Twenty-Four
Aeryn
Nox cleared his throat, gaze sweeping the courtyard. The bodies of the fallen had vanished, spirited away by magic. Only stains of blood remained, dark against the cobblestones, something he”d insisted remain for the time being.
What was with the Scullbrook brothers and blood stains?
“Let it be known that Portia and Rodrik Brandenburg are traitors to the crown and responsible for the death of my father, King Orson,” Nox announced, voice ringing with authority. “Cowardly, they used a poison for which we had no cure.”
Shocked gasps and murmurs flowed through the crowd. They”d obviously seen how the fight began, but Nox hadn”t let out detailed information about his father”s passing.
“They are also responsible for multiple attempts to end the Scullbrook line. I know not how deep their treachery runs in Falcondale, but rest assured I will not be satisfied until I have uncovered the identities of every being who supported, assisted, and co-conspired with them. Any involvement or knowledge of their betrayals will not go unpunished. No one who has been involved in their plotting in any way is safe from my wrath.”
His words echoed across the courtyard, hanging over the crowd like a weight about to fall upon their heads.
“In light of the heinous acts committed today by our enemies, Lady Aeryn and I will wed soon, likely within the fortnight.”
My spine stiffened and I completely lost my focus for a moment. Nox had made no mention of such a thing.
More whispers rippled through the crowd. I felt the weight of stares, judging and calculating.
“You are hereby released from Thornewood. Return to your homes immediately.”
Nox stepped down to meet me, offering his arm. I curled my hand around the solid warmth of his forearm and let him lead me down the stairs. The sea of fae parted for us, a mix of emotions flickering over their faces.
We paused before Sofiya and her family. Nox inclined his head to them. “You have my gratitude, for the care you have shown Aeryn over the years. You will always have a place at court.”
Sofiya”s eyes shone with tears as she curtsied. “You honor us, Your Majesty.”
I hugged her fiercely, blinking back my own tears. She had been my first true friend in a world that had taken so much from me.
“We”ll plan a visit soon,” I promised. “I”ll send a coach for you if I can”t get away from here.”
I”d all but begged her to stay earlier, but Sofiya had insisted she return to the village with her parents. Part of me thought she might have considered it if Lorne had spoken up, but the big dummy had stood mute, studiously ignoring her.
I had plans to corner him in the near future.
Nox guided me onward, toward a line of waiting carriages. An army of soldiers on horseback surrounded the vehicles.
The footmen at the center carriage hurried to open the doors. I balked, glancing at the coach”s plush interior. “Where are we going?”
Amusement crinkled the corners of Nox”s eyes. “Did you think I would simply announce our betrothal and let that be the end of it? Tradition dictates royal couples ride to the Temple of Aine, where,” he paused, bending closer, “we make our union official in front of our countrymen atop the altar of the gods. Though, I suppose bent over it would do, as well.”
Heat flooded my face as I stared at him. Where did all the air go?
“You cannot be serious.”
“I am entirely serious, my heart.”
Nox lifted me into the carriage and climbed in behind, closing the door. We were alone, the sounds of the courtyard muffled, the curtains drawn.
We sat on opposite sides, the air quickly charging with arousal and anxiety, the latter solely coming from me.
“Nox. I am not having sex with you in front of an audience.”
“Not interested in an audience? Or in marrying me in the way of my ancestors?”
“No.”
I was about to yell something at him for thinking I would be okay with such a thing when he chuckled wickedly. “Come now, kitten. Do you really think I would ever allow another male to see you in the throes of passion? Your eyes when you come are for me only. Understood?”
“But you said it was tradition,” I argued weakly, thinking it was suddenly very warm inside the small space.
“It was. One that ended centuries ago.”
Nox crept forward, caging me against the velvet seat. His eyes glowed with hunger and something more, something that pinned me in place.
“Aeryn,” he murmured, “you are mine. And I intend to make sure you never forget it. I don”t need to take you inside the temple to prove it when I can simply do that right here.”
I shivered at the intensity in his voice and the heat of his gaze. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn”t help the way my body responded to him. I wanted him, needed him.
He leaned in, his lips grazing my ear. “Whatever I want, remember?”
“Yes,” I breathed.
“But first, I want to make you feel good. And then I want to feel these gorgeous lips wrapped around my cock.”
His words sent a jolt of excitement through me. It was the one thing he had yet to request.
