“Is there any pain involved? And how long is the recovery?”
“Those are great questions! The acolytes say there is little pain beyond the initial cut from the ceremonial knife. You may feel a sense of fullness or slight discomfort when the Bond initially sets and your innate magic combines, but the feeling generally settles after a few hours. Recovery times vary. Some couples are ready to leave within minutes of Bonding, for others it can take a few days. The room is yours as long as you need it, so don’t worry about us kicking you out.” I smiled warmly at them. “Anything else I can answer?”
“It’s important for us to stay together directly after, right?” the Vessel asked, gripping her Mage tighter.
“Yes, that’s part of the reason we keep you in the room together. Closeness and...intimacy are important directly after waking.” I blushed at the last part. Praying to whatever god would listen that I didn’t have to help facilitate today. We had a family dinner later tonight, and I really didn’t want to discuss that over appetizers when Peytor or our friend, Finian, inevitably grilled me about my day at the temple.
The Mage nodded before informing me they were ready for the acolyte.
I rose from my chair, papers in hand, before congratulating them once more as I exited the room. The acolyte was standing just outside, no doubt listening to our conversation, before he strode into the Bonding room without a word to me.
They were all a bit strange, the acolytes. Though I suppose they had to be in order to devote their lives in service of the gods.
I wound back through the hallways and the main worship room to my small table at the front of the temple, and I was surprised to see Finian and Peytor waiting for me.
My face broke into another grin and my steps quickened as I approached the two boys who were both my brothers and best friends. While Finian was the son of one of our father’s councilmen, we were all raised together, and I considered him just as much a brother as Peytor.
“Sorry, gentlemen, I can’t authorize a Bond between two Vessels,” I teased as I neared my table. It was a running joke in our family that if the two boys could Bond they would—they were practically inseparable and dideverything together. They went to school together, trained together, sometimes even slept in the same room together, and, if rumors were true, they shared more than one girl between the two of them.
Peytor turned and shot me one of his signature shit-eating grins.
“Need to ‘facilitate any intimacy’ today, sis?” He air quoted and I blushed fiercely. Both boys laughed at my expense, and I hit Peytor and Finian with the papers. They mock flinched and I joined in on their laughter.
I dropped the papers on my desk and sighed.
“No, thank the gods, but I had a new couple come in today for a Bonding Ceremony. Their connection seemed promising, so I’m really praying I don’t have to do anything there tomorrow.”
If Finian and Peytor were here, it meant my day was done.
Though none of the acolytes or other Bond Specialists would say anything if I left work earlier. As the daughter of Lord d’Aelius, I was certainly awarded some . . . perks. I really didn’t even need to work here, I simply liked being involved with the people of Hestin, and I felt particularly drawn to the temple.
It was peaceful and settled my soul in a way I could never fully explain.
I organized the papers on my desk while Finian and Peytor chatted idly behind me.
“Okay, boys, I’m ready,” I said as I bid farewell to the few Specialists and acolytes at the front of the temple.
We emerged from the dark, cool space and were instantly met with bright sun and a cool breeze. It was spring in Hestin, but the winds were still chilly and the day wasn’t warm until the afternoon. Still, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply even as goosebumps erupted on my flesh from the bite of the wind.
“Come on, flower child. Mother will throw a fit if you’re seen enjoying the sun in public,” Peytor said as he led me down the walkway toward a waiting carriage. I laughed bitterly, knowing his assessment of Mother was accurate.
She hated impropriety. Especially if it came from me.
Peytor, however, could do no wrong.
The three of us climbed into the carriage that would take us out of the city and to our manor on the outskirts of Katiska, the capital of Hestin. I groaned as I leaned against the seat and stretched my back.
I rested my head against the window and watched as we slowly made our way out of the city. Peytor and Finian were talking animatedly about some girl they both fucked last week. Apparently separately this time.
“She had the biggest tits. Think she used Water Magic to engorge them?” Peytor asked as Finian snorted.
“No, brother, but I’m certain she used Water Magic for other things.” The boys laughed and I rolled my eyes.
“Seriously? You’re both twenty-eight, not eighteen. Haven’t you grown out of this yet?” I pulled my gaze from the window to look at their incredulous faces.
“And why, dear sister, would we do that? We’re the heirs of Hestin. Women throw themselves at our feet. Why shouldn’t we enjoy it?” Peytor asked.
“Maybe because youareHestin’s heirs. Shouldn’t you think about settling down a bit?”
