Choose Your Chains (Closed for haremfaery)

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

When they stopped and found a spot where they might make camp, Vuduin asked Cillian to help him make sure the area was safe before they made camp. As they walked, Vuduin said, “I’m glad you made it out of the empire alive.” Then he sucker-punched his long time friend.

Cillian staggered. “What the hell?” He drew a dagger.

“You ran away and hurt Siora, and then you hurt Desire. You’re an asshole.”

Cillian sheathed his dagger and said, “Fair. Listen, I wasn’t planning any of this. And I figured if I didn’t tell you where I was going, I wouldn’t have to ask you to lie for me.” They kept walking, Cillian rubbing his sore jaw. “Your cross has gotten pretty good.”

“Oh, fuck you,” Vuduin laughed.

They walked in silence for a while. Then Vuduin said, “What was Desire to you?”

Cillian tensed. “I wouldn’t have to have you lie for me if my father ever asked you.”

Vuduin nodded. He had more questions, he was sure he’d get the same response. Cillian was secretive and good at lying, even as they grew up. It was no surprise that he became a spy, or that he could become one. His departure had been surprising.

When they returned, the tents were set up. They had four tents. After a little haggling, it ended up with Cillian and Siora sharing a tent, then Desire and Phyrra, Vuduin and Jassin, and Tarron got his own.

With everything set, the night settled. Vuduin volunteered to take the first watch.

 

[haremfaery]

They discussed watches over dinner. Phyrra and Desire both said they should help take a watch as well, or share a watch. Phyrra was speaking to Desire again, at least on this subject.

It was argued that the elves didn't need to sleep as long as Desire needed. She argued that Cillian couldn't trance either, so with that argument, Phyrra should take a watch and not Cillian.

Siora stayed out of it.

Tarron finally ended the argument by saying the women could join one of the watches if they liked. Cillian protested, but Tarron told him he wasn't even supposed to be here and had no say in the matter.

Desire decided she wasn't sleepy and would stay with Vuduin. If Cillian and Siora started making noise, she would be better off outside where she could walk away on the pretense of checking the perimeter instead of lying down and staring at the tent canvas.

She tended the fire and tidied up from the evening meal. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable today. Phyrra can ride with you tomorrow if that would be better." Maybe not, Cillian would kill him if he got a hard-on for his sister.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"No," Vuduin said maybe a little too quickly. He coughed. "I mean, it wasn't... an..."

Even in the firelight, Vuduin was turning red. "I didn't mind." He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I'm not dumb. I know a lot is going on, and it seems like you and Cillian were... involved, and I get the feeling it was something more than surface level. He's a good friend. We grew up together. But he's also an asshole. I'm not happy with what he did to you."

Vuduin swallowed. "I've only known you a short while, but I know you deserve better than that. You deserve better than this." He gestured vaguely at everything. "No one deserves this, but you... You got dropped into the middle of both a country's and a family's poisonous dynamic because one half-elf couldn't help but keep secrets. I love Norstina, Cillian, and the Farcerans, but it is not a blind love. I recognize the many faults here. So let me apologize on behalf of my country and this family. I'm sorry for how you've been treated."

~~~~~

Phyrra fell asleep rather quickly. Jassin settled in and was soon asleep. Tarron stayed up, waiting for a visit from Desire. She'd seemed so 'receptive' that first time that he'd assumed she'd be back. They'd both done it to hurt Cillian, but Tarron had enjoyed it enough that he wanted it again. He decided that if Desire didn't visit him tonight, he'd speak with her tomorrow.

He certainly couldn't go pull her out of the tent with Phyrra. She'd always been more Cillian's sister than his. He'd still protect her. She was family, but he knew that beyond their blood, their connection had withered long ago.

~~~~~

Cillian slipped an arm around Siora, and said, "Goodnight, wife of mine." While he had thoughts of trying to be more intimate, he wasn't sure a proper lady, like Siora, was the type to rut on a bedroll. And he had to admit, while she was an attractive woman, his lust had more to do with Desire than the woman next to him.

Gods, I'm an asshole.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

“Cillian hurt Siora too. First, when he left and then when he showed up with me. Frankly, I’m surprised she took him back. She’s a better woman than me.” Desire let out a breath. “I would never have escaped without him. If he had just told me the truth... things would have been less complicated.”

