Balam: Virgo the Pure (Trials of the Zodiac Book 2)

THE BLESSING OF TWO PARTS

ZAKHAR

Balam's sweat-dampened body writhed against mine, his teeth nipping at bits of skin and my hands roaming between his legs, feeling how aroused by me he was. Since we first met, I had wanted to touch Balam, kiss him, and make him mine. That sensation was not something I usually thought about. I was never possessive, only having a few partners here and there. Working for Sebastian didn't make long-term relationships a viable option,

Having him under me in my bed was better than I imagined. Every curve felt explicitly made for me. His hands fit perfectly in mine, and his body drove me insane. We barely slept; I dozed off for only a moment, only to wake up to Balam riding me.

"We should probably get dressed," he said, trying to get from underneath me. I held him close, taking in the woodsy aroma emanating from him.

I buried my face in the crook of his neck, then said, "Just a few more hours. If I get up, people will ask me to do things again."

Balam held my gaze for a few seconds. I was sure he was looking for the golden eyes and constellation mark. He told me my face had changed while we were making love. I hadn't seen it, but I didn't doubt him. I felt so connected to him. I felt like part of me flooded into him, both literally and metaphorically, and part of him flooded into me. It was a strange sensation that I couldn't explain.

Balam placed his hand on my cheek. "You didn't ask for this, but you're learning, and that's all anyone can ask of you."

He looked away from me towards the door. His ears were much better than mine. Looking back, I knew our time lazing in bed had ended. I turned towards the door and yelled that I would need a moment to get dressed. Whoever was coming in would know precisely what happened here, not that Balam nor I was exactly quiet last night.

I lifted myself from the bed and kissed Balam's cheek before getting dressed. I had to hand him one of my shirts. The magic of the thread reformed itself for his stature. He put on pants, and I did as well. Then, I grew in size, leaving Balam on the bed while I walked to the door. I gave myself a moment of peace before opening it. There at the threshold stood Priest Alvis. His nose twitched as he took in the scent of our... activities.

The priest quickly composed himself before he said, "Your majesty, it's getting quite late in the morning, and I thought I'd gather you. Your generals had questions for you and Sir Balam. Are the both of you able to join me now?"

Balam jumped from the bed and was at my side before I could turn. The priest gave us a weird look as he escorted us to the throne room without a word. I liked Priest Alvis; he was wise and a little stuffy, which could be good when contained.

We quickly made it to the throne room, a large hall filled with tapestries and a throne made of stone that was highly uncomfortable to sit on. I felt my mood dip when the throne was in sight. That seat was where my father had ruled, where people saw him making decisions. He was a great leader, and the people loved him. They also sympathized with his pain; his writings told me how much he regretted not putting on a brave face. I thought being vulnerable was the best choice. How could he not hurt? He lost everything.

The generals bowed their heads to me, an act I didn't like. It was part of the culture, and I was hesitant to change anything from how my father had left it. I was already a poor excuse for a royal with no training and still a child in their eyes. I didn't need to give them any more of a reason to be wary of me. I took my seat, Balam walking over to the Zodiacs, who began whispering among themselves.

The generals raised their heads, waiting for me to clear my throat. "Do you have any new developments?" I asked the generals.

Admiral Malerei stepped forward. She had a sword strapped to her hip, looking ready to head to the front lines soon, "I'm sorry to say it, but more frost giant ships have joined the fleet spreading around. I have good reason to believe the new Frost Queen, former Princess Artis, is on one of the ships."