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“Oh.” It was a lame response. He didn’t seem to mind, though.
“Tonight’s a celebration,” he said after a minute. “Over the next few weeks, we will all complete the Freia rites and another iteration of the Grand Rite will be completed. This particular feast is to celebrate with everyone who made the journey possible. It’s often the first time the participants have felt the ability to decompress, so it’s typically a relaxed affair despite the formal clothing. Don’t stress over saying the wrong thing.”
He set the satchel on the chair again.
Mention of the Freia rites made something occur to me.
“Is it…” I trailed off. Callum raised an eyebrow, and I tried again. “I’m not a virgin.”
Callum’s eyebrows furrowed. “So?”
“That’s not… a problem for this whole thing?” I gestured between us.
He chuckled, but it didn’t sound particularly happy.
“Why would virginity be something to idolize? Most people’s first times are awkward and, sometimes, painful. Nothing most want to recreate, me included. I assure you, it’s no issue.”
“Truly? There’s not a worry of… of protecting the bloodline of the monarchy?
His lips flattened. “The magic that binds the kingdom to my father’s rule and his ancestors before him does not need a marriage ceremony to know who holds blood ties to the crown. Virginity is not something to be praised. Sex is not something to be lorded over and restricted.” He tilted his head, just a bit. “It was that way in your Arizona, I assume?”
My smile lacked any mirth. “Essentially. For most of history, men were allowed to do as they wanted, but women were expected to remain untouched until their wedding nights. It had changed in some circles, but it was still an undercurrent in most things.”
Callum’s scoff was scathing. “I find myself echoing Heath’s sentiments from the road. Your Arizona sounds a lot like Varím. There are few things we see the same.”
He took a step closer and circled my wrist. He let the touch lower until our fingers twined together. That wisteria scent surrounded me again, and I wanted to breathe it in. I resisted the urge, tamping down the desire. I wasn’t ready to become a puddle at his feet. It had only been a few hours since the basilica, since this became truly permanent, and I’d spent most of that time napping against a fountain. I needed more time to adjust to all of it.
“I will strive to be better than the lovers that have known you before me, though.” His voice roughened, skating over me like a warm wind.
My stomach clenched, and I had the sudden urge to press myself against him and have him show me exactly how he would be better. A light knock kept me from embarrassment.
“The rest have arrived,” Vincent said through the door.
29
CALLUM
Amethyst was quiet and watchful where she walked beside me in an odd juxtaposition to that first breakfast on the beach beside the Passage. Her hand on my forearm was softer than that first morning, her shoulders less tense. In some ways, though, she was more careful and reserved than that first time, absorbing every minute detail around her like she would be tested on it all later. Remembering that morning had me curious all over again.
“What scared you about the acora?”
Her eyes whipped to me, her eyebrows low.
“You said one was the reason you injured your leg.”
Now her cheeks stained that pretty pink.
“Beyond the fact they’re as tall as Vincent?”
I tilted my head. “I suppose that could be enough if you’re not used to such large birds.”
Laughter came from the inner courtyard, Phillip’s dry chuckle and Heath’s booming guffaw. Emma’s more delicate laugh joined a moment later. There was a small tinkling of glass breaking, and then a sharp curse.
“Hayes, I swear that’s a record,” Phillip said with dry humor.
In response, Hayes muttered something rude. Some of the worry I’d carried since the Pass fell away from me in a more permanent sense. For the first time in over a week, I was able to relax. Tonight wouldn’t be the last night they were able to laugh freely.
Praise Persynthia.
