by Jasmine Walt
After they’d spoken the words, a strange humming filled Tariel’s veins, similar to when she had a magical outburst. But this was gentler, as if her magic was merely settling in her blood rather than trying to force its way out of her. Tariel smiled at the others as they looked down at their glowing hands with awe, and then back up at her.
“I believe you know what to do next,” Zolotais said, inclining her head. “I will leave you to it.”
The desert spirit disappeared, leaving the three of them alone. Tariel had expected there to be a moment of awkwardness, but the magic had reawakened her desire, and that same need was reflected in the eyes of her men. Riann began to stroke his thumb along the inside of her wrist, sending delicious sensations up her arm, while Calrain lifted her other hand and pressed kisses into her skin.
Emboldened, she pulled them both toward the bed, discarding her blanket along the way. Both men sucked in a sharp breath as she lay down atop the bedspread, and a delicious little shiver went through her at their reaction. Reclining against the pillows, she reached for Riann first, pulling his mouth to hers so she could kiss him.
Their lips met in a passionate clash, and Tariel moaned at the taste of him. It was just as she remembered, bold with just a hint of crispness from the mint leaves he liked to chew. She had not thought she would kiss him again, and it was even better than last time as he swept his tongue inside her mouth and stroked it against her own.
As she kissed Riann, another pair of hands skimmed over her body. Calrain’s slender hands curved over her breasts, and she gasped as they brushed against her sensitive nipples. He paused, then did it again, sending another wave of sensation through her.
“More,” she demanded around Riann’s mouth. She grabbed Calrain’s hand and pressed it more firmly against her breasts, in case he hadn’t heard her. He got the message and massaged her more eagerly. Her core began to throb, and she reached between her legs, feeling a wetness there.
Riann moved her hand aside, then pushed her night gown up over her hips, exposing her legs to the cool air. Tariel gasped as he slid his fingers through her folds, sending more jolts of sensation through her. She’d never had anyone touch her there before, but his fingers felt good, and she rubbed against him.
Calrain’s lips skimmed her shoulder, and she turned her head to kiss him. He tasted sweeter than Riann, mellower, and he took his time, as if he were savoring her. Wanting more, she found the hem of his tunic, then silently tugged his top over his head.
“You’re beautiful,” she murmured, running a hand down his chest. Calrain blushed, but he didn’t pull away, allowing her to explore his body. He was lean and strong, with pale skin that seemed to flow like silk over his muscles. Her hands dipped lower, sliding over the V of his hips, and pressed against the prominent bulge in his pants. A jolt of excitement went through her, and Calrain moaned.
“He isn’t the only one with one of those,” Riann said, pressing against her from behind. Her core tightened as his bulge pushed insistently against her bottom. His fingers were still between her legs, and she arched her hips into his hand as hers dipped beneath Calrain’s waistband. She wrapped her fingers around his member, and he groaned deep in his throat, his eyes fluttering closed. The sight gave her a rush, and a burst of pleasure exploded within her, leaving her breathless and stunned.
“Gods,” she gasped as the sensation faded. “Was that…?”
“Your climax?” Riann said, nibbling her ear. “I take it that was your first one?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice breathless. She turned her head to look into his eyes, deep blue pools of desire that made her ache for more. “Is it always like this?”
“It will feel even better when I’m inside you.”
The dark promise in his voice sent shivers over her. “Take off your clothes,” she commanded. “Both of you.”
They did as she asked, stripping naked. She did the same, and let them devour her as she studied them both in the candlelight. The flickering light played off the planes and dips of Riann’s muscles. He was beautifully sculpted, with corded arms and legs, a broad chest, and a rippling abdomen. His manhood jutted proudly into the air, and her eyes widened as she got a good look at it. It was long and thick, and she felt a twinge of fear, wondering if such a thing could truly fit inside her.
