Kingdom of Fire and Fae, page 11
Their laughter echoed across the training ground, drawing curious glances from the other soldiers. Despite the blood-streaked field and the distant figure of Nero in the sky, for a brief moment, everything seemed right in the world.
“I’m heading off to clean up. Care to join me?” Jenna hooked her thumb toward the neatly lined houses where most of the soldiers lived. The houses, though simple, stood in orderly rows, their wooden frames weathered by time but well-kept. A fragrant mix of soap and fresh laundry wafted from the direction of the barracks, promising a reprieve from the grime of the training field.
Caelum glanced around, his eyes flitting between his sparring partner, the bustling training grounds, and the houses. The clinking of swords and the shouts of soldiers practicing filled the air. He knew he should decline, but the way his soul cried out for her was more powerful than getting into trouble with his superiors. A magnetic pull toward her filled him, a warmth that called him away from the rigid structure of his training routine.
After all, what he did on his lunch break really shouldn’t be monitored by the powers that be. The thought brought a smirk to his lips, a hint of rebellion sparking in his chest. He could almost hear the distant chatter of his comrades, see the knowing glances they’d exchange if they saw him leave with Jenna. Yet, the prospect of spending even a few moments in her company outweighed the potential reprimand.
He took a step toward her, the decision made. The dusty ground crunched beneath his boots, and the cool breeze caressed his flushed skin, bringing with it the mingled scents of pine and earth. “Lead the way.” His steady voice trembled with anticipation. As they walked side by side, the noise of the training ground faded behind them, replaced by the quieter, more intimate sounds of their shared steps and the crunch of leaves in the wind.
Caelum’s heart pounded in tune with the carnal thoughts breezing through his mind as he followed her into her small cottage. The door groaned open, and a comforting warmth greeted him. The wooden floorboards creaked underfoot, each step echoing the rhythm of his racing pulse. The soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows and danced on the walls, shaping shadows that swayed like ghosts in a silent waltz. The cozy space was adorned with handmade quilts and rustic furniture, evoking a sense of simplicity. As his eyes adjusted to the change from the bright sunshine outdoors, his gaze fell on a small fireplace with the remains of a fire still burning, its warmth spreading through the room like a tender embrace. The crackling embers and the gentle ticking of an old clock on the mantelpiece created a soothing symphony that seemed to calm his racing thoughts.
The gentle creak of the door closing sent his pulse pounding, and he turned to Jenna. A soft ray of sunlight highlighted her face, making her eyes sparkle like twin stars. “Cute place.” He forced a smile as nerves bit at his skin like a legion of red ants.
She stepped closer, eliminating the distance between them, and her warmth mingled with his own. “You look nervous.” Her voice was soft, almost teasing, as it reverberated through the quiet room.
A breathy laugh escaped, and as he lifted a shoulder, the fabric of his shirt brushed against his skin. He licked his lips, tasting the lingering sweat from the sparring match. “I’m not very experienced. So, yeah, I am just a little.” His voice wavered, betraying his attempts to sound casual. He discreetly rubbed his damp palms against his leathers, trying to steady his trembling hands.
She put her hand over his heart, and her eyes melted with his honesty. “I don’t have that much experience either,” she admitted, her voice a gentle whisper that seemed to wrap around him like a tender embrace.
The heat of her touch sent a spine-dithering thrill down his back, and his crazed heart quickened beneath her palm. His breath caught in his throat, and he struggled to maintain eye contact, his cheeks flushing with exhilaration. Her words resonated deeply within him. A wave of relief washed over him, easing the tension that had gripped him moments before. The intimate connection between them grew stronger, and he leaned into her touch, savoring the moment as his pulse synchronized with hers.
Their restraint snapped at the same moment, and they collided in a kiss that shed the breath from his chest. Her soft lips glided over his, and her tongue tangled in a dance that had him tearing at the clasps of her armor. She pawed at him with the same urgency, guiding him toward her washroom as their armor and clothing fell in scattered heaps.