I leaned into him, my breath coming in quick gasps. He pressed his lips to mine, his tongue seeking entrance. My mouth opened, welcoming him eagerly.
His hands moved over my body, sending waves of desire through me. I moaned into his mouth as he cupped my breasts through my dress, the one Nox had insisted I put on. Now I knew why.
He pulled back, his eyes dark with need. “Take off your clothes,” he ordered.
I hesitated for a moment before complying. I wanted to please him, to give him everything he desired. He watched me intently as I stripped off my dress, leaving me clad in only my undergarments.
I took my time lowering the straps of my bra, feeling empowered and brazen. By the time I had it unhooked, his erection was bulging at the front of his trousers.
He growled low in his throat as he took in my body. Though he”d seen every inch of it already, his eyes glistened with feral hunger. I shivered at the lust I saw there, letting my own arousal build.
My pulse raced as he traced a finger from my shoulder down to my hand, then back up my inner arm. Goosebumps rose under his touch. I wanted to feel that again, the first time he”d touched me and awakened my desire.
He leaned in, tracing a line down my neck and over my collarbone. I trembled, waiting for the moment his lips would join in the game. I wanted to feel him against my skin, to feel his mouth on my body. My breath quickened, mouth opening as my head fell back, invitation in my eyes.
Nox”s teeth flashed white against his lips. “Not yet, kitten.”
His hands rose to my shoulders, then down to the swell of my breasts. He angled forward, lips hovering over my skin and sending shivers down my spine.
I squirmed. Panted. Nearly begged. Then a needy sound escaped, a purr of desire.
“You”re so fucking beautiful,” he said. “But I”m not done playing.”
He gripped my hands and held them down at my sides. His mouth replaced his hands, lips sucking at the sensitive flesh of my throat. Pleasure shuddered through me, my head lolling on my neck as he continued his attack.
Nox pulled back, studying the remains of the sharp bite at my throat. He leaned in, nipping at the mark. I shuddered, body rising to meet him. His big frame hovered over me, a gleam in his eyes.
I shook my head, searching for words. “Please,” I whispered.
A feral smile cut across his face. “I will, kitten, in time.”
“When?” I gasped, arching up into him.
“Soon,” he promised.
He pressed his hand to my thigh, sliding it up my leg. I spread my legs further in invitation, his lips claiming mine.
I moaned into his mouth as he slid his fingers into my panties, immediately finding my clit. I bucked against his hand, crying out as he stroked me.
I moaned, arching my neck as I tried to chase his lips. “More.”
He grinned in satisfaction. “So impatient.”
“Nox, please,” I begged. “I need to feel you.”
His hand left me, reaching up to pinch my nipple. Pleasure and pain shot through me, my body aching for more.
Lips brushed against my ear. “Tell me you want me.”
“I want you,” I mewled, tugging at his hair, trying to recapture his lips.
He hummed in satisfaction, sitting back. His eyes bore into mine, his tongue darting out to tease the peak of my breast. I cried out, my body arching.
His mouth moved to the other, sucking hard. I moaned and begged for more. He silenced me with a hard kiss.
Nox gave me just enough space to breathe. His eyes locked with mine as his fingers hooked the sides of my panties. My abdominals flexed in anticipation.
Slowly, he slid them down and threw them over his shoulder. One hand gripped behind my knee, his eyes homing in on my exposed sex as he drew closer.
“Your scent is driving me mad,” he growled, his breath hot against my thigh. “I want to kneel before you, mate, to worship at your feet and feel you come on my mouth.”
Nox spread my legs wider, biting at my inner thigh as he inched his way to my center. He nibbled at the curves of my mound and my core grew slick.
“Gods,” he swore, ending the torture as his lips feverishly encircled my hardened nub and sucked hard.
The sex god was relentless. Nox knew exactly what to do, sending me higher and higher. Breathless, my nerves tightened as the pleasure built to a crescendo.
I moaned his name as the orgasm tore through me, faster than ever before, my hips bucking wildly. He continued suckling on my engorged flesh, dragging the orgasm on. The rapture of it fogged my brain.
My body continued to spasm as he kept going. I came again, sobbing as the pulses between my legs went on and on.
Finally, he sat back, watching my face. I was panting, my body shaking.
Licking my lips, I tempted his beast. “More.”
Nox”s eyes glowed yellow and his umbral stared back at me behind his eyes. His canines flashed and I wondered if I”d pushed too far.
