Velvet Fist, Iron Glove

by lowkeyed1

Summary:

The Gales never came to Tir Asleen, and Kit and Graydon's marriage went ahead as scheduled. How do they cope with this arrangement, especially after Graydon reveals a secret?

Chapter 1

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

Kit thought about running away before her wedding to Prince Graydon of Galladoorn, but...

Her best friend, who she would have run away with, made it abundantly clear that she intended to leave the next day to train with the Shining Legion. Her brother sat up the night before with her, and comforted her, and let her cry on his shoulder. And her mother posted guards outside her door and her window. She remembered when she was young and headstrong, too, and wasn't taking any chances.

So, the wedding went off without a hitch the next day -- aside from Kit having to be prompted twice to start her vows, and Graydon's being nearly inaudible and mostly addressed to his shoes. The customary post-wedding feast was long, boring, and all the more awkward for how the bride and groom seemed to avoid eye contact, or any kind of contact, really.

Afterwards, they saw the Galladoorn contingent on their way, and were ushered to their new suite of rooms to begin their honeymoon, as tradition dictated. Left alone for the first time, Kit and Graydon were at a loss. Neither of them had wanted to be here in the first place and now they were married, set on their path to further the royal lineage and rule together, for the rest of their lives.

Kit groaned, pulling off her ceremonial crown and dropping it on a table by the window. She flung herself down on the bed, running her fingers through her hair and destroying the intricate coif her lady-in-waiting had created for the ceremony. She glanced over to where Graydon was still standing by the door, looking like he'd rather be literally anywhere else on earth, and sighed.

"You can come in. It's your room, too."

His eyes darted to hers and away again and he nodded, stepping away from the door. He removed his crown and placed it carefully on the dresser against the other wall, and gingerly sat on the opposite side of the bed, turned towards her.

"Well, this is weird," she said, flatly.

He laughed a little uncertainly. "Yeah."

Kit's eyes started to well with tears and she rubbed them away angrily.

"Um. Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not okay!" she exclaimed, sitting up and keeping her back to him. "I didn't want to get married. My, my best friend is gone! And now we're supposed to... supposed to. God, I can't even say it."

Graydon remained silent behind her, as she rubbed at her face.

"You know what," she continued. "It's just not going to happen. I'm going to get changed for bed and you stay on your side and I'll stay on mine, all right?"

"...Okay," he replied, softly.

She grabbed up her nightclothes, stomped off into the changing room, and slammed the door. She ripped her way out of her stupid, fancy, uncomfortable gown, the effort at least expending some of her pent-up anger and frustration. She threw it down on the floor in a heap and stomped on it a few times for good measure. She pulled on her stupid pajamas and her stupid dressing gown and belted it up tight, wishing for another five or six layers she could put on.

When she finally convinced herself to return to the bedroom, Graydon had extinguished all the candles except the one by her side of the bed. He was under the covers, his back to her, as close to the edge of the bed as he could get without falling off.

She blew out the candle and slid under the covers on her side, mirroring him, a good four feet of space separating them. She closed her eyes against the bright moonlight coming in through the curtains, and tried to will her tense muscles to relax. If she could just fall asleep and avoid reality for a while... but it was no good. She remained wide awake, her brain furiously whirring along over how unfair it all was, trying to figure out some kind of exit strategy.

Maybe if she pretended to go along with all this, she could lull her mom and run away in a few weeks? Swing by Galladoorn and give Jade a chance to join her? Go out there and find the adventure she was meant to have instead of, instead of THIS.

Her ruminations were interrupted by a small sniffing sound. And then another.

"Are you crying?" she asked, in disbelief.

"...No," Graydon replied, but his voice was tight with it.

"Why are YOU crying?" she demanded, turning over to glare at his back.

"I'm not." He sniffed again.

"You obviously are," she pointed out.

His shoulders hunched up against his neck, and he rubbed his face and slowly turned over to face her.

"I thought this might be better, at least I'm away from my family. But it's worse. I'm married to someone who hates me." He looked at her sadly, eyes shining.

Despite herself, Kit started to feel a little bad for him. Not as bad as she felt for herself, but... a little.

"I don't... hate you. I don't even know you. I just hate being forced into this situation. I just met you yesterday and now we're married, and we're supposed to produce an heir?"

Graydon's eyes spilled over and he put his hand over his face.

"Whoa. Um." She scooted closer, and reached out and tentatively patted his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

He rubbed at his eyes and looked up at her, sitting up. "I have to tell you something."

She blinked. "Okay?"

"I've been freaking out because there's like, no way to not tell you at this point. You can't tell anyone! But you might want to! It could probably get you out of this whole situation."

Kit felt a sudden flare of hope. There was a way out?

"But if you do, I don't know what will happen to me. It could be... bad. My family is kind of counting on me to convince you, even though I don't know why they think I could convince anyone of anything. I guess they figure that if you react badly, I won't be their problem any more." He laughed, a little bitterly.

"Actually, now that I said that I think probably that was the plan all along. Dump me somewhere and make someone else take out the trash." He looked at her again, pleading.

"I know you don't want this, you don't want me. But please, maybe we can think of something to make this tolerable for both of us?"

Frowning, Kit mulled it over. This was sounding more and more fucked up the longer he talked. Was his family really that hostile toward him? What was this secret?

"What's the secret?"

Taking a deep breath, Graydon turned and lit the candle on his bedside table. He turned back, and started to unbutton his nightshirt.

"Hey, wait..." Kit edged back a bit.

He looked up at her steadily, and kept unbuttoning. "It'll help explain it. I'm not going to force myself on you or anything."

She flushed. "No, of course you're not."

He pulled his shirt open, and down off his shoulders, angling back to catch the candlelight on his chest. He indicated two long scars, hugging the underside of each pectoral muscle.

Kit blinked. His chest was smooth and lightly muscled. It was nice? Since when did she think men's chests were nice. Wait, what was he showing her?

She looked up at his face. "Um?"

He sighed.

"When I was born they thought I was a girl, but they were wrong."

Kit stared at him. "Wait, what?"

"I refused to wear dresses, to be called a girl. My parents were always more focused on my older brother, so they let me do what I wanted. They thought I'd grow out of it, I think.

"But my brother died, when I was ten. Galladoorn doesn't consider female children in the line of succession, the throne would have to pass to the next male heir. The court only ever really knew me as the second son, and my parents decided it would be in their interests to facilitate that perception of me, as I got older and my body changed."

Despite herself, Kit crept forward again, tentatively reaching out to the shiny scars on his chest. She drew her fingertips along one.

Graydon shivered.

"So you... they removed... I didn't even know you could do that."

"They found a surgeon with some experience, and magic to assist with the healing."

She looked up at his face. Reaching out, she slipped her fingers into his beard and tugged it.

"Ow!" he said, pulling back and rubbing his chin. "It's real."

"But... how?"

"There's a mixture of herbs I take... I'm not sure how it works, exactly."

Kit became conscious of how close she was, but she didn't pull back. The obvious question had occurred to her, and she could see, looking into his eyes, that he had anticipated her reasoning.

She tried to maintain eye contact, but couldn't help glancing down at his lap.

"Um. Are there herbs for that, too?"

He laughed, self-consciously.

"No. I'm as originally made, there."

She bit her lip and looked back up at his face. "How did you know you were a man?"

"I just did," he shrugged. "As soon as I knew what men and women were, I knew I wasn't a woman. I guess I'm lucky my family humored me at first, and then saw a gain in going along with it after that. But... What do I do now? How am I supposed to produce an heir?" His eyes glistened with tears of frustration.

Kit's heart gave a funny twinge. Graydon was like her, forced into a life he didn't want, pushed along by his family and backed into a corner. He wasn't what she had expected, at all.

Impulsively, she leaned forward and kissed him, pressing her mouth against his. He froze, and she shifted her lips, feeling the tickle of his mustache, strange but not entirely unpleasant.

He made a small, soft sound and then he was moving, too, slightly parting his lips and breathing against her mouth, leaning in and pressing back against her. Kit moved closer, reaching up to his shoulder and smoothing her hand over it as she parted her lips, too.

They pulled back, breathless.

"Um..." he started, and faltered.

"I'll keep your secret," she blurted out.

Graydon exhaled hard, his shoulders slumping. "Oh, thank god. Thank you."

"Let's get some sleep. We can figure out what we're going to do tomorrow." She scooted back to her side of the bed, eyes skipping down to his chest one more time, and rolled over and turned her back to him.

"...Okay?" he replied. She heard him blow out the candle and settle back down into bed.

Kit laid, pressing her hot face into the cool pillow, and asked herself what on earth just happened. Since when did she feel that way about men? Since when could men be like that? Since when did she just up and kiss people?

Sleep was still a long time coming, for Kit Tanthalos

-----

Kit woke the next morning to the sound of a thump and a muffled curse. She raised her head, eyes barely open against the morning light, disoriented.

"Sorry," Graydon whispered. Oh, right. She was married now.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting dressed? To go to breakfast? ...It's morning?"

She groaned and flopped her head back down on the pillow.

"Not a morning person, huh?"

That sounded closer. She raised her head again. Yup, Graydon was standing there. Fully dressed, looking wide awake. How.

As her eyes gradually opened a little more, she noticed he was wearing considerably fewer layers than he had been at the wedding and the feast. Almost a normal amount of clothing, in fact. She scanned up and noticed the pleasant, inquisitive look on his face. She yawned.

"All right. Breakfast. Usually in the solar with Mom and Airk. I'm not generally up for it but..." She looked up at him. "I guess I can make an exception. Seems mean to put you through that by yourself on the first day."

He smiled, maybe the first smile she'd seen on him. It was... nice.

-----

For Kit, getting dressed for breakfast didn't extend past retying her dressing gown and putting on some slippers. Graydon offered her his arm as they exited the room, in perfect courtly fashion.

She laughed and waved him off, and he accepted her refusal with aplomb. They went down the hall together, with Kit leading the way to the solarium.

-----

"There they are!" Airk exclaimed as they came through the doors into the brightly lit room. "Amazed to see you up so early, sis! Or have you two not been to sleep yet?"

"Shut it, Airk," Kit growled at him.

"Kit, language," Sorsha admonished. "Although I admit I'm surprised as well. You rarely make much of an appearance before noon."

Graydon pulled out a chair for Kit, and she took it while doing her best to not acknowledge the whole situation. She reached out with her fork and speared some sausages as Graydon sat beside her, and unfolded his napkin with a little flourish.

Airk looked back and forth from one of them to the other, eyes flitting over their body language and facial expressions. "Ah."

Kit fixed him with a murderous glare. "Airk..." she started, her tone ominous.

"Mind my own business, I know," he said, dabbing the corners of his mouth and dropping his napkin on his empty plate. "Time for me to be off, anyway!" He rose with a brilliant smile and bent to kiss Sorsha's cheek.

"And where are you off to?" she asked.

"Just a little training with Jorgen. You know I like to keep in practice!"

She smiled indulgently and watched him leave the room, before turning her gaze on her daughter again. Kit caught her eye and glanced away again, waiting for her to say something, but she just smiled. Maybe she was just happy that she didn't murder Graydon and throw herself out the window last night?

"So, Graydon," Sorsha said, turning to him. "What do you like to do with your time?"

Graydon choked on his drink and cleared his throat several times before he was able to respond. "Ah. I like to read, play music, go on walks."

"Lovely," Sorsha smiled. "Kit, why don't you show Graydon the library after breakfast. After you've had a chance to get changed into something appropriate, of course."

Kit rolled her eyes.

-----

When they arrived back at the bedroom, Graydon paused at the door.

"Do you want me to wait outside while you change?"

"Nah... it's fine. I'll just go in the other room."

She gathered up her own version of something appropriate, her usual sword training gear, and slipped into the other room to change. Graydon looked out the window and waited. He turned when she came back in and raised an eyebrow.

"What," she said, defensively. "I hate wearing those big stupid gowns. That's not me, so don't expect it all the time."

Graydon's eyes widened. "Oh, no. I don't expect you to do anything. I just thought... you look more comfortable. More like yourself. Your brother told me you're very good with a sword?"

Kit stopped, brought up short. "He said that? When?"

"We chatted a little during the dinner last night. He suggested maybe I could spar with you since your partner was leaving for Galladoorn to train with the Shining Legion, but I'm honestly not very good. Still, I'd be willing to if..." he trailed off. "What's wrong?"

Kit burst into tears.

"Oh. Oh, no," Graydon scurried forward, his hands kind of fluttering in the air for a moment before they settled on Kit's shoulders. She stared at him, chest hitching, and then she grabbed the front of his shirt, buried her face in his shoulder, and bawled.

He wrapped an arm around her back and steered her over toward the bed, sitting down with her. She cried on him for a few minutes before self-consciousness got the better of her and she pulled back, averting her eyes. She sniffled and coughed, scrubbing at her face.

"Jade... my sparring partner. She's my best friend. And she didn't even tell me she was leaving until yesterday. I thought that being married wouldn't be so bad if she was still here. Why didn't she tell me?"

"Maybe she was afraid of how upset you'd be?" he frowned. "Maybe she thought it would be easier for you, if you didn't have as much time to be upset, between hearing about it and her leaving."

Kit slumped and he patted her back.

"Maybe she just made a mistake," he added. "You guys were really close, huh?"

"She's been by my side for years. I thought she always would be." She sniffed. "I took it for granted. And now she's gone."

"The Shining Legion gives leave. You could write her and ask her to visit, if you want?"

She looked up at him. "That's... actually not a bad idea. I was so mean to her, though. When she told me, I got really mad and said..." She trailed off, remembering how cutting she'd been.

"Do you think she'd even want to hear from me?"

"I would, if I were her." He put an arm around her shoulder and squeezed. "All you can do is try."

She rubbed her eyes again. "Thank you," she said, and found she meant it.

-----

Graydon offered her his arm once more when leaving the room, and she waved him off again, striding along with her hands in her pockets toward the library and trying to regain some of her cool. She stopped in front of a set of heavy double doors.

"Well. Here it is."

He reached for the door handle, raising an eyebrow. "You aren't going to show me around?"

She looked into his ridiculous puppy dog eyes and sighed.

"Fine. This might be a good place to talk about... stuff, anyway. No one's ever in here."

He smiled that little smile again, the one that opened up his whole face, and went through the door. Kit sternly told herself if her gut felt weird it was probably the breakfast sausage, and followed him in.

Graydon turned slowly in a circle in the middle of the room, taking in the floor to ceiling shelves, the narrow high windows letting in the perfect amount of light, the comfortable chairs and tables arranged just so, and his face lit up.

"This is really lovely," he said. He started to go on, but was interrupted by a muffled thump. He and Kit turned towards the low shelves at the back of the room and watched as a head of silky blond hair peeped over the top, squeaked, and disappeared again.

Kit groaned.

"Airk. The library? Really? I didn't think you even knew where this place was."

Airk stood up from behind the shelf with a yelp, clutching his side like he'd just received a swift poke. "Kit!" he beamed. "And Graydon! So lovely to see you two! Looking for a secluded spot?" He raised his eyebrows.

Kit sighed. "I'm showing Graydon around the library. Could you and your friend maybe find another place to do what you're doing?"

"Of course, sis. No worries. Allow me to introduce Dove."

The blonde didn't stand, until he looked down and whispered, "Come on, it's okay." She popped up, her cheeks pink with embarrassment, bobbing an awkward curtsy to Kit and Graydon from behind the bookcase.

"Milord, Milady," she muttered, eyes downcast.

Airk laughed awkwardly. "Okay, right, we'll be going." He took Dove's hand and made for the door. "Enjoy your reading, lovebirds!"

Kit shut the door behind him with an annoyed sigh.

"Is that usual, for your brother?" Graydon asked.

"Unfortunately. Kitchen girls, stable boys, visiting nobility... he gets around."

Graydon raised an eyebrow. "You disapprove."

"No. Yes. I don't know," she sighed. "I guess I don't understand how it comes so easy, for him. Connecting with people."

"Yeah," Graydon laughed. "I'm not sure how that works, either."

Their eyes met, and lingered, before they both glanced away.

"Well, since we have the library to ourselves now, maybe we should discuss our... situation?" Kit suggested.

Graydon perched on the edge of a table and nodded, folding his arms and frowning thoughtfully.

"Could we fake a pregnancy, and then adopt a baby when the right time comes?" Kit asked.

"Maybe," he said. "We'd need a midwife who agreed to go along with it, and a mother who would also agree to silence. Or an orphan."

Kit scrunched up her face. "It seems like would have made more sense for us to be in Galladoorn to do this, if we have to keep so many secrets. I mean, at least your family knows about you. They really gave you no idea how we're supposed to do this?"

Graydon looked at her, and away again, twisting his hands together.

"What?" she said. "Is there something else?"

Graydon mumbled something inaudibly toward the floor.

She stepped closer. "Sorry, what?"

He blew out a hard breath and pushed his hair back from his forehead with one hand.

"I said, I'm supposed to seduce your brother and hide the pregnancy so the baby will be a true marriage of our bloodlines."

She gaped at him and laughed, a harsh, disbelieving sound.

"That's completely insane," she said. "Is your family insane?"

He looked at her and kind of half-shrugged. "Maybe?"

"Why didn't you tell me this part last night?"

"Um. You kind of kissed me. And then you wanted to go to sleep."

Kit blushed. She had kissed him, hadn't she. And he kissed her back. She rubbed the back of her neck.

"That was my first kiss," she admitted.

"Really?" he seemed surprised.

"Yes." She looked at him expectantly.

"Oh, um. Yes. Mine, too."

She smiled a little.

"Why did you kiss me, though?"

She huffed and leaned on the edge of the table beside him. "Look, let's not get distracted. What if we just never have kids? Can we just pretend it didn't work?"

"I don't know," he said. "We might be able to put my father off for a while, but he's not really someone you can get away with thwarting." He frowned, eyes far away.

"Well, what if we just run away?"

"Should we?"

"I was kind of thinking of it anyway," she admitted. "But we could go together." She bumped shoulders with him.

He smiled.

"Do you even want to have a child?" she asked.

"God, I don't know. Kind of? I feel almost like it should bother me, to think about being pregnant. But it doesn't, really. I think at this point I'm more concerned about why my father wants this particular child to be born."

"What do you mean?" she frowned.

"He's kind of... sinister. I feel like he's messing with dark things, sometimes. I've heard things, caught glimpses of things."

"What the fuck," Kit said.

"Yeah."

"Well, how long do you think we can put him off?"

"A few months, at least. Maybe a year. I'm sure he's not thinking I seduced Airk last night or anything." He sighed. "This whole thing is a mess."

Kit laughed.

"It really is. Come outside with me, let's spar. I'll go easy on ya."

-----

Graydon held his own against Kit longer than she'd expected (admittedly a low bar), lasting about five minutes into their first rally. He finally dropped his sword after she landed one more stinging hit to his arm with the flat of her blade.

"That's what you consider going easy on me?" he gasped, panting and shaking his hand.

"Wow, you were right, you're not very good." She laughed. "But you'll get better."

"You're a sadist," he smiled, picking up his sword again and getting into a ready stance.

"What can I say?" she replied. "You suffer beautifully." And with a devilish grin, she lunged at him again, driving him back in the dust of the courtyard.

-----

After a quick lunch, Graydon convinced Kit to show him the drawing room. Fortunately, Airk and his latest paramour weren't tucked away behind the pianoforte.

Graydon surprised her by sitting down and playing a rather pretty piece, full of gliding runs and melancholic little moments. She stood beside him, listening, until he paused.

"You're really good at that."

He smiled, and she suddenly realized she'd gotten used to seeing his smile. It really was a nice smile.

"Thank you," he said. "My Nan always said, music is a balm for the soul."

"Wise words," she agreed, solemnly.

She sat on the edge of the bench with him and watched him play a few more pieces, before one of the housemaids stopped by and reminded them dinner was approaching, and they'd best get cleaned up.

-----

Kit emerged from her dressing room in twenty minutes, freshly scrubbed and in a clean set of training clothes. Then she sat on the bed and waited another half hour, for Graydon to emerge from his dressing room freshly coiffed, mustache and beard styled, dressed to the nines. He stopped and stared at her, and the way her nose was crinkling with amusement.

"Is dinner more of a casual thing, here?"

"Not really," she said. "You look about right."

He frowned, and took off his heavily embroidered silk robe and embellished vest, leaving him in a black silk shirt and matching woolen trousers.

"I said you looked right?"

"I'd rather match," he said, smiling. "They shouldn't be surprised if your husband takes cues from you."

"Huh," she said, bemused.

This time, when he offered his arm to escort her to dinner, she took it.

-----

Dinner was actually tolerable. If her mother looked a little too pleased that Kit was getting along with her husband and laughing at his jokes, and he at hers, she at least didn't say anything. And if Airk was watching them and coming up with new conclusions, he didn't say anything either.

-----

After dinner, Kit didn't bother with the dressing room to change into her nightclothes. She just turned her back and started stripping off her shirt. After a brief, startled pause, Graydon did the same. When she turned back around, he was sitting on his side of the bed, facing away from her, and she heard the soft music of a flute.

"How many instruments do you play?" she asked, fluffing out her hair.

"Five," he said. "I can get by on another three or so."

"You must have spent a lot of time on that."

"Probably about as much time as you've spent on the sword," he replied. "Is it safe to turn around now?"

"Yes," she laughed, crawling onto the bed. He turned around and smiled, then raised an eyebrow as she kept coming closer, and closer, until she was kneeling right beside him.

He laughed a bit nervously. "Um. Hello."

"Don't talk," she said, and leaned down and kissed him.

He froze but recovered quicker this time, resting his hand on her waist and flicking his tongue against her lip. She hummed against his mouth and mirrored the gesture. He settled his other hand on her waist, pulling her closer as they kissed.

She reached up and slid her hands up against his cheeks, holding his head in her hands, and dared a little further, slipping her tongue just inside his mouth and running it along his lip. He made a small whining sound in the back of his throat and his hands tightened on her waist.

She had a sudden urge to be even closer, and she slid one leg over his lap, settling down on him. He broke off the kiss and looked up at her, slightly stunned.

"Kit...? What--" he fumbled for words, questions written all over his face.

"Just.... just let me try this, okay? I've never done this with a guy before. Well, I mean. I've never done anything before. But I never wanted to with a guy before. So."

He raised his eyebrows. "Ohh... Oh. Okay. All right. No, this is good. If you want to do this, I want you to. I mean, I want to. I mean--"

She tilted her head down and kissed him again, cutting off his never-ending flow of words. He let her, hands falling down onto her thighs as she pushed her tongue into his mouth. He moaned and she felt a warm, fluttery feeling race through her stomach and down, making her shiver.

She slid her hands up into his hair, running her fingers through the curls, feeling the tension in her body, feeling an ache for more. She pulled back and shifted on his lap, slipping one leg between his to brace her foot on the floor, straddling his thigh. She sighed with the feeling of that pressure between her legs and rocked against him gently.

He looked at her with soft, dazed eyes, as if he'd never seen anything quite so amazing. That was nice but... hands. His hands could be doing more.

"Touch me," she urged him, grabbing one hand and lifting it up to her chest.

Graydon, for all his general hesitancy, didn't need to be told twice. He slid his hand over the full swell of her breast, squeezing gently and palming over the nipple. His other hand curved around and took a firm grip on her hip that sent a shock of pleasure through her, as she rubbed against his thigh.

Kissing him again, she reached down to undo his buttons until she had his shirt hanging open, and pushed it back off his shoulders. She ran her hands over his chest, teasing his nipples and watching him squirm.

Pulling back, she looked at him, his mouth parted and moist, eyes dark with want and staring up at her. She reached down to trace a wondering finger over one of his scars again. He shivered, and slid his hand from her hip up under the hem of her nightshirt, until it was resting over her breast, and squeezed. She moaned at the feeling, rolling her hips harder against him.

Eyes on hers, he slid his hand back down, slowly down her stomach, down inside the waist of her loose pants and between her legs, cautiously feeling his way towards the firm little nub she was so intently dragging across his thigh. She yelped when he grazed it, bucking forward against his hand.

He grinned and did it again, sliding his hand between her legs and toying with her folds at the same time. She began to writhe against his hand instead, as his thumb rubbed against her in just the right spot, and his agile fingers teased at her slick opening.

His touch made her start to feel overheated, and her clothing felt cumbersome. Reaching down, she pulled her shirt up and off in one quick gesture.

His hand stopped moving and he sucked in a harsh breath, eyes roaming all over her curvy, compact body, from her heavy breasts to the soft swell of her belly, and most especially to where his hand was disappearing inside her pants.

"Graydon," she whined, moving against his hand. "Do something!"

He shook his head, visibly rattled, but resumed rubbing against her clit, slipping his finger easily inside her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and arched back, moaning. Leaning forward, he took her nipple in his mouth, sucking as he worked his hand back and forth, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

Her hips stuttered, and she tensed up with a breathless cry, throwing her head back and thrusting down against his hand over and over again as waves of pleasure pulsed through her.

Panting, she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. He gently withdrew his hand from between her legs, shaking it. She looked over in concern, sitting back up a little.

"Did I hurt you?"

"Nah, just a little stiff." He looked up at her and his eyes sparkled. "That was amazing."

She laughed, weakly, feeling a little awkward all of a sudden. "Yeah." She shifted, pressing her knee between his legs a little more as she tried to decide how to get up, but stopped when he moaned and pushed back against her.

Her eyebrows raised, and she moved against him again, more deliberately, feeling the heat of him through his thin pants, feeling the wetness soaking through them, just as she'd left her own wetness on his thigh. He squirmed, clutching at her hips and pulling her against him, pressing his forehead against her breast.

"Kit," he moaned, and the neediness in his voice settled that unsteady thread of self-consciousness in her gut. She took a hold of his shoulders and pushed him back on the bed, shifting over him and pressing the top of her knee intently between his legs, rubbing against him.

He moaned, looking up at her, and his eyes were so intense it made her stomach flutter. She didn't want to think too hard about that, so she ducked her head and pressed her lips against his neck, sucking a dark mark against the soft skin. He gasped, bucking up against her, and his hands started to slide over her hips and waist and around her ass, leaving a trail of tingles wherever he touched, and fuck, that was even more distracting.

She grabbed his hands and pulled them up over his head, going to pin them down so she could concentrate on the rhythm she was trying to keep, but he twisted his hands in her grasp, interweaving their fingers and staring up at her again like he wanted to memorize every detail.

And that definitely didn't make her heart beat faster, it just didn't, so she bent down and kissed him hard, grinding her leg between his with renewed vigor, dragging the top of her thigh up and over again and again until he was sobbing into her mouth.

She broke off the kiss and stared down at him, fascinated. He looked like he was coming completely undone under her, all his careful reserve shattering into pure, blind need. She released his hand and cupped his jaw, stroking her thumb over his cheek and watching how he hungrily pressed into the touch, sighing.

The way he responded to that little bit of gentleness stirred something inside Kit, and she didn't have the will to push it away again. Bending, she kissed him softly. He slid his now free hand up around the back of her neck and kissed her back, just as tenderly.

She reached down and grabbed his hip, pushing into him harder, and he threw his head back and moaned, pressing back up against her before suddenly freezing, and shuddering, his eyelids fluttering as he sighed out a breathy, broken "fuuuuck."

He went limp and boneless, and she shifted, causing him to jerk and moan as her leg pressed against him again. His eyes opened again, and he blinked up at her, looking faintly befuddled and very relaxed.

"Wow," he said. He seemed like he was looking for something else to say, but couldn't come up with it.

She laughed, feeling slightly proud.

He grinned up at her and grabbed her around the waist, twisting and flinging her easily over onto her back. She gasped, and he crawled over her, reaching up and brushing her hair away from her face.

"Extraordinary," he murmured.

She laughed again. "Shut UP."

He bent and kissed her neck, and whispered in her ear, "You are."

Lifting his head again, he smirked. "Someone like you probably hears that all the time, though."

She rolled her eyes and poked him in the ribs, making him yelp. That was entertaining, so she did it again, and again, until he grabbed her wrist and pinned it down over her head.

"Ooh," she said, mockingly. "What now?"

He smiled fondly at her, and pressed his lips to hers, gently teasing at her mouth. She kissed him back, nipping at him and laughing.

"You're awfully giggly, all of a sudden."

"I do not giggle," she huffed at him, mock-affronted.

"Uh huh," he agreed, dipping to kiss her neck, and her collarbone, shifting backwards and trailing little kisses down to her breasts while she sighed. He took his time and explored each one thoroughly, tasting all her soft skin and teasing her nipples with little sucking kisses until they were firmly peaked. She found herself winding her hands in his curls, encouraging him shamelessly every time he hit on a particularly good kind of touch.

She was starting to think he might be content to do that all night, but his attentions were definitely having an effect on the rest of her body. Remembering how good his fingers had felt earlier, she couldn't help pressing up against his stomach, where it was pressing down on her.

Looking down, she saw him smile against her breast, and start kissing his way down her stomach, sliding back again and tugging at the waist of her pants, stripping them off her. He kissed his way back up along her thigh until she could feel his breath right against a very sensitive spot that was crying out for attention.

He paused, meeting her eyes searchingly. "Okay?"

She nodded almost frantically, and watched him stick out his tongue and lap at her clit.

She jumped, letting out a moan that dwindled down to a steady whine as he continued, moaning against her in turn, pressing in closer and swirling his tongue around. She moved her hips against his face, almost involuntarily, angling to get that velvety touch right where she needed it most.

She could feel that pressure building again, her body tightening, and moaned in frustration when he shifted and pulled back a little, softening the sensation. He focused his attention on her clit again, and when she felt his finger sliding inside her again, she gasped and pushed back against that, too.

Feeling how slick she was after a couple of slow thrusts, he pushed back in with two fingers, causing her to arch up off the bed, letting out an almost pleading cry as his mouth and hand rubbed in just the right spots to push her over the edge.

She thrust up against his face and down against his fingers as her orgasm coursed through her, twisting her hands in the bedspread as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her, even more intensely than the first time.

It finally eased off, leaving her panting for breath and twitching as little aftershocks ran up and down her legs. He kissed her, just above her clit, and grinned, rising up on his hands and knees.

She leaned up on one elbow and reached for him, getting hold of an arm and dragging him up to meet her mouth in a hungry kiss. Her eyes widened as she realized she could taste herself on him, her scent filling her nostrils as it rubbed onto her face from his mustache and beard. She moaned into his mouth, kissing him deeper.

Sliding her hands down his back, she reached down and squeezed his ass, making him jump and push back against her touch. She toyed with the waist of his pants and broke the kiss to look at up at him with a raised eyebrow.

He looked a little surprised, but nodded eagerly, awkwardly fumbling his way out of his pants and throwing them off the bed. Her eyes traced over his body, his lightly muscled torso, his small, dark nipples, the light trail of hair leading down under his navel to the cleft, just like hers, nearly hidden under his thick, dark hair.

She sat up, grabbed his hips, and shoved him down on the bed, knocking the wind out of him. He started laughing, but cut it off abruptly as she climbed directly between his legs, taking a moment to squeeze his thigh before she settled in.

His breath caught as she gently spread him open, and she smiled, hearing it. She tentatively swiped her tongue over his clit, and the moan she received in return had her doing it again, and again. Curious, she lowered her head until she found his entrance, wanting to taste him, to see if it was the same taste as hers.

Extending her tongue and lapping at the wetness slipping out of him, she thought it was close, but she was soon more interested in the noises he was making every time she licked at him, and into him. She wouldn't have thought he could make sounds like that, so dirty -- and so loud! She grinned, and licked her way back up to his clit, wrapping her lips around it and sucking as she slid a finger inside him.

His cries were suddenly muffled and she stopped, lifting her head to see he'd put his hand over his mouth.

"Nuh uh," she said, frowning. "I want to hear you."

"Kit," he said, pleading, his expression embarrassed.

She stared him down, slowing drawing her finger out of him and slowly sliding it back in.

"Noises. Now."

He sighed, glared at her, and nodded his acquiescence, letting his head drop back down on the bed.

She grinned, and went back to sucking at his clit, alternating with firm nudges with her tongue, and gently sliding her finger in and out in a ceaseless rhythm that had him writhing underneath her, and moaning loud enough for half the castle to hear. Those sounds were so fun, she held off on upping the intensity as much as she could, not wanting it to be over too soon.

Of course, that meant his cries were getting increasingly desperate, and he was shaking underneath her in a way that made her feel a little bad for teasing, so she gave in and started bobbing her head as she licked, giving just that much more pressure, and pulled her finger out and very slowly eased three back into him, instead.

He whined, breathlessly, and then he was coming. She could feel his inner walls throbbing around her fingers, his clit pulsing in her mouth. It was shockingly intimate, even above and beyond everything else she'd just done. The sense of awe she felt about it surprised her.

She withdrew from him gently as he quivered and sat up between his legs, rubbing at her mouth and just trying to process it all. Last night she kissed him on a whim, and now...

"C'mere," Graydon said, and she looked up to see him reaching out for her. She crept up beside him and laid her head on his shoulder, hugging an arm around his waist. He made a happy little humming sound, close to her ear.

"What?" she asked.

"Married life, huh."

She couldn't help but laugh.

Notes:

art by artwinx

Chapter 2

Summary:

Airk has some brotherly advice for Kit about how to make her marriage work

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

To his Royal Eminence, King Zivian Hastur of Galladoorn,

My liege,

Katherine and I have been married for seven days now. While initially willful and headstrong, she has proven to be an obedient and tractable wife. As you assured me, taking a strong hand has made all the difference. I have no doubt that our union will soon bear the blessed fruit we have so assiduously hoped for.

I have also become close with Prince Airk, and we have embarked on several hunting expeditions. While we have had little luck thus far, I am quite sure that our combined efforts will bring home a trophy soon enough.

Please give my love to mother.

I remain,

Your dutiful son, Prince Graydon Hastur of Galladoorn

-----

"What do you think?" Graydon said, turning in his seat at the desk.

Kit laughed. "A strong hand?"

"If you wouldn't go along with the plan," Graydon rolled his eyes, "I was supposed to make you. You know. By force."

Kit burst out laughing.

"All right," Graydon said, "I know I'm not the most physically imposing guy, but is it really that funny?"

Kit sat down on the floor, she was laughing so hard. She tried to stifle it at the slightly hurt tone in his voice, but it took a couple attempts.

"Hoo..." she exhaled, wiping her eyes. "No, sorry, sorry, I'm not laughing because you're barely taller than me." She smiled up at him, leaning back on her hands.

"You're just so gentle," she continued, her voice softening. "How could he even think you'd really do it?"

"Hm," he replied, mollified. "I suspect a combination of seeing what he wants to see, and projecting his own problem-solving skills onto others."

Kit's eyes widened at the implication, and she knelt up and hugged him.

"He'll never touch you again. I'll cut his fucking head off first."

He smiled at the fierce words, wrapping an arm around her.

"Have I told you lately that you're the best wife ever?"

"Mm. Pretty sure you've said it every day, but it's nice to hear." She climbed up onto his lap and leaned over the letter again. "Are you sure this part about you and my brother isn't too subtle?"

"He'll be looking for some signal that the plan is in motion, that will suffice." He squeezed her hip, leaning his head on her shoulder.

"The plan," she scoffed. "It's so generous of you, calling it that. Not that seducing Airk would have been hard, but all the rest of it?"

"I'm still not sure if the plan failing might not be the actual plan, dearheart." He kissed her cheek. "Sowing chaos, disgracing all three of us, weakening Tir Asleen... There are a few ways he might be happy to see this unfold. He'd claim ignorance, no doubt, and leave me to take the blame for corrupting Sorsha's sweet, innocent children with my unnatural ways."

He smirked at that last bit, and she poked him in the side.

"But we'd know that he would've had to know about you...?"

"I probably ensorcelled him with forbidden magicks, you see."

She laughed. "Of course."

"On the other hand, if he thinks I'm defying him, he might just have me assassinated," he said, his tone dry as he folded the letter and sealed it with wax, impressing it with his signet.

"Seriously?" Kit said, her eyes wide.

"Galladoorn runs on intrigue and backstabbing... it's just another day, there."

"That's messed up."

He smiled up at her. "Yup. So I'll take this letter to go out, did you want me to take yours for Jade?"

-----

Kit strode down the hallway away from the library. She'd sat and read with Graydon for a while, but she could only take so much quiet reflection before her brain was urging her to do something more active. Her fidgeting was distracting him anyway, she could tell. She distracted everyone with that.

She and Graydon had fooled around a few times over the past week, fumbling through their awkwardness and lack of experience and generally having a pretty good time doing it. Other nights they'd just cuddled and Kit felt only slightly weird about it. It was nice. It was actually nice to have someone in her corner for once, someone who just took her as she was, instead of reminding her of everything she was supposed to be.

Most surprising of all, she found she just enjoyed being around Graydon. Something about his calm steadiness soothed the agitation she always seemed to feel, the chafing at her restraints, the pushing at the boundaries of her life. Sometimes she could just sit with him for a while, and let that feeling go.

It always came back, though -- and that's when she felt most driven to swing a sword, practice her archery, go for a ride, anything that got her moving and stopped her thinking.

She spotted Airk, down the hall. Maybe he'd be up for a spar? She headed toward him.

"Heyyy, Sis! I was just looking for you," he grinned.

"Yeah? Do you want go out in the yard? Let me kick your ass a few times?" She grinned back.

"Ah, that sounds amazing but I have something for you, actually."

She looked at him.

"Well, it's in my room. C'mon."

Airk waved Kit ahead of him and shut the door behind them.

"Have a seat," he indicated the bed, going over to his desk.

Kit sat and watched him open a drawer and pull out a large pouch, secured with a drawstring. He came and sat beside her on the bed, and handed it over to her.

"Consider it a belated wedding present," he said.

She raised an eyebrow at him and opened the bag, peering down into a jumble of leather straps and buckles. Tilting her head, she reached inside and felt a small jar among all the leather, and a firm leather-wrapped cylinder...

Oh. She'd overheard jokes about this kind of thing, but she'd never actually seen one. Why would Airk--

Kit looked up at him in confusion.

"I know how it is, with Graydon. It's great you're trying to make it work. I thought this might help?" He smiled encouragingly.

She started at him in slowly dawning horror. He... knew about Graydon? How did he know?

"I don't know what you're talking about!" she exclaimed, panicking.

He winced, just a little.

"Kit, some men just like... different things. Like some women do." He cleared his throat. "You guys wouldn't have been each other's first choice for a lot of different reasons. You know what I mean?"

OH. Trust Airk to somehow get it wrong and right at the same time. She bit back a laugh. Well, this was awkward.

"Ah. That's very... thoughtful," she paused. "What's the jar for?"

He rubbed the back of his neck and laughed, glancing to the side. "Um. You want to make sure things are very slick. In that area. And go slow to start. Let him adjust a little at a time and tell you when he's ready for more. Probably it's better if you don't wear it at first? Just use it with your hand."

Wear it? Okay, no way was she going to ask him to clarify that part. She'd just figure it out on her own. This conversation had already gone on way too long.

"Okay! Good tips, thanks for the gift, thanks for the advice. I'm going to go--" She stopped. No good way to end that sentence. "I'm going to go."

She got up and left, clutching the bag to her chest and heading straight for her room.

-----

Kit sat down on the edge of the bed and put the bag down and stared at it, cautiously, as if it might be dangerous. Grabbing it by the bottom, she upended it and shook everything out onto the bed. The glass jar landed with a bounce, followed by the jumble of straps and then the dildo. She leaned over and peered at it.

Wrapped in dark leather, it wasn't as big as she'd thought those things would be. Based on the talk she'd heard, she'd half-expected they would be monstrous. It still seemed big, based on where it was supposed to be going -- but she thought about how many fingers she'd had in Graydon last night, and supposed maybe it wasn't that far off.

She picked it up, tentatively. It felt smooth, and heavy in her hand, like it had a core of dense wood, but there was some give to it also, like it had a layer of padding. The base was slightly flared and had a raised ridge with a nubbly texture to it. It crossed her mind to wonder where Airk had gotten this, how discreet the craftsman was, how much it even cost. It looked very well made, as far she could tell.

Setting it aside, she turned to the straps and started trying to make sense of them. They were also well crafted, and as she spread them out she started to see how it all went together. A large belt around the waist, connecting to straps that would go around the tops of the thighs, and thicker straps that seemed meant to go between the legs, and connected to those, a piece with a slot that she suspected would fit the tool and leave the textured base pressed up against the wearer.

She licked her lips, feeling her pulse race like it did during a good bout. Suddenly she felt she had to try it on, just to see what it was like, to see how it felt. She slipped off her boots and undressed quickly, dropping her clothes on the floor.

It took a few attempts to get all of the straps sized correctly and firmly secured, before she realized that she'd need to loosen some of them again to get the dildo in place. She was working on that when she turned her head and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and stopped, slowly turning as she looked at herself.

Naked, except for these dark straps around her middle and her thighs and disappearing between her legs, it looked strange but there was something she liked about it. She picked up the dildo and crept closer to the mirror, looking down as she tilted it to slide through the slot in the front of the harness. It seemed as if the raised area on the base required her to spread her folds around it a little, so she made that adjustment with a shiver, and tightened the straps up again.

She looked up into the mirror and raised her eyebrows, turning from side to side and admiring her new accessory, the aggressive way it jutted forward from her hips. She thrust forward experimentally, trying to picture how to use it, and found herself picturing who she'd be using it on.

Pinning Graydon down on the bed, slowly sliding into him while he quivered and moaned... that was a pretty picture. She indulged in the visual, biting her lip.

The door opened and she turned towards it, startled. Graydon walked in, seeming lost in thought, and then he spotted her. He froze, and then shut the door behind him hurriedly, leaning up against it.

"Kit! What..." he trailed off, looking, and blushed -- but he couldn't seem to take his eyes off her.

She tilted her head, taking in the sudden tension in his frame, the way his tongue darted out to moisten his lips, how wide his eyes were as he looked over her naked body, his eyes returning again and again to the apparatus she'd strapped to herself.

She ran her hand down her body, teasingly, and wrapped it around the base of the toy. Casually stroking it, she watched him. He bit his lip, and his eyes traveled back up to her face.

"A present from Airk. He had some interesting ideas about what would help our marriage work."

He frowned in confusion for a moment, brow furrowing adorably, before he caught on. "Oh. OH. He thinks--" Graydon started to laugh.

She joined in, and soon they were both doubled over, gasping for breath. Every time Kit started to trail off, she'd catch sight of the dildo bobbing along with her as she shook, and she'd start all over again.

