Page 68 of Too Many Beds
A surge of confidence bolstered Marek.Hewas doing this. He was making Arcanus lose control, just as he was losing control himself. His hand drifted down to the curve of Arcanus's hip, his fingers tracing the line of his waist. He felt the subtle shift of Arcanus's body, the way he leaned into the touch, urging Marek closer. This wasn't a competition anymore.
“Marek.” Arcanus’s voice was a throaty whimper. A plea. “We shouldn’t—the competition?—”
Marek pressed his mouth more insistently against the wizard’s. The competition was important but this…thiswas something else. And Marek was going to enjoy this perfect, heady moment while he could.
“Forget the competition,” he rumbled. “Right now, all that matters is you and me.”
Arcanus adjusted the robe that covered his bare skin as Marek finished their joint tale. Would the King and Queen order him and Marek to be executed for their audacity? What had they been thinking, to make use of a potential royal bed in such a way? But hehadn'tbeen thinking. Only feeling and enjoying. And it had been soright.
“So, you see, Your Highnesses, that’s how we came to be in this state of undress,” Arcanus finished. Too bad Marek hadn’t been able to finishhim, alas.
“Undress.” Princess Eliora covered her mouth as she laughed, her eyes bright with amusement.
The royals traded long looks, then seemed to reach a silent decision. King Aldric cleared his throat before speaking.“Princess Eliora’s upcoming nuptials to Prince Corvus have filled us with much concern, and it’s our goal that the winning bed be a piece that showcases the ability to bring disparate people together.”
Queen Isolde’s eyes danced, her gaze resting on the bed where Arcanus reclined. “And what better than this bed?” She made a sweeping gesture. “It’s clear you worked on it together. We’ve been watching the work of all the artisans closely, you know.” She crossed her arms, stepping closer as she assessed the work. “Most of the craftsmanship is Marek, certainly, but with a lovely blend of your touches, Arcanus.”
“Hedoeshave a lovely touch,” Marek agreed, deadpan.
The Queen clapped her hands. “So, it’s decided. At the celebration this afternoon, we’ll announce the winners.”
“Your collaboration has created something extraordinary,” Princess Eliora said. “This bed has already proven its ability to bring two people together in love. And that’s what I’ll need, to secure a future with Prince Corvus.”
Arcanus's eyes met Marek's once more, seeing reflected there the same relief and joy that surged through him. They had done it—together.
King Aldric nodded in agreement with his daughter's words. “A union of traditional craftsmanship and magical innovation—truly a masterpiece worthy of our princess. And now, we’ll allow you a moment togatheryourselves.” King Aldric headed for the door. His wife and daughter followed, though Eliora aimed a wink at Arcanus and Marek.
As the door closed, Arcanus sagged against the bed. “I can’t believe it. We’re going to live.”
“Not only that,” Marek said as he stepped closer, a grin on his face. “But we’ve won.Together!” A pleased sigh escaped his lips, then his gaze flicked over Arcanus. “I seem to have left some unfinished business, though.”
Arcanus coughed. “What?”
Marek tugged the robe away, gaze roving to Arcanus’s waist. “I'm a woodworker, after all,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire. “And I'mquitegood at what I do.”