Gems
TITUS
Tlanded Draxxinar by a lake two miles from the Kingdom of Terrain’s border. We were still in my kingdom, but because of his size, my dragon was easily recognized—so I couldn’t fly him directly into the Kingdom of Terrain unnoticed. The lake was nestled in a ravine: private, secluded, and quiet. A perfect resting spot for Drax while we ventured to the Enchanted Mines.
As soon as it was safe to do so, I tossed Delilah off my lap. She made a displeased sound, I didn’t care.
Draxxinar gently caught her with his wing.
With her off of me, I started to feel more in control of my thoughts and body. I immediately jumped down and took a short walk to clear my head. I had just held her hands for two fucking hours, and I should’ve been irritated. I should’ve been annoyed. I should’ve felt nothing.
So why did my body almost mourn the loss of her touch? Why did I suddenly feel chilled from the absence of her body pressing against mine?
I told myself it had simply been a while since I’d been touched by another person, so it was only natural for my body to respond that way.
I had noissue getting females in my bed. I simply hadn’t had time. The attacks, the threats, the war, the meetings—it was endless. All I wanted was to protect my people and our way of life, and if I wasn’t giving one hundred percent of myself to them, then I was failing.
But I was not weak. I wouldn’t allow myself to complain about sleep, or peace, or lack of carnal pleasures. I would protect my kingdom, no matter the cost, and no female—mortal or Fae—could distract me from my cause, no matter how bewitching she may be.
I just needed to stay focused.
At least her body was covered by the unflattering riding outfit I had made for this journey, so my eyes wouldn’t wander so easily.
I knew she was attracted to me, but that didn’t surprise me in the least. The mortal males in her realm wouldn’t even compare to a Fae High Lord such as myself.
I just needed to keep her away from me, make sure she was repulsed by me, so she didn’t flood the air with her lust. Because if she did… after the close contact and intimacy of the flight, I knew I would be powerless against her pull. I wouldn’t be able to resist her, and I could not afford to be vulnerable. Not at a time like this, with my entire kingdom on the line.
I came back to our landing spot with my mind cleared and refocused, and I noticed Delilah looked troubled. She was scratching her arms, neck, and shoulders frantically.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked in a snobbish tone.
“I’m so itchy. I think I got bit by a bug or something. Can you check my back?” she asked, concern obvious in her voice.
“No,” I retorted, quick and cold.
The last thing I wanted after finally clearing my head was to look at her bare skin. Even if she did get bit, I didn’t care. Staying focused was more important.
“Please, Titus!” she cried.
Something about the way she said my name made my chest ache and my muscles tense. I sighed.
“Fine,” I said. “But only because I love it when a female begs for me.”
I arched a brow. She rolled her eyes, maybe about to snap back with something fiery and sarcastic—but I was already too close.
I slid my finger under the turtleneck of her puffy blouse and pulled it down.
I grimaced.
Her skin was bright red, swollen, with raised white welts peppered throughout. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
“Human,” I said pointedly, “do you happen to have any allergies?”
“No—I don’t think so. Just bee stings,” she said, flustered, trying to scratch a spot she couldn’t reach.
Then it dawned on me. Fuck.
“This top is made from bee-silk web,” I said. “It’s the softest, rarest fabric in our realm.”
