CHAPTER 47

Verian

VERIAN STOOD AT ATTENTION, shoulders back, legs straight, head and neck erect. It was the first thing he'd learned at the training collegium as a young lad, and something he fell back on to calm his nerves, even if he wasn't called to formation.

Something he supposed would never happen again, as he'd formally given his resignation to the guard.

It had been bittersweet, but in his heart he knew he was doing the right thing. Drusus had sent him off with a firm hug and a demand for an expeditious invitation to the palace. He could only roll his eyes, though he would miss the camaraderie of life in the barracks.

The palace was… different, that was certain. Verian was getting used to a life of leisure, after years spent perpetually on duty. It had been relatively quiet since that first morning with Renatus and Vita. A co uple of days later and they were settling into themselves, figuring out how they fit together.

All that solitude had changed when Aurora and Petran arrived home; their trip to Oakengate cut short after hearing word of Vita's kidnapping and subsequent escape.

Now, joyous laughter rang through the main hall, Petran twirling Vita around in the air as if she were as light as a feather. Verian couldn't help but laugh along with them, Renatus standing beside him and Aurora giving him a knowing wink.

When Petran finally put Vita down, he turned to Verian with a grin. "I don't believe we've formally met. I'm Petran."

"Verian," he said as the bear of a man pulled him into a hug.

Thankfully, Petran didn't lift him off the ground even though he was surely capable, the scent of smoke wafting off his heavy jacket. Verian's entire body felt aflame; the memory of the last time he'd seen this man—and what Aurora had been doing to him—burned forever in his memory.

Something he still hadn't gotten a chance to try with Vita or Renatus, though he hoped it would happen soon.

"Verian," Petran repeated, releasing him from his vice grip. "It's truly wonderful to meet you."

"A friend of Vita's is a friend of ours," Aurora chimed in, stepping up and pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

Verian burned now, embarrassment and arousal intertwining like a tangle of thorns. Just a few months ago, he would never have considered the fact that some had intimate relationships with more than one.

And now here he was, squarely in the middle of just such an entanglement.

Strangely enough, he felt at home, like he'd known these people his whole life. He saw the love they shared as Aurora embraced Vita and Renatus. The woman pressed her palms to Vita's cheeks, their foreheads touching as they basked in the joy of reunion.

They were a family, a family that Verian was now a part of. Something he hadn't had in a very long time.

"I'm sorry we weren't there to help, my dear," Aurora said, but Renatus just shook his head.

"Vita had it more than handled. You've taught her well."

Oh, she had it handled .

Verian would never scrub the burned bodies from his memory, the look of shock on her face afterward. He always knew she was powerful, but knowing it and witnessing it firsthand were two different things. She'd saved his life, and Renatus', too, came into her power at the exact right time.

"I've never heard of the man… Spurius , and I know many of the sorcerers in the city. What did you say he looked like again?" Aurora asked as she walked arm in arm with Renatus towards the hallway, Petran following closely behind.

The grin hadn't left Vita's face since the two had arrived, and she turned to direct it towards Verian. "What do you think of them?"

He chuckled. "Well, they both seem quite… nice. It's a lot at once, you know? But I like them, I do."

Her face softened. "I know it's a lot. It's not the type of situation I ever thought I'd be in, but I enjoy it. If you don't—"

"I want you to be happy. I love you. Renatus… I care for him. I'm certain that I will feel similarly for Aurora and Petran. You are free to do as you wish and I… may or may not want to join you."

Now she laughed, linking her arm in his and meandering down the halls, nodding at servants and thralls as they passed.

"Are we in one of your fairy stories, sweet girl?" Verian asked, a sparkle in his eye as she glanced his way.

"I would say so, don't you think?"

Vita's smile was as bright as the solstice sun, beaming up at him with the same adoration he felt in his chest.

"I never really thought there was another way, that I could choose how to live my life. It all seemed so set in stone when I was at the collegium, working as a guard. A ladder I needed to climb to get what I wanted. But all of that… it wasn't really me . I just wanted to help people, like my father did."

She squeezed his arm, easing some of the tension building in him. "And you can still do that. There are so many ways you… we… can help others. The guard was only one avenue."

"I know. I just hope I can find my way."

She paused, turning and pressing a kiss to his lips. "You will, Ver. I know it in my heart."

As always, her sweet words settled his nerves, her melodious voice washing over him like a wave.

Verian pulled Vita into his chest, pressing their bodies together, never wanting to let go.

Dinner the next night was a joyous affair, their own private Edonia celebration. Autumn was officially here.

A well-fattened goose was the masterpiece of the evening, a symbol of the harvest and preparation for the coming winter. It was more delicious than anything Verian had ever tasted, rich and earthy with nutty undertones.

He was quiet for most of the meal, letting others lead the conversation while he observed. He'd never been the best at standing out in a crowd, preferring to fade to the background while others took the stage. Vita squirmed next to him, her face flushed pleasantly, and he could only imagine what cogs were spinning in her lascivious mind.

