His mouth slanted over hers softly at first. A kiss of reassurance and the gentler side ofshei’tanitsa. But as her warm breath mingled with his, and the honeyed sweetness of her mouth opened to his, tenderness blossomed into desire. He groaned deep in his throat, a rumbling sound of restraint and longing, and his kiss grew firmer.
Rain’s fingers delved into the bright silk of her hair, curving around to the back of her head and holding her fast. All softness fled his body, only a remnant of it remaining in his kiss, but that too burned away the instant Ellysetta’s arms wrapped around him and her hands pulled him closer with surprising strength.
The tairen stirred, and Ellie flinched. Rain clamped a ruthless hold on the beast within him. Not this time. The tairen would not rob him of this wonderful moment.
His hands pulled free of her hair, and he trailed them down her back, fretting at the layers of cloth that separated her skin from his. With just a small weave of Earth, he could banish those annoying layers. Rain summoned power to his fingertips.
«Rain.»Bel’s warning sounded.
Someone cleared a throat loudly from the doorway.
Rain released his power and tore his lips from Ellysetta’s. A blistering torrent of curses battled on the tip of his tongue, held back only with great effort.
He dragged in a breath and turned to face Lauriana Baristani.
Color stained the woman’s cheeks, but her accompanying narrow-eyed look made it clear the flush did not come from embarrassment at having interrupted an intimate embrace.
“I came to check on Ellysetta,” Lauriana said. “As she is most definitely awake, there’s no need for either of you to remain in her bedchamber.”
Ellysetta blushed. “Yes, Mama.”
Lauriana gestured for Rain and Ellie to precede her downstairs—so he couldn’t steal another kiss, Rain surmised, cursing Celierians and their restrictive customs. As he entered the small home’s main room, Rain met Bel’s gaze and wasn’t pleased to see amusement lurking in his friend’s eyes beside the apologetic sympathy.
«I’m sorry, Rain.»
«So I see.»
«Nei, truly.»But Bel’s laughter broke free across their link.
Rain scowled and turned his attention back to hisshei’tani, who was staring at a wall heaped with packages.
“Moregifts?” Ellysetta asked her mother. “Who are these from?”
“The gods only know. Simple-gentry trying to ingratiate themselves with the Feyreisen. Wealthy merchants attempting the same. Friends. Neighbors. Complete strangers.” Lauriana shrugged. “I gave up inspecting whom they’re from and just starting stacking them. The parlor is already full.”
Ellysetta shook her head. “Amazing.” Then the expression on her face grew somber and she put her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “I’m sorry for upsetting you earlier, Mama. I know everything’s in turmoil, and it’s my fault. There’s so much to do in so little time, and—”
“Shh.” Lauriana put a finger on her daughter’s lips. “I know, kit. And I’m sorry, too, for snapping at you. It was a madhouse here this morning. There was too much going on all at once. I must admit I’m grateful your betrothed sent them all packing, though I don’t much approve of his methods.” Lauriana cast a dark look Rain’s way. “Exploding windows and flying bodies only added to the madness.”
Rain bowed low. “I shall endeavor to show restraint in future.” Ellysetta gave him a startled glance.«Say nothing, shei’tani. It is best that all believe I am responsible for the windows.»After a moment, she nodded.
“I have several errands to run,” Lauriana said. “Why don’t the two of you open the wedding gifts in the parlor, so we can clear some space.”
What? Rain opened his mouth to object, but before he could say a word, he heard hisshei’tanidoom them both.
“Yes, Mama.”
Rain closed his mouth and carefully blanked his face.
“There’s a book in the secretary. Be sure you write down who gave you what, so I have some hope of sending appropriate gratitudes.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Well, then, I’d best be going. I’ve got a hundred things to do. Don’t forget that Master Fellows, the queen’s Master of Graces, is coming here at fourteen bells to begin your instruction in the noble graces. Be sure to tidy up before he arrives—both the houseandyour own appearance. You don’t want to make a bad first impression.”
“Yes, Mama.” As Lauriana bustled off, Ellysetta glanced at Rain uncertainly. “Do you mind about opening the gifts?”
He did, of course. Opening gifts from Celierians he neither knew nor cared about was not how he would choose to spend his courtship bells. He answered diplomatically. “My time is yours, Ellysetta. If this is how you choose to spend it, then so it shall be spent.”
