Magnolia

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Magnolia ISBN 9781419918612 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Magnolia Copyright © 2008 Anny Cook Edited by Helen Woodall. Photography and cover art by Les Byerley. Electronic book Publication December 2008 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

FLOWERS OF CAMELOT:

MAGNOLIA

Anny Cook

Dedication For friends, old and new, who love the Flowers of Camelot.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Hoover: Healthy Gain Investments Limited.

Magnolia

Chapter One Arthur lifted his goblet in salute to his morose son. “What you need is a good—” “Please not again,” Undain wearily interrupted. “I don’t need a woman, man, dragon, faery or pet rock. What I need is some peace and quiet! You have no idea what Earth is like in this century. They’re mad, I tell you. All mad!” “It can’t be that bad,” Arthur declared heartily. “Why in my day—” “In your day, you were the king. Now, they would completely ignore you. Or your pictures would be in the tabloids. Just let it drop, Dad. I think I’ll go down to the tower on the eastern shore. I want some quiet time until Dennac comes home.” “What about the Yule celebrations?” Arthur shoved his crown back from his forehead and stared at his only unmarried son in puzzlement. “Surely you’ll be here for the Yule log?” “Nope. You have Gary and Chrys here with their dynamic duo. And Honey sent a message that they will be traveling down from Hieney Hamlet with the terrible twins and Nanny Anny. Even your sister, Aunt Ling–Ling, is planning to come with Merlin. If they’re coming, I’m sure that Raulf and Daffodil will show up too. They’ll no doubt bring all those kids they adopted after that orphanage burned down. The last I heard, there were what—eight or nine?” Undain shuddered. “No telling who else will arrive unannounced. Too many children, Dad.” “I thought you liked children,” Arthur retorted. “I do. But I like them one or two at a time—not by the dozen!” Undain stomped across the room with growing determination. “We’ll be back before the new year snows.” He whisked through the door before his father could think of another objection and ran up the stairs. Time to pack and hit the road before Gary decided to ask him to pick out the Yule tree. 5

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Within the hour, he was roaring down the road to his tower on the eastern shore astride his powerbike. It was the newest experimental model, a Gawain 3000. He had to admit that there were major advantages to having an inventor in the family. Now if he and Dennac could find a virgin older than twelve and younger than God, they’d be in business. If she was thirteen or older, they could handfast with her until she was old enough to marry. At least that way, no one would touch her. But he was beginning to think that there were no more virgins on the entire planet of Avalon. And his father refused to change the law to allow him to marry a woman who was just slightly road tested. Arthur was determined that all his children would marry virgins or no one at all. More and more it looked like Undain was going to end up the first male old maid in the family—at least as far as women were concerned. The farther he traveled from Came-a-lot, the happier he felt. It was as though a tremendous weight rolled from his shoulder and plopped down on the roadside. He wondered if it was really the lack of a wife or if the politics and the burgeoning family were more than he could face, especially at the festivities of mid-winter. Everyone was paired up with a woman—or in the case of the Hieneys more than one—except for him and Dennac. Maybe it was all the hokey togetherness that irritated him. Truthfully, he wasn’t exactly sure why he was so out of sorts but there was no point in hanging around like a ghost at the funeral. After the Yule celebrations, he would go home and try to talk to his Dad about living down at the tower permanently. Or even over on White Hound Island. Anywhere except Came-a-lot with the constant pressure to find a wife. By late afternoon, he was whizzing up the narrow, winding road to the eastern tower. The baskets on the back of his powerbike bulged with an array of foodstuffs and spiced wine. The library at the tower was a reader’s delight, stocked with books from every genre. And the caretaker had assured him that the woodpile was stacked with sufficient wood for a month’s stay. The cool wind streamed through his long hair as the

