Page 86 of Glass and Bone
“You okay, Ela?” I nod and smile at him. He brings his free hand over to grasp my chin, pulling my face up towards his. His lips find mine, immediately forcing them to part as he maneuvers so that he’s leaning over me. I wrap my legs around his waist just as he angles his hips towards mine. I inhale sharply as he quickly fills me, stretches me. My fingers tangle in his hair as he starts to move, meeting my hips thrust for thrust.
He’s quicker this time, experienced. The delicious heat spreads to my core as his pelvis rubs against my clit, creating enough friction to make me squirm. He knows what I like and what helps me finish and so, within minutes, we are both sweating and panting. He stays leaning over me, still inside me to try to ensure our chances of conception are optimal. His arms rest right next to the side of my head, caging me in. And I map his face with my eyes, picking up on every subtle mark, every pore and freckle.
He’s letting his facial hair grow a little, so the golden strands are short and pokey. I run my fingers along his jaw, and he bends down to nip at my fingertips.
“If we haven’t conceived a child by now, I’m going to start thinking you’re incapable.” He mutters, leaning down to press his lips back to mine. I playfully slap him, and he pulls back. His hair has gotten longer too, as it now flops right in front of his eyes. I brush the golden copper strands away from his face as he slides out of me. “Come on, out of bed.” I groan as he throws off the blanket, revealing me to the icy air.
It looks like it’s going to snow today, which is strange considering it was just the end of summer a couple weeks ago. I wrap a fur blanket around me as I pad over to the dressing room. I have taken a liking to riding leathers and jackets as opposed to dresses the last few weeks, which no one has complained about, not that they should. I also haven’t worn my crown since the ball, so it stays tucked away in a chest for safe keeping.
I slip into the tight leather pants and camisole, but I opt for a warmer fur lined jacket today. I’ve been walking Sybil nearly every day and riding her when I can. She’s my safe space, my escape. Laris or Tano, whoever is stalking me that day, usually sits by the stables and watches me ride in the fields, letting me be alone. It’s nice and quiet and one of the only times some noble isn’t trying to garner my attention.
When I make it to the stables today, I notice Bijoy is looking lonely. I slip his reins on and walk him out to the pasture, his silvery fur glinting in the sunlight. Sybil whinnies behind me and I glance over my shoulder and laugh.
“Don’t be impatient, I’m coming back.” I reassure her as I take Bijoy through the gates and let him loose. He turns and waits as I go back for Sybil. Once they are both locked behind the gate, they take off to the other end of the field. I rest my arms on the wooden posts and watch them. The wind is picking up and I pull my jacket tighter around me. My braid whips in front of me and I struggle to restrain it. I glance behind me where Tano is sitting, looking bored. His eyes are frozen, unseeing, as he looks out into the woods.
“Do you ever get tired of following me around?” I ask as I turn back to the horses.
“It is an honor, Your Grace.” He replies. I scoff.
“Be honest, Tano. You don’t have to lie to me.” He chuckles as I turn around to face him, his arm laying casually on the back of the bench.
“Honestly?” I nod and he smiles. “I don’t think you need a someone to watch over you. While it is my job to ensure your safety, I don’t think you have anything to fear here on the grounds and you won’t start feeling safe if you don’t trust your home. Ifwedon’t act like we believe you are safe,you’llnever believe it.” He leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees.
While it’s comforting that he feels I am more than safe here, I don’t feel like I am. Nothing has happened since Jeremiah, but with the rising war in Rakushia, there is a bounty on my head. What’s going to stop another from finishing what he started? What’s going to stop someone sneaking in and killing me in the middle of the night? They wouldn't even need to sneak into the palace. I spend nearly all day right here outside the walls. Someone would just have to wait and watch. I feel a little safer since Tobias gave me my dagger back. I keep it tucked into a sheath on my thigh, ready for if I need it. However, I still haven’t received proper training. I thought about asking Theo, but Tobias wouldn’t like that.
“I appreciate your candor, Tano.” He nods and I turn back around to watch the horses. They are both drinking out of one of the troughs, looking more like friends than before. Before she left, Scarlett joked that she wished they would have babies so we could have little foals to play with. I wish that too. “Is there any word on Scarlett's return?” I ask with my back to him.
“No, Your Grace. We have not received confirmation that she is on the way.” I stay quiet. I know there is a small army of men with her, but the road from Chatis to Noterra is where I was attacked. It’s not safe and I’ll feel much better when she returns to the palace.
“Your Grace?” I turn as Donovan appears, bowing deeply at the waist.
“Hello, Donny.” He blushes at my pet name and walks over to where I am standing.
“If we could, can I speak to you alone for a moment?” I nod and look over at Tano who stands and disappears around the edge of the stables with a curt nod.
“What is it?”
“I overheard something. I don’t want to cause any problems, but I thought you’d want to know.” I nod, urging him on. “A small group of our armed soldiers have been sent to Chatis, instructed to not let anyone in or out.” My eyes widen and I drop my arms from where they were resting on the posts.
“What?”
“I heard Lord Cyrus talking to the Hand. They said they were warned that your father had plans to cross into Noterra and try to take you back.” His voice is quiet, hesitant.
“That can’t be true. Why would he even want me back? I’m no longer a citizen of Chatis.”
“It is only what I heard, Your Grace.” I stomp away from him, and I can tell he’s struggling to keep pace with me. “Where are we going?”
“I’m going to ask Tobias. Have him explain.” My voice is short, strained as I quickly make my way to the palace gate.The horses. Tano is close behind, so when I stop, he nearly runs into me. “Donovan, can you have the stable hands put the horses back in their stalls?”
“Of course.” He bows and hurries off as I pass through the stone gate. I quickly make my way back into the palace, my riding boots clicking against the marble. I find Tobias alone in the council chamber pouring over maps and documents. Tano walks in with me, but I hold my hand up. He steps out and closes the door behind him. Tobias looks up at me, a smile spreading as he steps around the table and reaches for my waist.
“This is a surprise.” He leans down and kisses my cheek and I fight the urge to melt against him.
“We need to talk.” His lips trail from my cheek to my jaw.
“We can talk later.” I lightly lift my chin, exposing my neck and his nose gently runs across. I shudder against him, closing my eyes. I take a deep breath as his teeth find my shoulder and push him away.
“No, now.” He drops his hands and turns back to the chair he vacated.
