A Bond of Three (30 page)

“I love to be inside you,
corishan
,” Tanish gasped out, thrusting into him, his hands gripping Sorran’s hips, holding him steady. Sorran arched his back and rocked, impaling himself again and again on that thick column of flesh buried inside him. Feyar’s breath was hot against his shoulder, hands stroking down his spine to spread Sorran wider for Tanish’s cock.

“Oh, yes!” Sorran exulted, moving faster, desperate to take more of Tanish into him.

Feyar kissed his neck, making Sorran shiver. “Ready,
dorishan
?” Sorran could feel his cock, hot and heavy, against his buttocks. Sorran could only nod, anticipation and nerves robbing him of speech. Feyar moved from behind him, and when he came back into position, Sorran gasped at the feel of cool oil as it was dribbled down his crease. Tanish stilled inside him and drew Sorran down onto him, laying him close to his chest. Then Feyar was there, pressing the head of his cock against Sorran’s hole. Sorran could feel its heat.

“Breathe,
terushan
,” Feyar bade him. “Remember how you let me in our first time together? Open for me now. Let me in, my love.” Feyar pushed, the movement so slight that Sorran barely felt it, and then he let out a groan as the head of Feyar’s cock penetrated him.

“By the Maker.” Sorran moaned at the sensation of being so full. The pain stung him, its bite sharp and lingering. Suddenly calm flooded through him, washing over him in a flood of peace and love. Sorran opened his eyes wide. “You are both doing this.” Their connection had never been this strong. He floated along on a tide of pleasure as the pain melted away.

Feyar pressed slowly inside him, his hands on Sorran’s hips as he continued to inch his way into Sorran’s channel.

“How does it feel,
corishan
?” Tanish stared up at him, impossibly still, his cock buried in Sorran to the root.

Then Feyar pushed in, the movement gentle and languid.

Sorran was shaking. “I feel you both.” He propped himself up on his hands and became still, focusing on Feyar’s cock moving in and out of him, sliding against Tanish’s. Their moans and soft cries filled the air, and Sorran knew it would not be long. “I would have us… release together,” he breathed, shuddering as Feyar set up a rhythm, stroking in and out of his body. Sorran’s cock pointed heavenward, rigid and wet-tipped, and he gripped it tightly, working it from root to head. He could feel the tension growing in Tanish and Feyar as they neared climax.

“Oh, now, my
terushani
, now,” Feyar cried out, thrusting hard. Sorran felt Feyar’s breath upon his back, and he pushed down, taking them both fully into him. Tanish groaned and froze, his heat filling Sorran. Feyar stiffened, and Sorran could feel the pulse of his cock inside him. Their mutual ecstasy flowed over him, bringing every sensation into sharp focus: the sound of their bodies coming together; the heady scent of his lovers, rolling off them and permeating his senses; the slow throb of their shafts within him.

Sorran surrendered to the intensity of their joining, spilling his seed onto Tanish’s chest. Tremors jolted his body, and they drew him into their arms to hold him, their bodies pressed closely together, steadying him against the aftershocks that shook him. Feyar kissed his neck and Tanish took his mouth, their kisses slow and tender as they slipped their cocks from his body, leaving him feeling empty. The overwhelming tide of emotion that consumed Sorran was too much to bear, and tears sprang to his eyes, trickling down his cheeks.

Tanish kissed away his tears, and Feyar stroked down his arms, making him shiver.

“We have you,
corishan
.” Tanish’s voice was low and comforting as he held Sorran, Feyar leaning over Sorran’s shoulder to kiss Tanish. Then Sorran turned his head to one side and the three of them joined in a kiss.

Sorran was dimly aware of Feyar leaving the bed and returning to wipe him. He nestled in Tanish’s arms, his head upon Tanish’s chest, sighing when Feyar rejoined them and lay down, curling his body around him and drawing up the furs to cover them.

“I am truly home,” Sorran whispered when they kissed him softly and caressed him before settling down to sleep. He was safe and warm, surrounded by their love, the nightmare of his abduction slipping further away with each touch of their hands upon him.

T
ANISH
AWOKE
with the sunrise and stretched carefully so as not to awaken his lovers. He had slept wonderfully, falling asleep almost instantly, Sorran wrapped in his arms. He gazed at him and smiled when Sorran stirred against him and shifted closer, as though seeking his warmth.