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waning sun pierced through the leafless trees. Suddenly, he grinned with anticipation of three weeks of peace and quiet with only Dennac’s company to look forward to. When he sped around the last turn the red roof of the tower was visible above the row of dark green pine trees that lined the driveway. Gray ribbons of smoke curled lazily above the roof. Small lights glimmered in the windows. Undain took a deep breath, inhaling the heady scents of cool pine and smoky applewood, then sighed happily. He was home at last. Evening shadows were closing in on the tower by the time he unpacked and prepared dinner. Lounging in the huge overstuffed chair before a crackling fire, he gently swirled spiced wine in a delicate goblet while he contemplated his next move. If he didn’t have a well thought out plan when he returned to Came-a-lot, his father would plunge him into chaos again. Undain frowned at the flickering, dancing flames. He had no objections to marriage. He just didn’t understand the rush. He and Dennac were perfectly willing to wait for a suitable candidate to show up. But why, oh why, did his father think that family togetherness would help? Undain shuddered. Just the week before his father had proudly announced that Chrysanthemum was pregnant again. Undain wasn’t surprised. After three years of marriage, Gareth and Chrys still couldn’t keep their hands off each other. With embarrassing frequency the staff interrupted them in the library or kitchen or dungeon… One of the footmen had even mentioned discovering them stark naked in the garden fountain one night at midnight. The footman had blushed bright red when describing exactly what they were doing. Fortunately, Gary had never been shy. Yawning contentedly, Undain considered turning in early. There was absolutely no reason he couldn’t be upstairs in the enormous bed, drifting into well-earned slumber. He tossed back the remainder of the wine and set the glass on the small octagonal table next to his chair. Tomorrow was another day. Perhaps the day after that his lover, partner and best friend, Dennac, would blink in from his Yule visit to his clan. Undain

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rubbed his chest, easing the ache in his heart that was always present when Dennac was away. Since their blood bond at a unicorn clan ceremony two years before, they’d been nearly inseparable companions. Before he could work up the initiative to leave his comfortable chair, a tall naked man appeared on the hearth, supporting a limp, unconscious woman. Both were dripping wet. Undain’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Dennac! What have you there?” “Shipwreck victim,” Dennac replied briefly as he lowered the woman onto the wool rug in front of the fire. “As far as I can tell, she’s the sole survivor.” “I’ll fetch some blankets and towels—and a robe for you,” Undain added wryly. “We wouldn’t want to shock her if she suddenly comes around.” He raced up the stairs to the bedroom on the next floor. Dennac, a unicorn princeling, could blink from any given location to another. The downside however was that he generally ended up at his destination without any clothing. Ignoring Undain’s comment, Dennac called up the stairs, “Have you any of that spiced wine we can warm up for her?” Undain reappeared with his arms full. “I do. But let’s get her undressed and dry first. Her lips are turning blue.” He dumped the towels and blankets in his empty chair, tossed the robe to Dennac and knelt next to the woman, gently brushing the dark wet hair back from her face. The lank strands dripped icy sea water. He wrapped a towel around her head to soak up the water seeping into the rug. Then he began to strip the wet clothing from her. Noting the odd fastenings and the strange fabrics, he paused a moment to examine them. Dennac, wrapped in the warm robe, knelt across from him and answered his silent questions. “She’s from Alfland. It was a merchant Alflander that sank.” Undain’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Alflander! What would an Alflander merchant be doing over this far? Isn’t it against their laws to enter our waters?”

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“A few do venture to the Avalon coast,” Dennac replied curtly. “Most of them put in at Ship Town. I don’t think this captain was aiming for Ship Town.” Gently, he peeled her soaked coat from her while Undain supported her head and shoulders. “Why do you say that?” Undain demanded as he slipped her ruined boots off, revealing white feet, wrinkled with cold. He snapped up another heavy towel and carefully wrapped it around her feet. “I watched the ship turn toward Avalon’s southwestern shore right before the young lady dived into the sea.” “You’re sure she wasn’t thrown overboard?” “I’m sure.” Dennac snorted in disgust as he struggled to remove her blouse before he finally gave up and ripped it from her body, revealing goosepimpled flesh that was nearly blue with cold. Tightly furled rosy nipples perched atop generous breasts. Ignoring the lush curves that otherwise would have their undivided attention, the two men swiftly finished undressing her before wrapping her snugly in a cocoon of warmed blankets. They left her sleeping in front of the fire. While Dennac collected her wet clothing and carried it out to hang over the rails of the balcony, Undain padded into the kitchen to heat up the spiced wine. Remembering that Dennac had suffered a cold soaking in the sea too, he poured the wine in the small pot with a generous hand. Since he knew that Dennac needed fuel to replace the lost energy from blinking across the width of continental Avalon, Undain fetched another pot to warm some of the chicken stew and dumplings he’d made for dinner. When Dennac returned to the kitchen, Undain observed that he had taken time to towel-dry and comb his long pale violet hair. He smiled at his longtime friend. “I’m warming some stew for you, so I hope you’re hungry.” “I could eat a dragon.” “Don’t say something like that around Percy.”

