Rising from Dust (Light from Aphelion Book 1)

by Carlsson, Martine

  “Are the preparations going well, my lords?” Louis asked, staring at the stranger.

  “We came here to talk to you about it,” Honfroi said. The man had avoided referring to him with titles. Louis did not know which of both titles the man had not dared to use. “But first, let me introduce Evrardin Delnay of the most glorious noble family of Nysa Serin.”

  “My lord.” Louis disliked him at once but saluted him with what he hoped to be a convincing smile.

  “My lord,” Evrardin answered with a honeyed voice. It was the wrong title, but at least it was something.

  “So?” Louis grew impatient.

  “It is about the preparations. We think that a coronation tomorrow may be a little…hasty,” Honfroi said.

  “I don’t think so,” Louis objected. “The people will gather on the streets as usual. I will ride to the temple, and I will be crowned. As simple as that.”

  “But it is the tradition to organize festivities during the whole day,” Honfroi puffed with stupefaction.

  “Oh, I see.” Louis did see indeed. The men would have him put the Crown in debt from the start for festivities they would enjoy. “Well, I was thinking that the glorious families and richest notables of Nysa Serin could reward their brave liberators by taking the charge of these festivities. I am sure that the men of the Rebellion would be grateful for this honorable gesture.” Louis paused to enjoy the sour look on their faces. “We crossed the city a few hours ago, and I remember smelling the most delicious perfumes of spices and fruits. Surely, it would not be too difficult to satisfy our guests with one single dinner, and the soldiers would be pleased with some salted pork and beer.” Louis held Honfroi’s look, making it clear to them that this would be the way things would be done and no other.

  “This is a brilliant idea! Don’t you think, my lords?” Pembroke exclaimed. “There is no better way to carve your names in the Rebellion’s glorious story. The Nobles who rewarded the heroes. Bards will sing of you.”

  “Indeed, indeed,” Honfroi stammered. “Everything will be ready by tomorrow.” The two rich men took their leave.

  “This was a good start,” Pembroke chuckled once they were gone. “Good you will be crowned tomorrow. At least, it was entertaining.”

  Louis thought he would have to give the nobles something in return to occupy them. An honorific function or titles. Some people craved that kind of things. He had not liked the look in Evrardin’s eyes. “Can you tell me about the ceremony?” Louis asked Pembroke.

  “You will ride to the temple. Your friends and the captains of the Rebellion, me included, can ride behind you to give a mass effect. You will enter the temple. Then, it’s the usual religious ceremony. The priest crowns you. You leave the temple and ride back to the palace where the celebrations begin.”

  “No,” Louis said.

  “What do you mean, no?” Pembroke asked, taken aback.

  “I will ride to the temple with my captains and the Rebellion army behind us. It is the soldiers’ day as well as mine. We will have the coronation outside the temple, for the whole population to see. Then, they can have a ceremony inside the temple if they wish. Oh, and I want a child of the slums to crown me, not the priest. It will be done in the sight of our Lord, but I am, above all the people’s king,” Louis told Pembroke, looking directly at him.

  “They will hate it, especially the high priest,” Pembroke uttered in disbelief.

  “And you? Will you hate it?” Louis asked. He tried not to say it in a challenging tone. He had no grudge against Pembroke.

  The features of the lord changed. “I think it will be…entertaining.” Pembroke half smiled.

  Louis smiled. He liked the man after all. “When I will be king, I would like you to be my treasurer.” Louis considered it the most crucial function. Therefore, he needed someone he could trust.

  “You honour me with your trust,” Pembroke said. “Now, if I may, I suggest you take some rest before tomorrow, and this includes removing your armour.”

  Louis realized that he had not even changed since the morning. He squirmed. “I will.”

  “The palace stands on hot springs. The king’s apartments are famous for their bathroom. You probably missed it during your first visit,” Pembroke said. “I will go back to the city and fix the preparations. We will meet tomorrow for the last details.” The lord took his leave.

