Icy blue eyes met mine.
Pain blending with pleasure.
And that look alone sent me cascading over the falls into the blissful waters below. He followed on a bellow, my name a hum within his mind, as something powerful snapped into place.
Contentment settled over me.
Complete, my heart whispered. We’re now complete.
You own me, Claire, I heard him say in my mind. Until the end of time.
I yawned, too exhausted to reply, and kissed him softly instead. His tongue played over mine in lazy strokes, our bodies still joined below. The rightness of it all lulled me into a slumber, a smile permanently etched into my lips.
Peace.
I finally knew peace.
I woke two more times to the same treatment. Cyrus’s body a healing solvent I didn’t know I needed. Each session I felt stronger, invigorated, and pleased.
But I sensed unrest deep within. My other elements dissatisfied by my prolonged slumber.
Soon I would emerge from this watery cocoon.
Someone needed me.
I only wished I knew who.
Rest, I heard someone say. You’ll find me when you’re ready.
Mmm, I loved that voice. Okay.
I’ll be waiting…
Okay, I repeated, snuggling into the hot male at my side. I miss you.
I miss you, too, princess.
“We’ll go back to them soon,” a deep voice murmured, lips close to my ear. “Maybe even tomorrow. Sleep and we’ll evaluate your strength then.”
“Mmm, ’kay.” I nuzzled his skin, adoring the fresh scent and allowing it to overwhelm my senses. “I trust you.”
And I did.
Because he was mine.
And I trusted what was mine.
“We’ll see” was his reply. “Sleep, little queen.”
I yawned, nodding. Who was I to argue with a king?
Cyrus
My father joined me on the balcony of my rooms, his light hair tied back at the nape. Most Water Fae preferred to wear their hair long, enjoying the way it flowed like water over their shoulders. I preferred to keep mine shorter, as was customary of my spirit side. That might have to change in the years to come.
Another concession, I thought. All for a female I never desired to love.
Yet glancing over my shoulder now to see her blonde curls against my navy pillows had me thinking otherwise. Claire was special. Very, very special.