Choose Your Chains (Closed for haremfaery)

[haremfaery]

Desire managed to take a seat at the far end of the table from Cillian and Siora. It was bad enough she had to watch how obsequious Cillian was toward her, she didn't have to hear it as well. He was a different person around her. A person she didn't even recognize. She hoped Siora realized what Cillian was doing for her. What he had given up. Or perhaps he hadn't, perhaps this is what he had wanted all along.

She caught Vuduin's eye when he entered so he would sit by her.

"The stables, tonight?" She whispered under her breath pressing her leg against his.

She sipped her wine. She had to admit that even the most mediocre Elven wine was better than anything in the empire or Freeholds. But the Freeholds had the best ales.

Phyrra was looking at them. Desire smiled her most innocent smile. "It's none of your business." She mouthed surreptitiously.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Tarron kept trying to subtly get Desire's attention. But she seemed to busy talking to her riding partner. He could understand not wanting to be on full display like his brother's performance for Siora. Tarron had made Cillian miserable enough times to see the deep dissatisfaction he was feeling. It wasn't in his face; Cillian was too good to show that. But it was in the subtle way he held himself. It gave Tarron no small measure joy to see him like this, especially after he made Tarron look like a fool with the gold. He knew how much gold they had. While he knew the mechanics of how Cillian might have picked pockets and then slipped it into his coin purse, but he hadn't seen or felt anything. That was the point, but it still annoyed Tarron.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian tried not to see what was happening between Desire and Vuduin. While Desire was doing an admirable job of hiding it, Vuduin was not. He was angry with Desire for twisting his friend in knots. Vuduin was smart, but he wasn't street smarts. He made a perfect mark. He was honest and saw the best in people, even when it wasn't warranted. Otherwise, he'd never have been friends with Cillian.

This situation is totally and utterly fucked.

They weren't discussing any plans in the open dining hall. Even Vuduin, as nieve as he could be, knew enough about secrecy. So instead, it was all small talk. A group politely chatting drew less attention than a bunch of stern and silent travelers.

He wanted to go out, be in the city, and gather coin and information in equal measure on the streets. It was instinct even though he wasn't a spy anymore. At least not officially. But it was ingrained in him now.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Vuduin coughed and nodded at Desire's invitation, even as Phyrra stared daggers at him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jassin sat back, watching all and thinking to himself, The fate of Omoris may lay in the hands of these people. God's help us all.[I/]

He'd always been observant—a keen eye and sharp mind that made him a good student. But he had a simple mission. Get this group of bickering siblings and lovers to the Freeholds. He wouldn't waver from that, but it didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun on the way. He read Desire's lips when she invited the paladin to the stables. He could see the possessiveness in Tarron. He'd give Desire and Vuduin time to tumble each other for a bit before alerting Tarron to where he saw Desire disappear to. It would be an entertaining show.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire would have to work with Vuduin on being subtle. She tapped his boot with her foot. "The wine is very good." She said trying to draw attention to something else.

When she had the chance she was going to tell Phyrra to back the fuck off. This was none of her business. Cillian made his choice. Why couldn't Phyrra let it be? Vuiduin made her happy. Not exactly happy, but happy enough. He gave her something else to think about.

Dinner continued with pasted smiles and spoken inanities.

Desire excused herself and went to the room she was sharing with Phyrra. She didn't know why Tarron got to have a room by himself, but then he was the son of a lord and Vuduin was just ... staff.
It just would be nice to fuck Vuduin in a real bed.

She slipped out the back with her bedroll. There was a stack of hay in the far corner away from the stalls. That would do. The horses snorted stamped when she came in. She made soothing noises to them. She patted the nose of the horse she and Vuduin had been riding. Then she waited. Sge just hoped Vuduin didn't give away what they were up to.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin realized his error and said, "I haven't been outside Ulfamel since... since S—," he coughed, "I went on a short trip for a family matter. I've grown so used to the wine there that I barely even taste it anymore. It's good to try something else."

He'd almost said Siora's name out loud. The family matter he mentioned had been hers. Her father fell ill five years after Cillian left, so they traveled to Felna Taesi to House Elaphyra that Siora hailed from so that she could be with him when he died. It was on that journey where Vuduin fell in love with Siora as he became her confidant.

Siora looked away from Cillian when Vuduin spoke. She very likely knew what trip he'd been talking about.

