Ties of Magic (Curse of the Crown Book 2)

by Caitlin Taylor

  "Yes, Master. Mercy and Sycania."

  "Take off your clothes and lie down on the bed on your back." His voice was firm and casual. He removed his hold and left to the adjoining bathroom.

  Akoni stood frozen for a moment, watching Jeffrey's rear. Having undressed for Toby, Jeffrey was left in only his smallclothes, and Akoni licked his lips at the sight. When Jeffrey was out of view, he removed his borrowed robe and folded it over the back of a chair. His shirt followed. He sat to remove his boots. Also borrowed. They'd left the palace in armour, and without a way to go back, they had nothing of their own now. Argyros had lent them some pieces from his son's wardrobe, which had served to get them to Pyros. But now they'd have to get a tailor employed soon.

  Shaking his head, Akoni tried to rid himself of these thoughts. They weren't relevant. He really needed to let go. How did Jeffrey know him so well already? He finished undressing and approached the bed. He needed and wanted this, he reminded himself, trying to get into the right frame of mind. Jeffrey had worked him excellently last time, and there was no doubt he would again. He got on the bed and lay down on his back as ordered, then he waited. Thoughts came and went. What would Jeffrey do with him today? It couldn't be a flogging if he was lying on his back. Unless it was a ploy only.

  Soft footsteps approached, and Akoni turned his head. Jeffrey had removed the last of his clothes, leaving him fully naked and clearly eager. In one wrist, he held several ribbons of varying colours, vibrant orange, deep red, pale violet, and more. The corners of his lips tugged upwards, and a pleasant shiver ran through Akoni.

  Quick and easy movements had Jeffrey straddling Akoni's midriff. He trailed the ribbons over Akoni's chest, the silky cloth tickling and teasing. "Are you ready, my princeling?"

  "Yes, Master."

  Jeffrey let the ribbons fall onto Akoni's chest then picked out an intense azure one. The ribbon went around Akoni's wrist several times, then Jeffrey tied it to the headboard. Next, Jeffrey picked one in lime green and used it to tie Akoni's other wrist in the same fashion. The orange and red ribbons were used on an ankle each, leaving Akoni tied spreadeagled. More ribbons remained on his chest, which already heaved with anticipation.

  Jeffrey settled himself between Akoni's legs and drank in the sight beneath him. His gaze roaming over every inch of Akoni, his tongue coming out to wet his lips. Akoni wanted to sit up, lean in and kiss him, but his bonds held him tight. Jeffrey took a wider ribbon in midnight blue and tied it over Akoni's eyes, leaving him in darkness.

  Jeffrey took his time. Laying his fingertips on Akoni's ankles, he brushed them upwards, ever so slowly. He raked his nails down the inside of Akoni's exposed inner thighs. Then he kissed the same trail on one thigh and licked it on the other. He placed featherlight kisses on every inch of Akoni's skin.

  When he was done with the legs, he continued farther up to his torso, licking between the ribs, along each line of muscle, along his pelvic bone, the crease between hip and thigh. He spent forever on Akoni's nipples, teasing and sucking, squeezing, rolling, biting: tormenting until Akoni went wild with the sensations.

  All kinds of sounds escaped Akoni, not only gasps and moans, but whimpers and cries, and he couldn't help any of it. He begged and pleaded, but Jeffrey ignored it all, continuing instead to drive Akoni into lustful insanity.

  "Oh, please, Master. I need to come, I can't...can't stop it."

  The bed dipped as Jeffrey edged away. "You do not have permission, little one."

  "Please, Master."

  "You've two options, maybe three. If you come without permission, I will be beyond disappointed and will have to punish you. If you hold on a bit longer, I'll be so pleased with you...so very pleased. And you know you get rewards for that. Third option, I help you obey, but it'll only make me tease you longer."

  The lightest pressure of two fingers on the base of Akoni's throbbing erection froze him into perfect stillness. A threat he couldn't ignore, but he let out a pitiful mewling sound, his only way to protest.

  "Which option are you choosing, my princeling?"

  Akoni bit down hard on his lip. He couldn't disobey, didn't want to disappoint. But every part of him felt alive, every nerve ending singing in pleasure, his groin throbbing so badly he thought he might explode at any moment. His breath came in ragged gasps, and he tried to calm himself, taking deeper breaths.

