Killian remained passive as Shiloh slowly undressed him after running a hot bath for them both. Even his touch-sense was muted. It felt like he could sense Killian, but only through a fog. After getting them both naked, Shiloh wrapped his arms around Killian’s waist. “I never realized how much your scars bother you, or where they came from.”
Killian finally moved, embracing Shiloh tightly. “I hate them. I try very hard to just not think about them, especially since…”
“Come on, love, into the bath and tell me while I hold you.” Shiloh let Killian climb into the tub first, then sat behind him and draped himself over Killian’s back. Killian hunched over, his arms around his knees. Shiloh rubbed Killian’s arms and pressed a small kiss to the shoulder blade under his cheek. “Tell me.”
“You know she tried to rape me. In the fight she slashed my shoulder, and…” Killian drifted off again. He shuddered.
“And?” Shiloh asked softly. As bad as his experience with Anan had been, he knew he’d been lucky compared to Killian.
“The scars on my… my groin are from her. She scratched me so badly I was still bleeding when I got home. You wouldn’t believe the pain…. Senka put some ointment on for me, but three days without proper treatment, without even being able to take a bath because I was afraid to stop walking… All of my wounds were infected. They were afraid I would end up losing…” He stopped again, as another shudder racked his body. Shiloh gasped as Killian’s touch-sense became a fiery pain, no longer muted, and held more tightly to him, trying to give him the love and acceptance he felt. “I did lose one. They replaced it with a matching prosthetic only a month before we met. Until then there was nothing there because they knew I would grow. They figured it would be safe now, as I haven’t grown in over a year. Waiting meant one surgery instead of several, unless for some reason… They were worried such a bad infection would sterilize me, but other than losing a testicle, I’m fertile. They test me yearly, just in case, and I make donations that are frozen for me in case there are problems later. They say it’s highly unlikely, but…”
Shiloh could only imagine the issues Killian would have over that. Killian’s father had told him masturbation was dirty, evil, and yet to preserve his chances for children later, he’d had to do exactly that, at least once a year. It was a wonder Killian wasn’t seriously fucked up about sex. Shiloh suspected Natalya’s and Ignacio’s hand, and Georges’.
Lost in his own thoughts, Killian shivered. Shiloh wrapped him closer in an attempt to warm him. He grabbed a mesh pouf and the shower gel and lathered it up, gently running it over Killian’s body, then his own, washing and rinsing them quickly. Then he stepped out and helped Killian out, drying them both quickly.
When Killian reached for the clean sleep pants Shiloh had originally brought with them, Shiloh shook his head.
“No, come with me first.” He led Killian over to the bathroom door, which held a full-length mirror. “Look at yourself.” He traced a hand over the scar on Killian’s shoulder as he stood behind Killian. He made sure to press his erection against Killian, graphically showing Killian how much he wanted him, no matter what. “This isn’t ugly to me. It’s a reminder of how strong you are.” He smoothed his hands down Killian’s stomach, feeling the indrawn breath, Killian’s desire for Shiloh’s touch, and the shame he wasn’t perfect and unscarred like Shiloh.
Shiloh felt it all. He couldn’t help it even if he’d wanted to. Shiloh kissed the strong spine in front of him even as he took hold of Killian’s half-hard cock. With their height difference, he couldn’t see in the mirror, but he didn’t need to; he could feel Killian’s emotions. Shiloh gently and lovingly fondled Killian, stroking him until he was hard, then slipped around and knelt at Killian’s feet, looking at his face and then his groin. He licked each scar deliberately, with soft murmurs of how Killian was perfect, that the scars were a sign of strength. He paid equal attention to both balls, although he now knew why the left one always seemed more sensitive. The other was the prosthetic and any sensitivity it had was purely due to the nerves in the skin covering it. He played with the prosthetic anyway, not knowing any other way to demonstrate how little it mattered.
Killian’s hands fisted in his hair and he groaned. “Please, Sprite.”
