Page 25 of A Ballad of Beasts and Brothers

"Sex is not an embarrassing subject, but when it comes to my brothers, it's a gross one, and one I refuse to have," he snips back. "Now that we've set some ground rules, let's have it, Kitarni. I can see a million questions swimming in that head of yours."

"Does it hurt?"

At that, both Nyx and Eris still in their seats. Neither one answers immediately, and that speaks louder than any words.

I nod my head, but then Eris says, "My situation was obviously different, but Hydrans are very open about sex, especially when a couple consummates a marriage. If you have the right partner, the first time you're together it might be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't cause you extreme pain."

My cheeks heat and I grab her hand and squeeze. "I'm sorry, Eris."

"I've made peace with what happened to me," she reassures me. "I still have hope that I will find someone to spend the rest of my life with and have that pleasurable experience."

My eyes slide over to Nyx who bobs his head. "Any man worth a damn will put your needs before his own."

Feeling like my question put a damper on the lightheartedness, I let loose a breath and say, "So much for research."

Smiles and chuckles circulate as the duration of our visit to Calmara is spent with our noses buried in sex books. Nyx and Eris answer whatever questions I throw their way and by the time I lay my head on my pillow that night, all I dream about is Atlas.

Eight

Shaye

In contrast to the bright and spacious classroom Atlas teaches in, Professor Riggs' lecture hall is dark and cozy. Inclined seating faces the front of the room where Riggs' desk and several dark, wooden bookshelves are nestled. The only light that seeps inside are from the four circular windows behind me at the back of the classroom. When I first entered, I caught whiffs of eucalyptus, pine, and old books, and even though it's a very masculine aesthetic, I feel at ease and ready to soak up every word Riggs speaks.

Once pleasantries have been exchanged and I get comfortable next to Nyx in our seats, Riggs rolls out from behind his desk and makes his way to the blackboard where he charts in white chalk a rough timeline of major events in the history of Dalerin. I'm relieved to discover not everything Master Kaius taught me about the history of Dalerin was a complete falsehood. Professor Riggs gives me a quick recap of the Six Kingdoms and even though I'm eager to get to the history and lore of the Celestials, I enjoy listening to him teach. He's enthusiastic and animated, emphasizing his points by waving his hands around.

Completely enraptured with the husky tone of his voice, I barely register a tall, broad-shouldered man slip inside the lecture hall carrying a stack of heavy-looking tomes. He puffs curly brown hair from his face, and the sound of the door slamming shut behind him jars Professor Riggs, alerting him to his assistant's presence.

"Ahh, Dane!" Riggs brushes blonde strands of hair from his forehead, placing the white chalk on the lip by the blackboard. "Did you have trouble finding them?"

Dane shakes his head, "No, Professor. I just hope I found what you were looking for."

Riggs scratches his chin, his eyes roving up and down the spines of the ancient books. As if remembering I'm in the room, he whips his head to me, eyes wide, and with blushing cheeks says, "Pardon me, Princess. I asked Dane to bring some of my favorite legend and lore books from my office."

I smile and motion for him to continue what he was doing. "I am in no rush, I assure you."

With a quick nod, Riggs refocuses on his assistant and begins rummaging through the books piled on his desk, whispering back and forth with Dane.

With the welcome distraction, I stretch my arms above my head and glance at the clock hanging on the wall to my right. I'm surprised to see how quickly the hour has flown by. Despite my growing curiosity of what might lie in the newly arrived tomes, I know the contents will have to wait until the next lesson. As much as I would love to skip my next class to keep listening to Professor Riggs, I can't. It's Atlas' class and the last thing I need is for him to be irritated that I put Riggs before him.

What am I even saying? Atlas would probably be a little sore that I didn't show up but might actually love the free time to himself. I shoo the unwanted excitement at seeing him in a few minutes away and strike up hushed conversation with Nyx.

"He's very passionate about history," I whisper, but when he doesn't respond, I glance over to find his head tipped upward, fast asleep. I elbow him in the ribs, forcing his eyes to fly open.

"Is it over?" He wipes drool from the corner of his mouth.

"No," I hiss. "You fell asleep."

"Well, wake me when he's finished."

"Absolutely not." I shake his forearm before he has a chance to settle back into his comfortable position. "If I have to sit here and listen, so do you."

"Why do you hate me, Kitarni?" he groans. "What did I ever do to you?"

"You kidnapped me."

"You're welcome," he teases, flashing me a mischievous smile. He sits up straight and stretches his arms over his head. "Fine. I'll stay awake. Not because I want to, but to avoid you elbowing me like that again. What are your elbows made of anyway? Steel?"

I smirk and roll my eyes. "Quit crying, you big baby." I jerk my chin toward Professor Riggs, still chatting with his assistant. "He's actually very interesting to listen to, if you give him a chance. Very passionate."

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