Nineteen
Aeryn
Contestants lined the perimeter of the room, sizing each other up as the king took his seat at the center of the long table. Lorne was standing guard with Liam closer to the doorway.
Nox”s penetrating gaze swept the room. “The trials today will test both wit and grace. If we have a winner, a single winner for both, she will be rewarded.”
The last time he”d offered a prize, I”d won an evening of companionship. I recalled the evening fondly, the night I”d been injured and he brought me soup.
“First, a test of intellect.” His lips curled. “You are to solve a series of riddles. If you get one right, you remain. Get it wrong, and you”re out.”
The first one was simple enough, and everyone remained in the running. The riddles grew progressively more complex. With each incorrect answer, another contestant was dismissed.
Though I shouldn”t have been, I was surprised at the amount of pouting and glares. The tension rose like smoke, choking and thick, until only two of us remained.
I’d made it through to the end, and so had Raina. She glanced at me, then at the floor.
Nox leaned forward, steepling his fingers. “For this last task, there are three logic tests on the tables to my left and to my right. Choose a table. You have two minutes to complete as much as you can.”
Raina went left and I went right. The tests were actual puzzles. The first of which was a large square divided into smaller ones. Symbols were drawn on each small square. The bottom right square was missing.
There were seven pieces laid out. I scanned them, biting my lip. Time was ticking so I went to the next without touching the first.
The next one was a three-dimensional puzzle made of wood blocks. This one I completed in seconds. Sofiya”s father spent down time in the winter making similar puzzles and I had passed many hours racing Sofiya to solve them.
I was just about to finish the third when time was called. This one had been trickier with its bent nails and odd-shaped blocks. Regretfully, I put the final piece on the table without completing it.
Lorne checked Raina”s then mine. “We have a winner,” he announced.
“It has to be Raina,” someone whispered loudly. “Neither finished but Aeryn didn”t even attempt the first.”
Nox joined Lorne at my table, pointing down. “Lady Aeryn, please explain to the others why you didn”t place a piece on this one.”
“Because the solution wasn”t on the table.”
One of his eyebrows lifted.
Damn it. “Your Majesty,” I quickly added.
Nox”s lips curved. “Well done, Lady Aeryn.”
My eyes lowered, cheeks warming. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Lorne clapped once to quiet the mutterings. “We will begin the third trial shortly. You will exit to your left into the makeshift dressing area where you will find dresses, shoes, and anything else you think you may need. You will be allowed to choose your ensemble, but keep in mind we”ll be testing your poise, grace, and decorum.”
A ripple of interest passed through the spectators as they headed to the left. The trial of elegance tested qualities I lacked. I stifled a groan.
“You have fifteen minutes. Go!”
Most of the elegant females made a mad dash for the exit.
“You coming?” Mirrelle asked as she and Astrid passed by.
“There”s nothing in that room that will convince me to put a pair of heels onto these feet.”
Sofiya giggled. “Yeah, but maybe I can keep a pair when I leave. They really do give us the most beautiful shoes.”
“Have mine, then.”
“We”ll be right back,” she promised.
Raina stayed behind with me. “Not into looking like a fairytale princess?” she asked.
“No. You?”
“No.”
“Thank the gods. Let”s go sit.”
I led us to seats off to the side, away from Nox and his guards so it wouldn”t be obvious if I ogled him. It also helped keep Raina away from Liam.
We sat in companionable silence. It was nice not to hear the tittering speculation about what had happened in the labyrinth. Not only was everyone curious about how I”d gotten access to my well-store, but also what sort of magic would manifest.
The touching power wasn”t a primary one. It would have been much more powerful. Whatever my primary magic was, I assumed I”d soon know for certain.
Zoriyah”s magic had been tested while I was healing to ensure she didn”t have access to dark magic, which she did not. She was questioned and she said she had no idea why the orb did what it did to me. It should have only burned deep enough to put me out of commission for the next week or so.
She couldn’t lie so it had to be true. But at the time I”d been certain she”d meant to kill me. I didn”t want to think about it right now.
The purposeful click of feminine dress shoes on stone reached my ears. Unfortunately, our seats were right by one of the main entrances.
Hilda glided into the hall, followed by her handmaidens. The nymph”s critical gaze raked over Raina, then me, no doubt taking in our trousers, boots, and loosely bound hair. I fought not to fidget under her scrutiny.
Hilda dipped into a curtsy before Nox. “Your Grace, we are prepared to judge the final trial. If the contestants are ready, we shall begin.” Her musical voice held a note of censure, as if we had already failed by not being prepared.