Shiloh sucked Killian’s cock into his mouth, moaning as the hard shaft filled it, wrapping his hand around the length to help apply the right pressure. One of these days, Shiloh was going to deep throat that hard length, but until he learned how, Killian’s pleasure in this was enough. Shiloh teased until he could sense the only thing Killian was feeling was pleasure and need for more of Shiloh. Then he stopped teasing and sucked harder, using one hand to squeeze and stroke Killian’s cock and the other to play with his balls, rolling them carefully in his fingers.
“Shiloh!”
Shiloh swallowed everything greedily as Killian came, and came himself as Killian’s pleasure slammed into him. He stroked and licked Killian’s slowly softening cock, his head buzzing and dizzy from their orgasms.
Killian’s knees buckled and he folded around Shiloh, holding tightly, kissing him, murmuring how much he loved Shiloh, thanking him for such pleasure. Gradually Shiloh’s head cleared a little, and Killian tipped his head up and kissed him tenderly.
“Finally back with me?” he asked Shiloh softly, as he kissed him again.
Shiloh nodded a little as he teased Killian’s tongue with his. Oh, yeah. We’ve got to do that again.
Killian drew back and stared at Shiloh, eyes wide. Shiloh?
Shiloh stared back, shocked, as he realized he had heard Killian’s voice, but Killian hadn’t spoken. “I heard you. In my head.”
“I heard you say we had to do that again, while I was kissing you….” He gave a choking laugh. “Our minds have linked,” he said, amazed.
Shiloh was amazed, too. Then, “Does it bother you?”
Killian smiled. No, why would it? Does it bother you?
NO! Shiloh smiled back. It will take some getting used to, though.
I wonder what the limits are. Killian mused. “Is it only when we touch?”
They carefully separated, standing up. Shiloh flushed as he saw his cum drying on the floor. He grabbed some toilet paper and cleaned the mess up. Killian?
Hi, Sprite. They grinned. Let’s go to bed, love. I want to try this thing called a blowjob on you.
By all means, love. I am more than willing to be your guinea pig.
They climbed into their bed and, nestling close, explored each other’s minds more than their bodies, strengthening the link between them. Even as they fell asleep, the link remained, giving them a sense of peace and contentment neither had ever felt.
At least now we know what Kelia was laughing about. They laughed at the shared thought.
Chapter 23
The day of the wedding, Killian woke up early. He smiled, touching Shiloh and finding he was still asleep. They had arrived three days earlier, the first time they’d seen each other in three months. They hadn’t even had a chance to give each other a hug before every unmarried male on the island twelve years of age and older descended on the two of them, splitting into two groups and making off with them. The exception to that was Jaden, but no one said anything to stop him. The group that captured Killian just had to watch the things they said while teasing Killian, since Jaden was still too young for the normal, lascivious teasing that went on during a Promenade.
The groups of young males did have a great deal of fun putting aside the normal formality of dealing with Artris Shiloh and Regent Killian. That day, they were just two males like any others being captured for Promenade. Killian laughed to himself as he thought about that afternoon. His fellows had obviously planned it out, making sure that the two of them crossed paths but never giving them a chance to really speak. They’d barely been able to catch each other’s hands for a quick squeeze before being dragged off in different directions. They’d all had a great time. He had seen a few things he really li
ked, and knew Shiloh had, also. The divorce had caused a few problems for Shiloh, despite the Council’s proclamation, but before Shiloh could say anything, the young men, many of whom did a lot of the shopping for their households, reminded the offenders that they could boycott their shops if they liked…. These young men wielded a lot of economic power and were willing to use it, reminding the prickly shopkeepers it paid to be hospitable. That defense by his peers had nearly had Shiloh in tears.
