The Morgannate: The Dregian Chronicles Book 3

by D E Boske

  “Wait! Let’s not get hasty,” said Thelarki. “There’s no need to sic the demon on me, Mage. Let us sup and talk,” said the Monarch, looking to the Mage and Kelindril. Darian knew Thelarki’s self-preservation had kicked in, nothing more. He accepted the loss of the Gor Li’ Khan as a calculated risk, but as he’d said, they were expendable.

  “Do you have Cryvellan Brandy?” asked the Mage with a frown.

  “Of course! Whatever you need or want I will get it for you. A Mage of The Order is a prestigious guest and I want you to be comfortable while you are here,” Thelarki oozed hospitality

  now and Darian knew that it was fake but decided to play along.

  “Fine,” said Darian, looking to Sigorna and signaling him to stand down. The demon

  looked disappointed but obeyed his master. He stood directly behind the Monarch, huge arms crossed over his massive chest, eyes boring holes into the back of Thelarki’s head.

  “The food should be here shortly,” announced Brandiel and the Mage nodded his thanks.

  Twenty minutes later, the food arrived along with several elves to cater to them. They set up two large tables, then laid out fresh bread, butter, meat stew, fish, fruit, cheese, and delicate looking dessert cups filled with chocolate cream and topped with berries. Another elf brought in a cart of drinks that included Cryvellan Brandy, Nykessa, juice, tea, and Grym Lo’ Brahn, an elvish whiskey.

  Darian held a chair for Renlyss and he saw Thelarki’s hungry gaze. “This is my consort, Renlyss,” said Darian.

  “It is my pleasure, lady,” said Thelarki, kissing the top of her hand.

  “I thought you’d be taller,” was all she said and kissed Darian on the cheek. Thelarki was average height for an elf, with silvery blue hair like his son and his eyes were golden in hue. He was good looking, but Renlyss thought Rohn’s looks far exceeded Thelarki’s. Probably due to Mishtari.

  “I have not heard of a Mage taking a consort in a very, very long time,” commented Thelarki, overlooking Renlyss’s offhand remark.

  “I was ready to make the commitment. I will kill anyone who attempts to steal her from me or who injures her in any way,” Darian warned and Thelarki paled and cleared his throat.

  Darian began to eat and Renlyss slid her hand under the table and Thelarki pretended that he did not see. This beautiful elf captivated him and he saw he was not the only one. Nymdal kept watching her when he thought no one was looking.

  “I would like to forge a working relationship with you, Darian. As you know, The Order came to me to assist in tracking you down, but I quickly refused.”

  “A wise decision indeed,” said the Mage, acting as if nothing untoward was happening. “Who came to see you?” asked Darian, eyes glittering dangerously.

  “A Mage called Morton. He was desperate to find you. The sum they were willing to pay will be enough to capture the hearts of greedy men. Watch your back, Darian.”

  “Always,” said the Mage with a smile. He didn’t bother to tell Thelarki that Morton was a

  Journeyman and not a Mage. He figured it didn’t really matter.

  “How did you become friends with my daughter and son?” asked the Monarch, trying to make light conversation.

  “I met Nephraete in Mishkalan and I met Rohn in Al-Dan-Tir. Nephraete is a beautiful soul who cares deeply for her friends and Rohn, I am just beginning to get to know. You must be

  very proud of them, Thelarki. They’re good kids,” said the Mage.

  “You say kids like you’re some grandfatherly figure,” said Thelarki, attempting to trick the Mage into giving up information, but Darian was too smart to be caught in such a trap.

  “You look as young as they,” said Thelarki, when he felt the Mage would not elaborate.

  “Mm,” said the Mage, as he took a healthy swallow of the Cryvellan Brandy. Darian had two bowls of stew, bread, fruit, and cheese. The Monarch wondered where he put it all. The Mage was tall and lean with not an ounce of fat on him.

  “Renlyss, how did you meet Darian?” asked Thelarki, the Gor Li’ Khan’s ears perking up.

  “We met in Kiri A’ Nouell,” she said, without elaborating.

  “What’s your story?” the Monarch persisted.