  Louis strode back to the palace, through the great hall, and up the steps to the inner garden. The baths were situated on the flank of the mountain, in the aisle adjacent to his apartments. Louis understood why the bathroom was famous. There were pools of different sizes carved in the stone, and water poured out of granite figures onto the floor. There were racks for armours, tables with towels, rudimentary mirrors, and what he supposed to be a medieval version of hygienic utensils. The place was hot and slightly misty. Louis removed his armour. The damp air made his linen stuck on his body. He undressed and put a hand on the side of his throat where he had bled. The blood had clotted. He scratched the crust. He walked under one of the waterfalls. The feeling of the hot water pouring on his head was a bliss. Louis washed the disgusting marks the creature had left on his neck. He disliked he could not as easily wash away the feeling the rich men had created by their presence. He feared he would have to keep the men close to have an eye on them. If they had been the first to cross his way, it meant they were the most powerful in the capital, or worked for the most powerful. He would have to instruct his friends about all this.

  Louis walked back to the table, dried himself, and looked at his linen with disgust. Plain robes lay folded on a shelf. He put some on and went to his apartments. As he opened the door, his heart rejoiced. “I knew you would be there.”

  “I am reading about the history of the capital. It’s fascinating,” Selen said with a smile.

  He sat on the windowsill, a book in his hand. He had bathed and changed clothes. The tips of his hair were still wet, dropping silently against the stone wall in dark streaks. Louis stared at him. If he had not known him intimately, this choice of outfit would have been confusing. Selen noticed his expression.

  “Yes, I know. It seems they like robes here. It would not be my first choice either,” Selen said, embarrassed.

  Louis walked towards his friend and hugged him. “It doesn’t matter. We can adapt as long as we don’t have to wear our armours again.” He sighed, his chin on Selen’s shoulder. He could smell the honeysuckle perfume of his hair again. He had missed his love so much. “Can I have the book once you’re done with it?”

  “Of course.” Selen put the book on the side.

  Louis looked outside. The view of the south plains was breathtaking. The sun was setting in the west and bathed the fields in a pink, orange light. Louis noticed a persistent noise. The cascade flowed right under the window in a loud rumbling. “At least, no one can enter through the window,” he whispered.

  “This room is a golden cage,” Selen sighed. His friend turned his face to him, his green, doe eyes staring at him. Louis felt like gazing at the sea from a cliff. It felt like ages since the last time Selen was this close to him. He still found it hard to believe that they would see each other every day from now on—and not only see. He had not forgotten to lock the door.

  “Do you think it’s all over?” Selen asked.

  “No,” Louis whispered. “It has just begun.”

  He took Selen’s lips between his and grazed his tongue on the edge of Selen’s teeth. Selen welcomed the kiss. His mouth opened to meet him. Louis was surprised to taste almond and peach. Selen’s long fingers ran through his brown locks, tugging at his earring. Louis had noticed Selen’s fascination with his hair. The way his friend looked at him in public made him sometimes feel ill-at-ease to the point that he had to repress blushing. He would have to talk to Selen about it again. No one could know. One of his hands slipped under Selen’s robes, along his firm ankle and bare leg.

  “I don’t think robes should be worn with nothing un
der,” he said, teasing, his hand slowly moving upwards.

  “I can’t tell you how many times I wanted your firm hands under my clothes,” Selen whispered between two kisses. His words sent hot sparks through Louis’s body.

  Before Louis’s hand reached his thigh, Selen climbed down from the windowsill. Louis pressed against him, blocking Selen’s bottom against the wall’s edge. He nibbled at Selen’s earlobe and ran his tongue down his throat to his collarbone. Selen breathed faint moans. They were nearly squeaks. Selen’s hips wriggled against his. Louis stepped back and removed his clothes. Biting his lip, Selen stared at his naked body.

  Louis looked at his friend. “You really should not have put the robe on,” he said, smiling.

  Selen understood and blushed with embarrassment. He went to remove his clothes, but Louis stopped him. “No. Come.” Taking Selen’s hands in his, he led him to the bed and made him sit on the edge. Louis knelt between the open legs of his friend and kissed him tenderly. With a sigh, Selen lay down on his back.

  His hands grazing up Selen’s graceful, spread legs, Louis raised the cloth to the waist. Selen’s shivering body waited as a chalice, and Louis couldn’t wait to soothe his thirst. Louis covered both inner thighs with delicate kisses, up to the crotch. When he opened his mouth on Selen’s tender perineum, his friend uttered a deep sigh, and his body tensed. At this delicate sound, the urge in Louis’s crotch intensified, but he would not touch himself. Keeping his full lips moist, he brushed them on Selen’s most sensitive parts. He knew Selen’s hand would soon be on his head. Louis welcomed his grip. It meant Selen enjoyed the tease, and Louis could spend hours between his legs.

