Page 87 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

“AND THEN…” VITA CACKLED, unable to finish the story she was trying to tell, her entire body shaking with laughter.

She was a bit delirious, perhaps more than a bit, between the erotic acts that had titillated her at the party and her flight from the palace.

Of course, the mead could have something to do with it as well.

A half finished mug sat in front of her, though it hadn’t been her first.Or her second.

When she finally regained her breath, she narrowed her eyes to Verian, who mirrored her look from across the wooden table. “I… forgot what I was saying.”

Now it was his turn to laugh, though the grin quickly faded to a gentle smile.

“Maybe we should get some rest…” he started, though trailed off noticeably.

They’d been at Ad Noctua for some time now, the tavern alive with raucous chaos this late in the evening, on a holiday no less. As she glanced around the room, she still noticed the not-so-subtle stares of numerous patrons, unsurprising with the scanty dress she was wearing.

When they’d arrived, Verian had promptly bought drinks, finding a spot at an empty table. She was grateful, anything to take her mind off Renatus, the Edosal celebration, the palace. Despite it all, her heart hurt from the loss, even though it had been foolish to get attached. The moment in the rose garden, the astronomy tower, the sensual care he’d shown her during her moon cycle… it had felt like more than lust, more than dominion, but no.

“Rest?” Vita asked, worry beginning to take hold, even through the buzz of alcohol.

Where was she going to go? She had no money, no place to stay. Before panic could fully set in, Verian stepped from around the table, pulling her off the bench and into his arms.

“We’ll get you a room at the inn.”

She pulled away slightly so she could raise a brow. “The inn?”

Nocturnalis Inn.

Just a few minutes later and they were in a small room, paid for by Verian. The old man working the marble counter had given them the stink eye, but said nothing as he received his payment.

Money spoke more than impropriety, Vita supposed.

The room was quaint despite the hubbub from the lively street outside the window. A thin mattress and warm blankets made up the basic bed, and a wooden table sat in the corner of the small space. Theinnkeeper had given Verian a candle, which he set on the table, bathing the bed in a warm glow.

Nocturnalis wasn’t cheap, not a place frequented by ladies of the night and their clients, unlike some of the seedier inns. At least, not usually.

Perhaps the innkeeper had thought Vita to be a meretrix from one of the local brothels, but he’d allowed them to rent the room either way.

Now, she lay on the bed, small, but sufficient, her eyes glued to Verian as he shuffled awkwardly by the door. The warmth of mead tingled her entire body, and the knowledge that she was alone with him in a room with a serviceable bed. Still, something nagged at her.

“I’m sorry about tonight. Renatus shouldn’t have done that, shouldn’t have made you say those things…” her voice trailed off, knowing that an apology wasn’t enough.

He sighed before walking over to the bed and squeezing in next to her. They sat with their backs against the plain, wooden headboard, the warmth of his arm and leg pressing against hers sending butterflies fluttering in her stomach. With a gentle touch, he tilted her face to meet his gaze, emotion stirring behind his eyes.

“You need not apologize. It was… uncomfortable, that is certain, but not your fault. And at the very least, none of my brothers in arms were there to hear it.” Verian hesitated, clearing his throat as his eyes roamed over her. “Everything I said was true, as I’m sure you know.”

Though the sweet words he’d said about her made her whole body tingle, it didn’t counteract the actions of Renatus.

“It was still wrong of him to do.”

“Perhaps the High Consul had his reasons…”

“He has no reason, no morals. Nothing beyond what will entertain him the most at any given moment.” Vita’s voice was laced with vitriol, though even she found it difficult to fully believe the words she was saying.

There was something there, something behind the façade Renatus showed to all, but she was tired of searching for it.

Without warning, Verian pressed his lips to hers, aromatic mint enveloping her with its fresh scent. She inhaled a deep breath, leaning into him as she opened her mouth, his tongue wandering across her own. Sparks tingled her skin as she wrapped her arms around him, trying to pull him closer.

It wasn’t enough, and she slid her leg over his body so she could straddle him. A roll of her hips and he was moaning into her mouth, a mound already pressing at the apex of her thighs. Another roll and he gripped her waist, stopping the movement as a smile tugged at his lips.

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