Page 70 of Sea and Sky
Gavin kissed him gently. Pouring his heart into the action.
“You came for me.” Kyler stayed in his arms, probably hurting from whatever ordeal Vex had put him through while Gavin was being stupid. Over two weeks in that captain’s torture again. But Vex was no more. Gavin had witnessed Damon eat the man right off the main deck.
“I did. Please forgive me for not coming after you sooner.”
A sob ripped from Kyler and he moved to wrap his arms around Gavin. “I’m sorry. I—The phoenix stone. It’s gone. It saved me.”
“You’re more important than the stone.”
“Really?”
“Skies, yes. I don’t care anymore as long as I have you.” Gavin planted another kiss on Kyler’s lips.
“You have me,” Kyler whispered. “I’m yours.”
“And I’m yours.”
Chapter 34
Gavinwasmorenervousthan he’d been his entire life. His Majesty had summoned him and Kyler.
They were properly dressed, each in pale breeches, and the silk jackets of nobles. Kyler’s was a cornflower yellow that almost clashed with his golden hair, while Gavin’s jacket was the proper royal color of silver. He’d smoothed Kyler’s hair back with a ribbon and they were ready to head to the throne room, no doubt to reject Gavin from achieving Grand Mage status.
Gavin hadn’t fulfilled the Task. He hadn’t retrieved the phoenix stone and, in any case, the stone no longer existed. According to Kyler, he’d absorbed it. Gavin wiped his hands on his thighs, trying to will them from sweating.
Damon joined them in the hallway, also summoned by the king. Gavin had to fight himself from wanting to run back to his room and shut himself away to his books like he had as a child when he’d gotten so overwhelmed.
Kyler squeezed his hand, pulling him back to the room. To him. “Breathe.” Kyler flashed a pretty grin that melted Gavin and gave him strength.
“How are you not shaking?”
“Nothing is as terrifying as Vex was.” Kyler’s voice was quiet, but the smile didn’t leave his eyes.
Damon led the way, his heavy boots loud in the hall.
Despite Kyler and Damon, Gavin’s mind wandered to places he wished it wouldn’t. What if His Majesty wanted to send him back on pointless missions? Making him leave Kyler behind? What if…
Kyler dragged him to an empty hallway and pressed him to the wall. “Everything.” He kissed Gavin harshly and pulled away. “Will.” Another kiss. “Be.” Kiss. “Okay.” Kyler offered his tongue, and Gavin gladly took it, melting into the taste of his honey sweet mouth. Kyler’s delicious seduction haze wrapped around him, fogging his senses.
Gavin had to rip himself away, lean his head against the stone wall to take a breath. “You keep that up and I’ll have to take you here in the hallway.”
Kyler whimpered, an adorable sound he made when he was embarrassed. His face pinked. But he kept on kissing Gavin until Damon found them.
“His Majesty doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” Damon’s statement had more humor in it than reprimand.
Gavin waved him off. “One more minute,” he whispered against Kyler’s mouth.
Damon turned his back. He stood watch while Kyler spread soft kisses along Gavin’s jawline, whispering soothing words. Damon didn’t budge, even as Gavin pushed the past the minute he’d asked for.
“I’m better now.” Gavin pulled away. He smoothed down tendrils of Kyler’s messy hair.
Kyler nodded. Taking Gavin’s hand, Kyler led him back to the hallway. Damon took the lead again. They walked in silence. The hum of anxiety died and absorbed into the ground with each step.
Gavin’s mind was clear when they arrived at the throne room. This time, the door was closed. It was as high as the ceiling. The seal of the king burned into the wood, a dragon in flight with a crown hovering above it.
Damon took control and told the door attendant—a wolf shifter with twitchy wolf ears atop his head—to announce them. The man hurried away, going around the corner to a servant entryway. They waited and soon the door groaned open to let them in.
Again, Damon took the lead. His Majesty sat on the obsidian throne.