- - - - -

Vuduin left Jassin to his own devices. He didn't bother to say where he was going. He was a lousy liar, and even if not, there was little reason to tell him anyway. He ducked into the stables, found Desire, and said, "I'm sorry I'm such a terrible liar."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Siora, how are you doing?" Cillian asked. "I mean, really. I just want to make sure I'm doing this husband thing right."

He was worried. He still couldn't get Desire out of his mind, out of his heart. He hadn't told Siora yet. He was hoping he wouldn't have to. She seemed determined to drive the wedge between them deeper still. After she'd fucked his brother, she moved on to his best friend. He was trying his best with Siora, but he just wasn't sure. She seemed sincere and earnest, which was so profoundly different from what he was used to that it threw him off balance.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire laughed lightly. "Being a terrible liar is one of the things I like about you." She stepped into his arms and kissed him. Hard. She tugged at laces on his breeches. "Dinner was interminable. Now I just want you to fuck me till I can't walk straight." She grinned and kissed him again.

~~~~~

"Cillian." Siora sighed. "I'm fine. Really. You have been an exemplary husband. But. I wish you would just be yourself. Relax. It seems that you're trying too hard. I'm not going to kill you in your sleep." She slipped her hand in his and kissed his cheek.

He was acting. She was acting. But perhaps if they acted enough it would become real. They may never love each other but there could be respect and perhaps affection.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin was a bit shocked by Desire's request.

"You're a good teacher, but I'm not sure I'm up to the task. I'm willing to try, though," he said with a nervous laugh.

I'm in way over my head.

He began fumbling her clothes but managed to get them off her before taking her to the bedroll. He started by kissing her neck like she said. Though he was a little anxious about trying to fuck her until she couldn't walk. She didn't mean literally...right? Either way...

He slipped between her legs and repeated the exact same patterns she'd walked him through last night. The EXACT same patterns. He followed it like a recipe. He was an excellent student, after all. Or at least, he thought he was.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Now, I said nothing about you killing me in my sleep." He chuckled. "Should I be worried that's where your mind went so easily?"

He slipped his arms around her waist and started to help her out of her clothes.

"Perhaps I should try my best to banish such thoughts from your mind." He kissed her neck. "What could I possibly do to accomplish that?"

Cillian liked Siora. It was hard not to. She was kind, generous, and forgiving. But he didn't love her. He hoped that would change over time and that they'd grow closer, and he could be happy. And if he couldn't... he'd learn to live with it. He wouldn't have a mistress. She deserved at least that.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

Beshaba’s Tits. This was going to be more difficult than she thought.

“Vuduin, you are an attentive and gentle lover. But sometimes a woman wants to be manhandled. To feel like you are do overcome, you can’t be gentle anymore. Take what you want. Pull my hair. Hold me down. Bite me if you want to. I can take it.”

Vuduin was sweet. But Desire wanted sex that would make her forget her own name. She grabbed his hips and tried to pull him to a faster tempo. She took his hand and used his finger to pinch her nipple until she cried out.

——-

“What you did last night was very nice.” She gave him a warm smile. “ But you could surprise me. If you wanted to.”

Cillian was so much more experienced than Siora. She was sure there were all sorts of things he could do that she would like. She especially liked it when he cuddled her with her back to him and took her that way. He kissed her neck and touched her in intimate places. She nearly cried out when she came. When Cillian was on top of her, she kept her eyes closed. It was embarrassing to look at him or to know he was looking at her.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Desire's request that he take what he wanted and pull her hair and bite her was contradictory. Why would he have to take what wanted when he already had it?

But Vuduin knew she wasn't asking this for him. This was something she wanted and he was willing to try, especially after all she'd given him. He tried to maintain the tempo she urged him to take. It wasn't like it was physically taxing or entirely unpleasurable. He'd enjoyed the slow rhythm and lingering pace of their last session. He wanted to please her so he continued, at least until she used his fingers to pinch her nipples.

As soon as she cried out, he instinctually jerked his hands away and stopped thrusting.

"I'm sorry. I just— are you okay? Are you sure you want me to do this?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Siora wanted to be surprised. Cillian was happy to do that. He abandoned undoing her clothes, bent her over the bed, flipped her skirt up, and dropped her knickers to the floor. Then knelt behind her, sliding his tongue through her slit before wetting his fingers and slipping them inside her. For what he was going to do, he wanted to make sure she was ready.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire let out a breath of frustration.It was as if Vuduin had memorized what she had told him about sex and them performed it like the action in a play.

"Let me try to explain it ... When you fight, do you do the same thing every time? You adjust your stance, you block high or low as the situation demands. Fucking is like that too. You can't do it the same way every time."

"Sometimes a little pain adds to the pleasure. I promise that I will let you know if I want you to stop." She put his hand back on her breast. "I want you to fuck me. Hard. Would it be easier if you fucked me from behind?"