  “Lower,” Selen mewed between two gasps.

  Louis complied. The tip of Selen’s fingers ran through his hair. Louis put two of his fingers in his mouth and used them to fondle his friend, pushing them inside the tight entrance one knuckle after the other. While his fingers slid in, his lips ran up through Selen’s fair curls, and onto Selen’s shaft. His tongue trailed on it, licked the beads on the slit before he swallowed Selen deep. He was pleased to find the familiar taste of honey blend with salt again. His attentions were rewarded with intense purrs. Louis forced himself to stop and rose.

  While Selen took his robes over his head, Louis climbed on the bed and knelt between his friend’s long legs. Selen’s lilac hair fell wildly over the side of his body. Though not larger than his, Selen’s chest was fit, the mark of long, intensive years of training. Biting on his lip, Louis savored the sight. He lowered his head. With his hungry mouth, he sucked at Selen’s nipples, pulling until the tips hardened. Selen moaned. His friend grabbed his neck to kiss him. Louis embraced him.

  “I love you,” Louis whispered, desperate with love and burning with desire.

  “Me too,” Selen cooed. “Take me,” he whispered, folding his soft fingers around Louis’s erection.

  Selen gave a light pull that made Louis gasp. Louis looked down. Selen’s forehead, still resting against his, followed his move. He removed Selen’s hand from his aching member and entered his friend slowly, relishing the tight and warm feeling. Selen arched back with a scream of pleasure. Louis grabbed his friend’s legs and raised them onto his shoulders, holding the muscular thighs firmly in his hands. He knew he would not last. It had been too long since Millhaven. His heart was already pulsing fast, and he was horny. He looked down and observed how his length disappeared in long strokes into Selen up to his hair. Raising his gaze, he stared at Selen’s stretched, swollen member, so inviting. His body craved it more than ever. Louis realized he should not have thought that. He closed his eyes shut. His climax overwhelmed him, unexpected and intense. Louis released himself inside Selen with a scream.

  “Please, touch me,” Selen begged him.

  Panting, Louis lay down on top of his friend and kissed him lovingly. “I want to be one with you,” he whispered. “I want us to be as equals. I need you.” He had dared to say the words and hoped Selen would agree.

  It took time for Selen to understand. His eyes grew wider. “No. I can’t do that,” Selen whispered, confused. “You are… I can’t top. I don’t want to.”

  Louis refused to force his love. He regretted his words, and his frustration was tainted with the shame to have revealed such an intimate urge. He saw Selen smile.

  “Wait,” Selen said, placing his hands on Louis’s waist. His friend swiveled him until Louis lay with his back on Selen.

  For what seemed an eternity, Selen caressed his chest and prepared Louis’s willing body with his delicate fingers. It was not the first time Selen had fondled him deeply but never with such dexterity. It sent shivers down his spine. Louis heard Selen inhale the scent of his hair.

  “I have never…” his friend breathed with his fetching candor.

  “Yes, I know,” Louis whispered, “but I have.” Only it was in his previous life, so ages ago. Yet, he would give a hint of his stress. His mind wanted it, and so did his flesh. He wanted to be held, to be taken, to feel he was loved. As Selen positioned his member, Louis gasped with expectation. His breathing was short, and his heart hastened.

  “You need to relax,” Selen whispered.

  Selen grabbed Louis’s neck with his mouth and sucked it while gradually lifting his hips. The sudden heat on Louis’s neck loosened the tension in his lower parts. Still, it was painful. Louis’s fists twisted the sheets. He bit his lip. I’m his first time.

  Once entirely inside, Selen held him fast, breathing hard. Louis understood and lay still until his friend had calmed down. His own body relaxed as well, and pain disappeared. He stretched his arms behind his head to reach Selen’s neck and hair. He felt Selen’s mouth grab his fingers and suck at them, swirling his tongue on the sensitive skin. Louis gasped. His friend was naturally skilled. Gently, Louis rocked his hips. It felt incredibly good, filling him and tearing him apart in pleasure. He noticed he was getting hard again. Selen’s fingers pinched at one of his nipples, while the other hand clenched the inside of his thigh, holding him as Selen buried himself inside with long, slow moves. Louis did not hold back his moans. The voluptuous delight on each part of his body awoke all his senses. “I’m yours,” he breathed. “As I made you mine.”

