going, but she managed to push it down to their feet.
Next, she reached between them again to lift his tunic shirt. The warmth of his skin caused her to moan in appreciation.
Finally, flesh.
With his shirt lifted to reveal his stomach, she drew her hand down to his waist. The skirt of her gown was annoying in its limitations, but that didn’t stop her hand from discovering the perfect shape of his hip. He released her captured hand. Salena sat astride him. She rocked back and forth, working the skirt from beneath her knees. When she could pull the gown over her head, she tossed it aside. She was surprised to find the sheer medical booth gown was underneath.
He touched her sides, and his heat soaked easily through the thin material. It clung to her skin, caressing her breasts. The clear intent of his arousal was unmistakable as she lowered against it. He drew her hips forward so her naked sex pressed to his stomach.
The intimate contact sent a jolt straight through her system. She lay the flat of her palms to his chest to steady herself as her breath caught. Grier reached behind her and pushed his pants from his hips, using his feet to pull them off and kick them aside.
When he looked up at her, their eyes met and held. There was so much longing in his expression that it pulled at her heart and she couldn’t look away.
Grier took her by the hips and slid her back. This time, no barriers kept them apart. He lifted her, angling her body to accept him.
Salena gave a small nod, encouraging him.
The head of his shaft pressed along her folds, parting her to accept him. The moment was more than the driving need of two bodies. It was the ache of two souls needing to join.
He entered her slowly as if every second mattered. Her eyes closed, unable to remain open at the pleasure filling her. She couldn’t believe it was finally happening. All the teasing kisses, the lingering touches, the accidental brushes…had led to this.
Grier’s hands felt like they were everywhere at once as they roamed over her. She rocked her body, testing the tight feel of him inside her. He cupped her breasts, rubbing the nipples through the thin material. His head pressed back as he held her hips and lifted his own to go deeper.
The feelings were too much. They’d waited for too long.
Their lovemaking became a frenzy of movements, seeking and giving pleasure. He rolled her onto her back, driving into her. Soft moans filled each breath. She grabbed his tunic, balling it in her fists as she held on.
The passion built with each thrust of their bodies, surging forth until it couldn’t be contained. Her release hit her hard, tensing each muscle as she gasped. A series of tremors beset her, as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. He worked his hips, giving her every sweet moment before taking his own release. He stiffened over her, moaning in pleasure as he came.
They stayed joined long after the trembling subsided.
Salena smiled lazily. Grier pulled out of her and lay beside her on the bed. He gathered her into his arms.
“I was right,” she whispered, suppressing a yawn. “The universe is imploding. I felt it.”
Grier laughed and kissed her forehead. “I think you may be right. We should stay here, just to be safe.”
19
“Food! Are you awake? Grier? Salena? I have food.”
Salena opened her eyes at Payton’s call. The sound of a door closing reverberated from outside the bed curtains.
“Give us a moment,” Grier answered. He still held her.
“Mm, I thought we’d do that again,” Salena whispered with a small pout.
Grier grinned.
“Grier, you might want to explain shifter hearing,” Payton called.
Salena stiffened. Grier kissed the tip of her nose and winked.
Grier reached for her gown at the end of the bed and handed it to her. He then tugged on his pants.
Salena pulled the medical gown off before dressing. Grier’s eyes were on her when the gown came over her head. Gold swirled in their depths and she knew he wanted more. She did too.
He reached for the curtains and pulled them aside. Light poured into the dim enclosure.
Salena rubbed her eyes as they adjusted.
“How did things go with your father?” Grier stood and held his hand out to guide Salena from the bed. She put her hand in his and stepped down a platform step.
Payton placed a tray of food on the small table by a chair. She’d changed her clothes and now wore tight black pants and a looser tunic shirt beneath a tight vest with cross-laces. Sighing, she fell more than sat in the chair. “He lectured me about responsibility and royal duty, and how a princess should not leave the palace without telling someone where she is going because of dangers in the world. I told him Roderic knew I was going to Draig territory to visit my friends, but apparently that’s not good enough, since Roderic was with me on my foolish adventures and he didn’t tell anyone either.”
“It sounds like he worries about you,” Salena said. “I wish my father was still around to worry about me like that.”
Payton scrunched up her face. “Way to drain all the enjoyment out of my righteous indignation by being reasonable.”
