“Your skin is blotchy.”
“Bellator,” scolds Steve.
“What?” I question.
“You're a dick.” Rosie chimes in.
“You have been too long at war. You forget Rosie is not one of your soldiers and thus shouldn't be spoken to as such.”
Steve comes and sits next to me, Rosie scowling at us both. I don't understand why she is upset. Her eyewater has made her skin red and blotchy, I was simply telling her.
“Maybe you're right, brother,” I say sceptically, observing the subtle nod of Rosie's head. I must remember not to comment on these new experiences I have with her. Steve is right, I have been away too long. I've become accustomed to impish liking me because of the respect I’ve earned; I don't know how to navigate Rosie and her indifference to my station.
Rosie huffs, sliding herself across my lap until she's resting against Steve.Am I being punished?
“Can you tell me and my blotchy skin why we can't bond right now? Can't say I'm all that in the mood anymore,” she mumbles.
“I am sorry. Steve's right. I have forgotten a lot of how I'm meant to interact with others. Back at the front, if you don't say what you're thinking when you need to, you may never get the opportunity. Death is the only thing that is certain. We are bonded. Our marks prove that. The Emperor's words were meant to scare us, but he does not dictate when our ritual will happen. The ritual merely cements what we already know. It allows us to connect.”
“He already thinks we’ve completed it.” Steve interrupts.
“Well, in that case, it is better to wait until you're ready to take us both. It will not be easy for you to let us both into your bodyandhave to look at Steve's unfortunate face.”
Gasping, her jaw drops. “Bellator!”
“Rosie?” I say, unsure of why I'm still being scolded.
“I can't believe you just said that!”
“It is true, no?”
“No, it's not true!”
“We measured once when we were younger. Twins should be equal in all things, but my cock is a hair's breadth longer.”
“And you never let me forget it.” Steve mumbles.
“We will need to prepare you?—”
“I’m not talking about your cocks!” she snaps.
“Steve? His skin is barely scarred?” Does she not understand the way orcfolk view scars? They determine so much for our kind.
“It is okay, Princess,” Steve says, rubbing her back just like I was moments ago. “Orcs see beauty in the struggle. Scars are highly valued, and I do not have many of them.”
“Ithink you're incredibly handsome. You both are,” she answered in a firm voice, calm but unyielding.
“That's all that matters then.” Steve smiles at her, and I’m in awe of how he brings her comfort. It is a skill I have never paid much attention to, but one I must learn to earn my Rosie’s tenderness.
She leans forward, her eyes drunk in lust as she looks at Steve. He grins clumsily at her, but when their mouths touch, for the first time in my life, I amjealous of my brother. My cock grows hard as I watch them. Soft little whimpers escape Rosie as she wraps her arms around Steve’s neck and shoulder. Their tongues caress, exploring each other, the feel and taste of our bond throbbing between them, and I desperately want to be a part of it.
Awkwardly, I hover my hand near the back of her head. No, that’s not right, maybe the crook of her arm? The tips of my fingers graze her skin, and I immediately snatch it back. I want to worship her, to bring her body immense pleasure.
Sitting back in my seat, I see in my mind's eye the silken fabrics I want her adorned in. The gold I wish to see around her neck. Her skin dripping in fine metals and gems. If I watch Steve, follow his lead, then that has to be a starting point. There is a reason we are both bonded to her and not just the one.
A small feminine hand darts out, fiercely holding onto the collar around my neck. I'm used to the weight of it now, so distracted by Rosie that I forgot I was still shackled. It is cool, no sign of the burn before I am shocked into darkness.
“You’re overthinking it, Bellator,” she pants, trying to catch her breath.
