“Lord Krokan would never harm a duke of the Eversea. Especially not the one that wields Dawnpoint.”
If only that were true, instinct whispers within me. I’ve no reason to believe it. No reason to think I’m right and he isn’t when he’s the one who’s lived in this world his entire life.
“Still, I… Please, for me. I saw my entire crew die before my eyes to the old god.” The mention of them stills him. “I’m sure you’re right, but…please never venture too far over the Abyss. For me.”
“For you, anything.” Ilryth squeezes my hand and follows me farther down, back onto the balcony. I’ve no idea why this little ledge feels as though it could protect him and me from Krokan. It’s like thinking when you’re a child that the monster in the dark can’t get you if you keep underneath the blanket and all your limbs are on the bed. Foolish. But the illusion of safety is better than nothing. “But it’s good that he’s here. It should make your next round of markings even more potent.”
“Ventris isn’t insisting on doing it himself again?” I ask.
“No, marking your bare skin is my honor tonight.” He brings his fingers to my neck. They hover, a moment, before pressing against me, just beneath my ear. Even though he doesn’t have to touch me to mark me, he does so anyway. Ilryth sings a breathy, sweet melody that fills my mind with memories of home. Of lazy summer afternoons and autumn apples.
He drags his fingers down my neck and across my collarbones. They dance and dot, pulling and swirling. My flesh presses into him as I inhale breathlessly. He presses back as I exhale. It feels…so good to have someone touch me when they do this. To bring warmth into the process.
It is as though he is drawing desire into existence. As though these markings are a map by which I can find passion I’d long since given up on. I want him to kiss every dot his thumbprint makes. I want him to lick up the long, swirling line he draws from my knee all the way up underneath the hem of my shorts, pushing the fabric slowly up. A flick of his eyes locks his gaze with mine.
The intensity of his stare is maddening as he uses those dexterous, skilled fingers. I’m left imagining all the other uses I could have for those hands. What would it feel like to have him bring me to the heights of passion? Could I still feel everything in this form as I know it? Or would it be different? Better? Worse?
How would it even work logistically for him?Though, I did see him with human legs in his memories. Perhaps he could summon them if it were for the sake of tangling them with mine?
A thousand questions beg me for answers. I shouldn’t wonder them but I can’t stop. I know there are many creative ways for two people to fit together. Even if I have not indulged, I’ve heard stories. But does he even have a…
My cheeks are burning and the slow stroking on the backs of my thighs isn’t helping either.
Finally, there’s relief as he pulls away. But I’m not sure if relieffromhis touch is what I wanted. I think I would’ve much preferred reliefbecause ofhis touch. Either way, I have time to collect myself as he eases away.
“That’s all for tonight.”
“What is it?” I can tell by his tone there’s something concerning him. It’s a miracle my words aren’t a squeak.
Ilryth doesn’t seem to be able to look in my direction. His body is a lean line against the fading light. Biceps bulging as he fidgets. Even clearly anxious, he’s one of the most handsome creatures I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll finish the markings on you…”
“All right?” I urge when he trails off.
“When this happens, we’ll need—” He shakes his head, straightens a bit, and looks back to me with forced, almost clinical detachment. “The remaining anointments will be on therestof your body.”
“Oh?Oh.” It takes a moment, but what he’s really saying dawns on me. “You mean I’ll have to take off more of my clothes?”
“Yes. Though I’ve already sent for Lucia and she should arrive soon. I felt she’d be preferrable to Ventris making such markings.” He glances my way, as if to be sure in that assumption.
“Much preferred,” I say hastily.
“Good. I wanted to warn you it would happen.”
“Right, of course.” Disappointment courses through me unbidden. I wouldn’t mind that delicate touch of his on my most sensitive parts. Was that not the source of my fantasies just now?
But he doesn’t give me a chance to object. “I bid you goodnight then.”
Ilryth begins to swim away by paddling backward. Our eyes are locked. It’s as if he’s waiting.
The way he touched me…
It was just for the anointing.
There’ve been all the other times.
Accidental touches.
