4. Chapter Four

Thick, fluffy clouds stroll past our slow-moving group. My head rests on Casmir's shoulder as I watch the sky glide, completely unbothered by the impending war below. The quiet sting of the sun settles my nerves, though the light breeze feels like the most tender embrace from a lover.

I sigh, my abdomen contracting when the prince's hand tightens around me. We need to see Ivana, but I still haven't told my bonds of my visit with her. Or why her help is imperative to our chances against Andras.

I think we'll just have to go in there and hope for the best?Xamira snorts, the sound coming out as a chuff, causing Cas to look over where she sits in front of Emrys.

Do not look to me when they become upset upon learning your secrets. My jaw drops, head snapping toward my sorid, while she stares back with an unimpressed look. I click my tongue and roll my eyes, facing forward again with a huff.

So much for always having my back.

"And what would my princesses be talking about?" Cas's hushed tone caresses my ear, and I instinctively roll my head to him, meeting his curious eyes.

"She's just being sassy today," I offer, not lying but also not explaining the whole truth. I'm afraid they will stop our travels if I tell them now, and this cannot wait any longer.

"And you aren't?" He grins when my eyes widen, groaning when a random gust of air slams into his shoulder. "Okay, okay!" He laughs, the movement vibrating heavily against my back as he grips his fingers tightly along my waist. "I was only kidding…you? Sassy? Never!"

"You are absolutely insufferable." My voice betrays the attempt to hide my grin. So I knock him with more air and he chuckles, leaning forward to press his mouth to my ear. Heat instantly rushes down my body, pooling at the base of my spine. My breaths increase slightly, exposing my insatiable need for him.

The deep, heated hum of his voice causes me to shiver as I thoughtlessly lean further into his hard chest. "You want to play with your magic, princess? Because I can think of much more…pleasurable uses for it, if that's the case." Biting my lip, I take a deep breath before responding.

"Maybe I want to play with your magic." My words taste sweet, as if honeyed silk were lining my eager tongue. "I seem to remember your desire to test a certain theory with it." The memory of him first showing me his magic lights up in my head, and a different, softer warmth builds in the hollow of my chest.

His smile presses into my skin as he speaks low enough for only us to hear. I could easily erect a sound barrier, but the idea of someone hearing us is thrilling. "Well, I would be a bad prince to leave his queen wanting." His fingers trail so lightly down my abdomen that I feel it in my throat, needing to part my lips to compensate for the sudden tightness in my lungs. I'm so fucking glad we're at the back of the group because his fingers do not stop at my waistband. No, they curve under the fitted material, teasing the building anticipation at my core.

"Cas," I breathe, not trusting myself to speak any louder.

"Yes?" he says so innocently. "I can't let you play with my air at the moment, but I wouldn't dare neglect taking care of you." Just then, his fingers graze my clit; I quickly call to my essence, blocking the others from seeing or hearing us as an embarrassingly loud gasp leaves me. I'm not great at hiding my moans—as my bonds have shown me—and I don't feel like having an audience for this.

He slides his fingers through my slit, and I release a shuddering breath, my hands snapping out to grasp his thighs for support. "So fucking wet already," he curses to himself. "Did training with the males get you worked up, Nell?" Honestly? Yes. But not because they were males; no, I don't think I'll ever be attracted to another male again now that I have my bonds.

I'm competitive, and knocking those assholes down repeatedly was exhilarating. But…Cas doesn't need to know that little detail.

"And what if it did?"

An evil laugh vibrates where the prince kisses my neck. "Then it's a good thing you're riding with me and not Emrys." Before I can respond, he curls two fingers, thrusting them as deep as they'll go at this angle. Which is impressively deep. I bite my lip hard, struggling to hold in my sounds even though the others can't hear us.

I must have let my control slip because Emrys stiffens, whipping his head back to nothing; his eyes slide over the landscape for a moment before he smirks and shakes his head, turning forward once more.

I sag into Casmir's embrace, shivering when he somehow manages to wrap himself further around me. "Mm, I love the way you feel." He presses a hand against my low abdomen, working me like an instrument with the other. I groan, arching into his touch and rolling my hips with his movements.

"Gods," I breathe as my teeth run across my bottom lip. "More." My simple demand requires no explanation; my bond already knows what I need. He slowly pushes in another finger, using his other hand to pull my leg back further until he's satisfied with how wide I'm spread.

His hand shifts like a wave, rolling from the outside of my pussy to the inner walls. My grip on reality falters, shifting in a way that feels almost out of body. My eyes find the back of my head as he massages the right spot, and I moan loudly, turning to bury my face in his neck.

I will never get enough of them.

"Where are Casmir and Nell?" Ansa's worried voice snaps me out of my haze. I open my eyes to see the entire group—except the captain—looking back for us.

"Oh no, princess," Cas teases. "Looks like I need to make you come faster than I intended." He thrusts his fingers roughly, causing me to gasp. "That's okay. I'll get more from you later." He fucks me hard, and I whimper, hoping I don't lose the hold on my magic.