He would be lying if he said he didn't also have some ideas. His first kiss with Renatus had been electric, and there had been many more since then. It was such a strange, but comforting, feeling to finally be able to live as his true self, to accept what had always been a part of him.

Verian kept meeting Petran's eye, who sat across from him, and at some point during the evening felt the sturdy leg of the man hooking around his own under the table. That certainly jolted him to attention, his cock tightening his pants as Petran winked.

Petran, who had made a very distinct effort to walk next to him as they retired to the parlor while Vita, Renatus, and Aurora trailed behind, arm in arm.

"How are you liking the palace, love?"

Verian tried to focus, tried to breathe, tried to stop his head from spinning as he stammered an answer. "It's… very nice here. Much better than the barracks."

Was he going to have sex with a man tonight?

Not that he was in a rush. It had only been a few days since he'd first kissed Renatus, since he'd gotten on his knees for the man. Looking up at the High Consul's cock awaiting his eager mouth, it was positively divine.

Ordained by the Gods themselves.

Verian knew he needed work before he was at Vita's utterly impeccable skill level, but that's what practice was for.

Still, he couldn't deny the anticipation that coursed through him at the thought, even though the evening cuddles of the past few nights were idyllic in their own way.

Petran grinned. "I am glad to hear that. You make Vita and Renatus very happy."

Vita? Doubtless. But Renatus?

"I'm not so sure about that," he said, casting a glance back at the High Consul before entering the room.

Without warning, Petran pulled him in close, rough lips vibrating the sensitive shell of his ear. "I'm certain. He likes you quite a bit. I like you too."

Fuck.

Tension coiled in Verian's stomach, his cock aching as it pressed against his pants. The look in Petran's eyes sent a shiver down his spine as Vita and the others entered the parlor. She moved straight to a comfortable chair, pulling Renatus and Aurora along with a mischievous smile on her face.

The room was warm, too warm, the flames of the hearth crackling as Verian felt all eyes on him.

Petran dragged him to the velvety sofa, taking the seat next to him. Too close, their legs squeezing together despite the ample space on the couch.

Renatus settled onto the chair across the room, his arms wrapped around the waists of Vita and Aurora, one woman seated on each of his thighs.

They were Verian's captive audience, despite the small talk they tried to make, and he was the actor on stage. Somehow the thought aroused him more than frightened him, though maybe Vita's comforting smile had something to do with that.

Then Petran was leaning towards him, eagerness apparent by the look on his face.

"Can I kiss you, Verian?" The deep timbre of his voice set every nerve alight, the gaze of tawny eyes not helping the matter.

"Y-Yes," Verian finally managed, and the man was on him, grasping his face with enormous hands and pressing their lips together.

The kiss differed from the High Consul's, uncontrolled and wild as opposed to precise and passionate. Certainly different from Vita's lips, which were soft and sweet, but Verian enjoyed it all the same.

Petran was smooth, leaning him back until he lay flush on the couch, not letting their lips part once. His tongue was rough, sending pleasant shocks through Verian. Then an absolute jolt as Petran's erection rubbed against his own, white already dotting his eyes.

Before he could tangle his fingers in the man's hair, Petran was pulling away, reaching for the laces of his pants. "Is this alright?"

"Yes," Verian said, anticipation racing through him.

He turned to see Vita kissing Aurora passionately, the sleeves of their dresses already hanging off their shoulders as the women ran their hands over each other.

Then Verian's pants were gone—as were Petran's—and his legs were hiked up against the man's solid chest.

This was really going to happen, though as Verian's eyes trailed to the massive cock hanging between Petran's thighs, he wasn't so sure.

Renatus cleared his throat, his voice ringing through the tense silence of the room. "You're not fucking him tonight, Petran. That will be my honor when the time is right, if Verian obliges."

The sharing was erotic, intense, but the possessiveness…

That hunger in the High Consul's voice made every muscle in his body clench with need. A need he hoped would be fulfilled by the man some day. And soon.

"Of course, High Consul ," Petran growled, letting Verian's legs slide off of him before gripping his needy cock at the base.

Verian closed his eyes with a whimper as Petran took the entire length into his mouth, not bothering with a sweet preamble like Vita.

Fuck.

A rough hand was cupping his balls as the other thrusted up and down his shaft with each bob of the man's head. Verian's cock quickly grew slick with saliva and he let out a loud moan as Petran pressed down on the whole of his length.

Yes, Verian's eyes were rolling, but he tried to focus on the image of the man between his thighs, the rapturous gaze, the wisps of tawny hair framing the broad face. Something he'd dreamed about for so long, even when the guilt was so strong it was overpowering. He'd jerked off to fictitious images such as this, but reality was so much better than his imagination.

Petran smiled, tawny eyes never breaking their gaze as he released Verian's cock, still stroking with his hand.

"Oh, I love hearing you moan. Does this feel good?"

Good ? Gods above, it was absolutely heavenly.

It had been freeing to tell Vita the truth, but now he was actually acting on his impulses and it felt right. Verian enjoyed the pleasure of women and men, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Too many things he couldn't say, not to Petran, not right now, so he just nodded.