~~~~~~

"Cillian? What are you doing?" While she always liked what he did with his fingers and tongue, this position was ... embarrassing. It was her own fault, she had asked him to surprise her after all. Perhaps if she were fully naked it wouldn't seem as obscene as it was with her dress at her hips and her bottom exposed.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin was willing to try. When she seemed like she might be ready, he positioned himself behind her and guided his cock into her entrance. He tried out a few slower, gentler thrusts at first to make sure he had an angle he could work with. Then he grasped her hips firmly before increasing speed and intensity slowly, perhaps frustratingly so. Even after Desire's instructions, he still seemed afraid to harm her in some way.

"Like this?" He didn't sound confident.

He was trying. He really was. Desire was beautiful and seductive. She was also very willing and had been patient with him, though that patience seemed to be wearing a little thin.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Surprising you," Cillian answered. When she seemed like she might be ready, he positioned himself behind her and guided his cock into her entrance. He tried out a few slower, gentler thrusts at first to make sure he had an angle he could work with. Then he grasped her hips firmly before increasing speed and intensity quickly. Watching the way her ass bounced with each thrust, he was overcome with the urge to slap her ass.

It wasn't a brutal strike, but it very probably stung.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire twitched her tail. "Like that. But Harder. Storm the castle. Use your cock like a battering ram." She pushed back against him.

Vuduin was a sweet fuck, but Beshaba's Tits, she wanted some passion. She wanted to be fucked raw. Fucked until she forgot that she had anything she wanted to forget.

"Fuck me, you thrice-damned elf!"

~~~~~

"OW!" Siora shot upright as if she had been pulled by a string.

"Cillian!" She said in a rather imperious tone. "I wanted to be surprised not---not mounted like a dog and---and beaten." The color was high in her face from a combination of anger and embarrassment. Mostly embarrassment. Or anger. he was feeling quite a lot of emotion at that moment.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin gave a few thrusts closer to what Desire wanted but not quite there.

"Fuck me, you thrice-damned elf!" Desire yelled.

Vuduin stopped altogether, and he asked, "Is this how you liked to have sex with Cillian?"

He pulled out and knelt behind her. He supposed he shouldn't be offended. He'd been thinking of Siora last time, even called out her name. He was okay with being a distraction. It wasn't like he wasn't getting anything out of the deal.

"I'm sorry, Desire. I don't know if I can do what you want. I know you say you can take it, but I don't think I can give it. I worry too much. It would... distract me and probably lead to dissatisfaction for both of us. I'm not that guy. You still want Cillian, don't you?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian stopped altogether, and Siora asked, "Is this how you liked to have sex with Desire?"

He pulled out and stood behind her. He looked like he'd been punched in the gut.

"Siora. I'm sorry. I thought... you wanted something more, and I got a little overzealous. It's not just Desire. That's how I like to have sex. I'm sorry that doesn't line up for us. I can be gentle."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tarron knocked on the door to Phyrra and Desire's room, and his sister opened it.

"Tarron, do you need something?" Phyrra asked as her lynx, Glifriss, peaked from behind her. Like many felines, Glifriss looked at Tarron as though she was judging him. Unlike many felines, Glifriss was actually judging him.

"I was looking for Desire," he said tentatively.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Go fuck a manticore." Phyrra shut the door in his face.

Jassin came out of his room. "Oh, you're looking for Desire? I think I saw her heading to the stables."

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

Desire turned around and sat on the bedroll. "It's not just Cillian. It's the way I like to have sex. I'm sorry if that's not who you are. I shouldn't have pushed you to do something you don't feel comfortable with." She sighed. "Cillian made his choice—the right choice. You've seen them together. They look ... happy." Did they? Did they really? "It doesn't matter what I want. I'll be home soon and can forget this entire mess." If only she had kept her head on straight and treated Cillian like any other mark to be used and discarded once she got what she wanted.

"So... I guess this means we're done? You go back to mooning over Siora and I ..." What? Go back to fucking Tarron? These thrice-damned elves could all go fuck themselves.

She looked around for her clothes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Siora pulled up her underclothes and smoothed her dress. "I'm sorry, Cillian. I don't know if I can do what you want." She was hurt and angry and confused. How could anyone want to have sex like that? Especially if you loved them? "Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. I can't give you what you want. You do what you're doing out of some kind twisted duty." She sighed. "I thought we could make this work, but now I'm not so sure."

She sat stiffly on the bed.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"What good does mooning over her do any of us? Maybe I can find somebody else... a bit less... energetic." He chuckled. "But at least thanks to you, I won't entirely embarrass myself. I w—"

"What the fuck is going on here?!?!" Tarron yelled as he saw the pair still need, Vuduin's cock still slightly engorged. "Are you just fucking everyone you can get your hands on, you demon-blooded whore!"

Vuduin changed his stance, ready to charge. He was still naked, but that didn't really matter. He understood that if you have the choice between going into a fight armored or unarmored, you strap on armor. But the protection a linen shirt and breeches provided were insignificant, so fighting naked wasn't only a problem if you let it embarrass you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian tucked his cock back into his pants and sat next to her.

"I don't know what to do about it. You are kind and generous. And extremely patient. Devoted. You've put up with my father's bullshit for 30 years, and that's not an easy task. Siora, I want to love you, but I don't think that's an emotion you can force." He snorted. "We can't be the only arranged marriage that neither party is completely happy with. Gentler isn't bad. I can do that if that's what you want. Or if you don't want to have sex, I'll survive with just my hands."

He sighed.

"I promise you, I will never take a mistress. I want to be the man you deserve. But I'm not. This entire situation is so fucked, all we can do is make the best of it. Who knows, we've got years together. Who's to say we won't grow closer over time. And you'll outlive me, Siora. You've got time. Let's just be honest with each other. I'm not saying be cruel and bitter. But let each other know when we're struggling."

He smirked.

"Let's give it at least a decade and see what happens."

 

[haremfaery]

Desire was on her feet, tail thrashing. A crackling beam of energy shot from her fingers to the ground in front of Tarron's feet.

"If you ever call me whore again, I will burn you to ash." Her eyes blazed but her voice was cold steel. "Don't be a hypocrite. You're angry because I'm not fucking you. She clenched and unclenched her fists. She'd blast him again if she had to. She could do it all fucking day.

