Sky and Storm ( Warriors of Vis #1)(8)
Blinding jealousy won in the end, as no matter how poorly a concubine would be treated, she’d share Storm’s bed as more than a convenient body pillow. It would be more than Sky would ever get.
It wasn’t good at all, sitting there and watching women curtsy and glide away. No one paid Sky any attention, their eyes on Storm and the many exquisite ladies trying to catch the Dragon’s eye. If he were to leave, Storm would stop him, so Sky was trapped, his mind a jumbled mess of alcohol, longing, guilt, anger, and that nagging jealousy he couldn’t get under control.
Sky pictured Storm arm in arm with each of those beautiful women. It was torture, but he couldn’t stop. Would they run their fingers over Storm’s beautiful body? The thought of Storm naked caused lust to slam into Sky, leaving him breathless. His cock stirred at the thought of Storm pressed against him. How many times had Sky woken up in the middle of the night, shivering with need, his dick dripping, his body so strained it hurt? He could have gotten out of bed, snuck into the bathing room and dealt with it, but that would have meant less time engulfed in Storm’s heady scent, dizzy with the strength of his arms, shivering at the touch of his groin on Sky’s lower back. He’d breathe through it, waiting for his body to calm down enough to drift off again.
As the next noble girl came, shoving her overflowing bosom in Storm’s face, Sky called for the servant holding the bottle of wine and had him fill up his glass again. A few more women and then another course was served, giving him a recess from the parade. Storm turned to Sky, asking if the soup was not to his liking. He nodded and ate a spoonful to keep Storm off his back.
By dessert, Sky had already drunk a dozen glasses of wine. He could barely sit in his chair. Apart from impairing his body’s ability to function properly, the alcohol had achieved little else. Anger and hurt still raced through him, each new woman adding to his discomfort. He wished Storm would decide already and end his misery. Knowing who it was would be far better than this endless parade of bodies, tight, revealing dresses, and girly giggles. Storm, however, had barely done more than grunt or nod or say a curt hello to any of them. Sky wondered if he found it harder to choose a concubine than someone to bed and later discard.
After dessert, a strange song started, drawing oohs and ahs from the gathering. It was from Estas, Sky could tell because Sera would often sing it while brushing his hair.
Sky clenched the edge of the table, feeling something ominous rushing towards him. And there she was, the princess with her ebony skin and bright green eyes. Curves cut into her body, enticing those who looked upon her. She glided to the center of the dining room and started dancing, sinuous moves that, while beautiful, reminded Sky of a snake about to mesmerize its prey. She smiled and the contrast between her dark skin and perfect, white teeth blinded him. She was by far the most beautiful woman Sky had ever seen.
Sky chanced a look at Storm. The Dragon’s frown had deepened, but there was something burning in his eyes. Maybe lust? He had very good reasons to want her. Sky turned to his half full glass and made quick work of drinking it all.
The mesmerizing dance seemed to go on forever. No one dared speak, no one dared look elsewhere, their eyes glued to the luscious body entertaining them. If Sky had to choose for his husband, he’d pick that princess with chocolate skin. Maybe she’d be better at keeping Storm, and the Dragon would no longer want to fuck anything that moved.
Wine was starting to taste better and better. Why exactly had he dreaded alcohol before? It was positively delightful. Made you all giddy and… uncaring. Sky couldn’t care less that his husband didn’t want him, that some woman with nothing but want for royal power would get Storm, that even the feeblest hope he’d harbored would be torn apart from his heart.
He felt like laughing and singing and dancing. Maybe he should join the princess. He had decided to do just that when the music stopped and the room started applauding and screaming their approval and delight. Storm had crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing the now approaching woman. Sky could see her head held high, her smug grin, the confident yet graceful glide toward the man he desperately loved. She was practically sharpening her claws to sink them deep into Storm and… Oh, fuck it! Another drink would definitely make him feel better.
“My prince,” she said and bowed deeply. Her voice was smooth, her laughter like a sweet caress, not the screechy giggles he’d heard all evening. If was all so unfair! Why did she have to be SO perfect?
“Princess Mehra, a pleasure to see you again,” Storm muttered, standing up.
“It’s been far too long.” She placed both hands on his shoulders and leaned into him. Sky cringed at the touch and polished his freshly poured wine. Storm’s extended hand almost scared him. His husband waited patiently till he finally realized he was expected to take it. When he did, Storm pulled him up and placed a protective arm around his shoulders, giving him a little squeeze.
“Princess, this is Sky Moonborn, my husband,” Storm said smiling.
Sky mumbled something about it being a delight to meet her. She huffed and arched an eyebrow. He felt Storm’s hold tightening.
“Are you by any chance attempting to insult my husband, Princess Mehra? That was not a very polite reply to his greeting.”
Sky blinked, surprise making him go very still and very quiet.
“Storm,” the queen hissed. “That’s enough.”
“Why, mother? If Mehra’s parents were to visit and they’d huff and pout like spoiled brats when my father introduced you, do you think the king of Vis would have no complaints?”