Union (18 page)

“Your dragons are free to come and go as they please, Ryneq,” Ahlyria added, holding her arm out for Ryneq to take. “Nykin, Selene, when you’ve put away your harnesses, Faelon will escort you to your rooms. I look forward to seeing you both later.”

Both Nykin and Selene bowed their heads, and watched as everyone but Faelon turned to walk back down the beach toward the city. Ryneq glanced back over his shoulder, and Nykin’s insides warmed at the intensity of his gaze.

“Wow, Nykin,” Selene whispered into his ear, making him jump. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the king look at anyone the way he looks at you.” Nykin eyed her curiously, and she smiled softly. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you.” Nykin shifted uncomfortably.

She rolled her eyes and kicked his boot. “For the love of the Gods, Nykin, don’t go all shy and embarrassed on me. Let’s get these harnesses put away. I don’t know about you, but I need a wash, a change of clothes, and food.”

She grinned, and Nykin felt his unease melt away. “Yeah, okay.”

They made quick work of it, and soon Kalesh and Fimor were free of their saddles and harnesses. Fimor immediately stretched out his wings, arching up on his hind legs, and flapped them lazily. Faelon looked on in awe, and a burst of pride flooded Nykin’s chest. Fimor wasn’t his possession, but as his dragon rider, Nykin couldn’t help but feel that way when he looked so majestic.

Not to be outdone, Kalesh did the same, and the sight of the two of them together made even Nykin’s breath catch. The dark red of Fimor’s scales a beautiful contrast to the emerald green of Kalesh’s.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this sight.” Faelon whispered the words reverently. His eyes still focused on the dragons, his gaze flicking from one to the other as they flexed their wings. “It’s amazing.”

Nykin laughed, hoisted Fimor’s harness up onto his shoulder, and walked over to stand beside Faelon. His skin tingled at the close proximity to Faelon’s magic, but Nykin ignored the pull. It felt like Faelon was keeping a tight rein on it this time round. “I never get tired of watching them,” Nykin said, smiling at Faelon.

The elf’s eyes were alight with wonder, and now that Faelon wasn’t actively flirting with him, Nykin was looking forward to spending time with him and the others. He and Selene had so much to tell them and show them, and Nykin knew the elves would be a captive audience.

“Selene?” Faelon asked, his voice velvety smooth as he took a step toward her with his hand outstretched. “Can I give you a hand with that? It looks very heavy.”

Selene was smaller than Nykin, but deceptively strong, and Nykin was well aware of how capable she was of carrying Kalesh’s harness and saddle. Others often underestimated her, but they only ever did it once. Nykin winced, fully expecting her to snap and tell Faelon exactly what she thought of his offer.

But, much to Nykin’s surprise, she beamed at him. “That’s very kind of you to offer, Faelon, but I’m stronger than I look.”

“Clearly.” Faelon grinned back at her. “My apologies.”

“Close your mouth, Nykin. It’s not a good look for the king’s consort.”
Fimor sounded amused and Nykin shot him a glare as he snapped his mouth shut.

“Don’t you want to stretch your wings or something, Fimor?”
Nykin shot back. He could only assume Faelon’s open and earnest look had made Selene so amenable. That, and probably the fact he was very easy on the eye and had a voice like honey. Nykin shook his head and smirked as the twin spots of red on Selene’s cheeks proved his theory.

“Shall we?” Faelon asked, and both Selene and Nykin nodded and followed after him as he led the way.

T
HE
STOREROOM
Faelon took them to was deep under the royal quarters. Nykin suspected it had previously been a food store for their horses, because it smelled like the ones at the palace. Faelon had confirmed it when asked, and Nykin remembered the beautiful white horses the elves had ridden when they’d visited Torsere.

With their tack stored safely away, Faelon led them up a long spiral staircase. The smooth white walls felt cool under Nykin’s hands, and the air offered a welcome respite from the heat outside.

They walked up at least two flights of steps before they came to a dark wooden door that Faelon pushed open easily. He motioned for Selene and Nykin to go first, and Nykin almost tripped over Selene when she came to an abrupt stop.

“Nykin, look.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but Nykin heard the wonder and excitement loud and clear. “It’s… it’s wonderful.”

Nykin followed her gaze along the wide passage in front of them, and he had to agree. The floor was white marble, with flecks of silver glinting in the sunlight like a thousand tiny gemstones. The walls on either side were made of glass, giving a view of the sea on one side, and on the other what looked to be a vast garden full of color.