Nox”s lips twitched. “The contestants are trickling back in now. You may proceed once they”ve all returned, Lady Hilda.”
“Very well, Your Grace.”
When the last contestant joined the group, Hilda called us all up to the front. We stood in a single file line awaiting judgment. Like livestock.
She turned a sugary smile on me and my friend. “Let us start by addressing your appearance and conduct. A true lady must always be well-groomed and poised.”
I barely resisted rolling my eyes.
Hilda and her minions proceeded to critique everything from our posture to the state of our nails and hair. I endured her scolding with ill grace, chafing at being subjected to such trivial matters.
Then we were paraded along the perimeter, walking in a circle so the king could observe us pass by his table.
Heels clicked lightly while my boots landed with muffled sounds. I didn”t bother with the delicate hand thing Hilda preached, but I did maintain good posture out of habit.
As I passed Nox, Hilda tsked at me for putting my hands into my pockets and I let out a low growl. The animalistic sound startled me. I”d never made such a noise, like a woodland predator provoked.
A roomful of eyes fell upon me but I pretended nothing had happened.
Nox watched on in amusement, a smile playing about his lips. His gaze met mine, gray eyes glinting with mirth. “Are you not enjoying yourself, Lady Aeryn?”
I glowered at him. “No, Your Majesty, I am not.”
“Whyever not?” He looked genuinely curious but I knew better. He was enjoying this.
“I find these concerns rather superficial, Your Majesty. A person”s worth should not be measured by how they stand or whether their nails are clean.”
A ripple of laughter spread through the spectators at my boldness. Hilda”s mouth pinched, color rising in her cheeks. She didn”t appreciate being challenged.
Nox”s smile widened. “An interesting perspective. Perhaps you find this particular trial irrelevant to your values then?”
“I value loyalty and courage when being tested,” I said. “Not whether someone holds a teacup properly.”
“Spoken like a true warrior,” Nox laughed, the sound warm and pleased. “Very well, I believe we have seen enough. I name Aeryn the winner of this trial, as well.”
My jaw dropped as scattered applause broke out. “But, Your Majesty, I didn”t actually compete. I didn”t put on a dress or heels.”
Nox came around the table. “Are you in the room?”
“Yes.”
“Are you following Lady Hilda”s instructions?”
I tried to say as best I could but the lie died in my throat. “Basically.”
He laughed again. “Then you competed. I found it charming and highly entertaining, two things I value greatly.”
Nox”s gaze glinted with mischief. “And a private dinner shall be your reward. I expect to be further entertained.”
A blush crept into my cheeks at the anticipation in his voice. I didn”t care for how he acted in front of the contestants, but I believed he felt he had to.
A pause of silence then murmurs of envy and frustration rippled through the crowd at Nox”s pronouncement.
“This is unacceptable!” Cadence shrieked, stomping her foot. “She didn”t even try!”
“Silence,” Nox commanded, pinning her with a stern look. She cringed but obeyed, swallowing her protests.
Nox turned back to me, extending his hand. “Shall we?”
Heart pounding, I placed my hand in his. His fingers curled around mine, warm and sure. I fought not to react as he led me from the hall amidst the curious stares of onlookers.
Zoriyah looked especially peeved. She wasn”t the only one, but she was the only one I was certain would take my life at the first opportunity.
We entered the royal wing of the castle, passing through a set of ornate doors. I followed Nox to his private dining chamber, my heart racing with anticipation and nerves. The room was dimly lit, with a low fire crackling in the hearth, lending warmth and a soft glow to the surroundings.
Nox guided me to a chair, one near the fire. “Some wine?”
I nodded, suddenly nervous. What exactly did a private dinner with the King of Falcondale entail when he wasn”t tending to my wounds?
Nox poured two glasses from a black bottle with no label. As he handed one to me, his fingers brushed mine. A spark leapt between us and he smiled, slow and predatory.
He sat, scooting his chair closer to mine. Closer than necessary. Closer than appropriate for dinner.
“To clever tongues and refreshing honesty.” He tapped his glass against mine.
The wine was rich and held hints of oak. Drier wines weren’t my favorite, but I needed a little liquid courage for the subject I was about to broach. I downed the rest and held out the glass for more.
“It must be serious,” he stated observantly.
Instead of filling the goblet, he took it, placed it on the table, and gave me his full attention. “You have my full attention.”
How many others had sat on this side of that attention? Did they feel just as mystified? As shaken to the core?
“Aeryn.”
