“Say it, Ilara.”
“Yes, I’m yours, Norivun Deema Melustral Achul, from now until the end of time.”
A ferocious and victorious snarl emerged from him, and then he gave me what I wanted, latching his mouth and tongue to me as he relentlessly used his fingers to heighten the experience.
And when my orgasm ripped through me, I saw stars. My body spasmed as if lightning had struck me, and a scream caught in my throat. I could barely breathe, let alone think as my body pulsed around him.
And afterward, as I was coming down from the high, with my hands still entwined in his hair, he crawled up my body, his heavy cock throbbing against my stomach. But he didn’t push for anything more. He demanded nothing of me as the blissful aftereffects of my pleasure wrapped around me as the potion began to take hold.
“Sleep, my love,” he said softly as he trailed kisses up my neck before coming to my mouth.
I had just enough energy to kiss him back, and my touch was a promise that next time, the pleasure would be his.
As though understanding, he chuckled deeply. “Oh, my sexy mate, you have no idea what I’m going to do to you tomorrow night.”
It was the last thing I heard before sleep claimed me, and the darkness pulled me under.
CHAPTER 30
I awoke feeling as though I’d slept for a thousand nights. Sunlight pierced my closed eyes. I stretched languidly and reached for Norivun. My searching fingers encountered his supple wings.
I opened my eyes to find him on his elbow, his face cupped in his hand as early morning sunshine shone on his silvery locks. I cocked my head. “Have you been watching me?”
He leaned down and kissed me softly. “I have.”
My cheeks warmed as I stretched again. “For how long?”
He tenderly brushed a lock of hair from my face. “For most of the night.”
“You didn’t sleep?”
He kissed me again, and a flutter began in my stomach. “I slept enough. But I wanted to watch you. Last night was the last time in which you won’t be fully bonded to me. Tonight, you will be entirely mine.”
My toes curled, and I wrapped a leg around his waist. He growled, and when he shifted closer, I realized both of us were still naked. His hard shaft pressed against my abdomen, and I wanted so badly to spread my thighs and have him sink inside me, but today was my final test.
I needed to prepare.
“I should go back to my chambers and get ready.”
He kissed me again, nodding regretfully. “I know. How does your magic feel today?”
I felt inside my gut for it, and a pulse of worry strummed through me when I sensed that whatever had encapsulated it was still there. “It’s the same.”
His hopeful smile vanished, and then he was off the bed and striding across his chambers. His huge wings and taut backside snagged my attention, until he said, “I’m going to find Murl, then talk to my father and Sir Featherton. If your magic is compromised, they need to postpone the final test.”
My eyes widened. I hadn’t even considered that being a possibility. “Do you think they will?”
“They must.”
I mistphased back to my chambers, relieved that my magic worked enough to do that, although the amount of effort it took was worrisome.
Cailis was snoring quietly and still in bed when I appeared in the Exorbiant Chamber, but as soon as I made a sound, she sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Ilara? What time did you get in?”
“Just now.”
“You were with the prince again?”
“I was. Sorry to wake you.”
She shook her head. “Don’t be. I’m glad I get to see you before your final test.”
She scrambled up, and since nervous energy was already buzzing around her, I didn’t tell her about what had happened in Isalee.
“Hungry?” she asked.
“Always.”
She rang for food, and within minutes, Patrice, Balbus, and Haisley were at the door. All three of the prince’s personal servants arrived with jubilant expressions and hands clapping in glee.
“Can you believe that at this time tomorrow we shall be addressing you as, Your Highness?” Patrice bowed deeply.
“I knew from the moment I saw you that you were destined for great things,” Haisley said in a nasally tone, then matched Patrice’s bow.
Balbus merely looked down his nose at the two of them. “Leave the lady be. She needs to get ready and eat a hearty breakfast. We shall be transporting to the stadium in two hours’ time.”
“Stadium?” I cocked my head.
“Oh my, she doesn’t know!” Patrice brought an aghast hand to his mouth.
“Know what?” But before anyone could answer, Daiseeum bustled into the room.
Tense energy vibrated around her as she shooed the prince’s servants away. “Out! All of you! Ilara needs to concentrate and ready herself for what’s to come today.”
My mouth fell open. “But . . . hasn’t the final test been postponed?”
All of the servants froze as Cailis gave me a quizzical look.
“Postponed?” Haisley replied. “No, Lady Seary, the entire castle is readying for the test at this very moment.”
I gave a tight-lipped smile. Of course. Norivun must not have reached his father or Sir Featherton yet. Things were still on schedule.
The servants turned into a flurry of activity again, so I grabbed Balbus’s hand. “Balbus, please find the prince. He was going to speak with Murl, Sir Featherton, and his father. Will you please ask him to come see me when he finishes?”
Balbus frowned. “I shall try, Lady Seary, but the king has already begun issuing orders. I’m unsure if I’ll be able to do as you request.”
A stone formed in my stomach. The tension building within me grew more and more with every second that passed.
“Please try,” I begged of him.
Balbus bowed. “Of course, my lady.”
He hurried off as Daiseeum’s lips pursed. “Sit and eat. We shall dress you as soon as you finish.”
I did as she said even though anxiety was threatening to swallow me. Balbus will find the prince. Norivun is probably talking to Sir Featherton and his father at this very second. Everything will be fine.
I forced food into my mouth as I reassured myself again and again.
But the minutes ticked past, and neither Balbus nor Norivun appeared.
“This was made for today. The king insisted that each female be dressed in her Territory’s colors.” Daiseeum held up a beautiful green tunic.
I fingered the soft, supple fabric. It stretched easily yet felt warm and sturdy.
“What’s it made of?” I asked distractedly and eyed the door again as my sister cast me another anxious glance.
“A magically synthetic fabric. The tailor has been working on it ever since the Trial began. It’s warm, lightweight, bends and flows with every flex of your body, and shall whisk away any perspiration. It truly is the work of a master craftsman, if I do say myself.”