  “I’m an elven mage, Thelarki, so Darian and I have much in common and it’s probably why we fell in love,” she said, looking into the Mage’s eyes.

  “You’re in love?” Thelarki asked, shocked. “I thought a Mage was not allowed to love?”

  “That is a common misconception,” said Darian. He didn’t bother to tell the Monarch that it wasn’t long ago when he thought the same thing.

  The dessert was rich and creamy and Darian loved it. The flaky crust of the dessert cup melted in the mouth and the chocolate was divine. The berries added just enough tartness to counteract the sweetness of the chocolate.

  “Any plans for children?” pushed Thelarki.

  “In the future, yes,” replied Darian and Thelarki saw the disappointment in Renlyss’s eyes.

  “Why wait?” Thelarki asked slyly.

  “Now is not the time. I need your help, Thelarki,” said Darian and knew the Monarch would make the most of that statement.

  “Of course! Anything you need,” he said ingratiatingly.

  “I need to book passage for us on a ship.”

  “Destination?”

  “The Haunted Lands.”

  “That will be most difficult, Darian. You see, no captain will want to make that voyage.”

  “I will make it worth his while,” said Darian.

  “Even so, it will take some time to find someone willing to travel there,” he said. “I will send the request in the morning.”

  “I appreciate that,” said the Mage.

  “May I ask why you need to go there? It’s a very dangerous place. More dangerous than Blavven Krill,” remarked Thelarki.

  “I’m aware of the risks,” replied Darian, shifting slightly to give Renlyss better access.

  Thelarki marveled at the way the Mage kept his face from revealing anything. If Renlyss’s

  hands were wrapped around him like that, he wouldn’t be able to form a coherent thought, let alone hold an intelligent conversation.

  Thelarki brought his gaze back up and locked eyes with the Mage, who didn’t even blush. He looked indifferent at being caught and just smiled and shrugged. Thelarki cleared his throat and went back to his dessert.

  “What has captured your interest in the Haunted Lands?” tried the Monarch. Darian was not giving up any information and it was becoming problematic. He needed leverage if he was going to win the Mage over, but at this rate, it would take an eternity.

  “Nothing that I can speak of,” answered the Mage, as Renlyss finally turned her attention to dessert.

  “I see,” said Thelarki tightly.

  “I am not at liberty to discuss Order matters. I’m sure you understand,” replied Darian in as friendly a tone as they’d ever heard him use.

  “Of course! It won’t be a problem,” assured the Monarch. Nephraete just rolled her eyes and it caught the Mage’s attention.

  What’s wrong, little seer? She heard the Mage’s sexy voice in her head and she squirmed in her seat.

  You do know how full of shit he is, don’t you?

  I do. I’m playing his game. Do you know what he’s up to?

  No, but you can be assured that I will do my best to find out.

  Thank you, little seer. His voice oozed sex and she wanted him desperately, but he never looked at her. His attention was fully on Renlyss. She was ashamed of her wayward thoughts, but she was so throwing Kyler down and having her way with him as soon as they were alone.

  “Falahari, we will speak, but right now…” Darian drifted off as he glanced at Renlyss and the demon understood that look all too well.

  “Pump that girl senseless and call me later,” said the demon laughing.

  “I intend to,” replied the Mage, waiting until the winged form disappeared into shadow
s.

  “Gods! I thought they’d never leave,” Darian exhaled, as he took his consort in his arms and brought his lips to hers in a searing kiss that made her wet with want. She began hastily taking his clothes off and he chuckled.

  “Easy darlin’, we’ve got all night,” he whispered.

  “I need you, Mage. I want you inside of me where you belong,” she urged, undoing his breeches and releasing him in record time.

  “I’m suitably impressed, doll,” he said in his soft, sexy voice. He waved a hand and her

  clothes disappeared. “Let me take care of you,” he whispered, as he came to her and eased her down onto the bed. She opened herself to him and his sharp intake of breath was satisfying. His lips went to work quickly, his tongue probing and teasing and she moaned loudly, pressing her core to his hungry mouth.