She turned to look at Calrain’s next, expecting something of a more manageable size. But her mouth dropped open. “You…you’re…”
“Bigger than me?” Riann exclaimed, sounding incredulous. His gaze was wide as he looked down at Calrain, though only for a second. She supposed it was bad manners for men to stare at each other in such a way. “I never would have guessed it,” he added, and Tariel caught the briefest glimpse of jealousy in his eyes.
“Er, I didn’t really think I was abnormal,” Calrain said, scratching the back of his head. He seemed embarrassed, but also pleased, and Tariel had to hold back a laugh.
“Come here,” she said, beckoning him forward. She rose onto her hands and knees so that she was eye-level with his hips, and took his member into her hand again. Calrain sucked in a breath as she took her time exploring it, gliding her fingers up and down the length, then squeezing gently. She loved the way he felt in her hand, soft and velvety, yet hard as iron.
“I…I don’t know if I can last if you keep doing that,” he managed in a strangled voice.
She laughed softly, then let go of him and reached for Riann next. While his was not as long as Calrain’s, he was a bit thicker and heavier in her hand. He seemed to enjoy her attentions just as much, and he placed his hand atop hers and showed her how to stroke him until he was panting.
“Can…can you touch me again?” she asked. “Like you did before.”
He grinned. “I thought you would never ask.”
He slid his hand between her legs, and Tariel’s hips arched instinctively toward him. It took him a minute, but eventually his fingers found that sweet spot he’d been touching earlier. She moaned aloud as he stroked her, building the heat inside her until her blood turned molten and her skin was on fire. And when Calrain joined in, licking and sucking at her breasts, she was certain she was about to combust.
“Please,” she gasped, writhing between them. She wrapped her fingers around Riann’s manhood. “I need you.”
“Are you sure you’re ready?” Riann asked, even as he nudged at her entrance. The sensation sent another wave of heat through her. “I’ve heard it can hurt the first time.”
“Yes,” she said, and pushed her hips forward. The tip slid inside her, and she gasped at the foreign sensation. Her inner walls stretched to accommodate him, and the ache lessened for just a moment before doubling in intensity. “More,” she demanded.
He surged into her then, and she cried out as her hymen gave. The pain was shocking, but there was pleasure too as he filled her, satisfying that delicious ache for just a moment. He stilled inside her, letting her adjust, and slowly, she relaxed, the pain fading away like the final dregs of a bad dream.
Sliding her fingers through his hair, she brought Riann’s head down to hers and kissed him. He slid his tongue inside her mouth, stroking gently as he thrust inside her. He took it slow, giving her body time to familiarize herself with this new dance, but she caught up soon enough, her hips surging to meet his. Pleasure rippled through her, heightening with each motion, urging them both faster, hurtling back to that precipice again.
Suddenly, Riann groaned, burying his face in the crook of her shoulder. For a moment, she thought something was wrong, but then his seed spilled into her, and she knew he had found his release. He pushed himself even deeper inside than before, and her vision blurred as the climax hit, a wave of intense pleasure rolling over her.
That was when she felt it. An invisible bond snapping between them, tethering their souls. She sensed his emotions—pleasure, satisfaction, and the last, shock, told her that he’d felt the bond too.
He lifted his head to look down at her, his eyes
wide. “I can feel…”
“My emotions.” She smiled, pushing a lock of hair back from his damp face. A swell of energy filled her, and she felt invigorated, powerful. “I think I could sense where you are if you left the room, too.”
Riann laughed, shaking his head. He rolled off her, and they both looked at Calrain, who was staring at them. “Come on,” Riann said, beckoning him forward. “You’ll feel like you can lift a horse and carry it all the way to the capital when you’re finished.”
Calrain moved toward her, his silver gaze burning with intensity. He was still hard, and as Tariel was still warmed up from her bout with Riann, she opened her arms, intending to take him directly inside her.
But Calrain did not enter her immediately. Instead, he took his time, kissing and stroking her, using his mouth and hands to explore her curves. Little shivers of pleasure raced across her body as he found sensitive spots she didn’t know she had—her earlobe, the crook of her neck, the inside of her thigh. His warm breath ghosted over her wet folds as he kissed her very close to that spot.