She poked at the fire. “Vuduin, you are the,” she almost said sweetest, but she didn’t want yo wound his masculinity any further after his admission to being a virgin. “Nicest, most honorable elf I have ever met. If you wanted... I mean ... it would be an honor ... Seven Hells.” She looked him in the eye. “Do you want to fuck me?” She probably shouldn’t have been so blunt. “No is a perfectly acceptable answer. I won’t be offended. I know you said you were waiting ...” Gods. she really was a whore. Well, not a whore. She didn’t take money for fucking—often. So she was a slut then.

~~~~~

“Goodnight, husband.” It felt strange to say it after all this time. She gave him a chaste kiss and turned her back to him so they could be spoons. Or not, as he wished. She almost thought “as he desired” but that was now a word she removed from her vocabulary.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin looked at Desire, confused as she stumbled through her words until she landed on her final concrete offer.

He went even redder.

"I... um... Now? That... I'm... were on watch... and... and—and—and, I mean you know I've never been with a woman. Beyond knowing how bodies fit together, I don't know what I'm doing, and I wouldn't want to disappoint you."

He looked at the fire.

~~~~~

Cillian pulled her in tighter.

"I hope you understand that I'm trying. I'm not looking for praise. I just want you to understand I'm not there yet. I just ask that you have some patience with me."

He kissed her neck again and lay his head down.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire stifled a laugh. "Not now. After our watch is over. How did you learn to use a sword? Were you afraid you'd disappoint your teacher? You learn by doing." She put her hand on his forearm. "I doubt you will disappoint me. A man who listens. A man who is more concerned for others than himself--that man will be a fine and generous lover. I will show you the places a woman likes to be touched. If you see to a woman's pleasure first, she will reward you by enhancing you own. I expect you will be an enthusiastic student."

"But. If you prefer to remain pure for your fantasy woman. I understand."

~~~~~

"I know, Cillian. And I appreciate your efforts. Perhaps this trip is just what we need to bring us together, away from your father." She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his fingertips before snuggling into the bedroll and preparing to sleep.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

His fantasy woman, or at least the basis for her, lay not 20 yards from him, sleeping next to his best friend.

"Desire, you are much more than I could have hoped for in my fantasy. For one, you're real. And I can tell that at your core, you're a good person. I understand that your line of work carries a lot of moral grey areas and that you've probably done things... complicated thing. But there are two types of people who... enter your line of work, soulless people who enjoy the thought of hurting others or people who care deeply about others and want to protect them. And you don't seem soulless to me."

"So yes, I would like... to fuck you." He grinned. "At your earliest convenience."

Then his face fell a little. "But..." He sighed. "Are you willing to accept that my heart belongs to another? I don't want... things to get confused."

 

[haremfaery]

"Oh, Vuduin. You are a treasure." She moved closer to him and put her hand on his cheek.

"I know you don't love me. You don't have to. This is just two friends ... helping each other." She gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. "When watch is over, I'll get my bedroll. We'll find a spot under the stars ... and I will teach you what I can."

Seven Hells. In another life, she just might have been able to love him.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"Friends, helping each other out." Vuduin smiled a little. "Somehow, I have the feeling I'm getting the better end of this deal. When Jassin and Siora take over, we can both grab our bedrolls. More space to... um... move, and meet a little out that way?" He pointed northward. "Should I... try to be quiet about this? Sneak out? It'll be easy since Jassin is out of the tent."

- - - - -

Once Siora and Jassin were ready to take over, Jassin met Desire with his bedroll and let her lead. He didn't know what exactly they were looking for. An open space, obviously, but was there some special quality she was looking for.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jassin sat in silence wit Siora. There was A LOT going on with this group, and Jassin wasn't sure how best to approach asking about it.

"Besides the bandit attack, have you been okay with the trip so far? Is Cillian at least an entertaining riding partner?"

He had to fill the space somehow until Phyrra and Tarron took over.

 

[haremfaery]

"I think sneaking would be best. This group already knows enough of my business. Except for Jassin, although I suspect Ailred filled him in."

- - - - -

Desire led Vuduin. She would have preferred something more comfortable, but at least she could make it memorable. Something sheltered from prying eyes. She didn't walk Cillian to stumble across them if he left his tent to take a piss. But where they could see the stars. And as soft as the ground could be.

She found a spot with a thick blanket of pine needles. "Here I think." It smelled nice. She hoped in future when he smelled pine, he would think of her fondly."

They laid out their bedrolls then took off her leather jacket. "Come lie beside me. We'll go as far as you want. Stop me if you don't feel comfortable. And ... don't be embarrassed. You come whenever you have to. There are plenty of things we can do while we wait for you to get hard again."

She waited for him to get comfortable next to her. Then she took him in her arms and kissed him gently. She deepened the kiss exploring his mouth with her tongue then letting him do the same.

