Page 130 of Queen of Legends and Lies
Grunting, he grips my thighs, arching his body closer.
I click my tongue at him. “I thought you said I could set the pace.”
Emotions flicker over his features. Lust, impatience, eagerness, and a tinge of pain.
“And I thought you said we needed to be quick.” He rocks his hips, sliding his length along my clit to drive me crazy.
Reaching between my legs, I grasp at him with a hot hand. He hisses out in pained pleasure.
I moan as Sterling fills me, clutching him close. “Quick.” I settle myself down on him and lean forward. Taking two fistfuls of the sheets over his shoulders, I stare him dead in the eyes. “And hard.”
Holding on tightly, I use all the muscles I’ve developed during my training.
Then I ride him.
Sterling groans. “Gods. You’re going to kill me, love.”
“Are you tapping out?”
“Never.” He meets my motions, coming up against me as I rock over him.
We move in a frenzied rhythm, chasing our pleasure with desperate intensity until we both climax.
Afterward, I collapse onto Sterling’s chest, lungs heaving and heart pounding. As we catch our breath, he traces soothing circles on my back.
This tender moment is but a brief respite, I know. The trials ahead crash over me again, cold reality intruding. But for a few more seconds, I burrow into his comforting embrace, fortifying myself with his strength and affection for the battle to come.
With a sigh, I reluctantly disentangle from his arms and sit up.
He props himself on an elbow, brow raised. “Not that I’m complaining, but why the sudden urgency? What’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours?”
I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and grab my clothes. “I had a visit from the God of Lost Things.” The words tumble out in an excited rush as I dress. “I think he was trying to tell me something. The way to defeat Narc…to purge his evil from the lands.”
Sterling sits up fully, sheets pooling at his waist. “A visit. From another god. How can you…” His expression becomes more focused. “Actually, maybe this is something I just have to get used to, being with you. Please, continue. I’m listening, oh chosen one of the gods.”
I pace the room, too energized to stay still or pay too much attention to his jokes. “We need to combine the powers of all four elements. Earth, air, water, and fire magic wielded together. That’s the key to cleansing Narc’s corruption.”
Sterling considers this as he pulls on his pants. “It’s never been done before. The amount of power it would take…” He shakes his head in amazement while hopping up and doing that little shimmy I love to watch. It’s almost as fun as watchinghim undress. Almost. “The amount of power we wield when we merge…and we have to double that?”
“At least. It sounds impossible. But I know it in my bones. This is our path to victory.”
Sterling crosses over to me, clasping my hands in his. Warm, brown, gold-flecked eyes bore into mine, searching and resolute. “If you believe it can work, then I’m with you. Always.”
His mouth covers mine, sealing the promise with a fierce kiss. Drawing back, he strides to the bell pull near the door and tugs it.
Moments later, just enough time to allow me to finish dressing, a maid appears and dips into a curtsy. “How may I serve, Your Highness?”
“Gather Agnar Kerrin, Bastian Drago, Leesa Axton, Helene Mortimer, and Elijah Durand. Have them join us here immediately.” Sterling’s stomach rumbles, and he grins. “And, please, send up food for everyone.”
“Of course.” The maid bobs her head and hurries off.
After moving to the public sitting room, I resume my pacing, mind whirling with plans and contingencies. The immensity of what we’re about to attempt threatens to overwhelm me. But I can’t waver now.
Too much depends on our success.
Something occurs to me. “Hey, you never told me how you and your mother were able to speak directly into my mind.”
Sterling shrugs. “I don’t think anyone knows for sure, but my mom stumbled across a mention in an old book that suggested in times of need, it might be possible between people with royal blood who’ve power merged.” He raises his hands when I start to protest. “I know that the Bardas weren’t the original royal family, but maybe as far as the magic’s concerned, any member of a family who sits on the throne counts.”