I took a breath. “Do you think it”s a good idea to offer a prize like you did tonight? It”s the second one I”ve been awarded.”
“Yes, the gods have been merciful lately.”
“No, I mean I feel like … how you look at me? And talk to me in front of the others? And having private dinners? The others don”t like it.”
“Do you like it?” he inquired in a smooth tone.
“Nox!”
“Aeryn. Answer the question.”
“Yes, but—”
“But you think I”m making you a target?”
I sat back in my chair. “Yes.”
“I thought about that. In fact, I”ve thought of your safety more than Lorne would prefer. The truth is, little hellion, the original reward wasn”t dinner with me. You won all on your own and I decided to change it.”
He topped off my glass and slid it towards me.
I left it alone. “What was the prize?”
“Dresses and shoes.”
“Yuck.” I pressed my lips together, not having meant to sound so rude.
“Yes, I am aware of how you feel about such things,” he agreed deprecatingly. “Lorne allowed Hilda to decide.”
Of course that was what she picked. Fluff and frills. No thank you.
“Anyway, back to your concern about being a target, you”re already in a handful of crosshairs. I thought if I treated you as entertaining—which you are, by the way—it wouldn”t come across as an interest in you as queen. I don”t want to show interest in taking you seriously like that.”
I was surprised I didn”t wince, as hard as those words hit. Logically, I understood. Emotionally, however? Well, I would pretend it was fine.
It didn’t help that my body didn”t care what he said as long as he continued looking at me like he wanted to eat me.
“I”ve also had Lorne make some adjustments to the remaining trials. I”m not sending you into something where I can”t see you. I can barely stand to have you out of my sight as it is.”
My body was way ahead of my brain, his pronouncements like foreplay.
“As for how I look at you, I”m not certain that can be helped. But I”ll try.”
Sometimes he said exactly the right thing.
“Thank you,” I told him, sitting up straighter and reaching for the drink I now needed more of.
“Anytime. Was there something else on your mind?”
“What?,” my mind scrambled momentarily. “Oh, yes. I eliminated some contestants today. From the suspect pool.”
The features of his face sharpened in interest. “Who?”
“Sofiya and Raina first. It was easy to touch Sofiya since she grabs my hand all the time.”
“And?”
“And she”s not involved. I could have told you that already, though.”
Nox took a sip looking deep in thought. “And what about the frost nymph?” he asked aloofly.
“Raina knows nothing. She was thinking of how much she doesn”t want to win.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“That”s because you don”t like her.”
He snorted without humor. “That”s putting it lightly.”
“Nox, what did she do to you?”
“To me? Nothing. But she broke something in Liam. He hasn”t been right since.”
I felt terrible for Liam, but Raina was just as much a victim. “No, her parents did that. She didn”t have a choice.”
“There is always a choice, little menace. Even if we don”t like the consequences of it, there is always a choice.”
I set my drink on the table and crossed my arms. “It”s not that simple, Nox.”
The king exhaled, setting his glass next to mine and taking my hand. He brought it to his lips, kissing my palm. The zing of lust hardened my nipples and settled between my legs.
“Let”s agree to disagree. I don”t want to spend the evening arguing our points on Liam and Raina.”
“Alright,” I granted, squeezing my legs together. He”d scent me soon if he hadn”t already.
“Good.” He tapped a bell near the centerpiece.
The servant arrived with our meal, which was a decadent spread of roasted meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and various delicacies I couldn”t even name. My stomach growled at the sight and smell of it all.
“This looks amazing,” I said with genuine appreciation.
“Only the best for my guest,” Nox said with a sly grin.
“Guest, huh? I”m pretty sure a guest arrives to visit willingly.”
The male ignored my slight and asked, “Anyone else?” as he cut into his fowl.
“Just Xerag.”
Nox wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I”m surprised she let you touch her.”
“It wasn”t planned. I bumped into her accidently. We both grabbed arms to steady the other. She”s focused on surviving and not disappointing her family, not on winning. She”s also ready to return home and hates the castle.”
“Now that sounds just like her father. He despises court life.”
“Do you think he’s involved?”
He shook his head. “No. I”ve known Zeb since I was five years old. He trained me to use a sword. If he wanted my head, he”d have tried to take it with his blade in direct challenge.”
I accepted his judgment and kept her on the eliminated list. Getting my hands on some of the others was going to be far more tricky. I couldn”t bump into everyone.
Nox changed the subject and we talked of lighter things while we ate. I liked being alone with him, sharing a meal, and speaking candidly. It made my insides warm and I felt connected to him.
