Page 20 of Queen Takes More
“Oh, nothing, really. He just said we had business to discuss to distract her.”
“And maybe he wanted to give you some time away?”
She smiled fondly. “Yes, probably. We’ve all been on edge. Xochitl has felt so constrained and trapped lately. It’s a relief for all of us that you were successful.”
“Do you want to go up to the house? I’m sure Winston has a pot of tea or coffee on.”
“Where were you going before Xochitl interrupted?”
“I was going down to the heart tree.”
“You could show her your grotto,” Rik suggested. “It was inspired by hers.”
Mayte’s eyes lit up. “I was too busy chasing after Xochitl to notice. You have a grotto too?”
“Yes, it’s magical. Literally. I came home from your nest and it was here. Is Keras really her Blood?”
Mayte looped her arm with mine as we walked back the way she’d come to the grove. “Yes, they’ve completed the initial blood exchange. Obviously, nothing more until they’re older, but she’s able to help him control when he shifts. He’s only eight years old and on his own, until Xochitl found him.”
My heart ached so badly that I didn’t try to speak for a few moments. My dragon had been exiled even younger. A child, alone in the world, without even an orphanage or foster home to take him in. For kings who could shift at will, there were few places of safety, especially when their own families were afraid to keep them. “I’m glad you were able to help him.”
“Me too. He’s been such a joy to have around, and not just because he helps entertain Xochitl. Though they’re definitely becoming fast friends.”
The path became more rocky as we neared the heart tree, and the snow melted away beneath the warmer ground. Steam curled in the air above the hot spring bubbling up from the roots of the tree. Rose-laden limbs hung around the sides and red petals floated on the water, providing gentle perfume even in winter.
“Oh, Shara,” she breathed out. “This is gorgeous.”
“Do you have time for a soak?”
She flashed a sultry smile at me as her fingers moved to the zipper of her dress. “With you? Always.”
“Wait.” I stepped closer and captured her hands. “Xochitl said I should have presents to unwrap.”
Mayte laughed softly and turned around, peeking at me over her shoulder. “So I’m your extremely late Christmas present? That’s the nicest compliment anyone has ever given me. But who’s going to unwrap you, my queen?”
My lips quirked. “Would you like to meet my newest Blood?”
As soon as I mentioned her, my phoenix dropped down beside us in a fiery streak, shifting back to her human form as she landed on the rocky edge. Her long red hair cascaded around her like a burning curtain of silk, her black skin glistening with her internal flames.
“Mayte Zaniyah, this is my Blood, Vivian Heliopolis.”
Vivian inclined her head, but there was nothing soft about her. Her lean, hard body was all sharp angles and steely muscles.
“Wow.” Mayte’s eyes widened. “We met briefly in your dream, my queen.”
I listened to her bond, and almost changed my mind. Her heart… quavered. Like she was afraid. I never wanted anyone to be afraid of joining me, even in a sexual feeding frenzy. I’d only thought Vivian could provide some extra guidance since Mayte and I were both relatively new to pleasuring women, but if it made her uncomfortable… “Would you mind if she joins us?”
She started, her gaze flickering to mine guiltily. “Not at all. She’s just very… formidable.”
Vivian let out a dark, silky chuckle that made goosebumps race down my arms. “That’s the nicest compliment anyone has ever given me, too. Perhaps I should focus all my attention on you, my queen, and leave your sweet sibling alone.”
I finished unzipping Mayte’s dress and she turned around to face us, her arms holding up the bodice of her gown. She looked up at me shyly through her long, brown hair, her eyes soft and luminous. “There’s a side to me that you haven’t seen yet, Shara. It’s… embarrassing. I don’t want you to think less of me.”
I cupped her cheeks in both hands and pressed my forehead to hers. “What on earth would give you that idea? I love what we have, Mayte. I love you. You’re like a sister that I always wished for, but even better, because we can give each other pleasure too. But if you’re scared…”
“I’m not scared.” Despite her words, her voice quivered, making my eyes narrow with concern. “Not exactly.” She blew out a sigh, her gaze locking on my lips. “Do you remember the presentation dinner? And the way that Daire looked at you?”
That night, Daire had been his normal flirtatious self, though he’d gone one step further and invited punishment. He’d wanted to be taken well in hand. In fact, Mehen had done exactly that after we retired to my room. He’d manhandled Daire with an impressive wrestling match, ending with him forcing Daire into submission.