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“Surely you don’t think I’m that foolish?” “No, I know better. How is our guest doing?” “She seems to be warming up a bit. She’s quit shivering. And her lips aren’t blue anymore.” Dennac rummaged in the cupboards looking for bowls and mugs. He set them on the table and searched for utensils. “I wonder why the Alflander ship was so close to our coast. Why would they sail close enough to founder?” After ladling the heated stew into a bowl, Undain returned the pot to the stove. “Sit and eat,” he commanded as he crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter so that he faced Dennac. “Now you can tell me why you were hanging out on our shores instead of celebrating Yule with the clan.” Dennac chewed the savory vegetables and chicken chunks while he considered how to share his information with Undain. Finally, with a mental shrug, he swallowed and met Undain’s curious intent gaze. “I was waiting for a woman to make her appearance.” “Why?” “Because the clan shaman instructed me to do so.” “Lucretia knew she was coming?” Undain closed his eyes in thought. “Why is she so important that Lucretia would send a princeling to meet her?” “Not just any princeling, Dain. She specifically chose me for the task.” Undain’s eyes flickered open as he straightened up, suddenly alert. “What are you circling around, Den?” “What are we to each other?” Dennac countered softly. “You’re referring to the marriage bond? She’s our wife? A virgin?” The delighted shock on Undain’s face brought Dennac out of his chair with a rush. He threw his arms around Dain’s shoulders, hugging him tightly. “She is. But Lucretia warns that it won’t be easy. She’s from Alfland where their women are very sheltered. One man would be enough of an adjustment. Two…well,

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two may take some fancy dancing on our part.” Dennac kissed Undain before leaning his head back so that he could look him in the eye. “Come, let us go check on our Yule gift. I sense that she is awakening.”

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Chapter Two She woke next to a fire, bound so tightly she could barely breathe. Panicking, she rolled frantically from side to side, trying to free herself from her bonds. The last energetic twist took her right to the edge of the fire just as two men bolted into the room with alarmed shouts. Her view of the room was a frightening, dizzying smear of color as one man snatched her up in his arms while the other patted out tiny smoldering flickers of flame with his bare hands. By the time her whirling brain caught up with what they were doing, she was seated in a huge chair, still wrapped in blankets while both men glowered at her. “Let me go!” she cried. “Quiet!” Long dark hair slithered over the man’s shoulders as he planted his hands on his hips and stared at her with a frown. “What did you think you were doing? It’s insulting that you would choose to burn to death before even meeting us.” His companion, nearly his match in height and build, had silky pale purple hair that fell past his waist. As he tightened the belt of his bulky warm robe, his twinkling green eyes met hers, striking a faint familiar chord. “One would think that you would at least thank us for your rescue from the sea.” Abruptly the memories pounded at her—memories of sinking below the cold relentless waves as the ship was tossed on the rocks lining the shore. She gasped as she recalled her reasons for leaping into the freezing waters. “I have to hide!” “No need,” the dark-haired man assured her gently. “No one will find you here. No one will harm you while you’re under our protection.”

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“Protection?” There was a predatory gleam in their eyes as they stood side by side, watching her with hungry intentness. She suspected that her idea of protection differed radically from their idea of protection. Then the dark-haired man crouched on his heels in front of her. “I am Undain. This is my blood brother, Dennac. And we claim you as our woman…our wife. We will protect you from your enemies.” “W-wife?” she stuttered. “Wife,” Dennac confirmed implacably. Could it be that simple? she wondered. Was it possible that fate had flung her into the arms of the only men who could truly deliver her from the terrible destiny King Xurca planned for her? Even at Xurca’s closed court, their names and reputations were spoken with envy and fear. Undain, son of King Arthur, and Dennac, son of Prince Dazhdbog, leader of the unicorns, had enough influence and prestige to thwart Xurca’s plans. Grimly she determined to grasp the opportunity for rescue with both hands. Though inexperienced, she had been reared in the King’s Hall and was no stranger to the idea of polyamorous groups so two men didn’t deter her. And since it was made clear to her from a very early age that she would be expected to enter in an advantageous marriage with one of the king’s allies, she had never expected a love match. A statement of claim was as good as a formal engagement on continental Avalon. “What is your name, little one?” Undain asked as he carefully loosened the folds in her tight cocoon. “Magnolia.” Dennac nodded. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” Undain stood, swept her up in his arms and headed for the winding staircase. “W-where are we going?” she asked through chattering teeth.