Killian got up and made a light breakfast for everybody; Jaden, Jimmy, Araminta, William, and Carys were there with him in his house while Keith was with Shiloh at the Xeltrai House. William and the boys would help Killian get ready today while Keith, Valerian, Dana’s eldest son, and probably her younger sons, would act as Shiloh’s attendants. Milossa already had their rings and everything was set up for their honeymoon.
For the first ten days, they were just going to wander around the States, as Killian had never really gotten to see anything of the United States. Only Lucretia would know where they were, since she had agreed to ferry them about. After that, they were going to inspect their respective estates, first Shiloh’s, and then Killian’s, before joining Dana on her yearly inspections. This meant they would get to spend their first three months of marriage together. After that, they would have to start dealing with the first of their separations.
They had spent a lot of time working out how they were going to deal with their responsibilities, not only as Artris but also as spouses. It would be easier in five years, when Araminta was due to be confirmed as Artris. Until then, they would be doing a lot of traveling. Every other month, they would switch off visiting each other for a few days. The yearly inspections they would do together, giving them nearly two solid months together.
Jaden and Jimmy were doing better, although still inseparable. They still slept in the guest bedroom of Shiloh’s suite at Morgaine House and sometimes crawled into bed with Shiloh looking for comfort, but they did continue to heal. They would stay with Lady Masrei for a couple of weeks while Shiloh and Killian were on their honeymoon. Then they would return to Morgaine House where Keith and Sherry would look after them. Araminta would go to Natalya while Killian was gone. Having completed her initial training as a Tii-su, she would soon mentor with an experienced Tii-su, but, for now, she was on a break from training.
Amalie and her cousins were all fitted with collars, to show everyone they were slaves. No one could raise a hand to them or mistreat them. The penalty for abusing a slave was to join them in the collar or, in extreme circumstances, death, as slaves were not allowed to defend themselves. Several families had offered to sponsor each woman, which meant the Tii-su were able to closely match each woman to a family, improving their chances of being rehabilitated. Initial reports from the sponsors and Tii-su showed the women were resisting but that wasn’t unusual. As a matter fact, everybody would have worried about their health if they were not defiant at first. Only if it continued after eighteen months would it indicate a lack of probable success. The Tii-su in charge did call both Shiloh and Killian and ask their permission for the three to attend the wedding festivities. They felt it would be a good way to show the women proper behavior and its benefits. Shiloh and Killian discussed it, first with each other and then with Jaden and Jimmy. In the end, all four agreed to allow the trio’s attendance on the condition that the women be kept away from Jaden and Jimmy.
The smell of breakfast brought everybody to the table, with William and the boys excitedly deciding how to fix Killian’s hair for the wedding. Breakfast was eaten quickly, then, as Killian was going to wash up the dishes, Carys took him by the shoulders and gave him a gentle shove towards William, who took him by the hand. The boys fell in line as William began dragging Killian out of the kitchen.
“But—”
“Time for you to get ready,” Carys said firmly. “You go on. I’ll clean up in here.”
Killian laughed as the boys began shoving him forward. He resisted just enough for them to play, making them laugh. They sent him to shower while they got his clothes ready. He quickly got washed head to toe, laughing as he felt Shiloh poke at him, asking if he was being ordered about as well. Over the past few months, both estates had gotten used to the fact Killian and Shiloh would suddenly laugh for no apparent reason. It had slowly dawned on the residents that their respective Artris had developed a bondlink, although no one asked and neither Shiloh nor Killian ever said; it was just too personal and private, too precious to share.
Two hours later, Killian was standing in front of Milossa with Shiloh at his side, he and Shiloh dressed in matching tuxedos. Both of them were grinning so widely their faces hurt but neither of them could help it. He could feel Shiloh’s happiness at getting married to him, and he knew Shiloh could feel his happiness, too. He was only vaguely aware of Milossa and everyone else. Natalya stood on his side, acting as his “Senki” and Dana stood on Shiloh’s side, acting as Shiloh’s “Senki.”
Then Milossa was calling for any objections. When there were none, the words he’d been waiting for were said. “You may kiss your husband.”