~~~~~~

"Cillian's my husband." Siora responded, as if that was explanation enough. "He wasn't supposed to be here, but I'm happy he came after me." He only seemed ot have eyes for her. Perhaps Desire had only been a ... convenience. She could live with that.

"What about you, Jassin? I hadn't know you before dinner last night. Have you known Lord Farceran a long time?"

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

A slight shudder ran through Vuduin's body when Desire's lips met his. This wasn't his first kiss, but it was the first in more than thirty years. And it was the first kiss that escalated beyond chaste. His hands fumbled, trying to figure out where to land as his tongue tasted what it was like to be in someone else's mouth.

He was an excellent swordsman and was a superb bowman, but battling tongues was not his forte. What he lacked in skill, he made up for in enthusiasm. He was also very attentive, and he was picking up on Desire's signals and following her lead when he could figure out what she was doing. He was still not sure what to do with his hands.

~~~~~~

"I'm an advisor to house Iartoris. The high council thought it prudent to have more than one noble house represented on this expedition. I bore quickly of the inter-House bickering and dealings, but I'm in no position to stop them."

"Cillian's return certainly did cause a stir. Imra Iartoris was notified immediately. What could possibly have been so interesting about his arrival and ending his career as a spy that it caused word of it to travel to House Iartoris?"

 

[haremfaery]

Desire took Vuduin's hand and placed it on her breast outside her shirt. She traced his ear to see his reaction. "Some people have sensitive ears, some don't. Touch your lover and find out what they like. Don't be afraid to ask. Don't be afraid to tell them what you like or don't like." She kissed him again then pulled off her tunic. "Have you seen a naked woman before?"

~~~~~

"Cillian was found out and placed in a dungeon for execution before. Cillian had information, enough to prompt this journey to the Freeholds to try and make an alliance. Together, we may finally break the empire. Or at least beat them back." Siora spoke rather freely. After all, Jassin had been chosen to accompany them. "But I'm surprised you didn't know this. I thought Lord Ailred presented this to the council after Cillian arrived."

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin was very tentative even after Desire put his hand on her breast, exploring slowly. He would repeat things that seemed to feel good, but he always gentle, either unaware he could or reluctant to use a firmer touch. He didn't seem to mind having his ears touched, but it didn't seem to be particularly pleasurable.

When she removed her tunic, he pulled his hand away, but his eyes went wide as he drank her in and stared unashamedly. "I haven't had the pleasure until today," he said with a grin. Then to cockiness went out of him. "Am I allowed… I'm mean, do you want me to keep touching? And..." he seemed to find a little confidence, "...where should I be touching you?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I mean, that was the information I had, but Ailred is a secretive man. It just seemed sudden that it was decided an envoy would be sent. Is Desire influential in the Freeholds or something? There seems to be a lot riding on the ability of one tiefling to put you in contact with Freehold leaders. There was no indication she was anything special, beyond being comely and…" Jassin trailed off.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

“I like my neck kissed. And you can use a firmer touch. I’m stronger than I look. But asking your lover is always good. Do what you think she’d like and adjust accordingly.” She stood up and stripped off her leather pants and boots. She turned slowly do he could get a good look at her. Then she laid back down.

“Touch me wherever you like. Feel how hard my nipples are? You arouse me, Vuduin. Touch me between my legs. Feel how wet I am for you.” She laid on her back and opened her legs, giving him total access.