“You’re welcome.” Salena gave her a small smile and crossed over to the tray of food. She didn’t recognize any of it. Small balls were piled in a bowl next to a platter of meat and spread.
“Roderic’s here. He’s talking to his mother but will join us as soon as he’s finished,” Payton said. “He took care of the marsh nuisances. Threatened the full force of the palace guard if they came after Salena or a royal again. Their father was none too pleased. Apparently, he started slapping them upside the head and gave them extra chores. I know they took you, and Roderic would have done more, but we don’t need to stir up the marsh farmers.”
“I understand,” Salena said. “You have enough to deal with.”
“Try the tantren fruit.” Payton took a small piece of pink fruit and tossed it into the air before catching it with her mouth. “It’s a new hybrid. If you inject Qurilixian rum into them they’re amazing. They also make good missiles if you’re bored at a banquet and want to annoy the guards.”
Grier took a handful of the fruit and threw one at Payton. She laughed when it hit her.
“I never understood why you and Grace never became best friends,” he said.
“Who’s Grace?” Salena asked.
“Grier’s cousin.” Payton picked up the fruit he’d thrown at her and rolled it in her fingers thoughtfully.
“She has the same adventurous spirit as Princess Payton.” Grier handed Salena one of his fruit to try before placing one in his mouth. “And her father is the dragon commander.”
Salena sniffed the tantren. It had a muted, pleasant aroma.
“The answer to that question is simple,” Payton said. “She thinks she’s too good for us cat-shifters.”
Grier frowned, pausing as he drew another piece of fruit to his mouth. He lowered it without eating. “Is that how you really feel? I never knew that.”
“And I never would have told you that if not for your truth-serum lady there,” Payton admitted. “But now that it is out, you know it’s true.”
“I know no such thing,” Grier said.
“I’m sorry I asked,” Salena said. Clearly, this was a sensitive subject, not one she’d intended to stir into an honest conversation with her simple query. “We don’t have to talk about this.”
“Really?” Payton gave an unamused laugh, ignoring Salena as she focused on Grier. “Every time we came around, she’d run the other way. We visit the palace, and she is conveniently gone. We show up for camping or hunting, and she would have to leave with some lame excuse as to why she could not stay. It’s been obvious since childhood. She hates cat-shifters.”
“No, she…” Grier turned his gaze to the door, but no one came to justify his attention or save him from having to answer.
Payton gave a wry smile and sat back in the chair. “If not that, then what? And you have to answer honestly. This truth-purveyor thing works both ways.”
“Like my cousin wants to marry her.” Payton laughed.
Salena frowned at both of them. “Then why would that even be an issue if Korbin and Grace don’t wish to marry?”
“Politics,” Grier and Payton said in unison.
“Oh.” Salena determined she would not ask any more questions and tried to change the subject. She put the fruit into her mouth. It had an almost grainy texture and tasted overly sweet. “These are…interesting.”
“I don’t think either side thought the people would put so much stock into that stupid peace treaty. Queen Lyssa is not pleased,” Payton paused to explain to Salena, “That’s Korbin’s mother,” before continuing to Grier, “You should see her face every time it is mentioned. I think it’s the only thing she and the king fight over.”
“Princess Pia, Grace’s mother, isn’t either,” Grier admitted.
“Why?” Salena grimaced at herself. So much for her determination to change the subject.
“The elders have never said, but I think when they agreed to it, neither side thought the dragons would have female children and it would be a non-issue. Female children are rare. The blue radiation that gives us our long life makes having shifter females difficult. It is why we do things like the breeding festival. It is one of the few ways that marriage is possible for the dragon men. Grace is a rarity, the only female born of our generation.”
“Did you have to call it the breeding festival?” Payton giggled. “That is so crass, and there is no breeding going on that night from what I hear.”
“My ancestors were peculiar,” Grier admitted. “Half the time I think the whole thing was for someone’s amusement—loincloths, not having sex on the wedding night as a form of ultimate torture, the grooms not being able to speak their truths to convince the women to remove the mask, the woman not being able to see the groom’s face until she agrees to marry him, the hiring Galaxy Brides, whose attention to detail has been historically questionable. And you should have seen the dresses brides used to wear.”
Dragon Prince Page 16