  The embrace around him tightened. The worship they felt for each other reached its peak in a complete abandon of their bodies. They merged like one mind, one flesh. And Selen was his perfect warrior. When Louis remembered what he had heard about Selen’s battle by the dam, he grasped Selen’s hand and carried it from his chest to his mouth to suck avidly at Selen’s fingers. In response, Selen’s hips increased their pace upwards. Louis could barely feel his mind. Greedy, he thrust his bottom down. Selen’s teeth bit on his fingers as Selen came, long and deep. Once Selen’s body stopped shaking, Louis moved to the side to stare at his friend. Selen’s eyes sparkled with amazement.

  “Wow, that was…” Selen whispered, panting, “…great.”

  “And it was only the first time of many. Turn around,” Louis whispered in his friend’s ear. Selen’s big, emerald eyes looked over at him. Selen grinned.

  “Did I cause that?” Selen teased, gazing at his loins. “It shouldn’t be wasted.” Selen was exhausted but still eager. After weeks of repressed desire and intense emotions, his friend was crawling the walls.

  Selen kissed him and placed himself on hands and knees, his hips up. He turned his head to look at him. Selen’s smiling mouth was slightly open, and locks of hair stuck on the side of his face. He could not be more inviting. Louis placed himself behind Selen and cupped one firm cheek with his hand. His friend’s thighs were sticky. As it was the second time, Louis knew he would not hurt his love. Considering the sudden rapture on Selen’s features when he plunged his hips forward, he did not. His hands stretched on Selen’s back and took hold of his arms. Selen pushed his hips backwards. Louis wanted more than to satisfy him, he wanted to blow out the last sparkles of his friend’s mind. He rode Selen long and ardently, his hips high to press on th
e sensitive spot. Louis pulled on Selen’s arms to reach Selen’s mouth with his, partially covering their frantic moans.

  “Come, my love,” he breathed.

  Selen’s screams of ecstasy, tinging like fragile crystal drops, were music to his ears. Selen’s body contracted, closing around Louis like an iron grip. Louis threw his head backwards and cried out. His mind exploded as he climaxed again.

  They collapsed on the bed, panting, their warm skin covered with small beads of sweat. Louis held his love tight against him. Their arms entwined. The urge was gone, only their unbridled affection lingered. Their faces rubbed against each other. They smiled and chuckled.

  “Until we die?” Selen whispered.

  “Until we die,” Louis breathed. His heart burned. And I swear to make you smile, he thought.

  Listening to his friend’s breathing, Louis rested until Selen fell asleep in his arms. Bathed in the moonlight, Selen looked even more innocent and pristine. Never had Louis wanted to be king, but now that he had accepted, he would do all in his power to build a world where the guiltless like his love would be happy and protected.

  Silently, he got up and walked to the desk. Inside, he found some paper, ink, and a quill. Louis went back to the bed. He searched for a dry spot to sit on but gave up. They would probably need to burn the sheet anyway. He lit a candle. His left hand coiled in a lock of Selen’s long hair as he wrote.

  CHAPTER 60

  The first time they had crossed the capital, it had been empty and silent, like a ghost city. Today, Lissandro had the impression that all the people of Nysa Serin and around had gathered on the streets. Everyone wanted to see their liberators, and above all, their new king. Flags and banners of different colors, representing Trevalden, the city, or its areas, hung from the terraces and windows. Roses and daisies had been twined with ribbons on poles and columns. Men in working aprons saluted them. Lissandro saw butchers, tanners, clog-makers, smiths; all had left their activities to see them. Women carrying their children high in their arms wore crowns of flowers. From balconies, maidens tossed petals as their horses walked up the street. The jubilation of the commoners warmed his heart. Lissandro wondered how it must feel for Louis to see all these joyful, gleaming faces cheer him. His friend had insisted that it was the Rebellion’s victory day, but as it was also his coronation, he had been forced to ride at the front.