“If you need me to give you release, I can do that now. Then you can touch me until you’re hard again.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Siora sniffed. She found Desire to be coarse and barbaric. That collar she had on when she arrived... the jewelry or whatever it was on her horns. Ugh. “If you say so.” She shrugged. “I’m told that she ‘knows people who know people.’ I’ve surmised that she is a spy. Perhaps she has access to her leaders the same way that Cillian does to the High Council. The slavers have hit the Freeholders much harder than they have the elves. I hope that will be enough for them to see the benefits of an alliance.”

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin kissed her neck, enjoying the salt of her skin, and tried to follow her advice on a firmer touch, though he was still tentative. When she pulled away, he looked forlorn for a second before he realized what she was doing.

"You are truly stunning," he said as she lay back down. He took her invitation to touch. He approached the task with uncertainty that slowly faded. He gradually gained more confidence as she started to respond. He slowly dipped a finger into her marvel at the pliant nature of her folds.

"If you need me to give you release, I can do that now."

He sat up to pull off his tunic. He was surprisingly well-muscled for an elf. He took his martial training very seriously. But he was trying and failing not to rush, and got caught in his tunic slightly. And when he finished, he set it aside.

"If you need me to give you release, I can do that now."

He took off his trouser but seemed embarrassed. His cock was perfectly reasonable sized for an elf, but did not give Desire the same spin she'd given him. He was between her legs, a little fumbling, but managed to find his way, pushing himself inside Desire. He moved at a deliberately slow pace.

"Oh, gods. Desire."

He was trying hard to be quiet, fearing alerting the rest of their party to what they were doing or attracting the attention of something else that might be in the woods. But he suddenly stopped.

"I'm not thinking. I don't... want to put a child in you. Not that you're not lovely and..." he let out a sigh, laying his head against her neck. "I'm fucking this up, aren't I?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Yes, slavers have been a problem. The Empire survives on slave labor. Without it, they would collapse." Jassin was thoughtful for a moment. "You're glad Cillian came, but what of his sister and that lynx that follows her? Did you know she was a druid?"

 

[haremfaery]

Desire gave a small laugh. "No Vuduin, you are not fucking this up. And that was very considerate of you. But you needn't worry. Because of the work I do, I take a potion to ensure to make sure that doesn't happen." She stroked his hair. "I had thought to take you in my mouth for your first release, but you may have me, however you like." She ran her hands over his back. He was somewhere in between Cillian's lean muscles and Tarron's bulk. A happy medium. She kissed his head.

~~~~~

"Phyrra can be headstrong. I'm not sure why she decided to come--a young girl seeking adventure perhaps. I've know that she was up to something for some time but I hadn't realized exactly what, or just how far along she has gotten in her studies." Siora looked north when she heard a sound, but it stopped before she could determine what she heard. A nocturnal animal probably.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Desire was good at allaying Vuduin's fears and concerns. Every time he thought he might have made some unforgivable error, she was very patient and encouraging.

"Desire, you are exceptional." Vuduin began thrusting again slowly. He started picking up speed and force, before letting out a string of elvish. He buried his face in her neck, muffling a cry of passion as he came deep inside her. He lay there for just a moment before he laughed quietly.

"Fuck. Well, I understand what all the fuss is about now."

He had yet to pull out even though he was starting to soften.

"So, you talked about other things we could do..."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"If I'm asking too many questions, I can stop. It's just that I've been put in this situation suddenly, and while I'm honored to have been given the task, I'm still don't know much about the people I'm traveling with. Vuduin, what's up with him? He seems to be getting quite friendly with the tiefling."

 

[haremfaery]

Desire didn't come when Vuduin did, but that was to be expected. She'd get hers later. This was for him, to get him over his anxiousness.

"I haven't even begun to show you how exceptional I am." Then you'll really wonder how Cillian could give me up for that icicle he calls a wife.

She laughed. "Are you sorry you waited?" She tensed her inner muscles while he was still hard enough to feel it.

"You can make me come with your fingers. Or if you don't mind tasting yourself ... You could use your mouth on me. Then when you're hard again, I'll be ready to come." She stroked his hair, it was fine as spiderwebs.

"In my experience, if a man makes me come with his hands or mouth, or both, then I am almost guaranteed to come when we actually couple. I suspect most women are like that. Women aren't castles to be stormed, they like ... locks, you have to find out which key works best--that's half the fun."

