Page 83 of The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior

“Also true,” Brannal agreed, and Perian could hear the smile in his voice. And the continued rumbling. “But our stomachs might revolt.”

They climbed out of the water, toweled off, and dressed in sleep trousers and shirts. They ate dinner, talking about nothing in particular, and it was casual and relaxed.

“So, you’d like to keep riding?” Brannal asked.

“Oh, very much so,” Perian enthused. “And I would definitely like to keep riding Prince Horsey if I’m allowed to do that.”

“I’ll confirm with the Queen tomorrow. I don’t think it will be a problem.”

“Thank you.”

Perian thought his chat with the Queen had gone extremely well, all things considered, but that didn’t mean he wanted to have more conversations with her if he didn’t need to. She’d actually seemed pretty all right, but Perian didn’t want to push his luck. Brannal wasusedto talking to the Queen.

“And did you mind more company, or would you prefer to wander free?”

Perian refocused on Brannal. “Well, I don’t want justanycompany.”

Brannal smiled at him. “I will work rides into our schedule.”

“Excellent.”

Perian knew that meant a lot more rearranging on Brannal’s side than Perian’s, but it caused a warm glow in his chest to know that the other man was willing to figure out ways they could spend more time together. Perian wouldn’t give up his time with Renny, but otherwise, he was totally free.

After dinner, Brannal proposed reading by the fire, and Perian was delighted to discover this meantcuddlingwhile reading by the fire. It was the perfect way to end the evening, even if he didn’t actually end up reading very much.

Brannal nudged him. “I’m going to think this is just an excuse to be close to me.”

“Who says it’s not?” Perian asked a bit sleepily, then frowned and half-lifted his head off Brannal’s shoulder. “Is that all right?”

Brannal wrapped an arm around him and hugged him closer. “Perfectly all right.”

Perian sort of drowsed next to the other man. He could do some reading in the morning, maybe, if he wanted. It definitely felt like he was making the best possible use of his time right now.

Eventually, Brannal said, “All right, time for bed.”

Perian let Brannal guide him as he had before, until they were both tucked up together, and Perian fell asleep.

Chapter Sixteen

Wakingupinthemorning was a bit like it had been yesterday. They were both hard, but there was less concern that either of them thought they should be doing something about it. Brannal stayed wrapped around Perian for a few minutes even when it was evident they were both awake.

Then it was time to get ready for the day. Perian was a bit sore. He’d really hoped his body would remember all the riding he usually did, but it seemed that was not the case. The gallop to end all gallops probably hadn’t helped.

“Plans for the morning?” Brannal asked once they settled at the breakfast table.

“I usually just see what happens,” Perian admitted, which made Brannal laugh.

“Picnic lunch,” Brannal prompted.

Perian nodded. “As often as Renny wants. Hopefully no surprise audiences with the Queen.”

Brannal laughed again. “I’ve got some training with the Mage Warriors in the late afternoon, which you are welcome to attend.”

“Will it involve me getting covered in mud?” Perian asked suspiciously.

An eyebrow rose. “Would that change your answer about attending?”

Grinning, Perian admitted, “Probably not.”

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