When dinner was over, he walked me to my rooms instead of using his powers. He said he wanted to draw out our time.
When he closed the door to my room, with both of us inside, I could hardly stand the way he drank me in, yet stood so far away.
“And now, little hellion, you have me all to yourself. What will you do with your prize?”
My mouth was suddenly dry. “I thought dinner was the prize?”
“Dinner plus time alone with the king who wishes …” Nox licked the tip of his canine, prowling closer.
“What does the king wish?” I whispered.
Gods!What was I asking?
His eyes gleamed. “The king wishes for a kiss from his female.”
“His female?” My pulse spiked. I wet my lips, and his eyes followed the movement. “That’s a different matter altogether than a kiss.”
“Coy and clever. I like it.” He traced a finger down my cheek, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. “I grow impatient, Aeryn. Every minute I”m with you I grow more impatient to have you.”
My heart thudded wildly. How could I resist him? And yet, if I gave in now, I might lose myself in his embrace. I didn”t want to read too far into his possessiveness. He could mean it as something temporary.
Or he might not.
I blinked up at him through my lashes. “A kiss, but then you must answer one question for me.”
Nox”s eyes gleamed with challenge and desire. “I agree to your demand, my lady.”
He dipped his head, and I rose onto my toes, our lips meeting in a kiss that I felt all the way to my toes.
My hands curled into his shirt, clinging for support as his mouth moved over mine. Heat and longing surged through me in waves, and I sank into the kiss, losing myself in the feel and taste of him.
Too soon, he lifted his head. I swayed, dizzy and breathless, my lips tingling.
Nox”s eyes had darkened to slate. His voice was rough when he spoke. “Ask your question.”
I licked my lips, struggling to think clearly. What did I most wish to know?
“Why do you want me? Why say that I”m your female?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.
One eyebrow rose. “Do you doubt my desire for you?”
“No,” I said hastily. “I only wonder why. We are strangers, after all.”
“Are you sure about that, little menace? Because you don”t feel like a stranger at all to me.”
It was true. He didn”t feel like a stranger, but how well did we really know one another? Nox could have any of the contestants if he so desired.
He’d bedded at least one of them prior to the trials. I had to know he actually wanted me, not just the body he liked to touch.
“What draws you to me?”
Nox traced his knuckles down my cheek. “Your spirit. Your honesty. The way you look at me as if I am not a king and how you definitely don”t speak to me as one. You fascinate me, Aeryn, and I find I cannot get enough of your company.”
His mouth quirked. “Also, you are the most vexing and intriguing female I have ever known. I want to unravel all your secrets.”
My breath caught at his words. He saw me, the real me, and wanted to know more. A frightening vulnerability rose inside, along with a dangerous warmth.
Nox bent his head again, brushing his lips over mine in a fleeting caress. “Does that satisfy you?”
“Yes,” I managed, my voice trembling.
“Good.” His eyes gleamed. “Because now, I mean to have another kiss. And this time, I won”t stop at just your mouth.”
“Nox, I”ve never—”
“Shhh. I do not intend to take your innocence tonight, Aeryn.”
My posture relaxed, though the relief was rimmed with a touch of disappointment. My core ached and the wild thing demanded his attention.
“But mark my words, I fully intend to do so once I have you in my bed.”
His mouth crashed into mine. Torrid and fervent, Nox stole my oxygen while I clung to him desperately.
He pulled me in close and guided me towards the bed, carefully pushing me to my back. His broad hands moved with purpose as he skillfully unbuttoned my pants and pushed them down past my hips.
The king lowered to the floor, removing my boots and socks, then my trousers. He kissed my knee, my thigh, then tugged at the hem of my shirt, lifting it up over my head and tossing it to the side.
Clad only in my bra and panties, I quaked with anticipation as he explored my body. His hands were large and rough, but his touch was gentle and soothing, planting soft kisses on my exposed skin.
He nuzzled the swell of my breasts then slid his hand under the cup to pinch my nipples gently between his fingers. My breath shallowed into something demanding.
“Remove your bra for me, kitten.”
The newest endearment felt right, far preferable to hellion or menace. Arching, I undid the clasp at my back and slowly slid the straps off my arms.
His eyes were nearly all pupil, his irises black orbs lit from within as if flames lay just behind the surface. His lips were red from our kissing. I imagined them on me, doing wicked things.
I threw the garment aside, baring more to him than just my chest. The sound he made had my hips rising off the mattress, searching for friction.
