Page 52 of A Queen's Game
“I was reading and couldn’t put my book down.”
“Hmm.”
“Hmm, what?” she asked.
“Sounds like a lie.”
“Oh, my gods… No! I was reading Fulbryk’s book on the first principle of magic!” she snapped, embarrassment seizing control of her. She recoiled from him, not meaning to have told him the title. Gods, if her father knew.
Brynden blinked, the teasing smirk falling from his face. “Your father said you weren’t capable of magic,” he whispered, his tone serious.
“I’m not,” she said through her hands. “Please don’t tell him what I’m reading.”
“I wouldn’t dream of saying a word to him. I’m just,” he cocked his head, a genuine smile coming to his face, “pleasantly surprised.”
“You are?” Elyse’s eyes were wide as she gawked at him, her hands falling away.
“Of course. Your father spouts how he has this obedient daughter. As if you’re some sort of trained mutt. But here youare, studying magic behind his back,” he leaned in, his lips brushing her own. “You are anything but obedient, and I’ve never wanted to kiss you more.”
Their lips met, Brynden cupping behind her head as he stumbled to his knees. Her lips parted, kissing him back in the way she imagined every night since the ball. Brynden was breathless as he pulled away. The way he gazed at her made her believe that maybe he did want more—made her feel that he would enjoy being married to her.
Her hand found the front of his shirt, pulling him to her face as she fell backward into the daisies. He laughed into the kiss as he braced himself on top of her, obliging her hunger. His tongue met hers, and the brief bite of her lip caused heat to pool at her center. The soft strands of his hair fell between her fingers as she reached up behind his head, pulling him closer, her mouth desperate to get more of him.
Brynden pulled back, leaving Elyse breathless underneath him. The scent of citrus and juniper surrounded her as his russet eyes glowed. “Beautiful,” he whispered. “Absolutely stunning. Surrounded by these flowers, I could easily mistake you for a goddess.”
He kissed her gently, first on her lips, then following the length of her jaw. She gasped as he kissed her neck, her back arching underneath him. “Goddess,” he murmured into her skin. “I think that’ll stick.” His mouth moved along her neck, his teeth scraping against as a shudder ran through his body, Elyse responding with a moan.
“What’s this—Elyse?”
She looked over Brynden’s shoulder to see Keyain standing between the lilac bushes, confusion lacing his features. Dread pooled in her stomach. The gods must truly hate her.
“Nothing to see here,” Brynden said with a laugh, rolling off of Elyse, leaning back on one arm.
“Who are you, and why are you on top of her?” Keyain asked, stepping closer.
“Keyain, I’m fine,” Elyse said.
“If you step any closer like that, Minister Keyain, we’re going to have a problem.” Brynden’s tone shifted. Any amusement he had left as he slowly stood up, standing in front of Elyse.
She stood, sighing. “Keyain, please—”
“So you’re aware of who I am, yet you offer no name,” he said, anger sharpening his words. “I will ask you one more time. Who are you, and why were you on top of Elyse?” Keyain took another step towards them.
“Why are you so worried about Elyse when you tossed her aside for a clip?” Brynden leered, trying to place her behind him with one arm.
“Brynden,” she hissed, “stop this, both of you. This is ridiculous.” She stepped out from behind him, trying to dissolve the situation.
Keyain took his chance as soon as Elyse wasn’t in the way, charging at Brynden. Brynden waited on his toes, his movements quick as he easily sidestepped Keyain’s charge. He brought up his foot, kicking Keyain in the back, sending him flying. Keyain was all brute strength and mass, a disadvantage against the quick, lithe form of Brynden.
“Stop,” Elyse tried to call, her voice lost on the males.
Keyain circled Brynden as the two males moved closer to the edge of the clearing. “I thought Satiros’s greatest warrior would be better at this,” Brynden teased, a wicked smile on his lips that didn’t reach his eyes.
With a growl, Keyain charged once more, grappling Brynden and bringing him to the ground. Keyain swung at his head, missing and hitting the dirt as Brynden tossed Keyain to the side.
Keyain held onto the front of Brynden’s shirt as the two males went rolling down the hill towards the creek, ending with them crashing into it. Elyse chased after them, fear choking her voice.
Water splashed as they continued to fight. Brynden pinned Keyain’s arm behind his back, his mouth finding his ear. “And to think you almost married a goddess, and now you have a clipped bitch warming your bed. Oh, how far you’ve fallen.”
