Iron Crowned Page 0,37

it was for him to forgo intercourse. "Wasteful, but enjoyable."

"Seeing as this was what I wanted, maybe I had the power here after all," I teased.

"Hush, woman," he chastised good-naturedly. He shifted me again, so that my head rested on his chest. His hand slid down my body, his fingers moving between my thighs as deftly as they had under the table. He groaned when he felt how wet I was. "Wasteful, I say."

I laughed, shifting up to kiss him. "I've told you before, it doesn't - ah ..."

Taunting thoughts faded away, and soon all that consumed me was his fingers stroking me harder and faster. He brought his lips back to mine so that we were locked in a kiss when I came. Agonizing pleasure radiated through my body at his touch, and my cries were swallowed into that kiss. He released me only when my shaking stopped and breathing calmed, again letting me rest against his chest. One hand stroked my hair while the one that had just got me off moved to rest on my bare lower back.

We both sighed in contentment, and I closed my eyes, exhaustion from the day's battles finally catching up with me. I was nearly asleep - and thought he was too - when quiet words brought me back to consciousness.

"Masthera is right. The crown could solve a lot of problems."

Yes, I was definitely awake now. "I thought you didn't believe that."

"Oh, no. I believe it could end this war. I believe it would make Katrice cower in fear." He sighed. "I just don't want to risk you. I couldn't cope with losing you."

My heart tightened at his words. I didn't know what to say and simply brushed my lips against his chest.

"And you're both right," he continued. "That if I can't ... if I can't go with you, then a half-human companion is the ideal choice."

Now I was really surprised. I lifted my head, hardly believing what I'd heard. "So, what are you saying? I should take Jasmine after all?"

"No. That's still a horrible idea. But not quite as horrible as this one." He gave another sigh, one that seemed to cause him pain. "You should bring the kitsune."

Chapter 9

I propped myself up so that I could look Dorian in the face. Even in dim lighting, I could see he was serious.

"Who, Kiyo?" I asked in astonishment.

"No, the other annoying kitsune in your life."

"Why would you ... why would you suggest something like that?"

"Excellent question," he murmured. His brow furrowed in thought, then relaxed into resignation. "Because his human blood would protect him and - my personal opinions of him aside - he is a good asset in a fight. Most importantly, he would have no interest in the crown. Nor would it be of any use to him."

Every one of those things was true. But there was one obvious problem. "Kiyo wouldn't help me. Not anymore. Jasmine would be more willing - if only for a chance to escape." The argument that Kiyo and I had had in the mountains was still fresh in my head.

This brought a smile to Dorian's lips, and he trailed his fingertips down my arm. "You doubt your own charms. The kitsune will help you, if you ask him nicely. He's not over you as much as you think. And he too would jump at the chance at some foolhardy way to end this war."

"Foolhardy ... You've gone back and forth on the usefulness of the crown yourself. And now you're willing to - " I almost said "allow" but recalled my earlier words. Dorian didn't dictate my life. " - accept me going off with my ex-boyfriend?"

"This is an acceptable solution. Still dangerous ... but I believe you two could manage it. And I trust you," Dorian said simply. "As you trust me."

I stared down into his eyes, dark in the flickering torchlight, though the striking shape of his face and fair skin glowed like a masterpiece in marble. "I do trust you."

He smiled again. "Good. We'll make plans in the morning. But for now ..." The smile gave way to a yawn. "I need sleep. This has been a long day."

It was true. He'd been part of an epic battle and then made love - or whatever you wanted to classify that kinky shit as - like a pro. My day had been pretty busy too, to say the least. I put my head down, wrapping back against him, and soon slept