Page 27 of Drawn into Oblivion

His cock quickly hardened. Though he had relieved his lust several times since their night in the changing room, it hadn’t been enough—not even close. He wanted her arching against him, clutching him closer, and throbbing around him. Even after his days as a young rake in the old court, even after three hundred years of relying on sex to keep him alive, he was still addicted to carnal pleasure—all because of her.

No, it wasn’t an addiction with Mai—it was a need so much deeper than anything he’d ever felt before. Other court members had flirted with him, yet none had managed to whet his appetite. He wasn’t sure why, but he didn’t think he cared. All he knew was that dedicating himself to Mai’s pleasure and happiness was something he had to do. His busy schedule was therefore the bane of his existence.

Mai could hardly breathe but couldn’t stop kissing him. He was nothing but hard, sinewy muscle, yet he was gentle enough to make her feel safe, and wild enough to drive her mad. Though he was well practiced—she could guess that much—she felt as though she had as much power over him as he did over her.

Her magic pulsed like a second heartbeat, and she slid her arms around his neck as she shyly met his tongue, which pulsed between her lips in erotic mimicry of what the hard organ pressed against her stomach could do. The thought warmed her sex, and she moaned.

The sound seemed to excite him. He deepened the kiss, making love to her with his mouth and evoking another moan that only incited him further. He clamped his arms around her and pulled her against the full length of his body. Even through the thick material of her dress’s belt, she could feel how aroused he’d become—very.

Someone nearby loudly cleared his throat. Mai gasped as she jerked away from Rosuke, who loosened his arms but didn’t let her go. She met Vallen’s eyes, and her cheeks lit up. Rosuke shifted to block sight of her, for which she was eternally grateful, but she hid her face against his chest anyway.

“I know, I know,” Rosuke told Vallen. “We’ll be there momentarily.” The high general chuckled, and Mai’s blush only deepened. Vallen’s footsteps faded, and Rosuke grunted as he adjusted the front of his uniform. “He’s gone. You can stop hiding now.” She could hear the smile in his low voice and lightly pinched his arm.

“Don’t laugh. I’m mortified,” she said, glancing at his amused eyes.

“You’re even more beautiful when you blush.” He kissed her again, but it was short and chaste. Then he stepped away from her, held out his arm, and heaved an overdramatic sigh. “It seems the only thing I do lately is escort you.” She gave him a rueful smile as she took his arm, and they headed upstairs.

“We’ll have some free time after the festival in a few weeks,” she said, ascending the steps slowly to delay their arrival and give him time to dampen his…excitement.

“That’s not nearly soon enough. We’ve barely spoken since my declaration to court you. Some suitor I’ve turned out to be.”

“You are a commander in the empress’s army, and I am a house elder as well as a season elder. We don’t have the luxury of spare time.”

“Then I shall make spare time. Wait for a letter from me,” he said, glancing at her as they mounted another set of steps.

“I will,” she said with a nod.

The upper levels of the residential palace were corner towers connected by walkways, and consisted of storage space, servants’ quarters, and a room for taking tea while moon-viewing. But this livable space remained empty to keep down the number of people coming in and out of the building. The crows who couldn’t yet live in the surrounding city occupied other parts of the complex.

“Are you nervous?” Rosuke asked as they climbed the last set of steps, which would take them above the fourth floor to the roof, where a small observation deck lay. Already, she could feel cool morning air filtering down from the open door at the top.

“Very,” she admitted. Now that Rosuke was with her, she was terrified of what was going to happen. She didn’t want to make a mistake and end up wreaking havoc upon the capital. It seemed all too likely.

“Don’t be. A woman who fought off a dozen dog soldiers and exorcised a demon in the middle of a joining ceremony attended by hundreds of people is capable of anything.” He laid his warm hand over hers. “I have complete confidence in you.”

Touched, she gave him a tight-lipped smile. “Thank you.”

So many people had been impressed by the exorcism, but had often and unknowingly insinuated they wouldn’t have expected anything like that from her—as if she hadn’t earned her title as house elder until now. Of course, her standoffish attitude hadn’t done her any favors, but Rosuke believed in her. And his compliment meant so much more than anyone else’s. He was, after all, famously talented in combat. Yes, that was the reason.

“Ah, there you are,” the empress called.

They emerged onto the roof. Kyoko stood to the left of the door, holding a black case, and the high general, who smiled at Mai knowingly, stood next to the empress. She quickly averted her gaze lest she start blushing again. The two guards who had been outside her room were part of a group of five that surrounded the empress in a wide circle, but none of them were paying attention to anything happening on the roof. Instead, they’d cast their awareness wider and kept watch on the surrounding buildings.

Last but not least, a blond boy peeked at Mai from behind the empress with something akin to guilt in his eyes.

“Oka,” Mai called with a relieved smile. She held out her hand in friendship, and Oka looked up at his sister.

“It’s all right.” Shumei ran her fingers through his hair in a gesture of affection. With a swallow, Oka emerged from behind her. His face buckled as he walked to Mai, and rather than take her hand, he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I’m very glad to see you.” Mai refrained from commenting on his tears and instead hugged him tight. Though a growing boy, he was still so young—his body still small and slight. A demon had invaded such a young, innocent child, and it absolutely enraged her.

“Thank you, Mai,” he whispered, sniffing loudly.

“Feeling better, then?” she asked softly so the empress wouldn’t hear. “No more headaches or funny feelings?”

“Still tired, but yes, much better.”

“And Shumei cast a spell to protect you from anything else?”