~~~~

"I'm sure this is all very awkward for you and I'm sorry." Siora said looking into the fire. "Vuduin? He is extremely loyal. And very sweet. He was a great consolation for me when Cillian left."

She thought she heard more sounds from the north, but it stopped again.

"Ah yes, the tiefling. When she finishes with Vuduin, you'll be next. She hadn't been in Lord Farceran's home for an hour and she was with Tarron. It just shows you what kind of who--woman she is." Her voice was even but there was venom behind it.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

When Desire said, "I haven't even begun to show you how exceptional I am," Vuduin shuddered slightly. More so when she tensed her muscle around his semi-hard cock.

"I'm certainly wondering why I had."

He knew 'why' he'd waited, but he didn't know what possessed him to think that there was ever a reason to wait for Siora—especially now. Vuduin thought tasting himself wasn't the worst thing and a small price to pay for the chance couple with Desire again. He was the dutiful student as she walked him through all the things he could/should do to please a woman.

When he was hard again, Desire had him lay on his back, and she mounted him. Vuduin was not prepared. Had he not already come, he wouldn't have lasted a second once Desire pulled out her tricks. He let out another string of elvish as he came, but in the middle, there was something Desire could recognize. He called out Siora's name, twice.

As soon as he realized what he'd said, his eyes went wide.

"Desire, I..." He couldn't think what else to say.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jassin looked at Siora. "You've lived with the Farceran's a long time now. There doesn't appear to be any love lose between Cillian and Tarron. That kick to the ribs to check if he was alive wasn't very friendly. There seems to be a lot of tension there. Do you think it could affect our efforts?"

 

[haremfaery]

Desire was more than satisfied by the time Vuduin was ready to fuck again. She loved watching his face bathed in moonlight as he approached his climax.

She thought Elvish was the most beautiful language in the world. Especially in bed. Then he said that name.

Beshaba's. Bleeding. Cunt.