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“To the bathroom. You need a hot shower, some warm food and sleep, in that order. Then tomorrow, we’ll discuss our marriage.” Her body began to shake violently with uncontrollable shivers. In an effort to still the queasiness she suffered from the movement, she closed her eyes until Undain came to a halt in the bedroom. After depositing her on the bed, he moved away. Her eyes flickered open. “Where’s the other one—Dennac?” Undain’s head poked out from the bathroom door. “If I’m not mistaken, he’s in the kitchen heating up the stew. He’ll no doubt be here in a minute. I hope you like chicken and dumplings.” He disappeared and she heard the sound of running water and slamming cabinet doors. When he reappeared, he was stark naked. That was when Magnolia concluded that she was in the middle of a dream because never in her wildest imagination had she ever thought to see anything like the man standing next to the bed. Her life had been spent at a bawdy court where the inhabitants didn’t hesitate to partake in any sexual behavior they desired—even in public. But never, in all her observations had she seen anything to equal Undain’s display. Her eyes slammed shut. Positive that she must be mistaken, she sneaked another quick peek. No, he was still there, standing in front of her with his arrogantly spread legs. Tiny little platinum and emerald barbells marched up the underside of his rigid cock. A flat engraved platinum ring snugly circled his cock just below the flared crown. Between his legs, his balls swung, heavy and tight with desire. Her eyes moved up to his chest where platinum and emerald rings pierced his nipples. A tiny unicorn dangled from one of them. With a shuddering deep breath, she searched his face for a hint of his intentions. Surely, he didn’t plan to pounce on her immediately! He watched the changing expressions on her face. Astonishment, shock, uneasiness. “You can calm down now. Fucking is not on the agenda until we’re married. But I have this odd rule—I usually take my clothes off before I shower.” 14

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“Oh.” Air hissed out as though she was a deflating balloon. “Uh, why the…” Feebly she gestured toward his cock. “Decorations? A wager with my brother, Gareth. I lost.” “You gamble often?” she asked curiously, unable to let the subject go. “Not since then.” “Don’t let him fool you,” Dennac admonished as he carried a heavy tray loaded with covered dishes into the room and set it on a table near a tall window. “He likes the sensations the bars give him when he’s fucking.” Slipping out of his robe, Dennac tossed it over a chair and approached the bed. “And so do I.” Magnolia’s chin dropped when her eyes took in Dennac’s wild body decorations. Purple, green and blue swirling tattoos ran from his left shoulder to his right hip. Both nipples were pierced with tiny gold hoops that were connected by a fine chain. From the center of the chain, a small amethyst pendant rested against his muscular chest. Amethyst and gold barbells and an elaborately engraved gold cock ring matched Undain’s decorations. Peering down at the cock ring, Magnolia tried to decipher the engraving, unaware that both men watched her wide-eyed fascination with pleased encouragement. Suddenly aware of their intent interest, she looked up, meeting Dennac’s deep green eyes. “The cock ring—what does it say?” “Love is an unbroken circle of joined hearts.” “And yours, Undain?” “The same. They were part of our blood-bonding ceremony. Do they bother you?” Magnolia shook her head. “No. I was just curious.” Undain moved to the bed and began unwinding the blankets that sheltered her. Instinctively, she clutched handfuls of the heavy fabric in her fists. “What’s wrong?” he queried softly. “I told you that we’re just taking a shower.” She opened her fists, releasing the fabric. “I don’t know. Being naked in front of you is harder than I thought.”

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When the blankets fell away, revealing her pale, cool body, Dennac lifted her from the coverings and carried her into the bathroom. Undain opened the etched glass door that sealed the huge walk-in shower. Magnolia’s eyes goggled at the size of the stall. It was as big as most bathrooms! Multiple showerheads ensured complete water coverage. She gasped when Dennac stepped directly into the flowing water before gently standing her on her feet. “It’s hot!” Undain moved in front of her to shield her from the spray. “It’s barely warm but you’re still cold.” He wrapped his brawny arms around her, pressing her so close to his body that they touched from shoulder to thigh. Dennac’s warm body blanketed her back as he wrapped his arms around both of them. He kissed Undain under the warm fall of water before bending his head to nuzzle Magnolia’s pointed right ear where it poked through dark strands of hair. “You’re an elf, yes?” She nodded, speechless from the incredible sensations of being held tightly between the two men. Their rigid cocks nestled between her thighs, front and back, clearly demonstrating their interest. Her nipples peaked and her clit pulsed against the hard cock Undain pressed against her slick pussy. Dennac’s smooth cock ring brushed over her anus, setting off startling erotic sensations. “Is it true?” Dennac teased as he licked her ear. “Is it true that elf ears are erogenous zones?” Fire zipped up and down her spine. Deciding that two or more could play that game, she turned her head and nibbled on Undain’s nipple, toying with the little ring, before sucking it gently. Groaning, he nudged the water faucets a bit hotter, though he certainly wasn’t cold. He shuddered with the heat of her mouth on him as he held her head in place with one big hand while he reached back to lightly tug at Dennac’s nipple chain.