She finally hobbled over the bed and sat down, flopping onto her back and wheezing. Graydon, after finally laughing himself out, joined her. He sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at her, fondly.

"I'm almost sorry I missed that conversation," he said.

"Yeah, it was awkward. Especially when he started giving more specific advice. He has one of these stashed away in his room somewhere, no doubt."

"Hm," he said, and they both mulled that over for a minute.

Kit shook her head, trying to dispel the images, and noticed that Graydon had already moved on. His eyes were roaming over her body again and especially her new toy.

"You seem interested," she observed, smiling.

He smiled back. "Yeah. Definitely interested."

She sat up and reached for the top button on his shirt.

"Then we should get you out of all this," she said, and leaned in to kiss him.

His lips parted eagerly for her, and she pushed in with her tongue, teasing against his. They breathed against each other, nibbling, and licking, while she got his shirt unbuttoned and started running her hands over his chest. She ran one hand down over his stomach, feeling the muscles flutter under her hand as he arched up under her touch.

She teased at the waist of his pants with one hand and reached the other up into his hair, taking a handful and gently pulling it. He broke away from the kiss, eyes widening.

"Mm, Kit..." he said, urgently, tilting his head back.

"You really like that, huh?" She kneeled up and tugged a little harder and his eyelids fluttered.

"Uh huh," he said, looking up at her with quiet anticipation. Oh, she liked that. She grabbed his face with her other hand and kissed down hard into his mouth, pulling his hair again. He whined into her mouth and went very still under her, letting her do whatever she wanted.

She kept a firm hand in his hair, kissing him, and slid her other hand slowly down his neck, and his chest, even slower down his stomach and to his pants, pushing her way inside the tight waistband and between his legs. Her fingers slid easily between his slick folds, gathering up moisture and rubbing against his clit.

He pressed his forehead to her shoulder, panting and squirming against her hand.

"You're already soaking wet," she murmured, teasingly. "Do you really like the look of this little toy that much?"

He didn't answer, and she bore down a little harder against his clit, making him jump.

"Ah! Yes, I do."

She rubbed him more gently again, circling a fingertip lightly around and around.

"What do you want me to do with it?"

He writhed, trying to press up against her finger, and she pulled his hair hard, tilting his head back to look at her.

Graydon stared up into her eyes, breathing hard, his pupils wide. He was trembling, and she bit her lip, starting to get that same drunk-with-power feeling that his helpless arousal always prompted. She withdrew her hand from his pants and pushed her slick fingers into his mouth, watching his eyes widen as she stroked in against his tongue.

She bent to his ear as he began to lick at her fingers, cleaning them off, and she bit down on his earlobe, making him jump again. She slid her damp fingers out of his mouth and caressed his cheek.

"You have to say it, if you want it."

He moaned under his breath.

"If you can't tell me, you must not want it very bad... Maybe I should just put this up and take you out in the yard for sword practice, instead?"

"Please fuck me," he whispered.

She bit his earlobe again.

"I didn't quite catch that," she said, laughter in her voice.

"Kit, oh my god! Please, fuck me?" he begged.

She leaned back up and looked down at him, smiling.

"Good boy," she said, and kissed him on the heels of the whimper that provoked.

She stood up off the bed. "Pants off."

He hurriedly pushed off his boots and his pants, and shrugged out of his shirt as well, looking up at her with barely suppressed nerves. His eyes roamed hungrily over her body.

She pressed on his shoulder, just the barest suggestion of movement, and he laid back immediately on the bed. She smirked, and reached down, taking a hold of his hips and pulling his ass all the way up to the edge of the bed, provoking a sharply indrawn breath.

Taking the toy in hand, she stepped forward, drinking in the delicious way his breath hitched, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"I need you to tell me how it feels. Tell me if it feels good, tell me if something doesn't feel right. Okay?"

He nodded, and she reached down under one thigh, lifting and pushing it back against his stomach. He whined softly, and she guided the tip of the toy against his folds, pushing forward until she felt it catch against his entrance. She pushed in slowly, mindful of Airk's advice and how it might still apply even in this slightly different circumstance, watching Graydon's face as she sank into him.

He flushed from his chest up to his face, and twisted his hands in the blanket down by his waist, making a steady keening sound as she filled him. Kit realized the toy was pushing back against her, too, and suddenly the design of it made a lot more sense. She pushed in that last little bit and then pushed against it, feeling it rub against her, too. Graydon pushed back against her grinding and that added a whole new level to it. She gasped, freezing in place.

"Kit?" She looked up and he was looking up at her with an eyebrow raised, clearly concerned even as he was panting and moving against her.

"Mm," she responded. "It has -- ah -- it has ridges where it's touching me and -- mm, god -- when you wiggle like that it's rubbing me."

Both eyebrows raised and he smiled a little deviously, and very deliberately shifted his hips against her, hard.

She gasped and put a hand down on the bed to brace herself as he kept grinding back against her. Gritting her teeth she pushed his leg back again and slapped his ass, sharply.

He froze, eyes widening.

"Stop that," she said, firmly. "You're the one who's getting fucked right now, and if you can't behave then you can't come until I say so."

He glared at her, caught somewhere between indignation and an overwhelming rush of arousal. No contest which was going to win, she thought, as she eased back out of him until just the barest tip of the toy was caught against his folds.

"Tell me you understand, Graydon."

"I understa-ahhnd," he moaned, voice breaking on the last syllable as she pushed back inside him in one long, swift stroke. She pulled back out and paused again.

"And you won't come until I say you can?"

"I won't," he gasped, as she pushed back in him again.

"Good boy," she smiled, and set a driving pace, gripping both his thighs and pushing forward with her hips again and again, as he clutched at the sheets and moaned so prettily for her. The way the toy was rubbing against her clit as she moved inside him was driving her wild, too, and she found she was making her own throaty groans as she kept thrusting.

She leaned forward, reaching around his thighs and grabbing his wrists, bracing herself and pinning them down, pushing his legs back against his chest. Graydon's cries took on a more frantic tone at the added restraint, and she grinned, snapping her hips into him harder.

"Not until I say," she reminded him, punctuating each word with another hard thrust. He writhed under her, pulling against her hands. Gods, but she was getting close, too. Watching him fall apart always seemed to do that to her.

"Kit, please!" His eyes were wide, his pupils completely blown.

"Please what?" she said, smirking down at him, relentlessly pounding into him.

He gasped, overwrought, struggling to obey her. His eyes filled with tears as he shook, trying to form the right words.

She released one of his wrists and dragged her thumb up against his clit, pushing him right up to the edge. His body trembled, every muscle taut with resistance as he tried to fight it off.

Kit took pity on him then, leaning down over him as she rubbed against his clit. "Come for me, Graydon," she demanded.

He held one beat, two, and then he was almost screaming as he let himself go. She lowered herself the rest of the way down and kissed him, smothering his cries with her own mouth, feeling him shudder underneath her as she continued to grind into him.

A few more pushes forward and she was peaking, too, frantically rubbing up against him and the toy wedged between them, feeling him buck against her at the overstimulation and sending sharper waves of pleasure through her, each one overtopping the last.

By the time she eased up, he was a whimpering mess, still gasping, tears running off the side of his face. She pulled slowly out of him and crawled up beside him, pulling him against her chest.

"Shh... it's okay," she petted him. "You were so good. You did amazing."

He whined quietly and nuzzled into her neck, laying limply against her. She felt pretty drained, too, reaching down and fumbling listlessly with the buckle at her waist. She finally managed it, getting the waist strap loosened so she could get the toy pushed away from her.

She had to hand it to Airk, she thought muzzily. This turned out to be one of his better ideas, even if he'd misconstrued a few things on his way to it.

She continued to pet Graydon, smoothing down his hair, running her hand down his shoulder and back, and his breathing gradually evened out. Turning, she kissed his forehead.

"You okay, gorgeous?"

He squeezed her waist and hummed contentedly. "Gorgeous?"

She thought back. Huh. She said that. Interesting.

"You're gorgeous when you're about to lose your mind with pleasure, I guess."

He tilted his head back and raised an eyebrow at her.

"Look," she laughed, pushing his face back against her neck. "Don't make a big deal out of it. Just... go with it."

He laughed against her neck and kissed it.

"Okay, beautiful."

-----

"Hey, Airk?"

"Sis, what's up?"

"I was just wondering about your leatherworker. They're... discreet, right?"

"Very discreet. He understands the importance of maintaining a good business relationship." He smiled and winked.

"You really didn't have to wink. I figured it was like that." She stuck out her tongue.

He laughed. "Well, why do you ask?"

"I want to commission something..."

Chapter 3

Summary:

What did Kit commission from Airk's friendly neighborhood leatherworker?

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

Graydon awoke from what he was pretty sure was a dream about horseback riding, to... lips softly kissing at his neck?

"Mmmm?" he said, turning over onto his back.

Kit loomed over him, grinning, surprisingly bright-eyed for this early in the morning. He blinked at her, noticing she was fully dressed for the day.

"Good morning!" she trilled, increasing his confusion. She bent and kissed him instead of waiting for an answer. That, he knew how to respond to -- kissing back with enthusiasm and sliding his hands up around her waist. She pulled back from the kiss, and her expression was playful.

"I have some errands to run, but I'll be back just after lunch with a surprise for you. Meet me back here?"

"Okay...?"

Kit kissed him again briefly, and pulled back, grinning and slapping her hands down on the bed, bouncing. She climbed directly over him to exit his side of the bed, and jogged out of the room.

He stared after her, bewildered but definitely intrigued. Kit's wild streak might be the bane of her mother's existence, but it was growing to be one of his favorite things about his impulsive, headstrong bride.

...And that mischievous look of hers was always promising, too.

-----

He hurried back to their suite once lunch was done, excited and a little nervous. He'd thought about it off and on all morning, but after last week's surprise with Airk's 'wedding gift', he wasn't sure what Kit could be planning.

Arriving at the door, he hesitated, and all his nerves caught up to him at once. His pulse rate jumped, and as he reached for the door handle he saw his hand was shaking. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and opened the door.

Kit was sitting at the end of the bed, and when she looked at him her grin shaded from happy to entirely devious. He licked his lips, closing the door behind him and stepping forward. He saw she was barefoot, and stooped to remove his boots as well.

Standing back up, he froze. She had risen and was looking him up and down in a way that was frankly predatory, and it was so unnerving and arousing at the same time that he wasn't sure what to do with himself.

She saw that, of course she did, and smiled a sharp little smile that gave him a happy chill.

"Come here," she said, and her tone brooked no argument -- not that he usually argued.

He crossed the room to where she stood, and waited, focusing on keeping his breathing calm and even while she walked in a slow circle around him. Arriving back in front, she slid a gentle hand up along his cheek and leaned in, kissing him sweetly.

As the kiss went on he felt himself relaxing into it, parting his lips at the first flick of her tongue. He reached up to caress her waist, and she slapped his hand away immediately.

"Hands to yourself," she murmured against his mouth, slipping her own hand up into his hair and tugging. He whined, and she kissed him harder, pressing her tongue into his mouth.

Pulling back, she looked over his face, gentling her hand in his hair and petting him.

"I think you're going to like this. I really do." She smiled. "But if you don't, tell me."

He nodded, biting his lip in anticipation. She kissed him on the cheek.

"Now, turn around."

He complied, and she stepped forward, pressing up against his back and wrapping her arms around his chest, pinning his upper arms firmly to his sides. She tilted her head, biting at the side of his neck.

Tipping his head back with a moan, he relaxed into her hold and let her nip at him. She squeezed him and he shivered, feeling the strength in her arms as she held him immobilized. Small as she was, Kit was surprisingly strong -- and he loved when she used that power on him.

She reached with one hand and started undoing his buttons, still nibbling and sucking at his neck, pulling him tight against her with her other arm. He sighed and melted against her as she worked her way down the front of his shirt.

When she had the last button undone, she pulled his shirt open, reaching down and sliding both hands up from his waist, slowly, slowly, until they came to rest on his chest, and she rubbed her palms over his nipples, circling until they were standing up hard against her touch.

He writhed, trying to press into her hands, and she obliged him by squeezing his chest, giving him just a hint of fingernails, dragging them down his stomach and back up again. He pushed his head back against her shoulder and moaned, and she wrapped one arm around him tight, tugging at his nipples with her other hand.

He moaned again at her rough touch, feeling his legs wobble. Reaching back, he grabbed at her hips to steady himself. She stepped backwards before he could do more than graze them, pinching his nipple sharply on the way and making him yelp.

"I said no touching," she said, sternly. "Apparently that's too hard to remember?"

Standing up a little straighter, he squared his shoulders.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

She reached out and yanked his shirt down off his shoulders, down his arms and off, tossing it aside.

Leaning in close to his ear, she hissed, "Don't move."

Her steps retreated backwards, and he heard rustling. He stared straight ahead at the door, closed his eyes, and focused on keeping completely still.

She stepped closer again, and he jumped when she suddenly grabbed his wrist. She pulled it behind his back, and he felt the cool slide of leather against his skin, wrapping around his wrist and tightening as she tugged at it and fixed it in place.

He pulled his wrist forward when she released it, curiosity overriding her instructions, and looked at the wide cuff she'd buckled onto his wrist. It had a metal ring attached to one side. His eyes widened as he stared at it, and felt her affixing one to his other wrist as well.

Shivering, he let her grab his wrist and pull it behind his back again, holding still for her while she threaded something through each cuff and secured them together. She grabbed each wrist and pulled, testing the hold, and he stiffened and moaned, pulling back against her.

She chuckled behind him, and ran her fingernails up his back, tracing the outlines of his muscles, and down his arms to the cuffs again. Circling around him, she eyed him appreciatively, the way the restraint pulled his shoulders back and forced his chest out.

"Well, you look good like that." Folding her arms, she smiled. "But do you like it?"

He flushed under her steady gaze, and tugged at the cuffs himself. They were solidly made and didn't give, even when he pulled as hard as he could. Her eyes roamed over his chest and arms as he tested them, watching his muscles flex and strain, and he shivered at the hunger he saw in that look.

"...I like it," he murmured. He loved it, actually. He had a feeling they could just stop here and leave him like this and he'd be happy for hours... but judging by the look in Kit's eyes, she wasn't planning on stopping.

She stepped forward, smirking, and backed him up until the backs of his legs hit the foot of the bed.

"Down on your knees," she said, and he complied, easing himself down onto the plush rug. He looked up at her, and she stood over him, drinking in the sight of him, eyes roaming over his face and body. She reached down and stroked his cheek, gently, before stepping back and beginning to undress.

She shrugged out of her vest, dropping it to the side, and started to slowly unbutton her shirt, leaving it hanging open before she moved onto the lacing of her pants, teasing him with her languid pace. Watching each new bit of exposed skin, he could feel himself getting wetter. He squirmed, very conscious of the seam of his pants pressing against him, feeling the wetness that had already seeped out. As Kit stepped out of her pants and kicked them aside, he tried to shift and relieve some of the pressure, but somehow only succeeded in pulling the fabric tighter between his legs.

Stepping forward, she stood with her feet on either side of him, and he could see she was wet too, moisture caught in the curls of hair and trailing down her thigh. Her scent was overwhelming him, making his mouth water. He whined, and looked up at her.

"Is there something you want, my prince?" she inquired, sweetly.

He licked his lips. She always loved to make him use his words right when he was running out of them.

She smirked, watching him struggle, and raised one foot, pushing it between his legs and pressing the top of it between them. He moaned at the sudden pressure, rubbing against her. She allowed it for a moment before withdrawing, and bending over to catch his chin in her hand.

Leaning in close, she lowered her voice, staring him down. "What. Do you. Want."

He swallowed, mesmerized by her intense gaze.

"Please let me taste you," he whispered, blushing.

She smiled and kissed his forehead. "Good boy!"

Rising back up, she stepped forward again until the little hairs were tickling his nose.

"Go on, then. Show me how much you want a taste."

He inhaled, letting her scent wash over him, and stuck out his tongue, leaning forward to run it along her folds from top to bottom and back again, tasting the salt of her skin and her sweet wetness. He lapped at her, feeling the slickness spread across his face, soaking into his mustache and beard.

She stepped in closer, pushing against his face and threading her hands into his curls, tilting his head back and directing his mouth to her clit. He sucked at it happily, relishing every little soft noise she made as she pressed against him.

Kit moaned, and she rubbed against his face, pushing forward again until his head was laying back on the bed and she was standing over him, grinding down against his nose and mouth and chin, cutting off his air. He gasped for breath when she pulled back a little, feeling his excitement surge at the unexpected rush, staring up at her.

She raised her eyebrows in surprise, but wasted no time doing it again. When she pulled back a second time, he moaned, sucking air.

"Oh... you like that." She laughed, and ground down against his face again, rubbing her clit against him. He eagerly stuck out his tongue, pushing it inside her and listening to the pretty sounds she was making above him.

He pulled against his cuffs, groaning in frustration. It was maddening, not being able to touch her, to pull her down harder on his face and make her come right now, or push her away so he could get a breath. Bent backwards, subject to her whim, he could only let her do as she pleased.

What pleased her now was shifting, putting one knee up on the bed beside his head and stepping all the way into the space between his legs with her other foot, pressing her leg firmly against him. She smirked down at him as he groaned and tried to rub back against that pressure despite the awkward angle, desperate for the stimulation.

Kit laughed, and the little hairs tickled against his face as she settled back down against his mouth, leaving him room to breathe this time.

"Don't come before I do... I'd be so disappointed," she said, with laughter in her voice as she hitched her leg against him a little harder and started rubbing it up against him.

He squirmed, moaning, and started licking and sucking at her clit with renewed vigor, doing his best to oblige her. She grabbed his hair and tugged, thrusting against his mouth, and he shuddered, the pressure and the pulling and the rubbing and the restraint conspiring together to push him over the edge.

Crying out against her, he trembled with waves of pleasure but kept licking, trying to at least get her off at the same time... but she pulled back and her face was grave.

"Graydon. Did you just come?"

He dropped his eyes. "Yes."

"What did I just say?"

"Not to come before you," he mumbled.

"Look at me," she said.

He looked up, his face apprehensive.

She squatted down in front of him, and her hand on his face was gentle as she patted his cheek.

"You're having fun, huh?" She smiled at him and reached down between his legs, squeezing him through his pants.

"Uh huh," he moaned.

"Oh, these are soaked. You really are having fun!" She lifted her hand, damp with the wetness that had seeped through his trousers, and rubbed it across his cheek and mouth, smiling the whole while.

He darted out his tongue, tentatively licking at the smear of wet she'd wiped across his face. She leaned in to kiss him, tasting their intermingled flavors in his mouth.

Leaning back, she grinned at him. "Stand up for me, okay?"

Graydon shifted forward, trying to get centered, and started to rise. He got about halfway up and his leg cramped, and he started to sway, and she reached out and grabbed his hips, steadying him until he could straighten the rest of the way up.

She shifted her hands to the front of his pants, loosening the fastenings and drawing them down his hips and thighs, pausing to look at the shiny patch of slick that had leaked into them. She whistled, a low admiring tone, and he blushed.

Grinning, she gave him a little push back onto the bed, and tugged his pants the rest of the way off and tossed them aside, along with her shirt. Dropping forward onto her knees, she slid her hands up around his hips and nuzzled into his thigh.

"If you needed to come that bad, I think you should come again," she said, and bit into his thigh. He yelped, kicking his leg involuntarily, and she bit his other thigh, too, before she pushed them further apart and dipped her head to lick at his clit.

Graydon moaned and leaned back on his bound wrists, angling up towards her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his thighs and pushed them back, sucking at him until he was writhing under her mouth, close to coming again. He gasped, groaning urgently, right on the verge... and she pulled away.

He whined and looked down, and she was wiping her mouth, grinning at him.

"Just getting you ready," she smirked. "You know, there was actually one more little surprise, you should try it out now." She rose and crossed to her dressing table, coming back to the bed with another piece of leather in her hand, and sinking down onto his lap.

She held it up and let him examine it, and as he observed the shaping, and the padding, and the buckle, he recognized what it must be.

"A blindfold?" he ventured, and she smiled.

"Yes. You're so observant. I'm going to put it on you now, all right?"

He bit his lip. "Okay."

She leaned forward and situated it over his eyes, pulling the strap around the back of his head and buckling it. His sight was cut off and immediately he felt even more focused on her weight on his lap, the way her breasts were brushing against him as she leaned forward, the gentle touch of her dextrous fingers as they secured the buckle, the combined scents of their arousal filling his nose, even the sound of her breathing by his ear as she checked the fit.

"What do you think?" she said, her voice a low murmur ghosting across his cheek. He shivered. It felt strange, not being able to see her steely blue eyes and try to weigh their gaze, or decode the set of her expressive, constantly shifting face. He couldn't watch her and anticipate, he was just.... adrift.

"It's... odd," he said, finally. "I don't know."

"Mm," she responded. "Well, try it for a few minutes, and if you don't like it, I'll take it off." She kissed his cheek, and then grabbed a gentle handful of his hair and guided his mouth to her breast. As her nipple brushed against his lips, he sighed and began suckling at it.

She ran her fingers through his hair, encouraging him with little humming sounds. Pulling back, she pushed her other breast towards him and he eagerly latched on to that one, licking and tugging gently with his teeth.

"You're so good," she moaned, pushing against his mouth. "My pretty boy, you always know just what to do."

He whimpered, releasing her nipple and pressing his face between her breasts. He was so close again, and she wasn't even touching him. Those soft words...

"Aw," she said, and kissed his forehead, wrapping her arms around him and hugging tight. "It's true. You're a good boy. You always try so hard."

Shuddering, he panted against her skin, sagging against her.

"And do you know what good boys get?"

He whined.

"They get fucked."

He gasped as his body tensed, throbbing with another jolt of pleasure, not yet coming but feeling painfully on the edge.

She slid slowly backwards off his lap, touching his face and kissing him tenderly, before reaching under his thigh and rolling him over onto his stomach. He laid face down on the bed, feet just barely grazing the floor, and shivered, turning his face to the side so he could breathe.

Restrained, exposed, blinded, it felt alarming and delicious, and ways he couldn't even think of, part of him holding back panic and part of him suddenly trying to relax into it in a way that almost made him feel sleepy. The tension among those feelings and the persistent, maddening arousal was confusing and almost too much. He was off-balance.

He could hear the faint rustling and clinking behind him that he had come to associate with Kit getting into her harness, the one that held their new toy. She'd used it on him several times in the last week already, but never in this position. Never while feeling this helpless. He shivered, using what little leverage he had against the floor to rub against the edge of the bed, anticipating.

Soon, he heard her approaching again. She bent and draped herself over his back, and he felt the toy pressing against his ass as she kissed his shoulders.

"I don't want you to come like this, so let me know when you're getting close."

He moaned in frustration, and at the feeling of her weight bearing him down into the bed, and in anticipation of getting that toy inside him.

"Gray?"

"...I'll try. I'm close right now, though."

She chuckled. "I'll just have to take it slow, then."

Kissing him again, she smoothed her hands down his back to his hips as she stood. He felt the tip of the toy nudge against him, cool against his overheated flesh, parting his folds and catching against his entrance, and then she was sliding in, torturously slow, until it was fully inside him, filling him, her warm thighs pressing between his, her thumbs stroking little circles over his hips.

He moaned, turning his head and pressing his face against the bed again as she started to ease back, just as slowly, and press forward again. He wanted to shove his hips back against her, his body was urging him, driving him on, but he couldn't get any leverage, couldn't move at all. He whined in frustration.

Her hand left his hip and traced slowly upward, across his ass, and he felt her grab the strap that connected his cuffs, and she pulled, using it for leverage as she drove into him again, a little faster. He grunted in surprise as his arms were pulled back, and moaned as she sank into him harder.

Her other hand skimmed up his back, up the back of his neck, and into his hair, taking a firm handful and pulling his head back, and she was pulling back and pushing in again, using both points as leverage now, hauling him back against her. He whimpered at the overload of sensation as her hips thudded against him again and again, the toy sliding in and out of the absolute mess of slickness he had become, and he gasped.

"I'm close! Kit, please--" but she froze in place, and he felt his body slowly draw back from the edge again as he panted for breath. His breathing calmed and evened out and he shuddered. How long would she do this? All he could think about was coming.

She moved again, her hips twitching back and dragging the toy out of him. He swore he could feel every inch of it, and he keened a long, sobbing cry of dismay and pent-up need. She pushed forward again sharply and he gasped in relief at the solid feeling of it, fully seated inside him. She ground against him, grabbing him by the thighs and spreading them wide, pushing in as far as she could and pushing down, making his clit rub against the bedspread as well. She pulled back and snapped her hips against him a handful more times and he was suddenly right on the verge again.

"Kit, I'm going to--" she froze again, and he wiggled, trying to keep going, but she pressed one hand down against the small of his back, stilling him.

He did start crying then, sobbing in earnest, his body so wound up that the tension had to come out somewhere.

"Shhh," she soothed him, still holding damnably still. "You're all right, beautiful. I've got you."

She slowly eased back out of him, and crawled up on the bed beside him, rubbing soothing circles on his back. With her other hand she reached up and unbuckled the blindfold, pulling it away from his face. He blinked up at her, tears running from his eyes. She looked so calm. How dare she look so calm right now. If he couldn't come he was going to die and she just laid there looking calm and fond and soft at him. He glared at her as best he could, through the tears.

She laughed and kissed his cheek, and then she slid back further onto the bed, laying on her back.

"Come on, then," she smiled. "You need it that bad? Come and get it."

His jaw dropped in disbelief, but he was already scrambling to get his knee up on the bed, get it under him and push up, muscles straining as he leveraged himself upright without the assistance of his arms. She watched him, eyeing him appreciatively, as he shuffled over on his knees until he was beside her.

He hesitated. "I'm afraid I'm going to fall on you."

She smiled, and reached out for his hips, steadying him. He took a deep breath and swung one leg over her, letting her help keep him upright as he settled.

She let go of one hip and reached for the base of the toy, angling it up a little higher for him.

"Go on, Gray. Give me a show." She smirked, and he flushed, but he tilted his hips and caught the end of the toy against him, and sank down on it hard, moaning at the unexpected depth it hit, at this angle. Raising up again, awkwardly due to his restraints, he let himself slide down the length of it harder, bouncing off her hips, and settled into a rhythm, throwing his head back as he let his need drive him.

He was close, he was so close, but pulling back over and over again had done something and his body was resisting now. He started riding her harder, slamming down onto Kit again and again, and she made a muffled noise. He looked down and she was staring up at him, her own face flushed, breathing hard, her fists twisted in the bedspread.

Licking his lips, he stared back, watching her breasts bounce as he moved up and down, watching her press her head back against the bed and shove her hips up into him on the downstroke now, bending her legs and bracing up against him.

He whined low in his throat, tugging at his cuffs again, wanting so badly to touch her, to push her over that edge he was struggling to get to, his thighs burning, his breath coming shorter and shorter.

"Kit, please, my hands," he moaned, and she sat up under him, moving the toy deep inside him and making him shudder. She reached around his back and found the buckle of the connecting piece, tugging it loose, and he threw his arms around her, kissing her deeply as he bounced in her lap.

She moaned into his mouth and raked her nails down his back, digging in, and his breathing stuttered as the wound up tension in his frame took a gigantic leap forward. She fell back against the bed and he leaned forward over her, bracing his hands on the mattress and slamming down on her, sobbing with the strain and the dammed up tension and the rollercoaster of feelings and he felt the first flare of it all coming undone and his breath caught in his throat as his hips kept moving and he screamed as it rolled over him with blinding intensity, pulsing outward through his whole body and back again until he couldn't feel anything else, couldn't even think, he just... was.

He came back to himself, still leaning over Kit, panting for breath, and she reached up and caressed his face.

"That was amazing," she breathed, looking awed. She reached up, pushing his sweaty hair back from his face before drawing him down into a kiss. He whimpered as the toy shifted inside him, and she squirmed under him as well.

"Can you keep going?" she asked, moving under him a little more intently.

He rose up and sank down again and he moaned.

"I don't think I can... my legs," he laughed. "I could help you get this off, though? And then help you get off?"

She smiled and her eyes flashed, and then she surged up under him, tipping him over onto his back.

"Or this?" she said, her voice low and raw. He shivered.

"Whatever you want," he said, reaching up to slide his hand into her hair.

She bent and kissed him, pressing her tongue into his mouth, and her hips rolled against him. He gasped against her as she grabbed his wrist and pushed it down on the mattress by his head, reaching down between them to rub his clit with the other.

"Kit, oh my god," he whined, bucking up against her, his body winding up again. He started to shake as she pounded into him, and she grabbed his other wrist and pinned that down, too, burying her face against his neck and growling, actually growling, as she fucked him. He wrapped his legs around her waist and tried to hold on, but felt himself falling apart quickly, finally pushed to his breaking point.

Her rhythm faltered and she ground into him suddenly, biting into his shoulder as she came, and the shock caused his whole body to tense up, so close again but not quite there, as she finished riding out her pleasure against him, and pulling back.

She eased out of him, kneeling up, breathing hard, and looked at him, his muscles tight as he trembled, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes. Making a small 'tsk' sound, she unbuckled the top waist strap of her harness, reaching in and easing the toy out with a small hiss as she pulled it away from her body.

Scooting back, she settled down between his legs, kissed his thigh, and slid the toy inside him again, all the way to the base. He moaned, clutching at the bedspread, as she leaned down and sucked at his clit, sliding the toy firmly in and out of him.

He felt his body tensing, inch by inch, his legs tight, his back arching off the bed, so close, so fucking close, and she pushed the toy back in hard at just the right angle and he was coming again, pushing a hand against his mouth to muffle the noise he was making, and the tension ran out of him all at once, finally, leaving him to collapse back on the bed.

She crawled up beside him and pulled him into her arms, and he sank down on her shoulder. Making small, soothing sounds, she petted his hair and rubbed his back and down his side. He pressed against her, feeling exhausted but languid, his mind quietly humming instead of racing along as it usually did.

Kit kissed the top of his head, and he squeezed her waist, sighing contentedly against her neck. He blinked, and blinked again realizing the light had changed. He tilted his head back to look up at her, confused.

She laughed. "You fell asleep, there. You looked very... peaceful." She smiled softly, brushing his hair back from his face. "We should probably get ready for dinner before it gets any later, though. I don't think Mom would want to see us like this, and Airk would probably be too delighted about it."

He laughed, and squeezed her again.

"Think we can both fit in one tub?" he asked.

Chapter 4

Summary:

Jade visits, on leave from the Shining Legion

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

Walking down the hallway, Graydon was on edge.

The letter had arrived only a week ago, and despite Kit's angry parting words, Jade had said she'd be happy to make some time to talk when she came to visit Ballantine.

Kit's delight hadn't been lost on him -- or her nerves when she realized that Jade would be arriving only a week later.

As the day grew closer, Kit was even more distracted and giddy and irritable and clingy by turns, moods changing at a speed that almost left him dizzy. He comforted her when he could, and gave her space when she seemed to want it. What else could he do? But as each day passed, he grew more nervous along with her, and downright anxious when Jade finally arrived.

Jade hadn't been in Tir Asleen even a day yet, and he'd barely seen Kit -- only at breakfast and in passing while they sparred in the yard, laughing like the best of friends. Jade was much better than him with a sword, that was for sure. She moved through the paces with efficient grace and strength that spoke of many long hours honing her skills. Her movements were powerful, and she and Kit were well-matched.

He'd felt intrusive watching them, so he went to the library, but soon found he couldn't focus on the words, either. He had an uneasy, jealous feeling he couldn't distract himself from. Maybe it would be better to get some fresh air outside the castle? Go for a walk, or a ride? Can't really worry about someone ignoring you if you're not even around them, after all.

As he returned to his chambers to get the appropriate boots, he tried to calm down and be logical. It was wonderful that Kit and Jade had made up so quickly, and that Kit was able to spend time with someone so dear to her. He couldn't bring himself to begrudge her that. But her absence today was making him realize how close he felt to her, now... and how adrift he was, with her focused on someone else.

He squared his shoulders outside the door to his bedroom, resolving it was time for him to get to know other people a little better, and not be so dependent on Kit. Tir Asleen was his home now, and he couldn't expect her to be his only social outlet. Perhaps Airk would like to go for a ride with him? That could be a good start. Hopefully he could avoid any awkward conversations about that belated wedding gift, and how much use they'd gotten out of it so far...

Graydon opened the door, and froze. Kit was on the bed. Jade was with her. He blinked. Actually, Jade was on top of her. Their clothes were scattered across the floor. And they both stared back at him with identical expressions of guilty horror.

His eyes widened and he came unstuck, turning to go, to leave her to it, already chastising himself. It's not that he hadn't seen how Kit's face lit up when Jade arrived; he'd just tried to convince himself it wouldn't be like this. Maybe they really were just very good friends, he'd thought.

Or maybe there would be discreet liaisons he could ignore, with some dignity. He hadn't wanted to think that part, but... he wasn't blind.

And then Jade would leave again, and he could continue pretending the warm feelings he'd been having were reciprocated, that there was real affection in his marriage to Kit, not just two people making the best of a bad situation. He hadn't anticipated facing up to the literal naked reality of what it meant, for his wife to take another lover. It felt like so much more of a slap to the face than he'd thought. All he wanted to do now, was run.

"Graydon, wait," Kit said. Her voice had a note of command that stopped him dead, halfway out into the hall.

"Come here," she added, and while most of him wanted nothing more than to keep going and nurse his wounds in private, he still had a faint, damnable hope. Maybe once, he was at least a little important to someone who was important to him? If that hope was misguided, he supposed it was better to just know now.

He slowly re-entered the room, pulling the door shut behind him, and gazed at them. Jade was wearing Kit's robe now, looking as ill at ease as he felt. Kit was sitting with her legs crossed on the bed, comfortable in her nudity. She looked at him expectantly, and he started to cross the room to her.

Jade began to rise, muttering something, and Kit's hand snapped out and locked onto her wrist without even looking in her direction. She was staring Graydon down as he approached, in a way that was almost hypnotic. He tried to parse her expression as he came closer. Was she angry? Regretful?

Wait. He knew this face.

He'd seen it quite a few times in the past months, when Kit was butting heads with her mother. It was the look Kit got when she knew that she was backed into a corner, and was going to bluster her way out of it.

Under that cool veneer, she was unsure, maybe even afraid -- but she was determined to fight.

His shoulders relaxed, minutely, as his brain ran through the possibilities. Kit was apprehensive. Because she was afraid he would denounce her, or try to forbid her from this? But she'd been keeping a huge secret for him; and when had he ever denied her anything?

If she was worried... Maybe it was because she cared how he felt? Even if it was just to let him down gently, that was nice. He meant that much, at least.

Coming to a stop beside the bed, he pulled out his power move: he raised one eyebrow inquiringly, and waited.

She stared at him, impassive, and he studied her face, looking for any further sign he could indulge his faint hope. As she studied him back, her face relaxed slightly, and she held out her hand. He stepped forward, taking it.

"Please, sit down," she said, her tone softer. He sat, still holding her hand. He noted she had shifted her grasp on Jade's wrist, and was holding her hand now, too. Graydon and Jade looked at each other, uneasily.

"This isn't how I wanted to start this conversation," Kit said, rueful.

"Your Highness," Jade tried again, "I should leave and let you talk with your husband." She hit the last word hard, looking at Kit with flashing eyes.

Kit smiled at her. "I don't want you to leave." She turned the same smile back on Graydon. "I don't want either of you to leave."

"Look..." She said, her expression faltering. "I think I felt this way about Jade for a long time. I didn't want to think about it too hard, didn't want her to be one more thing I couldn't have. It was easier to just enjoy what we did have... until I lost it." She smiled at Jade. "I won't let her go again."

She continued, still looking at Jade. "And Graydon... I was stuck, and I was mad. I was so mad," she laughed. "But he was stuck, too. Together, we've been strong enough to get through it. And what was just easy, and fun, is... more, now. I won't give him up either."

Graydon inhaled sharply. Had he really heard that right? Turning to look at him, she raised his hand to her lips, kissing his knuckles. He stared in disbelief.

"You really--" he said.

"Kit, I never asked you--" Jade started at the same time.

"No, I know. I know you didn't." Kit smiled at her. "I just want to be clear. You're both important to me. I won't give either of you up and I'm hoping you can agree to that. I know I don't ask for a lot--"

Graydon chuckled. After a beat, Jade laughed, too. They made eye contact and an understanding passed between them, a mutual recognition of two members of the putting-up-with-Kit's-theatrics society, and suddenly they were both laughing while Kit looked on in annoyance.

She dropped their hands, rolling her eyes and folding her arms. "Glad to see you two are getting along already," she huffed, blowing her hair away from her face.

That only set them off harder, and Jade and Graydon laughed for several minutes, trailing off into helpless giggles that threatened to erupt again every time their eyes met, or they looked at Kit and her petulant pout.

Graydon wiped his eyes, feeling lighter. He leaned forward, gently cupping Kit's face in his hand, and kissed her with relieved affection. She kissed him back, and he fancied he could sense the relief in her touch, as well.

He pulled back, brushing her hair away from her face. "We'll figure this out," he said.

"Thank you," she said, smiling, and pressed their foreheads together. He sighed, closing his eyes and leaning into the feeling that had washed over him, one he wasn't sure how to name.

Whatever it was... it was warm.

"I think I'm going to go see if Airk will join me for a ride," he said, pulling away, dropping one last kiss on her hand. "The two of you should have some time together, to catch up. But maybe Jade could join us here, after dinner, so we can discuss this further?"

He glanced to Jade. "Discretion is, of course, key."

She nodded, hesitantly. "Of course, Your Highness."

"Graydon," he said, smiling back.

-----

"Kit, I don't think we can tell her," Graydon said, pacing the floor. "It's just not safe. She doesn't have any reason to protect me. What if she thinks you're acting against your own interests?"

"Jade wouldn't--"

"She wouldn't do anything to hurt you, I know. But she doesn't know me. And she's living in Galladoorn now. If my father's enemies heard..."

Kit, sitting on the bed, frowned.

"It's up to you," she said, finally. "It's your secret. It should be your decision."

He crossed to her and hugged her.

"I was really hoping to get you both in bed together, though," she sighed.

"Kit!" he laughed. "I don't even know her!"

"You didn't know me, not that long ago. But we had our clothes off pretty quick." She smirked at him.

"That was one hundred percent you, little wildcat." He kissed her, and she nipped at him playfully, and mock-growled.

"I don't remember you complaining," she said, with a smile.

-----

Jade wandered the hallways, twisting her hands together. She'd been cautiously optimistic when she got the invitation from Kit. She'd hoped that they could at least clear the air and be friends again.

To arrive in Tir Asleen and receive a heartfelt apology almost immediately had been beyond her wildest expectations. Kit Tanthalos, admitting she'd been wrong? That was new. And what could she do, then, but apologize for her own part in springing the surprise at a bad time?

It had seemed so simple from there to move on to a spar in the yard, and it felt just like old times, adrenaline surging and muscles burning as they danced their intricate dance, back and forth. Kit was as sharp as ever, but Jade had learned some new tricks of her own, and she delighted in showing them off.

When Kit insisted Jade come back to her room to get cleaned up, she had gone along without thinking much of it -- but once they had stripped down things escalated quickly from there, Kit falling into her arms like a force of nature and kissing her until she was breathless. From there to the bed was only a few short steps, and the exploration of each other's bodies, finally, after all this time, was delightful.

Until the door opened.

Graydon, prince of Galladoorn, son of her new patron, Kit's husband and apparently not just in name. She came to Tir Asleen expecting to find Kit hostile towards her skittish groom, barking to keep him at bay. She assumed there would be nothing between them -- but she had been wrong.

For less than an hour she'd gotten to believe Kit's heart was hers, no matter what difficulty might follow from there, only to find out that she was second after all. After all that time spent yearning and denying herself, it felt like an insult. How could Kit withhold herself all that time and then turn around and give herself immediately to... to...

To her husband, she reminded herself. To the man she married. And it's not like she had opened up to Kit about her feelings either, had she?

It still stung.

Sitting at dinner, watching Kit laugh at Graydon's jokes, watching them casually touch each other in front of everyone, in ways she knew she never could, while Airk gave her a sympathetic look...

She ground her teeth together. Just by being born into the right family, and being a man, he had everything she wanted and he didn't even want it. Not like she did. There was no way.

But Kit wanted her. Kit said she wouldn't let her go again, not even for him.

And all Jade had to do was accept the inverse, accept that she'd get a week with Kit every two or three months, and that in her absence, Graydon would be by Kit's side, growing ever closer. At least, until she became a full knight of the Shining Legion, and could request to be stationed in Tir Asleen.

That would take at least a year. Assuming Kit was still interested by then.

She bit her lip, chewing on it as she mulled it over. She was still getting more of what she wanted than before... and it wasn't fair to expect Kit to be alone, or give up someone she felt something for, when Jade couldn't even be here... was it?

Sighing, she left off her pacing and headed down the hallway towards their chambers. She wasn't sure what there was to talk about, but best to get it out of the way now and know what the conditions were, to know what she had to do, to make this work.

No doubt she'd agree to anything, for a chance to be with Kit.

She was always a fool like that.

-----

Jade paused outside the door to their chambers, taking a deep breath and putting her military poise and bearing on like a suit of armor before knocking at the door.

"Come in," she heard, muffled through the thick wood.

Opening the door, she stepped in and saw Graydon, sitting at the head of the bed, legs spread and Kit snuggled up against his chest, his arms wrapped around her from behind. She felt a ghost of what Graydon surely must have felt earlier, and flinched.

They'd continued after he'd withdrawn, she and Kit, and it was wonderful; but he wasn't entirely out of her mind, the look of shock on his face, and the pain, and the soft, bewildered happiness when Kit admitted she felt something for him, that she wouldn't give him up.

Jade's anger deflated suddenly, blowing out of her as the guilt came rushing back. What was she even doing here?

Kit smiled and held out her arms, beckoning Jade over for an embrace.

She bit her lip and strode forward, bending to hug Kit in a perfunctory manner before she returned to her rigid resting posture.

Laughing, Kit pouted at her. "What was that?" She wiggled out of Graydon's arms and knelt up on the edge of the bed. "C'mon, you can do better."

Jade hesitantly stepped forward and embraced Kit, wrapping her arms around her back. Kit squeezed her hard and she sighed, letting herself relax into it.