She held him close. "It's all right. I should have guessed. It explains a lot. But ... unless you want to get tossed from a woman's bed--don't ever say the wrong name. Learn to use some generic love name instead--it keeps you from making that mistake." She eased off him. "Why didn't you tell her? Cillian was away for thirty fucking years." She nestled against his chest. "Do you really love her? Or is it just wanting what you can't have?"

~~~~~
"From what I know Tarron wasn't happy when Cillian moved in after his mother--Lord Farceran's mistress, died. He used every chance he could to torment Cillian. Their father didn't seem to care. Tarron knows his duty and Cillian seems committed to see the empire fall. They will probably continue to spar with each other, but when it comes down to it, the mission is more important than their feelings for each other."

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

He'd stay under her if that's where she wanted him. He'd move anywhere he was told. He felt like he had betrayed her in some way. He hadn't even meant to think of Siora. Why would he? Desire was beautiful, willing, and real.

"It wouldn't have been appropriate to tell her. She was a lady of the house. She was married, and she seemed willing to wait until Cillian returned or died to remarry. And then, when I became a confidant, it made me not want to jeopardize our friendship. I understand there's no love lost between you two. But I feel like if you were to know each other beyond the surface, you'd see how much you have in common. You both are willing to sacrifice a significant measure of your happiness to help your people."

"Should we get dressed, and head back. Not that I mind laying here with you all night, but I'm not sure how that will be received by some of our compatriots. But I want to thank you. I... I feel like I'm... less likely to embarrass myself. And... if there's something you need, physical or otherwise, all you have to do is ask."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jassin was content to sit in silence now and wait for Phyrra and Tarron to relieve them.

 

[haremfaery]

"I suppose I understand, but Beshaba's Tits, thirty years is a long time." She rested her chin on his chest to look at his face. "Or maybe it's not. Those of us with shorter lifespans can't afford to wait that long." She sighed. It must be just as hard for you to watch them together as it is for me."

She snuggled close to him not ready to go back to camp. "Yes, I suppose we should head back. Separately." She kissed his neck. "Rest assured. You won't embarrass yourself. And thank you. I promise, if I need anything, I'll let you know. And you do the same."

She move slowly, reluctant to leave their idyll. She dressed partially, packed up her bedroom, and moved towards some bushes. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Not much later, she slipped into the tent she shared with Phyrra. She went to sleep thinking of all the things Cillian had set in motion by leaving Siora on their wedding day.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"It's been difficult, yes. Even with a long lifespan ahead of me, it still stings. Maybe you'll understand when you're older." Vuduin playfully bumped his shoulder into hers.

"I do feel very conflicted about Cillian's return. I'm glad to know my friend is alive, but things would maybe have been easier if he hadn't. I'm not saying the only reason I'm friends with Siora was in hopes that I'd be first in line. But I suspect she was hurt more by this than she's let on. And if he'd been declared dead, maybe many of us could have moved on with our lives. But I never... I never got as close to Siora as I suspect you and Cillian had. Have I... made this more complicated? It's a little easier to think after... you know."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When morning came, the group continued their journey to the Freeholds. Groshill was just barely large enough to be considered a city. Mostly a trading post, point of rest between various other destinations. But it would be a place to get fresh horses, perhaps one for everyone, which would make their travel faster.

Even as it made their mission easier, Vuduin was actually a little saddened by the idea of no longer riding with Desire close to him. And it wasn't entirely sexual. He already considered her a friend, and he could see the dagger twist in her heart every time she saw Siora and Cillian together. He wanted to protect her from that.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

Desire chuckled. “It was already complicated. I don’t think this will matter much. I hope it doesn’t complicate things for you—with your relationship with Siora. And Cillian.” She was serious now. “Things would have been better for everyone if we never came here. But Cillian had to come to let the Council know about the empire. I think he learned more while there that made it imperative. He didn’t tell me what it was. But it’s enough for the Council to send an ambassador to the Freeholds.”

More of Cillian’s secrets. She let out a breath. In reality, things seemed to be going well with Cillian and Siora. He was kind and solicitous to her. She was polite to him. They touched each other in passing. Touches that lingered. She was certain that they were sharing more than just a tent. Although she hadn’t heard anything. But then, Siora didn’t seem the type to be very vocal. An image of them Locked together, Cillian on top, his hand covering her mouth to keep her from crying out as he drove her to orgasm. Beshaba’s Tits. Think of something else.

“Do you think we could slip away from the others again sometime soon? I’d like to be able to not think for a while.”

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

When they got into town, Cillian dismounted and walked alongside Siora's horse, encouraging her to stay mounted.

"You look like such a vision up there."

After haggling with the stable master, Tarron alerted them that they'd only had enough for two rooms tonight if they purchased fresh horses for all.

"Are you sure, brother? Perhaps you miscounted what was in your coin purse," Cillian said, a smug expression on his face.

"I didn't miscount," Tarron scoffed, opening his coin purse, "I knew we had exactly—" he stopped and glared at his half-brother. "Well, good news, everyone, we have more than enough to purchase four rooms."

"As well as some decent food for all of us," Cillian added.

Never in the history of Omoris had anyone looked so displeased at the offer of a good meal as Tarrron did at that moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Phyrra took Vuduin aside before they dined in the mess hall of the inn.

"I can't believe you. I thought you were better than this," Phyrra snapped.

"What are you talking about?"

"You two thought you were so sneaky. But Desire came in smelling like pine, and you had pine needles in your hair this morning. I may be the little sister here, but I'm not dumb."

Vuduin paled. "Phyrra, I..."

"You what? Love her?"

"No. Not like that. We're friends."

"Friends who fuck?"

"It's not unheard of."

Phyrra rolled her eyes. "You know how Cillian's in love with her."

"He could have done a better job of showing it."

"And you're in love with Siora."

"I— what are you talking about?" The color started rising in Vuduin's cheeks.

"Vuduin, you're a terrible liar."

"How did you know? Does anyone else know?" He looked at the floor. "Do you think Siora knows?"

"You're a terrible liar, but I don't think Siora suspects it. Even if she did, she'd never acknowledge it because she's even more obsessed with following the rules than you are. There's been talk among the servants. I squashed those rumors for you, by the way. Oh, if any of them ask, pretend you don't know about our sordid love affair."

Vuduin expression changed about a dozen times in only a few seconds as he was trying to catch up with Phyrra, who was apparently way ahead of him in whatever was going on.

"I don't—" Vuduin started.

"Are you two going to join us for dinner?" asked Jassin.

Vuduin took the opportunity to escape this conversation. "Yes, Phyrra, let's go join the others."