  His tongue swirled over her swollen center and she bucked and writhed until he held her in place with bands of magic. Then he continued his sweet torture as her eyes began to glaze over.

  “You’re so wet for me, babe. I like that,” he mumbled, inserting two long, slender fingers inside her. He brought his lips to her core once more as his fingers moved easily within her, hooking to find her buried treasure. She began screaming his name, but he didn’t let up until she quieted, eyes hazy with pleasure. He brandished his sexy smile and moved to lay next to her.

  The elven mage rolled over, laying her head on his muscled chest, kissing him softly, as her fingers dipped to toy with him. He groaned, but she silenced him with her lips, tasting her own pleasure mixed with the heady taste of him. He felt her fingers close over him as she guided him to her sweet center. His breathing slowed as he waited for the exquisite tightness of her surrounding him but didn’t rush her. He felt her swipe the tip through her wetness and he shuddered with need even as she moaned from the glorious sensation.

  She called his name, her voice thick with lust and he nearly came on the spot. Finally, she put them both out of their misery and he felt every silken inch as he slid into her. He let her take her time as her body adjusted to his massive invasion and soon, her hips were moving frenetically. His hands roamed over her lush curves, stopping to appreciate her firm breasts.

  Nymdal watched closely and figured he was safe since she was blocking Darian’s view. The Mage’s hands gently massaged her breasts, pinching and tugging on her nipples until they were stiff peaks. Her cries intensified as his hands worked independently. His right hand continued to gently squeeze her breasts and his left hand dipped between her thighs, his fingers rubbing her clit and driving her wild. The Mage swirled his fingers over her delicious body, intimately knowing what she needed. It didn’t take long before her body shuddered in time with Darian’s as his hands moved to her hips.

  The aftershocks of her pleasure were still rolling over her when the Mage positioned her on her knees, facing Nym. He pressed her down gently, tilting her ass up just so and began moving within her as her mouth opened in a perfect O. Her caramel colored hair fell around her face as Darian slowly sank into her.

  The Mage moved slowly and rhythmically until he felt the telltale signs that he’d come to crave. She began to move with a force all her own, impaling herself roughly on him again and

  again. Darian looked directly at Nymdal and the elf turned his back on them.

  The Mage wrapped his fist in her hair and tugged roughly, pulling her head back as he slammed into her. She broke apart around him, his name on her lips and this pleased him. After a few more thrusts, he spilled into her, her body milking every drop. Darian collapsed on the bed and gathered her into his arms.

  “Making love to you is always the highlight of my day, babe,” he confessed, kissing the top of her head.

  “Mm, me too,” she sighed. “Darian, I want to get pregnant,” she whispered, leaning up on her elbow so she could look him in the eye. He blew an irritated breath, but she held her ground.

  “Renlyss, we’ve talked about this,” he began, but she cut him off.

  “No, Darian. You’ve talked about it. I don’t want to wait anymore.”

  “Babe, this pregnancy will not be easy on you. A Mage child will be difficult on your body. I will need you with me, babe. Not locked up in my tower. We have all the time in the world, Reny. Now is not the time,” he finished in a clipped tone and rose to bathe.

  She pursed her lips, but let it go. She didn’t want to fight with him. She loved him so much, but right now he was acting like a dunderhead. She would bring him over to her side, but it was going to take some time. She fully intended to be pregnant before they returned to Kiri A’ Nouell. All she needed to do was make the Mage see the wisdom behind her desires. She didn’t doubt that what he was saying was the truth and she didn’t doubt his love for her, either. She could feel it in his kiss, feel it in the way he made love to her now. She didn’t think she would have noticed the subtle differences before, but now, they were glaringly obvious.

  She rose to join him in the tub and he welcomed her into his arms, kissing her softly. “I want to have children with you, babe, just not now.”

  “Shhh,” she said, putting her finger to his lips. She felt his tongue begging for entrance and she parted her lips for him. He was a master at kissing and her heart began beating furiously

  from his attention and he’d done nothing more than kiss her.

  “How do you make me feel so much, Darian?”