Nykin walked closer to the glass to get a better look. White walls enclosed the garden on all sides, and the bright colors of the plants stood out in stark contrast. Red, yellow, and purple flowers bordered walkways of the greenest grass Nykin had ever seen.

“You should walk through it after supper,” Faelon interrupted Nykin’s thoughts, as he stood behind him and looked over his shoulder. “See the blue starlike flowers running the length of that path?” He pointed over to the left of the garden where long thin carpets of blue bordered the grass. If Nykin looked hard enough, he could just about make out the star-shapes of the flowers. “When you get close, the dark green leaves shine as though they’re wet, and at night the flowers open wide and the smell is the most amazing scent you’ll ever encounter.”

“What are they called?” Selene asked. She was standing next to Nykin now, with her hands resting against the glass.

“Neflahstra Ahguil,” Faelon answered. The words rolled off his tongue, sounding magical and exotic. It seemed everything in Alel had a magical feel to it, and Nykin was already in love with the place. “Or night-flowering water star.”

“It sounds so much prettier in elvish,” Selene commented, echoing Nykin’s thoughts.

Faelon flushed with pleasure, taking obvious delight in Selene’s compliment. “They’ll be used to decorate the glade where the wedding is to be held. As the ceremony ends and the sun sets, all the flowers will open to celebrate the union.”

Nykin was speechless. It sounded absolutely perfect, and he knew without a doubt that Cerylea would love it. He was coming to realize that the city of Alel and its people would be an experience beyond their wildest imaginations. Nykin struggled to contain his excitement as he looked over his shoulder at Faelon. “I’d love to see the garden later if we’re allowed. In fact….” Nykin paused to look out at the sea behind Faelon, before meeting his eyes again. “I’d love to see everything.”

Faelon laughed, his eyes dancing with mischief, and his magic teased and tugged at Nykin, as his control slipped a little. “It will be my pleasure. The wedding itself isn’t for a few days yet. Avelor and I would be honored to show you both everything Alel has to offer.” His gaze slid over to Selene, and he winked at her. “I’m sure Lerran would be only too happy to accompany us as well.”

“Thank you.” Nykin’s grin was unstoppable now, and his cheeks were starting to ache from the force of it. “In return we’ll tell you everything we know about dragons and dragon riding.”

“You have yourself a deal, Nykin.” Faelon moved back away from the window, motioning for Selene and Nykin to do the same. “Now, let me show you both to your quarters, so you can freshen up before supper.”

Faelon led the way, and Nykin took one last look at the beautiful view before following him. The whole of the building they were in was for the sole use of the royal family and their guests, Faelon informed them as they walked. They’d built it to overlook the jetty and the beach on one side, the gardens and forest on the other. It seemed huge as they walked past room after room, until Faelon stopped in front of an intricately carved wooden door. It rose all the way to the ceiling—a good four feet above Nykin’s head—and Nykin reached out to trace the carvings with his fingers.

“It’s Old Elvish.” Faelon pointed to the words covering the top half of the door. The letters curled around each other, and the beauty of it all captivated Nykin. “May the forest bless you with her favor.”

Nykin raised an eyebrow at him, and Faelon smiled. “You’ll understand more when I show you around, maybe tomorrow. Anyway, this is where you and King Ryneq will be staying, Nykin. I believe the king is already inside.”

“Thank you.” Nykin paused as he reached for the door handle. “I’ll see you at supper, then.”

When Faelon gestured for Selene to follow him farther down the passageway, Nykin pulled open the door and stepped inside. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of a dripping-wet Ryneq covered with just a towel. Nykin’s mouth fell open a little at the sight.

“Are you just going to stand there?” Ryneq asked, a smug smile on his lips.

Nykin’s gaze followed the drops of water as they trickled down Ryneq’s chest. The droplets clung to the smattering of dark hair there before trickling down and over the well-defined planes of his stomach. He obviously took too long to reply for Ryneq’s liking, because Nykin was suddenly being roughly pulled into the room with Ryneq fisting his jacket.

He wrapped his arms tight around Nykin’s shoulders and pulled him close for an almost-bruising, embrace. “Gods, Nykin.” Ryneq buried his face in the crook of Nykin’s neck and just breathed. He didn’t say anything else, but Nykin didn’t need him to.

