Page 132 of A Sword of Ice
Uric needed a fucking drink.
He made his way towards the door, knowing full well that Julius was likely monopolizing all the Fae wine for himself like it was some addiction. Fucking bastard. Uric was very much on edge and predicted he would be pulling his knife on the other male over a single tankard soon enough.
The thought almost made him chuckle…
But then everything around him exploded.
He wobbled on his feet as the castle shook around him. His head rattled, and old stone crumbled into soft debris that rained down over his head.
His body moved on instinct, summoning his magic until a portal opened in front of him. The toll it took on his already weakened body made his bones creak like an old door. His smooth skin wrinkled, his fingers bent, and it was a challenge just to step to the other side and come face to face with Prince Valerio.
The prince’s eyes were wide. “We are under attack,” he breathed.
Despite what had happened, Uric wanted to take his friend’s hand and offer a modicum of comfort, but he kept his arms pressed tightly to his side. He hated how they were under attack and his mind was still wandering on things they should not have been.
Like how easily it was to fall back into place at Valerio’s side.
As if nothing had happened after all.
“We need to find the others,” Valerio commanded. “Quickly.”
Uric nodded and opened another portal.
* * *
“Beautiful, beautiful Flora.”Clay’s hands caressed the side of the female’s pink cheek. It elicited a giggle that made her skin glow with bright luminescence, lighting up the dingey halls of the damp and broken castle.
“Yes, Clay?” She smiled up at him like he was a gift from Mana, and he bit the inside of his cheek to avoid laughing at the thought.
It hadn’t taken much convincing on his part, after Julius had nearly ruined his chances at bedding the female. A few smiles here, a few delicate touches there, the right words, and she was ripe for the taking.
“I had such a beautiful time.” He pushed aside a lock of suddenly glowing hair as she beamed at the praise and threw her arms around his neck, smooshing her body to his.
He let her hold him and held her back with a delicate press of his own arms.
Every touch and smile was genuine because Clay Valentino fucking loved women. He believed in treating them like actual people, not just as holes he could sink his cock into. To treat them like they should be seen and heard, because that’s what they were. They were fascinating, beautiful creatures. He didn’t think anyone could ever truly understand the love he had for them.
That he didn’t just say lines to get them into his bed. He was genuinely interested in them, in their thoughts, their minds. And he liked to think they appreciated being seen by him as well.
“I wish I could spend the night,” she whispered in his ear.
He pushed her gently away, lightly enough to pry her body off his, but not quick or hard enough to offend her with the gesture.
“I know,” he replied, pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “But I am nothing if not honest, and you know I cannot sleep beside anyone.”
She pouted. “I know, I know. It’s just… I had a wonderful time as well.”
Of course, she had.
Clay had made sure of it.
He always made sure the females in his company enjoyed themselves. Whether it be with his face buried between their thighs or when they wanted somethingdeeper.Like conversation over a tankard of ale or a cup of tea. Whatever they wanted, he was happy to oblige.
“I am afraid this is where we must part, my dear.” He tilted her chin up with his fingers and saw the awe and happiness shining there. “Goodbye.”
“Farewell.”
He watched her hips sway as she left, biting his bottom lip until she disappeared around the corner. When she did, he turned the other way and began walking, a tune humming past his lips. As he rounded the corner, he froze as he spotted something curious then ducked back around the corner to peek over the side of the wall.