A second later, the man was on his cock again, taking his length over and over without mercy.

Verian tried to focus on something, anything, but Petran's pace was frantic, making stars dot his vision. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold off his orgasm as he heard a voice. Renatus again, but this time speaking to Vita.

"Did you do as I asked, darling?"

"Yes, of course."

Verian peeked an eye open as Vita bit her lip into a smile.

"Let me see."

She slid off his lap, bending over so the whole room could get a good view. Even Petran turned to look, though the warm cavern of his mouth didn't leave Verian's cock. She pulled the back of her dress up, the black one that hardly covered a thing; the one she wore at the High Consul's last celebration that had almost driven him to madness.

The flared marble spire wedged into her, the mere sight of it making him buck into Petran's mouth unconsciously.

A chuckle rumbled in the man's chest as he released Verian. "It's beautiful, yes?"

All he could do was nod as a sharp smack punctured the moans of the room, Renatus slapping Vita hard on the ass as she squealed with delight.

"It's my turn," Aurora said, nudging Petran's shoulder as he pushed away from Verian.

"If you insist, Domina ."

He turned back to Verian with a wink before heaving off the couch.

"Tunic, off."

Aurora's instruction was simple, and Verian complied immediately.

"Come, Petran, help me with her," Renatus said, the pop of the spire being removed audible, even over Verian's own whimpers. "One cock is not good enough for our dear girl anymore."

Verian's mind was absolutely emptied of all thought as Aurora straddled his waist, kissing him deeply as she leaned over his prone form. They were mere sex toys to them, being used as Renatus and Aurora saw fit, the thought positively electrifying. His cock throbbed as Aurora positioned herself over him, gripping his length tightly.

"Are you ready, dear boy?" she asked, her voice a luscious purr as it washed over him.

"Yes. Please ."

Verian's whimper was pathetic, he was aware, but he needed her, needed his cock in someone's warmth, the desperation overwhelming.

He gripped Aurora's hips hesitantly, unsure what he was allowed to do, but she gave no harsh reprisal. Perhaps she was being nice since it was their first time together. She let herself drop, penetrating herself on his erection.

"Fuck," he muttered, head spinning as she lifted herself up and plunged down on him once more.

"What a good boy you are, giving me your hard cock. Will you make me come? Will you come for me?"

"Yes, yes, yes…" Verian muttered over and over again, rocking his hips into her as she sank down on him.

A yelp caught his attention, the sight widening his lust glazed eyes though he continued to thrust into Aurora.

Vita, held aloft between Petran and Renatus as they both fucked her. Strong arms rocked her up and down on top of them, and she grunted with each thrust. Utterly filled to the brim, just as she'd been with Renatus and himself a few days ago, and the image was titillating. She caught his eye, a blissful smile on her face, and he knew her mind was deliciously empty as well.

Aurora ground her clit into his pelvis, taking his attention away from Vita.

"What a lovely boy you are. I'm going to enjoy my time with you. Such a nice cock you have."

Oh, the words of praise were so good, and he tightened his grip on her hips, thrusting into her. He was doing something right if the moans escaping Aurora's mouth meant anything, and it wasn't long before she was trembling on top of him, her cunt clenching so hard on his cock that it forced him to follow her climax.

His stomach tightened as he spilled into her, Aurora milking every last drop, seed dripping out of her and onto his own thighs. When she finally collapsed, their breaths heaved, chests pressed together, bathing in utter bliss until loud groans barreled through the quiet grunts of the room.

All of Petran's muscles tensed, his eyes shut in an expression of euphoria as he thrust into Vita—her cries and moans signaling her own orgasm—coating her tight cunt with his cum. Renatus wasn't far behind, filling her ass with sticky seed as he continued to fuck her.

Thrusts turned shallow until the men removed themselves, setting Vita on shaky legs. Renatus still supported her, holding her against his chest as his fiery gaze turned to Verian.

"Come here, dear boy. Don't you want to taste Petran's seed?"

Fuck.

Verian wanted nothing more and Aurora slid off of him, reclining on the couch so he could stumble over to Vita.

"And I'd like to taste yours," Petran said with a wink, slapping Verian's ass as he passed him on his way to Aurora's prone form.

Vita's legs were spread wide, held open by Renatus as her cunt still throbbed with aftershocks, swollen and dripping. Verian got to his knees and a swipe of his tongue set Vita off, the whimpers like music to his ears. Petran's seed was salty, coating his mouth as he lapped it up.

Mirrored whimpers sounded from the couch, Petran very clearly performing the same duty for Aurora.

In a few short minutes, Vita was a burbling mess, crying as another small orgasm rolled through her. She'd had enough.

Verian stood and before he could let his embarrassment catch up with him, Petran was dragging him to the couch, settling him next to Aurora. It was a comfort to be in their arms, letting them wash him with praise and doting. Renatus held Vita, following them to the couch and dropping next to Petran.

The crackling hearth came back to him as Aurora massaged his shoulders and Petran planted sweet kisses on his neck.

Verian belonged, and there was no better feeling in the world.