Kit's hold loosened and Jade started to lean back, only for Kit to slide a hand up along her cheek and guide her into a open-mouthed kiss. Jade squeaked and Kit grinned against her mouth, sliding her tongue in as her hand moved to the back of Jade's head.

They finally broke apart and Jade blinked, her eyes automatically flicking over Kit's shoulder to Graydon, who was distinctly not looking at them, despite the color that had risen in his cheeks. She looked back at Kit, who was smiling at her so happily, looking more at ease than she remembered Kit ever looking before.

Kit grabbed her shoulders and tugged her down onto the bed beside her, and scooted back so she could see Jade and Graydon at the same time.

"So," Kit began, and stopped. "Um. Well." She cleared her throat and laughed nervously.

"Jade, I know you have obligations now, but I want to see you as much as possible. And once your training is done, I'm putting in an official request to have you stationed here, permanently."

Jade smiled at her, but her eyes drifted to Graydon again. He was looking at her solemnly, and she bit back on the resentment and guilt that flared when their eyes met.

"And how do you feel about that, Your--" she paused. "Graydon."

He frowned, looking down at his hands. "It's risky. It's dangerous for us, but also for you. If you were to be spotted together like--" He flushed again. "Or if you told anyone and word got back to my father. He wouldn't take kindly to it."

Looking up at her, his gaze was level and intense. "You have to be so careful, Jade. For your sake as well as Kit's."

She frowned at him. What he was saying was so obvious. Of course they'd have to be discreet. Any idiot would know that much. Why was he talking about logistics when they were making plans for her to fuck his wife? Did he care or didn't he? She huffed out an impatient breath, glancing at Kit.

"I mean," she responded, her voice tight, "How do you feel about me bedding your wife."

"Oh." He fidgeted with his hands. "Not great? But if it's what Kit wants, I won't stand in her way." He looked up at Kit, and his eyes shone. She smiled and took his hand, squeezing it.

She looked from one of them to the other, feeling lost. "I don't understand," she blurted out. They looked at her, startled. "How can you share her?

Graydon frowned. "It's not ideal, but I'll learn to live with it. Everything Kit has given me... I would do whatever she wants, if I'm honest."

"What?" Kit turned to him, surprise on her face.

He cocked his head. "You have to have known that."

"I..." She frowned. "Really?"

"Yes," he said, turning towards her and taking her other hand as well. "I've never been this happy. And I felt that way not even knowing you felt... something for me, too." He paused, swallowing hard.

"I'll do whatever it takes to keep what we have, even if it means making room for you to be with Jade, too. And... if you don't want what we've been sharing any more, I'll trust you to tell me."

"Of course," Kit murmured. She reached out and ran her fingers back through his hair.

Jade frowned, feeling sick to her stomach as she took in Kit's soft expression, the quiet spark that she saw when their eyes met. What was this? She-- Did she love him?

Oh, gods, the woman she had pined over half her life, and she loved another. A horrified sort of despair filled her, twisting her gut.

"The king ordered me to spy on you!" she shouted, and gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth.

They both stared at her.

She stared back at them and slowly lowered her hand.

"He summoned me the day before I set out. Had me come to his study. Told me that while I was visiting Ballantine he wanted me to observe the two of you, discreetly. To look out for certain things."

"Look out for what?" Graydon said, his eyes narrowed.

"How well you two were getting along. Whether you were close with Prince Airk, how much time you spent with him." She paused. "If you looked fat."

He and Kit shared a look, frowning.

"I have to admit I'm not sure I get that last one," Jade said.

Graydon looked sideways at her. "What did you make of the rest of it, then?"

She bit her lip. "It sounds like he thinks you fancy boys instead of girls. But that doesn't seem to be the case."

"Well, boys are all right," Graydon said. "I'm open to--"

"Gray, not now," Kit said, cutting him off. "I thought you said he'd be a little more patient."

Jade looked from one to the other of them. "Patient about what?"

Kit and Graydon looked at each other, having the type of silent conversation that irked Jade again with its intimacy. Finally, Graydon nodded.

"My father is... eager, that we should produce an heir."

"Most royals are," Jade replied.

"Yes, well. In this case there are complications." He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing off to the side.

Jade looked from him, to Kit, and back again.

"Is there a point where you two are going to stop speaking in riddles, or...?"

Kit reached out and took her hand, squeezing it. Jade met her eyes and saw that they were troubled.

"Jade... This is a pretty big secret. It's really important you understand that. If you told anyone, it could destroy the alliance. It would endanger Graydon." Kit squeezed her hand again. "And I really, really wouldn't like it."

"Kit, what is it? You're scaring me."

Kit slid closer and reached out, cupping her cheek. "Promise me you won't tell anyone. Not Ballantine. No one."

Jade breathed in slowly, mesmerized by Kit's burning gaze. "...I promise."

Kit smiled and kissed her briefly, sliding an arm around her waist, before turning her attention back to Graydon. Jade noted how nervous he looked, twisting the hem of his shirt in his hands. He glanced up and saw they were both looking at him again, and bit his lip.

"Um. I can't get Kit with child." He stopped, visibly searching for words.

"You... can't perform?" Jade asked, trying to fill in the blanks.

"Not exactly. It's more, hmm, not having the proper equipment."

She glanced down at his lap, confused. "Was there an accident?"

He laughed nervously. Kit mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "Oh my god" under her breath. Graydon looked at her, pleadingly.

"Jade," she said, "He's got a sheath, not a sword."

"You what," Jade said, flummoxed.

"Kit!" Graydon exclaimed, flushing. "That's so crude."

"Well, it gets the point across, doesn't it?" She rolled her eyes.

Jade looked from Graydon to Kit, and back again. "You're a woman?"

"No," he said, quickly. "I'm not. But... I do have a womb. And the things that go with it." He briefly squeezed his eyes shut as if he was hoping to open them and be somewhere else, before he looked at her again.

She sat, stunned, her mind turning all of that over. And over. Finally her brain moved past that initial shock and leapt forward to a new conclusion.

"Oh! Your father wants Airk to impregnate you?" She looked at Kit. "Does Airk know?"

"No!" they said, in unison.

"No one else knows," Kit continued. "His father has some insane plan that Graydon needs to have Airk's baby, but we aren't following it."

"But if he realizes that he's going to be angry," Graydon added. "We've been trying to figure out what to do about that, but..."

He looked at her, hesitantly. "Maybe you could buy us some time? I've been letting my father think I'm trying to do what he wants. If you confirm that, he may relax."

Jade looked him over, noticing the tension in his shoulders, the anxious set of his eyebrows.

"What is it he'll do, if you don't follow orders?" she asked, perturbed.

Graydon shivered. "Something bad. Maybe not just to me, either."

Kit scooted away from Jade and threw her arms around his neck, murmuring something in his ear. He squeezed her back and smiled at her.

"Yes. So." He looked back at Jade. "If you tell him what he wants to hear, maybe he'll let slip something about what he's planning, if you can keep an ear out for that? But be careful. Be safe." His expression was warm, but concern for her was etched on his brow.

Jade found herself softening towards him, just a little. She wasn't sure she understood half of this, but...

"I can do that," she said.

He sighed with relief and they both smiled at her. Kit held an arm out, beckoning her over. After a moment, Graydon lifted his arm, too.

Jade slid over along the edge of the bed and leaned gingerly into their combined embrace, definitely a little more into Kit's side of it, but... she could try this. She still didn't understand how anyone could share Kit. She wasn't sure she understood how she was going to share Kit. But she could try.

She pulled back and Kit followed her, capturing her mouth in a kiss that started sweet and quickly got less so, tongue pushing between her lips and Kit making an eager little sound when Jade pushed back, sliding a hand up to the back of Kit's neck and kissing her harder.

Kit pulled back from her with one last little soft kiss on her lips, and turned to Graydon. He hadn't looked away this time; his eyes were wide. She surprised him with a kiss, too, and the small, wanting sound he made as she pressed against him startled Jade. It was such a pretty little sound, and Kit grinned against his mouth when he made it, reaching up into his hair and tugging on it, drawing another out of him.

She pulled back from him and he stared at her, face flushed with desire this time instead of embarrassment, his breath quickened. She smiled at him, and up at Jade, and leaned back, looking at them expectantly.

Jade stared at her. Surely she wasn't thinking... She looked at Graydon, who shifted his gaze to her at the same time. He looked very shy, all of a sudden, and... it was kind of cute, actually. He glanced down at her mouth and back up again.

Maybe one kiss would be okay?

She licked her lips and leaned in, carefully pressing against his mouth, feeling the tickle of his mustache under her nose. His lips parted beneath hers and he sighed. She felt the lightest flick of his tongue against her lip, barely there, hesitantly asking; she found herself wanting to answer, parting her lips and kissing him the way she had kissed Kit, exploring his mouth.

He made that small sound for her, too, and it wound its way inside her, made her stomach flutter, made her want to see what other noises he might make, and compare them to the noises she'd gotten out of Kit earlier that day. She pulled back, staring at him, bemused by the desire.

She had to admit to a certain curiosity. What did Graydon have, that had won Kit over so quickly? She was being given the chance to find out for herself. Kit wanted her to. And she usually did what Kit wanted.

Jade leaned back in and kissed him again, more forcefully this time, and he kissed her back just as fiercely, sliding a hand up around her shoulder and pulling himself up, kneeling and kissing down into her mouth. She felt that wouldn't do, and kneeled up on the bed herself, getting back on his level, winding a hand around the back of his neck and into his hair as Kit had done, and tugging on his curls.

The noise he made then was positively obscene, and her eyebrows raised even as she continued licking into his mouth. She slid an arm around his back and pulled him flush against her as she continued to kiss, and felt him melt against her, sliding a hand around her hip to steady himself.

They broke apart, breathing hard, staring at each other. His pupils were wide, his eyes wider, his mouth wet, and his eyes roamed over her face, searching for something.

Maybe he was curious, too.

Kit whistled, low and appreciative, and they both turned to her, sitting back and enjoying the show.

"You know, I have a fun little toy," she smiled, "You could fuck him with it."

"Kit!" he squeaked.

"He likes that," she went on, as if he hadn't spoken. "He looks like he'd like you to do that."

Jade looked back at Graydon, and he looked embarrassed, but she saw it written on his face anyway. He did want that, and he didn't know how to feel about it, either.

"We could take turns," Kit suggested, obviously enjoying watching both of them squirm. "Or I could use it on you?"

Jade flushed.

"I think you need to slow down a bit there, Your Highness," she said, sticking out her tongue.

"You're right," Kit said, kneeling up. "We should at least get undressed first." She reached down to the hem of her shirt and pulled it off over her head in one swift motion, and laughed at their predictable distraction.

Mesmerized, Jade reached out -- and Kit swatted her hand away.

"You're overdressed," she smirked.

Jade flushed, glancing at Graydon. She still had her arm around his back, pressing him against her. She'd gotten distracted but now she was feeling every place they were touching, how easily he'd molded to her, how he was still pliant and yielding in her arms. She licked her lips and eased her arm away from him, leaning back, and pulled her own shirt off.

When she could look again, his gaze had dropped, scanning over all her exposed skin. He smiled and looked back up into her eyes.

"Your freckles are beautiful," he said, softly.

He reached up and gently traced his fingertips along her collarbone. She shivered and folded her hand over his, stilling him, feeling a little overwhelmed all of a sudden.

He was so close and this was so strange and she just wanted to kiss him again, so she did, still holding onto his hand, leaning in and kissing him softly this time. He kissed her back, matching her touch.

They broke apart again, and she squeezed his hand, letting it go. His eyes dropped, and his fingertips slid to the side, ghosting over her shoulder, outlining the muscle. He bit his lip and looked back up at her.

Kit poked him in the side and he yelped, his gaze flitting towards her with a startled look. She had scooted forward and was kneeling beside them now.

"You're overdressed, too," she said, and smiled.

"Oh! Um. Right." He reached up to his top button, and Kit shifted behind him suddenly, wrapping her hands around his upper arms and pulling them back. She nipped at his earlobe.

"I think Jade should get to undress you."

He inhaled sharply.

"What do you think?" Kit asked.

"...Okay," he said, and relaxed into her hold, looking up at Jade.

Jade's eyes flicked from his face to Kit's, and she leaned forward, letting her chest press against Graydon as she kissed Kit, savoring her as Graydon squirmed between them.

Pulling back, she reached up to his top button and watched him shiver as she eased it open. They both watched her, Graydon with anticipation and Kit with avid appreciation, as she worked her way down the front of his shirt.

Once she had it unbuttoned, she reached up and pushed it back off his shoulders, looking down at his body. She smoothed one hand over his chest, feeling his muscles, and down to his waist. He made a small, urgent sound, pulling against Kit's hold.

She looked up, concerned. "Are you... Is this okay?"

"Uh huh." He inhaled hard and let it out slow. "Very okay."

He smiled a little then, soft, and warm, and she thought she was starting to see the appeal, now. For all that he came across as a very tightly wound, awkward little man, he was surprisingly sweet, and genuine... and sensual.

And he seemed to like being ordered around, which was not only a good match for Kit, but probably an essential survival skill if you were married to her.

The thought startled a laugh out of her, and she leaned in and kissed him, squeezing his waist, and kissed Kit again, too, nipping at her mouth and drawing a pleased little groan from her.

As Jade drew back, Kit pulled Graydon's shirt down to his elbows and gripped it tight behind him, pinning his arms down to his side. He shivered, pulling against the restraint, and Kit watched her, eyes dark and luminous, as she slid her other hand over his shoulder and slowly, slowly, down his chest and stomach.

Kit's gaze was mesmerizing, but the path of her hand even more so. Jade's eyes dropped to follow her course as she crossed Graydon's stomach and down to the waist of his pants, slipping inside and continuing down, down, and pressing in with a sudden movement that made him buck against her and swear, softly, under his breath.

Jade's eyes darted up to his face and they were both looking at her now, Kit's eyes hungry and Graydon's caught between arousal and shame (though she thought the line might be thin, between the two). Movement drew her eyes downward again and she bit her lip, realizing Kit was pushing her fingers inside him and pulling them out again.

He whined, low and ragged, and her eyes flicked up again. Kit was murmuring something in his ear, too low to make out, while they both stared at her, and Graydon's face flushed as he averted his eyes. Jade inhaled an unsteady breath, picturing herself in his place, or in Kit's. Both seemed very fun all of a sudden, and she felt so warm, too warm. She dropped out of her kneeling pose and sat back on the bed, watching Kit as she toyed with him.

Kit slipped her hand out of his pants, her first two fingers gleaming with wetness, and dragged them up his stomach and chest, over his chin and pushing them into his mouth. His eyes slid shut as he sucked on them, and Jade shivered, feeling herself getting wetter as she watched his mouth work.

Leaning forward, Kit kissed Graydon on the cheek and said "Good boy!" He made a happy little sound in response, muffled around her fingers, and then saw Jade looking at him and dropped his eyes again.

Slipping her fingers out of his mouth, she pulled his shirt the rest of the way off, and guided his arms up around her neck. Once he was positioned, she turned his head and kissed him more thoroughly, stroking her hand across his chest and tugging at his nipple.

He pulled against her neck and Jade watched the muscles in his arms flex, his stomach rippling as he arched back against Kit, Kit's hands both roaming over his body now as they continued to kiss, and her breath left her in a rush.

There was something real between them, she saw. Not just Kit's mercurial moods finding an outlet, not just a timid boy going along with her bossiness. Kit was making a show of it, teasing and trying to tantalize her, but... they had really connected.

And she was being invited to join. Not to scrape out a tiny share of Kit's affection, not to be a grudging secret allowed out of fear, but to really be a part of this. She wasn't being tossed leftover scraps, she was being asked to sit at the table. She stared down at her hands, stunned by the realization.

"Jade?"

She looked up and saw they were both watching her, Kit's gaze concerned and Graydon's hazy, as he clung to her. Kit reached up, gently pulling his arms down, and kissed him on the cheek before crawling forward to where Jade sat. Reaching up, she brushed her hair back and caressed her cheek.

"Is this too much?" Kit asked, her voice soft.

She looked at Kit, and past her to where Graydon had sat back on his heels, also looking worried. Sighing, she closed her eyes and pressed her face into Kit's hand. She slipped her hand up, folding it over Kit's, and turned her face into it, kissing Kit's palm and chuckling ruefully.

"You've been overwhelming me since the day I met you, Kit. I don't know why today would be any different." She smiled, and after a beat, Kit smiled, too, leaning in and kissing her. Jade wrapped her arms around her and squeezed, pulling Kit into her lap and holding her close.

She looked over Kit's shoulder at Graydon, who was still sitting back, quietly observing. Still flushed, but patiently waiting for her. She smiled at him, too, and he returned it, tilting his head.

"I didn't expect any of this," she said, looking at him and laughing. "It's been one surprise after another, all day."

Graydon laughed too, rubbing the back of his head. He tipped forward on his hands and knees and crawled over, kneeling in front of her.

"Good surprises?" he asked, softly, peering at her.

She thought about it, hugging Kit a little tighter. "It's been up and down, honestly. But I think maybe it's balancing out to be pretty good, overall?"

He smiled and reached out, taking her hand and squeezing it. "That's good."

Graydon looked over at Kit, and Jade felt another one of those silent conversations happening. She waved her hand between them.

"Use your words, guys. I'm feeling left out when you do that."

"Oh," Graydon said. "Sorry. I was just thinking, maybe I'll get dressed and go look for a book to read. Give you two some time to yourselves?"

"What?" Jade said. "No. Don't do that." She took a deep breath. "Stay." She looked at him intently. "I want you to stay."

His mouth parted with a surprised little inhale, but he looked touched.

"Okay," he said, and settled back on his heels, folding his hands in his lap. Jade looked at him, bemused again by his quiet and easy acceptance of everything.

"All right then," Kit said. "You're staying, he's staying, presumably I'm staying, too. But the pants have to GO."

Graydon laughed, and Jade laughed, too. "Getting impatient, Your Highness?"

Kit grinned at her. "I don't want to rush you, by any means. But I did just wind him up pretty hard." She indicated Graydon, who blushed and shifted where he was kneeling. "And myself, too." Kit wiggled in her lap.

"What are you going to do about all that?" Kit looked at her, seriously. "Two horny royals to please, I think you might have your hands full."

Jade laughed again. "It's all on me, now? That's a lot of pressure!"

"We all have our duties to fulfill," Kit replied, sticking out her tongue.

Jade slid her hand up to the back of Kit's head, and kissed her before any more nonsense could come out of her mouth, slipping her own tongue in and tilting Kit back in her arms, trailing down from her mouth to her neck and nibbling at her, bringing her other hand up and squeezing one full breast, rubbing her thumb over the nipple.

Kit sighed, pressing up against Jade's hand. Jade replaced it with her mouth, sucking her nipple and rubbing at it with her tongue, trailing her other hand down to Kit's waist. Kit's hands came up and clutched at her shoulders, and Jade slipped a hand down the front of her pants, reaching until her fingertips brushed against Kit's soft curls, and stopped.

"Is this more of what you had in mind, Kit?" she asked, raising her head and smiling mischievously.

Kit squirmed in her lap and laughed. "Ohh.... You. You're gonna get it!" And she braced herself on the bed and toppled Jade over onto her back, immediately reaching for the waist of her pants and tugging at them, pulling them down over her hips.

Jade gasped as the cool air of the room hit her exposed dampness, and gasped again when Kit's mouth covered it, warming her again and licking away. She arched up under Kit's attentions, moaning as she felt a careful finger slide inside her and stroke in and out. She squeezed her eyes shut, beginning to get lost in the sensation, when Kit made a muffled squeak and her face bumped up against her harder.

She looked up and saw Graydon crouched alongside Kit, one hand wrapped around her waist, his arm working as Kit threw her head back and moaned, pushing back against his hand. She dipped her head again and resumed licking at Jade, the little moans that accompanied her efforts adding to the stimulation.

Jade tucked an arm behind her head and watched Kit, bobbing up and down against her, making her moan, and pushing back against Graydon, who had worked Kit's pants down to her knees and was touching her from behind as well. Whatever he was doing was working well, judging by the increasingly louder noises Kit was making against her, and those sounds were pushing her closer, too.

She tensed up hard, moving against Kit's mouth, her thighs beginning to shake, and Kit stiffened, keening against her, shuddering in Graydon's arms as she continued to lick, her deep moan of pleasure at her release pushing Jade over the edge as well, quaking under Kit's tongue and letting out a small groan of her own.

Kit lifted her head, wiping the wetness from her mouth and chin, and crawled up, only slightly hampered by her pants, and kissed Jade, open-mouthed, letting her taste herself on Kit's lips, and it was intoxicating. She breathed hard, staring up into those steely blue eyes, pulling her down into another kiss.

Shifting against her, Kit pressed a thigh between her legs and Jade moaned into her mouth, rubbing back against her. They squirmed against each other, kissing hungrily, until a muffled moan caught Kit's attention. They looked back and Jade saw Graydon, one hand over his mouth and the other down his pants, touching himself as he watched them.

Kit looked back down at Jade and gave her one last soft kiss, before turning and crawling back towards Graydon in a way Jade could only liken to a cat stalking a particularly tasty and helpless bit of prey.

She arrived in front of him and knelt up, staring him down. Jade sat up to watch and bit her lip as she saw how his posture changed under her gaze, how his hand stilled and he withdrew it from his pants, even as he continued to tremble with excitement.

Kit reached up and pulled his hand away from his mouth.

"I thought we discussed this, about the noises," she said, and her voice was serious.

"Sorry," he said, eyes lowered. "I didn't want to distract you." He looked up, hesitantly. "I was fine just watching, really."

She reached up and caressed his face, running her hand back through his hair. "Maybe I'm not fine with that, though?"

He sighed, leaning into her touch.

"Maybe I think it's your turn. And maybe now you owe me a lot of noises," she went on, her voice softening.

She looked back over her shoulder. "What do you think we should do with him?"

Jade smiled, hesitantly, and reached down to finish pushing her pants off her leg. "He looks overdressed again, I think," she offered.

Kit turned back to him. "Well, you heard her."

He swallowed and nodded, and started unlacing his pants. Meanwhile, Kit sat back and got rid of hers, and then bent her legs, spreading them casually open in front of him and leaning back on her elbows. His eyes darted from her to Jade and back again as he fumbled with his laces.

Finally he got them loose and reached for the waist of his pants, and hesitated, eyes flicking to Jade and away again. Ah. Right.

She got up on her knees and shuffled over to him, watching him watch her body move, her breasts swaying. She didn't stop until she was right in front of him, and reached out, pulling him against her.

He made a small, soft sound as she wound her arms around him and squeezed, pressing her mouth to his neck, just below his ear.

"I want to see you," she said, hesitantly, searching for words that felt right. "How you're made is just how you are, and it's good."

She felt him slump in her arms, just a bit, and pulled back to see his face. His expression was soft, and relieved, and she kissed him, running her hands up through his hair and licking into his mouth.

Pulling away, she reached down and laid a hand over his, and helped him ease his pants down to his knees and under them, and pull them off. Finally, she looked, and it was as they had said. He was a man, but his folds were just like hers, and gleaming with slickness. She looked up again, and he was flushed, his eyes downcast, and that wouldn't do. She slid a hand under his chin and tilted it up, and he met her eyes with a quickly indrawn breath.

"You're beautiful," she said, and kissed him. He whined into her mouth and that sent a little shock through her, made her wind an arm around him and pull him against her as she had earlier, pushing her thigh between his legs hard and shifting against him, feeling his wetness all along her leg. He moaned, rolling his hips against her, and she slid her hand from his chin up into his hair and grabbed a handful, pulling.

He made another pretty little noise at that and thrust back against her harder, gripping her shoulders. She shifted to get his thigh pressed between her legs as well, and shivered at how excited she was again already, rubbing back against him.

Dipping her head, she sucked at his neck, sliding her hand down around the curve of his ass and hauling him tighter against her, grinding between his legs. He shuddered, and cried out, sounding on the edge of falling apart.

She grinned against his neck and grabbed his ass with her other hand as well, and rubbed against him furiously until he was shaking and pleading, and the uneven sound of those pleas lit a fire inside her.

She ground against him and bit his neck, harder than she meant to, and he broke apart in her arms, crying out her name and thrusting against her leg until he was spent, sagging against her, face pressed against her shoulder.

Jade slipped an arm back up around his back and the other up to the back of his head, holding him while he clung to her and gasped, and she shivered. Hearing her name in his mouth like that, so desperate and wanting...

...She wanted to hear it again.

"Nice!" Kit said, from right beside her, and she jumped, her leg sliding slickly between Graydon's again and making him moan.

"Damn it, Kit," Jade swore, laughing. "Lurk much?" She turned to look and Kit was smiling, bouncing a little on her knees, and holding... Holding a mess of straps and buckles and. Oh. Jade blinked. Right. Kit's fun little toy. Kit's fun little suggestion about what she could do with that fun little toy, too.

"You want to try it?" she invited, wiggling her eyebrows.

Jade bit her lip and looked to Graydon, who had finally raised his head again. His brow was damp with sweat but he still shivered in her arms when their eyes met. She brushed his hair back from his forehead.

"Do you want that?" she asked him.

His eyes flicked from her to Kit and back again, and he nodded, biting his lip.

Jade kissed him, slowly, deeply, caressing his mouth. He sighed against her and kissed her back, lazy movements of his tongue brushing against hers. As soon as they broke apart Kit was catching hold of his chin and kissing him in turn, the same languid pace, and Jade watched his eyelids flutter, watched Kit smile against his mouth, and felt a small, not unhappy pang in her heart.

They broke apart and then Kit was pressing up against her, kissing her, slow and loving again, petting her hair, smoothing her hands over her cheeks and down her neck, pulling back with a happy sigh. She smiled at Jade, a hand still curled around the back of her neck, and the warmth that was radiating from that smile took her breath away.

She felt a foolish grin spreading across her face, sandwiched between the two of them, and then Graydon leaned in and started kissing her neck, and she moaned. Kit pulled her face in for another kiss, Graydon slid his thigh hard between her legs, and their hands were all over her, overwhelming her with soft touches and squeezes. She kissed Kit back, lost in the sensations.

When Kit finally stopped kissing her, she realized Graydon had bent to her breasts, running his tongue over each nipple, squeezing with one hand while his other wandered between her legs, teasing at her folds and slipping fingers inside her. She moaned, and arched back, feeling Kit catch her and support her weight, mouthing at her neck and slipping a hand around to squeeze at her other breast.

Letting her head drop back on Kit's shoulder, she felt Graydon kissing his way down her stomach as his fingers continued to slide in and out of her. She heard Kit chuckle, low, near her ear.

"You keep that up and she might not have the energy to fuck you, you know."

Graydon hummed noncommittally against her hip, and then she felt his tongue swirl around her, teasing her most sensitive spot, and she bucked forward involuntarily, pressing against his face. He laughed and grabbed at her hips, stilling her as he settled in. She leaned back harder against Kit and moaned, Kit taking the opportunity to squeeze both her breasts now, biting at her neck while Graydon mouthed at her and worked his fingers back and forth.

She raised one hand, letting it drift over and settle on his head, threading her fingers in among her curls. He paused, and she looked down at him. He glanced up at her.

"You can pull. I like it."

Jade inhaled, staring down at him. He smiled and darted out his tongue, flicking it against her while he continued to look up, and she gasped and her hand tightened in his hair, and she pushed forward against his face. He groaned, deep in his throat, and sucked at her until she was trembling in Kit's arms, her thighs tensing up until they were shaking, his fingers pushing inside her and his tongue flicking against her until she was crying out, pulling at his hair and thrusting against his face as waves of pleasure washed over her.

She blinked, shaking her head, and looked at Graydon. He'd sat back, face gleaming with her wetness, and smiled a satisfied smile at her.

Kit slipped her arms around her waist, hugging her from behind.

"Doesn't he look pleased with himself?" she murmured. "You know what would take that smile off his face, right?"

"Kit!" she laughed. "You're terrible!"

Kit kissed the side of her neck. "I think you mean I'm wonderful. Also a genius." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "And wait til you hear the sounds he makes, when you push inside him...."

Jade swallowed hard. She did want to hear those sounds.

"Okay," she said.

Kit giggled in her ear. Kit fucking giggled, Kit didn't giggle? That was beyond weird. But Kit had snatched up the jumble of belts from where she'd dropped it and was strapping them around her waist and her thighs and reaching down and matter-of-factly parting her folds and seating the base of the toy against her, making her startle and moan, and pulling everything tight with the ease of much practice, leaving her staring down in befuddlement at the thing jutting forward from her pelvis.

Kit's hands slid to her hips and she thrust against Jade from behind, pushing her forward. Jade shivered as she did it again, and looked to Graydon, who was watching her intently, legs fallen open as his eyes roamed over her.

"It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but it'll work muscles you didn't know you had," Kit advised, and Jade laughed.

"Got it, Your Highness," she said, turning her head and capturing Kit's lips in a kiss. "You're terribly bossy, you know that?"

Kit nuzzled her. "But all my ideas are so good! Just ask Graydon."

Jade looked at Graydon, who was looking edgier by the minute, watching them. He licked his lips.

"Graydon," Kit intoned, voice serious. "Is there something you want?"

He dragged his gaze up from the toy to Jade's eyes.

"Yes," he whispered.

"Ask for it nicely, then," Kit said.

Graydon flushed and he glared over Jade's shoulder at Kit, before he took a deep breath and looked back to Jade.

"Jade? Would you please fuck me?" He didn't look away and his eyes were staring into hers with such unabashed want, that she was down on all fours and crawling towards him without even thinking about it.

He reclined back, never breaking eye contact, until she was over him, looking down, and then dipping her head and pressing her lips to his, tasting herself, feeling her own wetness rubbing onto her face from his, and she moaned into his mouth.

Pulling back, she brushed his hair back and bit her lip, suddenly nervous.

"I've never done this," she said.

He smiled up at her, soft and very fond.

"You'll do fine," he reassured her. "Kit figured it out really quickly."

Kit landed beside them with a thump, and leaned up on her elbow.

She smirked at him. "Are you saying that if even I can figure it out, it must not be that hard?" Reaching out, she gently tweaked his nose. "Cheeky."

He laughed. "I mean that Jade is like you. Strong, agile, good at moving." He bit his lip. "So it should come naturally to her, too."

Kit's eyes twinkled. "All right, I'll allow it. Very suave, my prince." She kissed him, winding a hand into his hair and holding his head in place, and as Jade watched, her eyes opened, and flicked downward significantly.

Jade took her meaning and shifted back, reaching down to line the tip of the toy up with Graydon's entrance, and started slowly pushing inside him.

Graydon's eyes flew open and he moaned helplessly into Kit's mouth as Jade slid foward, filling him with the toy until she couldn't move forward any more, and feeling it rub up against her in return. She slid back and pushed forward again, and Graydon's hands came up and clutched at her upper arms, even as Kit continued to push her tongue inside his mouth.

Finally Kit released him and he gasped for air, turning his head and staring urgently up at Jade as she continued to thrust into him, starting to find how the rhythm worked best, and how to move her hips to get the maximum friction back from it and increase her pleasure in it, as well.

Kit laid, curled up alongside Graydon, watching her face and his, biting her lip and looking smugly pleased. Jade swore she could feel the weight of those eyes on her face, her shoulders, her hips, her breasts, warming her. She felt exposed in the most delightful way and it was only driving her excitement higher.

Jade looked down at Graydon again, and his face was flushed, and sweaty, his pupils wide and dark as he stared up at her, whining with every exhale as she pushed into him, harder now, moving faster. He released her arms and twisted his hands into the bedspread by his head, his body tensing and arching up against her.

"Jade..." he moaned, urgently, his voice breaking. "Ah... I'm so close."

Kit reached out, taking his wrists and pulling both his arms up above his head, pinning them down with one hand. He moaned, tugging against her grip, and she slipped her hand into his hair again. Laying her head alongside his, she pulled his hair hard, tipping his head back.

He stared up at Jade and gasped.

Kit spoke low then, right into his ear. "Are you going to show Jade how pretty you come?"

His hips bucked up against Jade hard, and he moaned. "Kit..."

Jade sucked in a harsh breath at the look on his face, and the sharp sensation of him pushing back against her. She worked her hips against him harder, grinding into him, feeling herself getting closer.

"Tsk," she said. "I'm not making you come. Jade's going to make you come." She tugged his hair again. "Let her know how much you love what she's doing to you."

He moaned helplessly, writhing against her. Jade whined herself, Kit's words and his face and the rubbing and thrusting starting to overwhelm her.

Kit tugged his hair again, and he started to tremble, looking at her and then to Jade.

"It's so good," he moaned, his breathing ragged. "Ahh... You're so good, I love it." He paused, gasping, his body thrumming against her. "Please," he added, desperation creeping into his voice, "please, just a little harder, a little more, Jade... Jade!"

Her name came out in a gasp as the tension in his body broke, and he thrust up hard against where she was pressed into him, pulling so hard against Kit's grip on his wrists that he nearly pulled free, before he dropped back down again, limp against the mattress.

Jade shifted her weight to one arm, brushing his hair back with the other before she bent to kiss him again, rolling her hips against him and making him squeak into her mouth. She was shaking with excitement still, right on the edge, and she started moving in earnest again as she pulled back from the kiss.

Graydon's eyes were wide, and he flinched as she pushed back inside him, causing her to still.

"Do I need to stop?" she asked, concerned.

Before he could answer, Kit pressed her face against his neck, and slid one hand down his body and between his legs, and started lightly circling around his clit, just barely touching. He moaned, eyes squeezed shut, pulling against her hold on his wrists again.

"Can you keep going, baby?" she murmured, against his neck.

"Uh huh," he moaned, pushing up against her, against them both, and his voice was so wrecked with need that Jade shivered, her hips twitching against him without even meaning to. Kit's eye shifted to her and she saw half a smile as Kit grinned against his neck.

"Fuck," he said, softly, eyes opening again as she thrust forward, gaze burning into her. "Please..." and he shifted his hips under her, angling up towards her more, pulling his legs back, opening himself up, and she sank in deeper on her next push forward.

Leaning back to better match the angle, she hesitantly braced her hands on the backs of his thighs, pushing his legs down against his body, and he keened, high and breathless. She ground into him and gasped, the base of the toy rubbing against her, getting her closer.

Kit let his wrists go and withdrew her hand from between his legs, rising up on her knees and looking down at him. He looked back up at her, gasping for breath as Jade drove into him again, and nodded. She swung a leg over him and settled down, just barely resting above his face, and moaned as he brought up his arms to encircle her thighs and pull her down onto him.

Jade looked up, watching Kit's breasts sway as she wiggled against Graydon's mouth, watching her bite her lip, watching Kit's eyes and the way they never left her, as she watched Jade move against him, pushing in harder and harder, driving into him and making him moan.

Kit leaned forward on one hand, bringing her other up to Jade's face, and drawing her into a kiss, tongue pressing into her mouth, breath sighing against her cheek, Kit's lips moving across hers. Jade whined, pushing into Graydon faster and faster, grinding into him, and as Kit's hand trailed down and ghosted over her breast, she gasped, thrusting hard against Graydon and finally falling over the edge, her body shaking, Kit slipping her arm around Jade's waist to steady her.

Dazed, she pulled out of Graydon and fell inelegantly back onto her ass, breathing hard. Kit smiled at her and settled back against Graydon's mouth again, rolling her hips and running her hands over her breasts, watching Jade watch her as she rode out her own pleasure against his face, throwing back her head and moaning.

She leaned forward on her hands, catching her breath, twitching and lifting her hips up when Graydon licked at her again, and laughing breathlessly.

"I think I'm done, your mouth is so good." She leaned down and nibbled at him and he moaned. "Do you need to come?"

"Nnngh..." he said. "Yes. Please."

She eased off of him and grabbed his hand, tugging til he sat up. He looked a wreck, face coated with two layers of slick, tensed up, a mess of wetness between his legs as well. Kit smiled and kissed him, before sliding around behind him. She spread her legs around him and hooked them over his thighs, spreading them wide enough to make him whimper, wrapping one arm tight around his chest and sliding the other hand down between his legs. He reached up and wrapped his arms around her neck and held on tight as she started to touch him again.

Kit watched Jade watching them, as she rubbed her fingers over his clit firmly, making him buck against her touch and swear, head falling back. Eyes never leaving Jade's, she turned her head and bit and sucked at his neck, rubbing and teasing and even tugging gently at his clit until he was begging her in one long, breathless whine.

"Kit, please, god, Kit!" he cried, shaking in her arms, and she smiled at Jade and bit down on his ear. He stiffened, pulling at her neck, straining against her arm and finally coming apart again with one long, sobbing exhale, before falling limp against her.

She brought her other arm up around him and squeezed him, humming contentedly, and then raised a hand to his face and wiped at it, laughing softly.

"You're just filthy, my god," she murmured, kissing his temple. He laughed, eyes still shut. Her eyes rose to meet Jade's, and she smiled.

Jade smiled back, and let her eyes slide shut for a second. They were so cute. She felt so relaxed. This was so nice, nicer than she would have thought. Maybe sharing wasn't so bad? Maybe she could--

"Jade?"

She opened her eyes. Kit was kneeling beside her, and Graydon was standing by the bed.

"Hey, let's get cleaned up," Kit said, softly stroking her hair back from her face. "We won't all three fit in the tub but we'll figure something out."

Jade sat up slowly, stretching, and smiled at them both.

"Okay."

Chapter 5

Summary:

In which Sorsha has decided that Graydon needs a squire

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

"Graydon, thank you for joining me."

Sorsha looked serene, sitting on her modest throne. She was always at her most poised when she held audiences -- a stark contrast to the anger and frustration he'd occasionally been privy to, when she was dealing with her children.

He inclined his head in acknowledgement, stepping up onto the first rise of the dais.

"What may I assist you with, Your Majesty?"

Sorsha raised her hand, and the guard at the far end of the hall opened the door. Another guard came through, herding a tall man with manacles on his wrists. Graydon's eyes widened as he took in the ragged, disheveled state of the prisoner, and he looked back to Sorsha.

"It's come to my attention that you have been taking long walks and rides outside the castle grounds."

"...Yes, Your Majesty?" He watched the guard and prisoner approach the dais.

"I'll be frank, Graydon. I've watched you spar with my daughter and your skills are not sufficient to defend yourself. "

He turned toward her, frowning, but before he could frame a rebuttal, he heard a gruff chuckle behind him. He glanced back and made eye contact with the prisoner, who gave him a sardonic smile, face half-hidden by his wild hair.

"It's a safety concern," she continued. "Therefore, I have taken the liberty of finding a squire to accompany you on your expeditions, and to assist with your weapons training."

Graydon blinked. A... squire. He stepped closer to Sorsha, lowering his voice.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty. But isn't a squire generally.... younger?"

"He was my husband's squire, and served him faithfully, for a time." Her eyes cut to the man, giving him a weighty stare. "I'm sure you'll find him more than adequate to the task."

"Ah..." Bewildered, Graydon fumbled for words, lowering his voice further. "But... he looks... dangerous. Why was he in your dungeon?"

"I can hear you, you know." The prisoner chimed in, his voice deep and gravelly. Graydon glanced back and received another biting smile.

Sorsha looked up at him, her expression placid. "Don't worry about it."

She turned her gaze to the man in question.

"Thraxus Boorman, I enjoin you with the responsibility to serve Prince Graydon, to accompany him on all journeys outside the castle, to act as his bodyguard and squire, and to train him to defend himself in battle. Do this, and your many crimes are forgiven."

Thraxus blinked. "All of them? Even the one in the archives? There's just something about old vellum, it feels--"

"All of them."

Graydon shifted uncomfortably as Thraxus turned an intense stare on him, looking him up and down. Finally, he turned back to Sorsha and shrugged, blowing a lock of hair away from his face.

"All right," he said.

-----

Graydon rose early in the morning and headed down to the stable, hoping to set out on his own. He'd gotten in the habit of long solo rides, and the immersion in nature, the solitude, was something he'd developed a craving for. It was an excellent time to think on new compositions, or stories he might want to write.

Nothing against the man who'd been assigned to shadow him, of course, but he really didn't think he'd be able to delve into that creative space with someone breathing down his neck.

With any luck, he'd slip out unnoticed.

He walked into the stable and stopped short. His squire was there, brushing his horse and murmuring softly to her.

"What are you doing?" he said, blinking in surprise.

Thraxus had gotten cleaned up since their first meeting, he noticed. He was outfitted like any respectable hedge knight now, with decent garb and some bits of leather armor, and his hair was neatly braided back. Overall he presented a less alarming aspect than he had the previous day. He really wasn't bad-looking, actually.

"Mm. A squire is charged with the care and feeding of their master's steed." His tone was conversational and directed to the horse's mane. "She's lovely, Your Highness. May I ask her name?"

"...Kenna," Graydon answered, thrown by the change in demeanor.

"Kenna," he repeated, and scratched the horse's nose. "You're a sweet girl, aren't you?"

He turned to Graydon. "Will you be riding out this morning, Your Highness?"

"Um. Yes?"

"Very good. I'll get Kenna saddled for you."

Graydon frowned. It's not like he ever did that himself -- he left it to the stable master. But he'd never had his own personal servant before. It felt... uncomfortable. Still, Thraxus clearly knew his way around a horse, and soon had Kenna ready, and his own much larger horse alongside her.

"That's quite a weapon," Graydon observed as he came forward, noticing the cleaver strapped to Thraxus's saddle.

"It's my preferred blade, Your Highness. The reach and power of it are an advantage in most fights. In your case, I was thinking we might start with the short sword."

Graydon looked up at the much taller man. There hadn't been even a hint of humor in his voice or his expression and yet, he could swear he saw it dancing in his eyes. A short sword for a short man was the thought, no doubt. Not the most clever jest, but he could have it.

"Weapons work is not my favorite. I do have some training with the short sword, but I could probably use more," he admitted.

"As you say, Your Highness."

-----

The ride was surprisingly pleasant. Thraxus didn't speak unless spoken to, so he was free to ponder as he wished. When he did chance to speak to his squire, the answers he received were unfailingly formal and polite.

Training was much less pleasant, but he couldn't fault Thraxus for that. He just seemed to lack the full-body coordination that made such things more natural for some. It was a struggle to gain any level of skill, but Thraxus had been patient and polite, and even encouraging.

It still felt humiliating. He'd been so happy when Galladoorn's weapons master had given up on him, and left him more time with his books and his music. He failed to see the point of getting sore muscles every day in exchange for the lost time and very little improvement, but....