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For long minutes they played under the warm fall of water, with Undain and Dennac taking turns moving Magnolia so that she faced first one, then the other while they washed her hair and body. They touched her constantly, slicking soapy hands over every crevice and fold, nipping and kissing every curve. The men were well aware of her ambivalence about accepting them as husbands. But if indeed she was in danger, the quickest way to ensure her safety was marriage. The time in the shower accelerated her familiarity with their bodies and allowed her to grow comfortable with their touch. In the morning Dennac would be leaving to obtain the tri-marriage certificate from King Arthur at Came-a-lot and then he would fetch Father Liksalot from the abbey. It was important that Magnolia was ready for their marriage when he returned. If she was truly in danger then time was running out. By the time they finished washing Magnolia she was feeling quite warm and feverish. Her nipples stood at attention, begging for someone’s touch. The folds between her legs were swollen and slick with moisture that had nothing to do with the shower. Her body felt as though her skin was too tight. “Out of the shower!” Undain declared, turning the water off. “You need to eat something before we go to sleep!” With a start, Magnolia realized she was actually enjoying the shower and really didn’t want it to end. She liked their hands on her. She didn’t want to stop. How had that happened? With a nudge Dennac urged her to leave the steamy shower stall. Undain was waiting for her with a huge fluffy towel. Once again, both men participated in patting her dry from her hair to the tips of her toes. Then Undain draped her in a heavy robe that Dennac fetched from the bedroom. “Come out to the bedroom.” Dennac twitched the sleeve of her robe. “Your stew should be cool enough to eat by now. I’ll comb the tangles from your hair while Undain writes a letter to his father.” “Better I should write it to Gareth,” Undain grumbled. 17

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“But we both know that the request for a tri-marriage certificate must go to your father. While you’re at it, please write a note to Father Liksalot, also.” “You’re doing this to get back at me for making you write the reports on our last assignment,” Undain accused. “And if I am?” Dennac replied as he settled Magnolia at the small table and began to uncover the dishes, revealing a bowl of chicken stew, fresh bread and sliced fruit. “Oh, never mind.” Undain stomped up the stairs leading to the top floor of the tower where the library and office were located. “Why is he angry?” “Undain? He’s not angry. He’s just annoyed because he knows that I’m right.” While she focused all her attention on her meal, he trotted around the bedroom, collecting a small bag and packing it with the few necessities he would need the next day. In the time since his blood bond with Undain, he’d devised a system for sparing embarrassment when he blinked in on unsuspecting humans stark naked. Most of the clothing humans wore was too awkward and took too long to put on. After watching an Earth movie about a Scots warrior, Undain pointed out that the warrior’s plaid might be the very thing Dennac was looking for. It took a bit of experimentation but they finally arrived at a workable garment, though Dennac refused to wear plaid fabric, settling instead on a sturdy length of khaki. He tossed a pair of leather moccasin slippers—last year’s Yule gift from Undain—and one of Undain’s sweaters into the bag, with the khaki fabric folded neatly on top. He noticed her staring at him and asked, “What?” “Don’t you ever wear clothing?” “Why? Does my body bother you?” Magnolia flushed. “No-o. I’ve just never been around a man who was naked all the time. The men at court only undressed enough to…” her words trailed off in embarrassment.

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He shrugged. “In my clan, no one wears clothing. It interferes with changing.” Her face lit with understanding. “I didn’t think of that!” “You’re not surprised.” Dennac studied her closely. “You know what I am?” “Of course. When I was growing up, we had a unicorn at court. His name was Garric.” She nibbled on the sliced apples while her eyes strayed back to his cock which was bobbing enticingly while he moved about. “But Garric was never naked in public.” “Court. Maybe you should tell me why you grew up at court.” His tone was pleasant enough but Magnolia had an idea that he was just a tad upset. Something about his spread-legged stance indicated she’d surprised him and she suspected that he didn’t like surprises…at least not that kind. She bent her head so that he wouldn’t see her shame. “Mama was King Xurca’s mistress.” “So you’re his daughter?” He dropped the bag on the bed and stalked over to her, tilting her chin back so that he could see her face. Her eyes closed, Magnolia just nodded. “Well, well.” He brushed his lips over her brow. “It’ll be all right.” He moved to the stairwell and bellowed, “Undain! Get your ass down here! We have a problem!” “What? I’m writing a letter here!” “You’re gonna need to make some additions!” Dennac returned to pat Magnolia’s shoulder. “Are you finished with your meal?” “Yes.” She meant it to come out more assertively than a whimper but his cock was an enticing attraction so close to her face that she couldn’t ignore it. Her mouth watered as a clear drop welled from the flushed tip. She licked her dry lips while she watched it trickle down to the underside of the fat crown. “Taste it.” Her eyes flashed up to his face. His green eyes were focused intently on her mouth. Slowly she licked her lips again, noting the glittering heat in his eyes. Then she bent her head. Her tongue flicked out, lapping at the tip. She tilted her head back, eyes closed as

