They fumbled, nearly tripping over one another in attempt to untangle themselves. Though, the want won out more than not, their hands finding new places to grope. Finally, the Vaich managed to pull away, planting one final kiss on her breast before sending her off. The woman went out giggling, leaving the king to stagger about the room. His clouded gold orbs found the druid.
“What areyoudoing here?” he slurred.
“This ismyroom.” The druid pressed his lips into a line.
The Vaich scoffed. He glanced about, but didn’t seem to see much of anything. “You ought to go out.”
“I’m staying.”
“You’re a bother.”
“You’re drunk.”
“I am king. I can drink as I like.” He lumbered over to the bed. “Move over.”
The druid stayed put.
Grunting, the Vaich laid on the edge of the bed. It was difficult, given his size and the druid’s unwillingness to cede ground. The latter scowled, smelling mead. “You’re so unpleasant.”
The Vaich laughed. “Me? You’ve never said a nice word in your life.”
“Unkind things come to those who deserve them.”
“What bullshit.” The Vaich rolled onto his side and reached for the blanket, yanking it over himself. The druid gasped as his legs were laid bare. He tugged back on the blanket, but even in this state, the druid was no match for the king’s strength.
“Must you make problems for me at every turn?” the druid said. “Everything was quiet until you came along.”
The only answer was the Vaich’s soft snores.
The druid bit his tongue and, with a laborious shove, sent the king over the side. His body hit the floor with a resounding thud as the druid held fast to the blanket. When no noise rose from below, he leaned over the wooden frame. The Vaich lay still upon the stone, fast asleep.
The druid stared at him.
He could say nothing of this blunder of a man. The Thrys had done a great disservice by shielding their boys, and now everyone would suffer.
“Useless,” he muttered, settling back in. He pulled the thick fur over his shoulders.
What an easy time he might have had if his husband had been someone with manners. This whole thing was deeply absurd.
Druids did not marry, and rarely did they couple. Copulation was for producing children and little else. He did not understand these bodily antics. Only that they were violent and often ludicrous. He failed to see why anyone would enjoy them, much less pursue them with such avidity.
He lay, listening to the Vaich’s deep breathing and the waning croon of the rowdy band beneath.
What simple, happy lives they all lived. How blissful their ignorance.
Their pleasure looked nothing like his.
Even now, upon the road, beneath the wide open sky, he was followed by dreams of death. He could hardly remember now, the life he had loved.
He had been happy once.
Hadn’t he?
Chapter forty
The Birds
The days grew longer as they paraded up the coastline. The further they went, the smaller the villages became, and the folk more plain. Yet, they were no less delighted to see their king, and no less eager to appease him. Even when they had little, they brought gifts of meat and drink. Thus, the men were always drunk, and became more bothersome.
