Page 73 of Prisoner of Darkness and Dreams
“Whatever you do, don’t let go,” I command. She turns to look at me, and that’s when I enter her, sliding home into her hot, tight sheath. I watch the sensation play out on her face, taking in her gasp at the sudden fullness and then the way her eyelids flutter as I hit that sweet spot deep inside her.
I thrust into her until her fingers are gripping the headboard so tightly her knuckles are white. Still, I take my time, pacing myself until I can hear the edge of her climax. It’s always so easy to tell when she’s close—I just have to listen to the climbing pitch of her voice as she begs me not to stop.
Thisis where I’m in my element.Thisis where I’m meant to be. I’m on top of the world, knowing that I can make her feel this way. Knowing I’m theonlyone who can give her what she wants as good as this. This is my purpose: to make her happy in whatever way I can.
I stroke her clit, timing the caresses to my thrusts. Suddenly, she straightens up, her whole body quivering against me as her head falls back onto my shoulder. Her cries of pleasure are almost sobs as she climaxes, and I allow myself to relax, letting bliss wash everything else away as I drive my cock home one final time, groaning as I spill into her. Her muscles are still squeezing around me, drawing every last drop as I sink down onto the mattress, pulling her with me.
We descend back to earth, and she meets my gaze as we lie together, exchanging soft kisses. The love I see there is so perfect it makes me sigh out loud.
“What’s the matter?” she asks, a smile on her lips. “Did I tire you out?”
“Never,” I say. Taking the words as a challenge, I pull her closer and work a trail of kisses across her shoulder and down to her chest.
“I gave you what you wanted, princess,” I murmur against her skin. “Now you better behave yourself and submit to this inspection.”
“I’m sorry, my prince,” she laughs, hooking her leg around my waist. “You must do what your duty demands, of course.”
Her giggles quickly turn to moans as I lower my mouth and get to work.
Chapter 24
Morgana
“Looks like Etusca and Diomi came through,” I say to Leon when a dryad arrives at breakfast the next day with the message we’ve been waiting for. Not only has the council voted to help heal me, but Diomi is already waiting for me, ready to start the process.
That means they think they can really do it.
I don’t give much thought to what the process might involve; I’m too fired up by the prospect of having my magic back. Even if I know it’s not the only thing that makes me strong, being separated from that power feels like I’m missing a part of me. I want to be whole again, and the dryads are going to make it happen.
“They must be feeling very guilty,” Alastor comments as I hurry to finish my toast. “And all it took was a big undead wolf trying to maul you.”
I give him an unimpressed glare, knowing his words will only stoke Leon’s distrust toward the council. Sure enough, he insists on coming with me, and his face is a picture of hostility when we meet Diomi.
Etusca’s brother waits for me among the greenery beyond Aquila Hall, at the top of a set of brown stone steps that lead beneath the earth. Two statues stand on either side of the flight of stairs—male and female figures. Their cloaks are made of pewter, and on their heads are circlets ofconnected stars. If the steps lead me closer to the stones, I can only guess the figures represent celestial guardians.
“What’s down there?” I ask Diomi.
“A temple,” he says. “It’s a good spot for convening with the gaidonesti.”
Diomi shifts awkwardly, his eyes flicking from me to Leon.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” he says. “But I’m afraid Prince Leonidas can’t be present during this ritual.”
“I’m not leaving her,” Leon says abruptly. “Whatever you’re going to do, I’ll be watching, making sure you don’t get her nearly killed—again.”
Both Diomi and I wince, though perhaps for different reasons.
“Excuse us for a moment,” I say to the dryad with a polite smile, leading Leon out of earshot.
“I won’t apologize for trying to keep you safe,” Leon growls before I can say anything. “Losing you would destroy me, Ana.” He stares defiantly into my eyes. “Call it self-preservation.”
Tira’s told me a little of what Leon was like while I was being held captive in Qimorna. “A man possessed” was one of the phrases she used. When I think about our roles being reversed, it’s easy to imagine how unbearable it must’ve been for him. And after yesterday’s close call, I can’t blame him for being on edge.
“I’m not asking you to apologize,” I say. “I just want you to remember what we talked about yesterday. I love that you want to protect me, but?—”
“Balance, yes, I know,” he grinds out. “I have to let you lean into your strengths too. Although I’m not sure howthiscounts toward that.”
I reach out and trace the inside of his hand with my fingers, attempting to soothe his agitation.
