ETAN

She pulled her head back to meet his eyes and whatever she saw there convinced her. She let her legs drop and he placed her on her feet, took her chin and kissed her then whispered, "Don't move."

"Etan, what—"

He turned from her, shook out his jacket and laid it on the bench where she had sat, then urged her to sit on it.

She blinked, but did as he asked, staring at him, wide eyed.

He leaned over her, kissed her deeply, then let himself drop to his knees as he kissed his way down her neck, and back to her breasts.

"Oh, Etan," she sighed, leaning away slightly to press herself into his mouth. But he knelt on the ground before her and began to tug up her skirts. When he pulled way, she made a tiny noise. "What—?"

But he dropped, pulling her skirts over his head and groaned again when he found her, knees open, and completely bare.

"Etan, what are you doing?!" she hissed.

To answer her, he opened his mouth and laid it there, right where she was so ready.

"Etan!" she cried in a shuddering groan, clutching at his shoulders.

But instead of answering, he grasped her hips and pulled her right to the edge of the seat. "Relax, Ayleth, I have you," he said, bracing a hand at her back. "Just relax."

Then he started with his tongue.

*****

AYLETH

It was an entirely different experience than when he'd touched her that night in the stable, but once again, the glow of her climax began to beckon from the horizon of him. She tried to say his name, tried to make any kind of sense, but as he licked and sucked, and hummed against her, she could only gasp and writhe.

And gasp and writhe.

Gasp again, and again.

And shatter into a million pieces in slow motion.

And still he didn't stop, wringing every last shudder from her until she groaned and sucked in on his name and sat up, almost losing her balance when her weight shifted.

But Etan, with shaking hands, braced her thigh and held her until she had her center again.

A moment later he pulled out from under her skirts and she gaped at him.

"How… what…?"

"There are many, many ways to soothe the ache, Ayleth," he whispered, his eyes a white-hot fire. "And when we are married, I vow I will show you all of them."

He stared at her then, his hair mussed and falling over his eyes. His chest rose and fell almost as quickly as hers and she realized then what it had taken him to choose this over seeking his own release.

She took his face in her hands and leaned forward, kissing him, long and deep, not because of the fire, but because of her love.

He clung to her, his breath wild. Then she pulled away just far enough to speak against his lips. "Can I do that for you?" she whispered.

He went very still and she wondered if she'd suggested something obscene when he suddenly flew into motion as a voice sounded behind him.

"I wouldn't recommend it."

He was on his feet, covering her with his body, making himself as big as possible, while Ayleth, horrified and cheeks burning, yanked on the front of her dress to cover herself.

"How long have you been there?" Etan snarled.

"Not long," Borsche answered and Ayleth wanted to weep with relief, until he added, "But long enough. This little tryst ends now. If Ayleth isn't seen in the Great Hall soon people will begin searching. And it will be noticed very quickly that you are not there also."

"Don't come any closer!" Etan snarled. Then he glanced over his shoulder at her, his eyes pleading. She put a hand to his back, and stood, smoothing her skirts that were wrinkled at the front, praying they'd loosen as she walked. But she couldn't think about that right now.

Right now she had to step around Etan, stand and face this man who had been so kind lately. But who had just witnessed… and she had to face him… when he knew—

Etan turned and took her hand, bringing it to his mouth, then he stroked her hair off her face and locked eyes with her. "You have done nothing wrong," he said carefully.

Borsche made a skeptical noise, but didn't speak. But she was locked in Etan's gaze.

"The Creator made us to love each other like this, Ayleth," Etan said, his voice dark and intense. "He made our bodies to do this with the one we love. There is no shame in giving—or receiving—pleasure from the man who would give his life for you. Do you understand?"

She nodded, swallowing hard, but tears pinched her eyes and she dreaded the moment she had to see Borsche's face.

But Etan just cupped her face and wouldn't let her look away. "When I touch you, it is an expression of my love for you. Be certain of that, Ayleth. I do not take from you, I want to give. Do you believe me."

"Yes, of course," she said, putting a hand to his precious chest, still bare, his shirt open and flapping around his thighs. "But—"

"There is no but, Ayleth. The only thing we are guilty of is being stuck apart for a time, unable to be together in privacy. You have done nothing to be ashamed of."

She stared deep into his eyes. Her breath caught at the love and adoration she saw there.

"I believe you," she whispered.

He gathered her in then and they held each other for a time, until Borsche cleared his throat. Then Etan sighed and let her go.

As she stepped out of his arms, she forced herself to turn and meet Borsche's eyes.

She was surprised to find not judgment there, or even anger. But grief. And pride?

They stared at each other a moment, then Borsche cleared his throat again and looked at Etan. "You need to stay here so there's no chance of your return being connected by others. I will ensure she reaches the ball safely."

"I have to go back to my quarters," she said, making her voice strong. "My lady is waiting there for me to—"

"Your lady is under Falek's instruction to never again assist you in this way, Your Highness," Borsche said, his voice tight. "The only reason I am the one here is to save him from the vow he made to avenge your virtue. What he does not know cannot hurt him. You understand?" Borsche shot her a look of such authority that she blinked.

Then understanding dawned.

If Falek had found them like that, he would have been bound to kill Etan in defense of her virtue. Her mouth dropped open and she covered it with her hands.

Borsche nodded. "Never. Again. Do you understand?"

She nodded, then looked at Etan, who also seemed a touch pale.

"Both of you must remember that your actions affect everyone near you. Everyone. Never, ever do this again."

They both nodded, then Etan squeezed her hand before she lifted her skirts and swept past Borsche towards the path.