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she savored his flavor. Salty, male, musky, sex. Then, before he could pull away, she went back for more, sliding the crown into her hot, wet mouth, eager to take all that he would give. “That is hot.” Undain leaned against the wall, taking in the expression on Dennac’s face as Magnolia pleasured him with her mouth. He slipped off his robe, dropping it on the floor and moved to stand behind Dennac, cradling his own rigid cock against Dennac’s hard butt. Undain couldn’t resist the craving to grasp Dennac’s cock in his fist and feed it to Magnolia. “Suck it, sweetheart. He needs you to suck his cock,” he urged as he plucked at Dennac’s nipples with his other hand. Dennac relaxed in his lover’s embrace, resting his head on Undain’s shoulder. He shuddered when Undain pressed his lips to the hard hollow where his neck joined his shoulder, biting and sucking as he rubbed his tight nipples against Dennac’s damp back. Dennac reached back, digging his hands into Undain’s buttocks, holding him close. Magnolia’s soft hand stole between Dennac’s muscular thighs, cupping his balls drawn up tight against his body. She gently squeezed and he cried out her name as his cum filled her mouth, spurting in hot jets on her waiting tongue. She swallowed and sucked, feeling powerful for the first time in her life because she’d brought him such pleasure. Slowly, she released him, watching him from beneath her lowered lashes as he rested in Undain’s arms, allowing his lover to support him while he caught his breath. Undain propped his chin on Dennac’s shoulder, lazily inquiring, “Was this why you called me down here?” Den shook his head. “No. I almost forgot. The Great Mother knows that Magnolia could steal your mind with her mouth.” He huffed out an impatient sigh. “She’s King Xurca’s daughter. We have to move fast, lover.” “Well, shit.” He kissed Dennac’s bristly jaw and stood back, releasing him. “Father Liksalot won’t do, then. Not unless my father is present.” 20

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Dennac went into the bathroom to clean up while Undain planted his fists on his hips and thoughtfully studied their woman. “Maybe you’d better tell us what Xurca had planned for you.” Her shoulders hunched as though to fight off a blow. “He was going to marry me off to Prince Rugat.” “The harpy prince?” Undain recalled the things he’d heard about the harpies…claws and pointed teeth and those spines on their dicks. Rugat would tear her apart. If she was lucky she would die the first day. But Undain and Dennac had collected uncorroborated reports that Rugat kept healers on staff to make sure that didn’t happen. He relished the screams and excruciating pain of his captive lovers. “Over our dead bodies,” Dennac announced from the bathroom doorway. “Harpies fly.” The dejection in her voice tugged at their hearts. “So do dragons,” Undain rejoined quietly. “Percival would willingly join in the fight if it came to that. He despises Rugat.” He shot a glance at Dennac. “We’ll go to Came-a-lot tonight. Take her first, then come back for me. Friar Tuck from Sher Wood is there for Yule. He can perform the ceremony with the rest of the tribe as witnesses.” “I suggest that you put some clothes on, then. I called Arri and asked for assistance. He will be blinking in here in a few moments.” “You and your telepathic tricks,” Undain muttered as he went to the closet. Jerking out the first zipsuit his hands touched, he dressed hastily before searching for the bright red zipsuit Chrysanthemum had left behind the last time she and Gareth were visiting. “Ah-hah! Here it is. Magnolia, put this on.” He tossed it in her direction before turning back to the closet in search of some kind of shoes for her. “W-who is Arri?” she asked as she struggled with the unfamiliar clothing. “My brother. He’ll blink Undain to Came-a-lot while I take you. Then he’ll serve as a witness from our clan for the wedding.” Dennac took the zipsuit from her and dressed her with the practiced ease of a man who had dressed Undain’s small nieces and

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nephews many times. He was pressing the last fasteners together when a deep voice hollered up the stairwell. “You called?” “We’ll be right down!” Undain leaned over the railing. “Thanks for coming!” Arri stood directly below, hands on his hips with his head tilted back. His pale blue hair tumbled down his back, hiding his muscular ass but nothing could hide the hard cock that speared up from his groin. Undain pursed his lips as he wondered what Magnolia would make of Arri’s decorations. Her reaction wasn’t long in coming as she joined him at the railing. A soft gasp was followed by a “Great Mother!” stifled by her fist. With a little shake of his head, Undain jogged down the stairs to join Arri. “I’m ready. Dennac’s bringing Magnolia. They’ll meet us there.” Dennac leaned over the railing. “We’ll be there when you get there.” Arri grabbed Undain’s arm and grinned up at his brother. “Not likely!” he challenged and they blinked out of sight. Dennac chuckled. Taking Magnolia’s hand, he tugged her over to the bed so that he could grab his bag. Then between one breath and the next, they blinked into Undain’s suite at Came-a-lot.