Jenna guided him into her bathroom, and Caelum broke the kiss and glanced around at her sleek, modern lavatory as he slipped his boots off. He whistled, impressed by the layout and the ceiling-mounted rain showerhead that promised an entirely unique experience from the rustic soaking tub he was accustomed to. Before he could ask her how it worked, she yanked him into the stall with her.
She turned the knob on the back wall and water cascaded down in a gentle, enveloping flow, almost like standing under a soft, warm rain. He hesitated for a moment, letting the water trickle through his fingers, marveling at the sensation, and he grinned at her. The soothing warmth had his eyelids dropping closed as he surrendered to the unfamiliar but delightful experience.
“This is heaven,” he whispered, letting the water loosen his weary muscles. The warmth wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, easing every ounce of tension from his body. Steam rose around them like a gentle mist, softening the harshness of the day. “I’m never leaving your bathroom,” he added with a contented sigh, a smile pulling at the edges of his lips. The aroma of lavender filled the air, merging with the sound of the water cascading down his back, creating a serene symphony that lulled him into pure bliss. His hands slipped down her shoulders, and he pulled her to his bare chest. He opened his eyes and met her amused gaze.
“You’ve never taken a shower before?”
Her teasing grin sparked the fire inside him. Instead of answering, he kissed her again, tasting her lips before he moved to the crook of her neck and licked a trail to her ear. “Can’t say as I have.”
He spied a bar of soap on a nearby shelf and grabbed it, running the sweet lavender scent over her body, the suds glistening on her skin as they rid her of all traces of dirt from the sparring field. The warm water cascaded around them, creating a soothing symphony of droplets. Her eyes fluttered closed. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she leaned into his touch, the tension melting away with each gentle stroke.
There was something undeniably sexy and intimate about washing the woman he craved, and Caelum never wanted this to end. The tingle of her skin against his fingers left him on the edge of a precipice that he could easily jump into. Each stroke fanned the flames into a burning desire.
When he reached to put the soap back on the shelf, she gently grabbed his wrist and tsked him, a playful glint in her eyes. “My turn,” she purred, taking the soap from his hand.
“Oh, by all means.” Her feather-light touch lingered on his skin. As she lathered the soap, the silky suds between her fingers, he couldn’t help but notice the way the steam swirled around them, creating an intimate cocoon that made everything outside disappear. The sound of the water, the soft rustling of their movements, and the steady rhythm of their breathing blended in perfect harmony. He had thought the shower itself was heaven, but the gentle glide of her hands running over every inch of his skin went beyond all expectations. It nearly undid him.
When she put the soap back and dropped to her knees, he groaned at the image of his goddess sliding her mouth over the tip of his throbbing member. Caelum threaded his fingers through her wet hair, pushing it away from her face as the water rained down around them. Her delicious strokes sent a flurry of emotions through him, creating a pool of heat in his lower belly.
“Fuck, Jenna.” His hoarse whisper tilted her lips in a smile as she met his gaze and nearly swallowed him whole in a deliberately slow crawl.
His fingers tightened in her hair. Hell, every muscle tightened with anticipation as she sucked her way to his tip. A purr of approval rumbled in his throat, and although he wanted to tilt his head back and close his eyes from the intensity of this moment, he kept his eyes on her and the magic her mouth was creating at a cellular level.
She twirled her tongue around his sensitive tip. “Come for me, Caelum.”
Oh fuck, she didn’t. The fragmented thought barreled through his head as his body trembled against the need to obey her request. He pushed his hips deep, hitting the back of her throat. The sensation shot liquid heat from his balls through his entire form, and he roared with his release. The sound echoed in the bathroom.