A throaty growl vibrated in warning. My own baast purred in response. We hadn”t shifted at all, but our beasts were definitely communicating.
Nox reached forward and yanked me further down the bench so my ass hung off the edge. He spread my thighs as wide as they would go. His hands gripped my hips as he dove in, tongue and teeth working in uncurbed abandon. He nipped at my abused flesh, sending another wave of pleasure-pain through me.
A whimper tore from my throat as his tongue slid into me. I fought for control, but he was relentless. He licked and sucked, pushing my body to give him what he wanted. What I needed.
I didn”t have much time to think. Within a few minutes I was clawing at the cushions, trying to pull him closer with my legs. I tangled my fingers in his hair, holding him to me. His fingers dug into my backside, pulling me further onto his mouth.
I screamed as euphoria seized me in its clutches and shook me down to my very soul. Nox”s chest rumbled primitively, his tongue working faster. I came again, my body convulsing.
Light-headed, the world was slow to come back into focus. Nox was staring at me in a way I”d never thought anyone would. I sank into his gaze, my breath catching.
In that moment I saw everything I”d ever hoped for. He wanted me. He needed me. I thought he might even love me.
Shit. Where had that come from?
I was pretty sure I was falling for him but was too afraid to voice the thought. Sensibly, it was too soon. Foolishly, my heart didn”t care.
Nox sat back on the cushioned bench behind him. His eyes heavy-lidded with hunger etched across his face.
I shivered, watching as he removed his shirt, then unbuttoned his fly. I couldn”t take my eyes off him, could barely breathe.
He slid his pants down, freeing himself. I licked my lips as I saw it, the memory of the pleasure he”d given me making my mouth water.
Crawling forward, I braced my hands on his thighs as the carriage swayed subtly. His thick erection bobbed just inches from my mouth.
I moaned, my channel clenching as I watched his sex move. I wanted it, wanted to give him what he’d given me.
“Put your mouth on me, kitten.”
I opened, lips sliding over his hot flesh. My body came impossibly alive again as I sucked. My tongue licked at the tip, tasting him. He tasted so good, so right.
“Fuck, yes,” he hissed. “Take me deep.”
I stared up, my eyes locked on his face. I could feel my face flush hot as he watched, discovering what he liked by his expressions.
I swirled my tongue around the head, savoring the salty flavor. His fingers tightened in my hair, guiding me. I took him into my mouth again, sucking and licking as I moved up and down.
Soon I was lost in the rhythm, in the sounds he was making. I stroked him with one hand, working my mouth up and down as I took him deeper. I purred, vibrating around his cock, his taste calling to the wild inside me.
Nox tugged my hair again, pulling me back. “Do you want me inside you?”
The words were raw and rough. I closed my eyes, dizzy with desire. “I want you,” I moaned. “So much.”
A satisfied sound vibrated through him. “Come here.”
I rose on shaking legs. He grabbed my waist and pulled me to straddle his lap. He pushed my thighs further apart, then adjusted his cock to press just between my folds.
“Say it again.”
I licked my lips. “I want you.”
“Is this tight little cunny mine?”
“Yes,” I exhaled, growing desperate.
“And are you mine, Aeryn Faulkner of Greenhollow? Every little bit of you?”
The head of his length nudged at my entrance. I tried to lower but Nox held me up, denying me. His fingers dug into the flesh of my hips in warning.
“Yes, damn it. I”m yours. I thought we already—”
In one smooth motion, he pulled me down. I threw my head back, a cry of pleasure escaping as I held onto his shoulders for balance.
“All of you, Aeryn. I already have your body. I want your mind. But I”ll demand your heart. I”ll accept nothing less,” he vowed, as he tightened his arms around me.
My heart stopped. I stared into his inky eyes. His umbral”s amber light flashed and I realized he was waiting.
I swallowed, struggling to reconcile what he was saying. The skin on my face felt tight. My eyes burned.
Nox”s gaze softened. He reached for my hand and slid it up to rest over his heart. “I give you the same in return.”
The tears fell and I didn”t do anything to stop them. Something shattered inside and I swooped down to claim his mouth, grinding my hips into his, riding my mate like it might be the last thing I ever did.
He gripped my hips, thrusting up into me. I was lost. Everything I had buried myself in, had chased after, was here in this moment. I wanted to feel it, all of it.
I was his and he was mine.