  "I'm sorry, Master. I don't want to disobey, I'll be good."

  "I'm glad to hear that, little one."

  Jeffrey's hands continued their teasing explorations, tracing Akoni's ribs, the lines of muscle, tugging on the fine hair around his navel, dipping his tongue into the crevice.

  Akoni squirmed from the onslaught and pulled on his restraints, moaning ceaselessly. His nerves were overloaded with sensations, too much, too everything. He tried to hold on, but the fire in his groin only grew greater with every touch of Jeffrey's tormenting fingers and lips and tongue.

  "Oh, I can't... Master...been too long, please. Oh, please, let me come."

  "You beg so prettily," Jeffrey whispered, his breath caressing Akoni's ear, that tongue tracing the shell of Akoni's ear, biting his lobe. "Just a touch longer."

  Akoni whined and tugged on his binding, writhing in agonised pleasure.

  Jeffrey squeezed a nipple, rolling it between two fingers. Then he sucked the other one into his mouth, biting the nub hard enough to hurt, only to soothe it with his tongue.

  Each time the bed dipped, Akoni froze in anticipation of the next touch, never knowing where it might land since he couldn't see.

  Warmth engulfed his balls, a finger teasing his entrance. "No, no, I can't. Please."

  Akoni whimpered, trying to escape the caress he needed so much and could no longer stand at the same time. His balls released, cool air blowing on wet skin, and he writhed harder. A hand wrapping around hard flesh, the grip firm, just right, heat at the tip, soft lips touching sensitive skin. Vibrations from a whispered command he heard but couldn't comprehend. It was more than Akoni could take, thrusting his hips, his length going deep into Jeffrey's throat, being swallowed whole. His mind went away, floating in blissful whiteness that seemed to last forever.

  He stirred to the feel of the mattress against his back, hands on him. No longer teasing, soothing now. A warm washcloth on his chest. The pillow under his head. He splayed his fingers and found soft sheets. The ribbons gone. He opened his eyes to a blurry vision of the room. He blinked, tears on his cheeks. Lips that kissed them away.

  "You okay?"

  Akoni couldn't speak. He grinned and nodded, tears still streaming down his cheeks. He reached out with one hand, laying it on the back of Jeffrey's neck to guide him down into a kiss, hungry but lazy, full of affection that couldn't be voiced.

  "Did I go too far?" Jeffrey asked when they pulled apart, wiping away the last remnants of Akoni's tears.

  Still unable to speak, Akoni shook his head and shuffled closer, laying his head against Jeffrey's chest. "Perfect," he mumbled between kisses.

  Jeffrey drew a blanket over them both and wrapped him in his arms, holding him tight.

  Nothing had ever been so right.

  Chapter 20

  Akoni woke after many hours of blissful sleep. The lack of light coming through the windows suggested dawn would be a long way coming. His tiredness hadn't fully gone, but he was restless and unable to lie still. Careful not to wake Jeffrey, he rose from the bed, tucking the blond in to keep him warm. Throwing on a shirt and breeches, he left the room and headed down the silent corridors on bare feet.

  Every town, village, and noble's estate had its own temple. Pyros Keep was no exception. Nestled in the mountains, the keep used the uneven ground by having its buildings set against or even into the rock face itself. To reach the temple, Akoni climbed many sets of stairs until at last he walked through an arched doorway and came onto a large plateau, grass under his feet, the stars above him, a view of the keep below him on one side, sheer cliff on the other.

&nbs
p; Carved into the rough stone on the far side, Akoni found statues of Gaia and Tempesta gazing benevolently out over the keep. He walked closer and knelt, making an open-palmed gesture of goodwill. He studied them both for a time, wondering what had led him here.

  Tempesta stood on the right, a hand stretched out, a bird sitting in it, its beak parted as if in song. Her hair and dress were windswept. Near her prancing feet, a stream passed with real water flowing over one set of her toes. Beside her, Gaia, a little taller, appeared older and wiser, more in control. She stood rooted to the earth, feet planted firmly on the ground, surrounded by life. Squirrels, rabbits, birds of all kinds, even a marble lizard sat on a nearby rock.

