Page 53 of Golden Darkness
He tilted her head up and smiled. “Up for a trip to the baths?”
She nodded. “That sounds... really good.”
He lifted her and wrapped his wings around them as he headed down to the baths through his private entrance.
Once down the four levels, they were in his private pool area, and she was sat on a smooth stone while he soaped and rinsed her off.
She licked her lips. “So, how is the new schedule working out?”
He chuckled. “It is already showing a five percent increase in fuel savings and productivity. Well done, transport minister.”
She laughed. “I know it is an honorary title, but it is fun.”
“It isn’t honorary. You are actually the transport minister. Just wait until there is a supply issue. They will be banging down our door.”
He massaged her back and then poured clean, warm water over her. His own cleansing was quick, and the water was sloshed, but he slid into the water, and his wing claws lifted her back against his chest.
He chuckled. “You have no idea how excited I am to do this once every twenty-eight days.”
Janessa blinked. “Wow. You are determined.”
“It is built into us.” He chuckled. “The elders have a very strong drive but difficulty in finding matches. You are the first female I have been near whose mind and body called out to mine.”
“Wait. My body called out?”
He stroked his thumb along her forehead. “Your pain. It was not ideal, but it was what finally woke me.”
She swallowed.
“You adapted to take in the pain and add an edge of pleasure. That is an unusual skill.”
Janessa blushed. “I didn’t do that on purpose, but my senses twisted to accept pain. It kept me from going nuts.”
“I like that you can take a bit of discomfort and push through it. It is a very attractive trait in a mate.”
She pressed her face to his chest until she could feel the pattern under her cheek. “It is a weird way to start a relationship.”
“Very, but here we are. I could not imagine a day without you near me.”
She wiggled happily.
“That being said... I will have to travel to the nearby worlds in my system. Are you willing to travel with me?”
Janessa grinned. “Of course.”
“Good. When we have a child, our departures from home will be infrequent.”
“So, you are pretty sure that it is going to happen?”
He laughed. “Yes. You are my match in every way. My body flares to life when Ithinkabout you. Your scent drives me crazy, and I could follow you across the stars by your scent alone.”
“Remind me to bathe more often.”
He squeezed her, and they sank deeper into the water.
One month after that night and she was choosing to wear dresses that covered her abdomen. If it was left exposed, Kethen fingered the mark that was blooming below her navel. Every chance he got, he put it on display. He was really excited.
She walked through the halls and nodded to the staff. When she got to her guard detail, she raised two fingers. “To city hall.”