"Oh gods, fuck, right there, Cas." My eyes slip closed, lost to the sensations he's wringing from my body.

"Should we go back? They were there a few minutes ago." I want to feel guilty for worrying the others, but I can't think.

"No, it's fine. They're still behind us," Emrys grumbles, and Casmir's chest shakes my shoulders as he laughs at his best friend.

"So close, Nell," he groans, resting his forehead on my shoulder. "You are so fucking addicting. I want you riding my cock the second we're back in the castle." I think I nod, mumbling something about how I can't imagine anything better than feeling him push into me.

"And how would you know that, because I do not see them anywhere?" Karis giggles at Talyn's question, her retort lost to me.

"I just know. They're fine."

"Yeah," Karis drags the word out. "I'd be fine, too, if I was getting the life fucked out of me."

"What—oh! Oh, come on, you two! You couldn't wait until we were back?" Ansa's loud voice tells me she's directing her words in the prince's and my direction.

Gods, I need them to shut up.

"Give them a break, Ans, they're soul mates or some shit. If you had a piece of my soul, you'd have to kill me to keep me from being inside you constantly," he laughs loudly. "Honestly, I'm impressed they have any restraint at all. Especially the captain. Hey—Emrys! How could you possibly be up here riding with us when those two are getting their rocks off right behind you?" There are a few noises, followed by Karis yelling about the safety of the horses and how they're not fireproof.

Casmir presses his lips to my ear and my spine shivers from the new sensation. The heat from his breath accentuates every chilled part of my body he's not touching. "Come, my love." He curls his fingers deeply, forcing the extensive heat at my core to plummet over the edge.

I grip his thighs so tightly I'm sure he will bruise, but he doesn't pull away. No, he leans into my touch, groaning as raw pleasure seizes my entire being. I beg my magic to hold, knowing this would be the most embarrassing time for it to fail me.

Which is certainly the reason it does. Because nothing in my life ever seems to go right.

The receding essence glides over my skin, settling back into the depths of my soul. I slap a hand over my mouth, willing the convulsions to stop before the others turn around. I manage to control the trembling by the time Emrys looks over his shoulder, rolling his eyes. Karis is the first to whip his head around, a big grin plastered over his face. He winks just as Talyn and Jorin look back.

The dark-haired male tries to suppress a smile, though he's unsuccessful. A deep red impales Talyn's cheeks, and she clears her throat before spinning forward.

Karis peeks over at Em before directing his gaze at me, opening his mouth to speak. I mentally prepare myself for what I'm sure is a very enlightening comment. "Hey, Nell!" I raise a brow at him, crossing my arms. "I have room on my horse—and strong fingers—if you need some extra de-stressing! It'd be my pleasure to help!" I bite my cheek hard, eyes shooting over to the captain as the prince bellows a laugh behind me.

My eyes widen when a deep growl permeates the space. Emrys glares at Karis, looking as if he's trying to convince himself not to pummel the guard. Eventually, he releases a large breath, shaking his head and focusing on the looming city once more.

The male must have a death wish, because he raises his brows at me, nodding at Emrys as if to say "watch this," before speaking. "Hey, captain! Your soul mates were just fucking behind your back, without including you at all! Do you consider that cheating?" I scoff just as Emrys decides killing his guard is worth it, fire springing to life in his hand. He and Karis volley their magic the rest of the way, while the latter continues to taunt my overprotective bond.

As we approach the city gates, I realize I've been smiling for the last hour watching them. I did not once think about Andras, or the tangible memories he left me. I did not think about how disgusting I am, or how I'm not worthy of anything my bonds have given me.

I just lived in the moment and allowed myself to feel comfort in the company of family.

Family. I'm not sure when I started to think of this group as my family, but it feels right. Familiar. Almost as if they were here all those horrible years, just waiting for me to return home.

"I think I'll walk the rest of the way," I chirp, slipping off our horse before Casmir can protest. We're nearly at Ivana's shop, and I need Xamira to help distract so that we do not draw attention to us visiting her.

When Cas first told me of her, he mentioned that her kind were illegal, but not what would happen if she were exposed. It has confused me for a while that he couldn't just change the law, but I have not spent enough time with the fae to know their biases. Would they hurt her if they knew the truth?

Especially if they knew what she could do? Because if she's anything like Imogen, she could open bridges to new realms. Not that she would…but the other fae wouldn't know that.

The streets are lively, and my self-preservation insists we can come back later, but this is too important to push off. It's worth risking the wrath of the Anlorian fae.

It's time.Without looking back, Xamira jumps from Emrys's horse, shifting mid-air. The horse startles, rearing back a bit before Em calms her down.

My sorid, ever the attention lover, makes a show of her shift. She stretches her wings to their full length, allowing the silky, black feathers to glisten in the light. Gasps ring through the streets as Xamira stalks forward, pulling fae eyes away from us and demanding their attention on her.