  Both goddesses were set into an alcove surrounded by a detailed carved arch, ivy leaves ranking up stone pillars. The etched capitols at the top of the pillars showed the shrine's age for what it was: ancient. Masters of their craft had preserved the weather-worn shrine, though couldn't restore its full elegance. But there was an oddness to the alcove. Beside Gaia lay an empty space of smooth rock. The ground covered in carved grass appeared too blank beside the richness of the animals at Gaia's feet. Almost like there had been something there that had been removed.

  Akoni remembered mention of a fire god the rebels worshipped. Could it be?

  Gaia represented earth, Tempesta both air and water, all the elements needed for life to flourish. But there were scholars who called fire a fourth element, needed as much as all the others. Some argued the sun itself was the life-bringer, the fire of life. Others argued fire destroyed rather than bringing life. And if the sun was an element, it'd be light, not fire, and since some plants and animals flourished at night, light was not required for life. A heated debate that had lasted centuries already with no conclusions, as no proof could be brought forth for either side to win definitively.

  Could there once have been a fire god beside Gaia? Was he turning into a heretic even thinking such thoughts?

  He shook his head to clear it, focusing on Gaia.

  "I am your humble servant, Gaia. I know there is something I must do, something awaits me. Please guide me," he whispered. Lowering his head, he spent the next while in meditative prayer, hoping for answers.

  When awareness returned to Akoni, he was lying on his back, a pillow under his head, a blanket covering him, the sun cresting the mountain peaks around him. He blinked sleepily at the blue sky. He couldn't remember falling asleep. Had he dreamt? If he had, there seemed to be no lingering memory of it. He sat up with a sigh. No answers then.

  A rustling had him turn to find a priestess in a simple gown with floral embroidery approaching. She carried a tray, which she set down in front of him.

  "May I join you for a time?" She smiled.

  "Of course, sister," Akoni hurriedly said, gesturing for her to sit. Holding up a corner of the blanket, he said, "Thank you."

  She nodded, still smiling, and poured them each a cup of tea. "You spent a long night in prayer. Did you get the answers you sought?"

  Akoni took the cup, letting its warmth seep into his hands. He didn't feel cold, though--his magic didn't burn but felt warm like the glow of a hearth, heating him from the inside. Still the drink was welcome, as was the food she had brought. He tucked in eagerly. "Unfortunately not. No dreams, no answers."

  "When the time is right, the answers will come."

  Akoni nodded, studying her. A thin band circled her head, and a small pendant in the shape of a blooming flower sat on her brow. It identified her as the temple's high priestess.

  "May I ask you something, sister?"

  "Of course, brother. We priestesses are here to listen and give guidance when we can. Always in confidentiality."

  He looked down into his cup, unsure how to phrase what he wanted to know. "I am in search of a temple that I believe may be here in the Pyros Mountains. Not part of a town or village probably, nor a noble's house. Maybe a sanctuary of a kind? Would you know of such a place?"

  "If there is a sanctuary, it'd be a place few would know of to keep it preserved. What makes you seek this place?" She cocked her head to the side, a questioning yet kind look on her face.

  "A hunch, a feeling, a vain hope? A desire to make things better." He shrugged.

  "Striving to make things better is a worthy goal. How will finding this sanctuary help?"

  Akoni gave a wry laugh. "I haven't the faintest notion but I feel like I need to go anyway."

  For a time, they sat in silence, eating and drinking, her appraising gaze on him.

  "The line of kings is failing. We have become a bloodline of mad and angry sovereigns who care more about their own pleasures than the realm. I want to find a way to change it. Adriano was bestowed a gift to help him be a better ruler. Now we call it a curse. It's not right. Gaia tests us and gives us challenges, but this isn't her work. There must be a way to fix it."

  "You speak of the ascension curse, and yet you don't seem to be affected by it."

  He narrowed his eyes at her, wondering how she'd come to that conclusion. "I'm not always as in control as right now. It's been a challenging few months, though I have found someone who helps me manage it better now."

  She nodded and smiled again, a new spark in her eyes. "You are the first in many generations to come asking questions. It speaks well for you."