Her Majesty wished it, and so it would be.

At least he had a nice warm bath to relax in, once the torture was done. He leaned his head back against the edge of the tub and sighed, stretching.

There was a knock at the door.

"Gray? You decent?" Kit called out.

"Nope," he answered, and she opened the door and walked in, quickly stripping out of her clothes.

He smiled and scooted back in the tub, making room for her to join him. She stepped in, slowly settling down at the other end.

"How are you enjoying your new squire?" she asked, her tone amused.

"Ugh. I mean, he's fine? It's just... It's weird having someone follow me around. And the training..." He tipped his head back again. "Ugh."

She laughed. "You could use the training. Sorry. But it's true."

"Yeah, I know." He stuck his tongue out, not even opening his eyes.

"It won't kill you," she added.

"Are you sure?" he asked, wearily. "Here, turn around. I'll scrub your back."

Kit turned around and scooted back between his outstretched legs. He took a moment to wrap his arms around her and squeeze her tight, pressing his face against her back. She had the clean smell of fresh sweat and he nibbled at her, tasting the salt of it, too.

"It's weird that mom chose that guy, though?" Kit said, sponging water over her arms. "He's a well-known thief and like. Kind of a freak?"

"She said he was your dad's squire."

"He what."

-----

After a week of trying different times of day, and different routes to the stable, Graydon was starting to resign himself to having a travelling companion. He wasn't sure how, but Thraxus was always waiting when he arrived. Always took good care of Kenna, too. And was always unfailingly polite, with just an occasional hint of something else in his eyes.

Thraxus would draw him into training afterwards, and while he was kind and never less than proper in mannerism, he was relentless in drilling him. The man clearly knew his ways around different weapons and fighting styles, and whatever sword he had in hand, he used it with a power and fluid grace Graydon had a feeling he'd never match. It was almost hypnotic, watching him move, as if a weapon was just an extension of his arm.

Graydon had to grudgingly admit he seemed to be improving, under his tutelage. At any rate, he wasn't falling down as often.

He'd noticed that Thraxus didn't seem to socialize with anyone. He often sat on his own in the yard, maintaining their weapons and equipment, or disappeared somewhere. He never saw him in anyone's company. The other squires gave him a wide berth -- perhaps not surprising since they were Graydon's age or younger.

Once he'd seen Kit with him, across the yard, hands on her hips, questioning him. Whatever his answers were, she seemed unsatisfied and stalked off again. Graydon asked her about it, that night; her answers were evasive, and he let it go.

Despite himself, Graydon found he was more and more often interrupting his thinking time on those morning rides to talk to him, growing curious about him. Thraxus, however, was reticent to a fault, rarely responding in a way that was more than perfunctory, the bare courteous minimum.

It was annoying, having to spend so much time with someone who might as well be a marble statue. The least the man could do was loosen up a little, he was just trying to be polite. It would be nice to get to know him better, that was all.

Graydon had never been the biggest fan of being called "Your Highness," but he was starting to hate the sound of it, coming out of that man's mouth.

-----

"You don't talk to many people," Graydon said, picking up his sword from where he'd dropped it, once again.

"I'm talking to you, Your Highness." Thraxus waited for him to get into position before lunging forward, aiming a strike at his shoulder.

Graydon managed to dodge, pleased with himself, and returned a thrust that was easily parried. A few weeks of training and he was really coming along, he thought.

"No," he said, circling around to the right, "I mean besides me."

"Mm. Maybe I just don't find most people that interesting," Thraxus replied, turning to match him.

Graydon feinted left and struck from the right, landing a glancing blow on Thraxus's shoulder-piece. He grinned in triumph and Thraxus nodded his acknowledgement.

"Well struck, Your Highness."

Smiling, Graydon circled to the left. "What do you find interesting, Thraxus?"

"Right now, I'm most interested in helping you learn how to survive." He lunged forward with cat-like suddenness. Graydon caught one boot against the other trying to dodge, and fell on his ass.

He looked up to the point of a blade hovering near his throat, and his eyes ran up the line of it to Thraxus, standing over him, looking down with a startling intensity.

Graydon swallowed, looking up into those dark eyes.

"I yield?" he said.

Thraxus pulled his sword away and offered his hand instead, helping Graydon rise.

"That's probably enough for today, Your Highness."

-----

It was unusually misty the next morning. Graydon threw on a light jacket before he headed down to the stable, stopping by the kitchen for a couple of carrots. One for Kenna, and one for Wayfarer, Thraxus's horse. He felt a little bad that he'd only thought to ask his name yesterday, but surely a horse didn't care, and if he did, well. Carrots would smooth over any hurt feelings, surely.

Arriving at the stable, he saw Kenna was already saddled and ready, and Thraxus was just finishing up with Wayfarer. Graydon walked up and offered each horse a carrot, which they nibbled at eagerly.

"Good morning, Your Highness. Ready to ride?"

"Yes, it seems a bit chilly but hopefully the rain holds off. And... could you call me Graydon?"

Thraxus frowned, smoothing down Wayfarer's mane. "If that's what you want."

"I would rather, yes. If we're going to be spending so much time together, especially."

Thraxus looked at him, consideringly. Finally he shrugged, much as he had in the throne room.

"All right."

-----

He never saw the snake that caused his horse to rear. One moment he was considering a particularly fiddly bit of harmony in his latest composition, and in the next he was falling, the ground rushing up too quickly to meet him.

"Your Highness? Shit. Graydon? Graydon!"

Blinking slowly, he opened his eyes and, with some difficulty, focused them. Thraxus was kneeling over him, where he laid on the damp ground.

"What happened?"

"A snake spooked Kenna, and she threw you. Are you in any pain?"

"I don't think so?" Graydon sat up and swayed. "A little dizzy maybe."

Thraxus looked at him with concern and grasped his shoulders, leaning in and peering intently at his eyes.

Graydon swallowed, suddenly very aware of how close he was, the touch of his hands, his hands were huge and warm on his shoulders, he could even smell him, smell the leather of his armor and a faint spicy smell, maybe some kind of hair oil? His eyes were large and such a beautiful deep brown and hold on what was going on here. He blinked. Maybe he did have a head injury.

"All right," Thraxus said, finally. "I don't see any alarming signs, but we should get you back to the castle so an actual doctor can look at you."

He rose and offered his hand. Graydon took it (his hands were huge, his brain reminded him) and rose, but as soon as he put weight on his right foot, he felt a sharp pain and his knee buckled.

Lightning quick, Thraxus had caught him around his back and eased him back down to the ground.

"Your ankle?"

Graydon nodded, biting his lip. He could feel it now, and it was throbbing madly.

"Can you rotate your foot?"

He did, and hissed a quick indrawn breath.

"I'm going to take your boot off, okay?"

Without waiting for a reply, Thraxus was drawing his boot off, surprisingly gentle, and pushing his pants leg up, and feeling his ankle. His hands were warm (and huge, his brain helpfully supplied again) and despite the pain Graydon felt a flush rising in his face.

"I think nothing's broken, just sprained. You might've gotten caught in the stirrup for a moment. Very lucky that you pulled free before she took off."

"Kenna ran off? We have to find her," Graydon said, concerned. She'd come from Galladoorn with him, he couldn't let anything happen to her.

Thraxus stood up and whistled, loud and piercing, several times, and waited. There was no sign of Kenna, and he turned back to Graydon.

"Given your injury and the look of the sky, I think it'd be best if we get you back to the castle." At Graydon's anxious look, he added, "I'll come back and search for her as soon as you're behind castle walls, all right? She'll be fine out here for an hour."

"Promise you'll come back for her?" Graydon's brow creased. He felt very sad all of a sudden, thinking about Kenna out here by herself. It wasn't her fault she got scared. He should have been paying more attention, maybe he could've stayed in the saddle and gotten her under control. His eyes welled with tears.

"Whoa, whoa. Don't cry." Thraxus crouched down again. "I promise. I will come back and find her and bring her home and she will be fine. Please don't cry."

Graydon sniffed and wiped at his eyes, embarrassed.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Nah mate, it's okay. She's a good horse. I'll make sure she's safe. C'mon, let's get you up."

Thraxus reached and slid one arm behind his back and the other under his knees, and Graydon's pulse jumped at the contact. When Thraxus slowly stood, holding him against his chest, he felt the heat rush to his face. He had lifted him so easily, as if he weighed nothing.

He carried him to Wayfarer, who was placidly nibbling some tall grass, and helped him get on the saddle. It was a larger saddle than his, and he had to spread his legs wider than usual to sit it properly. As he was trying to adjust to that, Thraxus braced himself and swung up behind him, reaching around Graydon for the reins.

"What are you doing?" Graydon said, faintly proud his voice only came out half-strangled.

Not only were his arms close around his shoulders now, Thraxus was pressed up tight against him. Graydon could feel the solid warmth of him, and as Thraxus tugged the reins and Wayfarer started moving forward, he could feel the vibration of his pace through the saddle as well. He squirmed uncomfortably.

"It's going to rain. Sorsha will be pissed enough I let you get hurt, I'm not bringing you back soaking wet as well."

As Thraxus urged Wayfarer into an easy trot, Graydon stifled a small whimper and thought to himself that Thraxus wasn't going to have any say in that particular matter. Was uncontrollable arousal a symptom of head injuries? It had to be. He grabbed the pommel and held on tight.

-----

Graydon fought off his excitement as long as he could, with the saddle rubbing under his wide-spread legs, and Thraxus shifting against him from behind. It was a losing battle; the humiliation of getting so worked up was only increasing his arousal, putting control further out of his reach. The pain in his ankle was barely a distraction, at this point.

Finally he gave up and stopped fighting it, enjoying the press and release of the saddle moving against him, slicker now with all his wetness, and focused on not making any unseemly noises. He was grateful, now, that Thraxus didn't initiate a lot of conversation; he was afraid of what he might say if he had to talk.

He couldn't stop thinking about his hands, what if Thraxus ran those hands down over his arms or up his thighs, what if he slipped one around him and pulled him back tight against his chest, what if he slipped the other down between his legs, inside his pants, fingers slipping inside him, teasing him?

He had an insane urge to grab his hand and guide it between his legs, to turn and rub up against him, to grab his hair and pull him down into a kiss. Images looped and chased each other around his mind, each one more lurid than the last. Could people actually have sex on horseback? He whined under his breath.

The castle came into sight, and he sighed, beginning to think he might make it there without completely losing his dignity -- and then it started to rain. Thraxus swore under his breath and leaned further over him to shield him, winding an arm snug around his waist, and urged Wayfarer into a gallop.

Graydon gasped as the intensity of the friction picked up, torn between overwhelming shame and the desperate need for release. He folded forward over Thraxus's arm, a low keening sound escaping him as the saddle pounded against him.

Thraxus leaned in, mouth close to his ear.

"Hold on, we're almost there."

The rough, deep sound of his voice, breath brushing against Graydon's neck, was the final straw. He moaned, horrified to hear it and unable to stop, straining against Thraxus's embrace, shuddering as powerful waves of pleasure wracked his frame, leaving him limp and panting breathlessly.

By the time he was able to lift his head again, cheeks flaming with heat, they were within the castle walls and Thraxus was continuing right up to the main door, still holding him tight.

"The prince is injured," he called out to the guards. "See him to his chambers and fetch the doctor. His ankle is sprained and he may have a head injury."

The guards stared at him,

"Are you fucking deaf? Move!" Thraxus barked.

Graydon squirmed as the tone of his voice travelled straight through him, prompting a fresh wave of arousal. Whining, he squeezed his eyes shut. This was some kind of bizarre torture, he just knew it. The gods were punishing him for being too lustful.

The guards did start moving, finally, one rushing inside and coming back with a couple of his fellows.

"Sorry for the yelling, these chowderheaded twats are hard to motivate if you're not wearing a crown," Thraxus murmured. "Doing okay?"

Graydon took a very, very deep breath. "I'm holding up," he said. "Thank you for bringing me back so quickly."

"Of course," he said. "Once they've got you, I'll head back out."

Graydon twisted to look up at him, losing his breath again at how close they were. He could kiss him, from this distance. "Thank you."

Thraxus nodded solemnly, and shifted his grip to Graydon's waist, helping to lift him down into the waiting arms of the guards. He flinched at the slick feel of sliding off the saddle and winced as his ankle was jostled, but managed to keep quiet.

As the guards carried him into the castle, he shifted to look back and saw Thraxus had already turned, and was heading back to the main gate.

-----

Kit poked her head in the bedroom to check on him, once the doctor had left.

"What's the verdict?" She smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Just a sprain, like Thraxus thought. I'm to keep it elevated for the day with this poultice on it, and then take it easy the next couple days while the swelling goes down." He yawned. "They gave me something for the pain but it's making me sleepy."

"That's not bad, especially for being thrown."

"Yeah. Hey, did Thraxus make it back with Kenna yet?"

Kit glanced off to the side. "I wouldn't get my hopes up about that."

"What?" he frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Rumor is, Thraxus probably just won't come back. He's been locked in the dungeon for years, you know?"

Graydon inhaled. "No. But, he promised!"

Kit looked at him with sympathy.

"If he's not back in the next hour, I'll go find Kenna myself." She leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

He looked up at her unhappily.

"Try to sleep for now, okay?" She brushed his hair back, softly.

Kit left the room and he huddled drowsily under his blanket. Surely he wouldn't... but he didn't really know the man, did he? Maybe he would.

Poor Kenna.

-----

Graydon ended up sleeping through dinner, but someone had left a tray at his bedside. He was digging into it when Kit returned again, bedraggled and damp.

He looked, not daring to ask, as she came over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Well. I did end up riding out when he didn't return, but I met him on his way back to the castle, leading Kenna."

Graydon sighed with relief.

"He insisted on seeing to her right away, too. Got her dried off and brushed and fed. Looks like you've got a loyal squire, there."

He felt the heat rise in his face. "I'm just glad Kenna's safe," he mumbled. "Thank you for going out to check."

She leaned down and kissed him, soft and sweet.

"Of course." She rose and looked down at him. "Do you want to get a bath with me? I'm cold and gross."

"Yeah, that sounds nice. I can prop my foot up on the edge or something, I guess." He flung the blanket away and carefully swung his legs over the side, flinching at the cold, sticky feeling of his pants and going very still.

"Gray?" Kit looked up from where she was shedding her outer layers. "Are you hurting?"

"No... Um." He sighed. "This is awkward."

She came over and crouched down in front of him, putting her hands on his knees and peering up at him.

He flushed and put his hands over his face, sighing.

"We rode double on the way back. On that huge horse."

"...Okay?"

"I... um. I got excited."

She nodded. "That can happen, with riding."

He pulled his hands away and looked at her.

"I came."

She stared at him for a second, eyes widening, pressing her lips together. Then, a giggle slipped out. And another.

"Oh nooo," she laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry, oh my god." She bit her lip, making a visible effort to control herself.

"Did he," another small giggle escaped, "Did he notice?"

He groaned. "I don't think so? I think he thought I was in pain, maybe."

She exhaled hard, lips pressed together again.

Graydon rolled his eyes. "You can laugh," he huffed.

She leaned forward on his knees and cackled for a good few minutes. He finally had to laugh a little, too. It was kind of absurd.

As her laughter trailed off, she raised her head and looked at him. She squinted.

"Wait. Are you, like, into your squire?"

"What? No!" he answered quickly and emphatically, his face heating.

She stared at him.

"I mean, probably not. I did hit my head. I think that can cause symptoms."

"I don't think it causes those kinds of symptoms, babe." She grinned.

"Yeah, well. It was an unusual circumstance. I'm not going to be riding his horse again any time soon, all right?"

She smiled amusedly at him. "Wasn't the horse I was thinking of, to be honest."

"Kit!" he exclaimed, mortified.

"All right, all right, I'll stop teasing you. It's okay. Bodies are just weird sometimes. Don't worry about it." She smirked. "Just don't moan his name next time I'm--"

"Kit," he growled. "Give me a break, okay?"

"Ooh. Yes sir," she said. "Let's get you in a bath, okay? Sounds like you're much dirtier than I thought."

-----

Graydon went to the library the next morning after breakfast, carefully limping along with the cane the doctor had provided. The healing was going well, apparently, and as long as he didn't aggravate it over the next couple days, it should be fine.

He had just settled in at the small table with a volume of folk tales, when the library door swung open. He looked up, expecting Kit (or maybe Airk and a close friend), but was surprised to see Thraxus in the doorway, a small box under his arm, an uncharacteristically hesitant expression on his face.

"All right if I come in, Your Highness?"

Ignoring the way his pulse quickened, Graydon waved him in.

"Of course. And I thought you were going to stop calling me that?" He could do this. Just act normal. Nothing happened. Be normal.

Thraxus came forward, shutting the door behind him.

"Yeah, sorry. Graydon. Just wanted to check on you. The doc wasn't real forthcoming, but your lady said you'd be up here." He glanced off to the side, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Graydon frowned. He'd seen Thraxus insouciant, seen him impassive and formal. He'd even seen him concerned, yesterday. But this self-consciousness was new, and interesting. Disarming, too. Surely his indiscretion had gone unnoticed if Thraxus was acting like this?

"Have a seat?" he suggested, indicating the chair across from him.

Thraxus sat down, putting the box on the table. He drummed his fingertips on it, looking around the library. Graydon watched him, eyes tracing over his features, his full mouth, his strong and elegant nose, his large, dark eyes that flicked to his suddenly, and he felt his face flush at being caught staring.

"How's your ankle?"

"Recovering well, I'm told. I'm supposed to be careful for a couple days. So... here I am.

"Thank you for bringing Kenna back," he added, his voice softening.

Thraxus dropped his gaze. "Of course," he replied, to the tabletop.

The silence stretched and began to feel heavy. Graydon cleared his throat.

"What's in the box?"

Thraxus blinked. "Oh, right. It's a chess set, do you play?"

"I love chess!" Graydon grinned. "I haven't played since I left Galladoorn."

"Oh? Who did you play with there?" Thraxus looked up again, interested.

"The master archivist, he taught me the game."

"Old Seladon? He's good."

"You knew Master Seladon?"

"Played a fair number of games with him. Not at the castle, of course -- but I'd catch him when he came down to the Painted Pig for a drink."

"Master Seladon went to taverns?" Quiet, elderly Master Seladon? He couldn't picture it.

"Did he ever. And he was no easier to beat after ten drinks than one. If he taught you, you must be pretty good."

"Ah. I don't know about that. But I'd love to play, if you have the time." Graydon smiled.

Thraxus returned the smile, the first genuine smile Graydon had ever seen on him. It changed his entire face. He forgot to breathe for a moment.

This acting normal thing might be harder than he thought.

-----

There wasn't much conversation as they focused on the first game. Graydon was a bit rusty and had to concentrate; perhaps the same was true for Thraxus. All the same, he found himself wanting to talk.

"You were gone so long, they thought you'd decided to just leave for good."

"Mm. Did you think that?" His eyes flicked up towards Graydon, seemingly gauging his reaction.

"I wondered," he admitted.

He moved his rook. "I thought about it. I started to do it, actually. Two good horses and that much lead time? It was tempting. But I promised."

He looked up at Graydon again, thoughtfully, as if he were mulling something over.

"So I turned back around."

Graydon breathed in slowly, feeling unaccountably warm. For all that Thraxus was out of the dungeon, he was still as good as a prisoner, bound into his service. And yet... he'd come back. He wasn't sure what to think about that, so he diverted, moving a pawn.

"Thank you," he murmured.

Thraxus smiled, a little bitterly, self-amused. "It was the best decision anyway -- your lady princess came out with a squad of guards. Thankfully I was headed back in the right direction again, when they spotted me."

Graydon frowned. Kit had omitted that part. He found himself thinking for the first time about the overall situation and it suddenly seemed quite unfair.

"I... I'll talk to the queen. About your terms. Surely there's a point where you've paid your debt and should be free to make your own way again."

Thraxus made an ambiguous humming sound. "I have a feeling Sorsha would rather have me where she can see me, for the time being."

He lifted his gaze from the board, meeting Graydon's eyes, expression serious, searching. "But it's a kind thought. Thank you."

Graydon swallowed, meeting that level gaze, and bit back on the rush of questions he wanted to ask. What had Thraxus done? Why was Sorsha so determined? Where would he even go, if he was free to leave?

But this was more than he'd gotten out of him in their entire acquaintance to date, and something was telling him not to push, despite his burning curiosity. He would tread carefully, rather than spook him.

Thraxus looked back down at the board and moved his bishop. "Checkmate," he announced.

Graydon looked down in disbelief. He'd been caught, all right.

-----

They played several more matches before Thraxus begged off, citing other duties that needed attending, which allowed plenty of time for Graydon to consider that maybe he was getting in over his head.

It surely wasn't appropriate to be staring at Thraxus so much, watching him chew thoughtfully on his lip, memorizing the long sweep of lashes shadowing his eyes as he picked his move, watching his hands move across the board, gracefully guiding each piece into his chosen place.

Never mind that Thraxus caught him looking quite a few times, and gazed back more than might be strictly normal either, a thoughtful look on his face.

Spending the time between his moves pondering some conversational gambit to find out more about Thraxus was not very productive, either. His moves were ill-considered and hastily made, so he could get back to watching the light play across Thraxus's face and try to think of some clever way to get him talking, but even his most innocuous-sounding attempts were easily turned away, or back on himself.

His lack of focus led, in the end, to a total sweep for Thraxus -- five out of five games, and all Graydon had to show for his time was confusion and another damp spot in his pants.

He offered a congratulatory handshake, then swallowed wrong and choked when he saw his own hand practically disappearing into Thraxus's, leading to Thraxus patting him on the back with a concerned look. Graydon's face flamed with embarrassment as he waved him off.

Watching Thraxus leave the library, glancing back at him once more with a difficult-to-read expression, he was starting to get a faint feeling of doom. Maybe he was just destined to humiliate himself over and over again in front of this man, until he died of old age.

He squeezed his eyes shut and damned Sorsha for her inane edicts, damned Thraxus for being so stupidly handsome, and damned himself for an idiot twice over.

-----

"Did Thraxus find you?" Kit asked, while he was undressing for bed.

"Hm?" he said, voice muffled by the shirt he was pulling over his head. "Yes, he did."

Soft footsteps approached, and when he got his shirt all the way off, Kit was standing in front of him.

"And?" She looked at him expectantly.

"...And we played chess for a while? Then he had to go work on some things."

She tilted her head. "What did you talk about?"

"Not much," he frowned. "He asked how I was doing, I thanked him for bringing Kenna back, we played. Hey, why didn't you tell me you went out with a squad? Were you hunting for him?"

"...That was mom's call. She told me it was for safety, but I'm sure they had their own orders." She shifted uncomfortably under his serious gaze. "Anyway he was bringing her back, so... no worries."

He sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at his hands.

"Kit... What did he even do? To end up in the dungeons?"

"I don't know," she frowned. "I thought he stole something, but after what you told me about him being dad's squire... I tried to talk to him, and mom, but they wouldn't tell me anything."

He huffed out an annoyed breath and reached forward, tugging at Kit's waist until she was sitting astride his lap. Pressing his face against her chest, he hugged her.

"Something's weird about all this. I tried to figure it out but he wasn't really letting on much with me, either. I don't like it, though."

"Yeah..." she said. "I could talk to the Pacalcade, see if any of them will tell me anything. Some of them have been around a while."

He looked up at her. "Thank you," he murmured.

She smiled at him and pressed a kiss to his lips, and then another. She pulled back and sighed.

"I was worried, when they told me you'd been thrown."

"I'm sorry," he said. "I should have been paying more attention."

"Shh. Accidents happen. I'm just glad it wasn't worse, and that you had someone to help you back. A guard died that way, a few years ago. Brain bleed."

He shuddered, and she pulled him close against her chest again.

"I don't want to lose you. Be careful out there, okay?"

"Aw," he said, muffled against her breasts, and looked up, hugging her tighter. "I will be."

"Good," she said, and dipped her head, nuzzling into his neck and kissing it.

The low buzz of excitement he'd been feeling all day surged back up, and he moaned, letting his hands slip down to her ass and squeezing, making her rub forward against him. She nipped at his neck and pulled back.

"Are you up for it? I'll be gentle, since you're injured." She grinned, and he smiled up at her.

"Always, with you."

Sliding her hands up along his face, she kissed him, exploring his mouth and slowly teasing at him. She kept the pace languid, running gentle fingers back through his hair and tenderly mouthing at his neck again, before she leaned back to remove her own shirt and press back up against him.

He held her close and nuzzled against her chest, sucking at each nipple in turn, smoothing his hands up and down her back, reveling in her soft warmth and the taste of her skin, and the little pleased noises she made, as she wiggled in his lap and pushed against his tongue.

Soon he was reaching down and tugging at the buttons of her pants, loosening the waist so he could slip a hand inside and begin teasing her. He smiled as he remembered their first time, his first time touching her like that, how she had trembled and fallen apart in his arms, how he'd never seen anything sexier or more beautiful in his life, and he bit his lip.

Looking up, he drew her face down and kissed her with a surge of feeling.

"I love you, Kit."

She inhaled sharply, looking down at him, and then her face softened.

"Graydon..."

"It's okay if you don't say it back. I just feel that way. I'd say it on accident if I didn't say it on purpose, I think." He kissed her between her breasts, right over her heart, and ran his hand down across the softness of her belly, easing the tips of his fingers inside her waistband.

She grabbed his wrist, stopping him, and he looked up again.

"I love you, too," she murmured, looking almost bewildered as she stroked his hair. "Huh," she added.

"Kit..." he said, lost for words. She leaned down and kissed him, caressing his face. He kissed her back, feeling warm, feeling a funny, pleasant ache in his chest.

She pulled back and he grinned, grabbing her tight and rolling her over onto to the bed beside him. He scooted up to kiss her again, still grinning.

"...Didn't that hurt your ankle?" she asked, frowning, when he finally pulled back.

He laughed. "Yeah."

"Idiot." She rolled her eyes.

He raised his eyebrows briefly, and slipped a hand along her stomach, down into the waist of her pants, and brushed his fingertips against her soft curls. She gasped and arched up against his hand.

"Idiot?" he inquired, stroking down lower and teasing at her clit.

Kit made the sweetest little humming sound and punched his shoulder.

"Yes, idiot, ah... oh, there," she hissed, as he slid his hand lower, slipping two fingers inside her and rubbing his thumb across her clit.

He smirked, touching her in all the ways he knew she liked best, all the ways that made her weak and yearning, the ways that made her come undone so beautifully.

"Guess that makes you an idiot-lover..."

She groaned in annoyance and again in pleasure as he twisted his fingers just so, and she started shoving at the waist of her pants, trying to push them down. He assisted with his free hand, being sure to keep up the soft rhythm that was winding her up tight beside him, her body tensing under his touch.

He tugged her pants down to her knees and bent to mouth gently at her clit, circling with his tongue and making her gasp, and added another finger, pushing three back inside her and curling his fingertips up, rubbing inside her, making her moan.

Glancing up, he watched her face, watched her eyelids flutter and her brow crease, watched her bite her lip as she breathed out a sigh. He sucked at her, and saw her eyes open again as she groaned, looking down at him, and she smiled to see him looking back.

She reached down and rested a hand on his head, caressing him and playing with his curls, and he nuzzled down against her and lightened his touch, barely licking all around her clit, drawing out her pleasure. She writhed, thrusting up against his face, but her hand remained gentle in his hair.

Graydon lapped at her with broad strokes of his tongue, savoring her taste, attentive to every small sound she let escape as he teased at her, stroking his fingers in and out, pushing her slowly closer and closer to the edge.

He could tell she was moments away when he lifted his head to watch her, see her press her head and shoulders back against the bed, eyes squeezed shut and a hand pressed to her mouth, trembling as her hips moved forcefully against his hand, thrusting against him up to and through her peak. A blissful sigh escaped her as it passed, and her body melted back into the bed.

She was never less than beautiful, but seeing that peace pass over her face was truly gorgeous. He smiled and slowed his fingers, gently stroking in and out as the little aftershocks ran through her, legs twitching, small moans slipping out, until she laid her hand over his and opened her eyes, her expression hazy and tender.

"C'mere," she said, and he slid alongside her until they were face to face. She threw her arms around him and squeezed him tight, tucking her face into his neck and sighing. He held her close and petted her hair, kissing the side of her head as she nuzzled him. She felt limp in his arms, letting her body relax into him in a way that felt unusually vulnerable, for Kit.

She let her head roll back onto his shoulder and looked at him with an almost wondering gaze, her eyes roaming over his face. Reaching one hand up, she caressed his face, biting her lip, and he was surprised to see her eyes glisten with a hint of moisture.

"Kit?" he frowned, concerned.

She blinked it away and laughed a little. "I'm good, I'm good. Just didn't really put it all together until you said it, I guess." She pressed on his shoulder until he rolled onto his back, leaning up and kissing him, little breathy presses of her lips against his.

Pulling back, she looked down at him fondly, and tapped the end of his nose.

"Your turn," she smiled, and reached down to the waist of his pants, loosening them and drawing them carefully down his legs and past his injured ankle, stroking down his legs with the flat of her palms and kissing his thigh.

Scooting to the edge of the bed, she paused to finish kicking off her pants before she walked around to her side of the room, returning shortly with their toy, divested of its usual harness.

He raised an eyebrow, and she smiled.

"I said I'd be gentle. You're going to just lay back and let me take care of you, all right?"

"Mm... okay," he agreed.

Setting the toy aside, she climbed on top of him, pressing him down into the bed with her weight, and kissed him slowly, thoroughly, stroking her fingers through his hair. He reached up and ran his hands down her back to her hips, squeezing them, and on to her thighs.

Dropping one last small kiss on his lips, she shifted to the side and pressed her face against his neck again, and sucked and nibbled at him while she slowly dragged her fingers down his chest, trailing back and forth, and down onto his stomach.

She teased her fingers along, mapping out each little spot that was sensitive or ticklish, and as she worked her way lower she followed with her mouth, kissing her way across his chest and paying particular attention to each nipple, sucking at them and tugging gently with her teeth.

"Kit..." he moaned her name, pressing up against her mouth, struggling with the torturous slowness of her progress. She smiled against his chest and slid her hand lower, circling her fingers below his navel, lower and lower until they were tugging at the dark little curls of hair above his slit and lightly tracing down over it, making him shudder with want.

Raising her head, she kissed him again, continuing to lightly trace her fingertips up and down, barely any pressure at all, until he was whining into her mouth; then, she started pressing just a little bit harder on each pass, barely parting his folds and drawing his wetness up around his clit, gliding along the surface.

She broke off the kiss and he looked up at her, at the way she smiled down at him, still barely touching him as her fingers smoothed back and forth.

"Tease," he said, fondly.

"You love it," she replied.

"Yeah," he sighed, reaching up and brushing her hair back from her face, drawing her down into another kiss. She ran her tongue along his lips in much the same way she was teasing his folds, and pushed her tongue and fingers inside him at the same time, making him moan and thrust up against her hand.

She pulled back again and looked at him, breathing hard as she stroked her fingers in and out of him. He clutched at her shoulder and whined, low, in the back of his throat, and she grinned, slowly sliding her fingers out and bringing them up her own mouth, licking them clean while he watched.

"You need a little more than that, I think," she said, and reached behind her for the toy. She pressed up against his side, bending to kiss him again, and nudged the tip of the toy between his folds and up against his entrance, teasing him with it.

He moaned as she pushed the end of it just barely inside him and out again, over and over, and she leaned back to watch him. He blushed under her gaze, spreading his legs wider and trying to push back against it.

She pulled the toy away and tapped his thigh with it.

"Lay back and let me take care of you, remember? I know what you need."

He whined but relaxed his legs again. She kissed his forehead, and went back to teasing him with shallow strokes of the toy, barely entering him before pulling back out again.

"My poor baby's had a rough couple days," she murmured. "All hurt, and horny, and no relief in sight." She randomly sank the toy deeper for one stroke, making him shout, before she went back to the small pushes.

"Well, a little relief, I guess. I never knew horseback riding could be that much fun," she smiled down at him, and watched him flush. "Maybe I should take you out riding double sometime? One hand on the reins and the other down your pants?"

He moaned a pretty little moan at that, and she rewarded him with two deep, hard strokes before resuming her easy, teasing pace.

"Or maybe I'd just cuff your hands behind you and ride you around untouched, until that gets you off."

He moaned again and she rewarded him again, three deep strokes this time.

"That must've been a sight to see, I'm sorry I missed it. Can't imagine how your squire didn't notice, as much as you like to moan."

He bit back on his groan at that, and she tilted her head, looking down at him with one eyebrow raised.

"Do you wish he'd noticed?" she asked, stroking him a little deeper, a little faster. "Were you hoping he had?"

The groan that came out of him then was half-strangled, and he looked desperately embarrassed. She leaned her head down, breathing against his ear.

"Was it him you wanted to ride?"

His breathing was ragged, his body tensing up. He reached up, twisting his hand in the bedspread, and she started thrusting the toy into him quicker.

"Would you like it if this was his cock, fucking you right now?" she murmured, angling the toy just so, inside him, making him buck.

"Pushing you down into the mattress?" She pushed inside him hard.

"Taking his pleasure in your body?" She bit down on his earlobe.

"Kit!" he cried, overwhelmed, and moaned as his release sparked through him, in shockwaves so powerful he gasped for breath.

She stayed tucked against him, stroking the toy slowly in and out of him as he trembled, and as his body relaxed back onto the mattress, she picked up the pace again.

"Ah! Kit, wait--"

"Shh..." she soothed him. "I've got you. Just close your eyes and pretend it's him."

"What?!"

"Go on, I'm sure you've pictured it. Long dark hair falling down around your face as his big strong body moves over you, big hands smoothing down over your chest and sides and grabbing your hips, pushing deep inside you--"

The sound he made then was indescribably, agonizingly turned on, and she grinned against his neck.

"Are you picturing it?"

"...Yes," he breathed, sounding ashamed.

"Doesn't he feel good inside you?"

"Yes," he moaned, "Kit--"

"Shh... You just keep picturing that." And she went silent, listening to his breathless moans, coming faster and faster now as she steadily fucked him with the toy, feeling his body wind up tighter and tighter against her until he came again with a strangled sob, pushing up against her hand frantically until he dropped back again, gasping.

She gently withdrew the toy from him, setting it aside, and looked down at him. His face was flushed and he wasn't quite meeting her eyes.

"Hey," she said, sliding her hand under his chin. "You're into him. It's okay. He's attractive. Nothing to feel bad about."

His eyes hesitantly met hers. "Yeah?"

She laughed. "Yes? Who am I to judge?"

He smiled and she smiled back, petting his hair.

"Well, if you like him that much, go for it, I guess? Just be careful," she said.

"You... You don't mind?"

"...I didn't talk to you about Jade first. At least we're talking about it. It would be dumb of me to get possessive."

"...Why didn't you talk to me about Jade first?"

"I didn't even know if she'd go for it." Kit paused. "And... I thought you'd say no."

Graydon laughed and she looked at him, inquiringly.

"Sorry. Just, when have I ever said no to you? It would be like saying no to gravity, or the moons."

She frowned. "I wouldn't just ignore you if something was upsetting to you."

"I know." He smiled. She smiled back.

"So," he went on, "How do I do this, then?"

Kit shrugged. "Heck if I know. I've just, like, thrown myself at people. And fortunately you were both into it."

He laughed and leaned forward, kissing her.

"Maybe take him on a picnic? I see Airk do that one, sometimes."

"A picnic, huh..." He frowned thoughtfully, snuggling in against her.

Chapter 6

Summary:

Graydon and his squire go on a fun picnic :)

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

After Kit teased him about his crush, dirty-talked him about his crush, and most importantly, gave her approval for him to pursue his crush, Graydon was more than ready to put his picnic plan into effect. The weather, however, declined to cooperate; the next morning was gloomy and damp, and showed no signs of clearing.

Thraxus found him after breakfast and suggested they take their training to the weapons hall, next to the barracks. Many of the guard had the same idea, and with everyone in such close proximity, Graydon felt self-conscious about his missteps. He felt even more uneasy, being around Thraxus in front of other people.

Every time they made eye contact, he thought about the things Kit had whispered in his ear last night, and dropped his sword, or tripped, or did something else dumb. He left the hall with his face flaming, and resolved that if it rained tomorrow, he would just find a good place to hide, and avoid further embarrassment.

Unfortunately, it rained the next day, and the next, and the next, and the next. Whether Graydon went to the library or the drawing room or the solarium, or just remained camped out in his own suite, Thraxus invariably tracked him down and asked him to come train. He couldn't bring himself to say no, but it was damned hard to concentrate on wielding a blade when his distractible brain only wanted to ponder the size of Thraxus's other weapon, and how good he would be with it.

Graydon ended up on his ass more often than not, and while there was definitely an erotic component to the humiliation, it wasn't anything he wanted to experience in front of half the castle guards. Watching Thraxus prowl around the training floor, easily besting him at every turn, only able to touch him when he was offered a hand to rise up off the floor -- it was making him crazy.

Despite Kit doing her best to exhaust him every evening, he was starting to get unbearably frustrated. Now that he had decided to seduce Thraxus, the past few days had been an extended tease. He'd started to think he needed an alternate plan -- maybe he'd just wait in his chambers again and drag Thraxus in and shove him down on the bed? -- when the weather finally broke.

The sixth morning dawned bright and clear, warm with the last fading hint of summer. Soon autumn's cool breezes would sweep down from the mountains, and the leaves would begin to turn, but this day was beautiful. Graydon looked out the window, and grinned; today would be the day.

He found a nice, thick blanket in the bottom of his armoire, tied it into a roll, and set off to see about lunch. Stepping into the kitchen, he had to immediately dodge a scullery maid rushing by with an armful of dishes, and then a cook wielding a large spoon as she yelled at the potboy to be more attentive to the roast he was turning.

Everyone was bustling to and fro, and no one seemed to notice him.

Graydon had never set foot in this part of the castle before, and was surprised by the frenzy of activity. Servants rushed in and out, serving breakfast and bringing back dishes. Cooks were stirring bubbling sauces and kneading dough. Scullions were scrubbing pots and putting them immediately back into use. It seemed that preparations for the mid-day meal were well underway, even this early.

He edged back towards the wall and pressed up against it, trying to get out of the way. Watching everyone run around, he wished he'd thought to get a little more information on how one got a picnic lunch prepared, with all of this going on.

A girl rushed by with a tray, blonde hair streaming behind her. Her eyes skimmed over him as she passed, and she went a couple steps further before stopping short and turning back. She squinted at him, and then her eyes opened wide with recognition.

She crossed back to him and curtsied, and he tilted his head, struck by her familiarity as well.

"Your Highness, do you need something?" she said, and her voice helped him place her. This was Airk's friend, the one he'd briefly met on his first full day in Tir Asleen. Their tryst had been interrupted when he and Kit entered the library, and she'd been self-conscious about it. Her name...

"Ah, yes. Dove, right?"

She laughed, with a vitality that made him want to join in.

"That's just what Airk calls me, Your Highness. I'm Brunhilde."

"What a lovely name," he responded, automatically, and she rolled her eyes.

"Kind of you to say, Your Highness." She smiled again.

He smiled back, and they stood there for a long moment before she raised her eyebrow inquiringly.

"Oh! Sorry, yes. I do need something. Could you prepare a lunch for two that I can take out on horseback with me?"

"Of course!" She smiled. "A romantic day for you and the princess?"

"Uh," he said, caught flat-footed. "No. Just me and my squire. We're. I'm." He coughed. "It's so nice out today," he said, desperately. "Probably the last nice day of the season!" He laughed, a little too loud. "I thought it would just be nice to spend some time out in nature. While it’s still nice."

Stop babbling, he told himself, noticing how her expression had gone from pleasant, to confused, to possibly a little knowing. Ultimately, she smiled kindly at him.

"Of course, Your Highness. I'm sure I can find something that will keep well over the morning's ride. Just wait here." She dropped another small curtsy and disappeared back into the rush of bodies swarming around the kitchen.

Graydon stood back against the wall and fanned his face, feeling altogether too warm. She had looked like she had him figured out. Was he that obvious? Had he been too indiscreet, in how he looked at Thraxus? Was it the subject of gossip among the staff?

Wait. She was Airk's friend, had he told her his suspicions about him? He had a moment of internal panic. Did she know about Airk's wedding gift? Oh my god. How mortifying. And now she thought -- and unfortunately she was correct -- that she knew what he was up to, today.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm himself. It was okay, this was okay, this was fine. She didn't seem upset by the notion, if she even had the notion to begin with and he wasn't just spinning himself up for no reason at all. Everything was fine. It was fine.

Collecting himself, he gazed out into the kitchen and saw her, standing at a counter, adding a bottle of wine to a large basket and shutting it with a flourish, fastening the lid. As she turned around, heading back in his direction, he couldn't help but admire the easy grace with which she navigated the chaos happening all around her.

As she got closer, he remembered Kit's supposition that Airk probably had his own toy, similar to what he'd gifted them with. Did he use it with Brunhilde? More to the point, did Brunhilde use it on him? His overheated imagination was supplying him with full details of what that might look like, and he felt the blood rush to his face again.

"Here you go, Your Highness!" she chirped, with a big grin. "I hope you have a very nice day, out exploring."

He took the basket from her. "Thank you, Brunhilde," he murmured, hoping the direction of his thoughts hadn't shown on his face. "I hope you have a nice day as well."

She curtsied again, and he bowed and left before anything else embarrassing could happen.

-----

Graydon arrived at the stable with the basket under one arm and the blanket under the other. Thraxus was already saddling Kenna, and he paused as he caught sight of Graydon and his burdens.

Graydon stopped, too; Thraxus had his hair loose, the first time he'd seen it like that since he came out of the dungeons. It fell around his face in soft, dark waves and he had such a strong, sudden urge to touch it that his mouth went dry with want.

"You brought lunch?"

Graydon shook his head, trying to restart his brain. "Ah, yeah. I thought, since the season's about to turn, and today is so nice, we should make a day of it. Head towards Mother Lake, explore the eastern reaches a bit?" He laughed nervously and cut himself off.

Thraxus shrugged, face unreadable. "All right."

He stepped forward and took the basket, fingers brushing against Graydon's as he looked down into his eyes, and strapped it to the back of his saddle. Graydon did the same with the blanket, darting glances at Thraxus every so often, and soon they were ready to set out.

-----

They rode for the better part of the morning in easy silence, exchanging glances and occasionally commenting on the scenery. Thraxus seemed more relaxed with him now, but he was still reserved and quiet more often than not.