I take the opportunity to pace ahead, ignoring the calls of my bonds as I quickly duck into the witch's shop. The few second wait for them to reach me feels like years as the anticipation of their shock and disappointment weighs heavily on my soul. I almost feel giddy; like I am crawling out from under my skin while my stomach threatens to convulse against my will.

A pungent, herbal scent drifts past me, and I turn my head to see wisps of smoke coming from the back. The dark atmosphere soothes me. I take a moment to savor the solitude and absence of light, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. The peaceful bubble I've been desperate for bursts as the door behind me swings open.

I do not turn as Cas and Em's purposeful footsteps break the silence. I allow my lungs to fill deeply with air, preparing myself for the scolding they're sure to give me. Their striking features appear in front of me and I look between their eyes, absorbing the very different emotions radiating off of them.

Emrys—as expected—is pissed. If we weren't in public, I've no doubt he would bend me over for being a brat. His gaze says he might just do it anyway, so I shift my focus to the prince. I didn't presume Casmir to be as angry as his captain, but I did anticipate his disappointment.

There is none in his gaze. Just confusion and…is that guilt?

"Am I interrupting something?" Ivana's hard voice causes me to shiver as the tension between my bonds and me loosens.

I step around them, clasping my hands behind my back. "No. I just did not inform them of our visit before we arrived." Understanding fills her expression, and she gives me a knowing look.

"Well, you're all here now. So let's get on with it."

We follow her to a decently sized room, set with a table in the middle. The wooden structure is thin enough that one could easily reach over and touch the person across from them. Considering her line of work, I assume that's purposeful and quite helpful. There's a round work surface in the corner, supporting dozens of bottles and vials, each filled with different liquids. The top of the small table holds small containers of dry materials, bringing my senses back to the herbal smell that greeted me. It's strong in here, so the witch must have been working on something.

She gestures for the three of us to sit opposite her crimson armchair as she moves to grab a few items from the table and cabinet resting next to it. My males automatically plant themselves in the two outer chairs, and I shake my head as I lower myself into the third. It's not the most comfortable thing, and it creaks when I adjust to a position that will hopefully keep my ass from going numb.

Sitting back, I wring my hands together. I know they have questions and now is the time to ask them.

I'm not sure why I'm so nervous. The hardest part is over, but I suppose that doesn't wash away the guilt ravaging my insides for hiding this from them. Sure, I haven't done anything wrong or dangerous, but I feel so uncomfortable with the thought of us not knowing everything about each other.

I long to crawl into their bodies and learn every thought they've ever had. I crave to know what their senses feel like when they kiss me, and if their reactions are as consuming as mine. I ache to count the number of times their hearts beat in a minute, needing to synchronize my own with the intimate tempo of theirs.

I jolt, my breath hitching when a hand runs along my arm. My surroundings come back to me as I focus on Casmir, who incites more of my selfish thoughts with a tender smile.

"What are we doing here, Nell?" His thumb strokes its way to my hand, sliding under my palm and surrounding my fingers with his.

"I visited Ivana a week ago and asked if she could help us."

"When did you—" Emrys pauses, sighing deeply. "The fucking competition. You planned it." I wince at his harsh tone and nod, keeping my eyes averted.

"I'm sorry, but you wouldn't have agreed, and I needed to know if she could help."

"Yes, but what exactly is she assisting with?" the prince questions, glancing over to the witch as she sets up what she needs.

I give him a long look, not ready to admit the truth to myself just yet. "We are going to send a message to the other gods." His brows scrunch for only a moment before smoothing out as he realizes what I'm saying.

"They will come here, then? To aid in our efforts against Andras?"

"Yes," I barely whisper. I never wanted to subject them to the wrath of my mother. That was one part of my life I did not want them having access to. But I no longer have a choice; and now they will have VIP access to her obsession with belittling me every chance she gets, under the guise of disappointment.

"What's the cost?" Everyone in the small room pauses at Em's sour mood.

Ivana waves a hand, dismissing his concern. "Do not brood, Captain. It is but a simple spell that requires just one vial of your goddess's blood." Her ruby eyes meet mine and she holds out a hand, indicating her readiness.

I offer my arm, chuckling under my breath. It's ironic how the slice of a sharp dagger through my skin will be the least painful part of everything that's about to happen.

The witch sits in her cushioned chair, pulling out her blade. Both males inhale sharply and jolt, though Em reaches her first and wraps his hand around the tip of the dagger. "You can use my blood," he demands, and I"d be lying if I denied just how much I enjoy his possessiveness.

Ivana rolls her eyes, not moving to snatch the dagger back, lest she slice him too. "No. It must be Anellah's blood, as it is she that shares it with the other deities."

"Em, it's fine. It's just a little poke, and I heal much faster than you do, anyway." He narrows his eyes at Ivana before relenting, releasing the blade and sitting back down. I reach over to squeeze his hand, offering a warm smile. His face softens, and he watches me intensely, lifting my hand to place a light kiss over my fingers.

I love you. He smirks and grips me tightly, making it clear that Ivana can use my other arm while he holds this one. I purse my lips at him, shaking my head as I face the witch who is about to reunite me with my parents after twenty-five years.