Page 74 of Nightmare's Dance

“Thanks, Ash.” I wrapped my cousin in a big hug, then glanced at my knight. He nodded, so we headed for the house.

“Do you really want to keep performing with me?”

“Yes, Ember, of course I do.” He took my hand.

“But, really. I mean, what else would you rather be doing?”

Geraint stopped me and made me face him. “Spark, I want nothing more than to be at your side. Whatever the reason, this is what I want. I may not have chosen to be created to guard you, nor did I choose my initial path on this world, but I’ve never regretted it. I did choose to allow you into my heart and into my bed, even knowing it could cost me my life. I just couldn’t watch you with anyone else. I chose us, Ember. I love you. For real. I wasn’t created to love you. I was only created to keep you safe. Everything else was my decision.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, Spark. I’m sure. I’m also sure we both stink. Let’s go shower. It’s close to dinnertime.” He put his arm around me, and we went inside.

I thought I heard tapping when we went through the den, but I must have been imagining things because I didn’t see anything when I looked around. Maybe it was from the kitchen?

“I guess I can see why you didn’t want to get married,” I said once we were in our room. I shed my clothing and my knight did the same. He was right. We smelled like we’d been in the gym for hours.

“Yeah, you’re essentially already married.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” I muttered. “What are we going to do about that?”

“Nothing to be done until Nic shows up with the other princes.”

I nodded.

“You don’t like the idea of giving them up, do you?”

“What else can I do?”

Geraint pulled me back against his chest, and I rested my cheek on his shoulder.

“There are lots of options, Ember.”

“They all involve either giving you up, or giving Nic up. Baz and Dio were great friends, but I haven’t seen them in years. I don’t even know if I still like them.”

He squeezed me. “I think you probably will.”

“But…three husbands? And where does that leave you?”

Geraint took a deep breath. “I don’t know. What do you want? Ideal scenario?”

“I’ve always been a fan of having cake and getting to eat it, but I don’t see how that’s fair to anyone. We just have to find someone to take my place. Maybe Ash will do it.”

“I was under the impression that Ash didn’t prefer men.”

“Right, but I bet she’d make a fantastic princess. She’s a lawyer, smart, loves taking care of people, she’s perfect. Except for the not-liking-guys thing. There’s probably a way around that. Besides, she’s got a future wifey. Maybe they can both be princesses.”

“What if you could have all four of us?”

“That’s a lot of cocks.” I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind.

Geraint laughed and turned on the shower. “I imagine there are worse things.”

“Yeah, like not enough cocks,” I replied. “Are you serious?”

He shrugged. “Something to consider. I know you like Nic. He likes you. I’m not willing to give you up, but Nic, at least, might consider the idea.”

“I think Robby said something along those same lines to Nic. I didn’t hear what his reply was.”

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