Initially, Rivale had only ordered the ban. But when fae continued crossing the border, King Sutton made an example out of each absconder. Not only were they executed, but the kingdom they crossed into was threatened with retaliation for letting the crossing occur.
“What type of magic do your people have?” she asked.
“Most fae here are distance wielders. They can move from one location to the next in the blink of an eye.” I'd always been envious of that.
“So they can go anywhere they want?”
“Kind of.” I traced a finger down her arm. “They can't blindly jump locations. They’ve had to have physically been there before.”
“What about the witches—those from Oras?”
It was no surprise that Audryn’s knowledge of magic was dismal. Rivale's strict rules allowed only approved literature in its public libraries. King Sutton had even once boasted that he’d had books removed right under their noses, the restriction going entirely unnoticed.
“Witches possess a variety of magic. And those who don’t, well, they practice magic so dark that the benefits never outweigh what it takes to perform it—or so I’ve been told.” I pushed a rogue strand of hair behind her ear. “The witches from my father’s kingdom either have eroding or voiding magic.”
“So you possess the same as Amalee?”
“No." I shook my head. “I’m a voidist. Mine allows me to temporarily null the magic of others, either individually or as a group.”
“How’s that even possible?” Her eyes widened. “An entire group?”
“A small one, sure.”
Audryn shook her head slightly in disbelief.
“It’s not as impressive as my sisters,” I admitted, “and definitely not as impressive as yours.”
“Well, I can think of something you have thatisimpressive,” Audryn purred as her hand slid down the front of my pants.
I stilled her stroking hand. “As much as I would love to, I need to meet Micah.”
Before I could change my mind and submit to her sweet touch, I rolled from the bed and leaned down to kiss her. Our mouths turned into a passionate frenzy, and I nearly dropped to my knees.
“Go.” She pushed me away. “I’m going to take the day off to recover. Maybe I’ll explore a bit of the capital.”
I withdrew a handful of coins from my pocket and set them on the table. “Whatever this doesn’t cover, purchase it and tell them I’ll bring payment tomorrow.”
She didn’t protest and merely rolled onto her back and ran her hand over her breast, lingering to circle her nipple. Tingling pricked my skin as I felt my blackened eyes close in on her. With an arched back, her hand roamed over her abdomen and continued down. My mouth went dry. Slowly pulling hernightdress up with her free hand, she continued her travel until she found her panties.
“Go,” she moaned. “I’ll think of you while you’re away.”
“Fuck,” I groaned as my dick hardened against the fabric of my pants.
Even knowing I had to leave, I hesitated. Leaning in, I ran the tips of my fingers down her body and paused at the crotch of her white cotton panties. I pulled the fabric aside and reveled in her slickness with the tips of my fingers.
“Save some for me tonight?” I plunged two fingers into her. She clenched around my digits and grabbed my wrist with her hand. She let out a soft moan and rolled her hips. “I really have to go,” I breathed, “but I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
Withdrawing, I brought my fingers to my mouth and sopped up the lingering moisture with my tongue. Her intoxicating taste would keep my mouth begging for more. Yet it was everything else that kept me aching to return to her side.
Taking one last look at her fondling hands, I left.
18
AUDRYN
By the time I gathered myself and took a bath, my belly growled. I hadn’t gotten used to the smaller portions of food, and though I was sure Col had been sneaking more onto my plate than I should’ve been allotted, it wasn’t enough to quell my noisy stomach.
With coins in the pocket of my loose-fitting pants, I headed into town, hopeful of finding a food vendor. Most storefronts contained handcrafted artistic items, while the very few offering pastries and treats had already closed. I turned down a narrow side street and found a tavern sitting like a beacon to my belly. The dozens of occupants turned and stared as I walked in. Not wanting to back away from gawking eyes, I lifted my chin, walked to the bar, and took a seat on a tall stool.