Graydon, meanwhile, was thrumming with anticipation.

Around midday, they happened by a stream close to the lake, the grassy bank nicely shaded by close-growing trees, and Graydon suggested they stop for lunch.

Thraxus dismounted, leading Wayfarer to the stream to drink, and then to a likely branch to tie up, in reach of some grass. Graydon did the same, trying to breath slowly and get his heart to calm down -- it had started slamming into his rib cage alarmingly hard, and he felt almost dizzy with nerves.

Once he had Kenna secured, and something of a grip on himself, he took down the blanket and spread it on a likely looking patch of shaded grass. Thraxus was already standing by with the basket, and Graydon took it from him with a smile, letting their fingertips brush again and suppressing a small shiver.

He sat down on the blanket and patted right next to him, looking up.

"C'mon, sit down." He smiled up at him, and Thraxus obliged, settling in next to him and stretching out his ridiculously long legs, favoring Graydon with a warm, slightly bemused look.

Graydon froze under that gaze, forgetting himself for a moment, before uttering a single short, soft laugh and turning back to the basket, his face heating.

Brunhilde had done a thorough job, supplying them with meats and cheese, bread and fruits, and a cloth-wrapped bundle with a light dusting of flour along one edge. He brought out the two clay cups and the bottle of wine, first; his nerves felt in need of steadying.

He uncorked the wine and poured a splash in one cup, his hand shaking so hard the bottle clattered briefly against the rim. He focused so hard on not spilling the wine that he'd almost forgotten how close they were sitting, and as he looked up, he flushed. Thraxus was right there, and as he took the cup his hand lingered, almost caressing him.

Before he could think better of it, Graydon leaned in and pressed their mouths together, and sighed. Finally, the kiss he'd been longing for, and the soft yielding press of his lips was everything he'd imagined.

He slid his tongue against those lips and they parted for him, and as he deepened the kiss Thraxus made a small sound that went straight through him and he made his own, leaning in further and sliding his hand up along his cheek and--

Thraxus wasn't kissing him back. He hadn't moved, other than opening his mouth. He was letting Graydon do what he wanted, but...

He pulled back.

Thraxus looked at him, and his expression was hard to read. Was he not interested? Oh, god.

"I'm sorry," he blurted, unnerved. "I shouldn't have done that."

Thraxus inhaled, frowning thoughtfully. "You can do whatever you want, Your Highness."

Oh, those last two words cut. A rush of shame washed over him, the very unsexy kind. Was he just using his position to take advantage of someone who would feel compelled to go along?

"No..." He muttered, his eyes widening in horror.

Thraxus's expression shaded to concern. "Ah, sorry. Graydon, I mean. You can do whatever."

He stared back at him. "And would you feel you could say no?"

Thraxus cocked his head. "...I don't want to say no?"

Graydon blew right past that, in his paroxysm of anxiety. "But if you did want to?"

"Sure?" he said, after a brief pause.

Graydon closed his eyes.

"You should go," he said, finally.

"What?"

"Take Wayfarer. Take the food. Go wherever you would go, if you were free. I'll stay out all day, and then I'll go back and take responsibility." He opened his eyes again, sad but determined.

Thraxus stared at him, incredulous. He lifted the cup of wine he was holding and downed its contents, setting it aside.

"No," he said, his voice calm, looking at him intently.

Graydon opened his mouth to protest, but Thraxus cut him off with a kiss.

He squeaked in surprise, feeling Thraxus slide a hand up along his cheek, caressing his jaw, pressing against his lips, mouthing along them. He could taste the wine, sweet and tart on his tongue, and his eyes slid shut. He leaned in, sliding a hand up into that lush, dark hair he'd been longing to touch, and sighed.

Thraxus pulled back, just a little, and Graydon sucked in an unsteady breath at the sight of his wide brown eyes, so close, so bright in the early afternoon light. He could see small golden flecks in his iris. He could count every eyelash.

"I'm exactly where I want to be," he said, and pressed another small kiss to Graydon's lips. Graydon heard the needy whine that escaped his mouth and flushed, winding an arm around his neck and following him when he pulled back, rising up on his knees.

Thraxus slipped both arms around him and pulled him closer, and he felt a rush of warmth run over his entire body, making him gasp. His stomach fluttered madly, and he cupped his hand around Thraxus's face and kissed down into his mouth, chasing every last taste of that wine, feeling the strange tickle of his beard and mustache.

Pulling back, he looked down at him, breathing hard.

"This is okay?" he had to ask, one more time.

He scoffed and slipped his hands down to Graydon's ass, hauling him into his lap and settling him down on a very obvious hardness. Graydon forgot to breathe, and then Thraxus squeezed his ass, and he forgot to think as well. He slipped his hands back into all that hair and kissed him, pressing up against his chest.

Thraxus brought one hand up to cup Graydon's face, and he turned his head, pressing his face into it, biting into the meaty part of his palm, just below his thumb. He ran his tongue over the bite, tasting his skin, and felt Thraxus's cock move under him.

Opening his eyes, he saw Thraxus staring at him, biting his lip, his own eyes full of want, and Graydon reached down to the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head, tossing it aside, needing to feel those hands on bare skin, needing to be closer. Thraxus obliged immediately, running both hands down Graydon's back to his waist and pulling him close again, kissing him, pressing his tongue into his mouth.

Graydon moaned, feeling the heat of his hands, acutely aware of every inch of skin that was being touched. When Thraxus tilted his head and began to kiss at his neck, he trembled. The soft slide of his lips, the tingling scrape of his facial hair, all the sensations were zinging along his nerve endings and he could feel his body responding, feel the wetness slipping out of him.

He had a faint thought that there was something he needed to do, related to that, but shrugged it off in favor of tugging at Thraxus's shoulder guard, trying to figure out where it buckled without dislodging that amazing mouth. Thraxus laughed against his neck, a short little chuckle that made him shiver, and he removed his hands from Graydon's waist, making him whine with disappointment.

Once he realized he was undoing his little bits of armor, Graydon tilted his head and started mouthing at his neck to encourage him, sucking and nibbling small little bites and soothing over them with his tongue, and he felt Thraxus shiver, too. Graydon smiled and bit a little harder, making him jump and move under him, nudging between his legs, and he moaned against his neck, pulling back to press another kiss to his lips.

When they parted, he realized Thraxus had made good progress, having gotten rid of the shoulder pieces, and was now halfway done loosening his arm guard. Graydon reached down, ever helpful, and started unbuckling his wide belt. He let his fingers skim over the bulge beneath as he worked, drawing a hungry whine with his light touches.

Soon he was down to a shirt, and Graydon traced his fingers down the open neckline of it, teasing at his chest hair with fascination. He looked up, biting his lip, and Thraxus laughed, reaching down to pull his shirt off.

Graydon felt his eyes widen and his jaw literally drop, as his gaze darted in every direction, trying to take it all in. He was absolutely gorgeous, muscled chest and arms and stomach, covered with fine, dark hair. He couldn't decide what to touch first.

Thraxus reached up and swiped a thumb under his mouth. He looked up.

"You're drooling. Also, breathe?"

Graydon laughed.

"You're beautiful," he said, softly, resting a hand on his chest and leaning in to kiss him, pressing up against him and feeling the texture of his hair rubbing against his chest. He felt dizzy with need, and there were so many things he wanted right now.

Before he could decide what to pursue first, Thraxus was kissing along his jaw and down his neck, down to his chest, wrapping an arm around him and leaning him back so he could bend forward and drag his tongue across his nipple, making Graydon moan and push up against his mouth.

"Please..." he sighed, and Thraxus paused.

"Please, what?" he inquired, smiling.

He laughed, feeling Thraxus support his weight as he leaned back. "Just, please."

Thraxus hummed and resumed running his tongue over Graydon's nipple, bringing his hand up to tease at the other one, rubbing it with his thumb until it stood up and tugging at it. He bit down gently on the other one and Graydon whined, reaching out and grabbing at Thraxus's upper arm and pulling himself back up.

Graydon stared at him, breathing hard, shaky with desire, and cupped his face.

"I've been wanting you, so bad," he murmured, running a hand down over his chest and onto his stomach.

Thraxus's eyelashes fluttered as he looked down at Graydon's mouth, and back up again.

"You can have me," he replied, his voice rough. "Any way you want."

Graydon's breath caught in his throat, heat blooming in his face at the open invitation.

Thraxus leaned forward, kissing Graydon's neck and squeezing him.

"If you want to fuck me," he added, breathily, "I've got something in my saddlebag."

For a brief moment, Graydon thought how odd it was that he packed toys like that in his travel gear, and then he froze as his brain caught up.

Thraxus didn't know. He hadn't even told him yet. Fuck.

"It's a muscle salve, but it's good for that, too--"

"Um." Graydon pushed back from him a bit, looking him in the eyes. "About that. There's maybe something I forgot to mention."

Thraxus looked at him, curious.

Graydon opened and closed his mouth, several times, trying to think how to start. It seemed even more awkward than usual, trying to explain it at this point. Finally, he shook his head and stood up, stepping backwards. Thraxus looked up at him as he took off his boots, and loosened his pants.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed his pants down and kicked them off, and hesitantly looked back at him, feeling the cool air tease at the dampness between his legs, and running down his thighs.

Thraxus was staring, eyebrows slightly raised. His eyes skimmed up, past Graydon's clasped hands, lingering briefly on his chest, and up to his face.

Graydon bit his lip, apprehensive, and Thraxus's expression softened. He reached out, taking his hand, and squeezed it. He settled the other on his hip, and drew him forward, looking up into his eyes, until he couldn't get any closer.

Still looking up at him, Thraxus pushed his mouth against Graydon's folds and ran his tongue up them, pressing in.

"Fuck," Graydon swore, softly, hips bucking against his mouth, moaning at the gentle scrape of his beard as he nudged his tongue against his clit, using the hand on his hip to press him even closer, burying his face against him.

Thraxus was soon doing things with his lips and tongue and teeth Graydon didn't even know how to describe, and he clutched his shoulders, trying to brace himself as he shuddered, moving against his mouth. Strong hands grabbed his ass, supporting him as he ground forward, keening an almost continual, painfully aroused moan.

"Ah... god... Please, hold on," he gasped.

Thraxus paused, pulling back, looking up in Graydon's eyes.

Graydon looked at all the wet glimmering in his beard and squeezed his eyes shut. His body was begging him to push back against that clever mouth and let it do its work, but...

"Can I ride you?" he whispered, opening his eyes again. "I want to come like that. I've been dreaming about it."

Thraxus pressed his lips together and whined, his eyes huge. Graydon was so close to the tipping point, that sound and the wanting look on his face almost did him in right there.

Then he was moving, laying back on the blanket, loosening his pants and shoving them down. His cock sprang free, hard and falling back against his stomach, and Graydon bit his lip at the sight of it.

Thraxus grabbed the base of his cock, angling it upright, and Graydon started to kneel, bracing himself with one hand on his chest. His face felt so hot, his body so tense, shaking, like he might fly apart.

He paused, breathing uneven, looking up to his face.

"I've never... I mean, not with..."

Thraxus reached out with his other hand, and gave his thigh a reassuring squeeze.

Graydon smiled, and focused back on his cock, lining himself up with the tip and trying to ease down slowly. He shuddered at the first touch, that warm, yielding firmness parting his lips, pushing up against his entrance, slick with all the wet running out of him.

He let it begin to press inside him, and right away, he realized that his cock was bigger than Kit's toy. He could feel the stretch of it, pushing him open. He leaned forward, bracing his other hand on Thraxus's chest, and panted as he took it in, inch by inch.

Pausing to let his body get accustomed to it, he looked down and realized he still had a bit to go, if he wanted it all. Biting his lip, he tried to relax around it, sliding down that last little portion until he was fully seated on Thraxus's hips.

He shivered, drawing a small noise out of Thraxus, and ground down, making sure he was really all the way there. Thraxus groaned and grabbed his hips, pushing up against him, adding to the stretch and fullness he was feeling. Graydon sighed, rising up on his knees, feeling the slow, slick drag of his cock slipping out of him, and back down again, their moans mingling as he came to rest.

He slid up again and down a little harder this time, looking up at Thraxus and seeing his eyes widen, hearing him gasp, and the pleasure of that pushed his own excitement higher. His cock felt so good inside him, and the way Thraxus responded to each little movement was driving him crazy.

He began moving harder, then, faster, feeling the delightful rubbing, the fullness and the emptiness and the fullness again as he took his cock inside him and let it slip back out. Thraxus's hands slid from his hips to his thighs and back as he moved, tracing a burning path over his skin.

It was everything he'd dreamed, and better, because he hadn't been able to imagine Thraxus reacting like this. His customary stoicism had worn away; his eyes were wide and dazed, and he was making beautiful noises, soft and vulnerable, unrestrained.

He felt a shadow of what he thought Kit must feel, holding him down and taking him, and he started to shake, right on the edge, remembering the pleasure she gave him, seeing how he was giving that pleasure to Thraxus, and his peak rushed over him.

Graydon cried out, gasping with each new push of cock inside him, his voice breaking, eyes squeezed shut, and he kept riding, sliding up and down, even slicker now with a fresh burst of wetness.

Panting, he opened his eyes, and saw that Thraxus was flushed and trembling. He leaned down, groaning at the way the movement changed the feeling of his cock sliding in, and kissed him, mouth open and breathing into him, tongue touching against his.

Thraxus grabbed his hips hard, thrusting up into him, and he threw his head back and moaned again, the new angle making his cock rub inside him so sweetly. He dropped his head down onto his shoulder, shuddering as he pounded into him, much harder than he'd been moving, getting him closer again, quickly. He dug his fingers into Thraxus's shoulders as he continued to thrust, and soon he was coming again, breathing ragged, his wail of pleasure trailing off into whimpers as Thraxus kept moving beneath him.

He sat back up, so turned on he'd lost his words, lost his ability to think of anything else but needing more, and started to move vigorously against him, sliding up fast and dropping down hard, crying out with every thrust. Thraxus reached up, taking his hands and helping him brace himself as he rode for all he was worth, slamming his hips down.

He was almost there again when Thraxus moaned brokenly, and squeezed his hands.

"I'm really close,” he said, biting his lip. “You're gonna make me come if you keep that up."

Graydon whined. He was so close. Just a little more...

"Ah... fuck. No, really, I'm--"

"Please," he begged, moaning, "I'm almost, just, just hold on for me." He picked up speed, going even harder.

Thraxus groaned and pressed his head back against the blanket, squeezing his eyes shut. He let go of Graydon's hand and reached down, finding his clit and rubbing against it firmly, and Graydon yelped, his body releasing, waves of pleasure pulsing through him as he cried out again, his voice going hoarse.

Dimly, he heard Thraxus moaning, too, and felt his hands clutching down on his hips as he bucked up into him hard several times, driving his own peak higher yet before it finished running through him, and he dropped down against his chest, finally spent.

They panted together for several minutes, Thraxus winding his arms up around his back and squeezing him. Graydon hummed contentedly, satiated.

He felt Thraxus lift a hand and cup the back of his head, gently petting him and playing with his curls. Now that he wasn't madly horny, it was soothing. There was something nice about being able to lay completely limp on top of someone and be so fully supported. It felt very safe.

"That was amazing," Graydon murmured, voice still ragged.

He felt Thraxus kiss the top of his head. "Very," he agreed.

They laid in the shade for some time, sweat cooling on their skin, catching their breath. Graydon felt Thraxus's cock slip out of him, and started to think about a quick dip in the stream and then maybe actually eating some of that food.

Thraxus cleared his throat.

"Um. Not be a bringdown but... I did come."

Graydon laughed a dirty little laugh, feeling pleased. "Yeah, you did."

"When was your last moon time?"

"My what?"

"You know, the last time you bled."

Graydon raised his head, muzzily. "Hm. Last week? No, the week before. I think."

"You don't write it down?"

"...It's not really been anything I had to worry about, before."

"Mm... well, if it was that recent, it's probably fine."

Graydon laid his head back down. "Yeah, it was. Definitely."

He sighed, running his fingers through Thraxus's chest hair, recalling their earlier conversation.

He took a deep breath. "You... You can still leave, if you want to. I'll do everything I can."

Thraxus laughed.

"If I decided to leave Tir Asleen, nothing would stop me. I have my own reasons for staying."

Thraxus slipped his hand under Graydon's chin and tilted his head back, looking at him.

"Maybe I have one more reason today."

Graydon exhaled all in a rush and stretched up towards him, wanting nothing more than to kiss him again.

Chapter 7

Summary:

Graydon's attentions are divided, can he keep up with everyone's demands?

Notes:

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

Graydon sat up in bed and stretched, sighing as he felt the tension and release in his muscles. He wasn't sure he'd ever felt more relaxed, between spending every day with Thraxus, and every night with Kit. The two of them had him pleasantly wrung out -- and he was giving back as good as he got, he liked to think.

Looking over at Kit, face still shoved into her pillow, he smiled. Last night she had taken him completely apart, pushing him to the edge again and again until all he had left was the word 'please', and finally not even that. When she'd finally let him come, it had been shattering.

He was briefly tempted to wake her up and return the favor, but he knew it was better to let Kit sleep. Not that she'd be mad about it, but... she genuinely needed a lot of rest, or she'd be snappish and grumbly all day.

Smiling to himself, he slid quietly out of bed. He'd pay her back later for sure. Maybe see how many times he could make her come before she was begging him to stop...

-----

Graydon got dressed as quietly as he could and left the room, thinking about breakfast. He hadn't gotten very far down the hall when a door opened and he stopped, surprised to see Thraxus standing in the doorway.

They stared at each other, and then Thraxus glanced down the hallway in both directions, stepped forward, grabbed the front of Graydon's shirt, and pulled him into the room. Shutting the door, he pressed Graydon up against it, and kissed him hungrily.

He moaned, and Thraxus reached down and lifted him up, settling him against the door again. Graydon wrapped his legs around his waist and sank his hands into his hair, kissing back fiercely.

They broke apart, breathing hard, and Graydon smiled. "Good morning to you, too."

Thraxus grinned at him and dipped his head, kissing at his neck and grinding between his legs. Graydon moaned louder, clinging to him.

"Shh..." Thraxus murmured. "Don't want to wake up the whole castle."

"Sorry," he said, and paused. He looked around. "Wait. Is this your room?"

"Uh huh," he mumbled, mouth buried against Graydon's neck, nibbling away.

"Have you been in the room next door this whole time?" Graydon hissed.

Thraxus pulled back and looked at him. "Yes?"

Graydon flushed, thinking about last night, thinking about all the nights that Kit had made him scream and beg.

"Um. Do. Have you." He exhaled hard. "Can you hear me in there?"

Thraxus smiled a little. "Not... usually?"

"Oh my god," Graydon muttered.

Thraxus chuckled. "I definitely don't mind, when I do. At first I was intrigued." He wiggled his eyebrows. "Now it's just getting me hot for the next time I see you."

Graydon groaned. "Oh my god," he repeated, pressing his face against Thraxus's shoulder.

"So... last night sounded wild."

He raised his head, narrowing his eyes. "It was. But Kit's still sleeping, so I can't give you a repeat performance right now."

"That's okay," Thraxus smiled. "I'll just have fun watching you try to keep quiet."

Thraxus flexed his fingers, digging them into his ass, and smirked as Graydon bit back on his moan. Pressing against him harder, he started running his hands down the backs of his thighs and up again, watching attentively as he squirmed and bit his lip.

"Mmm... Thraxus... don't tease," he wriggled, rubbing against him.

He slid a hand back under Graydon's ass, supporting him, and leaned back just enough to slip his other hand between them.

"Oh? Is there something else you'd rather I was doing with my hands?" He slid his hand up under Graydon's shirt, pressing it flat and warm against his stomach, caressing with his thumb.

Graydon whined in the back of his throat, and Thraxus slid his hand higher, rubbing over his chest.

"Up here, maybe?" His fingers trailed over one nipple and tugged at it.

He pressed his lips together, containing the little gasp that tried to escape. His legs tightened, pulling Thraxus forward, and he pressed his lips against Graydon's ear, sliding his hand lower, down over his stomach again.

"Down here, you say?" he murmured, fingers teasing at the waist of Graydon's pants, undoing the buttons one-handed with practiced ease. His fingertips slipped down past the waistband, dragging down between his spread legs, gliding over his clit and pressing inside him, achingly slow.

Graydon bit his lip, eyes squeezing shut as Thraxus stroked those fingers slowly out and back in again, thumb sliding back up to press against his clit.

"That seems to be the spot, yeah?" His voice was amused as he nuzzled Graydon's neck, rubbing inside him. Graydon's thighs started to shake as he clung to him, and he buried his face in Thraxus's neck and bit him, hard.

Thraxus moaned under his breath and leaned back, lifting Graydon away from the door and turning towards the bed, fingers still inside him, still working. Graydon quivered in his arms, teeth still bared against his neck, trying to keep quiet.

Withdrawing his fingers, Thraxus lowered him to sit on the edge of the bed, kneeling down in front of him and kissing him, cupping his head in both hands. Graydon reached up into his hair and pulled, kissing him back.

"You really are the worst," he said, leaning back with one final nip at Thraxus's lower lip.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Your Highness." He smirked, sliding his hands slowly down to Graydon's hips. "How can I ever make it up to you?"

His voice was a low rumble and Graydon shivered.

"Help me get these pants off before I soak them," he murmured back.

Thraxus raised his eyebrows and grinned, leaning in for another kiss and tugging at the waist of Graydon's pants, pulling them under his ass and down his legs, pausing to pull off his low boots as well.

"Hm. Now you're just soaking my blanket, instead."

Graydon raised an eyebrow at him. "Maybe you'd better clean it up?"

Thraxus smirked and bent his head down, pressing Graydon's thighs apart, and lapped at the wetness flowing out of him. Graydon shivered at the feeling of his tongue, hot against him, the little hairs of his mustache tickling.

"Oh, there's so much... I think it's going to take a lot of licking, to clean it all up." He looked up at Graydon and smiled.

"Stop talking about it and get to work, then." Graydon undercut the stern words with a soft smile, running his hand gently back into Thraxus's hair, caressing... and then taking a firm grip and shoving up against his face.

Thraxus moaned against him and the vibration made him moan, too, raising his other hand to push it against his mouth before the noise could escape. Wrapping both arms around his ass, Thraxus pulled him forward to the very edge of the bed, and buried his face in between his legs, pushing his tongue inside him and nuzzling against his clit.

He pulled his hair again, eliciting another moan, and Thraxus reached down and lifted his legs up over his shoulders. Graydon fell back on the bed, pressing his hand against his mouth, trying to hold back on the sounds that wanted to escape as Thraxus slid two fingers inside him and started to push them in and out, sucking on his clit.

Graydon's body thrummed with tension, shaking, legs clenching against Thraxus's back as he worked his clever mouth against him, licking and nipping and lightly scraping with his teeth.

As he teetered on the edge he pulled on Thraxus's hair again, hard, and the resulting groan vibrated straight through him and pushed him over, thrusting up against his face and letting out a strangled whine around his hand.

Panting, he felt Thraxus soften his mouth against him, licking around his clit, slowing his fingers so they were pushing into him almost lazily, and his muscles slowly relaxed again.

He'd almost caught his breath again when he realized Thraxus had added a third finger, filling him, stretching him open, and he rocked back against his hand, moaning.

"Mm... fuck me," Graydon whined, as softly as he could.

Thraxus chuckled and stood up, shedding his clothes. Graydon took the opportunity to struggle out of his shirt as well, ready to feel them pressed together without anything getting in the way.

Graydon's eyes wandered over his face and body and down to his cock. He could see beads of clear fluid gathering at the tip and running down, and he licked his lips, leaning back on his elbows again.

When Graydon didn't move, Thraxus hesitated.

"You... want me like this?" he asked.

Graydon smiled. "Yeah."

At first, Graydon had been far too enamored with riding him to want to try it any other way. He loved how Thraxus would let him do whatever he wanted, would let him push him down while he climbed on top of him and used his body -- but he'd begun to wonder what it would be like to let him take control. How would he move, above him, inside him?

He wanted to see it.

He shivered as Thraxus moved, grabbing his hips and pulling him forward until he was on the verge of slipping off the bed. Leaning down, he kissed him, his hair falling in a dark curtain around their faces. Graydon whined, feeling his cock brush against the inside of his thigh, hot and a little sticky.

"Are you going to be able to keep quiet?" Thraxus asked, his voice amused.

"Mmm..." Graydon moaned, under his breath, as he felt him angle his hips back, nudging the tip of his cock against him. "I'll try?"

Thraxus kissed him again, briefly. "Do your best."

Graydon started to reply, but Thraxus moved forward, pushing against him and slowly inside him, bearing down on him with his weight until their stomachs were pressed together, and Graydon's thighs were spread wide around his hips.

"Okay?" Thraxus murmured, caressing his cheek.

"Mm," Graydon breathed. "That does feel different."

"Good different?"

"Definitely good," he sighed. "Go slow, though?"

Thraxus smiled fondly and kissed him, and pulled back. Graydon keened quietly under his breath, then a little louder as he pushed back in. Thraxus bent and kissed him, muffling the sound as he came to rest again.

"It's probably better if we don't get caught, you know."

Graydon flushed. "Maybe you should just kiss me the whole time?"

"Yeah... I can do that." Thraxus smiled.

He lowered himself onto his elbows, pressing their chests together, and kissed him. He teased Graydon's mouth with his tongue, pulling back and pushing in again, maddeningly slow. Reaching up with one hand to pet his hair, he did it again, and again, filling him, making him whine and moan and swallowing every sound.

Graydon wound his arms around his neck, feeling the sweaty press of their chests as he picked up the pace, and then Thraxus was moaning too, very quiet but so beautiful. Graydon pulled back from the kiss so he could hear it better, pulling Thraxus's head down on his shoulder.

The press of his weight kept him from drawing a deep breath, helping him control his own noises. Thraxus, though... those soft little noises, right in his ear, were making him tremble as much as his cock, pushing him open, rubbing inside him.

Thraxus was getting close, moving more urgently, his breathing going ragged, and then he moved forward again, and sighed.

"Gray..." he exhaled, his voice soft and yearning, and Graydon gasped, his body tensing up hard, and he was coming, pushing his face against Thraxus's shoulder to muffle his yell, his body clenching and pulsing around the solid weight of his cock, before he dropped back against the mattress, panting.

Thraxus was still moving inside him, slower now, giving him a chance to be ready again, but Graydon was buzzing. Hearing his name like that, coming out of Thraxus's mouth, so tender...

He braced his hands against Thraxus's shoulders and gave him a little push.

"Let me make you come?" he asked, and Thraxus stopped moving and shivered.

"Are you sure you want that?" he said, his voice an interesting mixture of hesitant and excited, and if Graydon hadn't been sure before, he definitely was now. They were going to have to stop soon anyway, and while Thraxus had always been happy to finish himself off (and usually finish Graydon off another time besides), he wanted to give him that pleasure himself, this time.

"I really, really do," he said, staring up into his eyes, brushing his hands into his hair. "Please let me."

Thraxus whined, deep in his throat. "...Okay."

He eased back, sliding slickly out of him, and Graydon moaned, missing the feeling already. He sat up, suddenly eye to eye with Thraxus's cock, hard and gleaming with his own wetness, and had a second thought or two. This was going to be a bit different from going down on Kit. He looked up and bit his lip.

"What do you like?" he said, thinking maybe he'd gotten a little ahead of himself.

Thraxus laughed and reached down, taking Graydon's hand and wrapping it around the base of his cock. He put his own hand on top, and showed him how to stroke up and down, showing him the pressure and the speed.

"That's the basics, but you can mix it up, play around." He gasped as Graydon went a little harder, then a little slower. "Mm... I'm honestly pretty close already so anything's good really, just keep doing it."

Graydon moved his hand up and down several times, getting a feel for it, and then he leaned forward and tentatively swiped his tongue around the head of his cock, where he was leaking.

"Fuck!" Thraxus said, a little too loud, and then repeated it under his breath. "Fuck, that's good. that's really good. Do that as much as you want."

Graydon smiled up at him, encouraged, and started licking all around the tip of his cock while he continued to stroke it. He tasted himself, mostly, and then as he kept going, the almost sweet taste of the fluid he was leaking, and then the salt of his skin; it was delightful.

He glanced up and saw that Thraxus was watching him closely, his hand firmly over his mouth, muffling the sounds he was making. Emboldened, he stared into his eyes and opened his mouth wider, letting the head of his cock slide in against his tongue, and sucked on it.

Thraxus made a sound deep in his throat, eyes widening, and then his cock was pulsing, shooting into his mouth. Startled, Graydon swallowed some of it, gagging a little on the taste, and the rest of it ran out of his mouth.

He kept stroking his cock, not quite sure when he was supposed to stop. Thraxus took his hand and squeezed it, and turned and sat on the bed beside him, legs unsteady. Leaning forward, he slid his hand up against Graydon's cheek and kissed him, deeply.

Graydon moaned into his mouth, feeling his tongue sliding against his, and shivered. When Thraxus pulled back, his expression was rueful.

"Sorry. I like to give a warning, but that just kind of... happened."

Graydon smiled. "It's okay. That, um. Does it always taste like that?"

"Yeah," Thraxus laughed. "You get used to it."

"Hm," Graydon said, noncommittally.

Thraxus flopped down on his back, exhaling hard. "That was amazing, though."

Graydon turned and scooted back, laying on his shoulder and caressing his chest. "Yeah?"

"Oh yeah. I've been around. You know, prior to the dungeons. Seen a lot of places, been with some people." He went silent for a moment, seemingly caught up in memories, and Graydon poked him in the ribs.

He yelped and cleared his throat. "Ah, yeah. Mean to say, you're the best actually."

Graydon blushed. "Oh come on. I'm not even that experienced."

"Maybe not," Thraxus laughed. "But you really enjoy yourself."

Graydon scoffed, not unkindly, and curled a little tighter into his side.

"Thrax?"

"Mm?"

"I don't really feel like practice today. Do you want to come down to the kitchen with me and see if they'll feed us, and play some chess?"

Thraxus squeezed his shoulder. "Sure."

-----

After a quick visit to Thraxus's bath chamber to clean up, they got dressed again, getting only slightly distracted kissing and touching each other, and opened the door out to the hallway--

--Only to come face-to-face with Kit, walking towards their chambers, a crumpled piece of paper clutched in her hand. She froze and stared at Graydon, and then looked up past him to Thraxus and glared.

"Wow, really?"

"Kit--"

"We need to talk," she bit out, her jaw clenched, and stalked to their chambers.

Graydon bit his lip and looked up at Thraxus.

"Another time," Thraxus whispered, patting his shoulder and giving him a little nudge forward. "Go on."

Graydon sighed and touched his chest, before turning and following Kit.

She had already disappeared into the bedroom by the time he got to the door, and he opened it to see her leaning on the edge of the desk, staring off into space, her brow furrowed.

He shut the door behind him and came into the room, sitting on the edge of the bed opposite her.

"You--" she started, and stopped to clear her throat. "What the fuck?"

He shook his head, taken aback. "What?"

"Are you just going to fuck him every day?"

"You said go for it?" he said, confused.

"Well, I didn't think you were going to 'go for it' every single day, you know?" she snapped, running her hand back through her hair.

"You were with Jade every day while she was here," he pointed out, frowning.

"...Okay, yeah, I was. But she was with both of us every night? I thought you liked that."

"I did," he admitted. "I do. I didn't think you would be interested in Thraxus like that, though?"

"That's not the point!" she said, shaking her head. "The point is, Jade's not here now. I can only see her so much, and you see him every day."

He opened his mouth, wanting to ask if he was supposed to only see Thraxus when someone else was here to distract Kit, but he stopped. She was angry, but there was something else under that. He squinted at her, trying to pick it out.

She sighed suddenly, slumping back.

"Where do I fit in to that, when you're running to him every day?" Her voice had gone soft and quiet. Her shoulders dropped, and she bit her lip.

"Oh..." He stared down at his hands. God, he was an idiot.

"I see what you're saying," he said, tentatively.

She huffed impatiently. "Do you? You're so fascinated with him all of a sudden. Seems like he's all you think about right now."

He looked up again and frowned, stung. "I guess I thought it didn't matter what I was doing during the day, since I was with you every night."

"You'd be with me every night anyway, right? We're married. We have to make that work, but you get to choose him." Her eyes were angry but her voice was raw.

"Come here... please?" he said.

She frowned again but rose from the edge of the desk and crossed to the bed. He reached out and gently pulled her down onto his lap, pressing his face against her chest.

"I didn't mean to make you feel like I was only thinking about him. I woke up this morning thinking about you, wanting to please you." He looked up at her, wanting to see her expression.

"Really?" she said, her face a little softer.

"Yeah. You're incredible, Kit. Just because I'm getting to know someone else doesn't mean I forgot that." He smiled, tentatively, and her arms slowly came up around him and squeezed.

"I would always choose you," he added. "I'm sorry I made you worry about that."

She scoffed, softly. "I wasn't worried."

He continue to smile at her.

"I wasn't that worried," she amended. "I was a little worried. I guess. Jerk."

He laughed. "I'm really sorry. Tell me what would make this work better for you?"

She looked to the side, her brow creasing. "I don't know. Maybe I overreacted. It's not like you're ignoring me, or I'm seeing you any less. I just..."

She sighed.

"I had a letter this morning. From Jade."

His eyes darted to the crumpled paper, now laying on the desk.

"Bad news?" he asked, apprehensive.

"No. Not really. It's just... she says she's been made part of your father's personal guard now, that it's a very trusted position."

"That's... good, though? I kind of hate to think of her that close to him, but it means that he probably believes what she's told him about us."

"Oh," she frowned. "I didn't think of that."

"Then...?"

"I just thought, what if that's such a good deal she doesn't want to come back? Or what if he won't let her?" Her eyes glistened.

"Aw." He squeezed her. "There's no way Jade wouldn't choose to be by your side again. We'll find her an important position, and my father can't prevent that even if he wanted to."

She bit her lip, looking down at him.

"It'll be all right," he said, reaching up and brushing her hair back.

She squeezed her eyes shut and a tear slid from one eye, slowly tracking down her cheek. He smoothed it away with his thumb. Another slipped and he did the same, and Kit uttered a strangled gasp and bent to him, kissing him hard, her hands tangling in his hair.

His eyes wide, he kissed her back, trying to match her agitation and steer it a little, gentle it. For all that she was pulling his hair and directing his head, she had none of her usual calm control, her quietly assertive dominance. This felt needy, and fragile.

Scooting forward, he slipped his arms beneath her ass and stood, lifting her with him. She made a startled noise into his mouth as he turned and lowered her onto the bed, crawling over her and gently pushing her onto her back. He slid his knee between her legs, pressing up against her as he reached up and brushed her hair back.

"Hey," he murmured. "Are you okay?"

She bit her lip and looked away from him, eyes still glistening. "I don't know," she muttered. "No. Could you just kiss me some more?" Her gaze flicked back to him, unusually hesitant.

"Of course," he said, and bent to her, kissing her gently but thoroughly, caressing her face. She seemed a little calmer now, letting him explore her mouth without trying to take control, sighing a little each time he pulled back.

He tilted his head and started kissing her neck, pressing his knee against her, and she moaned, so quietly he almost didn't hear it. Her hands came up and settled on his back, lightly, barely touching. He continued to kiss and nibble at her neck, smoothing a hand gently down her side to her hip and back up again, and she started to rock against him

Mouthing at her open neckline, he slid his hand down again and up under the hem of her shirt, brushing across her stomach and up against her breast. He cupped it and squeezed, rubbing his thumb over her nipple and feeling it peak eagerly under his touch.

He started to undo her buttons with his other hand, half-expecting her to suddenly grab him and throw him over on his back; but she continued to lie under him, letting him touch and tease her, making soft little sounds, writhing against him.

Having worked his way down to the last button, he rose up a little and spread her shirt open, exposing her chest. He looked down at her face, flushed pink, her expression soft, and open, and wanting. Bending, he kissed her again and she moaned into his mouth, so sweetly that he couldn't help grinding down against her thigh and moaning, himself. She moved against him in return and they rubbed against each other.

Graydon finally pulled back, gasping, and sat up and took his shirt off, flinging it aside. Kit reached for him, pulling at his hips, and he moved his leg forward, rubbing against her again. She bit her lip, grinding up against him, and gasped.

"Graydon, I..." She inhaled.

He bent over her, sliding a hand up against her cheek.

"What is it?" he said.

"Make me feel good," she whispered, her eyes wide and serious and a little lost.

"Always," he said, and kissed her.

Her arms slid up around his neck, pulling as she pressed up into the kiss, her mouth hungry against his. He teased his tongue against hers, sliding his hand back into her hair and, on impulse, tugging lightly. She moaned and kept kissing him, so he did it again, just barely pulling, teasing at her hair much the same way he was teasing at her mouth.

Shifting, he mouthed along her jaw and down to her neck, kissing his way down, using a little more teeth than usual, lightly scraping along the sensitive skin and feeling her shiver in response. He smiled against her, starting to get an idea of what might help, right now.

Biting lightly at her collarbone, he ran his fingernails down her side to her hip and grabbed it hard, pushing his knee between her legs and drawing a guttural, almost frantic moan from her. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, digging in, and he bent to her breast, taking her nipple between his teeth and tugging hard, repeating the motion with his fingertips on the other one. She keened, rolling her hips against him, and it was such a beautiful, needy sound that he shuddered, arousal surging through him.

He reached down to her waist, trying to unbutton her pants with one hand, but had to give up quickly. Apparently that was a specialized skill, he thought, as he brought his other hand down, still biting lightly at her nipple and sucking hard.

Finally getting her pants undone he tugged them down, kissing her stomach, and pulling them off along with her boots. She stared at him, breathing rapidly, flushed all the way down her chest. Crouched down by the bed, he could see the wetness shining between her legs, spread everywhere from the press of his leg, and his mouth watered.

Rising up and bending over the edge of the bed, he pressed his mouth between her legs, pushing his tongue flat and firm against her clit. She bucked against his mouth and moaned, and he reached up and pressed her thighs down as he set to work, swiping against her over and over again with hard licks until she was writhing under him and whining, a long, thin string of soft sound spiraling down around his ears.

He caressed her clit with his lips and sucked gently, letting her feel the edge of his teeth at the base of it, and squeezed her thighs, hard, letting his fingernails dig in, and felt her arch up off the bed against his face, crying out as her release shuddered through her.

Moaning against her as she thrust up against him, he softened his touch, pulling back and lightly circling his tongue around, waiting for her to push him away. Kit almost never let him make her come more than once before she wanted to do something to him, instead; but after panting for several long moments, she pushed up against his face again, and he grinned, surprised but more than ready to keep going.

He kissed her thighs, reaching under them and lifting, encouraging her to bend her legs and open up a little more. Settling back to nibble at her, he slid a finger inside her. She shifted her hips, pushing back against his hand hard, and he raised an eyebrow, slipping out and slipping back in with two fingers, slowly fucking into her with them and listening to her gasp in response to each thrust.

"Gray," she sighed his name, rocking back against him.

"Mm?" he said, glancing up.

She was looking down at him, her eyes hazy, biting her lip.

"I need more..."

"Fuck," he breathed out. Her voice was so desperate, so pleading, it shot straight through him. He could feel the wetness seeping out of him and he rubbed up against the edge of the bed, whining in the back of his throat.

He pushed his face back against her, and slid three fingers inside her, thrusting in hard and angling to hit that spot just right, and she groaned, deep and rough. He let her ride against his face and his hand as hard as she needed to, and continued to grind against the edge of the bed while she did it.

The deep, panting moans that were coming out of her as she moved against him and the friction of his own rubbing drove his excitement to a peak, and he started to come, hard, groaning against her, and felt her tense under him as he did, her body pulling at his fingers as she cried out, pushing up against him, her voice breaking.

He pulled back as her body relaxed, continuing to gently stroke his fingers in and out as he looked up at her. She was looking down at him, disheveled but her brow furrowed, her hands clenched, lips parted as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. He raised his eyebrows, and she glanced to the side and back again.

She took a deep breath and released it.

"Will you fuck me?"

He blinked. "What, like..."

She nodded. "With the toy, yeah."

He leaned back, easing his fingers out her, and crawled up the bed to kneel over her.

"I didn't think you wanted that kind of thing?" He licked his lips, feeling unsure. If she was serious that was... strange. And hot. And intimidating.

"I want to know what it feels like, for you. I want to know why you want it." She looked up at him steadily.

"Oh," he said, hunting for other words. She wanted to know why he liked it now, when she'd been doing it to him for months?

Kit flushed as he hesitated. "Sorry, is that... Is that not something you want to do? You don't have to."

"No, I want to. I just hadn't thought about it before, I figured you didn't--"

"Well... I do now." She shifted, tilting her hips under him. "I want to feel what it's like, when it's you."

"...Okay." He stared at her blankly for a second, mind racing. Where did she keep it? How did you put it on? Oh god, how do you even move with it? He should've paid more attention. He was going to do this bad and she'd hate it and never want to do it again and--

She reached up and caressed his cheek. "Stop. I can smell your brain burning. I just want to try it, okay? No pressure."

"No pressure," he laughed. "Absolutely. Right. Okay." He bent and kissed her and laughed again, nervously. "Okay."

"Okay," she replied, and she smiled like she was holding back a laugh, eyes twinkling. "You got this."

He laughed again, a little more at ease. "I'll do my best."

Crawling back, he eased off the bed and looked around.

"Bottom left wardrobe drawer," she called out.

"Ah, right." He fished out the assortment of harnesses and stared at it, a bit lost. He really should've paid more attention. Shit.

He heard her laugh behind him and turned around. She'd sat up, scooting to the edge of the bed, and was holding out her hands.

"C'mere," she said, smiling.

He smiled and stepped forward, handing it off to her and watching carefully how she arranged it on him, pulling each strap just tight enough, shivering as she situated the base of the toy against him and tightened the final buckle.

It felt nicely confining, actually. He looked down in bemusement, tentatively running his hand along the toy jutting out from him. It was a little strange to see, not quite disturbing but a little disorienting, maybe. He couldn't say he really wanted a cock, but there was no denying it would make some things easier.

"Gray?"

He blinked, looking up at her.

"Is this okay? It's not weird for you?" She looked concerned.

"No, it's fine," he smiled. "It's just a toy. What about you?"

She bit her lip and shrugged out of her shirt, tossing it aside. She laid back on the bed, spreading her legs and holding her arms out, reaching for him.

