Page 14 of The Surrender

The pressure explodes. Flames charge to life all over his skin…and mine. Body jerking violently, Drago slams his hand against the wall behind me. And I come and come.

A downpour of screams leaves my mouth as I soar from back-to-back climaxes that send my whole body into convulsions. As he shoots a hot spring of cum inside me, Drago lowers his mouth to my breasts and licks, sucks, and nips at the nipples which only prolongs my orgasms, heightening the pleasure until I’m squirting all over him.

By the time we’re done, we’re both panting, lost in the torturous beauty of each other’s eyes. But Drago is the one to take both sides of my face, kiss me gently, and say with excruciating tenderness, “I love you, Tessie.”

11

I am just as fallen as he is.

QUINTESSA

I wake in the early hours of the morning with the memories from the previous night like a dazed fog in my mind.

Feathers ruffle and flurry as I sit up and stretch my arms with a yawn. In some ways, Kyan’s bed reminds me of a large nest. It’s massive but round with an organic frame of numerous, twisted branches. Not to mention the blankets are far more downy fluff and a host of feathers. Hmm...come to think of it, I take a few moments to look around since I’ve been a little too sore and busy and dizzy among other things to notice much.

Behind the massive bird’s nest and fused into the wall, a great oak tree grows upon the wall with its branches curling all over the high ceiling. Two upper levels, broken only by the great arched windows, also boast of twisted branches for railings. Trees form bookshelves and tables and the wardrobe as if they’ve been magically commanded to grow into such ornamental and practical pieces, avoiding the necessity of blades to chop and carve their bodies. Spiraling branches construct the frames of the windows, too. I gush over everything.

At the foot of the bed, curled up in a pile of fluff and feathers, Jinx is fast asleep—his little snores sounding far more like purring. I smile but resist the urge to reach out and scratch his ears for fear of disturbing him.

The bed is empty and cold, and I wonder if Kyan bothered to ever come inside. I squeeze my shoulders and lower my head as a heaviness settles in my chest. Will Merikh tell him the truth about what happened? Would Kyan take my word over his? Does it even matter? Especially considering they all know, including Merikh, how I wouldn’t have refused even if I could have. Like I told Merikh back in the crypt, he can’t break me. Not when I’ve been broken so many times, I’ve pieced myself together with my scars and tattoos.

If they can take me as I am, I damn well will do the same for them.

And Drago...his words still blaze in my mind like beacons lighting up all the synapses, firing little echoing triggers.

I didn’t say the words back.

Cupping my head, I drag deep breaths through my nose, exhaling through my mouth. Last night, the pleasure was so blinding, and Drago’s proclamation was so unexpected, it left everyone in the room bewildered and silent.

Kyan spent most of the meal brooding as I nestled in Drago’s lap with him spoon-feeding me every bite of dinner. True to his typical aftercare, the dragon commanded his tower bath be filled with boiling water and weeping roses. At some point, I’d fallen asleep in the tub from him washing all the cum and blood from my thighs.

Why he placed me in Kyan’s bed and not his confounds me, but I imagine it’s because this is the Court of Storms and not the Court of Ash. Am I even a queen anymore? All the overwhelming thoughts scramble in my brain and leave goosebumps pebbling my skin. It’s too much to think about.

And I could use some fresh air.

So, I glance out the windows of Kyan’s balcony. Since daybreak is almost upon us, I imagine he’s left early to view the sunrise. Ignoring the fact that I’m utterly naked, I ease my way out of the feather bed, so I don’t wake Jinx, then wander toward the wardrobe in the corner of the room. Until something else catches my eye—something shimmering as it seems to float like a shining streak of black cloud.

“Oh, my...” I approach the gown where it rests upon a jutting, overhang of a tree branch. Its ends sway above my head, and I almost swoon over its beauty.

What stuns me is when I simply lift my fingers to touch those ends, and the gown slips off the branch to cascade into my arms. I gasp from how light and airy the beautiful dress is. Pinned to the bodice of closely-knit, overlapping feathers is a note.

Unpinning the note, I lift it and read with Kyan’s voice resonating in my ears, “My dearest Quinny, I hope you slept well. No, I did not come to bed, but I watched you all night long. You have no reason to forgive me for my behavior last night. If you wish, we never need speak of it again. I left early to go flying. If you wake before I return, please accept this as an offering of apology.

“Feel free to wander the castle and the grounds as much as you desire and allow any of the servants and that sagacious snoot of a steward to bask in the sight of you. The others have joined the servants to go hunting in the mountains. We will join you for a late breakfast.

And because I cannot stop him from voicing his mind at times...

Tread lightly, pretty darling soul

When breath is brief, and sun is low...

You think your scars will make you strong?

Oh, how you'll leap, but how you're wrong..."

I shake my head with a breathy laugh at Kyan’s Shadow. Before my chest can tighten from images of Qora, I leave the note on the little table of tangly tree limbs cleaving the wall. Then shake out the gown. It’s so ornate with multiple pieces, I can’t fathom how I’ll ever manage to put it on.

As if someone has overheard my thoughts, a knock sounds at the door. Careless of my state of non-dress, I scramble for the other side of the room. Gown still clutched to my front, I swing the door wide open and almost drop the item and squeal, “Eyn-Amaru!”

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