Page 39 of The Magic of Eternity
“One of the seamstresses back in the dragon realm made this for you, using her dragon magic. I gave her the specifications on what I wanted and this was what she came up with. I need you to be safe today, Saige. Not just for your sake but for mine. For my brothers and for these little girls right here.” He held the large package out to me, and my hands trembled as I took it from him. It looked like it should have weighed more than it did. “Go on,” he urged. “Open it.”
My fingers tore through the brown paper and pieces of it fell to the forest floor. I sucked in a breath as I got the first glimpse of the bodice within. “Sloane,” I breathed. “It’s beautiful.” I lifted my eyes to his, amused when I found his face quickly turning pink. It gave him a boyish charm that I wasn’t used to seeing, and I loved it.
Returning my focus to the gift, I sank down on a fallen log and rested the package on my thighs. The material was similar to leather, only stronger, which was interesting because you would have thought that would have made it heavier. That wasn’t the case.
This gown had an empire waist—perfect for a big pregnant belly. The entire thing was coated in something similar to chain mail, only on a smaller scale—similar to a strong mesh. On top of that were breathtaking gems sewn along the bottom of the bust. The thread that had been used to sew this magnificent gown together glinted gold, and I knew it was the real thing. There were embroidered vines winding their way all over the fabric.
As I lifted the gown, the skirt fell to the floor and long sleeves tumbled from behind, made of the same light mesh that covered the gown. The color was a deep pine green, and with the golden accents and shimmer of diamonds, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
“It’s gorgeous,” I said in awe to my mate, as he stared down at me.
“It’ll be even better once it’s on you.” He smirked. “Let me help you put it on.” I nodded and stood, turning my back to him. I let his deft fingers slide my zipper down my back. The cool air of the forest slipped against my spine, causing goosebumps to erupt across my flesh.
Sloane let his wicked hands trail down my skin. “Are you cold?”
“No. Seems like these days I’m always running so much hotter than I’m used to. The cool air actually feels amazing.”
He chuckled. “Well then, let’s get you out of these clothes.” Within moments, the fabric I had been wearing was pooled at my feet. I stood there, naked as the day I was born. “I wish we had more time,” he whispered in my ear. I felt my core throb with his words.
“Soon,” I told him, spinning around to look into his face. “You designed this?”
“Yeah, I did.” His hand found the back of his neck, a gesture I’d started to associate with him feeling a bit embarrassed. It was cute. “I had this vision of you storming through that courtyard, taking back what had been stolen from you. All I could think was that such a warrior needed a fitting gown. Plus, this one has been reinforced with magic, and only the strongest of materials has been used to ensure your safety against any sort of weapon. This mesh right here”—he pointed to the bodice—“is stronger than a three-inch shield of steel. Isn’t that amazing? It’s also impervious to flames and electricity.”
Launching myself at him, I felt him grunt as our bodies collided and the air was forced from his lungs. Giggling, I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing his face.
“Who knew you were so sweet?” I teased.
“Don’t push it now, kitten. It’s been a long time since I was able to dominate anyone. In fact, I’ve never gotten that chance with you. Can’t wait to make that happen.” My heart squeezed at his words. I’d seen dominant Sloane before with Fischer all of those months ago in my garden. It was still one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen in my life. I couldn’t wait to see how it felt to be on the receiving end of his orders, though something told me that he wouldn’t appreciate my stubbornness in the same way Cam did. That was a game between us. No. Sloane Sullivan would work for my complete obedience. I looked forward to it.
“Don’t look at me like that,” he murmured, his thumb tracing the full bottom lip of my mouth.
“Like what?” I stared up at him.
“Like you want me to bend you over that log and fuck your brains out.”Oh, moon maidens.Don’t picture him railing you like a woodland nymph, Saige. Stay strong.
“Fine,” I acquiesced and lifted my chin, my little pep talk helping me regain my wits. “Help me get this gown on because the longer I’m standing here naked, pressed against you, the more I want to feel you inside of me.”Shit! That’s not what I wanted to say. Filthy, filthy witch demon. That’s what I am.
Sloane groaned at my words. “You’re wicked. After all of this is over, I want you to show me just how much. Arms up, kitten.” I obeyed, lifting my arms to the sky as he slid the gown over my head. The dress fit me like a dream and felt light and breathable. The fact that it was made to protect me and designed by a man who loved me made it all that more precious.
“How does it look?” I spun in a circle, feeling his eyes on me.
“Gods, you’re a vision in that dress. A true queen. It’s perfect. Come. Vaeryn is desperate to see you in it, and I want to show you off. I want all of these males here to see what is mine, and what will never be theirs. They can pledge their allegiance to you. They can love you in the way a village loves a queen, but they will never know what it feels like to breathe in your scent with their face between your thighs. They will never know how amazing it is to watch you being taken by your other mates. They will never see your body—this perfectly curvy, soft, gorgeous body. For any male that would try would meet a quick death.”
I blinked slowly, taking in his words. Being in the demon realm, and subsequently, the dragon realm had really brought Sloane out of his shell. He wasn’t holding back anymore. He had accepted the animal within him, and so had I.
“Let’s do this.” I stood tall, looking him in the eye. “I’m ready.”
My hand trembled as I signed the final letter that I needed to write. Rising from my chair, I carried everything over to the bed and meticulously folded up the two blankets that I had knitted. One green and one purple—for my daughters, the sweet little girls who I may never get the chance to meet. At least this was one gift I was able to give them by my own hand. My time was up.
Just as I placed everything in a pile, the door to my chambers blew open and five guards spilled into my room.
“Gentlemen,” I greeted them.
“It is time, my lord,” one of them said to me.
I took a deep breath as my fingertips trailed over the smooth, intricate details of the blankets. I wondered how precious they would look wrapped up in these.
Gathering my bundle, I straightened my spine, as prepared as I was ever going to be walking to my death. “Lead the way,” I told the guards. One of them stepped forward to bind my hands together, though I was allowed to keep the blankets clutched in my arms. All of them looked solemn, and I wondered who they were loyal to.