"I'm ready," she said, her face nervous but eager, too.

He stepped forward to the edge of the bed, tingling with apprehension and excitement, and grabbed her hips, pulling her forward. He lifted her thigh, holding it up with one arm and guiding the tip of the toy against her folds with his other hand. She startled as it touched her, and he paused.

Looking up at her, he saw her consternation.

"It feels cold?"

He laughed. "Uh huh. Just at first, though."

"Um," she frowned. "Why didn't you say anything?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I got used to it, I guess? I kind of like it?"

She cocked her head, regarding him thoughtfully.

"Do you want me to warm it up first?" he offered.

"No... I want to feel what you feel." She reached down, tracing her fingertips over his hip. "Just... go slow."

He nodded, reaching down to lift her other leg, and pressed forward, parting her lips and nudging against her entrance, slick with her earlier excitment. She gasped as he slowly pushed inside her, and he bit his lip, feeling her opening her up bit by bit until he had the toy fully inside her, his hips pressed against the backs of her thighs.

Pausing, he looked down at where their bodies were joined, the toy disappearing inside her, how closely they were pressed together, surprised how sensual it was even though he couldn't really feel it. Just being in control of it, being inside her like that... his eyes tracked up her body, her stomach fluttering with quick breaths, her hands holding tight to the bedspread by her shoulders, her face flushed.

Kit was trembling as she looked back at him, and he whined, seeing it. She looked excited, and uncertain, and overwhelmed. It caught him up in a rush of wanting, wanting to protect her, to take care of her, to give her things she didn't even know she needed until she was spent, drained, and content...

He shuddered, and she moaned at the movement.

Was this how she felt, when she stood over him, when she directed his movements or restrained them? When she gave him pleasure or left him on the edge of wanting, again and again, until she decided to satisfy him?

Was this how he looked, to her? So vulnerable, so soft? Gods, no wonder she loved it.

She needed him, and he was the only one who could give her what she needed. He felt so powerful, suddenly, entrusted with an enormous responsibility.

"Okay, baby?" he asked, stroking his hand over her hip.

"Uh huh," she nodded.

"Do you want me to move now?"

"Yeah," she sighed.

He pulled back, feeling the way her body dragged at the toy, and pushed forward again, carefully, letting her feel every bit of it as it rubbed inside her. She moaned low and sweet as he ground into her, just a little.

Her hands came up and she squeezed her breasts, rubbing her thumbs over her nipples, and he whined, hitching his hips back and driving them forward again a little faster, a little harder, and watched her press her head back into the bed.

"Gray..." she moaned, and he waited for more as he kept moving, but there weren't any demands, any instructions. She sighed again and he tried to keep moving, keep a steady rhythm; but it was hard, seeing her like this: so open, so receptive, so focused on her own pleasure. It was driving his own excitement again, and the way the toy was rubbing back against him was getting very distracting.

He groaned and guided her legs up onto his shoulders, making her gasp, and wrapped one arm around her thighs, holding them. Licking his thumb, he reached down to her clit and rubbed it as he pushed into her harder.

She gasped, her hips bucking up against him as he drove in, making him moan and clutch at her legs tighter, struggling to keep focused as she cried out, louder and more desperately, writhing against him.

"Fuck, Kit," he breathed, "You're so hot."

She arched her back suddenly, clutching at the bedspread again, and cried his name, throwing her head back, gasping as her body trembled and shook against him. He gentled his hand over her clit and slowed his thrusting as she rode out her tremors, breathing out beautiful little gasps that were like music to him.

As her body relaxed, he let her legs down gently and leaned forward, the toy still deep inside her, and kissed her, caressing her lips and stroking her hair. She slid her hands down his back to his waist and then she was pulling at him, urging him to continue. He broke off the kiss, laughing, and started to lean back up, but she tightened her grip, holding him down against her, and whined.

"Ah, I don't have the like, the leverage to move? Bed's too tall." He smiled sheepishly, looking down at her.

She stared up at him, blowing out a frustrated breath, and then she wrapped her arms around him and pushed against the bed with her legs, scooting back and dragging him with her.

He laughed helplessly.

"Okay, okay, let me--" He shifted back, pulling out of her and getting his knees under him, while she pouted.

"You want more, beautiful?" he said, softly, cupping her cheek and feeling the heat radiating off her skin.

"Yes," she hissed, pulling at his shoulders.

He bent and kissed her, deeply, and reached down to guide the toy between her legs again, lining it up and sinking into her in one slow, firm stroke, making her moan into his mouth, making him moan back as he moved his hips.

She wound her arms up around his shoulder, pulling him down and pressing her face against his neck, gasping, almost sobbing, as he fucked steadily into her, trying to give her what she needed, his muscles burning, his own arousal building fast as he pushed down into her harder.

Over the blood pounding in his ears he realized she was talking again, soft words escaping between her gasps.

"Please, oh please, please, please please oh please..." she went on, a constant susurration of sound as her body tensed beneath him, gripping at his shoulders. He'd never heard her like this before and it was quickly becoming too much for him. She sounded wrecked, absolutely lost in her pleasure, not a shred of control left and he moaned against her shoulder, pounding into her as hard as he could.

He started to peak first and it was ridiculously intense, his whole body shuddering through it as he tried to keep going, the pressure of the toy against him almost stunning as he kept thrusting into her.

Gasping, leaning over on one elbow, he slid his hand down between them, finding her clit and rubbing against it as he continued to move, and she was sobbing for sure now, body so wound up with tension and not quite getting to where it needed to be, arching up against him.

He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You can do it. Come for me, gorgeous. You're so good, I know you can do it. C'mon, Kit. Just let go."

She let out a single anguished cry and seized up, shaking against him as her body finally released, and relaxed bonelessly back onto the bed, eyes running with tears, panting for breath.

He looked down at her, concerned, and her face crumpled. She put her hand over it quickly, and a thin, sad keening emerged.

Graydon pulled out of her carefully and moved to lay beside her, pulling her against his chest. She rolled into his embrace quickly, shoving her face into his neck, and cried while he petted her hair and made small, soothing sounds.

Her sobs tapered off, and he kept petting her. Finally, she pulled back a little and looked up at him, looking embarrassed, wiping her eyes.

"Okay?" he asked. "I didn't hurt you, or anything?"

"No, it was good. I liked it. I just came really hard, I guess? Sorry."

He kissed her forehead. "It's not like I haven't done the same thing. Sometimes you just get, like, too wound up."

She laughed. "Yeah, I guess."

"Do you feel a little better?"

"Yeah," she said, squeezing him.

He sighed and ran his hand down her back.

"Are you hungry?" he said. "Because I never did make it down to breakfast, actually."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh my god," she laughed.

"Well, I didn't know he was in the next room. Did you know that?"

"Oh, I meant to go to breakfast," she mocked him, in a sing-song voice, "But I tripped and fell on this dick and now i'm soooo hungry."

He gasped in exaggerated offense, and started tickling her. She shrieked and flailed for a few seconds before she retaliated, and quickly had him subdued, sitting on his stomach and poking him in the armpits while he giggled.

"Beg for mercy," she demanded.

"Please, Kit, I'm sorry!" he gasped between laughs.

She stopped and sat back in triumph. "Very dumb to start a tickle war when you're so ticklish. You know you're gonna get overwhelmed and pinned down and... wait a minute."

He smirked up at her.

Kit shook her head. "You're tricky, aren't you?"

"That's me," he said, softly, stroking his hands over her thighs.

She bent and kissed him. "You're such a brat, but I guess I like you."

He smiled. "Same."

Chapter 8

Summary:

King Hastur makes his move...

Notes:

i've added several new tags to this work -- sexual coercion, mildly dubious consent, and non-consensual voyeurism. if these themes are upsetting for you, please proceed with caution and do what you need to protect your mental health.

if you would like a more specific warning about what happens before you decide to read, please feel free to message me on tumblr at lowkeyed1

thank you to @slvershdws and @peterbenjaminparkour for betaing, much appreciated!

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

“All right, explain it to me again?”

Kit smiled. “It’s an end of summer ritual. A traditional hunt, to coincide with the season’s turning. Everything that’s caught this morning will be served at the feast tonight.”

“No, I mean explain why I have to go? I hate hunting.” Graydon threw his woolen cloak around his shoulders and pinned it in place. “Also, why can’t we wait for a better day? It’s gross out.”

“It’s based on the position of the sun and moons,” Kit laughed, straightening his garment. “Anyway, you don’t have to hunt. Airk will do the speech. Just ride out in the lead with us and look, I don’t know, regal?”

“I’ll do my best.” Graydon smiled, and kissed her.

-----

Graydon grumbled as he pulled his hood down, trying to keep out of the worst of the drizzle and gloom. What a waste of a perfectly good morning! He could think of at least one thing he’d rather be doing… or two, really.

He looked to either side and was glad they were with him, at least. Kit on his left, Thraxus his right, and Airk by Kit’s side. They all looked more stoic than he felt, and he did his best to mimic them.

When they reached the spot where the grassy plain verged on the forest, Airk wheeled his horse around to face the hunting party.

“Fellow citizens of Tir Asleen!” his voice rang out strong and clear, drawing the attention of the several dozen riders who accompanied them from the castle. “As the seasons turn, we reflect on what has passed, and we celebrate what is to come. Today we give thanks to the forest for the bounty it provides, bid the season farewell and greet the harvest. Hunt well, for tonight we feast!”

A cheer rang out, with several loud huzzahs. Some dismounted and made for the forest, bows in hand. Others rode back through the grass, looking to flush game birds into flight.

“That was even better than last year’s speech,” Kit said, her tone teasing.

“Thanks, sis! Maybe you’d like to do it next time?” Airk stuck out his tongue.

“You’re much better with pretty words,” she laughed. “And I’m much better with a bow, so...”

She gave Graydon a fond look, clucked at her horse, and set off into the tall grass. Kit was majestic, dropping the reins as she drew her bow and controlling her horse with only the press of her legs and the shift of her weight.

Graydon sighed, watching her. She was a true goddess of the hunt, and everything else as well.

“You don’t hunt, Your Highness?” Thraxus’s gravelly voice pulled his focus, and he looked from him over to Airk.

Airk smiled easily. “Not really my thing, no. I’m sure Kit will more than make up my share. You’re welcome to join in, if you like.”

“My place is by the prince’s side,” Thraxus smiled, catching Graydon’s eye. “But thank you.”

Graydon smiled back. He’d resented having a squire/bodyguard/trainer foisted upon him, but it was easily the second-best thing that had ever happened to him, after getting betrothed to Kit.

He’d gone from having nobody in his life he trusted to having two remarkable, passionate people by his side. His life had gotten so much better, since he came to Tir Asleen.

Spending a morning shivering in the damp for the sake of ceremony was a fair trade in the end, he guessed. He sat up straighter, trying to look less bored.

A sudden cry rose in the woods, and Airk laughed.

“Sounds like someone scored the first kill,” he said, but as the cries continued, his brow drew into a frown. “What—” Airk tugged on his horse’s reins, moving in that direction, reaching for his sword.

Graydon could hear a faint clash of metal now, under the cries. The mist was thickening and within minutes, he could only see a few feet away. Kenna danced nervously under him.

He turned to Thraxus in alarm and saw him holding his cleaver, looking around warily.

Graydon fumbled for his own sword, managing to draw it and hold it ready. “Thraxus—”

“Shh,” he murmured, slowly turning his head, listening.

He peered into the gloom as Thraxus slowly eased down off his horse, circling around to stand at his side. Graydon cocked his head, trying to listen, but what sounds he could make out seemed distant. Things were echoing strangely.

A sudden shuffling was his only warning as something grabbed at his cloak and yanked him off his horse. He cried out, hearing Thraxus cry his name in response.

Then, a sharp pain to the back of his skull… and darkness.

-----

Airk frowned, coming awake slowly. His head was aching, his vision grainy, he felt hungover. He’d been at the hunt and then… something.

Talking... who was talking?

"If you won't do it, there are drugs that can be used." It was an unpleasant voice, cold, vaguely familiar.

"You know as well as I that those drugs have a negative impact on fertility." Graydon? What was going on? Airk opened his eyes again and squinted at the painful stab of light.

"Who said anything about you? I'd only need to drug him. Nature would take its course." The voice was smug now, too.

Airk tried to focus his eyes. A bedroom? No, a cell. Graydon in with him and King Hastur on the other side of the barred door. He tried to move, but his limbs felt heavy and useless.

"...Even that can sour the baby in the womb. Would you want to risk it?" Graydon was trying to sound assured, but his voice was unsteady.

"You'll do it or I'll kill this one, find your pretty bride and plant a seed in her myself."

A shocked inhale. "You wouldn't, that's, that's monstrous!"

"Push me and you'll find out how much of a monster I can be. I'll put you in a cell across the way, so you can watch and see the price of your disobedience."

"No! No. We'll... I'll cooperate, on your word that you won't harm Kit or Airk." Graydon’s shoulders slumped.

"You have my word."

"Let me talk to him, then."

"Very well. Don't disappoint me again." King Hastur whirled and walked away. A door shut with a resounding bang, and Graydon slowly sank to his knees, arms wrapping around himself, shaking.

“Graydon?” Airk croaked, his throat dry and sore. He coughed.

Graydon startled, his face turning towards Airk. His eyes were wet and his face crumpled. Airk frowned, trying to piece together some sense out of all of this. His mind felt hampered. He slowly pushed himself up on one elbow.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

Graydon rose, wiping his eyes, and crossed to a small table, pouring a cup of water from a pitcher. He sat on the edge of the narrow bed, helping Airk sit up.

“You were drugged,” he said. “Here, drink. It’ll help.”

Airk sipped at the water, ignoring the uneasy turn of his stomach. He was nauseous too, but the unsettled feeling had more to do with how Graydon dodged the question.

He watched Graydon stare down at his hands and fidget until he was halfway through the glass. His head did feel a bit more clear, now.

“Graydon,” he said. Graydon squeezed his eyes shut and sighed, then opened them and turned to face Airk.

“My father wants you to… Mm. He wants us to produce an heir.”

Airk stared at him, waiting for that sentence to make sense somehow.

“He, uh… he knows that’s not how it works, right?” he ventured, when Graydon didn’t say anything else.

Graydon flushed miserably, his face a study in reluctance.

“It’ll work that way with me,” he whispered, looking back down at his hands.

Airk leaned forward, tentatively resting a hand on Graydon’s back. Graydon looked up at him, his eyes welling up again.

“Graydon. What does that even mean?” Airk said, as kindly as he could.

“...I have the generative organs necessary to carry life,” he said after a long pause, his voice small and tired.

Airk sat for a moment, parsing that. “You have a pussy?”

Graydon flinched, but nodded.

“Huh.” Airk said. “Okay, well your dad’s whole deal makes a little more sense, then. The how, anyway. Not so much the why. Why does he want…?”

Graydon frowned. “You… Sorry, I thought you’d be more confused by my situation.”

Airk smiled. “I used to know a girl who was similar. But opposite, you know?”

Graydon’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Uh huh. Let’s circle back, though. Your dad has, like, kidnapped us and locked us in a cell together so I can get you pregnant?”

“...Pretty much, yeah.”

“Why?”

Graydon twisted his hands together. “He wants a child that’s our two bloodlines combined. He’s never said why. I suspect there’s dark magic involved.” He looked at Airk. “I was supposed to seduce you but… I didn’t. I guess he figured that out.”

“That’s… an interesting plan,” Airk said, smiling wryly.

“Yeah, well. I kind of think he might be insane.” Graydon gestured around them. “I mean…”

“Fair enough,” Airk laughed. “Do you have any idea where we are?”

“No. I was knocked out for most of the journey.”

Airk looked around the room. Windows up near the ceiling, glassed, barely a few inches high. A fireplace but the chimney was too narrow for a person. A barred door like that in a cell. He stood up and crossed to it, testing it. The door led to another room, small and bare, with a regular door in the opposite wall.

“I said we would cooperate,” Graydon said, quietly from behind him. “He, he said if we didn’t he’d kill you, and he’d force Kit instead, and…” his voice broke and he folded over, burying his face in his hands. “This is all my fault.”

“Oh, hey…” Airk went back to the bed and sat beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Heyyy… Shh, we’ll figure this out.”

Airk sat with Graydon and rubbed his back, letting him get it out of his system. Finally, his sobs subsided and he rubbed his eyes.

“We’ll figure something out,” Airk said. “Next time they open the door we’ll take ‘em out and run for it. They have to bring us food, right? Or if we can’t get out we can put it off somehow.”

Graydon sniffed and looked up at him. “How are you so calm?”

Airk shrugged. “Dunno. I like to focus on what I can do, not on the maybes. I have to think there’s a way out.”

He smiled at Graydon. “I mean, you’re cute but I’d rather not fuck my sister’s husband. Kit would straight murder me.”

Graydon laughed.

-----

Kit paced back and forth in front of the dais, grinding her teeth. The Pacalcade was out combing every inch of the forest and surrounding plains, looking for any hint of the direction the assailants took, but it was like they’d vanished. Nobody had found a thing, so far.

She stomped from one end of the room to the other again, huffing. By the time she’d realized there was fighting, Airk had already been taken. Boorman had fought the ones trying to take Graydon but he’d been knocked back, and let them escape. If she’d been able to get there in time…

Kit flung herself down on the step at her mother’s feet and groaned.

“That mist reeked of magic, Your Majesty.” Boorman spoke up from where he was standing, off to the side. “It wasn’t natural. The trackers turning up nothing only confirms it.”

“Yes,” Sorsha agreed, her voice musing. “It would seem so.”

“Magic?” Kit said, in disbelief. “But… It’s prohibited.”

“Lots of things are prohibited and still go on,” Boorman said. Kit’s eyes flashed as they cut to him. “...Your Highness,” he added.

Sorsha sighed. “We’re going to need a sorcerer, then.”

-----

Airk and Graydon sat on the bed together for lack of anything better to do, having thoroughly explored the room. No exits, nothing that would serve as a weapon aside from the pitchers of water and washbasin, or maybe some firewood. There was nothing notable at all. It was more like a sparsely furnished bedroom than a cell — except for the bars on the door, of course.

The light filtering in from outside gradually dimmed until the room was mostly lit by the fireplace. It provided slightly more light than heat, and not much of either.

Graydon was beginning to think he might die of nerves when the outer door opened, then a key scraped in the lock of their cell. A familiar face appeared and he almost called her name, except for the short shake of her head.

“Stay right there,” Jade said, loudly. She locked the door again, dropped a bundle on the table, and stepped close to the bed, carrying a glass.

“Your father’s chosen me to oversee your obligations,” she whispered, sarcasm heavy on the last word. “One of the other guards is already making jokes about wanting to watch, but between the light and me standing between you and the door, he won’t see much. You can fake it but make it look good. I’m working on a plan to get you out.”

She raised the glass and downed its contents, making a sick face at the taste, then handed the empty glass to a stunned Graydon.

“All right, Your Highness. Drink the fertility potion and then you two can get to it. The sooner you’re done, the sooner you can eat.”

Jade retreated to the door and stood blocking as much of it from the bed as she could. A deep voice sounded behind her.

“Time for the show, eh?” Firelight glinted off a grin in the darkness behind the door.

“Go back to your post, Garvin. The princes aren’t farm animals, breeding for your jollies.” Her voice was severe but Garvin laughed.

“Just for yours, eh? Budge over, Claymore. Let us have a look.”

Jade didn’t move, but she raised her eyebrows at the boys, who were still sitting and staring.

Graydon raised his shaking hand and mimed drinking the potion. He set the glass down on the floor and hesitated.

“Get on with it, we haven’t got all night,” Jade said, and her voice was harsh but her face was gentle and sad.

Graydon reached for the fastenings of his pants, fumbling several times before he was able to get them undone. He looked up at Airk and bit his lip. Airk looked as horrified as he felt, but he gave Graydon a reassuring nod.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Graydon shoved his pants off and laid back on the bed, spreading his legs, his arms down by his sides. He listened to Airk unfasten his pants, feeling the mattress shift as he crawled over him.

Garvin whistled from the darkness, and Graydon cringed, opening his eyes and looking up at Airk.

“I’m so sorry,” Airk whispered, as he settled his weight down against Graydon, and started moving his hips. Graydon was relieved to feel that Airk had only undone his pants. His smallclothes were still between them, but it was awful anyway. Airk doing this, Jade watching it, some stranger leering from the dark, and…

Worst of all, it was turning him on. His face burned with embarrassment, but Airk was faking it very well. The rhythmic rubbing, the closeness of him, the humiliation of it… it was pushing all his buttons. He bit his lip, determined he wouldn’t moan, but he could feel Airk’s clothing getting slick with his wetness.

Graydon squeezed his eyes shut and tried very hard to pretend he was somewhere else. Difficult to begin with, it became impossible when he realized Airk was getting hard, too. He opened his eyes again, seeing his panic mirrored in Airk’s expression.

Airk thrust against him more irregularly, made a strangled groaning sound as he bore down harder, and then pulled back.

Making a show of adjusting his clothes, Airk glared at Jade.

“Satisfied, you sick fucks?” he snarled.

Jade’s face was concerned, but her voice was hard when she responded. “Yeah, that’ll do. You can eat now. And I’ll be back tomorrow evening so we can do this all again.”

Graydon sat up and pulled his shirt down to cover himself, as Jade let herself out of their cell and locked it. He started welling up again, unable to bring himself to meet Airk’s gaze.

Airk slid forward and wrapped both arms around him, squeezing him tight. Graydon flinched, slowly relaxing into his hold. He pushed his face into Airk’s shoulder, and cried.

“Shh… it’s okay,” Airk murmured. “It’s not your fault. I’m sorry.”

-----

Once Graydon was calm and dressed again, Airk went to the table and dug into the bundle Jade had left. The food was surprisingly decent and plentiful. The king wasn’t planning on starving them… at least, as long as they complied. He shuddered.

Glancing back to the bed, he looked over Graydon’s withdrawn posture, his knees hugged up against his chest, the way he was absently fiddling with the edge of the blanket. Whatever plan Jade had, hopefully she could put it into effect soon.

“Hungry?” he said, and Graydon looked up and slowly shrugged. He brought the food to the bed, going back for water.

Graydon was absently picking at a roll when he returned, tucking bits of it in his mouth. Airk tore open another roll, and stuffed some meat and cheese in it. He held it out to Graydon, and Graydon looked up at him with dull curiosity.

“You gotta eat something substantial, man. We have to be ready.”

Graydon sighed, nodded, and grabbed it, taking a small bite. Airk made his own and started eating. He couldn’t blame Graydon; he didn’t have much of an appetite now, either. Being coerced into that kind of thing, being watched and ogled, his body responding no matter how much he didn’t want it to… He sighed.

“I can sleep on the floor,” he said. Maybe Graydon would feel better with a some distance.

Graydon looked from him to the bed, the floor, and back to him again. “Don’t be dumb,” he replied, and he sounded a bit more lively. “It’s cold. We have to share the bed.”

“I don’t want to intrude, though. You should have some space.”

Graydon tilted his head to the side. “Airk. Don’t start treating me like a woman.”

“No! That wasn’t— I just thought—” Airk sputtered.

Graydon laughed softly. “I’m kidding.”

Airk stared at him, and tentatively chuckled.

“But seriously. It’s freezing in here and there’s one blanket. If you sleep on the floor you’ll get sick. Didn’t you say we have to stay ready?”

“...Yeah.”

“So. We’ll make it work.” Graydon smiled tiredly at him. “I don’t think I can eat any more right now. I’ll try again in the morning.”

“Okay.” Airk bundled up the rest of the food and put it back on the table. “You know, they left us our cloaks, I could spread those out on the floor—”

“No. But bring them over here and put them on top of the blanket.”

Once the cloaks were added he had to admit it was cozy enough. It was even cozier for the bed being so small; it would be hard for one of them to lay on their back without pushing the other one out. Graydon had gotten in first and laid with his back to him. Airk shifted uncomfortably, trying not to touch him too much.

Graydon sighed, reaching back and taking Airk’s arm. He dragged it over him

“Just come here. You’re going to keep me up all night, moving around like that.”

Airk swallowed, sliding his arm around Graydon’s waist and chest. He scooted closer, fitting his body against him but keeping his hips back.

He settled in and tried to relax.

Maybe when he wanted to sleep on the floor, the distance was for himself as much as for Graydon. It was hard to put what they had done out of his mind, or that they’d likely be doing it again tomorrow night. He bit his lip and tried not to think about how Graydon felt under him, the uncomfortable flush on his face as Airk rubbed against him, how good he smelled.

Your sister’s husband, he repeated to himself, and fell asleep to that mantra.

Chapter 9

Summary:

Graydon and Airk continue to cope with the situation as best they can...

Notes:

the same tags apply to this chapter -- sexual coercion, mildly dubious consent, and non-consensual voyeurism. if these themes are upsetting for you, please proceed with caution and do what you need to protect your mental health.

if you would like a more specific warning about what happens before you decide to read, please feel free to message me on tumblr at lowkeyed1

thank you again to @slvershdws and @peterbenjaminparkour for your beta, you guys rock!

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

Kit and Boorman set out for the Nelwyn village the next morning, under Sorsha’s orders to find the sorcerer Willow and bring him back to Tir Asleen.

She’d wanted them to take a whole squad of guards. Boorman argued that for such a short journey beyond the Barrier, a smaller party would draw less attention and be harder to track. He finally persuaded her that the two of them could handle it, and she let them go with minimal fuss.

As they made their final preparation to ride out, she pulled Kit aside.

“If he’s reluctant to come, tell him I said he can begin the training.”

Kit eyed her mother. “What does that mean?”

“Don’t worry about it, just remember it. And be safe!” Sorsha pulled her in tight for a hug, and kissed her cheek.

They rode out in silence. Boorman seemed content with the quiet, which was fine. Between his mysterious role in her father’s disappearance and how fascinated Graydon had become with him, she could’ve happily done without the guy.

He did seem motivated to do whatever it took to find Graydon again… and Airk, by association. She could make use of that, despite her feelings of resentment and annoyance.

Kit just wanted them back.

-----

Graydon woke up warm and cozy. It took him several moments to remember the situation, and that the lithe body he was holding wasn’t Kit, but her brother. He thought to pull back, but Airk had caught his hand as they slept. It was clasped firmly against his chest.

Sighing, Graydon tried to relax again. It was less awkward than last night, at least; laying half-naked while Airk thrust against him, fighting the urge to squirm. Getting turned on in front of Jade, no stranger herself to seeing Graydon on his back and panting. Some invisible creep gawking at him from the dark and that somehow adding to his uncomfortable arousal.

Then Airk, surely noticing, feeling the wetness seeping through his smallclothes, getting hard in response. He felt sick that he could get turned on in that situation, and even worse that he’d affected Airk as well. This was a nightmare.

His father had ordered him to sleep with Airk before he ever came to Tir Asleen. Graydon had pictured what it would be like, what it might take to seduce him, tried to find an upside to the situation. Given Kit’s initial reaction to him, it had seemed like the best option.

Surprisingly, he and Kit had ended up hitting it off. Though he’d tried to forget his earlier plans, the awkwardness of having those images in his head had led him to avoid Airk as much as possible. It was just too weird.

All those thoughts were surging back to the forefront of his mind now, and getting hopelessly mixed up with what was happening. Airk moving over him, like he’d pictured. Airk’s hands close to him, his face inches away, the press and roll of his body… and it was all hatefully wrong.

Even laying like this, cuddled up against him, inhaling the mild scent of his hair and feeling the steady thrum of his heart under his hand… Graydon shivered.

He loved Kit. Surely it was too much to want her brother as well?

-----

Graydon knew when Airk woke, because he tensed up immediately. He let go of Graydon’s hand, swung his legs over the edge of the bed and sat up, pushing to his feet.

Sitting up, Graydon watched him pace to the door and peer through it, and then over to the fireplace to add some wood to the fire. Finally, he looked at Graydon, and glanced away again, pacing back to the door.

“I wonder how many guards there are,” he said. “Maybe if there’s only a few, Jade and I could take them out. If I had a sword, of course.”

Graydon hummed agreeably, eyes tracing his nonstop movements as he turned again and walked to the far end of the room.

“It’s colder here, I think we must’ve gone south,” Airk said. He returned to the door and shook it, pulling on the handle.

“Airk.”

He turned and looked at Graydon.

“Why don’t we eat? We can’t do anything until we see Jade again, anyway. Maybe we’ll get a chance to ask her.”

Airk sighed, some of the tension running out of his frame. He grabbed the bundle of food from the table and brought it to the bed, sitting down.

He looked up at Graydon, frowning. “You’re right, I know. I just hate not being able to do anything.”

Airk went silent, meeting Graydon’s gaze. Graydon had never noticed how green his eyes were, before. They were flawless.

His voice was quieter, when he spoke again. “I hate thinking that when we do see Jade again, it’s going to mean… that.”

Wincing, Graydon nodded. “I wish she’d been able to tell us what the plan was.” He picked an apple out of the assorted foodstuffs, and bit into it. Some of the juice ran down his chin. He caught it with a fingertip and drew it back up to his mouth.

When he glanced back up. Airk was staring at his mouth, his cheeks dusted pink.

Graydon jerked his hand away and felt the heat rising in his own face. Airk averted his eyes, snatching up a round of bread and hastily taking a bite.

By the Mothers, he hoped Jade’s plan was something they could implement quickly.

-----

The outer door finally opened around midday, interrupting Airk’s restless movements. Graydon had been watching him circle, drowsing, faintly wishing he could sleep through this whole ordeal until it was over. When the door opened a thrill of fear ran through him. He sat up straight again, eyes wide.

Jade unlocked the cell, looking over her shoulder, and came in with two pitchers.

“Just bringing you some fresh water,” she whispered. “We can talk, Garvin isn’t interested if he can’t leer and the other guards are professional, at least. I can’t stay long, though.” She set the pitchers down on the table and came close to the bed.

“How many guards are there?” Airk hissed.

“Four, besides me. They guard the front entrance in shifts. I’ve got the only key to this room.” She looked at Graydon. “I’ve earned your father’s trust, he said it was to be just me.”

Graydon smiled, relieved. She’d taken their conversation seriously, when she visited. Now she was the only thing standing between them and his father’s twisted plan.

Jade smiled back and reached out, briefly caressing his face. She let her hand slip down to his shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

“We’re close to the Mother Lake but I’m not sure where, exactly. Somewhere north of Galladoorn, it was about a half day’s ride. There’s no villages near. I was able to send a letter with a trader who supplied us, but I don’t know how long it will take for word to reach Tir Asleen.”

“Can you get us weapons?” Airk said, looking curiously at her hand on Graydon’s shoulder.

“Nothing big, I have to come past the others to get in here but…” She slipped a dagger out from under her tunic and handed it to him.

Graydon looked up at her. “So the plan is wait for Tir Asleen to come, or…” He bit his lip. That couldn’t be the only hope, could it?

Jade frowned. “I’m trying to figure out if I can drug the guards. I’m going out this afternoon to forage and see what’s growing around here. I can’t take all four of them on by myself.

“I’m sorry I don’t have anything better to offer you. I’m so sorry about all this.” Her lip trembled. “I have to go before they get suspicious.”

She squeezed his shoulder one more time, patted Airk’s back, gathered up the old pitchers, and left.

Airk tucked the dagger under the mattress and sat down on the bed. He tilted his head, looking at Graydon.

“I didn’t realize you two were close?”

Graydon flushed. “Um...”

-----

They spent the afternoon talking. Graydon’s clarification about his relationship with Jade was a bit of an eye-opener for Airk. He’d thought Jade had something going on with Kit, but never realized Graydon was also involved. That was an interesting mental image… at least once he was able to black out the bit with his sister.

Then Graydon asked him about Dove. He told Graydon about how they’d gotten engaged the night before the wedding, but hadn’t made any plans yet. Airk confessed he wasn’t quite sure how to get his mother to agree to it, so he hadn’t even mentioned it to her. Dove was patient, fortunately, and passionate, and silly, and there was just something about her that shone so brightly...

Graydon talked about Kit after that, about how hostile she’d been but how they managed to connect anyway, how funny and fierce she was, how much he loved her. And how worried she must be. And Dove too, of course. And Airk’s mother. And his… and everyone. Graydon looked teary then, and Airk put an arm around his shoulder.

“We’ll get through this, Gray. I know it.” He squeezed him tight and pressed a kiss to the side of his head, trying not to think about what the night would bring.

-----

Boorman and Kit rode most of the day in silence, only talking when it came time to make camp and settle the division of labor that entailed.

He thought it was probably just as well. Kit had already been glaring daggers at him a few days before, when she caught Graydon coming out his room. He didn’t want to end up on the wrong side of her sharp tongue now, with both of them on edge.

He was particularly worried for Graydon; for all he’d been training with him nearly every day, he was hopeless. He’d never hold his own in a fight. Graydon had many qualities he’d grown fond of, even enamored with. None of them seemed particularly useful in a situation like this.

Graydon was gentle; the world was not.

Kit finally spoke up after dinner, when they were both staring dolefully into the fire.

“King Hastur’s behind this.”

Boorman raised an eyebrow.

“He wanted Graydon to seduce Airk and have his child. Graydon didn’t, obviously. We were trying to keep him in the dark about that but... maybe that didn’t work.”

Frowning, Boorman leaned forward. “Why would he want that?”

Kit shrugged. “I don’t know. Crazy person reasons. If it was any kind of normal kidnapping why hasn’t there been a ransom demand?”

It was on the tip of his tongue to ask how she felt about that, her husband and her brother in that situation, but…

Boorman nodded thoughtfully instead. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Mom doesn’t know about Graydon.”

“Ah. Right.”

“And it’s not like we have the forces to attack Galladoorn, anyway.”

Boorman sighed. “Well, hopefully this Willow guy will have some ideas? Your mom seemed to think he was just the ticket.”

Kit glared at the fire. “Yeah. Maybe.”

-----

Graydon and Airk huddled on the bed for warmth as the evening drew on. Airk had debated adding more wood to the fire, but he didn’t want to add light to the room. Not right now.

They sat in tense silence, shoulder to shoulder, and waited. Airk was finding the more he tried not to think about it, the more he was thinking about it. Talking with Graydon had actually made it worse.

He’d noticed Graydon right away, when he came to Tir Asleen. He had a quiet sort of beauty to him that drew the eye. Airk was interested, but he was interested in everybody and this was someone he shouldn’t try to have.

They’d never spent much time together, that had helped. But it also meant Airk had never noticed exactly how pretty his eyes were before, how adorable his face was when it lit up or drew into a little frown.

He definitely hadn’t noticed how perfectly his wavy hair framed his face, or the cute shape of his nose. For sure he hadn’t noticed the lulling quality of his light, raspy voice.

Certainly he’d never thought about how fun it would be to actually sleep with him. Well. Maybe not never. But not in this much detail.

Some part of him was looking forward to what was about to happen, and it kind of made him want to punch himself in the face.

The outer door opened, and Graydon whined under his breath. Airk squeezed his shoulder.

Jade unlocked the cell, carrying a glass and a basket. She relocked the door, deposited the basket on the table, and walked to bed. Once again, she drank down what was in the glass before handing it to Graydon, empty. She looked faintly sick, and Airk didn’t think it was from the potion this time.

“All right boys,” she said, her voice trying to be hard.

She retreated to the cell door. The shuffling in the dark behind her soon followed, but Garvin didn’t banter this time. He just stared. Somehow, that was worse.

Graydon sighed, pretended to drink, and started taking off his pants.

With a surge of self-loathing, Airk realized he was getting hard. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to think of something unsexy. Sword wounds, courtly functions, dead animals, math problems. Nothing was helping.

“Your Highness,” Jade’s voice broke into his increasingly desperate attempts. “You know what you have to do.”

Airk opened his eyes, looking at her, then to Graydon, who had tugged his shirt down to preserve his modesty. He looked troubled, but he put his hand on Airk’s shoulder.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. Airk huffed out an unhappy breath, but he loosened his pants.

Graydon laid back and Airk crawled over him. He hesitated.

“Gray, I…” He didn’t know what to say. What could you even say, to this?

Graydon reached up and very gently touched his face, sliding his hand along his cheek. His eyes were unhappy but calm. He had a feeling Graydon knew exactly what was going on in his head.

Airk lowered his hips and pressed between Graydon’s legs, and his eyes widened; the easy glide of their bodies rubbing together told him right away that Graydon was excited, too. The thin layer of cloth between them was already getting soaked.

Graydon looked up at him, his expression tight, his face flushed, the smallest whimper escaping from him as Airk moved, rubbing slickly back and forth. He reached up, sliding his arms around Airk’s neck, and pulled him down against his shoulder.

Airk swore, muffled by the thick fabric of Graydon’s tunic, thrusting against him harder. He was starting to lose himself in the feeling, in Graydon’s arms wrapped around him. This wasn’t right, and if he kept going like this he was going to come for real.

Listening to Graydon’s breathing pick up, he thought it wouldn’t be just him, either. Fuck, what should he do? Fake it and pull back, leaving them both turned on? Keep going and let it happen? Which was worse right now?

He moved more insistently against Graydon and heard him moan, a quiet little thread of sound. Holding back was getting more and more difficult.

“Is it okay?” he whispered.

“Yes,” Graydon whispered back, and Airk gave in.

He rolled his hips harder, feeling Graydon shift under him, pushing back. His smallclothes were so wet between them he could barely feel them. His world narrowed to the hot slide of their bodies slipping back and forth.

Quiet sounds were escaping from Graydon with every thrust, his body tensing beneath him. Airk wound his arms under Graydon’s shoulders, pressing them close, using the leverage to grind down harder. He turned his face into Graydon’s neck and kissed it, drawing a shuddering gasp.

He could feel the heat radiating from him, could hear Graydon’s breath hitching as he got closer and closer. The sound spurred him on. They were both rushing toward the edge now, and they fell over together.

Airk’s groan easily drowned out any noise Graydon made. He collapsed down against him, trembling. His eyes welled up, and he pressed his face harder into Graydon’s shoulder.

Graydon’s hand rubbed soothingly over his back, and that felt even worse, somehow. He didn’t deserve to be comforted for doing that.

Jade unlocked the door and let herself out, locking it again.

“I think they liked it better this time. What do you think, Claymore?”

“Fuck off, Garvin.” Her voice was pinched and unhappy.

-----

After they’d been left alone for a while, Airk finally rose and shifted backwards. He avoided Graydon’s eyes and sat on the edge of the bed, dropping his head into his hands.

Graydon sat up, putting a tentative hand on his back, feeling Airk flinch.

Was that the wrong decision? Leaving them both turned on felt more dangerous, somehow. He’d wanted to say yes, to let him; he wanted it, too.

Talking to him all afternoon about their lives and their loves, comforting each other… It made it harder to dismiss what he was feeling, no matter how wrong it seemed. This was his wife’s brother and gods help him, he wanted him anyway.

“It’s okay,” he said, quietly. “I said you could.”

Airk looked up at him, his eyes haunted.

“I came too,” he added.

Airk’s face did something complicated then, a mixture of horror, intrigue and shame.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice strained. “I shouldn’t have made you—”

“Shh,” Graydon said, scooting closer. “You didn’t make me do anything.” He pulled Airk against him and squeezed him.

“This whole thing is fucked up,” Airk mumbled against his chest, his body stiff.

Graydon sighed. “Yeah.”

He let Airk go and stood up, going to the wash basin. He dipped a cloth and turned away from Airk, wiping away the worst of the wetness. He rinsed the rag and wrung it out, and turned back to see Airk looking very deliberately away.

He pulled on his pants and sat back down on the bed. Airk rose and did his best to clean up. Graydon did him the same courtesy of not watching.

Airk brought the food when he came back to the bed, and sat down heavily. He stared off into space, and Graydon frowned.

“Are you okay?”

Airk looked at him blankly. “Not really.”

They ate in uncomfortable silence. Airk seemed to have retreated inward, his shoulders hunched, his expression walled off. Graydon wasn’t sure what other reassurance he could offer. Despite the weird situation, he had wanted it — but he had a feeling Airk was only blaming himself.

He cleared away the rest of the food once they were done, added a few logs to the fire, and climbed into bed. Airk was already laying with his back towards him. Graydon tugged at his shoulder.

“Hey. Turn over.”

Airk didn’t move for a moment, then sighed and rolled to face him. He briefly met Graydon’s eyes, before looking down again.

Graydon laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

“This isn’t your fault, either.”

Airk scoffed, his gaze still downcast.

Graydon bit his lip. They weren’t going to make it without each other, but Airk was slipping away right in front of him, withdrawn. His words weren’t getting through the storm of self-recriminations.

Fuck it, Graydon thought. He leaned forward and cupped Airk’s face in his hand, kissing him. He startled back and Graydon followed, pressing his tongue into Airk’s mouth.

Airk moaned, and then he was kissing back, sliding his arm around Graydon’s waist and pulling him close. His touch was tender, careful, yearning. Graydon shivered, caressing his face, chasing his mouth every time Airk started to pull away.

They finally broke apart, breathing hard. Airk’s eyes were alert now, if troubled.

“What are we doing?” he said.

“We’ll figure it out,” Graydon sighed, pressing forward and kissing him again. “Together.”

Chapter 10

Summary:

Graydon and Airk continue to cope with the situation as best they can...

Notes:

the same tags apply to this chapter -- sexual coercion, mildly dubious consent, and non-consensual voyeurism. if these themes are upsetting for you, please proceed with caution and do what you need to protect your mental health.

if you would like a more specific warning about what happens before you decide to read, please feel free to message me on tumblr at lowkeyed1

thank you again to @slvershdws and @peterbenjaminparkour for your beta, you guys rock!

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

Graydon woke, laying pensive in the early morning gloom. Airk was snuggled to his side, holding him tight, still sleeping. His hair was silky under Graydon’s fingertips. He petted him, and sighed.

They’d held each other for some time last night, softly kissing and murmuring to each other. Apologies gave way to reassurances, gave way to words of affection, gave way to more kisses. Dwelling in the moment, they stole time for themselves.

Airk stirred before long, and they spent a somber morning cuddling. In the harsh light of day, reality was setting in. They clung to each other, finding strength and comfort there, and they waited.

Jade arrived with fresh water shortly before midday, raising an eyebrow at their closeness.

“Good news,” she whispered. “Drowseweed grows all over the place around here. I’ll be drugging their tea in a few hours and then we’ll get you out of here, so be ready.”

