Page 105 of Of Storm and Emerald
The shadows swirled and twisted around the space, creating a barrier around the room while tendrils licked across her skin, urging her play.
Auraelia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
When she opened them once more, Daemon’s breath caught in his throat. Gone were the marbled blues and grays of her irises. In their place was a green, so vibrant, he’d only seen it in the heart of an opal.
When she exhaled, a controlled gale force wind tore through the room. The curtains around the windows billowed in the onslaught and the shards of sea glass that hung from her chandelier knocked into each other, creating a delicate chime.
It whipped around them, spinning into tiny spirals that mixed and mingled with his shadows. The air filled with electricity that made the hair on his arms stand on end, as a smirk that rivaled his own crept across her face.
“Oh, this is going to be fun.” The grin on his face widened into a full-blown smile before he pressed his lips to hers in a bruising kiss.
Between the amount of magic that was expended and the multiple rounds of sex, they were spent.
They’d each found their release once more, and then collapsed onto the bed–Auraelia by the pillows, with Daemon sprawled across the end of the bed. Their legs entangled between them.
“Daemon–” Her voice was a breathy whisper as she tried to slow her breathing. “As much fun as this morning has been, I need food. And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. And food. Did I mention food?”
He chuckled and forced himself into a sitting position.
“Your wish,” Daemon bent at the waist in a mock bow, “Is my command.”
He winked, and with an overexaggerated flourish of his hand, the tray from the night before appeared on the bed beside them, surrounded by ribbons of shadow.
He removed the cloche to reveal a plate of fruits and bread and watched as her eyes zeroed in on the assortment with excitement. As if on cue, her stomach growled and a flush colored her cheeks.
“Eat, Auraelia. I have to actually go get you coffee, but this should tide you over until I return.”
He crawled across the bed and kissed her softly on her lips. “I’ll even bring back something hot.”
Her eyes widened and a smile crept across her face as the prospect of a hot meal.
My girl really loves her food.The thought made him smile, and he pressed another kiss to her lips before standing from the bed.
He dressed in his pants and shirt from the night before, then gathered his boots and jacket before shadow-walking to his chambers.
When he arrived, Aiden was lounging on the couch in his study and his mood was immediately soured. He understood that as emissary for the court, Aiden was responsible for carrying out the orders from the king and queen, but he still would have appreciated a heads up.
“What are you doing here, Aiden? I don’t have the time or the patience for your bullshit today.”
Aiden sat up but kept his gaze on his lap. “I’m sorry, D. Truly.” He looked up to meet Daemon’s gaze across the space, and guilt–as well as determination–swam in his eyes. “I was under direct orders from your mother to keep it from you. I’m not sure what game she’s playing, and I didn’t want to be a part of it, but you know I don’t have a choice.”
Daemon pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “I know and trust me I will be speaking with my mother about this whole charade. But first I need to talk to Auraelia.”
Aiden scrunched his brow in confusion. “What the fuck have you been doing all night if you haven’t been talking?”
He didn’t need to say a thing. He just tilted his head towards his friend, and with a slight shrug of his shoulders, Aiden knew exactlywhathe had been up to.
Aiden shook his head in dismay. “You really like her, huh?”
Daemon smiled. “You have no idea, my friend. No idea.”
After Aiden left, Daemon hurried into his chambers for a quick shower and a change of clothes.
He’d just pulled on his second boot when there was a knock at the door.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
He hastily walked to the door in his study and pulled it open.