Nox”s eyes locked with mine, his face a mask of restrained need. I groaned into his mouth and sucked on his tongue, reveling in the way he growled against me.
“Yes,” he moaned, his voice thick with satisfaction. “Just like that, kitten.”
The pleasure was overwhelming, the feeling of him inside me like coming home. He nipped at my lips, kissing me deeper. I gasped, my vision going white as I came.
Nox bellowed, his hands tightening on my ass as he drove deep and pulsed inside me. I continued to ride him, milking every last drop he had to offer.
His hips slowed, then stopped. Arms tightened around my back.
“Alright, love?” he asked, tucking my head into the nook of his shoulder and neck.
I nodded, my heartbeat thudding in my ears. We stayed like that for long minutes, the carriage rocking softly. Nox petted my hair and I traced his heart with my finger.
When our speed slowed Nox pulled the curtain to peek outside. “We”ll be there soon,” he said, nibbling at my ear.
“One more minute,” I sighed, nuzzling into the space under his chin.
“Whatever you want, love. My time is yours.”
I thought nothing could have been more perfect than this moment.
I was wrong.
The carriage rattled down the wide forest path at an undemanding pace. I leaned against Nox, taking comfort in his solid strength as I watched the trees go by.
Despite the grim circumstances of the recent attack, I was able to relax in his closeness. Being with him like this was easy; such a stark contrast to our first interactions.
When the ancient temple came into view, I leaned closer to the window. The Temple of Aine was much larger than I”d anticipated, though not imposing. Somehow it blended into the nature around it, like it belonged in this clearing.
We stopped in front of the imposing structure and Nox exited before his guard could open the door. I stuck my head out and couldn”t help but feel a sense of awe.
Ivy crawled up the walls in wild patterns. Beds of vibrant flowers framed the steps. The doors were open wide, inviting us inside where I could see flickering lights dancing with shadows.
Nox took my hand and led me along the path towards the worn stone steps. I wondered how many fae had visited this place.
“This temple has stood for over a thousand years,” he told me. “It”s one of the few remaining sanctums dedicated solely to the goddess Aine.”
One of my eyebrows lifted. “Isn”t she the goddess of wealth, Your Majesty?”
“Such a little menace,” he clucked cheekily. “She”s also the goddess of sovereignty, love, and,” he brought my hand to his mouth, “fertility.”
Fertility. The word echoed through my disjointed chamber of thoughts.
Nox continued talking about the history of the temple. I was too distracted to pay attention.
Fae didn”t produce many offspring, but I”d not taken any of the typical precautions. I wasn”t of magical age and, thus, should have been protected from pregnancy until I was.
Then again, I”d been able to access my well-store before my twenty-fifth birthday. Did that mean everything else that came with it was also true?
Shit.
The significance of possibly carrying a child was not lost on me. Nox was a king and I had been nothing more than an orphaned farmer with a small plot of land.
At the top of the steps, Nox turned to me, his piercing gray eyes probing mine. “Aine rules over the land”s fertility and crops, much as you once did, love.”
A flutter rose in my chest at his words, comparing me to a goddess, of all creatures. The King of Falcondale wanted me, despite my humble roots. It was almost too good to be true.
Dwelling on it was a bad idea.
We stepped into the temple, lanterns casting a warm glow over the interior. Vines curled around weathered pillars and the subtle scent of night-blooming flowers perfumed the air.
Continuing through the antechamber, we entered a large open room with a vaulted ceiling that made me feel small. In the center was an altar made of dark marbled stone with symbols carved into its sides.
Candles burned all around, casting gentle light throughout the circular space. More greenery and vivid blooms covered the back wall and spaces between the sconces and tall candelabras.
“It”s beautiful,” I murmured, overcome by the romantic setting.
Nox”s eyes crinkled at the corners. “Sadly, I cannot take credit. Lorne and Sofiya prepared it for us.”
Warmth bloomed within my chest at the thought of my dear friend and my mate”s brother decorating. And that Nox had crafted all this for me.
“One moment, kitten,” he said, releasing my hand and stepping up onto the platform that held the altar.
On either side of the marble structure stood statues of ancient gods in various poses; some offering blessings, others holding stern expressions that seemed to stare right at me.
Nox bowed his head before the one in the center and murmured something in an unfamiliar language as he did so. He then came back, taking my hand and leading me to the altar, the sound of our footsteps echoing off stone.
