Page 30 of A Tale of Mirth & Magic

We stood there near each other for another moment before it suddenly grew awkward. I should go. I had to respect that he got us separate rooms. That was intentional, and I knew what it meant. He wasn’t taking me up on my sex proposal. Disappointing, but not altogether surprising.

Unlike me, Barra was sensible, rational, and controlled. He’d probably weighed all the pros and cons. This situation with the two of us, however exciting it started, didn’t work long term. And he was clearly a long-term kind of man.

We’d sleep in separate beds, have a pleasant breakfast downstairs together tomorrow morning, and by nightfall we’d reach Old Orchard and part ways. No more mind-blowing orgasms or cuddles from him, greedy, I told myself.

But if I wanted to, I could always go downstairs after my bath and see who was around. I was surprised to realize I hadn’t done my usual scan of the room for potential bedmates. Huh.

Barra was grimacing a bit and squeezing his metal room key in one hand, looking like he wanted to get out of this uncomfortable moment as soon as possible. I swallowed down my disappointment and mustered a sunny smile. “Well, good night! Sleep well.” I turned and unlocked my door.

As it closed behind me, I heard him quietly say, “Sleep well, Elikki.”

I stepped into a warm, cozy room with beechwood furniture and—surprise, surprise—pale, yellow-painted walls. Brass candlesticks were scattered around, holding beeswax candles that burned cheerily. A cut-glass vase held a small bouquet of daffodils, probably the first of the season. Despite the dark night outside, the room felt bright and filled with light. I saw my pack leaning in one corner. Fluffy white and yellow pillows filled half of the plush bed, on which a robe and towel were laid out. And best of all, a metal bathtub sat at the foot of the bed, radiating a gentle heat.

I groaned. I pulled the curtains closed, then shed my clothes—all covered with a fine layer of road dust and horsehair from our travels—and practically leaped into the tub. Splashed some water over the edge, of course.

Goddess, it felt amazing. The perfect temperature, just hot enough. This tub was wide and deep, and I ducked under to douse my hair. It smelled like Legus had scented the bathwater with something. Was that lavender and… jasmine? Fancy, for a little country inn.

Finding a round cake of soap sitting in a dish nearby, I did a full wash. After that, I rinsed my hair and rested back against the curved metal. I lost track of time. It was so soothing to just sit in this hot tub and drift blissfully. I was full, warm, clean, and I smelled incredible. A nagging feeling in my chest was the only thing that stopped this night from being perfect. My mind kept going to Barra, probably sitting in his own tub just like me right now. Naked. And very wet.

He was probably only what, twenty feet away? Two wood walls and two slabs of metal were all that was between our bodies. That, and some distance.

I imagined the water dripping over Barra’s lavender-skinned forehead, down his large nose. It sluiced over those huge shoulders and across a broad, muscled chest that I hadn’t seen—I wish I could have seen!—but had already imagined often in the short time I’d known him.

Picturing him dripping in his bathtub—maybe scrubbing with a tiny washcloth and spreading bubbles all over himself—I reached down into the water to touch myself. Surely it wouldn’t be bad to just think about him while I did this? I slipped two fingers into the folds of my pussy, rubbing slowly and firmly.

I let out a deep sigh. Sinking lower into the water, I saw Barra behind my closed eyelids. He was standing in his tub now and stroking his huge cock firmly in one hand. Breathing heavily, he gripped one side of the high tub, muscles straining as he built toward climax. He clenched—

Knock, knock.

My eyes flew open, fingers freezing on my clit. Someone was at the door. Not Barra’s door in my wankdream, but my real door, here in this room.

Oh shit. Was it him? Did he sense me in here thinking about him and come over?

“Elikki, I have your dessert. And I’ve come to clear away the tub.” Legus’s kind, deep rasp sounded through the door.

I hadn’t realized the water had cooled around me. I must have been in here for ages. “Sorry, just a minute!” I called.

Getting out quickly—and splashing a small wave on the floor again—I grabbed a towel and dried off as best I could. I threw it on the ground to soak up the puddle, then wrapped the soft robe around me before flinging the door open.

The dragonborn innkeeper filled the doorway. He held a covered woven basket in one scaly hand. Holding it out to me, he said, “Saho sent me up with this. Make sure to compliment them tomorrow or I won’t hear the end of it.”

I took it with a smile. “Thanks! Dessert is the perfect way to top off the most relaxing evening I’ve had in weeks.”

“May I?” Legus gestured to the bathtub.

“Of course, of course,” I said. “Do you need help?” I moved as if to grab one handle on the tub.

He chuckled, tucking the damp floor towel under his arm. “No, small one.” Grabbing both ends, he lifted the tub like it was as light as the dessert basket. “But you are sweet to offer. A kind heart. I’m glad Barra has you.”

I blinked. He was gone before my brain could catch up enough to say that Barra didn’t have me. We were just traveling together. He hardly knew me.

I put the basket on my bed and lifted the cloth off. Two large slices of lemon cake were nestled inside, drizzled chaotically with white icing. Wow. I knew I gave off big “two desserts” energy, but that was going to be a lot for even me after the dinner we’d had.

Then I saw the small bottle of mead tucked next to the plate. And two glasses.

Saho, you wily busybody.

They had intentionally given me both desserts. So that I’d have to bring Barra’s over to him. I groaned for the second time in an hour, this time in annoyance.