Page 61 of Sky of Thorns

Aramis’ other hand slides up, gently cupping my breast. I gasp, pressing further into his touch as he runs a thumb over my nipple through my chemise.

“I love the way you smell.” Aramis inhales deeply, continuing to trace lazy circles around my nipple with his thumb. “Lavender, vanilla, and a hint of black tea.” His other hand makes its way up my back to my scalp. Shivers run down my spine, a low moan escaping my lips as he fists a handful of hair and gently tugs my lips to him. His winds brush my ankles and up my calf, and I bite my lip in resistance to cry out once more.

“I am yours Sybil,” he whispers as a delicate slide of air caresses my inner thighs. His kisses become more intense. Deep. Dominating. Our teeth and tongues clash in an erotic dance.

“And I am yours,” I answer, knowing that it is the truth as raw energy rushes through my body. This is where I am meant to be, in his arms, in this kingdom, fighting this war. Aramis growls in approval and my body shudders in response. My lips are swollen and tender from our kisses.

“It’s about time this happened.” Nero crouches on a tree branch not far from us, bursting our little bubble. His big hands cover his eyes in a feeble attempt to pretend he is disgusted, even though his huge grin says otherwise. My cheeks blush from the embarrassment but also notice Aramis’s hand on the hilt of his sword. It must have been his instinctual reaction at our rude interruption, always ready to protect me.

“Thanks Nero, perfect timing as usual,” he says with a wicked spark in his eyes.

“Aye mate. I’d say you two should get a room but we’re scarce on that at the moment. The path ahead is clear, come find me once you two are presentable,” he continues, takes a big jump and lands on the snowy ground. As Nero disappears in the distance, casually whistling, Aramis lowers his forehead to mine, the smile on his lips is so bright it matches the stars above.

“He is going to taunt us with this for the rest of our lives,” he says snickering.

“Good, because I want to remember this moment for the rest of mine,” I vow and he kisses me once more with the reverence deserving of a goddess.

Sybil

AramisandIwalkin silence, loosely holding hands as we make our way towards Nero. My body still hums from his touch, yearning for more. I turn my head, studying his profile. His sharp angular jaw clenches every time he glances towards the sky with worry. But the corners of his eye crinkle with entertainment any time he looks my way.

“What does pomme sucrée mean?” I ask as I lace my fingers through his.

I can’t explain the draw I have to him. It’s like I have only now taken my first real breath.

“Ah.” The corners of his eyes crinkle as he smiles softly down at me. “It means sweet apple.” Aramis grips my hand tightly then releases it gently. The absence of his hand enfolding over mine makes me look up. He winks at me, and there’s a promise in that gesture. Leaning forward he whispers, his breath a tickling caress, “Because you, Sybil darling, are my new favorite dessert.”

Goddess help me.

Aramis tilts his chin up, breaking his gaze to scan the trees. The power of emotions courses through me and I am torn between leaning into the pureness of this moment, and trying to understand how this is going to change everything. There is also Kela’s death still clinging to me like a relentless shadow, casting even the happiest moments into darkness.

The snapping of tree branches precedes Nero landing in front of us in a crouch. “Took ya some time,” he says, a sneaky grin on his face. Splatters of iridescence coat his wings and body. Aramis doubles over in laughter, clapping his friend on the shoulder while helping him to stand.

“What fairy bush did you roll in?” He flicks at a gooey glob stuck to Nero’s wing.

“What did I tell ye about touching ma wings, ye insensitive arse?” Nero growls, flapping his wings and splattering Aramis.

“Hey!” Aramis’s eyes widen in shock as he glances down at his now glowing body. The tall, regal princely air is shattered and I bite back my entertainment. “That was uncalled for, you know. I carried your pack this whole way while you have been gallivanting up in the sky.” Aramis pulls a glob of iridescence from his hair and throws it at Nero. It lands with a wet splat in between his brows dripping down his cheekbones.

“Gallivanting?” Nero growls, swiping at his face, smearing the goo.

I can’t hold it in anymore. Glancing between the two of them squabbling like old housewives, covered in iridescent goo, I burst out laughing. I double over as I cackle at the sight of them. Nero grumpy with defense and Aramis trying to seek more information.

Splat!

Warm lavender goo obscures my vision. I wipe away at my face clean, revealing the twoof them, fallen to the ground, doubled over with flushed faces from their laughter. “Who did that!?” I command an answer, but they continue laughing at me, denying me. I toss my bags on the ground.

“Get up, the both of you!” I kick at their boots. At their refusal, I lean down and pack a ball tight of snow, and throw it at Aramis’ pretty face. I lean down, gather another one, and throw it at Nero. The snow around them glows faintly from their antics, but my attack has officially stopped their laughter.

“That’s it.” Aramis’ tone commands, full of steel, and sends me a calculating look.

Ooooh boy. What have I just started?

Whilst Aramis gathers his own snowy ammunition, I let instincts take over, and dash off running as far away as I can from him. The heavy, wet impact of the snowball hits my back, sending me sprawling. My face hits snow, and Aramis laughs with triumph. I lean on my forearms, sputtering snow out of my mouth, and brush my hair out of my face.

“Aye, Aramis, that was a low blow,” I hear Nero say over my muffled ears and turn around to see Aramis getting pelted by snow from waves and waves of Nero’s wings. The image is so absurd I burst into laughter as the crown Prince of Shadowvale is slowly turning into a snowman, and as my stomach cramps up from joy, I realize I am not lonely anymore.“Right.” I begin as we all recover from our little snow fight.

I step around Aramis, ready to grab my bags, but slip over a root. I land in a pile of glowing mushrooms that let out puffs of iridescent powder coating all of us. This only causes the two males to burst into more laughter as I sit up, completely drenched and resplendent in fairy powder.

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