“I didn’t want to hurt you,” I admitted. “I worried I would lose control with your mouth on me, and with the position we were in, it would have been harder for you to pull away. It was better for me to move.”
He studied me, eyes still narrowed, but seemed to accept my reasoning. “Fine. I can agree to that. But next time, you will be the one on your back. I want to try everything with you. I don’t want you stealing the experience just to protect me.”
“Just me?” I couldn’t help the words as they slipped past my lips. We hadn’t truly discussed our future, and after the interaction with the guard that morning, I was feeling insecure. The guard was much younger than I was and likely could give Cedric more adventurous explorations than I could. I doubtedhe was inexperienced. And Cedric was perfect. He could have any male he wanted. He didn’t have to stay with me just because we’d shared intimacy together.
Rolling to prop himself up on his elbow, he reached for me, putting his palm on the center of my chest, his brows drawn together in a tight frown. “Of course, just you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Orthorr. Why would I want anyone else?”
Dragging him closer, I pulled him back into the water. It was cooler than before, but still heated enough to enjoy it. I distracted myself by soaping up Cedric’s skin, but he was not easily deterred. He cupped my face, thumbs stroking my cheeks, and leveled me with a look.
“Talk to me, Orthorr. Why would you think I wanted anyone else? Did I give you the impression that I would step out on you?”
My brows furrowed, and I gave him a questioning look. I didn’t know that expression. Some common tongue expressions still escaped me, despite knowing the language for years. If they weren’t used by those in my clan, I was unlikely to learn them on my own.
“What does that mean?”
He contemplated his answer for a moment, likely to ensure to explain in terms I could understand. He was thoughtful like that, doing the same thing when discussing the papers with me, ensuring his explanations all made sense to me.
“It means… In the towns, when a couple begins to court, it is understood that they are exclusive to each other. To step out on the courtship, or in some awful cases, on their marriage, would mean seeking companionship from another who isn’t your intended or spouse.”
Understanding swept through me, and I nodded. “I understand now. That only occurs in my clan after bonding. Before, it is understood that lovers are free to do as they wish.They are only… exclusive?—” I paused to make sure I used the term correctly and continued when Cedric nodded, “—after their bonding. It has led to jealousies before, and I’ve had to step in once or twice to stop fights between brothers, but it doesn’t happen often.”
Cedric smiled softly, fingers running gently through my beard. “That’s because you barbarians are a bunch of sweethearts. The rumors truly got it wrong with you lot. Why would you think I would want anyone else when I had you?” he prompted again.
With a sigh, I hugged him closer, leaning my forehead against his. I was loath to admit it, but it had to be said for Cedric to understand. “I am much older than you. There are many young men out there who would fight for your attention and wouldn’t need assistance with sore muscles like I do. You aren’t required to choose me, Cedric. If you wish to see what else is out there–”
He put his fingers over my lips, a deep frown on his face, his voice full of conviction when he said, “I don’t. I only want you. I don’t care about your age, Orthorr. I doubt you’re much older than I am anyway. You can’t be a day over fifty.”
I figured he was just trying to flatter me, but when he gave me an expectant look, I frowned. “I’m fifty seven. I’m not anywhere near the oldest in my clan, but I’m still much older than you, little one.”
His mouth fell open, and he looked me up and down like he didn't quite believe me. “That’s not true! You’re nearly sixty and still look this good? How? The men your age in my town are all wrinkled and have no muscle at all!”
The honest shock on his face made me laugh. He didn’t seem to be saying such things just to placate me. He was legitimately surprised by my age.
“Perhaps it is in our blood,” I offered with a smirk. “Or maybe it is because we spend our days surrounded by true beauty instead of hiding behind those giant walls and doors.” I ran my knuckles down his cheek, showing him the beauty I spoke of. I’d seen the sun rise over snow peaked mountains, dazzling me with its sparkle. I’d seen the winds dance through the plains while feeling the sun beating on my skin. Recently, I’d seen the sun set over the ocean, feeling the crashing waves in my chest. None of it was as beautiful as the man in my arms. When he smiled at me, it felt as though the world stood still, and I fell a little more for him with each breath.
He flushed, but his smile was pleased, and I could tell my words affected him. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, rubbing his forehead against mine, and whispered the words that sealed my fate. “I don’t want anyone else, Orthorr. If I’d known you were on the other side, I would’ve volunteered as tribute the first chance I got to get to you. If you’d have me, I’d stay by your side for the rest of my life.”
It was fast, we’d only known each other a few weeks, but I never questioned fate. Fate brought me my Tessa. It brought me my clan. And it brought me Cedric.
“I’ll always have you, Cedric. You are my other half.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CEDRIC
Orthorr was eventually called back to the king’s study once the other clan leader arrived. This time, he brought me with him. I tried to refuse, I still didn’t feel like I belonged there, but Orthorr insisted that I belonged at his side. Anywhere he went, I would go as well. I was so overjoyed by his answer that I could only nod my head in agreement and go where he wanted me to go.
The steward made an appearance to guide us to the king’s office, then disappeared again after knocking and ushering us inside. I’d honestly not known what to expect. The closest I’d gotten to royalty before joining the clan was being part of a meeting with one of the king’s knights who was gathering taxes from each town. I’d hoped to speak with him about the petitions, since the mayor had no interest in most of what I’d had to say, but the knight barely glanced in my direction before dismissing me entirely. He was only there for one thing and didn’t feel the need to stop and speak to me about what he likely considered trivial matters.
Al Nuzem’s king was more down to earth than I expected. Instead of gold furniture and water features, which I likely only considered because I’d read it in a fantasy novel once, his office was similar to many others I’d been in. He had bookshelves lining the wall, a desk on one side, and a small table near an open terrace. There was also a seating area near the hearth with comfortable looking couches, but they looked more simple than even the mayor’s couches had been, created for comfort rather than to show off. The most exotic thing in the office was the amount of plant life scattered throughout. The mayor never wasted his time with plants.
The king himself was tall, with light brown skin, silky black hair, and a goatee that made him look dignified. He wore the type of robes I’d seen many men in Al Nuzem wearing during our quick trip through the city, though his were a deep blue with gold accents. His expression was serious and very kingly when we arrived, but he softened when he noticed me, tipping his head curiously.
“Hello. Who’s this?”
His common tongue was only slightly accented, and had I not been completely smitten with Orthorr and knew the king was married, I would have been blushing when he took my hand and kissed the back of it. He was handsome, I’d give him that.
“King Zohaib, this is Cedric. My intended.”