Page 23 of The King's Bodyguard
Landis’s gaze fell to my breeches, where my own arousal tented the fabric. It was a thick, tightly pressed moleskinpair, but even these couldn’t hide the effects of our kiss and interaction.
“Oh.”
“Yes,” I said, giving him a look. Even as his mouth opened to voice an offer, I quickly retreated. “Goodnight, Your Majesty. Don’t stay up too late.”
“I just might,” he called after me with dark promise.
Shaking my head ruefully, I made a beeline for his bedchamber door, got outside, and sucked in a lungful of chill autumn air. I refused to look at Rolf who stolidly stood by the door. The many-wintered Munni veteran no doubt heard and interpreted every single sound that had emanated from the king’s bedchamber. My scent was unmistakable besides. Not that Rolf would tell tales. Rolf was a Munni who knew how to hold his tongue.
“Best go get that taken care of, laddie.” Rolf’s amused voice broke into my disconnected thoughts.
I nodded absently and made my way to the nearest garden, where I could spend some time alone with the image of Landis bucking into my hand. He had been like putty, pliant and willing. He had chased pleasure honestly despite his inexperience.
What had he said again? With such honest naivete... Nothing like when I do it myself... even when I’m thinking of you.I had a feeling the minx was thinking of me as much as I was obsessing over him. Imagining Landis fingering himself while thinking about me had me flushed all over as though I were entering my rut for the first time.
Gods, Landis, I thought as I freed my cock from confinement.You are going to be the death of me one day.
Chapter 11
Landis
Icouldn’t stop thinking about Corrin. Corrin’s breath against my ear. Corrin’s lips brushing the edge of my cheek. Corrin’s rough palm stroking my cock. The memory of that night swamped me. It took all of my willpower to keep my face neutral. I slowly descended the stairs to the castle courtyard where the commotion of a hunting party preparing to depart filled the cool morning air.
The sun had risen for an hour, pinking the pale blue sky filled with clouds. It was a dull morning, promising rain and fog. I wrinkled my nose. If I had my way, I would remain indoors and miss Corrin. Maybe I would have gathered the courage to creep into the soldiers’ barracks and seek out his bed. Just for a quick nap.
Gods, I miss him already.
As if reading my thoughts, I caught sight of Corrin. He was staring right at me with a small smile on his pale face. After a long night of patrolling the castle, he and his Munni tomkinlooked tired. Their bedtime was approaching. My heart skipped a beat, and my feet turned to intersect his path.
“Going to bed?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” said Corrin, keeping formal in front of his tomkin.
“You were on a different patrol last night.”
It wasn’t easy to keep the conversation going, but I was desperate to talk to him at least a little. It had been two days since he stood on guard outside my door. Two days since he entered my chamber and laid his hands on me. My body ached for him so much. Did he think of me as much as I did of him?
“Indeed, yes,” Corrin said gravely. “Did you miss me?”
A small smile flickered across his face despite the fatigue marking the edges of his eyes and his mouth. I found myself blushing a little, and I pressed my lips closed and glared at him. Alf and a few others behind him chuckled. They were good-humored Munni. I knew they didn’t mean to disrespect me, but I suddenly felt as uncouth as a kit before his first heat.
“Not—well, a little,” I admitted with a huff. “You and your tomkin have done a great job guarding the castle. If I had my way, I would be asking for your escort today.”
“The hunting party is still going forward?” Corrin looked skeptically up at the sky. “With the fog rolling in?”
“Yes.” I grimaced. “Rilla enjoys hunting and riding and all that. I thought she might enjoy seeing Sumarene’s finest hunting grounds.”
“I wish you well, Your Majesty.”
“Bag us a few pheasants,” grunted Alf, walking past with the others.
Corrin trailed after them and then turned to gaze as a black charger was led forward, decked out in royal colors. It was Sanson, one of the royal stallions my older half-brother hadraised and broken in. I used the term “broken in” loosely. Sanson was a vivacious creature.
“You are riding Sanson today?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
I bridled a little, feeling nettled.
“They had discussed letting Rilla put him through his paces,” I said. “But he seems more... frisky today than usual. I might take him in hand myself.”
