“Are you ready to have dinner with me?” Taroc asked.
I grinned. “Well, not this very second, but tonight I will be.”
Taroc grunted. “I'll be at your door at five.”
“That's a bit early for dinner.”
“We're not just going to dinner.” With that, he walked away.
I looked at my men and shrugged.
“Let's skip your sword training today,” Rath said.
“What?” I gaped at him. “But you said I couldn't afford to skip any days.”
“I know what I said. I think it's more important to train Keltyr and Xaedren right now. I'd like to get them at least competent with Air. Then, if there's a problem on the ground, they can escape.”
“It would be easier to administer counterspells from the sky,” Xae said with a nod.
“All right,” I agreed. “The quarry?”
“No, the lake,” Rath said. “I want them to have a soft landing if they fall.”
“You mean, you want to see us fall into the lake,” Keltyr said, then snorted a laugh. “Not that I blame you.”
“It will give you a chance to practice your Water Magic too,” Rath said. “Use it correctly, and you won't get wet, even if your Air Magic fails.”
Keltyr grimaced. “What are the chances of that?”
“Slim to none,” Xae said with a grin and a slap on Kel's back. “Prepare to go swimming.”
“Is too cold for swimming,” Kel pouted, but then he faded.
I faded too, hurrying after my men so I didn't have to worry about where I arrived.
Chapter Sixteen
Five o'clock found me in my suite, relaxing before the fire with my lovers. Keltyr had indeed gone for a swim, but so had Xae. Rath and I used Fire Magic to warm and dry them, then we went right back into the lesson. For hours. After that, we came back to the citadel for lunch. And after lunch, we showered, then played a card game in our suite. Keltyr had bathed in his bathroom but joined us when he was done. When we finished our game, we poured some drinks and made a fire. It was all very domestic, and I had dreams of doing this with them for the rest of our lives.
I was dreaming that very daydream, sitting between Rath and Xae on the couch, with Kel on the floor before me, leaning against my legs, when Taroc knocked on the door.
“Your date's here,” Kel said as he stood up.
I kissed Xae, then Rath goodbye before grabbing Keltyr's hand. He pulled me up into a kiss, and I stroked his curled horns before drawing away and going to the door. I had on a fresh set of clothes and my money pouch tucked into my jacket pocket.
“In case you're sleeping when I get back, goodnight,” I called to them as I opened the door.
“Well, that's a good sign,” Taroc said.
“What is?” I asked as I stepped into the hall and closed the door behind me.
“That you think we'll be out so late.” He pulled me in against his chest and kissed me.
I lost my train of thought within his mouth, my body bowing into his, my hands gripping him as if he were the only thing holding me upright. He might have been.
Taroc sighed as he drew out of the kiss, then brushed his lips across mine. “Tonight, you decide.”
I blinked, still processing the passion pouring through me. “Decide what?”