Beyond him, Feyar opened his eyes and regarded him. “I had thought it a dream, but here you both are, in our bed,” he whispered, stretching out his hand across Sorran and stroking Tanish’s hip. “I was so afraid,
corishan
. I dared not sleep for fear of the dreams I knew would come.” He shivered. “I could not bear to think that we might never see our prince again.”

Tanish laid his hand over Feyar’s. “Peace,
terushan
. He is here, and any dreams from this moment shall be pleasant ones.”

Sorran opened his eyes and smiled. “Good morning, my loves.” He wriggled back against Feyar and sighed. “To awaken in your arms is heaven.”

Feyar kissed his temple and pulled the three of them closer together. Tanish closed his eyes and basked in their shared warmth, exulting in the feel of their bodies against his.

The sound of footsteps in the corridor outside startled Tanish from his blissful state. The palace was usually quiet at this hour. He sat upright, listening intently. Feyar and Sorran joined him, all trace of sleep fled. Three loud raps upon the chamber door made Tanish shiver. He arose from the bed and dressed quickly in his robe, signaling to Feyar and Sorran to do the same while he went to the door and opened it.

To his surprise, Malin stood there, staff in hand, his face grave. He bowed low before Tanish. “Your Majesty.”

A cold hand edged its way around Tanish’s heart at those words. A lump formed in his throat, and he struggled to breathe. Behind him, he heard Feyar’s intake of breath. “My father….” It was all he could manage to say.

Malin nodded. “Your father died quietly in his sleep, Your Majesty, a few hours ago.” His old eyes sparkled with tears. “Teruna has lost its warrior king.”

Tanish gulped, his chest tight. His tears would have to wait until he was alone with his lovers. “Thank you, Malin, for bringing word of this. Teruna has indeed lost its greatest treasure.”

Malin grasped his staff and lowered himself down carefully onto one knee, his head bowed. “I offer you my sympathy, Your Majesty, during this time of great sadness. I am here for you, as I told you I would be.” He swallowed. “I thought to have longer with him. I spent many years in his service.” The tremors in his voice spoke of his emotion.

Tanish stepped forward and helped Malin to his feet, supporting him with his arm. Malin suddenly seemed more frail than ever. “We should make ready the proclamations to announce his passing to the people of Teruna. My father will lie in state in the royal audience chamber so that his subjects may come to pay their respects.” He felt distant, as if he were watching himself speaking from afar. He longed to shut himself behind closed doors and retreat to the safe haven of his lovers’ arms.

But first I have tasks to perform, new responsibilities….

The thought weighed heavily upon him.

He released Malin, who bowed once more before him. “I will see to the arrangements, Your Majesty.”

Tanish dipped his chin in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Malin.” A thought occurred to him. “Have chambers been prepared for King Beron and Queen Vasha? They are to arrive today.”

Malin nodded. “All is in readiness, Your Majesty. May I ask, do you wish to delay the wedding? Surely your father’s funeral takes precedence.”

Malin’s words brought the situation home to Tanish with full force.

My father is dead.

He had no other relatives. There had only been the two of them. And now his father was gone. Tanish’s knees buckled, and he breathed in deeply, pulling himself upright. “You are right, of course, Malin. The… the funeral is to take place within three days, and the wedding shall be two days after that. It was my father’s last wish that the marriage should take place, and I would not have it delayed any further than that.”

Malin bowed his head, and when he raised it, his expression was sympathetic. “All shall be in accordance with your wishes, Your Majesty.” He bowed once more and took his leave.

Tanish closed the chamber door and stared at its surface unseeing. He managed to hold back his tears for a brief moment before turning and holding out his hands to Feyar and Sorran. “I need you.”

They were at his side in the blinking of an eye, their arms around him, supporting him. Tanish let go and succumbed to his grief. He wept for his father, whom he had only begun to know in recent weeks. Tanish sank to his knees, unable to remain upright any longer.

Sorran clung to him, tears in his eyes. “We have you,
terushan
. Weep for him here, where no one sees but we three.”

Tanish leaned into Feyar, and Sorran wrapped his arms around both of them. They knelt together, Tanish surrounded by love that flowed out of his lovers. He let loose his tears, crying to the heavens until the ache inside him subsided, and for a few brief moments, he forgot he had become a king.

