Page 25 of Mistress of Hours

“Oh, no I won’t be participating personally, but you can expect a great show from many of my students at the Academie!” Evienne answered with a smile toward the Aphanian.

“I can’t wait, I’m sure that alone will be well worth the long trip here,” she said. “If you’ll excuse me, I should rejoin my father so we can find our seats.” The woman bowed, giving Sylvain a sidelong glance and a faint smile before she glided away.

Evienne raised her brows at the prince, who laughed nervously and blushed. She couldn’t believe he was so flustered. They may yet see him find a partner to settle down with—or to travel the world with. Who could say?

“She’s lovely,” Evienne said, elbowing Sylvain a bit. He rolled his eyes, blush deepening, and changed the subject.

“Have you spoken privately with Léhiona lately?”

“I haven’t, she’s been so busy planning everything; why do you ask?” Evienne felt a pang of worry at the prince’s question.

“She said she’s been feeling more tired than usual, and yesterday she fainted before the garden party.”

“She fainted?!” Evienne whisper-yelled.

“Yes. She’s alright, but I wondered if she had spoken to you about it. I’m worried about her, Evi,” Sylvain said. “If you talk with her, please try to convince her to go see the healers. Maybe she will listen if more of her loved ones are telling her.”

“Of course, yes, I’ll try to talk with her. Thank you for tellingme,” Evienne met his gaze just as the lights in the lobby flashed twice—their sign to take their seats.

“See you soon, and enjoy the concert,” Sylvain said with a small wave as Evienne turned to climb the massive spiral staircase on one side of the lobby.

She made her way to one of the boxes that hung above the main seating area; it had been reserved for Solon and Orion as honored guests, but Orion had invited her to join them before they had parted this afternoon.

She entered the ornate, private box and smiled warmly at Solon as he stood to welcome her. He took her hand and pressed a light kiss to her knuckles.

“Good evening, Solon. Thank you for including me, in more ways than one.” She let Solon guide her to a seat.

“Of course, we are more than glad of your company whenever you decide to join us,” Solon answered, giving her a knowing smile.

Evienne found herself viewing Solon with new eyes now that she knew what he was risking for his people. She smiled back at him, her head tilted to hold his gaze. She hadn’t decided to help them, though her heart begged her to. She empathized with their situation regardless. Just as Solon settled in his seat at the very front of the box, Orion parted the curtained entrance to the space and froze as he caught sight of Evienne.

She locked eyes with him and couldn’t help but let her lips twist into the slightest smirk. He had kept her off balance since that first night he whispered in her ear; it was high time she returned the favor. Orion seemed to remember himself and moved to take the seat next to her just as the lights dimmed. The musicians made their way onto the stage.

Tuning notes rang out across the hall as Orion leaned toward her, whispering, “You are breathtaking.”

She felt his words racing through her blood, her pulse kickingup at his closeness. She angled her head slightly, brushing her cheek across his lips. At the same time, she slid her hand onto his thigh and dug her fingers slightly into his lean muscle. The way the light from the stage cast shadows across their bodies revealed the effect she was having on him.

“I’m suddenly feelingquiteunwell, Professor,” Evienne whispered against his ear. “I think I should be getting back. Do give my apologies to Solon at intermission.” She leaned back just enough to watch Orion’s face as she slid her hand further up his leg. She heard him draw in a sharp breath.

“I happen to be feeling rather under the weather as well; perhaps I will follow your sage example and rest this evening,” he whispered, holding her gaze with his own heated stare.

Evienne smiled at him then, rising to leave. She knew he would follow her and seek her out back at the palace, but she turned at the curtain anyway and gave him a wink just to be sure.

•

Eviennesat in one of the plush chairs by the fireplace in her chambers, a glass of wine clasped in her fingers. She knew he would be here any moment; her fingers tingled in anticipation.

A soft knock sounded at the door, and Evienne rose, setting her glass on an end table. She pulled the door open a few inches and found Orion’s perfectly cut jawline and piercing eyes on the other side. His lust hit her in a wave as she opened her door to him, and he entered the room. She closed the door behind him, and he grabbed her waist, pulling her to him.

The next moment his mouth was on hers, a moan escaping him. She ran her hands along his chest, pushing his black jacket off his shoulders. He broke their kiss to press his lips to her neck, moving up to her ear and gently biting.

She made a needy, whimpering sound before she began undoing his black silk cravat. She let it float to the floor as she quickly began to unbutton his crisp white shirt. His cologne washed over her, the scents of cardamom and sandalwood dancing across her senses, and she felt every nerve ending in her body zing to life.

They were desperate, undressing each other from their finery, letting each item of clothing fall until she stood before him in nothing but her black lace undergarments and her emerald necklace.

“You’re perfect,” Orion whispered as he reverently ran his fingers down her neck, brushing over her breast, and continuing on to caress the gently curving planes of her abdomen. He hooked his finger into the band of her black lace panties and pulled them down over her full hips, letting them drop to the floor on top of her discarded gown.

Orion trailed his hand over her hip before sliding it to her throbbing center. He held her gaze as he slid his fingers through her wetness, and leaned down to catch her moan with his mouth as he kissed her again. He deftly released the clasp of her bra as he stroked her.

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