Lienna
After hours of being on the road, we finally arrived at a clearing, revealing a charming, ornate cottage nestled among the reinforced trees. Their branches, adorned with lanterns, cast a warm glow around the cottage. I straightened in my seat, and so did the shifter kings, as the carriage slowed to a stop right at the entrance.
I gazed at the building, its newly refurbished exterior gleaming in the fading light. The wooden accents shone, and the stone walls seemed to radiate warmth. My heart racing, I balled my hands into fists. I couldn’t wait to see what the insides looked like.
The shifter kings descended from the carriage, helping me down. Giving instructions to the workers and soldiers who accompanied us, they led me to the entrance. Caspian opened the heavy wooden door, its hinges creaking softly, and gestured for me to walk in.
A gasp escaped my lips as I beheld the interior. My eyes grew wide, taking in the rustic charm. Exposed beams and rough stone walls surrounded me, while a small, crackling fire in the fireplace kept the room cozy. The air was filled with the scent of wood smoke and leather.
“Wow… It’s so beautiful,” I murmured, stepping forward to touch the intricately carved furniture. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
Caspian’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “You like it?”
I nodded, returning my gaze to the open floor space. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
“I’m glad you do,” Caspian replied, his voice warm.
Everything we could possibly need during our stay here was already provided, and I found myself growing eager for our time here. The cottage’s cozy atmosphere and thoughtful touches made me feel pampered.
I realized that Hermes had begun speaking, so I gave him my full attention. “Thank goodness you do. Normally, we should have taken you to a cave,” he said, his expression serious.
I froze on the spot, my heart skipping a beat. “What?” I asked, a hint of worry and fear creeping into my voice.
Caspian quickly intervened, passing a warning look to Hermes. “He’s just joking, don’t mind him,” he said with a reassuring smile. “The location for the mating ritual can be anywhere. We just wanted to make sure you would be comfortable.”
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, my tension easing. Then, a glint flashed in Caspian’s eyes, sparking curiosity.
“Luckily, we made provisions for all kinds of scenarios,” he said, walking forward to grab my hand. His warm fingers wrapped around mine, sending a flutter through my chest.
“Come with me…” he whispered, leading me to a flight of stairs that descended into darkness. Armed with a lamp, he guided me down till we reached the basement or what I thought was one.
As we stepped into the underground room, my jaw dropped. The space was stunning. A plush bed sat in one corner, surrounded by a lounge area with plush couches. And, incredibly, a pool glimmered in the center, its crystal-clear water fed by a gentle fountain. Smooth rocks lined the pool’s edges, and exposed boulders jutted into the space, creating a natural, serene ambiance.
“Woah… Definitely love this place more,” I murmured, now in complete shock.
The shifter kings exchanged knowing smiles, their eyes crinkling at the corners. I blushed, turning my face away, but couldn’t hide my delight.
“Now that’s settled, who’s hungry? I’m starving.” Hermes groaned, his stomach rumbling audibly. I was about to chuckle at him when my own stomach growled in sympathy. The shifter kings turned to me, and my face flushed with embarrassment.
I had forgotten that I ate very little that day. Guess I’m starving too. “Excuse me…” Hermes muttered, excusing himself.
Mortification rising in my throat, I swallowed hard and took a seat, a million thoughts swirling through my head.
Moments later, piping hot plates of food were brought into the room, filling the air with savory aromas. We gathered around the table, and our hunger took over. We devoured the delicious meal, the conversation flowing effortlessly as we ate.
As we talked, I was struck by how naturally the shifter kings interacted with each other. Their banter, laughter, and knowing glances created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Initially, I contributed to the conversation when necessary, but soon found myself comfortable enough to simply listen.
Their camaraderie was captivating, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was the crazy one for looking forward to our intimate moment together. Lost in thought, I zoned out until Hermes’ voice brought me back to the room.
I made a sound, glancing at him, but he was focused on my now-empty glass. “You want more wine?” he asked, raising the bottle.
“Um…” I trailed off, biting my lip before nodding. “Yes, please.”
Hermes poured the wine, his eyes meeting mine with a soft smile. The warmth in his gaze made my heart flutter, and I felt my face grow warm once more.
“You seemed lost in thought for a bit? A penny for them?” Adonis asked, his voice gentle, and I glanced at him, puzzled. I had honestly thought they didn’t notice that.
I let out a nervous chuckle, cradling the glass in my hands and staring at the swirling liquid. “Well, it’s just… you three are conversing so normally right now. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I don’t know why I wasn’t.”
Adonis chuckled, his lazy gaze intensifying as he leaned back in his chair. “If we weren’t friends from the beginning, we wouldn’t have survived as co-rulers,” he divulged, his voice filled with conviction.
I pressed my lips together, acknowledging the accuracy of his words. “That’s… Definitely true,” I murmured, taking a sip of my wine.
But I wasn’t prepared for the strength of the liquor. I let out a sharp groan as the burn spread through my throat. Coughing slightly, I tried to compose myself, but my hands trembled.
In my haste, I slipped, and the rest of the wine poured onto my dress. The crimson liquid spread rapidly, staining the delicate fabric.
They all stopped, staring at the mess on my dress. “Oops…” Hermes trailed off, his eyes wide with amusement. My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I wanted to say something but stopped myself just in time.
I stood, mortified, and surveyed the damage. The red stain seemed to be spreading by the second. “I should probably get out of this,” I said, my face flushing.
The shifter kings exchanged knowing glances, their expressions softening with concern. Caspian rose from his seat, his movements fluid. “Let us help you,” he offered, his voice gentle yet firm.
Turning to the pool, I glanced at Caspian, my voice small. “I can use it, right?” I asked, seeking permission.
“Of course,” he replied, guiding me towards the water’s edge. His hand brushed against mine, sending a shiver down my spine.
I promptly shed my wine-soaked dress, trying to ignore the weight of their gazes. The cool air caressed my skin, making me acutely aware of my near-nakedness. I grabbed a clean towel and dipped it into the pool.
Using the soaked towel to clean my body, I felt incredibly self-conscious. Their eyes seemed to burn with intensity, making my skin prickle.
After a while, it seemed they could take it no longer. “Let me help,” Caspian’s low voice whispered, sending a jolt through me.
I stiffened, staring at him as if he’d grown an extra head. Swallowing down any excitement and fear, I handed him the towel. My gaze drifted forward, and I felt goosebumps rise on my skin.
The cool towel made contact with my skin, and I flinched. Caspian’s gentle touch sent shivers coursing through me. He carefully cleaned my body, his strokes soothing yet electrifying. My flush deepened, and tension coiled within me.
Finally, he pulled away, and I let out a ragged breath. “Thank you…” I murmured, unable to meet his gaze.
Reaching for the folded towel beside me, I felt another presence two, actually. My heart skipped a beat. When did Hermes and Adonis get here?
Adonis’s piercing gaze burned holes through my body. “You weren’t going to just towel off, were you?” he asked, his voice low and husky.
“Um… Not really?” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Hermes chuckled, his eyes crinkling. Then, it narrowed, filled with so much lust and desire it snaked a shiver down my spine.
“Good. Get in the water.”