Page 67 of The Lost Art of Revealing Hidden Truths
Perian grinned at him. “I trust that you like lots of sexy stories, but what would be the point of telling them without me being there?”
Brannal laughed and leaned over to give him a quick kiss. “There is that. It’s much more fun with you than without you.”
There was a chorus of “awws” from the watching people.
Yes, Perian was so glad for these friends.
And then, since apparently they didn’t do anything fun when they were around the fire, it was time to go to bed. And because they were Mage Warriors, they set up a watch.
“We can handle it,” Delana said, gesturing between herself and Nisal. “We assume the rest of you will be busy.”
But Brannal shook his head. “No, it’s silly to make both of you stay up half the night when there are so many of us. How about I start the watch?”
Perian pouted.
“Then I’ll be yours the rest of the night,” Brannal promised.
Well, that wasn’t so bad. And it increased the chances of morning sex, too.
“Acceptable, I suppose,” Perian said. Then he froze. “Wait, amIsupposed to be on watch?”
But Brannal shook his head. “Sorry, this is another one of those Mage-Warrior-only things.”
Perian huffed, but said, “I’ll allow it,” because he absolutely didn’t want to be stuck on watch.
The rest of them quickly worked out how to split the shifts.
“I suppose if I sit up with you, it won’t be the most effective watch ever?” Perian asked.
Brannal eyed him. “If you think you can keep your hands—and other body parts—to yourself, I wouldn’t mind the company, but I do need to actually pay attention.”
“Do you expect anything to happen?” Perian asked, suddenly feeling slightly uneasy.
Brannal shook his head. “It’s highly unlikely, but I would much rather have a quiet night at watch than be caught off guard without one.”
Perian nodded. That sort of attitude was what made Brannal a good Summus. It was a good thing he’d mentioned the need to pay attention, though, because there was a good chance Perian would have tried something otherwise.
They tidied up, not wanting to attract any animals, and then the people who were not on watch waved goodnight and disappeared into their tents. They weren’t that far apart, and Perian realized they were going to need to be quite quiet while they were having sex. Well, Perian liked a challenge.
Brannal put out the fire using his control over the element; he could have used water, but no, it just suddenly went completely out, leaving only charred remains.
Perian sighed happily. “You’re so hot.”
Chapter Fourteen
Brannal laughed. “Do you think that every time I use magic? No matter what I’m doing?”
Perian winked at him. “I guess you’ll have to keep using your magic so we can test that premise exhaustively.”
Brannal was smiling. “We can definitely do that.”
They sat back down on one of the logs, cuddling close together. The moon was waxing more than half full, and the sky was awash with stars, which reflected in the now dark waters in front of them. It was so very beautiful and gave them enough light to see dimly by.
Perian listened to the sound of the world settling around them, the rustling of the trees, the occasional hoot of an owl or noise of another nocturnal animal, the faint lapping of the water. It reminded him a lot of those nights camping with his father. The sounds were soothing.
“Would you normally just sit here during a watch?” Perian asked quietly.
“It depends on what kind of watch it is,” Brannal explained. “We’ve got the water and rock formation protecting two sides, and we’re within the royal park. We’re not that farfrom the city and the castle. The dense woods aren’t ideal, though we’d be likely to hear certain predators coming.”