She pulled away with a smirk, the corners of her lips curling upward. As the water cascaded down her face in a cool, refreshing stream, she leaned back and let the droplets splash onto her skin. The rhythmic sound of the water hitting her body created a soothing symphony. With a graceful tilt of her head, she filled her mouth, the liquid swirling around like a refreshing torrent. After a moment, she rinsed and spat, the water splattering on the floor with a satisfying splash. Finally, she stood, droplets of water tracing paths down her skin, glistening under the light.
His body trembled with aftershocks, and he wrapped her in his arms, kissing her tenderly and holding her close as if she were his anchor. She reached over and hit the off button on the shower; the water stopped abruptly, sending shivers nipping at his spine through his overheated skin. The air grew chilly, causing goose bumps to rise on their damp skin.
Her generosity would not be ignored. With determination to hear her moan his name, he swept her off her feet, cradling her against his chest, and headed out of the bathroom. She giggled, a sound that seemed to warm the very air around them, and then pointed toward her room.
Leaving a trail of wet footprints on the polished wood floor, he carried her to the bedroom, their laughter echoing softly in the hallway. The scent of her favorite lavender soap floated in the air, joining with the fresh aroma of clean linens. He gently laid her down on the bed, his gaze never leaving hers, committing every detail to memory.
The world outside seemed to pause, granting them a moment suspended in time. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a gentle symphony, wrapping them in a cocoon of stillness. But it shattered abruptly with a brisk knock at the door, echoing through the tiny cottage like a thunderclap.
Caelum stilled, his heart drumming in his chest. Meeting Jenna’s gaze, her eyes widened with alarm.
“Jenna?” a familiar female voice called out, cutting through the silence like a knife.
His breath caught in his throat as the reality of the situation set in.
“Your sister,” Jenna whispered.
He rolled off her, his movements hurried but silent. The urgency in his voice was clear as he whispered, “Our clothes are in the hall.”
Jenna chuckled softly, the sound barely more than a breath. “Your clothes are,” she teased, opening a drawer and pulling out a fresh pair of undergarments. She slipped them on with a playful grin, clearly enjoying the moment.
Caelum raked his hand through his hair and shot her a look that clearly conveyed his lack of appreciation for her humor. “I can’t go out there like this,” he hissed, gesturing wildly at his obvious arousal.
Jenna snorted a laugh, unable to contain her amusement. “Raincheck?” She glanced at the bed and then back at him as she grabbed a clean uniform. With a swift motion, she slid it on, the fabric making a soft, rustling sound.
Heat brushed his cheeks, and he nodded, attempting to regain his composure. “You can bet on it,” he muttered, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
The knock came again, more insistent this time, rattling the door in its frame.
“I’m coming,” Jenna called out, her voice calm and steady. She crossed to him and gave him a quick peck on the lips before twirling her wet hair into a messy bun. With a mischievous finger wave, she left the bedroom, leaving him to deal with his predicament.
A moment later, the front door clicked open and closed just as quickly, and the murmurs from outside the house faded into a low hum.
LANAE GAVE JENNA A once-over as she stepped out of her cottage and closed the door in a hurry. Jenna’s face was flushed, and her hair was hastily twisted into a messy bun, damp tendrils escaping around her face. The fresh scent of soap wafted from her, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding woods.
“Sorry, I was just cleaning up,” Jenna said, out of breath.
Lanae raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “It’s all right,” she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ready to head back to the Citadel?”
Jenna nodded, smoothing her uniform and adjusting her hair one last time. They set off down the narrow path leading away from the cottage. The path was lined with tall, ancient trees that cast long shadows over them, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of the forest, mingling with the fresh aroma of pine. The soft crunch of their footsteps on the gravel path added a rhythmic undertone to their walk.
As they strolled toward the barracks, Lanae couldn’t help but notice the subtle smile playing on Jenna’s lips. “What’s got you so amused?” Lanae asked, her tone light and teasing.
“Just thinking about how much of a mess Nero made this morning,” Jenna replied, her voice carrying a hint of laughter.
“Nero?” Lanae raised an eyebrow.