~~~~~

This was not working. It was never going to work. Maybe if Cillian hadn't left, they would have had a chance to grow to love each other. Maybe not. Maybe he had always been this person. Maybe it was his time in the empire. None of it mattered now.

"A decade? Is that how long you think your penance should last for leaving me without a word?" She shook her head. "Cillian, how can I be your wife--in any capacity--when I know you only do it to atone for the past?"

She put her hand on his knee. "Answer me one thing, Cillian." She searched his face. "And I want the truth. Do you love Desire?"

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin halted as soon as Desire... did whatever it was she'd done. Obviously, of the two of them, while unarmed and naked, she was the most capable of defending the both of them. Fully armed and armored, it was probably still true Desire was the most skilled, but at least Vuduin's best strategy wouldn't be to hide behind the tiefling and hope for the best.

Tarron tensed like he was ready to test her challenge, but instead took a step back.

"You're not worth the trouble," he said as he turned and left.

As he stomped off, Vuduin turned to Desire and said, "I wish I could be the man you want and need because that was incredibly attractive."

He bent down and picked up his pants.

"Not that I think you will, but if you ever have need of me, all you have to do is ask."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian wanted to tell her that he didn't think of this as penance, but he'd promised not to lie to her. While he hadn't realized it until that moment, it was precisely how he'd approached this since he'd taken her out of hurt and anger at discovering Desire had fucked Tarron. So all he did was nod. He couldn't figure out what else to do. She'd seen right through him to understanding something about him didn't even know about himself.

Then she said, "And I want the truth. Do you love Desire?"

"You can't force love... in either direction. I... wish I didn't. This would be so much easier if I didn't. We are both distrustful and deceitful—great assets for a spy but not a solid foundation for a relationship. But I think you asked that question knowing that answer. Here's a question I don't know the answer to. And I want the truth. If there was a way to get out of our marriage, would you take it?"

 

[haremfaery]

Desire snorted a little laugh and smiled. "Thank you. For everything, Vuduin. You'll find the right woman some day. And she will be happy to have you just as you are."

