Page 6 of The Cordial Bride

“You are exquisite.” Ian’s voice was low and husky. He cupped Calan’s face with one hand, running his thumb against Calan’s check. “So soft and…inexperienced?”

It took a moment for Calan to realize he’d been asked a question. He opened his eyes to stare into Ian’s. They were practically nose-to-nose. “Yes. Is that a problem?” He held his breath waiting for the answer, worried for the first time that the count might not be interested in someone who didn’t already know how to please him.

“Not in the least, dear boy.”

Relief coursed through him, but he had only a moment to appreciate that feeling before Ian captured his entire attention by lowering his head until their lips touched. It was impossible to keep his eyes open, if for no other reason than rational thought fled the moment the kiss began. It wasn’t how he’d imagined it. He’d always expected something ravaging, with lips and teeth and tongue clashing in an effort to consume and dominate. This was a gentle assault, soft and tender. The count treated him as if he were made from glass, their mouths slipping over one another in a slow, lazy dance. His grip on Calan’s shoulder was light as he pulled him in closer to his body, although not quite making them touch, which was a shame. Calan wanted to feel the whole of the man. He was sure he must be as hard as Calan was himself, and he’d never felt another man’s cock. The lure of it was overwhelming. But when he dared to grab Ian’s waist and try to press against him, he held him at bay.

Ian chuckled against Calan’s lips. “Eager boy.” Pulling away a fraction, he put his forehead against him and sighed. “If we were in a more secluded place, I would give you more. Alas, someone might come along at any time and see us.”

“I don’t care.” Calan was surprised by how husky his own voice sounded.

Ian chuckled again before pecking Calan’s forehead and separating them entirely by letting go and stepping back from Calan’s hold. “Such a temptation you are. But I won’t embarrass or dishonor you that way.”

He forced his eyes open and tried not to pout. “There is no shame in this. People seek pleasure with those of their own sex all the time before marriage. It’s encouraged, actually, because it means children aren’t conceived accidentally. Is it not that way in Moorcondia?” It hadn’t occurred to him that what he was seeking from the count would be frowned upon in the man’s country.

Now the count laughed. “Have you not heard of our Princes Soren and Ronan being married to other men? It has become quite the rage, actually.” He shook his head with a smile. “No, dear boy, what we seek to do is quite acceptable among my people, and I’m glad to hear it is in Shadow Valley. That does not change the fact that public displays of such great…affection are not decorous. It’s best done in privacy, and I dare say your aunt would not be pleased to find us in an indelicate state out in the open.”

Calan frowned. “That’s true.” His palms itched with the need to touch the man again, so he made himself bold. “Are you free tomorrow or must you stay with your sister?”

The heated gaze the count sent him told him his efforts were appreciated. “She is well-guarded, even if I sensed danger for her here, which I don’t. I find myself rather surplus to requirements and so have all day to do as you wish.”

Calan didn’t even try to hide his delight, grinning broadly and almost bouncing with anticipation. “Wonderful. I have foraging chores all day, though,” he added with a gnaw at his lower lip. “I have to wander in the woods, gathering ingredients that my aunt needs for her potions. It’s not very interesting, actually.”

Ian surprised him. “I beg to differ. Spending the day outdoors is how I like to occupy my time. I enjoy nature and being with you will make it all the more appealing.”

“Really? We can leave after breakfast, if that pleases you.”

“You please me, Calan. And it will be your day to lead me where you will.”

Picturing his usual haunts and how secluded they were, Calan couldn’t help but blush.

Chapter Three

Shadow Valley lived up to its name once one was standing under the canopy of the forest. The thick woods were an easy ride from the longhouse. Yet the moment Ian had crossed the thicket line with Calan, leaving the horses hobbled in a field, it felt as if they were in a world of their own. This was the perfect place for a private seduction. It took all his will power not to drop the baskets he carried and pull the boy in for another kiss. The one the previous night had been delightful, yet it had also left him hard and aching for more. He wondered if the boy had understood the effect he’d had on him and how much self-control it had taken not to ravage him on the spot, there where anyone could have come upon them. It was humbling to know that a simple kiss had brought him to his knees. The fact that Calan was not just a virgin, but wholly inexperienced, should give him pause and send him into retreat. Instead, it disturbed him to know he wanted him even more because of it.

When did I become such a letch?

He wasn’t being fair to himself. Calan was a grown man, merely untried still at an age when Ian and most men of his acquaintance had known pleasure with others. With his dragon of an aunt always watching out, he probably had had little opportunity to explore sex. And no doubt, Celia’s being on the council put the fear of the gods into any man who might think to try his luck with Calan. As a foreigner and a man of power himself, he had no such qualms. His only concern was to not cause Calan any trouble, and these woods presented the best opportunity to do what he and the boy both clearly wanted to do.

“It’s very kind of you to carry my baskets.” Calan shot a pretty smile over his shoulder.

Ian swung the large, empty wicker cradle he held in one hand. “It’s no trouble at all. And I have to justify my presence somehow. Being your porter is a good use of my time.” The closed basket he gripped by its handle. “I’m curious to know what’s in here, though.”

Calan stopped by an old tree and faced him. “That’s our lunch, of course. The forest is full of food, but I thought you might like something more refined.”

“I’m not picky, but I appreciate the effort and can’t wait to see what you’ve brought.”

“We have a ways to go before it’s time to eat, but I think you’ll like the spot I have picked out for it. I’m surprised you don’t have any guards with you, although I’m happy with the privacy.”

“The soldiers are for Isabeau and Amalie. I can take care of myself.”

“That I can believe.” Calan took a knife out of the sheaf at his belt and knelt beside some mushrooms growing at the base of the tree. Unlike the previous day, the boy was dressed in obvious work clothes of simple brown and scarred boots that matched. His lovely hair was pulled back in a severe braid that hung down his back. The hairstyle allowed his beautiful face to be on display, yet Ian wanted to free the strands and run his fingers through them. He assumed there would be an opportunity to do so when they broke for the midday meal. And he would be sure to redo the braid before they returned so that no one would be the wiser.

With deft strokes, Calan severed the mushrooms from the ground and stood to place them in the open basket. “These are good for helping swollen and painful joints. My aunt makes them into a paste and a cordial.”

Ian peered at the fungi. “My sister is well-versed in the healing arts. That’s why she was chosen to come here by our king, after all. I’m more interested in food cultivation, but I’m beginning to appreciate this side of nature, as well.” He let his interest in Calan shine through his gaze and was rewarded by the boy’s adorable blush.

Calan looked away as he replaced his knife. “Then I shall try to educate you on as much as I can. It’s the least I can do,” he added with a coquettish look.

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