Killian felt Shiloh’s shock as Milossa presented Lady and Lord Zahirris to the community. Why? Shiloh asked.
Killian smiled as he kissed Shiloh’s knuckles. Because I am Regent Artris Larrestes. When Araminta’s confirmed, I step down. I’ll always retain the rank of Regent, but I won’t have to do the job. You will always be Artris, and my place will be with you, so I wished to take your name. That’s okay isn’t it?
Oh, yes. I just never thought about it, I guess. Killian could feel Shiloh’s pleasure. Killian Larrestes Zahirris. Sounds good, love.
Not as good as calling you my husband, Killian said. They both laughed as they were led over to the long table where their gifts had been placed. For more than an hour, they opened gifts while the food was brought out for the feast. Once they’d eaten, they danced in the square, first with each other and then with their “mothers”: Natalya and Dana. Afterwards, it was less structured.
Throughout it all, they teased each other with mental images of the things they planned to do to each other when they were alone. Killian laughed and grabbed Shiloh, turning him to point out a young male, subtly “stalking” Jaden and Jimmy. He followed them about, helping during their turn at cleaning up the mess of the party. Shiloh grabbed Milossa’s hand and pointed discreetly to the young man. “Who’s that?”
Milossa looked and smiled. “That is Nikita Rosetai. He seems quite determined to gain their attention, doesn’t he?”
The three watched for several moments. “Which one is he after?” Shiloh asked. “I assume he thinks Jaden must be of eligible age, since Jaden has been participating with Jimmy.”
Killian nodded, thinking the same thing. The incident with them was widely known, but it didn’t mean that everybody knew or recognized the two. Because of Jimmy, Jaden had been allowed to participate in things he was too young for, so as to not deprive Jimmy of activities he’d already been enjoying for several years. Milossa was quiet, watching.
Killian turned to her. “Tell us about him?”
“He’s the youngest son of Lady Rosetai,” Milossa answered. “He’s about thirteen now, I believe. He’s polite and quiet. And from his behavior, I would say he’s willing to go for what he wants.”
They watched a while longer. Jaden and Jimmy were polite but not exactly welcoming of the attention. Nikita didn’t seem put off though.
“Which one is he after though?” Killian wondered.
Surprised, Shiloh said, “I think he’s after both.”
Milossa nodded. “I think you’re right.”
Catan snagged Nikita by the arm, pulling him away from the other two and bending down to whisper in Nikita’s ear. They observed the stunned look Nikita gave the twosome as Catan continued to speak softly to him. They saw what could only be described as a pained look cross his face as he nodded to Catan. Catan gave him a quick hug and turned him loose, smiling as the y
oung man made a beeline straight back to Jaden and Jimmy. There seemed to be less intensity coming off the young man as he continued to work with them.
“Hmm, you suppose Catan warned him off?” Killian asked.
“I’d say he made sure Nikita knows the deal with them,” Milossa said. “He seems to be handling it well. Your young pair seems to be more accepting of him now.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see,” Killian mused. He draped an arm around Shiloh and they shared another soft kiss, breaking apart when Milossa gave them both a playful push.
“Alright, you two, save that for bed.” She looked around. “As a matter of fact, now would be a good time to make a break for it. Run, flee, scurry.” She grinned.
They scurried.
Chapter 24
Killian and Shiloh walked home slowly, holding hands, knowing full well they would be stripping each other in seconds as soon as they were in the house. As they passed the Zahirris House, they saw Ewan in the front garden. He had been invited but had refused to come to the wedding.
Can we stop? Shiloh asked.
Of course, Sprite. Maybe he just didn’t feel well enough to go to the party. Shiloh could tell Killian didn’t think it was much of a possibility, but he appreciated that his new husband tried to make him feel better about his father’s continued rejection.
They entered the garden, walking over to where Ewan sat.
“Hello, Senka, how are you today?” Shiloh asked softly.
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