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Chapter Three Magnolia staggered and would have fallen except for Dennac’s strong arm around her waist supporting her. Before she was steady on her feet, he swept her up in his arms and settled her on a gorgeous golden backless couch. A low shriek drew her attention to two young maids cowering next to the fireplace. From the debris piled around them, obviously they were decorating the hearth for Yule. Dennac and Arri vanished into the next room while Undain stood protectively next to Magnolia. “Good evening, girls. I see that Chrysanthemum has you hard at work. Would one of you run and fetch her for me?” The younger of the two immediately dropped the bundle of ribbons she held in her hands and rushed for the door. “Oh, and Patty, isn’t it? Please don’t tell anyone else that we’re here.” As the door closed softly behind her, Dennac and Arri reappeared dressed in the zipsuits and comfortable slippers that were kept ready in Dennac and Undain’s suite. “Now what?” Dennac asked. “You stay here. Patty’s gone to find Chrys. I’ll go find my father. Let us hope that he’s moderately sober.” “That would be a good thing. On your way to the library, see if you can locate a footman to send to the kitchen. Arri and I need to eat.” The men didn’t seem to notice the other maid still standing motionless in front of the hearth but Magnolia noted her trembling and twisting her hands in her apron. While the men were engrossed in their plans, she hopped up and went to join the young woman. “The decorations are lovely. What else will you add?” Her question released the young woman from her suspended state. Uncertainly, the maid shot her a questioning glance. “Ribbons, miss?”

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“Certainly ribbons would be a nice touch,” Magnolia agreed warmly. “And perhaps some of the candles?” “As you say, miss.” Dennac and Undain joined Magnolia in front of the fireplace. “Jennie, this is Magnolia, our wife—or she will be tomorrow,” Undain amended. “Thank you for decorating our suite so beautifully. Would you mind finishing up in the morning?” “Of course not.” Her lips flattened in annoyance, Jennie piled everything in her basket and left without another word. “Dain, that was not well done. Isn’t she the maid who entertained us at Samhain?” “Oh, damn! You’re correct as usual. Now I’ll have to track her down…” Arri stalked over to the door. “Allow me. Perhaps Jennie will permit me to comfort her since you two are no longer available.” He was gone before Undain could object. Magnolia crossed her arms defensively and went back to the couch. She wasn’t such a naïve young girl that she expected her men to be virgins but past liaisons with the maids could prove to be a bit awkward. Silently, she waited to see what her future husbands would have to say. It didn’t take them long to understand that Jennie wasn’t the only one with hurt feelings. Undain led her back to the couch where he sat down with her perched on his lap. Dennac squatted on his heels in front of them and took a deep breath. “There have been many women while Undain and I searched for you,” he admitted. “They are the past now. You are our future.” She sat stiffly on Undain’s knee, refusing his attempts to tug her closer to his chest. “That’s all very well,” she said primly. “Do they know that you feel that way?” “They don’t have to know. Our commitment is the important thing and from the moment Dennac blinked you into our living room, we’ve been committed. You’re our woman. We’re your men.” Shaking her gently for emphasis, Undain reiterated, “We’re your men. Now and for the rest of our lives.”

