Page 168 of Heimlock

The tension washes away, smoothing his expression. “I’m glad to hear you say that. Maybe I’ll have more clarity once we get out of these mountains.” He glances at the sun. “Everyone will be getting antsy.”

I pout. “We can’t go back, yet.”

His face flickers with confusion. “No? What’s wrong?”

I give him a look that very clearly communicates it should be obvious. “I’ve only cum once.”

Trinte rolls his eyes. “I tried to—”

I slap a hand over his mouth, and his eyes flare in surprise. Swiping it away slowly enough to play with his lips against my thumb, I murmur, “Are you hungry?”

His grin is slow and definitely full of hunger. “Very.”

In one smooth movement, he separates our bodies and deposits me right over his mouth. Using his hands to cup my knees, Trinte helps me settle into place and begins to feast.

69

Once I’m positive Kyrielle is satisfied — primarily because she announced it after two more orgasms — I fly us back to the Weyr. I’m greeted with resounding applause and congratulations.

I’d been afraid that people would blame me or be furious at my choice. It’s no small thing, challenging a Cairanin, especially against a parent. Unfortunately, the price of this welcoming attitude came at the cost of being fairly informed as to why. Dragon culture can be annoyingly blunt with words, so it’s also a surprise that no one asks for details. Everyone has known for years that my father took my eye, so for a lot of them, that’s a fair enough reason.

Kyrielle stays by my side, smiling politely and saying hello when necessary. I refuse to let her out of my sight. Fynn and Orliana stay nearby, so she can meet others. The Weyr reunion wasn’t exactly conducive to making more personable connections.

To Orliana’s dismay, Moxie hangs out on my shoulder, pretending she wants to stab everything with her little golden horn. When people try to hug me, it’s like the ugopeg knows how much I loathe hugs and flits after them like a hornet. Most people laugh it off; I’m relieved for the buffer.

Finally, after a few hours of touching and talking, I’m overstimulated and drag Kyrielle away, leaving Moxie with Orliana. It’s time to go home.

But first: Oasha.

Once I’m in full Dragon form, I’m re-energized, making the flight easy. Fynn flies close behind, also eager to show Orliana the magic of Oasha. With its hot sands, the thermals can be a dream for fliers. Their oases are luxurious and you can rent private ones for a day trip or vacation.

It’s mid-afternoon, but we’re on schedule for our plans.

The air shifting from biting cold to the welcoming caress of heat is luxurious. We head for the main oasis, Palmir. Carved into what used to be a massive stone formation, it consists of smooth arches, open ceilings with glass domes, palm trees and desert brush, and undulating rivers of teal water. It’s enormous, the size of a modest town. Red sand fills the spots between the outer mini oases, where sand wyrms slither against the dunes to transport goods and people.

Landing on a large, curated lawn in Palmir, Fynn and I head into the main lobby area, reserving an oasis not too far from here. It has three bungalows, which means Talia is bunking with Joulian, but she’s fine with that.

Since everyone is in a celebratory mood, we decide to have a mini shopping spree for Oasha fashion. It mostly consists of thin fabrics, sheer coverage, and more skin revealed than Gondoran weather would tolerate.

I cannot wait to see Kyrielle in her dress.

Shopping bags in hand, I lead her to the bungalow’s front door. It’s made of smooth, pale stone carved in rock, with open windows and a clear dome for a ceiling. Thin, gauzy curtains flutter in the slight breeze.

When we step inside, we’re greeted with a small waterfall in the center that fills a deep, blue pool. The marmoris dances along the stone. Through the domed ceiling, stars are beginning to appear. We’ll be able to fall asleep admiring the constellations; something I’m strangely excited for. Gondora has so many clouds that clear skies are hard to come by.

Lounge pillows and couches rest by the smooth, carved windows with complementary ornate beige and red carpets in the walkways. A doorless alcove leads to a large bed with dune-colored sheets and blankets.

It’s cozy, even with the sky above us.

“This is so pretty!” Kyrielle squeals, clapping her hands together. I grin, handing her the bags full of her choices.

“Let’s go wash up, Firefly.”

When we head into the bedroom in search of a bathroom, we’re surprised to find a door leading to an outside shower.

“Oh!” Kyrielle grins. “I’ve never showered outside.”

“Me, either,” I admit. “Let’s try it out.”