Page 51 of A Kingdom of Pleasure and Torment

“That,” Cassan says, clapping more enthusiastically than any of the faeries, “has made my journey home entirely worth it.”

Chapter Twenty-One

We bid the mermaids farewell, although they do attempt to drag me back into the pool with them. Several times, I almost give in, my legs still wobbling. I can see why sailors are lured to their doom.

Luthian dries me with magic and suggests a nice, sunny spot for us all to bask in, and the prince and my pretend mate catch up while I doze in the grass. Now and again, I open my eyes to watch faeries and other creatures pass by, but then my lids slide closed, and I let myself drift.

That is, until I spot a faery with autumn leaf wings walking with a piebald minotaur. I push myself up on my hands. There is no doubt the faery is Firo; I would recognize his striking profile and gorgeous brown skin anywhere.

When there is a lull in his conversation, I ask, “Luthian, I think I see someone I know. Would you mind if I greeted him?”

“Not at all.” He nods toward Firo. “Tell him I send my fondest regards.”

I get to my feet and skip across the grass, toward the hedges that line the crushed stone walkway. “Firo! Ambassador Firo!”

He turns, seeking out the sound. When he sees me, he flashes me his gorgeous smile. “Cenere!”

I run into his open arms and give him a crushing hug, hoping he doesn’t mind my still-damp clothes.

“You’re here with Luthian?” He nods toward the two faeries who are still occupied with conversation.

“Yes. My mate thought it was time to return to court.” I stress the mate part.

Firo’s brows lift. “Congratulations on your binding.”

“Thank you.” I turn to Firo’s companion. “Sir.”

Firo takes a breath as if suddenly remembering his manners. “Cenere, this is my friend, Utrax.”

The minotaur makes an expression I believe to be a smile, though it’s difficult to tell on a bovine head. “We’ve met, Firo.”

“But I did not get your name,” I point out.

He snorts a bullish laugh. “It wasn’t the usual introduction.”

Firo’s eyes widen. “The two of you?”

“His Majesty is very generous to his friends,” I say with a slight purse of my lips that can leave Firo no doubt as to what I’m implying.

“How long have you been here?” the faery asks.

“We arrived yesterday.” I laugh at his look of surprise.

“And she’s made quite an impression,” Utrax says. “There are many who wish to have her. I’m honored to have been among the first.”

“After the king, of course.” I give Firo a little smirk.

Firo’s lips twist in amusement. “I had no doubt you’d do well here at court. And if ever you’re in need of me...”

I blush hot as his gaze travels down, over my exposed breasts and what little of my body is hidden by the thin linen. “Your meaning is perfectly understood.”

His eyes pinch at the corners. “Is it?”

“Cenere! Lovely Cenere!”

I turn at the prince’s voice.

“Go,” Firo says. “I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

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