“I have dreamed of touching you like this for so long,” he said, lifting his head to look at her. He pinned her with a look that took her breath away, and the sight of him kneeling between her legs made her ache even more fiercely for him. Sitting up, she curled her hands around his hips and pulled him to her until his manhood nudged at her entrance.
Calrain hissed as he sank into her, his eyes sliding half shut with pleasure. He braced his hands on either side of Tariel as he buried himself inside her, and she gasped as he slid in even deeper than Riann had. She tightened her grip on his hips, but there was no need to encourage him—he was already thrusting inside her, the bed rocking beneath him as he sent shockwaves of pleasure through her.
“Faster,” she gasped, clinging to him. He was not as heavy as Riann, so she was able to move more freely beneath him, urging him on with her body. His cheeks were flushed, his silver gaze hot. She had never seen him so wild, and his passion made her burn even hotter. Reaching up, she gripped his hair hard and pulled his mouth down to hers. He kissed her fiercely, his tongue tangling with hers, and in that moment, as she lost herself in the taste and scent and feel of him, there was no one else but them.
This time, when the climax hit Tariel, it was even more intense than the last. Calrain came at the same time. As the bond between them snapped into place, power surged through her body, as if a floodgate opened, and she gasped as every nerve ending in her body awakened. Her senses heightened, boundless energy flowing through her veins, and she felt more alive than ever…
“By the gods,” Calrain exclaimed, pulling back a little so he could look down at her. “You’re glowing!”
Tariel looked down at herself to see that, indeed, she was enveloped in the same purple light she’d grown to associate with her magic. But this light was somehow purer, and more powerful. Sitting up, she ran her hands down her naked body, marveling. Her skin was smoother, the few blemishes she’d had were wiped away, and she even felt physically stronger.
“How do the two of you feel?” she asked, looking at her men.
“Like I could lift a horse,” Calrain said, grinning at Riann. “I thought you were exaggerating, but you were right. I feel so much stronger!”
“I think making love to me makes you more resilient,” Tariel said. “Zolotais told me that a mage’s lovers enjoy longer lives, faster healing, and almost never grow ill.”
Their eyes widened. “That is quite a boon,” Riann said, sliding a hand through his hair. He looked at her in wonder. “Just being with you and going on grand adventures would have been enough, but this…”
“Is more than we could have hoped for,” Calrain finished. He took her hand and kissed it. “Thank you, Tariel.”
“No, thank you,” she said, squeezing his hand. She lifted her other hand, and with a little bit of focus, conjured a glowing ball of light. “I cannot wait to see what I can do now that I have access to all my magic.”
The three of them burrowed beneath the blankets together, the heat of their activities fading away, and discussed what to do next. They agreed that since Tariel’s wedding was set for the day after next, they would flee tomorrow night, after everyone in the castle went to bed.
“We’ll use tomorrow to get our affairs in order and gather supplies,” Riann said. “I must also visit my sister and give her the gold. Since this is to be goodbye, I must go to see her in person.”
“How will we escape?” Calrain asked. “You have a horse, but she is in no condition for hard running. Are we going to steal from the stables?”
“Yes,” Tariel confirmed. Her stomach twisted at the idea, especially since horse theft was a capital crime, but they had no choice. “I can disguise us as guards.” She waved a hand, bringing up the image of one of the guards in her mind’s eye, and suddenly Calrain was a muscular, armored man with dark brown hair and a thick beard. He yelped, looking down at himself, and Tariel laughed, dispelling the illusion as quickly as she’d brought it.
“That was incredible,” Riann said. “Can you do me?”
Tariel grinned, then waved her hand again. Riann cried out as he suddenly transformed into a voluptuous, naked woman, but his protests quickly faded to fascination. “These are quite nice,” he said, squeezing his new breasts. His voice even sounded different, a feminine purr quite different from his deep timbre.