She bent and kissed Graydon on the lips and Airk on the cheek, flashing them a hopeful smile on her way out.

-----

Kit and Boorman reached the village around midday, surprised to find it in ruins. Poking around a bit prompted a challenge, and they were finally able to talk to Willow near the entrance to the cave that housed the relocated Nelwyn.

He seemed pleasant enough, making all the right concerned noises about the missing princes, but he wasn’t eager to journey to Tir Asleen. His people needed him and as far as he was concerned, sorry for your troubles but that was that.

Kit sighed. “My mother said to tell you that if you come, you can begin the training?”

The cheerfully brusque mask slipped, and his eyebrows raised.

“Did she really?” he murmured. “Amazing. Better late than never.”

He frowned thoughtfully. “All right, let me go talk to my daughter. I’m sure you’ll want to set off as soon as possible.” He paused. “Did she also tell you pass along an apology?”

Kit blinked. “Uh. No.”

He huffed out a scornful breath and disappeared back into the cave.

-----

Graydon was sitting on the bed with Airk’s head on his lap, gently combing fingers through his hair, when the outer door opened. A key clinked in the lock, but it wasn’t Jade. A guardsman entered the room, pushing the door shut behind him.

Airk scrambled up on the bed, putting himself between Graydon and the intruder. Graydon’s eyes widened, peering around him, a hand on Airk’s shoulder.

The stranger looked them over.

“Well, well… don’t you two look cozy.”

Graydon recognized Garvin’s voice, and shivered. He was very average-looking, seen in the light. Medium height, dark hair, regular features — it would have been hard to pick him out in a crowd.

“Where’s Jade?” Graydon demanded, his voice mostly even despite the sudden thudding pace of his heart.

“Hm… And why am I not surprised that you’re on a first-name basis with her, young prince?” Garvin smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

He drew his sword and paced a little closer. Graydon could feel Airk almost vibrating with tension under his hand.

“Your Jade thought she was being clever, but I see how she acts. She’s disgusted to be here.

“I saw her go out, yesterday. I saw her come back, all furtive-like. She volunteered to make tea today, and I switched our cups, just in case. She drank the dose she meant for me, and now she’s sleeping as peacefully as the rest of them.”

He gained a peculiar intensity as he crept closer, his eyes narrowing.

“And now… I do believe I’m owed a show.”

Airk sprang into action, shoving his hand under the mattress and grabbing the hidden dagger. Graydon watched in horror as Garvin easily moved past him. His sword flicked out, coming to rest lightly on Graydon’s shoulder, the edge at his throat.

“Don’t,” Garvin said, when Airk apprehended the situation. “He’ll be breathing out his neck before you can make a move.”

Airk dropped the dagger immediately, holding his hands up. Garvin kicked it across the room, chuckling.

Graydon trembled, sucking in an unsteady breath as Garvin’s eyes tracked up and down his body. He tried to hold very still.

“You know, I think I’ll just keep my sword where it is for now, since you’re so jumpy,” he said to Airk. “Perhaps you can help the young prince get undressed.”

“Go to hell,” Airk growled, glaring up at him.

Garvin chuckled again, his expression flat. “If you’re not up for performing, I could slit your throat and fuck him myself. Let old Zivian raise my get as his grandbaby, wouldn’t that be a laugh?”

Airk opened his mouth to speak again, but Graydon carefully laid a hand on his back.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “Just do what he says.”

Airk turned, his expression anguished, but he nodded. He reached for the waist of Graydon’s pants with shaking hands, loosening them and tugging them down carefully over his hips, trying not to jostle him.

Garvin whistled, low and lewd. “So it’s true. How about that?”

Graydon flushed miserably, pressing his legs together.

“Now his shirt. Unbutton it. Take it off him.”

Airk complied with that as well, frustration apparent on his face.

Garvin gestured to him. “Down on your back, nice and slow.”

Graydon eased down and the sword followed his movements, ending up laid across his throat. He shivered at the touch of cold metal and colder eyes.

He wanted to cover himself, but he had a feeling that wouldn’t be allowed. He closed his eyes instead and let Garvin ogle him, holding back his own tears. He wouldn’t cry, not for the likes of him.

“Now you strip, princeling. Top and bottom, if you please.”

Laying very still and quiet, Graydon listened to the rustle of Airk obeying, trying to steel himself for what was surely coming next.

He thought of Kit and Thraxus, how worried they must be, how much he missed them right now.

He thought of Jade, trying so hard to help them and suffering for it. He hoped she was okay.

He thought of his life in Tir Asleen. He would survive this to get back to it, his father be damned. This wouldn’t be the end for him. And if any child came of this, his father would never see it. He’d make sure of that.

He thought of Airk, suffering alongside him. How open and loving he was, how damaging this was for him. He would be strong for Airk, too.

“What’s wrong? Not in the mood? My offer stands, I’m happy to step in for you.”

Graydon’s eyes opened. Airk was sitting on the edge of the bed, glaring up at Garvin.

“No,” he ground out, his voice thick. “No, I’ll do it. Just…” He took himself in hand and started stroking, his eyes darting towards Graydon and away again.

Garvin watched, and leered.

“You look ready enough now. Go on, show me how princes do it.”

Airk crawled over, looking down at him sadly. Graydon reached up and touched his face, careful not to disturb the sword against his throat.

“Together,” he whispered. Airk huffed out a short breath, and nodded.

Airk tilted his hips, nudging against him. Graydon couldn’t help spreading his legs wider at that first press, Airk finally bare against him, pushing him open. It was horrible and wonderful all at once. He whined, on the edge of a sob.

Looking up, he saw Airk biting his lip as he slowly moved forward, filling him. His eyes roamed over Airk’s shoulders and chest, all the skin he hadn’t seen yet, and he felt the heat rising in his face, despite his fear. He was so beautiful.

Airk pulled back and pushed forward again, just as slowly, and Garvin scoffed.

“You can fuck harder than that. Give him a good ride.”

Airk paused. “If I move too much, you’re apt to cut his throat.”

Garvin laughed, but he eased the blade back an inch, letting it rest on Graydon’s collarbone instead of his neck. Graydon breathed easier with it there, but just a little. He wasn’t entirely sure this man wouldn’t kill either or both of them on a whim.

Airk still didn’t move. He looked from Graydon’s worried expression up to Garvin, and grinned in a way that was very unlike him, devious and dirty.

“You want a show?” he said, softly. “Take that sword off him and I’ll make him scream.”

Graydon’s eyes widened.

Garvin looked down at Airk consideringly. He nodded, and pulled his sword back, still holding it at the ready.

“Go on, then,” he said.

Airk held his gaze a moment longer, then dipped his head and kissed Graydon, his mouth soft and light. Trailing away from his mouth he kissed him just below the ear and down his neck. Graydon moaned at the gentle touch of his lips, the caress of his breath.

His mouth wandered back to Graydon’s and he kissed him deeply. His hips rolled in a slow circle with a little snap at the end that made Graydon buck up against him.

Airk lifted his head and looked down at him again, his eyes questioning. Graydon’s heart gave an awkward lurch at the softness there, a world of tenderness and concern in that gaze.

He slipped his arms up around his neck and pulled, tugging him down until his mouth was at Airk’s ear. Whatever his plan was, he trusted Airk; he could only say yes.

He breathed that word out, and Airk made a small sound against his neck, lifting his head, kissing him again. His hand trailed slowly down Graydon’s chest and stomach to his hip, grabbing it hard, grinding into him, making Graydon gasp into his mouth.

Graydon inhaled shakily as Airk started to kiss down his neck to his chest. He dipped his head and latched onto a nipple, rubbing roughly with his tongue and sucking as he thrust into him. He used his teeth, and Graydon moaned, hands going into Airk’s hair without a conscious thought. He pressed up against his mouth, and again when he repeated his actions on the other nipple.

Garvin made an approving noise, and Graydon startled. He looked towards him apprehensively. He’d almost forgotten.

Airk’s hand slid up under his chin, turning his head back. ““Don’t look at him,” he whispered. “Look only at me.”

He moved his hips insistently against Graydon, hand slowly slipping from his chin down between them, trailing lower and lower, tracing across Graydon’s stomach and down between his legs. His fingertip slid alongside Graydon’s clit and rubbed.

Graydon’s thighs started to shake. He felt a wave of heat rush up his body and he tensed up, shuddering with pleasure as Airk coaxed an orgasm out of him.

“Mm… Airk,” he cried out, throwing his head back as Airk continued to fuck steadily into him.

Airk let out a pleased little chuckle and circled around his clit slowly, teasingly. He bent to his neck and bit into it lightly, scraping with his teeth. Graydon writhed, coming again almost before he realized it, panting and moaning.

He dropped back against the mattress, trembling, and Airk kissed him slowly, thoroughly. He pulled back and Graydon’s breath hitched when he realized Airk was still easing backwards, sliding out of him and continuing until he was settled between Graydon’s legs.

Airk grinned up at him. He moved his mouth against Graydon, pushing fingers into him at the same time, and Graydon saw stars. He could swear Airk was touching every inch of him inside and out, and pulling him slowly apart with every little motion, every nudge of his tongue.

Lost in the sensations, he grabbed helplessly at the sheets, pressing up against Airk’s mouth and hands. He screamed, then, until his voice broke, and then he just gasped.

“Not bad,” Garvin said, and he sounded almost impressed. “But your tongue won’t put a baby in him. Back to it.”

Airk narrowed his eyes and didn’t even look to the man, but he crawled back up Graydon’s body, pushing back inside him. Graydon whined, his nerves all firing off at random, and clutched at Airk’s shoulders.

Kissing him, Airk moaned into his mouth, fucking him slowly but deeply. Graydon clung to him and panted, overstimulated, feeling his body wind up again despite his loose-limbed exhaustion.

Airk pressed their foreheads together, his breathing tight and shallow. He seemed to be holding back with every muscle in his body, rigid, shivering.

Garvin spoke up again. “Enough dancing around. Fuck him hard.”

Looking down into Graydon’s eyes, Airk bit his lip and pressed forward a little faster, a little harder.

“Harder.”

Airk swore under his breath and reached under Graydon’s thighs, pushing them back, driving into him fiercely, pounding him down into the bed. Graydon arched his back and found the strength to scream one more time, a reedy, broken wail as he came again.

His body surged with the shock of it, clenching down hard around Airk, and he opened his eyes in time to see the panic spread across Airk’s face.

“Oh, no, no no no,” he breathed out, and he fell down against Graydon, hips twitching as he spent inside him. He groaned in pleasure and frustration, balling his fists in the sheets.

“Sorry,” he muttered against Graydon’s collarbone. “Meant to stall for longer, but…” he sighed.

Graydon kissed the side of his head, his muscles still twitching. He felt dazed.

“Good show, boys,” Garvin said, and Graydon jumped. Airk sat up hastily, pulling out of Graydon and kneeling on the bed.

The man’s eyes were lurid. He was licking his lips and the front of his trousers was alarmingly tented. Graydon’s heart jumped in his throat.

Garvin crept forward, grinning, his sword raised.

“Thanks for getting him warmed up. I can take it from here, which means it’s the end for you.”

Graydon flung himself in front of Airk, arms spread, unconcerned with his nakedness or Airk’s seed trickling down his thigh.

“Don’t hurt him!” He saw a flicker of movement near the door but didn’t dare look in that direction. He locked eyes with Garvin instead, and softened his posture.

“Don’t hurt him,” he repeated, inhaling shakily, “and I’ll do anything you want.”

Garvin raised an eyebrow.

“You can do whatever you want to me,” Graydon went on, lowering his voice, looking up from under his eyelashes.

“Show me how a real man does it,” Graydon cajoled him. “Surely you can make me scream louder than this little boy?” Greatly daring, he reach out and ran a hand over the bulge protruding from Garvin’s crotch.

Garvin’s mouth relaxed, his lips parting. “You little whore,” he muttered.

“Just don’t hurt him.” Graydon saw a flash of red from the corner of his eye. He smiled up at Garvin with a hint of a pout, kneeling up on the bed and running his hand across his chest and down his sword arm. “I’m a little fond of him, is all.”

Blinking, he widened his eyes, caressing Garvin’s loathsome erection with his other hand. “Please?”

He dropped the point of his sword, opening his mouth to reply, then jerked at the sound of a creak behind him. He turned, but Graydon tightened his grip on his arm and hampered his movement.

Garvin was too late to prevent the hand that grabbed his hair, or the dagger that slid neatly across his throat. Graydon flinched back as a warm spray of blood hit his face.

Garvin gurgled, eyes wide with panic. He dropped his sword and clutched at his wound. Falling bonelessly to the floor, he revealed Jade standing behind him, breathing hard, her eyes wild.

She burst into tears and stumbled over Garvin’s twitching body, throwing her arms around Graydon. She squeezed him tight, and reached past him, latching onto Airk’s shoulder and pulling him into the hug.

“I’m so sorry,” she wailed.

Graydon shuddered with relief and joined her in crying. He could feel Airk shaking against his back and squeezing him tight.

Jade pulled back, rubbing her eyes. “We have to go, now. Get dressed, grab the food, grab his sword and anything else.” She raised her hand, wiping at his face with the edge of her sleeve, brow creasing with distress.

”The other guards are still sleeping,” she went on. “I was lucky to realize what happened before I drank it all, but they won’t be asleep much longer.”

Graydon and Airk scrambled to get dressed and throw on their cloaks. Airk took Garvin’s sword. Graydon found the dagger, and kicked Garvin’s body a few times for good measure. The first kick felt good, the second kind of meaningless, and the third made him feel a bit sick, so he stopped. He picked up the food, and the blanket off the bed as well, leaving Airk and Jade free to wield their weapons.

Jade laid a finger along her lips and walked lightly out of the cell, crossing the smaller anteroom. They passed a room where two other guards were slumped over a table, snoring. She cautiously opened the large outer door, revealing the final guard laid out on the ground, also deeply asleep.

She breathed a sigh of relief and led them on to a small stable. They quickly saddled the five horses, and Jade tied leads to the last two and attached them to her pommel. She dug in the hay in the corner and pulled out a bundle, attaching that to her saddle as well.

Soon they were on their way, heading north as quickly as possible. Graydon bent low over his saddle to cut the wind, and let himself shake with all the fear he’d repressed. Every time he closed his eyes he saw Garvin’s throat opening up, felt the shock of blood hitting his skin, heard that sick gurgle in his ears.

He shuddered, and if he cried, well… no one was close enough to see.

-----

They rode well into the evening, switching out horses as they tired, sticking close to the Mother Lake. Jade reasoned that it would be unexpected that they didn’t set out more directly for Tir Asleen, and it would help them get their bearings. The Great River would be unmistakable, and from there they could cross back towards home.

Full darkness was threatening to come on, and a storm along with it, when Jade sighted a cave. It wasn’t big enough to accommodate the horses, but they were able to tie them under cover.

They ate in silence, exhausted, and in the near-dark. Jade only allowed a candle to see by, worried that a fire might alert anyone nearby to their presence. Even if it was too soon for anyone to be on their trail, they would come this way eventually.

When it came time to sleep, Airk gathered dry leaves from the back of the cave to provide a barrier between their bodies and the stone floor. Graydon laid out a blanket on top of that, and Jade gathered their cloaks and a blanket from her saddle-pack to cover them.

She tried to crawl between him and Airk, and he raised his eyebrows.

“Jade, what?”

She stopped, on her hands and knees, frowning.

“I just thought, after what you’ve been through, you would want space? Both of you?” she added, glancing to Airk.

He looked at Airk. Airk bit his lip but tilted his head, leaving the decision with Graydon.

Graydon reached out and caressed his cheek, smiling when Airk pushed into it.

“No, it’s fine. We’re fine.” He wrapped an arm around Airk and pulled him close. “Thank you, though.”

Jade raised an eyebrow, but she backed up and settled in on Graydon’s other side, sliding an arm around his waist. He raised his other arm and she snuggled in closer, laying her head on his chest and sighing.

Deeply weary, Graydon finally allowed himself to relax. Holding two people he cared about very much, surrounded by their warmth, he fell into an exhausted sleep.

Chapter 11

Summary:

Airk, Graydon and Jade are on the run, while Kit and Boorman get a chance to talk things out

Notes:

the tags for sexual coercion, mildly dubious consent, and non-consensual voyeurism **no longer apply** and will continue to not apply moving forward unless specifically noted otherwise.

thank you @slvershdws for your beta, you are a lifesaver!

title card by @peterbenjaminparkour -- thank you!

A loud thunderclap woke Graydon sometime before dawn, startling him into movement. He didn’t get far, with Jade clinging to him tightly in her sleep. Airk had rolled over, his back pressed against Graydon’s side.

Graydon shivered, glad to have them so close after the nightmare he’d been having. Garvin, throat slashed and bleeding, cock rampant, crawling at him. Graydon had been unable to move or make any noise, frozen with horror as he crept closer, grinning and burbling around the oozing wound.

Listening to the downpour helped calm his breathing and slow the pounding of his heart. A crackle of lightning threw the cave entrance into stark relief. When it was followed by a deep rumble, Jade stirred against him.

“Graydon?”

He squeezed her. “I’m here,” he said, after the thunder crashed again.

She squeezed him back, pressing her face against his chest.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

He made a soothing sound, gently petting her hair.

“I was scared if I moved sooner you’d be hurt.” She sniffled.

He kissed her forehead. “You saved us.”

“I shouldn’t have let him get the drop on me in the first place,” she muttered.

“You stopped him from doing worse. I’m very grateful. I’m sure Airk is, too.”

The lightning and thunder came again, right on top of each other, and Airk shuddered, moaning. Graydon gripped his shoulder and he tensed.

“Guys?” Airk said, quietly.

“We’re here,” Jade answered, reaching over and touching him. He relaxed, turning over and settling down against Graydon.

Graydon stroked his hair. “Bad dream?”

“Yeah.” Airk shivered.

-----

The storm raged most of the night, breaking shortly before dawn. Eager to set out and put more distance between them and any possible pursuit, they packed up quickly in the first morning light.

Coming out of the cave, they stopped short. Three of the horses were gone, the ones Graydon had tied. Apparently he hadn’t chosen branches sturdy enough to hold them through the fright of the storm.

“Fuck.” He hung his head. “Why am I so bad at everything?”

“Done is done,” Jade said. “No use getting upset. We’ll just have to ride double and switch off, rest the horses more often. It won’t slow us down too much. With any luck the other three will go somewhere else besides back.”

“Some local fisherman might get a nice new horse or three,” Airk agreed, patting his back. Graydon sighed, his eyebrows knitting anxiously.

-----

Kit, Boorman, and Willow made it back to Tir Asleen around mid-afternoon. Willow grumbled the entire way about riding in a basket on the side of Boorman’s saddle, but time was of the essence and Kit wouldn’t hear of bringing a wagon. It was Boorman’s problem anyway — she rode ahead so she didn’t have to listen.

Kit still wasn’t happy about having to work with Boorman. Looking at him was an awkward reminder of her fight with Graydon the day before he had been taken. Even if they’d made up quickly, she didn’t want to think about that.

She had to admit he’d been focused on the mission, and less annoying than she’d feared. Every little bit helped, at this point.

Sorsha met with Willow in private first, while Kit and Boorman waited out in the hall with the guardsmen. Voices were raised. Kit edged closer to the door, turning her ear towards it as subtly as she could, but she couldn’t make out any words.

When they were finally allowed in the great hall, Willow was standing on the dais.

“I’ll be doing a divination spell,” he declared. “I’ll need a close, personal item for each of them. Something they handled or wore frequently, something with personal meaning.”

“Graydon’s flute might work?” Kit offered. “It was a gift from his grandmother, he played it often.”

Willow nodded.

“It won’t be damaged, will it?” she said. He’d be so upset if anything happened to his Nan’s flute.

“No. It’ll become a directional guide, up until it’s reunited with its owner. Then, back to normal. What about Prince Airk?”

“Can you use this?” a hesitant voice inquired. Kit turned to see Airk’s girlfriend in the doorway, the one he called Dove. She was holding out a bracelet.

“It’s Airk’s, but he gave it to me a few months ago. Before that, he wore it all the time.”

Kit rolled her eyes and looked back towards Willow. He was standing frozen, staring at Dove. Sorsha looked back and forth between the two of them, and sighed.

“Okay, everyone out again. Not you,” she added, pointing to Dove. “Or you two either,” she said, pointing to Kit and Boorman. “You might as well hear this.”

Willow seemed to come unstuck once the door was shut again. He stumbled down the steps, hurrying over to Dove. She looked at him curiously, and startled when he reached up, placing his hand on her upper arm.

He mumbled a few words and pulled away, revealing a strange mark, almost like a tree.

“It’s so good to see you again, Elora,” he said, his voice thick with tears.

She stared down at him. “What?”

“What?” Kit repeated. No. No way. She looked back towards her mother, who was wearily observing it all.

-----

Kit paced from one end of her room to the other, her dressing gown flying out behind her. Half a day to do a divination spell, so they couldn’t even set out until tomorrow? Was sorcery usually this slow or was this guy just bad at it?

And this Elora Danan stuff on top of everything else? It was too much. All this time the chosen one was baking muffins right under her nose, not to mention making out with her brother? If her mother hadn’t been there to confirm, she’d simply refuse to believe it.

What had happened to her father, then?

Then to basically be ejected from the room because she’d had a few things to say about all of that? To have her mother order Boorman to escort her out? To have him suggest that she leave with some dignity or he’d have to pick her up and carry her?

Airk and Graydon were missing, probably subject to some dark plan of Graydon’s father, and she was utterly helpless to do anything about it. It was all too much. One more thing and she’d snap.

A knock sounded at the door. She stomped over, ready to unleash her fury on whoever happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Flinging open the door, she stared in disbelief. Boorman, also in his pajamas and dressing gown, holding a bottle and two glasses and looking at her with a hopeful expression.

Kit opened her mouth to yell at the last person she wanted to see right now, but his expression stopped her. His face was worried, and tired.

She shut her mouth again.

“Peace offering?” he said, holding up the bottle. “Sorry, I know you hate me, but I don’t have anyone else talk to.”

She stared up into his big sad eyes and felt a tiny bit sorry for him, despite herself.

“Fine,” she huffed, and stalked back into the room. “That better be good shit, though.”

She flung herself down on the end of the bed and glared at him. Blinking with surprise, he followed.

He sat down on the rug at her feet, and leaned back against the footboard. Uncorking the bottle, he poured her a glass, and one for himself.

“Hope this meets your approval,” he said, and clinked his glass against hers. “To short, rude magic men and may all their lengthy spells work right the first time.”

Kit hummed in agreement and took a sip. It was, indeed, good shit. She sighed and hunched forward, fiddling with her glass. Boorman drank half of his and peered down into it, as if it might produce some answers or perhaps reassurance.

“They’re okay,” he said. “If you’re right about Hastur, he needs them both healthy and alive.”

Kit looked sideways at him. Was he trying to convince her, or himself?

“Yeah, probably,” she agreed.

“I should’ve been faster,” he sighed. “If I could’ve been there sooner…”

He tilted his head back, and she was surprised to see tears standing in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “It was my job to protect him, to train him so he could protect himself.”

Kit bit her lip. She’d thought that every day since Airk and Graydon were taken, but… seeing how bad he felt about it, she softened.

“I’m sure you did your best,” she said. “Especially as far as training goes. You could really only do so much.”

He looked up into her eyes and after a moment, a small “ha” sound escaped his lips. She smiled, and then they were both laughing.

“I really tried,” he said, wiping his eyes. “He falls down less, now.”

“That’s a good first step. Once we have him back I’m sure we can do even better.”

He squinted at her doubtfully.

“We may have to institute some kind of rewards system,” she conceded, surprising him into another laugh.

She finished her drink, and held out her glass. As he topped her up, she studied him thoughtfully.

“So… if Elora Danan has been hanging out in our kitchen all this time, what happened to my dad?”

-----

Jade, Airk, and Graydon rode on well into dusk again. They stopped several times during the day to let the horses rest, and switch off which one was carrying double. Graydon didn’t mind being the one going back and forth, really. It was nice to be close to each of them right now, to be held.

There was no shelter, but fortunately the sky was clear. They camped rough near the river bank, and Jade made sure the horses were securely tied. Exhausted, they sat down to another cold supper, with barely enough energy left to chew and swallow.

They hadn’t seen signs of pursuit, but that didn’t stop them from startling at every small noise, looking around uneasily. Weapons were kept at hand, and they drew ever closer to each other as the darkness grew.

-----

Kit finished her third drink, having learned a lot about the quest for the Kymerian Cuirass, how it all went wrong, and how her dad was lost in the mines of Skellin. She also got a good look into the deep reservoir of guilt and grief Boorman was carrying around about it.

She felt only a twinge of sorrow, hearing his story. She’d been mourning her father on some level for a long time, even if she’d never given up that last faint hope. Part of her had grown accustomed to the idea that whatever happened, he wasn’t likely to come back.

At least she knew now, even if she didn’t understand why it had been kept from her. Boorman could only say her mother had ordered him to keep quiet about it. He’d been younger than her when it happened, and his remorse (and the way the kidnapping had obviously revived those feelings) was making her feel a bit more forgiving.

More forgiving as far as her father was concerned, anyway. His relationship with her husband was something else altogether, and it still irked her. What did Graydon find so fascinating about this guy?

Kit had joined him on the floor while he told his tale. As he poured a fourth round, finishing off the bottle, she frowned up at him.

He caught her gaze and raised an eyebrow.

“What’s he like, with you?” she said.

Boorman picked up his glass and contemplated it, gently swirling the liquid as he thought.

“Kind. Playful. A little bossy. Very needy. Cute about it, though.” He looked at her, hesitantly. “You?”

“Most of that. Not bossy.” She tilted her head back, and laughed. “I’m the bossy one.”

“Huh.” He sipped.

“What… what does he like to do, with you?” she asked.

“Um.” He cleared his throat and looked away. “Mostly push me down and ride my dick.”

Kit blinked, hearing it stated like that. She had kind of guessed anyway, maybe not the pushing part. It was quite an image, her short little husband shoving this big man down and…

“Huh,” she said.

“He also likes it when I go down on him,” he said, glancing back at her again. “What do you do?”

“Ah. I have a toy, that I wear.” She felt her face flushing and she looked away, this time. “I fuck him with it,” she added, softly.

“I see.”

“And sometimes I tie him up, and sometimes I don’t let him come until I say. He likes that.”

“I’m sure he does,” Boorman said. He sounded a tad amused.

Her heart was heavy. Compared to the weight of the worry and helplessness, telling this man what she liked to do to her husband didn’t feel that embarrassing. It felt kind of like having Graydon here with her, being so open about it. She sighed.

“I’ve been jealous,” she admitted. “I’ve been afraid. I’ve wondered what you get to see of him, that I don’t. I wondered if I wasn’t enough, if he liked you so much. And now he’s gone and… Why was I wasting time feeling like that?”

“That’s normal, I think,” he offered, when she trailed off. “I’ve wondered, too.”

She looked at him curiously.

“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to presume. I’ve just gotten very fond of him.” He sighed. “He’s a special person.”

She saw his eyes were tearing up again, and she felt hers prickle in response.

Setting her glass down, she rose up on her knees, leaned over, and kissed him. He startled, but she pressed forward and he parted his lips.

Kit sat back, and he looked at her with some confusion.

“Don’t read too much into it,” she said. “It’s just… I’m scared. I miss him. You’re like a little bit of him still here.”

Boorman hummed softly. “Yeah. I get it.”

Setting his glass down, he reached out, gently taking her hand. “You can kiss me and think of him. I don’t mind.”

She looked down at their joined hands, and sniffled. If she started crying now, she’d never stop. Looking back up at him, she nodded.

His face creased with sympathy, and he leaned in, slowly, giving her time to pull away. He slid his other hand up along her cheek and kissed her, nothing more than lips and a hint of breath moving against her.

Kit closed her eyes. There was considerably more facial hair in play but overall it was similar. He was even kissing with a soft hesitation that was much like Graydon… at least, until you got him going.

She let her lips fall open and flicked out her tongue, barely brushing against him, and he returned it, tentative again. Letting her lead.

Kneeling up again, she ran her hand up his face. His beard was softer than it looked and his hair was almost silky, when she pushed her hand into it. It felt surprisingly like Graydon’s, only longer.

She pushed her tongue into his mouth. He made a quiet noise and that, that was very Graydon. Her hand reflexively tightened in his hair, and he made a louder, throatier sound at that.

Surprised, she pulled back.

“Sorry,” he said. “Was that…?”

“No, no,” she said. She pushed on his shoulder until he leaned back against the bed, and climbed onto his lap, still having to rise up to reach his face.

“That’s fine,” she murmured, taking a grip on his hair close to the scalp, and kissing him forcefully.

He whined, and she smiled against his mouth.

-----

After a listless meal, they settled down to sleep again. Graydon claimed his spot in the middle, and held his friends close.

He stared up at the stars, and sighed. Tired as he was, his mind was racing on. The bone-deep exhaustion he felt after the previous day’s terror had eased his way to sleep last night, but tonight he couldn’t stop thinking.

What would his father do, when he realized? Would he attack Tir Asleen? Would he send assassins? Kit wasn’t safe. No one was safe, now. He had to get back and warn everyone before anything else could happen, and could they do that with only two horses among them, hugging the banks of Mother Lake instead of setting out directly?

He tried to run the figures in his head. If the guardsmen walked back to Galladoorn over a day, and his father sent riders out the next day…

“Can’t sleep?” Airk whispered.

“No,” Graydon murmured back. “Thinking too hard, I guess. Worrying.”

He felt a hand trace his cheek and smooth up over his hair. Airk shifted, and then his lips were pressing against him, a light touch and a breath of air.

“It’ll be okay. We didn’t make it this far for nothing. We’ll get home, we’ll talk to my mom, we’ll get ready.”

“What if we don’t make it in time?” Graydon said, his voice small.

“Your father won’t move immediately,” Jade said. Apparently sleep was elusive for all of them. “Not until he knows where you are. He has nothing to gain by attacking Tir Asleen now.”

Graydon’s mouth tightened. He wanted to believe her.

“Trust me, Gray. I’ve been standing by his side for months now. He’s insane, he’s twisted, but he’s prudent. He’ll want to try and recapture us before he does anything more overt. I guarantee it.”

Her tone was assured, and he thought she might be trying to make him feel better but… it was working. He slid his hand up under her chin, tilting her head back and kissing her, soft and gentle like Airk had kissed him. She pressed into it, and sighed.

“Thank you,” Graydon whispered. He snuggled in deeper between the two of them and tried to put everything else out of his mind.

-----

Kit knelt over Boorman for quite a while, pressing into his chest, claiming every inch of his mouth, pulling whenever she wanted to hear him make another pretty noise. She lost herself in it, putting aside her fear and worry for Graydon and Airk.

He played along, letting her do as she pleased. His hands rested lightly on her hips, briefly squeezing each time she tightened her grip on his hair.

She’d thought Graydon would be attracted to another dominant person. It was surprising to find out his lover was as pliant, if not more so. She tried to picture Graydon being “a little bossy” and had a hard time seeing it. What would that even be like? Would she like it if he was a little bossy with her?

Kit thought back to their last time together. He was forceful, almost like he was imitating her. And she’d liked it, then. She’d wanted it. But she’d still felt like she was in charge. She liked being in charge.

She dragged her fingernails across Boorman’s scalp, dropping her mouth to his neck and biting. He swore breathlessly at the scrape of her teeth. Laughing, she pulled away to take a breath, and settled down on his lap.

Oh.

Okay, that was definitely different from Graydon. She looked up, her face flushing. He looked back down at her, and his expression was soft.

“You don’t have to worry about that,” he murmured. “Just kissing is fine.”

She froze, acutely conscious of the thin layers of fabric between them. Between her and… that.

“...Or we can stop?” he said, carefully looking over her face.

“Can I see it?” she blurted.

His eyebrows rose, very high. “Can you—” He laughed, and she felt him move under her. Her eyes widened at the sensation.

Very carefully, she knelt up off his lap and moved to the side, searching for the dignity she’d just dropped.

“Yeah,” she said, smirking and tossing her head back. “Would love to know what’s got him so fascinated with you.”

He laughed again.

“I’d like to think it’s more than my cock, but… sure.”

Boorman untied his dressing gown and loosened the ties at the waist of his pants. Shoving them down his hips, he revealed himself.

Kit tilted her head. He was hard, his cock arcing back towards his stomach. Longer than their toy, and thicker around as well. Graydon really took all that inside him? And enjoyed it?

She looked up to his face. He was placidly watching her, waiting despite his obvious arousal. That was so like Graydon that she felt a pang of sadness and worry again. Blinking hard against the tears that wanted to come, she sighed. She wanted to not think, at least for a while.

“Would you use your mouth on me?” she said, her voice soft. “Show me what he likes?”

Boorman looked at her kindly, and a little knowingly. “If that’s what you want.”

“Yeah,” she said, her voice only slightly wobbly, and started undressing. Standing up, she shoved off her pants, and stood in front of him naked, clasping her hands together.

Tugging his pants back up and standing, he took her hand. Lifting it to his mouth, he kissed it.

“Are you sure?” he murmured.

She looked up into his eyes, and she thought she understood at least one thing Graydon saw. She felt weirdly safe, like she could say yes or no to anything and it would be okay.

“Yes,” she said.

Bending, he scooped her up in his arms, and she laughed with surprise.

“You carry him like this?” she said, as they turned toward the bed.

“Mm. Sometimes. When he hurt his leg.” He looked down at her. “Other times, too.”

He laid her down gently, shedding his dressing gown and crawling over her, his hair falling down around their faces. She was reminded suddenly of when she had teased Graydon, stroking in and out with her toy, talking low and dirty about what it would be like for him, to be with this man.

She pressed into his kiss. He was a good kisser, his touch delicate, and as strange as it was… she thought she was seeing it, now.

Boorman was eager to please... and she was ready to be pleased.

Kissing her neck, he ran his hand lightly down her body, grazing over her curves, squeezing her hip and thigh. Feeling shy, she reached out and tugged at his shirt.

“Take it off?” she whispered, and sitting up, he complied.

Staring, she leaned up on her elbows. He was sculpted like a statue, the hardness of his body a sharp contrast with the softness of his personality. Reaching out, she ran a careful hand over his side, and as he leaned down again she moved on to his chest.

“You’re so hard,” she breathed, and he laughed against her neck. She rolled her eyes.

“Yes, ha ha, that too,” she said, poking him in the ribs. He yelped and raised his head.

“Behave,” he said, tapping her nose, and the low timbre of his voice reverberated straight through her belly. She stared up at him, suddenly breathless and confused. He raised an eyebrow.

“Hm,” he said, and slipped a hand up along her cheek and into her hair. “First time anyone’s ever told you that?”

She scoffed, but her cheeks were hot and she couldn’t seem to break eye contact with him. His gaze had her pinned.

He stroked a thumb softly over her cheekbone, smiling, and placed another small kiss on her lips.

“You’re very cute, Princess.” He kissed her one more time, and pushed back away from her, sliding down the bed and settling between her legs. She felt his breath, warm against her, and then his mouth on her hip, sucking, scraping with his teeth.

Trembling, she grabbed another pillow and used it to prop herself up enough to watch. He kissed his way from thigh to thigh, avoiding everything in between. His hair trailed over her skin, his beard and mustache tickling in entirely different ways, and he kept teasing until she wanted to scream.

“Please,” she sighed out, and his eyes flicked up towards her.

He hummed inquisitively, a pleasant smile on his face.

“Did you need something?” he said, and the playful tone of his voice made her want to kick him… but there was something else she wanted more.

“Lick me,” she whispered.

He grinned and obliged, slowly dragging his tongue against her. She moaned, pushing up against his face, and he made an appreciative sound, running his tongue over her. Sliding one arm under her thigh, he wrapped it around her hips, pinning her down. Taking her hand, he squeezed it, and put it on the back his head.

She let it rest there until he started sucking at her clit, and then she grabbed a handful and pulled. He moaned against her and she moaned back, trying to thrust up against his face. His arm held her neatly in place and she growled with frustration.

He glanced up at her. “Sorry,” he said, and she felt the tip of his finger slowly pushing inside her. “Do you need more? Is that what’s going on?”

She tensed up, whining as he started rubbing inside her. He lowered his mouth again, and pushed his tongue flat against her, licking with firm, slow strokes until she was grabbing at the sheets.

Tossing her head, she pressed it back into the pillow, feeling her muscles tightening up all over her body and around his finger, straining under his arm.

“Please,” she gasped, nearly sobbing with the tension, digging her heels into the bed.

Loosing his hold on her waist, he slid an arm under the hollow of her back and pressed her up into him. Engulfing her with the warm wetness of his mouth, he let her move.

Kit cried out, thrusting her hips against his face. Her body locked up as the wave of her release sizzled up and down her spine, leaving her panting

She fell back and burst into tears.

Boorman shifted immediately, crawling up beside her and pulling her against his chest, petting her hair.

“That’s it,” he murmured. “Let it all out.”

It almost made her mad, being comforted like that, but… she’d been wound so tight for days now, holding back everything she was feeling and trying to push through.

She cried on him, heaving sobs, her nose running. She cried until she started coughing and couldn’t stop, and then he helped her sit up and rubbed her back.

Dropping her face into her hands, she tried to breath evenly and get herself under control again. If she kept crying she’d probably throw up and cry some more. It had to stop for a minute.

She scrubbed roughly at her eyes and looked up at him.

“Little better?” he said, his voice kind.

Kit nodded.

“Do you want…” she said, and faltered. “I don’t think I can do the other thing he does with you.”

Boorman chuckled.

“I didn’t think you’d want that,” he said. “It’s fine.” Running a hand up the back of her neck, he gently ruffled her hair.

Her eyes narrowed. “Okay, yeah. But maybe I could do something else? If you wanted?”

He leaned in, slowly, and kissed her. Her eyelids fluttered shut as he teased at her mouth. Gods, he really was good at that.

“What did you have in mind?” he breathed out against her, his voice husky.

“Mm… Why don’t you finish getting naked?”

He laughed, and pulled back, looking at her levelly as he eased off his pants.

“You really don’t have to do anything, you know. I can do it myself. I can leave and do it myself, even.”

Kit frowned. “You did something for me. It doesn’t seem right to send you off without returning the favor.”

“Well, far be it from me to offend a princess’s sense of propriety.” He smirked.

She rolled her eyes, but laughed.

Boorman leaned back against the headboard, and she looked over his body, more carefully this time. He was finely formed, no doubt. Powerful-looking, a strong contrast to Graydon and his more compact, lightly muscled form.

He wasn’t as hard as before, when they’d been kissing. She kneeled up and pressed her lips to his. After a moment she slid a hand into his hair, took a good handful, and tugged.

Moaning against her mouth, he pulled her close. She took that as an invitation to deepen the kiss and did so, licking into his mouth. She randomly yanked at his hair, turning his head this way and that. Relaxing into her touch, he let her move him, opening up all the wider for her. He was so submissive, it was getting her excited again.

She found herself wondering if he’d like to be fucked. Would it be that different, doing it to him? She didn’t really know. She had a feeling he’d like it.

She had a feeling if she pulled on his hair enough, he’d like just about anything.

Leaning back to catch a breath, she peeked down and saw he was hard again.

“Don’t move,” she said, and slipped off the bed.

Rummaging around in her desk, she located the jar that had been in the bag with their toy. The toy had been put to good use; they hadn’t had much need for the contents of the jar.

Climbing back up beside him, she removed the lid and dipped out a clump of thick salve. Doing her best to get the lid back on with one hand, she looked doubtfully at his cock.

Glancing back toward his face, she saw he was watching her. He smiled encouragingly.

“It’s not too complicated, I promise. Move your hand up and down and you’re most of the way there.”

She huffed and stuck her tongue out at him. Reaching out, she slid her hand around the base of it and stroked up to the top, spreading the cream along the length.

He moaned, and she looked at him again as she stroked back down. Biting his lip, he nodded.

“Keep doing that and you’re good, I think.”

Smiling, she looked back to his cock and moved her hand the same way again, squeezing lightly this time, watching in fascination as his stomach muscles jumped and flexed.

Okay, this seemed pretty straightforward. She moved her hand up and down, more slowly and more quickly, loosely and tightly, watching his body tense and listening to his breathing and the noises he made.

It wasn’t much different from sword fighting, in a way. Everything had its rhythm.

Soon he was panting, pushing up into her hand, breathing out short moans on each stroke.

“Kit,” he said, and she startled, hearing her name. “I’m gonna come.”

She frowned. Was she supposed to do something, or... wait.

She slid her other hand back into his hair and took a tight, punishing grip.

“Do it,” she murmured, looking into his eyes.

He gasped and squeezed his eyes shut, pushing his head back and arching up against her hand. She watched with some surprise as his cock twitched in her hand, emitting a few jets of white fluid that spattered up to his chest.

She kept stroking, slowly, watching as a few more jets pulsed out, running down his cock, and over her hand. She shuddered, not wanting to be rude, but… gross.

Boorman exhaled loudly, his hips settling down against the bed again.

“Stop,” he mumbled, and she did, but held her hand in the air above him, not sure what the next move was.

He reached up over his head and stretched hard, sighing, and opened his eyes. His gaze landed on her and the hand she was holding away from her as if it might be dangerous, and he laughed.

Sitting up and grabbing up his discarded shirt, he took her wrist and carefully wiped each finger clean, before using it to clean himself up as well. As he pulled his pants back on, she brought her hand up to her face, sniffed it discreetly, and frowned. Weird.

Boorman stood, retrieving his dressing gown. He started to pull it on and Kit frowned again.

“What are you doing?”

“...Making myself as decent as I can, so I don’t scare any chambermaids?”

She looked up at him. “Stay.”

His eyes widened, and she flushed.

“I don’t want to be alone. Just… stay. And hold me?”

Lips pressed together, he looked at her with sympathy.

“Sure.”

Dropping his robe, he climbed onto the bed and laid back against the pillows. When he opened his arms, she curled up against him.

Wrapping her arm around his waist, she settled down with a sigh and felt him enfold her, holding her close.

He kissed the top of her head, and petted her.

“We’ll find them,” he murmured, and she squeezed him.

“We will,” she agreed.

Notes:

thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who comments. your words are so encouraging and inspire me to keep creating!

visit me on tumblr @lowkeyed1 :)

Chapter 12

Summary:

Jade is struggling to bring Graydon and Airk home safe, as the rescue party sets out from Tir Asleen in search of them...

