Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 100363 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100363 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Luthian pulls me to his side and tweaks one of my nipples. “I see that excites you. Should I mark you down as a volunteer?”
I swat his hand away with a laugh. “I think you know the answer. But perhaps it’s something Cassan can arrange once he meets me. If he likes me.”
“He’s young and eager. He’ll likely spend the moment he enters you.” Luthian pauses. “But he won’t like that pointed out. He’s proud. No matter what he does, you must lavish him with compliments. Make him feel as if he’s the only faery who has ever adequately pleased you.”
“Even his father?” I ask.
“Especially his father.”
And yet, that point sticks with me. I can’t quite comprehend it. “Do you really think he’ll be interested in taking someone his father has already had?”
“Familial complications seem to be a mortal hang-up. It wouldn’t matter to him if his father took you on the dinner table during the Yule feast. He’d probably fuck you directly after, without cleaning off His Majesty’s seed.”
“Then I hope we’re not still here for Yule,” I say, looking ahead to where a large, colorful tent has been erected over a reflecting basin. A royal standard flutters from the center point of the tent’s roof.
“I believe we’ve found the prince,” I murmur with a sly glance to Luthian.
As we approach, I note that the tent is made up of finer fabric than even my most extravagant gowns. The wealth and indulgence of the fae is a marvel to me; I always assumed every faery court was like the Court of Seasons, where there were no walls, no finery, nothing but spirits of nature unconstrained.
This all seems very...human.
But I would never say so.
“Is that... Luthian?” a voice calls out from within the tent. “Luthian of Mithrax?”
“Your Highness,” Luthian says as a figure moves through the courtiers crowded into the tent.
The faery that bounds toward us is dripping wet. His white shirt and breeches cling to him, transparent from water. The breeches hang open, and he makes no move to cover himself as he jogs toward us. His boyish smile is in stark contrast to his wide jaw and broad shoulders, and he slicks a hand over his black curls, pushing them back from his face.
“That’s a better welcome than we got from your father,” Luthian says, reaching out as if to clasp the prince’s forearm, but pulling him into a hearty embrace, instead.
“I have no doubt,” Cassan laughs. He steps back and looks at me. “We, you say?”
“My mate.” Luthian nudges me into a curtsey. “She’s human, and this is her first time at court. Do forgive her manners.”
“Your Highness,” I say, sinking low and staying in that position, but making sure not to tip my head forward. It would obscure the prince’s view of my bare breasts, which I believe is all he’s truly seen of me, as his eyes have yet to reach my face.
“Please, get up. Get up,” the prince says, and offers his hand. “You’re the mate of one of my dearest and oldest friends. Call me Cassan.”
Dearest and oldest friend? Luthian never mentioned that the connection was so deep. It’s beginning to make sense that he would wish to see Cassan on the throne, rather than the elder brother.
Cassan manages to briefly tear his attention away from my chest to lean in close to Luthian. “The fishermen of Siren’s Call sent us mermaids. Have you ever fucked a mermaid?”
Luthian laughs. “I believe I’ve fucked everything.”
“You probably have.” Cassan frowns, obviously disappointed. He casts me a wink and says, “Your mate is legendary for his prowess.”
I wouldn’t know, I want to snap, but I can’t reveal that Luthian has all but rejected me. “I’m impressed. Especially after what I’ve seen here, in my short time.”
“She took a minotaur last night,” Luthian says, a note of pride in his voice.
Cassan’s brows lift. “That must have been a sight.”
“I wouldn’t know. I didn’t see it. He’s a friend of your father’s. They shared her last night, but I was not invited.” Luthian’s jaw clenches.
“That’s simply bad manners. You know I would ask you to watch if I ever commanded your mate to lie with a minotaur.” Cassan swears this like an oath of friendship, and I can’t stifle my giggle.
This causes the prince’s eyes to light up with merriment. I see my way in. He’s not like his father, who revels in cruelty and fear. Cassan is adventurous and fun, and I know he will respond best if I am, too.
“Your Highness,” I begin, then correct myself. “Cassan. I’ve never fucked a mermaid. Would you tell me what it’s like?”
“Wet.” He shakes droplets from his sleeves, then looks back to the tent. “Why not experience it for yourself? They’re very enthusiastic.”
I give Luthian a look as if asking permission, and he replies with a slanted smile. “If the prince commands it...”