Page 51 of The Princess's Chosen

"Bryony," he begged, and it was a satisfaction deeper than orgasm.

"Yes," I moaned, my pleasure rising.

Aric said magic was almost a matter of imagination, and it wasmymagic. If he could master it, surely so could I? I called to the snake, and Aric yelped as it began to pulse over my clit until we were both frenzied and clumsy. I called again and it started to slither over my hip, unwinding from around Aric's cock. He pulled once, a little too hard, on the chain, and then shook his fingers free, returning his hand to my hip to force me on the hilt of his cock, over and over, our bodies beating rough like beasts.

I'd forgotten my instructions about keeping the magic in, more intent on crashing with Aric. His body arched, head thrown back, bellow thunderous, and my hands clawed on his chest as I came apart, threads of magic rushing through me with the crystalline, ecstatic edges of the orgasm. The magic twined around us, tying me and Aric together on the mattress until our pleasure fused. Aric's hands slid up to my back, pulling me down to his chest as I thrummed and shook.

"I forgot," I rasped, still squeezing and whimpering.

"Shh." His chest heaved with breath, and I winced as he nudged one of the blossoms. "Mmph, here."

The snake had worked some magic of its own, or responded to mine, elongating enough to wrap around my waist, transforming into an ouroboros, biting its own tail just above my belly button.

"This will sting and ache," Aric said softly, rolling me onto my back before unlatching one of the blossoms from my breast. I stiffened at the pound of pain, and then Aric ducked down, sucking it into his mouth, laving and soothing it until the feeling dulled and I sighed.

"You won't be able to hold the magic every time anyway," he said, and then repeated the process on the other breast, leaving me limp and stunned in his arms as he lifted his head and smiled down at me. "It was only practice. We'll try again plenty more."

It was a promise of sorts, as were the kisses Aric covered my chest and throat and jaw with, slow strong presses that made me drowsy, until drowsiness turned directly into sleep.

17

Cosmo

Igave them a little more time, even after the bar glasses quit jostling on the wall and Bryony was done with her performative shouts. I wasn't sure what I expected to walk in on—probably more fucking, with less volume—but I was gratified by what I found instead.

Aric held a sleeping Bryony in his arms, a sheet draped over their hips, her chest pressed to his. He didn't look up as I knocked and entered, too busy studying the young woman with her head leaning back against his arm.

"Are they getting impatient?" he asked.

"No, but I think they'll start trickling out soon," I said.

Aric nodded and looked up. I wondered if he knew how soft he looked as he watched her, or if there would ever be a day where that ease wouldn't vanish when he turned away.

"She should speak with them. Remind them of their loyalty to her. Rumors will get out either way, but it might staunch the flow."

I nodded and shrugged. Aric knew his people better than I, and he would guide Bryony gently until this strange turn of events sorted into something better.

"You didn't plan this did you?" I asked, frowning.

Aric didn't bother looking offended or surprised, but I believed the slow shock that took over his face as he shook his head. "Believe me, I thought I'd considered every scenario, but I certainly hadn't planned for this one. I haven't planned for her at all," he added under his breath, the words awed.

I sighed and sank against the door jamb. I wanted to fight with Aric, remind him of every instance where he'd made an ass of himself and hadn't deserved her. But Bryony wanted this man, and he at least looked like he had the good sense to see his fortune now.

"I won't err again," he said.

"Good." I wanted to move for the bed, but Aric hadn't ever shared a woman and I wasn't sure how likely to be possessive he might end up. Bryony would set him straight if he was.

"Grab her dress, I'll wake her," Aric said, nodding back behind him.

Perhaps cooperative then.

I went ahead and listened in as I crossed the room, passing the bed and hearing Aric rumble sweetly to our princess.

"I'm sorry to wake you."

"Mm, no, I should go downstairs. You'll come?"

"Of course. I'll hang back. You need to address your people. But I ride back with you tonight, remember?" he said, and I heard the catch of relief in her sigh. "Come here."

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