She pulled on her breeches and adjusted her tail. "The trip's not over yet. I just might." She went to him and gave him gentle kiss. "Thank you for being my friend." She found her tunic and pulled it on.

~~~~~~

"If there was a way to get out of our marriage, would you take it?"

That was a question Siora had never thought about. After her marriage to Cillian and given that Ailred's wife was dead, it made sense that Siora would take over the duties and responsibilities as lady of the house. She took pride in it. What would happen if she was no longer married to Cillian? The council thought her skilled enough to act as an ambassador, She could find another place to live. Get on with her life without the shadow of Cillian clouding everything.

"Yes. Now I would. I couldn't before. But now ... yes." She just didn't see how.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"Don't hurt him."

That was the first thing Phyrra asked when Desire came in.

"I get that my brother hurt you, but Vuduin, he's... sensitive. He's not like us. He sees the best in people even when they've done nothing to deserve it. He's not naive, just too optimistic and hopeful. And I think he's vulnerable right now, because..."

Phyrra didn't feel like letting Desire know about Vuduin's feelings for Siora. It wasn't her place, and she wasn't particularly fond of the tiefling night now.

"Just don't... use him to get back at Cillian. Because if you do hurt him, we'll see if Glifriss likes the taste of tiefling."

Phyrra had stopped needing Vuduin protection a while ago. But even though she was several decades younger than him, she felt like she had to protect his all too giving heart.

"He gives people too many chances to disappoint him, and he's crushed every time like he's the one who failed them. I just want you to understand that while you... do whatever it is you're doing."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian looked at Siora.

"Well, I can be a crafty bastard when I need to be, and you're smart. I think if we put our heads together, we'll find a solution that will make you happy."

He let out a sigh.

"I'll sleep on the floor tonight, and we can figure out our future sleeping arrangements in the morning."

 

[haremfaery]

Desire wondered if Phyrra had a crush on Vuduin.

"I haven't hurt Vuduin. I won't hurt him. Unless you count a few scratches." Desire grinned then she got serious. "Vuduin is the sweetest, most honest man I have ever met. We have an understanding. And I don't think he's as vulnerable as he was. I know about his feelings for Siora. He's made peace with it. He's ready to move on." She bowed slightly smiling again. "You're welcome."

She eyed Glifriss, "And all this time I thought we were friends."

~~~~~

"What about you, Cillian? Can we find a solution that will make you happy as well?"

Right now, Siora couldn't see a way out of this, but perhaps they would think of something as they traveled.

"I'll sleep on the floor tonight, and we can figure out our future sleeping arrangements in the morning."

"You will do no such thing. At least ... not tonight. We can sleep in the same bed without ... without ... We can sleep in the same bed."

This was why she could never make Cillian happy. He knew so much about men and women together and she knew so little.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Phyrra regarding Desire for a moment as though she wasn't sure how much coming from her lips was true. But she couldn't help but crack a smile when Desire looked at Glifriss and said, "And all this time I thought we were friends."

"I can see why he liked you," Phyrra said as she crawled into bed, the lynx curling up at her feet.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian wasn't expecting it when Siora said, "What about you, Cillian? Can we find a solution that will make you happy as well?"

"Maybe that's just not in the cards for me, Siora. I'm okay with that. I... I did a lot of bad things, and I'm not just talking about what I did to you. I know some people will say it was for my people—" Cillian thought back to the slavers he'd slaughtered, "But not all of it was sanctioned. And maybe that means..." He trailed off, thinking about how he'd felt with Desire. Even running for their lives, being with her was like being happy. Or maybe it was actual happiness. It was hard to tell since he hadn't experienced it in so long.

"Sorry. Getting maudlin. Right, now, I think the best thing is to go to sleep."

He excepted her offer of sleeping in the same bed, and unless she had other plans, he'd sleep with his back to her.

 

[haremfaery]

"Vuduin?" Or did she mean Cillian?

