Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
When I noted it in irritation to my mate, he brushed off my concern, happy to have three determined males working to ensure I was safe, so long as they kept their distance.
After all, my fertilized eggs might be their only hope for future partnership.
Their obsession with my safety was only rivaled by that of the male who could not keep his hands off me.
Who knew exactly how to distract me from my fears and concerns, and who showed me there could even be moments when I was at silent peace.
As if Cyderial could sense the second I was settled, he would often take those opportunities to taste me, regardless of onlookers. And I knew what he was doing, associating the action with my contentment. Training me.
Which was why, sometimes, I bit him.
Which only excited him all the more.
16
It was our second visit to the courtyard, a beautiful night where the fog rushed the distant filters with particular violence. Rolling up, churning, and glimmering in the setting sun, it danced and dazzled. Though it was too far away to taste, I was mesmerized nonetheless, sipping a drink Cyderial had chosen for me and enjoying a moment of quiet.
The courtyard's other guests made their peace with our presence. The males less on guard, the women less insistent of my attention.
I would not doubt it if Cyderial contacted each individual and threatened them with consequences should they think to disrupt me a second time. Even Miranda only waved and smiled in insidious glee but did not so much as budge from her chair to fetch me.
The respite was appreciated.
For much weighed on my mind.
Earlier, Cyderial passed me a note written in Maeve’s hand.
I agree.
Two words that sealed my fate.
Maeve agreed to accept Thayer would take her, that she would be mated to a general, and that she would have to thrive despite circumstances, should she dislike him. Maeve would be the first unmated female to comprehend what some portion of her future would be in centuries.
And knowing my sister, she would make the most of his position and build a good life for herself.
If… he could emulate my mate and treat her with common decency.
I trusted her to try to do the right thing no matter how much she might be repulsed by the large golden man.
And I tried not to perseverate on the fact that I had put myself in an impossible position. I had to bear a child, or Maeve’s sacrifice would’ve been for nothing. No matter how well the mating went, the other generals would not agree to any change without the promise of a future mate.
I would have to betray everything I ever believed in.
Had I not already though?
Mated to Cyderial, the tormentor of my youth. An academy instructor responsible for the harm of small children. A traitor to my friend, who I sold to Thayer.
The huge golden general would be joining us shortly, where I would have one chance to say such things to him. Cyderial assured me that he spoke to him as well.
At length.
Given him manuals.
Discussed intimate details.
All while I had been busy with academy duties.
With the cooling evening breeze on my bare arms and a long swishing dress tangling around my legs, I leaned into my mate, who shared a comfortable bench at my side. Smiling as I told Cyderial something cute one of the kids said, I was interrupted by a rushing giant of a man.
General Thayer was early.
“Cyderial, Lorieyn, hello.” The abrupt greeting immediately degraded into talk about Maeve. Not a great sign of self-control. Fitting his massive form into the little chair across the table, he got right to the point. “Two days until graduation. I hear she passed you a note regarding your conversation.”
The men had been talking indeed. Distrustful, feeling as if this was far too personal, I tried my best to be polite. “My sister agrees to submit, knowing what you will do to her and why.”
“Give me the note,” he demanded, almost as imperious as my own terribly bossy mate.
Cyderial angled his body between us while growling a warning that the larger male better back down.
“No,” I said with a frown. If I could stand up to Cyderial, I could handle Thayer. Spine straighter, I leaned forward and challenged the man. “I think it would be good for you to experience longing that cannot be fulfilled. You’re too eager right now, and I’m afraid you will hurt her. She’s giving up her dreams in hopes that you will not ruin her life. She is doing this for the greater good, not because she has any personal attachment to you. The note she prepared? It was for me.”
Thayer looked as if I just stabbed him through the heart, his huge hand even pressing to his chest. “You cannot imagine the level at which I worship her.”