“He brought another cow to the training grounds,” Jenna explained, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Lanae sighed and wiped her forehead. “That beast is going to be the death of me.”
Jenna laughed, the sound like a musical note blending with the ambient forest noises. “Caelum handled it. Although he’s not exactly used to being caught off guard.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t like surprises,” Lanae agreed, her curiosity piqued by the way Jenna grinned. “Care to explain that grin?”
Jenna blushed but managed to keep her composure. “Not really.” Her attempt to sound casual failed.
Lanae raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on her lips. She had seen the way Jenna and Caelum looked at each other, the unspoken connection between them. “Was Caelum with you in the cottage today?” she asked, her tone dripping with playful curiosity.
Jenna’s eyes darted away, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red. “Why do you ask?” she replied, her voice wavering.
Lanae chuckled softly, enjoying the moment. “Oh, no reason. Just curious if he was lending a hand with the ‘cleaning up,’” she teased, putting air quotes around the last two words.
Jenna bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “Lanae, you’re impossible,” she muttered, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her uniform.
Lanae wasn’t about to let her off the hook that easily. “Come on, Jenna. Spill the beans. Was he there or not?” she pressed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Jenna shifted uncomfortably, her gaze still avoiding Lanae’s. She let out a resigned sigh. “All right, fine. Yes, he was with me,” she admitted.
Lanae’s grin widened, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. “I knew it! So, how was it?”
Jenna couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. “It was...nice,” she replied, a shy smile curving her lips. “We just talked and...well, you know.”
Lanae’s expression softened as she reached out and gently squeezed Jenna’s shoulder. “I’m glad to hear it.” She infused her voice with as much sincerity and warmth as she could. “You two make a good team, both on and off the field.” The subtle scent of pine mingled with the distant hum of activity from the Citadel, creating a peaceful backdrop to their conversation.
Jenna’s smile faded, her gaze dropping to the ground. “Thanks, but you know it’s forbidden, Lanae.” Her voice thickened with frustration.
Lanae’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she shrugged, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “So was me marrying Draven,” she replied, her tone light and playful. She was genuinely happy for her brother and his choice in Jenna, despite the challenges they would face.
She studied Jenna’s contemplative expression, noticing how her brows furrowed and her eyes seemed to search for answers in an invisible distance. “It’s only worth it if what you have is precious enough to fight for.”
Jenna glanced up at Lanae; the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes sent Lanae’s heart plummeting.
Lanae paused, considering the situation. Her mind raced through memories of her little brother—the laughter, the arguments, the hurt he experienced after his first infatuation. She gulped down a steadying breath, and her heart gave a kick. “Would you fight for him?”
Jenna’s lips parted, as if to speak, but no words came. She swallowed hard, the decision settling heavily on her shoulders.
The road closed in around her as though the very air around them was holding its breath along with her as she awaited Jenna’s answer.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Spy Network
INSTEAD OF GOING HOME after the disastrous council meeting, Draven peeled off from Lanae once she got to Jenna’s neighborhood and headed to Mystic Spirits, hoping to settle his burning aggravation with a stiff drink. The narrow streets were bustling with daytime activity, the sun’s rays casting a warm glow on the wet pavement that still shimmered from an early morning dew. The scent of fresh rain mixed with the earthy aroma of blooming flowers from the nearby market, filling the air with a refreshing fragrance.
As Draven approached Mystic Spirits, the sounds of conversation and clinking glasses spilled out into the street. He pushed open the heavy wooden door, the hinges creaking as he stepped inside. The bar was filled with natural light streaming through large windows, illuminating the dark, polished wood and casting playful patterns across the room.
Draven made his way to the bar, his boots tapping softly against the worn floorboards. He nodded to the bartender, a burly man with a mane of graying hair, and ordered a stiff drink. As he waited, he scanned the room, searching for a familiar face. The indistinct murmur of voices and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively atmosphere, but his gaze remained sharp and focused.