Through the flames reflecting in his eyes, I saw his beast again. Power and strength radiated from his very being, heating my skin and bringing the wild in me to full attention.
“There she is,” he spoke with that whispery voice he used only when we were alone.
“I cannot thank the gods enough for putting you in my path, Aeryn. My umbral may have chosen you immediately, but I soon followed. A female to wed, not for political gain, but because I want to keep her as my own.”
I swore I heard my pulse echoing all around. The raw emotion in his voice was going to bring me to my knees.
“I know fate brought us together, but I want to honor you in the old ways. Well, minus the sex on the altar in front of an audience. Unless you”re willing, of course.”
I snorted nervously.
Nox slowly brought us to kneel in front of the altar, keeping a tight hold on my hands as we faced one another.
“Under the eyes of Aine and the ancestors who watch over us, I pledge myself to you, Aeryn Faulkner of Greenhollow, in all ways from this day forward. Will you pledge yourself to me? Accept me now and forever more?”
His eyes burned into mine. Waiting.
Overcome, tears pooled, blurring my vision. My skin felt tight and I fought to keep my composure. A shuddering breath left my lips when I opened my mouth to reply.
“A simple yes or no, will do, kitten.”
“Yes,” I whispered, crying and laughing simultaneously.
Joy blazed across his face. He hopped up, pulling me into his arms. His mouth found mine as the last of the light faded around us.
Nox”s kiss was drugging. My hands tangled in his dark hair. His tongue danced with mine as he backed me up against the closest pillar. I could feel his desire pressing insistently against my belly.
Breaking the kiss, I gasped, “Someone could walk in.”
Nox nuzzled my throat, nipping at the sensitive skin. “Part of me wants them to see you”re mine.”
His possessive words sent a spike of heat through me. Gripping his shoulders, I guided his mouth lower, whimpering as he suckled my breast through the thin fabric of my dress.
“Nox,” I moaned, arching into him.
With visible effort, he pulled back, his breathing ragged. “Resisting you is nearly impossible but I did promise.”
Despite my initial objections, my lips puckered. Nox laughed, brushing his knuckles over my kiss-swollen lips and resting his forehead against mine.
“My mate. My heart. My soon to be wife and queen,” he stated.
I stiffened.
Queen? Some part of me was still holding onto the illusion I could have him without having to take on the title.
“Could I just be your wife?” I asked, biting my lip. “And not the queen?”
Nox”s affectionate gaze filled with patient understanding, making me squirm.
“I know you have reservations about becoming queen,” he said softly, brushing his thumb over my cheek to wipe away the evidence of my tears. “But I vow to help you find your feet.”
My throat was tight. “I know you will. I just … it”s not something I ever wanted. I only want to be worthy of you. Of this.” I swept my arm, indicating the ancient temple.
Nox tilted my chin up. “You already are. Never doubt that.”
His belief in me was humbling. I would try. For him I would try.
Glancing around, I said teasingly, “I”m actually tempted to go ahead and consummate our engagement here. I know it”s tradition.”
Nox”s eyes darkened, a smirk playing on his lips. “It”s best not to tempt the beast, little hellion. I”d rather have you all to myself back in our chambers. Besides, you weren”t exactly pleased when I mentioned it before we left the castle.”
He drew me close again, his body hard against mine. A delicious shiver went through me at the promise in his voice. Nox”s hand slid down to grasp my ass firmly.
“Perhaps we should skip the carriage ride and return immediately?” he murmured in my ear.
“I think that”s a wonderful idea.” I surrendered completely, my heart overflowing. I trusted Nox to take me where I desired to go.
He turned his head to press a kiss to my palm. His eyes smoldered. “I”m going to worship you properly. Tonight and every night.”
Heat coiled low in my belly. Hand in hand, we slipped into the shadows. The ancient temple fell away, replaced by the familiar walls of his bedchamber. Our bedchamber.
It was going to take time to get used to things.
Nox wasted no time. His hands were everywhere, stripping away my clothes until I stood bare before him. I returned the favor, my fingers making quick work of the fastenings on his tunic.
We came together in a tangle of limbs on the bed, urgent and needy. When he finally joined our bodies, I cried out, overwhelmed by the intensity.
After, we lay spent in each other”s arms. Nox trailed lazy kisses over my shoulder as I drifted toward sleep.
“Wife,” he whispered, as if testing the word.
I smiled. It was the title I wanted, even if it came with the one I didn”t.