Notes:

we're so fucking back

“Willow, if you bitch one more gods-damned time about riding in that basket I’m going to put a lid on it and nail it shut!”

Kit wheeled her horse and galloped ahead in the grey drizzle, leaving Boorman and Willow staring after her. Willow shook his head, lips pressed into a frown.

“Give her a break, mate. She’s sick with worry over her husband and her brother.” Boorman gave the sorcerer a wry smile. “Complain to me all you want while she’s… scouting ahead.”

“Pouting ahead, more like.”

“She’s young.”

Willow paused. He hadn’t been much older than Kit when he struggled through the Daikini lands with a crying baby in one ear and Madmartigan yapping in the other. They’d been at each other’s throats half the time, come to think of it.

“She’s her father’s daughter,” Willow said, finally. “I’ll leave it at that.”

Boorman hummed in response, seeming lost in his own thoughts as he watched Kit ride ahead.

Willow caught sight of the former crying baby, riding a short distance away. Elora had laughed a lot more than she’d cried, really. She’d also looked on him fondly and almost knowingly; she had an undeniable aura even as a tiny child.

The last few days of struggle to teach her any kind of magic while she variously sulked, went off on dramatic tangents, or goofed around made him wonder if they hadn’t started too late after all. She had her moments where there was a hint of something more, but she largely seemed much like any other young woman of that age, far more concerned with the boy she professed to love.

Elora had insisted on coming with the rescue party despite the objections of every single other member. Daring them to try and stop her, she threatened to follow them, or perhaps whip up a magical spell that would transport her directly to her love, because love was the most powerful force in the universe and—

Well, there had been more but Willow had to admit he’d tuned out for a bit at that point. He thought she had a better point when she said that someone had to cook.

“Fine, whatever!” Kit had finally snarled. “I have more important things to worry about than whether you get your ass handed to you. Keep up if you can, and go crying home when you can’t.”

Elora had lifted her chin defiantly. “Deal.”

Pulled up alongside them, Ballantine interrupted his reverie. “Ufgood, you still have the same heading?”

Willow looked down at the flute and the bracelet, one in each hand. “Yes, and they’re still together.”

Ballantine nodded. He was a man of few words, and exceedingly careful not to step on Kit’s toes. Sorsha had insisted they bring him, in lieu of the squad of Pacalcade she’d originally proposed.

Kit and Boorman had protested the Pacalcade, almost in unison. Boorman had opined that if they were unfortunate enough to run into any forces from Galladoorn, even a squad would prove insufficient. Time was of the essence; better to move quickly and inconspicuously.

Sorsha had finally been persuaded, but Kit made it quite clear that if Ballantine was coming, it was strictly in an advisory capacity as she was leading this mission with Boorman as her second. Circumspectly, Ballantine had quickly agreed.

He also conceded the importance of subtlety, trading his customary armor for the more common garb favored by wandering hedge knights and would-be treasure hunters like Boorman. It lessened his imposing bearing not one whit, however. Willow rather thought if they encountered any authorities they’d quickly figure Ballantine was no run-of-the-mill citizen.

Still, he was glad to have the commander along. If a conflict came down to calling on his own power... he wasn’t sure how much he had to give. Every able-bodied fighter would make a difference, if they had to make a stand.

-----

Jade peered out at the fishermen again from behind the screen of bushes. They hadn’t realized anyone was by this little inlet when they’d set out this morning. The sound of laughter had sent them all into a panic.

She’d left the boys further back, doing their best to cover tracks and keep the horses quiet, while she crept up to assess the situation. No doubt two random fishermen were no threat, but if soldiers came sniffing up their trail asking questions, better to have remained unseen.

They were packing up now, no doubt due to the persistent drizzle worsening. Jade blinked a rivulet of rainwater out of her eyes, watching them carefully. As they headed off south, the direction from which she and the boys had come, she breathed a sigh of relief.

There’d be no fire again tonight, with such a close call, not that a fire would be easy to keep going in this weather. One more cold night, huddled together for warmth, jumping at every noise.

One more night, and another, and however many it took to get the princes home and safe again.

She could do that much, at least. She owed them that much.

-----

“We need to head west from here.” Boorman said, finishing the last of his lunch.

“What? The charms are indicating due south, Boorman.” Willow looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

“Right, absolutely.” Boorman smiled. “Only problem is, the Great River crossing due south of here is the most popular, heavily guarded crossing. Do you really want to see if we pass the scrutiny of the Shining Legion? They’re bound to recognize Ballantine if not Kit herself. We don’t know how deep this runs, how far Hastur’s nasty, slimy, little tentacles reach.”

Kit looked from Willow to Boorman, and gave him a curt nod. “Fine, lead the way.”

She turned and walked away, remounting her horse before Willow could continue to protest. If she let him keep talking she’d just snap at him again. She’d snapped at every single person in the party over the course of a single morning, and nobody snapped back — not even Elora.

Seeing the patient forbearance on their face was frankly more irritating than whatever it was that made her want to snap in the first place.

Better to just stuff it all down, for now. Focus on what was to come.

-----

The crossing, when they arrived at it, was ill-maintained; rickety, even. It groaned just from the wind blowing, and had numerous spots where planks had rotted away. The river below was high from the recent rains and rushing furiously. Kit looked on it with dismay.

“Boorman, your crossing’s a bit shit,” she remarked, glancing up at him. She was finally past the point of snapping about it. What good would it even do?

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah,” he agreed, quietly. “No question of crossing on foot, either. Suicide.”

“Are there any others?”

“Next one I know of is a half-day’s ride, Your Highness.” Ballantine had come up beside them. “Should we head for it?”

Kit sighed. There was no good answer here. Lose more time going further inland and risk not getting to them in time, or risk all their lives crossing a derelict bridge. Why had she wanted to be in charge again?

“Boorman, try crossing on foot. You’re not as heavy as a horse, but it might give us a better idea if it’ll hold.”

“Mm. And I’m such a good swimmer, too.”

“We’ll rope you. I’m not a monster.”

He grinned at her. “You’re no wererat, that’s for sure.”

She blinked at him and decided to ignore that.

They tied Boorman securely around the waist with a long length of rope, bracing it around a tree and anchoring it with his horse. He edged out slowly, picking his way across the damaged planks. The boards creaked ominously several times, and he’d pause before moving again.

Finally he made it to the other side, waved at them, and crossed back without incident. Leading his horse across, with Willow riding, was much the same. The horse was steady of nerves as Boorman was, stopping at his signals and continuing on with slow deliberation at his encouragement until they were safely on the other side.

Elora followed next, moving carefully. She was visibly nervous but lifted her chin and glared when she saw Kit watching.

Kit smiled to herself. She had to grudgingly admit that the mouthy kitchen girl was trying to live up to her attitude, at least.

Elora uttered a little shriek halfway across when the bridge made a particularly loud noise, but she made it safely to the other side. Stepping down onto the bank she wobbled, letting her horse hold her up for a moment. Boorman clapped her on the back and said something that was probably encouraging, judging by his face.

Ballantine was next, stoic as always. He moved with great deliberation and paused frequently. If he was nervous, Kit couldn’t tell. She envied him that equipoise at this point. She’d give anything to stop telegraphing all her feelings with her face, at least until this was over.

When Ballantine stepped off the bridge, Kit led Eclipse forward. She danced nervously on the end of her lead, disliking the rushing water and creaking wood. Kit stopped and held her muzzle in both hands.

“Shhhh, girl. Shhhhh.” She petted her nose, pressing her forehead briefly against it. “We can do it. We gotta do it.”

They stood together until Eclipse settled. Kit started forward again, and Eclipse followed her mistress onto the boards, snorting mistrustfully as the structure swayed. Kit swallowed around the lump of fear in her throat

They were halfway across when the groaning increased in volume, and something cracked with a great shudder under their feet.

“Damn,” Kit muttered, tugging on Eclipse’s reins and urging her into a run. As she broke forward Kit leapt and swung herself up, one foot in a stirrup, clinging to the pommel. The others were yelling, and she heard boards behind her dropping into the fast-moving water.

“You can do it, girl! Go!” Kit encouraged, as Eclipse dug down and leapt.

She easily cleared the last of the bridge as it shattered apart and dissolved into the hungry current below. Kit jumped off just before they landed, tucking and rolling on the bank. Eclipse skidded in the mud, scrambling forward to get her hindquarters out of the river.

After checking that Eclipse wasn’t injured, Kit bent over, hands on her knees, and panted for breath. Her heart was suddenly thudding harder than it had been trying to get over the bridge, and she felt dizzy.

“Kit?”

Boorman’s voice was concerned but she couldn’t respond. Her vision was dancing with dark spots and if she tried to speak she thought she might end up face down in the mud. She swayed.

Suddenly she was in the air, belatedly realizing that Boorman had picked her up and put her down on her ass on a mossy patch. He was rubbing her back, which was just fucking embarrassing.

“Breathe, that’s it. Slower. In… out… in… out…”

Kit struggled to match his rhythm and the dark spots started to recede. As soon as the pounding in her ears quieted she shrugged him off, and he retreated.

When she finally looked up everyone was very studiously not looking at her, either attending to their horses or talking quietly. She scoffed… it felt like more of everyone’s patient expression when she was yelling.

Maddening, but… kind of nice.

-----

“Jade? I thought you said we’d follow the lake til we hit the river, why are we heading west?”

She looked to Graydon, riding double with Airk, leaning back into him. How he felt so comfortable with Airk after everything that happened, she couldn’t fathom, but neither would she deny either of them the solace they took in each other.

How Kit was going to feel about all that was another matter entirely, of course.

“I’d had that thought, but then I remembered the river crossing closest to the lake is a Shining Legion post. Doesn’t seem like a good idea right now, just in case. If we skirt those mountains to the west instead,” she pointed, “we can find a more inconspicuous way across.”

“Good thinking,” Airk said. “Last thing we need right now is to run into more of Hastur’s agents.”

“I’ll get you both back safe if it’s the last thing I do.”

Graydon’s brow pinched at her words, and he threw her a worried glance.

“We’ll do this together, Jade. We’re all going to get back safe.” His tone was firm but his eyes were searching, scrutinizing her reaction. She nodded stiffly.

“Of course,” she acceded, and kept further thoughts on the matter to herself.

-----

Willow had taken a bearing from the enchanted items again as they began to round the mountains, noting that the direction had changed slightly. As they adjusted their path, Kit dared to hope that was a good sign. The damnable charm only gave direction, unfortunately; distance was anyone’s best guess.

-----

They were almost past the mountain range, late afternoon sunlight starting to fade, when Boorman spotted riders ahead.

“Hold,” he called out. “Two riders heading this way.” He rose up in his saddle, shielding his eyes, and squinted. Hard to be certain in the gloom but he thought one of the horses was carrying double, and the other’s rider had what seemed to be distinctly red hair.

“Jade?” Kit breathed out, barely audible next to him, and then she was spurring her horse into a gallop.

“Damn it, Kit! Wait!” Boorman called out, but she was gone. Swearing, he set out after her.

“It’s them!” Willow yelled. “Boorman, it’s them!”

Glancing to the side, he saw Willow holding up the flute and the bracelet, both glowing with a strong blue light. Boorman stared at them and looked ahead again, to the horse carrying double. Blinking back a sudden rush of tears, he urged his own steed forward.

By the time he caught up, Kit had dismounted and run forward to meet the riders rushing toward her. Kit was hugging all three of them, and everyone was crying.

Boorman slid from his saddle, taking the reins of Kit’s horse as well, and stood by as Ballantine and Elora caught up, both dismounting and rushing forward. Elora peeled Airk off from the group and clutched him tight. He returned the embrace, slumping into her.

To Boorman’s surprise, Ballantine strode forward and pulled the redhead into a fierce hug. For a beat shock was written on her face, and then she smiled happily, closing her eyes and leaning in.

Kit and Graydon were still holding each other tight, and Boorman schooled his face though he couldn’t stop his eyes from tearing — both from relief that Graydon was standing there, whole and healthy, and frustration that he couldn’t rush forward and join in the reunion.

“Are you all right?” Boorman startled. He’d almost forgotten about Willow, still perched in the saddle basket.

“Mm. Yeah, glad we found them so easily. We’ll make good time back to Tir Asleen, now. Get them all safe again.”

He glanced sideways, mildly horrified to see he was being fixed him with a sympathetic look. “Of course,” Willow responded, his tone reassuring.

Face heating, Boorman turned back to the happy scene in front of them just in time to see Graydon raise his head from Kit’s shoulder and spot him. He squeezed her tight once more and let go, stumbling towards him.

Boorman steeled himself, preparing a calm and respectful set of words to utter, but Graydon was picking up speed. Graydon was running headlong at him, and before he could think of what to do Graydon had slammed into him, throwing both arms around his waist and unleashing a fresh torrent of tears against his chest.

He stood frozen for a moment, eyes flicking around. No one else was watching, except Kit. And Kit didn’t look pissed, remarkably. She was wiping her eyes, smiling ruefully.

His gaze darted back to Willow, and found Willow was giving him an expectant look. He nodded down at Graydon and frowned at Boorman as if he might be something of an idiot.

Huffing out something that was either a laugh or a sob, Boorman dropped the horses’ reins and hugged Graydon back.

Notes:

thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who comments. your words are so encouraging and inspire me to keep creating!

visit me on tumblr to yell about willow or anything, really!

Chapter 13

Summary:

Reunited and heading home to Tir Asleen...

Kit stood in the middle of their small crowd as Graydon broke away from her arms and threw himself at his lover.

Graydon clung to Boorman, tears starting anew; Boorman held him tight, murmuring softly to him. Even from a few steps away, she could see the wetness in Boorman's eyes.

A wistful twinge shot through her chest; she smiled anyway. She still hated sharing, but Boorman truly cared for her husband; and in the current circumstances Graydon could probably use everyone on his side he could get.

Plus Boorman was fun, as it turned out; Kit hushed the part of her brain trying to remind her of that right now.

Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms around Graydon, sandwiching him between them and leaning her head against his back. Graydon relaxed into their embrace, and Kit raised a hand to give Boorman a comforting pat as well.

A subtle throat-clearing drew her attention, and Kit looked back over her shoulder. Jade was standing by, her expression grave, waiting to report. Ballantine was just behind her.

Kit frowned. They all looked worse for the wear, but Jade... Her skin was sallow, her face drawn, and her eyes had a vague distance to them so foreign, Kit's stomach dropped. She fought the urge to wrap her arms around Jade, to pull her face down against her shoulder and offer her the reassurances she'd given Graydon and Airk.

Something in Jade's posture warned her off.

“Your Highness, apologies, but Galladoorn is likely no more than a day behind us. If they’ve been running with a string of horses, they may have cut that lead considerably. We need to go.”

Ballantine nodded to Kit, silently backing Jade up. Graydon stepped forward, mopping at his face with a sleeve, visibly steeling himself.

“She’s right,” he said, voice hoarse. “My father…” he trailed off, shuddering. “He won’t give up.”

Kit sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. As much as she’d like to make camp right here, bundle all of her people up in her arms and hold them tight, there was no time. They couldn’t stand against whatever Hastur would be sending, not alone.

Squaring her shoulders, she looked up at Boorman. “Ride him double with you, your horse can bear the extra weight best.”

Ignoring their surprised expressions, she turned to the rest of the group. “Everyone else mount up, we’ll ride as long as we can see. Ballantine, lead us to the river crossing you mentioned.”

She glanced back at Boorman. “With any luck, they’re shitty at tracking and will figure we’re making for the one we just destroyed.”

Boorman exhaled a soft laugh, and she grinned.

-----

Graydon shook with tension as Thraxus helped him up into the saddle. He’d been trying so hard to stay strong, for Jade’s sake, for Airk’s; putting his feelings aside, keeping everyone's spirits up.

Reuniting with everyone else felt dangerously close to relief. If he let himself collapse now he didn’t think he could pull it together again. It had to wait, until they were safe behind castle walls.

He nodded to the small man in the basket as he shifted, trying to get comfortable. He wasn't sure who this guy was, but he couldn't find it in himself to care right now; all the same, his curiosity was piqued when the man held out his flute.

Graydon took it, raising an inquiring eyebrow.

"Used it for the divination spell, to track you."

A sorcerer, then. Interesting. He turned the flute this way and that, but it looked the same.

"Thank you," he murmured, and the man nodded his acknowledgment.

He'd have to find out this guy's story. Later, though.

Graydon stared off at the distant mountains, enshrouded by mist. He reached deep inside himself to summon up just a little more resolve. The focus was off him, now. He could stop forcing his expression, stop trying to rally; he could just be.

As Thraxus swung up behind him, he surprised himself with a chuckle. He might have worried that riding double would lead to another embarrassing incident, but he’d never felt less horny in his life. He might never be horny again.

Settling in behind him, Thraxus drew his cloak forward around Graydon, then slipped an arm around his waist beneath it. He'd been strangely silent, and Graydon tipped his head back.

"Are you okay?" he asked, softly.

"Am I—?" Thraxus replied, incredulous. "I'm fine." His arm tightened, squeezing him close as they waited for everyone else to mount up. "Don't worry about me."

Graydon frowned. Thraxus had the same closed-off expression Jade had been wearing over the course of their escape, and he thought he knew what was behind it. It hadn't been his fault, or her fault, but he was too exhausted to offer one more soothing word. Instead he slid his own arm over the one around his waist and patted it.

Leaning back, he let his eyes close as Thraxus nudged his horse forward. He would rest and then he could find words for the people he loved, he would find a way to make them believe that they couldn't have stopped any of this.

For now it would wait, and by all the gods, his father would pay.

-----

They pushed on til nearly full dark, making it back over the river in a much more uneventful crossing and into the woods east of Manheim. There, they set up a rough camp and risked a small fire to ward off the evening chill.

Jade walked the perimeter, determined to keep a watch now that there were people she could count on to do it right. Graydon had very few skills in a situation like this. Airk was more competent, but he also seemed shaken by the occurrences of the past few days. She didn't trust him to hold up to additional strain.

Not that she was an expert, of course. She'd trained but she'd never seen action, and she was feeling her greenness to an uncomfortable degree. Staring down at her hands, she was struck again by the nightmare of the last few days.

She'd killed a man, her first kill, and she'd avoided thinking about it as much as she could during the day; but at night she heard that gargle and liquid rush over and over again, the thump of Garvin's vile body hitting the floor, feet scuffling against the boards.

Straightening her shoulders, she tried to shake it off. Ballantine was here and she wanted him to be proud of the choices he'd made, raising her, training her, putting her forward. And Kit and Graydon, too, who she loved and served in a complicated blend of need, desire, and devotion. They'd welcomed her into their lives and she wanted to be worthy of that.

She'd let them down, but she could still prove herself.

She could still give them reason to care.

Jade cast her eyes over the group. Graydon was sitting with Kit tucked up against him and Boorman close by. Ballantine was patrolling the edge of the camp opposite her, double-checking ground she'd just gone over.

Airk sat on Kit's other side, watching Brunhilde prepare dinner. She couldn't imagine what he was thinking, or how Kit would react when she found out what he and Graydon been forced to do... or how much they'd grown to enjoy it.

Willow stood by Brunhilde's side, talking quietly. Jade considered him, not for the first time. She was thankful there had been a sorcerer still in the world, and one who could help them meet up; but he seemed oddly fascinated with the kitchen girl. She wasn't sure what to make of that, and Airk seemed confused by it as well.

Graydon had been excited to meet him, at any rate; he babbled for a good few minutes about Bavmorda, Elora Danan and old legends before his exhaustion caught up with him.

"So it was Hastur," Ballantine murmured, spooking her though his voice was quiet. She hadn't even heard him approach. "And what did he want with the princes?"

Jade froze. She'd been so focused on getting away that she hadn't thought about the inevitable questions. She couldn't answer truthfully, and she'd already paused too long for a convincing lie — not that she knew what lie would work here, anyway.

She cleared her throat. "Respectfully..." He raised an eyebrow and she felt her face heat up. "It's not something I can discuss right now. I'm sorry."

Ballantine looked her over and nodded. "Not just a ransom, then. All right."

She shook her head, not that he seemed to need her to validate his conclusion.

-----

Boorman sat with his back against a tree, cleaver close by, trying to rub the graininess from his eyes.

He'd thought third watch was a good idea. Jade looked far too keyed up to sleep despite her obvious bone-deep exhaustion, so clearly she'd take first. If he took last instead of middle, he could at least get a good chunk of sleep all in one (and spend a few hours sleeping close enough to touch Graydon, to reach out and take his hand).

When Ballantine shook him awake, he reconsidered his decision (most of his decisions, really). Finally relaxing for a moment after the gut-clenching panic of the last few days had meant a much deeper sleep than he anticipated. He surfaced reluctantly, coming back to the waking world with a fuzzy blanket laid over his thoughts as well as his vision.

He needed to be alert, damn it. If they hadn't been set upon yet, it was only all the more likely it would happen in the smallest hours of the night. He bit his tongue, slapped his cheeks lightly and took a deep drink of cold water, hoping some of that would bring him a little closer to wakefulness.

"Thrax," a soft voice murmured just beside him. He flailed, nearly dropping his water.

"Fucking hells," he muttered, capping the skin and setting it aside. "Lurk much?"

Graydon came forward into the light of the fire, a small, amused smile teasing at the corners of his mouth. "Sorry," he said, pulling his blanket tighter around his shoulders. "Didn't want to startle you."

"Yeah, well." Boorman rolled his eyes, at the same time lifting his arm. Graydon sat down, tucking himself neatly against Boorman's side, head resting against his chest. Wrapping an arm around his waist, Boorman pulled him even closer.

They stared into the fire, comfortable in silence. The low crackle and the warmth of Graydon against his side was lulling, and he felt sleep lurking just beyond the periphery of his mind, trying to sneak up on him again. He shook his head, aiming to dispel the fog.

"Couldn't sleep?" he said, quietly.

"Mm... slept a bit." Graydon shifted against him, burrowing in deeper. "Bad dreams."

Boorman tilted his head down, pressing a kiss to the top of Graydon's head. "Want to talk about it?"

"Not really." Graydon sighed.

Boorman hummed, nuzzling into his messy black curls. "Kit told me," he confided, finally. "About your dad, I mean. His... plans."

"...Oh?"

"Yeah. So. I can kind of guess, is all. You don't have to explain."

It was Graydon's turn to hum, then he shivered. "Yeah. There's more. There's... I don't know how to tell Kit about it. Or you. And what Airk and Jade had to do, what they've been through because of me—" His voice caught, and roughened. "What you've all been through, because of me."

He stopped, and Boorman waited to see if he might have more to say; but the only sound that followed was a stifled sob.

"Oh, honey..." Boorman wrapped both arms around him, cupping the back of his head with one hand and pressing it to his shoulder.

Graydon shook against him, crying so quietly Boorman couldn't hear anything but the hitch of his breathing. He stared into the fire, glassy-eyed himself with unshed tears.

-----

Upon waking Graydon felt no lighter, but grimly determined.

His father had manipulated him, steering his actions through much of his life. He'd never seen any other course he could take, especially after his brother died. He had no one to stand by him, no one to lend him strength. Easier by far to just let life roll over him and try not to think too hard about any of it.

But, now? He had Kit, Jade, Boorman, Airk, even Sorsha. He was tucked close and warm against Boorman's side, a place that was a microcosm of the larger space that belonged to him, that he belonged in. He had something to fight for, and how dare, how fucking dare his father think he could take all that away again?

He would not let the plague that was his family infect them and bring them down.

He would not lose this.

Graydon opened his eyes, stretching, and Boorman ruffled his hair. Only Brunhilde was up, and whatever she was doing by the fire smelled magical.

-----

They made Tir Asleen at dusk, riding in with Kit calling for the gates to be secured. Sorsha met them at the entrance to the castle, throwing her arms around Airk and Graydon and Kit in turn. She brushed her hands through Airk's hair and squeezed Graydon's shoulder.

"You're all right, both of you? Not injured?"

They shook their heads, exchanging a loaded glance.

"We're fine, Mom. Just tired."

"Yes, of course," Sorsha said. "All of you, rest. We'll talk about it tomorrow."

She reached past them to Jade, taking both her hands. "Jade. You have my gratitude. We'll discuss what can be done about your position in the morning."

"Your Majesty." Jade sketched a brief bow.

-----

As they walked down the hallway, Graydon caught Kit's sleeve.

"Could... could everyone stay in our room tonight?"

Kit stopped, looking around. Ballantine and Willow had stayed behind to talk with Sorsha. Jade, Boorman, Airk, and Elora were trailing behind them down the hall.

"Everyone?"

Graydon nodded, and something in his eyes spoke to her. She stopped, gently tucking a strand of hair behind his ear.

"Sure, what the hell." Kit shrugged. "Bed's more than big enough, I guess."

She turned back, raising her voice "Slumber party in our room, guys. Everyone go get your jammies and come meet up. Bring any wine you might have laying around, or anything stronger."

She looked back at their friends, their expressions ranging from relieved (Boorman, Jade), to quizzical (Airk), to slightly alarmed (Elora).

It was Airk who broke the silence: "Sounds good, Sis. I'll see what I can rustle up." He broke for his room, Elora following behind and whispering in his ear. Jade went past them to her guest chamber.

Only Boorman remained, and he looked at Kit with a soft expression. "Thanks, Kit."

She rolled her eyes. "Uh huh. Go get dressed. Tops and bottoms, for the love of the mothers."

He laughed and went into his room.

Kit turned back to see Graydon looking at her inquisitively.

"What?"

"Dunno." He tilted his head. "When did you two get so friendly?"

-----

Graydon sighed, pleasantly squeezed between Boorman and Kit, with Jade on Kit's other side. Brunhilde and Airk had laid down across the end of the bed, and everyone had room to spare.

The events of the last few days were roundly ignored at first, in favor of a few companionable drinks and a lot of hugging. Graydon even hugged Brunhilde, who he barely knew. She seemed important to Airk and therefore she was important to him, too.

Plus, she was the only one who hadn't started apologizing to him after the third round of drinks. Graydon lovingly (and drunkenly) shushed everyone who tried it; he was in no mood for heavy discussion. He couldn't even settle on how much of it to tell any one person, let alone what to say with so many of them in the room together. That could be tomorrow's headache, as far as he was concerned.

Of course, Brunhilde standing up and tipsily declaring that she was Elora Danan had changed the subject nicely. He and Airk hadn't been away long but apparently it had been long enough for a startlingly momentous reveal. Judging by Airk's face this was the first he was hearing of it as well.

At least that explained why Willow freaking Ufgood was hanging around. Graydon had always been fascinated with legends and the story of Elora Danan was one of his favorites... but he didn't have the energy left to wonder about it another second longer.

Wrapped up in Kit's arms, Boorman pressed against his back, and Jade reaching over Kit's hip to take his hand, he drifted off to a dreamless sleep.

Notes:

hello, friends!

i love this story, and i'm going to keep going: but i would probably be more motivated and bring out chapters faster if you toss me a few comments. :) :) :)

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Chapter 14

Summary:

Graydon remains troubled by recent events, but who can he talk to?

Easing the door shut, Graydon sighed. Another restless night, awake long before dawn. Lying motionless in bed, not wanting to disturb Kit; not wanting her to know how bad it still was, how bad it had been in the first place.

"It's been a month, when are you going to tell me?"

He started down the hall, her words from last night still ringing in his ears.

"Don't you trust me?"

He'd tried. Mothers, he'd tried. Each attempt left him falling silent, eyes welling with tears of frustration. How could he possibly tell her what happened, what had been threatened, what he had done?

Kit would pull him close, trying to comfort him anyway, the tension of those unanswered questions making her posture stiff and awkward. Huddled in her arms, he couldn't even bring himself to confirm what she surely suspected.

She'd known his father's intentions for him, after all.

Tomorrow. I'll tell her tomorrow, for sure. Every night he'd think it, and the next day found him struggling once more.

He caught the scent of cooking in the air, and his gut rolled in a way that was growing familiar. Waking from these fraught sleeps left him sick; the barest smell of food made him gag. He'd given up on breakfast — most days he could barely manage lunch.

The aura of unease in the castle didn't help. Protective of Graydon's secret, they'd told the queen only that Hastur had gone mad, that he'd meant to use them in a dark magic ritual. That was enough to convince her to secure the castle, and start preparing for war. The servants had started giving him odd looks, as if they were trying to work out whether he was dangerous, himself.

His father had made no move against them, against Kit, and... that was almost worse, somehow. Graydon expected trouble at any moment but Galladoorn was silent, and the anticipation had frayed his nerves to a fine edge.

And Kit... Kit couldn't be patient forever. The stress was wearing on her, his shame coming between them when her romantic overtures fell flat. How could he share that with her, after what had happened? He'd been forced, sure... but in his heart, he'd betrayed her.

He might've talked to Jade about it all, if she wasn't burdened with her own guilt. She was carrying a heavy weight, and he felt even worse for not being able to relieve it. Graydon didn't blame her, but she couldn't be convinced. He'd thought the uncertainty she'd had about where she stood with them was long gone, but it had returned in full force.

Boorman, now... He had a feeling Boorman had seen horror enough, that he wouldn't be shocked. He could probably offer wisdom about how you deal with taking a life, how you move forward; but Boorman carried his own share of guilt.

He'd apologized once, for allowing Graydon to be taken. Graydon had reassured him, and the subject was dropped... but it colored their time together. Boorman had returned to his earlier reticence. Every thought had to be drawn out of him and sometimes Graydon just didn't have the energy.

He let Graydon cry on his shoulder without pushing him to talk about it, though. Graydon was grateful for that much.

Airk... Gods, what they'd been made to do, what he still wanted that he couldn't admit to anyone else (though he suspected that Jade suspected). He'd barely said a word to Airk since they arrived at the castle; yet he couldn't help watching him, every chance he got. Airk, whose easy smile hid a sensitive and caring soul. Airk, whose eyes danced with merriment even now, masking his pain.

Airk, who had tried so hard to protect him. How he longed hold him close now, to comfort him and be comforted in turn.

They'd been avoiding each other, as much as was polite, as much they could without drawing attention. Still, their eyes would meet across the banquet table or the courtyard, and it was like lightning striking. There was so much left unsaid, so many feelings whirling through him. His mind was a melange of fear and confusion, shame and longing, and it seemed to him that the only way to move forward was by confronting it.

He couldn't eat, he couldn't sleep, his guts were in a knot of anxiety, day and night... he had to try.

It was only Airk he could talk to, now.

Pausing in front of Airk's door, he considered knocking and shook his head. With one more furtive glance down the hall, he let himself in.

Airk was still in bed, still asleep by the looks of it. Alone, too. Graydon supposed it wasn't surprising if Airk was going through something similar — what had happened was enough to shake them both.

Of course, finding out your girlfriend was Elora Danan was its own entirely separate set of complications. How strange to think that the sunny, sweet kitchen maid had been the Empress all along. She didn't seem to believe it herself, half the time. He couldn't imagine dealing with a revelation like that in a romantic context.

Graydon crept closer to the bed. Airk lay on his stomach, face smashed into a pillow he was holding with both arms. Shirtless, Graydon could see, and tried to ignore it. He was here to talk, that was all.

And yet... he couldn't help remembering the last time he'd seen Airk in a state of undress, the feeling of their bodies moving together.

His eyes traced down the line of Airk's back, the smooth, bare skin, the fine muscles, the drape of the sheet over the small roundness of his backside.

Graydon closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

I just need to talk to him, he reminded himself. I just have to talk to someone about it all.

Leaning down, he touched Airk's shoulder and murmured his name.

Airk came awake with a gasp, startling Graydon into stepping back. His eyes shot open, wildly scanning the room.

Blinking, Airk tilted his head. "Graydon? What...?"

"Sorry. I didn't mean— Sorry," he repeated, flustered. He should've guessed Airk would be jumpy. He was jumpy himself, now.

Airk sat up, pulling the sheet higher over his hips and rubbing his eyes. He looked askance at Graydon, as if a direct gaze was too much.

"Did... Did you need something?"

"Uhh." Graydon tried to collect his thoughts. It seemed more straightforward in the hallway; with Airk sitting up in his bed, bare-chested (maybe bare everywhere, he couldn't help but think), things were murky again.

He shrugged half-heartedly. "I wanted to talk?"

"Okay," Airk said. "What about?" He ran a hand through his hair, a futile attempt to tame his messy waves, and patted the bed.

Accepting the invitation, Graydon perched on the edge. He gave Airk a nervous smile, then glanced back at the door, wringing his hands together. He inspected the window. He peeked back at Airk, who was looking directly at him now.

Caught in that patient green gaze, Graydon blurted the first thing that came to mind: "I miss you."

A small frown pinched Airk's brow. "I miss you, too," he admitted.

Graydon's breath hitched. He wanted so badly to fling himself into Airk's arms, to press close to the one person who would understand, who knew it all and couldn't be hurt by it. The ache roared in him, drowning out Airk's next words.

"I'm sorry?" Graydon said, faintly, trying to keep himself together.

Airk's mouth twisted. "I said, I don't see what we can do about it."

He pushed his hair back again and exhaled hard to displace a stray lock that fell over his eyes. "We can't," he added, more softly.

"No, of course not," Graydon hastily agreed. "We can't. Definitely. We shouldn't." He looked down. "Just..."

He took a deep breath and shut his eyes. Opening them again, he reached out and took Airk's hand. "What if we did, though?"

"We—" Airk started, staring down at their joined hands. His voice squeaked, and he cleared his throat. "We shouldn't."

"Maybe not," Graydon replied, squeezing his hand. "But at the same time, maybe we should?"

He sat up straighter, looking Airk fully in the eyes. Suddenly he felt very sure about what might not be the best decision, but somehow seemed like the only possible path forward.

"I'm haunted," Graydon said. "I can't pretend it didn't happen. I haven't been able to talk to anyone else about it, I haven't been able to, um," he looked away, face heating, "I can't sleep, can barely eat..."

Airk made a sympathetic noise and he turned back, sliding closer.

"What if we had it once, just for us?" Graydon said. "Not because anyone is making us, but because we want to?"

Raising his other hand, Airk drew the back of it down Graydon's cheek. His bit his lip; his expression was torn.

"I think that's a really bad idea," Airk whispered, leaning in even as he said it. Inches away, he stopped. They shared a shaky breath.

Graydon shivered. "Airk..."

He wasn't sure which of them broke first. He'd be happy to admit it, if it was him; heedlessly rushing forward had become something of a habit... but he was almost certain the falling together was mutual: Airk's hand curving around the back of his head, Graydon's falling to his thigh, their mouths meeting in a hard, hungry kiss.

Graydon's eyes teared up as their tongues moved together. It felt so wrong, it felt so right. It was a release, everything he'd been holding back since they'd returned to Tir Asleen bursting forth in a rush of passion.

He would take what he wanted, and damn the consequences.

Airk made an affirmative noise as Graydon climbed into his lap and wound both arms around Graydon's waist. He slipped his hands up under Graydon's shirt, stroking his back. Graydon moaned and Airk mouthed at his neck, growing hard beneath him.

Graydon tangled his hands in Airk's hair, tugging at those soft waves. Airk whined into his shoulder, pulling an arm tight around Graydon's waist and grinding up against him.

"Fuck, Airk," Graydon breathed. Gods, he was so wet already. He dropped his hands to his waist, fumbling with the ties, rising up on his knees to shove his pants down. Airk helped him, tugging them down his ankles, knocking off his slippers.

Graydon shoved the sheet aside and moved forward, sinking down on Airk's cock with a low growl. He rolled his hips and Airk clutched at him, pressing his face into Graydon's shirt and whimpering. He reached out and braced himself on the headboard, riding Airk slowly, feeling every inch.

It was so good, but he needed more.

"Get, get down on your back," he rasped, pulling off Airk with a slick sound and shuffling backwards on the bed. "All the way down."

Airk, expression dazed, quickly obeyed. He kicked the rest of the sheet out of the way and laid down, reaching forward to pull at Graydon's hip.

Graydon crawled over him, kissing him and grinding against his dick, letting it slide against his folds. They both groaned.

"Mm, Graydon, please," Airk breathed, between kisses. Graydon grinned against his mouth and kept up the slow, deliberate tease. Airk was so hard, and that hardness was dragging against him so deliciously. The desperate way Airk was panting beneath him was even more delectable.

He was so close already, twitching his hips back and forth. Just a little more, a little more...

He threw his head back with a wild cry as his release sparked, flooding his nerves with pleasure. As he froze, muscles tensing, Airk slid down under him, thrusting up hard and filling him again in one swift motion.

"Fuck!" Graydon cried, shuddering. Airk grabbed his waist, rocking up into him. It was wonderful and overwhelming. Graydon almost didn't recognize the strangled mewl he let out.

He spread his legs and pushed down hard, pinning Airk's hips to the bed. "I didn't say you could do that," he said, his tone as severe as he could make it with Airk's dick twitching inside him.

"Sorry?" Airk offered, with a cheeky grin.

Graydon felt a small, wicked smile curve over his face. "You're gonna be," he murmured. "Don't fucking move."

He sat up, relishing the way Airk bit his lip at the movement, and pulled off his shirt. Tossing it aside, he leaned forward again and pressed his hands to Airk's chest. Looking deep into his eyes he rolled his hips sinuously, one slow continual motion.

Airk moaned, low in his throat, holding perfectly still. His eyes were shining, and as he reached up a gentle hand and brushed it along Graydon's cheek, a tear spilled over.

Graydon chest tightened. He gasped and sank down on Airk, kissing away the tear, kissing his cheek, kissing his mouth, trying to stop him crying before he started himself.

The ache in his heart was slowly easing, the dread assuaged for the first time in weeks. The relief was so great, he wanted to join Airk in his tears... but he refused.

He'd steal back all the joy they'd tried to rob from him. Every bit of it.

Pushing back upright, Graydon moved harder, riding Airk faster. Airk's hands slid to his hips, holding them firmly, and he pressed his head back into the bed. His eyes were still shining but he held back his tears as his gaze roamed over Graydon's body and most especially his face.

Graydon exulted in the joy of their bodies meeting, having what he wanted on his own terms. As he felt himself building to another climax, he wanted Airk to feel that joy, too.

Crouching forward again, he drew Airk's hand up to his face, nuzzling his flushed cheek into it. He kissed along Airk's fingers, then ran his tongue over them as well. Airk whined and he smiled, taking his first two fingers in his mouth and sucking at them. Gods, he was so close and the way Airk was looking at him was pushing him closer.

He grabbed Airk's other hand, drawing it up his chest and along his neck, and snapped his hips harder, bouncing him into the bed with each thrust.

"Mm..." He let Airk's fingers slip from his mouth. "Airk, fuck... I'm so close."

Airk's fair skin was flushed, his eyes half-lidded. He smiled as he looked up at Graydon.

"Yes," he breathed, drawing his damp fingers down Graydon's chest and stomach, slipping them over his clit. "Let go."

Graydon hummed, teetering on the edge and not getting there even as he moved harder and Airk's fingers teased. He moaned with frustration. "I can't, I can't quite—"

Airk grabbed his hip, grinding up into him hard. "You can," he gasped. He rubbed more firmly against Graydon's clit and his voice took on a wheedling tone. "Come on, Gray. Come for me."

The tension in his body was unbearably tight now, back arching, thighs shaking. He shut his eyes. "Please," he sighed. "Please, oh, please..."

Airk groaned, overwrought. He moved abruptly, slipping out of Graydon and pushing him onto his back. Graydon's eyes flew open.

"Noo," he protested, but Airk was sliding down the bed, pushing fingers inside him and burying his face against Graydon's folds, stroking firmly over his clit with his tongue and sucking.

Graydon shuddered, his body seizing and mouth opening in a soundless scream. His breath whistled out of him in a reedy gasp as Airk brought him over the edge, pulsing around his fingers and in his mouth.

He twisted his hands in the sheets as Airk kept going, teasing his oversensitive nub until he came again, and again. As his tongue moved against his clit once more, Graydon let go of his rigid grip on the bedding and touched Airk's head.

"Stop," he gasped. "Gods, please stop. Come back up here, fuck me some more."

Airk sat back, kneeling, looking a bit sheepish. "Uh... I kinda came the first time you did, there." He wiped at his stomach. "I was pretty close, too, and that sound you made..."

Graydon's gaze dropped to his lap and he scoffed, then laughed. He raised his arms over his head and stretched, letting out a long sigh.

"It's fine," he said, holding out his arms. "C'mere."

Airk grinned and crawled to him, settling down with his head on Graydon's chest. Graydon threaded fingers through his hair, combing the unruly waves back into order. He gazed at the sunlight streaming in the window, feeling a sense of peace he'd been missing for the last month and more.

This was so right, somehow. Everything he knew about how things worked told him it wasn't, but his gut told him it was. There had to be some way to make it all work.

He thought of Kit's troubled face last night, and many nights before, and he winced. Not that it would be easy, surely — but he had to try.

A shiver ran through Airk, and Graydon became aware of a dampness against his skin. "Are you okay?"

Airk sniffed, and tucked his face a little harder against Graydon's chest.

"Sweetheart, don't cry." He wrapped both arms around Airk and squeezed him tight.

Airk sighed, and lifted his head. "I'm okay. It's just..." He squirmed uncomfortably and looked away. His voice got quieter. "It's just that I've been feeling like I made you do those things, before. So, you coming to me, even after all that..."

Graydon cupped his cheek with one hand, turning his face back towards him. "You didn't make me do anything. Ever." His voice was firm, but Airk's expression remained doubtful and sad.

He drew Airk toward him and kissed him, hoping that would get across what his words couldn't, that he could soothe Airk's guilt as well as his own.

-----

It was early to expect Kit to be awake, she knew; Jade hoped to catch them both still in bed, to get them talking.

The last month had been hard, dodging Kit's questions. She could only say "you should ask your husband that" so many times, when she knew he wasn't answering her, either. But damned if she was going to be the one to tell Kit everything that had happened. She frankly wasn't sure how she'd take it, but she had her suspicions. And it was Graydon's to tell, anyway — not hers.

Not to mention the fact that it had happened on her watch, that she'd been ordered to play that role... that she'd let it happen to them...

A door opened into the hallway, disrupting her spiral. Airk's room, and as she glanced to it she was shocked to see a dark head peeping out, looking down the hallway one direction, then back towards her.

Graydon froze, eyes widening. He looked for a moment as if he might just disappear back into Airk's room. After a long moment, he resolutely squared his shoulders and stepped out into the hallway, pulling the door shut behind him.

Notes:

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