Page 16 of The Poison of the Earth
Kai has never begrudged me my extra-curricular activities, so long as they are women. He knows his place in my heart is safe.So his reaction to Allie is confusing.Perhaps he can tell that I’m as obsessed as I feel.That would explain his reactions. Or mayhap he’s just convinced she’s a spy. That would make sense too. But Iknowshe’s not. I just can’t explain it.
I consider that idea as I yank open the door to the war room.
“Ordained Achlys,” I greet, trying to even my tone. We need the Monkswick family. I can’t act like a cunt to one of them and expect to get it. I’m already sick of this one though.
“Just Achlys, please, in private,” they answer quietly. They are sitting in one of the large chairs at the table. I take a seat opposite of them and Kai perches on my right.
I nod, “Achlys.” Did you settle in fine today? My steward told me you arrived very late last night.”
They nod, black, silky looking hair swinging forward. “Indeed. I can fly during the day but it expends more energy so in a non-urgent situations such as this...” They spread their hands.
I can feel Kai’s annoyance; “a non-urgent situation,” I suppose so, given we’ve been leading the rebellion against Alder for nearing thirty years. And we’re finally getting somewhere too.
I nod though I’m clenching my jaw.
“And did the Mother and Father give you leave to come to an agreement with us?” I ask, standing and striding to my sideboard. “And would you care for a glass of something?” I add.
Achlys nods, “Yes, thank you. The darkest red wine you have, please.”
I spare a moment to wonder what type of bat they shift into as I uncork and pour three glasses.
They continue, “Mother and Father indeed granted me power to come to terms. Given the terms were acceptable, of course.”
I bring them their glass. Though I run with Fae of all varieties, many that keep to half-shifted or morphed forms, something about Achlys puts me on edge.The no whites in their eyes maybe, I decide, as I grab the wine for me and Kai and sit back down.
“And what terms would you find agreeable?” I ask.
They down half their wine in one gulp. “Now, now, Commander, surely you know that’s not how this works?” They let out something akin to a giggle, but higher pitched. “Come now,” they say, leaning back in their chair, “Tell me something interesting. How are things here at Thistle Grove? Have you been backed by Guivre yet?”
I exchange a glance with Kai.Great, it’s gonna be a long chat, I think, silently picking up my wine.
“LONG CHAT” WAS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. Round and round in circles we went, until Achlys begged off to have a nap.
I stood, frustrated and Kai tugged my elbow. “C’mon. My rooms. You need it.”
He’s not wrong. I need to get some frustration out. I follow him silently from the room and down the hall. His rooms are right next to the stairs for my apartments on the top floor of the keep. He says it's for assassins, I tease him it’s so no one else sneaks up to my bed.
I shut the door behind us and Kai is shedding his blades. I unhook my sword sheath and he turns to me.
I raise an eyebrow and drop into a fighting stance. Kai grins and mirrors me. His rooms are mostly open space for this reason. We circle each other. Kai feints and I counter-feint. He chuckles; ignoring it. Wily bastard.
We go around the invisible circle again and when he next moves, it’s for real. I lurch inward and we lock, hands at eachother’s necks, trying to gain advantage. Kai drops his shoulder and I lose my balance. He grabs my thigh and we slam to the floor. I scrabble, trying to end up on top.
Unfortunately, Kai has always been better at wrestling than me; I think it’s his broad stature, he’s kind of a big beast, even for a Fae. Kai’s stunning face is triumphant. I spit, “You haven’t won yet.”
“About to, Lo,” he grunts as he grabs my upper arm, using his chest to keep me down, he slides his hand from the back of my thigh to my hip and using both, he throws me over onto my stomach.
His knees shift, pinning my legs and he places one hand between my shoulder blades.
“Ass up,” he crows as he tugs down my pants roughly.
My cock is hard and I shift my hips to help Kai get my pants far enough down that my dick springs free.
I feel liquid dripped down my crack and I shiver. “Kai–”
“I’m chasing mine, then I’ll take care of you, Lo.Like I always do.”
I smile into the floor. Kai and I might be rough, but we always respect a ‘no’; have since we started playing together as young men.