  Hope sparked in Akoni. "Then you know what I seek."

  "I may know of a path into the mountains. Where it leads, only the traveller on the path can know."

  "I don't understand."

  "The goddesses give us challenges as you said, to test our abilities, our will, our strength. The goal is rarely clear when you follow a path. Each step will reveal the next, each bend could hide a new challenge. What you think you seek may not be what you should be searching for."

  "Are you telling me not to look for this temple?"

  "Only you can answer."

  Akoni groaned in frustration. "You're as cryptic as the goddess herself."

  "I am her servant in all things." The priestess shrugged and smiled at him.

  "This path you mention. Tell me about it. How long would it take?"

  "The path is not a paved road. Nor even a track. A sanctuary should not be easy to reach. Some may get there in a matter of days, some may take weeks, others may never reach what they search for."

  "It's the mountains, I'm sure it'll be dangerous. That's not what concerns me."

  "Then what does?"

  "Leaving my people. They struggle, and I don't know how to help. But I cannot help them if I cannot help myself."

  "Sometimes a path splits and we must make a choice. Whether the paths will merge again, only time may tell."

  "How can I find the beginning of this path?"

  "When you are ready to leave, I will show you."

  "And after that?"

  "I will give you some instructions and advice. Beyond that, you must find your own way."

  "Thank you, sister. May I stay a while longer?"

  "The temple is yours as long as you need it, brother. We're all equals before the goddess, but a king must have time for contemplation. You will remain undisturbed. If you need anything, call."

  He smiled and inclined his head in gratitude. She left him, and he knelt in prayer again, rose to pace, sat to meditate, lay back to stare into the distance, fell asleep for a while, rose again to pace some more. By the time he left the temple, the sun had disappeared behind the western peaks, leaving the plateau in shadow. He thanked the priestesses for their kindness and the food they'd supplied him with, then he left.

  Aware his half-dressed state was drawing looks, Akoni went to change his attire first. The room lay empty, no sign of Jeffrey. It seemed like good progress for him to be on his feet. Akoni dressed and went in search of Ryan whom he found practising with other soldiers.

  Standing at the edge of the practise yard, Akoni regarded them with a critical gaze. Ryan had the energy and bravado of a young man reaching his prime, but he had only recently come t
o fighting, and the others were more experienced. It didn't seem to bother Ryan; he observed and listened, applied what he learned and improved.

  The fighting stopped when one of the men noticed Akoni and drew everyone's attention. The soldiers bowed their heads, their right fists pressed against their chests in salute.

  "Ryan, I'd like a word," Akoni called and gestured at the others to continue.

  "Your Majesty, is something wrong?" Ryan asked, hurrying over.

  "No, nothing wrong," Akoni said as he led the young man farther from potential prying ears. "How are your sisters doing?"

  "Both are here, Your Majesty, safe and well. We are very grateful for your help and his lordship's."

  "Good, I'm glad." Akoni went quiet for a moment, checking for anyone nearby. "We brought few servants from Corunia, and I need to ask a favour of someone I can trust. Two favours, in fact."

  "I'm more than happy to help, if I can, Your Majesty."

  "Thank you, Ryan. I appreciate it." He smiled at Ryan and explained what he needed.

  "Neither request should be any trouble, Your Majesty. I have ways of borrowing things so no one will notice. I'll get it all organised, and no one shall know." Ryan grinned, his lips parting and revealing crooked teeth, his eyes sparkling at the task he'd been given.

  "I have no doubt of it, but be careful."

  Ryan nodded, saluted, and left, returning to the practising soldiers. Akoni marvelled at the boy's cleverness not to embark on his tasks right away. He smiled as he left. Now to find Jeffrey.

  It wasn't yet dinner time, and Akoni found the nobles gathered in Artiz's parlour, Valentin, Claudia, Ignacio, and Jeffrey all sitting in amicable chatter.

  Each noble evacuated from Corunia had returned to their own country estates, only Akoni's family didn't maintain one. Not in many generations, since their estate in the east had to be abandoned because of the storms and threat from Livanorans. There had seemed no need for a new one. Extraneo served as excellent vacation destination, and all other needs were met at the palace in Corunia.