Page 108 of The Stolen Crown

“You spoke true,” Mira said through a bite. “This is delicious. I fear I may never want to leave if such things are served.”

Folk laughed. The tapered points of Eeva’s ears reddened, but the woman smiled like she was pleased with Mira’s praise.

“Well, since we are such boon companions, perhaps we shall bring some to you someday,” Djur offered. “If we would be welcome, that is.”

“Oh, you’d most certainly be welcome,” Mira told him. “We’ve bonded with all manner of folk, from elven to mortal.”

“Elven?” Osatt spluttered, glancing at Djur. “Myths, no?”

“Seems they are not folk of myth.” Djur tipped his horn and winked.

“They should come, don’t you think, Tait?”

Gods, I could see it in her eyes. Already the woman was planning some grand ball to welcome the strangers of the Far Seas. I had little authority over who stepped foot in the Ever King’s palace, but to keep the light gleaming in her eyes, I tipped my horn and nodded. “Aye. You’ll need to join us in the Ever someday.”

Djur dipped his chin. “Many thanks. I think we just might.”

When Djur’s servants cleared the plates, the king instructed Parek to lead us to the bedchamber. I half expected the space to be made of rocks and iron, but it was a small, quaint room with a hearth and a bed wide enough for two, fur skins and patchwork quilts over the top.

“Rest. Wash.” Parek gestured toward a stone basin with a constant stream of water flowing through a hole in the wall. It flowed away through another hole in the ground. “The cliffs offer natural springs. It is cold but fulfills its purpose.” The burly man stepped out of the room. “Let the meal settle for the night, then we will see you on your way.”

“Thank you.” Mira took hold of Parek’s palm. “Your kindness won’t be forgotten.”

The man dipped his chin and left us alone at last.

The moment the latch clicked in place, Mira slumped against the door. “Gods, I feel a bit ashamed. Most of the evening I expected the worst from them, but they’re simply a lonely clan in the Far Seas and take a bit of joy when strangers visit.”

“They’re too fascinated with fae.”

“Surly ass.” She pushed off the door and encircled my waist with her arms, head tilted back to hold my stare. “You have not lived around many mortals, but I associate with them often. Our folk are accustomed to fae, but imagine living here and rarely seeing anyone different than you.”

“He’s vowed to a sea witch.”

“And that is all he knows. Everyone else—save for Eeva—is mortal. Glamour or sea voices are likely a bit mesmerizing.”

I pressed a kiss to her brow, keeping my lips against her skin for a breath. “What do you think of the woman’s clan, the Veri…something?”

“It’s exciting to learn of other magics. Just as we thought elven were myths, it seems we’ve met more folk of legends we did not even know. Now, come. I have a layer of brine on my skin I’d very much like to be rid of.”

Mira tugged on my palm, and together we stepped into the stream of flowing water. Parek spoke true, it was frigid, but we scrubbed swiftly with smooth soaps that smelled of grass and rain, aiding each other until the sweat and grime of days at sea were washed away.

Before she had the wretched thought of dressing again, I led her to the edge of the bed. “Right now, I don’t want to think of the Far Seas or finding the Ever or of legendary people. Right now, Vicious, all I want is to make up for the days I have not been able to properly worship you.”

Heat flashed in Mira’s vibrant eyes. Her hand slid down my front, palming my stiff cock. “How do you plan to go about this worshipping?”

Gods, I would never get enough of her smooth flesh, her breasts, the perfect shape for my palms. I cupped both as though to prove my point.

Mira let out a short gasp and pressed her body into my touch.

I leaned forward and kissed her throat. “You are the most beautiful sight.”

With haste, I eased Mira over the bed.

She snickered against my shoulder. “Is it impolite to do this in a stranger’s bed?”

“I don’t give a damn.” I covered one of her taut nipples with my lips and licked and sucked for a dozen heartbeats, then drew my mouth off in a wet pop.

“For a man who did not delight in touch, you seem to enjoy it now.”