He was a young man of twenty-three years who had just lost his father.

S
ORRAN
STOOD
beside his parents, his back rigid. He ached to be at Tanish’s side while the last inhabitants of Teruna to pay their respects filed past the casket draped in black. The air was heavy with the perfume of flowers, filling the royal audience chamber. Sorran gazed at the sheath of red flowers that lay on top of the casket. Tanish had taken them from the enclosed garden, telling him that his father had brought them to the palace for his mother because they had been her favorites.

Tanish stood by the casket, his black robe of mourning making the pallor of his skin more apparent. Sorran knew how little Tanish had slept during the last three nights. Sorran and Feyar had held him, comforting him until he fell asleep, only to have him reawaken an hour or so later. He prayed when King Feolin was laid to rest at last, Tanish would find some peace. Only a short time remained until the interment was to take place. Sorran longed to stand beside him, but royal protocol dictated he stay with his parents. He was aware of Feyar standing behind the trellis, sorrow pouring off him. One look at Tanish told Sorran that he felt their emotions.

His father touched his arm lightly, forcing him back into the present.

“He hides his grief well,” his father murmured. “I had expected him to be overwhelmed, given his age, but he carries himself with dignity and grace.” He glanced at Sorran and gave him a look of approval. “Your husband-to-be will make a fine king. And are you ready to be his consort?”

“This is not the time,” his mother whispered, scowling at them. “This conversation can wait until we are alone.”

They were standing a little distance away from the casket, and behind them stood members of the Terunan Great Houses. The chamber was not silent: Tanish had organized music. Three women sat to the rear of the hall, each playing the
torishar
, a stringed instrument that produced music of such delicacy that it had brought tears to Sorran’s eyes. Their gentle melodies wafted through the chamber, a fitting accompaniment to such a setting.

At last the vigil was ended. Royal guards, their armor glinting in the sunlight, made their way slowly across the floor to lift the casket up onto their shoulders, ready to bear it from the room to the carriage that awaited them outside the palace. Tanish followed them, keeping pace with their measured steps. As he drew near, he held out his hand to Sorran.

“Walk with me, Your Highness. I would have you keep me company.”

Sorran blinked at this unexpected request. He gave a short bow to his parents and took Tanish’s hand. Tanish led him through the chamber, his eyes fixed on the casket ahead of him. Sorran matched his steps, Tanish’s fingers intertwining with his own. All around them, he caught the murmurs from the assembled guests at this divergence from protocol.

“Let them whisper,” Tanish said quietly, his gaze never leaving the casket. “I could not face this day without you,
dorishan
. You are my strength.”

Sorran sighed. “I am but half of the strength you seek. The other half lies beyond that trellis, unable to share in your sorrow.” He could not keep silent when Feyar was suffering. Sorran could feel his frustration, how he too longed to comfort Tanish.

Tanish swallowed. “Please, Sorran. Not today.” His voice shook slightly.

Sorran tightened his fingers around Tanish’s. “Forgive me.”

As they passed through the audience chamber they were joined by the mourners, led by Sorran’s parents. Tanish and Sorran walked out of the main door of the palace to where the carriage, four beautiful black horses in front of it, awaited them. Behind them, the people stood in silence as the casket was eased onto the carriage. Crowds lined the streets, but there was no sound as they watched the proceedings, faces etched with sadness.

Tanish took up position behind the carriage, Sorran at his side, and the procession set off for the quiet garden set into the hillside where Teruna’s monarchs found their final resting place. Sorran had walked there the day before when he and Tanish had stolen a moment away from the duties and decisions that had threatened to overwhelm the new king. Sorran had stood before the tomb that would house King Feolin’s body, Tanish’s hand wrapped around his, so still and silent that Sorran’s heart went out to him.

They walked through the city at a sedate pace, a somber group of mourners at their backs, and as they passed by, the people bowed to Tanish. He acknowledged them with the briefest of nods, but Sorran knew his betrothed was focused on the carriage before them. The sun was high in the sky, not a cloud in sight, and a light breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees. Sorran kept his thoughts calm, knowing Tanish would sense them through their bond. It was all he could do to ease Tanish’s internal turmoil.