The Mirror Mage

55. Nightcap

Ben came out of the scrying glass to be met by Lucian. He must have been in the space between the worlds for quite some time, because night had fallen in Vierrac.

"It's done?" Lucian murmured, coming forward to take Ben in his arms.

"Took longer than I thought, but he's gone." Ben closed his eyes for a moment, revelling in the comfort of Lucian's strong embrace. "I'm so glad that's over."

"Melissa and the Rider sent you their fervent thanks, and best wishes." Lucian smiled wryly, "But to be honest, I think Melissa was glad to see the back of us."

Ben raised his head and gave a rather watery chuckle. "I'm not surprised. We did bring a fair amount of chaos into her life! Do you think the Rider will persuade her to store the mirror and not break it?"

Lucian shrugged. "We'll have to wait and see. In any case, I think we should put them behind us. We have far more important matters to attend to. I have a Guild Master to serve and you have a horse farm to put in order. But before that...the most important thing of all."

"What?" Ben asked anxiously, fearing that he was going to be asked to report to the Guild Master. The last thing he felt like was talking to anyone else about what had happened.

"Hey," Lucian smoothed the crease between Ben's brows with his thumb. "Don't fret yourself, I meant us," he said. "Let's go to my room. I have some food and wine waiting."

"That sounds wonderful!"

But Lucian hadn't finished. He looked deep into Ben's eyes.

"I know we have different duties ahead of us, here on Rhillion, but we're lovers... right?"

"Oh yes." Ben didn't hesitate. "We're lovers."

Their mouths came together as one, tongues hot and eager, the intoxicating sensations erasing away hours of stress.

Eventually, Ben broke off the embrace.

"Now, about that room... food and wine you said?"

He grinned.