Page 72 of The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong

Brannal interceded. “Not as much of a mess as I’ll make if the man in question and I ever cross paths.”

Molun gave a theatrical shiver. “Ooh, I just got goosebumps. You’re scary when you’re intense like that.”

Perian couldn’t exactly disagree. But it was alsoso hot.

“But there’s nothing to worry about,” Perian said. “Because my arm is healing right up, and Fomadin has been banned from the castle and the city. I’m perfectly safe, and you’re interrupting our breakfast.”

“Actually,” Brannal cleared his throat. “Arvus, could you take a look at the water closet? I might have… taken a little bit of my ire out on the stone.”

Molun let out a whistle, and Arvus blinked but nodded. “Yes, of course.”

He headed immediately into the bathroom.

“That cracking sound wasn’t my imagination?” Perian asked.

By the time they’d gotten out of the bath, he’d forgotten.

Looking a bit embarrassed, Brannal shook his head. “I’m not as good with stone as Arvus is.”

Arvus reappeared a moment later. “All better.”

Brannal smiled. “Thank you.”

“All right, we’re going.” But Molun had to get the last word in, of course. “Do you think there’s time for a quick one at the table? I’m not convinced there’s time.”

And then he winked at Perian.

There was, as it turned out, time for a quick one at the table. And Perian hadn’t even needed to be the one to do the teasing.

Brannal wouldn’t let Perian come as he thrust to completion inside him, making Perian wait until Brannal dropped to his knees and sucked him into his mouth afterwards. Perian’s knees actually wobbled after he came, and Brannal had to hold on to him for a moment to keep him steady.

“Have I fucked you into exhaustion?” Brannal asked.

He sounded inordinately proud.

“You’ve certainly made a good effort,” Perian agreed. “But I will never say no to this many orgasms in a row. Just give me a minute.”

Presently, he was able to get his legs back under him, sit down, and finish his tea. It was a miracle they’d not knocked every dish off the table, but fortunately, everything was still intact. He really didn’t mind if everyone knew they were having sex, but he’d prefer they didn’t make more work for other people because of it.

(Well, except for the people who did the laundry. Perian was sorry for them and should maybe buy them presents, but there was probably always going to be more laundry thanks to their activities.)

And then, finally, it really was time for Brannal to start his day. Probably past time, actually, but he looked remarkably content here with Perian, drinking that last mouthful of tea.

“I’m going to be busy all day,” Brannal told him.

Perian nodded, resigned.

“And I might have dinner with the Queen.”

Perian nodded once more. “The last few nights, I’ve been having dinner in the Warriors’ dining hall. Usually with Molun, Arvus, and Nisal. We typically sit with Onadal and Bennan and some of the others. Onadal invited me, because he wanted to make extra sure everyone knew I was welcome.”

Brannal nodded, though there was a trace of tension in him, which Perian assumed was related to anything even tangentially referencing his wound. “I’m glad.”

“I’ll go watch the training this morning, then I’ve got the picnic with Renny. I tried to warn Prince Horsey I would probably be absent for a few days, but if you’re going to be busy all afternoon, then maybe I’ll go for a ride.”

“Your arm—” Brannal started.

“I’ve been mounting with a mounting block and everything,” Perian told him firmly. “I told Prince Horsey all about my injury, and he’s been extra gentle with me, letting someone else help me get him saddled and everything.”

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