She climbed into bed careful not to disturb Glifriss. Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day.

~~~~~

"It's true--you have done so much for your people. Cillian, everyone deserves to be happy. Especially you. "

Siora got into bed and following Cillian's lead, she turned her back to him. But sometime during the night she got cold and curled herself around his body pressing her feet against his.

===============

Desire was up early. She dressed and packed with Glifriss watching her the entire time. Why did cats do that? It was as if they judged everything you did.

She couldn't tell if Phyrra was asleep or faking, but she wasn't about to shake her foot to wake her with Glifriss there. She looked at the cat, "Then you wake your mistress. I'm getting a decent meal before we're back on the road."

She went downstairs not knowing what she would face from Tarron.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

When Desire asked, "Vuduin?" Phyrra turned and stared at her with a look that quite plainly said, 'Really, bitch? You're not that dumb.' Then she lay back down without actually saying anything.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cillian wondered if things had worked out differently if he could have loved Siora.

He found it endearing when she said, "Everyone deserves to be happy. Especially you."

To him, it sounded a little naive, but it reminded him of Vuduin. They were the people he tried to protect as a spy. These were the people who were still good and shouldn't have to suffer because of all the bad people in the world who definitely didn't deserve happiness. They'd earned themselves a dagger between their ribs.

But Cillian said none of that. All he said was, "Thank you."

- - - - -

They both must have rolled over at some point in the night, and Siora's back was to his chest. His hand was clutching one of her breasts, and his stiff cock pressed into her backside. When he was conscious enough to realize what he was doing, he released her and rolled way.

If she too was awake, he said, "Sorry, I... I was unconscious. I didn't mean to... Sorry." Cillian actually blushed, something he hadn't done since... ever.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By the time Desire made it downstairs, it looked like Jassin, Tarron, and Vuduin had already been up a while. They had breakfast in front of them, though Tarron had left his mostly untouched. He was glaring at Vuduin, who was completely ignoring him as he ate and talked with Jassin about the weather.

When Vuduin saw Desire, he stood to pull out a chair for her.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

Phyrra could have meant Cillian. That's why Desire asked. She made a face at Phyrra's back then got into bed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Siora murmured something in her sleep when Cillian moved away from her. She rolled over and settled again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Good morning, everyone," Desire said sweetly. She smiled at Vuduin, "Thank you." She sat down and waited for the servant to bring her a plate. She tucked into her breakfast and gave Vuduin a sideways glance. Was the honorable knight making a dig at Tarron by being solicitous of her? Or was it simply his natural good manners? Either way, she enjoyed Tarron's discomfort.

"I thought elves required less sleep than most, but Phyrra was still sleeping soundly when I left our room. She wasn't going to mention Cillian's and Siora's absence. They were newlyweds, and she didn't want to think about what would delay them.

Tarron's face was impassive, but his eyes shot daggers at her. If she could get a moment alone with him, she'd let him know she had his back in a fight regardless of his ill-chosen words. But if he spoke to her like that again, she would make good her threat.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin just shrugged. He knew that very likely, Phyrra got up in the middle of the night. When they were back in Ulfamel, he knew about her late-night excursions.

"Phyrra probably went out while you were asleep," Vuduin said. "Night was the time she used to... practice.

But eventually, they were joined by Phyrra. Then, a little later, Cillian and Siora descended the stairs. Someone who had paid attention to how they interacted before might notice the shift in how Cillian and Siora interacted. The casual touches stopped. It wasn't cold, like how a couple would pretend they weren't angry with each other. When they rode on, it wasn't like they avoided each other, but it something much more like casual friends than husband and wife.

As they traveled, Vuduin didn't return to Vuduin. In fact, he was treating Desire akin to the way Cillian was treating Siora. Tarron was too busy wrestling with the idea he'd never again be betwixt Desires thighs to notice, though, Phyrra and Jassin both noticed the changes independently.

The first night while Tarron and Jassin were on watch, Phyrra turned to Desire and whispered, "What do you think happened between Cillian and Siora?"

 

[haremfaery]

"I don't know." Desire kept her voice low. Whispers were actually easier to her and understand. "An argument maybe? Not a big argument--they don't seem exactly angry with each other ..." Desire knew the cold look Cillian would get. He didn't have that now. "Maybe Siora decided she didn't like Cillian's dutiful husband act. I can't talk to either of them, but you could. At least it won't jeopardize our mission."

As for Tarron and her, they avoided each other. She guess she had wounded his arrogant elven ego by fucking Vuduin. No, by being caught fucking Vuduin. If she was honest with herself, it was unfair of her to use Tarron for a revenge fuck. But his true opinion of her came out when he found them in the stable and that she could never forgive. She did need to speak to him at some point though.

She wasn't going to let her feelings affect the mission. She needed him to know she'd have his back in a fight, and hoped he would do the same for her.

"Aren’t you taking watch with Cillian? You could ask him. He'd talk to you about it."

—————-

Phyrra and Cillian did have the next watch. He had barely sat down by the fire when Phyrra confronted him. “Something’s changed between you and Siora. What happened? You aren’t acting like her puppy anymore.”