Calrain snickered, and Tariel rolled her eyes, dispelling the illusion. “This is actually much easier than it was before,” she said. “I believe I can hold these illusions for some time now. So long as we act the part, we should have no trouble.”
“Even so, we might run into trouble if we impersonate our own guards and run into them,” Calrain said. “And the horses here will be missed quickly, no matter how clever we are. What if we took them from Lord Sowell’s stables first? Since he is so big and fat, he likely has some very strong beasts there.”
“True, and there will be fewer guards to contend with,” Riann said. “We will have to walk there, however, and that will take us about an hour.”
They spent a few more minutes working out the details, then reluctantly took their leave, promising to meet here again tomorrow night. Tariel kissed them both goodbye, then slipped back into her room, where she would spend a final night. She left the abacus upstairs, to retrieve tomorrow—she had already packed for the trip, and had hidden her small pack upstairs in case anyone came into her room to look around.
As she lay in her bed, her body still humming with energy, she stared at the ceiling and thought about what they had done. She should feel guilty about making love with two men at once—after all, she was a fallen woman now! But all she could feel was a sweeping satisfaction that Lord Sowell would not be able to claim her virginity, even if she did marry him.
The door banged open just as she was falling asleep, and she bolted upright in bed as Caralina, one of the ladies assigned to watch over her, stormed in.
“What is the meaning of this?” Tariel cried.
The woman grasped her arm, her nails digging in hard enough to hurt. “Where were you?” she demanded. “I came in to check on you, and you weren’t in your bed! I was nearly ready to sound the alarm.”
Tariel’s pulse hammered with fear. “I went to the privy,” she said, yanking her arm from the woman’s painful grip. “I have been feeling unwell. My upcoming nuptials have my stomach in quite a state.” She pressed a hand against her abdomen, feigning nausea.
Caralina narrowed her eyes. “I suppose it’s possible I could have missed you on your way back,” she said. “Even so, I’m not entirely sure I believe you. I’ll be assigning a maid to keep an eye on you.”
Tariel’s heart sank as the woman left the room, then returned shortly with a maid in tow—and not one of the ones she was friendly with, either. The woman brought in a bedroll and laid it on the floor directly in front of the door, ensuring Tariel could not pass by without waking her.
Blast it,
she thought, settling back down under the covers. Her blood thrummed with anger, and her magic rose to answer the call. Bracing herself for a headache, she reined it in. But the magic quietly disappeared, and there was no pain.
At least there’s that, she thought as she looked at the ceiling again. She wished she could climb back up to the upper floors to practice her magic, but she could not risk revealing the hidden passage to the maid. Hopefully she could find time to practice tomorrow before they left. Otherwise, she would be forced to do everything off the cuff. She closed her eyes and sent up a prayer to whoever might be listening to watch over them. She would need all the help she could get if they were to survive their escape.
14
The next morning, Riann set off to Marston with Namacca, the purse hidden carefully away in his traveling pack and his sword at his side. He’d told his superior that his brother was ill and had sent for him, and he had been given the day off to attend to his affairs.
He was excited to see Manara, whom he had not visited in some months, and his nephew Brac, who had probably grown leaps and bounds since he’d last seen him. But he was also filled with melancholy, because this was likely the last time he would see his family. It was also the last time he would ride Namacca—he would leave her with his sister, whom he trusted would care for her, and would find more use for the old mare than he would in his new life.
It took him an hour to reach the humble cottage, which was on the outskirts of the town. The other townsfolk barely tolerated her, as she was known to be a fallen woman, so she could not live closer even though it would have been more convenient. Anger filled him as he thought about how unfair her life was—but then again, women did not have the same rights and status as men did in their country. He wondered what his sister’s life would have been like if she’d been brought up in Carliss, or even the Empire, where women were treated much more fairly. If not for the fact that she had a toddler to care for, he would beg her to come with him.