  He smiled but kissed her again rather than answer her question. They soaked for long moments as they explored each other’s mouths, his expert tongue evoking strong sensations and feelings she never knew existed before she met him. He didn’t make love to her again and she wasn’t upset. If she was being honest, she was glad they were just kissing. She was sore after their last encounter, but she craved being near him just the same.

  Darian began to wash her hair and the feel of his fingers on her scalp thrilled her. “I love you,” she whispered and she no longer felt him tense at her words.

  “I love you too, babe,” he replied, kissing her shoulders and brushing feather soft kisses

  on the back of her neck.

  After bathing, Darian dressed quickly. “I’m calling the demon; we need to talk. I don’t expect you to stay if you don’t want to,” he explained.

  “I’m not leaving, Darian,” she advised. “He doesn’t scare me and I need to be here with you. We are stronger together, my love, and we will face all things hand in hand,” she said, taking his hand in hers. He kissed her, wrapping her in his arms and placing his left hand on her ass, squeezing her cheeks gently.

  He placed his fingers on the stone around his neck and called the demon to him. Grey smoke spiraled in the air and moments later, the towering form of the demon appeared.

  “You rang?” Sigorna huffed, pretending to be upset.

  “You’re here, aren’t you?” Darian returned and the demon laughed.

  “Thank you for your help with Thelarki and the Gor Li’ Khan. They needed to have the fear of Oblivion put in them. And it told me that Thelarki wasn’t about to protect his elves. He gave them up. Every. Last. One. He’s playing games and it would be helpful if you could decipher what it is,” explained the Mage. Sigorna’s eyes went to the stunning elf by the Mage’s side, and he looked her over, slow and steady. Her gaze never faltered and as the Falahari’s gaze slid to her breasts, she spoke.

  “I’m not sure what information can be gleaned from my breasts, demon, but I assure you, you’re looking in the wrong place. My face is up here and I suggest you remember that or I will

  help you remember,” she snapped and Signora laughed.

  “Oi! You’ve got spunk, doll. I like that. Don’t worry, the Mage would kill me before he’d let me lay hands on his dame,” said Sigorna. Then to Darian, “I like her, Darian. She’s strong and sure like you. She will be good for you, Mage.”

  “You remember Renlyss? She is my consort,” said Darian. “You will protect her as you do me,” he said.

  “Of cou
rse,” the Falahari was about to say something more when the door burst open and Hunter came running in with Brandiel hot on his heels.

  “Da!” Hunter cried, running to Darian and hugging him. Sigorna nearly fainted when he saw the Mage scoop up the tot and place him on his shoulders.

  “This is my son, Hunter and you will protect him fiercely,” Darian warned.

  “Damn! How long have I been gone, Mage? Bloody hell!” exclaimed the Falahari. The boy

  reached out to the demon and touched his shoulder.

  “It’s okay. Don’t be uspet,” he said, mispronouncing upset. “My da takes care of me.” His voice was soft and cute and he looked genuinely worried for the demon’s well-being.

  “Does he, now?” asked Sigorna with a grin and the boy nodded his head.

  “That’s good to know, Hunter,” said Sigorna, winking at the toddler. Darian handed the

  boy back to Brandiel and they went back outside.

  “I never thought I’d see the day,” the demon remarked. “Whose kid is that, really?”

  “He’s our son and that’s all you need to know,” said Renlyss protectively.

  “Easy, babe,” said Darian, kissing her softly. “The big lug means well.”

  “We took him as our own because no one would claim him. His parents died of sickness in that town on the outskirts of the Wilderness,” Darian explained.

  “That’s very magnanimous of you,” remarked the Falahari.

  “He’ll have a good life with us,” Renlyss defended.

  “I never said otherwise,” replied Sigorna. “Look, I know we demons have a bad reputation and some of it is justified, but I promise you, I’m not gonna’ hurt you or your family, okay?”

  “So, tell me what I’ve missed,” Sigorna looked to the Mage.

  “I spoke with Hogun Da’ Ursta in Blavven Krill and we made a pact. He claims that the Dark Mages are responsible for perverting those creatures into what they’ve become. He will fight with us against Mogan Dar if I return them to their original forms when I find the Morgannate.”