“Soon,” he vowed, lowering and sucking one nipple into his mouth hungrily. He teased and licked until I was begging. Finally, his lips trailed down my stomach.
When he reached the top of my panties, his hands slid up my inner thighs and spread my legs. Hooking under my knees, he pulled me closer to the edge of the bed.
Nox”s nose pressed into the scrap of fabric covering my mound. He inhaled deeply, eyes glowing when they looked up at me.
“Has anyone ever kissed you here?”
Sheepish but too turned on to stop him, I shook my head. Nox hummed with male satisfaction.
“I”m going to devour you. Say my name when you come.”
He pressed his face into my mound and kissed me there. I jolted, not expecting the intimate contact. He licked me through my underwear.
His other hand was on my thigh, pushing my legs further apart. He sucked on my clit through the fabric. I tried to grip the sheets but my fingers wouldn”t cooperate. My hips bucked and I held my breath, that divine heat rising, rising, closer, closer.
I gasped his name, body bowing off the bed. Nox tore my panties in half and buried his face in my folds.
His lips were hungry and hot, his tongue exploring and teasing me until I was writhing beneath him. His other hand moved to my hip, holding me still as he kissed and licked and sucked.
When he added a finger, stroking up against some sweet spot inside me, I thought I might come apart entirely.
The pleasure built rapidly as his mouth ravished me. His fingers found a rhythm to match the intensity of his tongue, pushing my arousal higher and higher until I was panting and begging for release.
He came up for air. “You”re so wet,” he said in a hoarse voice. “So tight. You don”t know how badly I want to fuck you right now, but I”m not going to.”
The crudeness of his words were shockingly erotic and appealed to the carnal and untamed part of me I was only just discovering.
Nox pushed another finger into my sensitive flesh. They were fire, burning hot and deep. His tongue was hot velvety against my sensitive nub, swirling around it like a tempest of pleasure that I could barely contain.
The sensation was almost too much, a mix of pleasure and pain building into something I couldn”t put into words. Fisting his hair, I spiraled out of control and cried out in ecstasy, chanting his name over and over.
Slowly, I drifted back into reality. Repleted. Blissed. I lifted my head and looked down the length of my body.
He nipped my inner thigh. “You”re going to come for me again, kitten.”
Nox dragged that talented tongue back up through the slick between my legs. Sensitive, I mewled, but he didn”t relent.
His mouth worshiped my clit while his fingers worked deep into my core, the sensations overwhelming. My eyes rolled back in pleasure as I felt myself on the precipice of euphoria once again.
Just when it felt like I could take no more, Nox removed his finger and brought both hands to cup my ass cheeks. He angled me so his chin provided friction while his mouth consumed the sensitive bundle of nerves exactly as I needed.
With one powerful stroke of his tongue, he sent shockwaves of delight through every nerve ending in my body. Faster, he drove me ever closer towards oblivion until I shattered in a wave of pure ecstasy that left me breathless.
I think I might have passed out. The next thing I knew, Nox was tucking me under the covers and bending to brush his lips against mine.
The scent of my arousal on his skin brought the wild to the surface, tempting me to pull him down on top of my body.
“Tempting kitten,” he murmured.
“I thought I was a hellion. And a menace,” I teased exhaustedly.
“Oh, you definitely are. But when you bare yourself to me like you just did, you”re my kitten.”
“I should probably be offended by that.”
“But you”re not,” he grinned and straightened to leave.
I grabbed his hand. “Nox, what about … what about you?”
“Do you mean what about the painful erection behind my zipper?”
I fought to keep my eyes from lowering to his crotch. “Uh, yes.”
“Tonight wasn”t about me. But I promise to let you do something about it the next time we”re alone.”
“So you”re just going to ignore it?”
Nox lowered his face to mine and that sinful mouth tilted. “My female wants to know if I”m going to take myself in hand?”
Gods help me, I prayed then said, “Yes.”
“Do you want me to?”
I bit my lip, feeling awkward and unsure, but also incredibly interested. “Yes.”
“In that case, I”ll head straight to my bed while your scent is still on me, close my eyes, and pretend my cock is inside your mouth. Would you like that?”
I nodded, my face filling with my hot blood while my mind created racy images of his suggested task.
Nox kissed me quickly and stood. “Dream of me, Aeryn, as I”ll surely be dreaming of you.”
Then he was gone and I was left terribly curious what it would be like to watch him masturbate. Thank goodness my body was tired. I drifted off and dreamt of the shadowy male doing all sorts of naughty things.
For the first time in a long time, I awoke smiling.