The last twenty-four hours had been terrifying for both of them, and Nykin was more than happy just to do this. He didn’t want to talk about how scared he’d been that either one or both of them might die, and he doubted very much that Ryneq did either.

Ryneq’s skin was warm and wet under Nykin’s hands as he slipped his arms around Ryneq’s waist and held on tight. He just needed a moment to remind himself that everything was okay, that they’d made it through the whole ordeal relatively unscathed. Judging by the way Ryneq still hadn’t let him go, the feeling was mutual.

Eventually Ryneq eased back, the warm leather of Nykin’s uniform sticking to his chest a little. “You must be hot under all this?” Ryneq ran his hands down Nykin’s back and settled them on his ass. He mouthed at the soft sheen of sweat covering Nykin’s neck, licking over his overheated skin. “You should take some of it off.”

“Some of it?” Nykin laughed, tilting his head to the side as Ryneq trailed kisses over his jaw and behind his ear.

“All of it.” Ryneq growled the words, walking backward into the room and pulling Nykin with him. “They have showers in the bathrooms.” He started to undo Nykin’s jacket, his lips never leaving Nykin’s skin. “Clear running water that comes from hot underground springs.”

Nykin’s jacket fell to the floor, quickly followed by his undershirt. Ryneq’s hands were all over him, touching his skin and stroking down the firm line of his muscles. Nykin shivered as his damp skin met the cool air of the room. “Wait.” Nykin stopped in the middle of the room, and Ryneq reluctantly let him go with a grunt of displeasure. “Let me just….” Nykin tugged at the ties on his pants, peeling them down and kicking his boots, socks, and pants off in a heap to the side. The air felt wonderful on his exposed skin, and Nykin groaned in pleasure. “That is so much better, you have no idea.”

“Oh, I think I might.” Ryneq’s gaze travelled over Nykin from head to toe, and the heated look in his eyes made Nykin’s belly tighten in anticipation. “Come here. I missed you.” Ryneq dropped his towel, his cock hanging heavy and thick between his legs, and reached out to draw Nykin to him again.

“It was only three days,” Nykin said, closing his eyes as his bare skin rubbed up against Ryneq’s. He rolled his hips, smiling at the hiss that fell from Ryneq’s lips.

“It was three very long days, and I just need….” Ryneq let his hands fall to Nykin’s hips, his fingers digging in, as he dropped his head onto Nykin’s shoulder and breathed deeply. “Shower with me?”

Nykin nudged Ryneq’s head up so he could see his face. He looked weary and vulnerable, and Nykin ached at the longing in his eyes. “You’re already clean,” he whispered, letting Ryneq lead him toward the bathroom.

“So make me dirty again.”

Nykin palmed his own cock—already fully hard—and the low, gravelly sound of Ryneq’s voice had Nykin straining up toward his stomach. They needed this, but it had to be quick because they couldn’t afford to be late for supper with the elves, and no way was either of them stopping.

The bathroom was larger than the one they had in Torsere, and Ryneq guided Nykin over to the back wall where the floor stepped down into a deep alcove.

“Here.” Ryneq reached behind Nykin and pulled on a long cord hanging from the ceiling. As soon as he let go, water cascaded down, splashing Nykin and making him laugh with delight. The temperature felt warm enough to be pleasant, and Nykin immediately stepped under the spray, closing his eyes and letting the water wash off the stickiness of the journey.

He smiled as Ryneq came up behind him and pushed him up against the wall, and Nykin quickly placed his hands on the cool stone to brace himself. Ryneq’s lips were warm as he licked the water off Nykin’s shoulders and up along the back of his neck. Nykin groaned loudly as Ryneq’s teeth worried at the skin there.

“Can’t wait.” Ryneq kissed the words into Nykin’s flesh and moved closer until he was flush along the length of Nykin’s back. His cock slipped in between Nykin’s ass cheeks, and Nykin leaned forward, spreading his legs until Ryneq slid back and forth over his hole.

“Gods, you feel good.” Nykin let his head drop back onto Ryneq’s shoulder, as Ryneq continued to rut against him with slow measured thrusts, his hand firmly clasped around Nykin’s waist, holding him steady. Nykin’s dick was achingly hard, and he shifted his weight against the wall, leaving one hand free to wrap around himself. “Ryneq.” He sighed the word, hoping Ryneq would understand. This wasn’t going to take long. Nykin already felt the pressure building, his balls drawing up tight, and he wanted Ryneq to come with him.