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“We don’t need a ceremony to be yours,” Dennac said quietly. “That’s so that everyone else understands that we’ve taken you for our woman—especially your father and Rugat. We don’t want them to have any doubts that you’re no longer available.” She blinked back tears that still threatened to spill over and slowly nodded. “All right. Now what?” “Now we get married. Undain needs to obtain a tri-marriage certificate from his father so he’s going to take care of that. There are other preparations that are necessary for you to complete before the ceremony,” Dennac explained cautiously. “Princess Chrysanthemum and her sisters will help you with that.” Magnolia jumped up at once and walked away with her arms wound tightly across her chest. She stood at the window, staring down at the tall fir tree in the courtyard twinkling with a host of tiny white lights. “I think you’d better explain these preparations.” Wild rumors of the royal wedding customs had reached even the closed court of Alfland. If just half of the rumors were true… Dennac leaped to his feet when a soft knock announced a visitor and went to answer the door with obvious relief. When he opened the heavy door, he was thrilled to note that all three of the ladies he’d mentioned were waiting in the hallway, excited curiosity on their faces. “Wonderful! Come in, come in!” Chrysanthemum swept boldly past him with Honeysuckle and Daffodil on her heels. They came to a quick halt when they saw the beautiful dark-haired stranger staring at them with something very like terror on her face. “Well,” Chrys said cheerfully. “Introduce us, Dain.” Undain was already on his feet, heading in Magnolia’s direction. He took up a position on one side while Dennac joined them on her other side. “Allow us to present Magnolia, our woman.” He gently squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Magnolia, these are the ladies that Dennac mentioned. Chrysanthemum is married to my brother, Gareth.”

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Chrys shoved her glasses up on her nose and smiled kindly at the young woman nervously clutching Undain’s hand with tense, white fingers. “How lovely to meet you, Magnolia. These are my sisters, Honeysuckle and Daffodil. I promise that we won’t bite.” “H-hello.” Magnolia’s dark eyes widened as she took in the elaborate collars that each of the women wore. Involuntarily, her eyes dropped to their breasts which bobbed freely beneath the filmy embroidered blouses they wore. Their pierced nipples poked prominently against the thin fabric, obviously displaying their nipple rings and chains. “Uh, Undain?” “It’s going to be okay, Maggie. I promise. Chrys and the ladies will answer all your questions while I go track down my father and Dennac rustles up something to eat. We’ll be back in just a little bit.” With unseemly haste, he and Dennac left Magnolia in the ladies’ capable hands. Undain was perfectly willing to admit that it was cowardly on his part to desert her but he told himself that she would ultimately be more comfortable receiving explanations from other women than from either Dennac or himself. Dennac wasn’t so foolish. He knew that they were going to pay big-time when Magnolia had them to herself again. Oh, yeah. Their asses were going to be sorry. Their woman hadn’t survived at Xurca’s court all this time without learning some coping skills. He made a mental note to put away all the knives and other weapons in their suite. For her part, Magnolia had a few plans of her own. After a meeting of the minds— particularly with Honey, who had two husbands also—her plans took on grandiose proportions. Daffodil offered some thoughtful comments about rope bondage that gave Magnolia some interesting ideas. And Chrys casually mentioned inflatable butt plugs… The party improved rapidly once Chrys called down to the kitchen for a kettle of wassail, improved with an extra-generous helping of brandy. Esmerelda the cook had a fondness for Chrysanthemum so she prepared a tray of goodies to accompany the

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wassail. By the time the ladies beheld the spread—chocolate cheesecake, rich creamy chocolate pecan fudge, hothouse strawberries with hot fudge sauce and a luscious whipped cream and chocolate cake Yule log—they were best bosom buddies. Shortly, the sisters were giggling over shared memories of their own wedding preparations as they explained the requirements to Magnolia. When Chrys described waking up in Gareth’s suite with several new body ornaments, Magnolia gasped indignantly. “What did you do?” she demanded militantly. “Actually, nothing at all,” Chrys admitted. “I think I was so impressed that he stood up for me when his witchy mother called me names that I didn’t even protest that much. I think I just told him I wasn’t interested in having any more holes in my body than I already had.” “Didn’t it hurt?” “Oh, no,” Honey assured her. “The healer puts you to sleep and then she speedheals the piercings. And hey, you know those dangling bits are really sexy. Especially the clit ring. You’re always hot from it tugging every time you move.” Daffodil snorted. “You’re always hot all the time, anyway. Dick and Peter can’t keep up with you. Too bad they don’t have a triplet named Tom.” “That’s not nice, Daffy. I don’t tease you about Timmy and Raulf.” Honey wiggled around trying to get comfortable. “What’s wrong?” Chrys asked with a frown. “Oh, Peter and Dick spent too much time with Raulf.” Daffodil started giggling. “Those knots are wicked, aren’t they? But just wait until they get you back to your suite. Mm-mmm, you’ll have fun.” An hour later, Magnolia was tipsy enough to agree to almost anything. Chrys, experienced in the ways of nervous brides, immediately called for Alfsigr, the women’s healer at Came-a-lot Castle. Alfsigr arrived promptly with her basket of supplies plus the feminine jewelry that Undain and Dennac had picked out shortly after their blood

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bond. The matching collar and cuffs were stowed in the safe in their suite but the nipple and clit rings had immediately been entrusted to Alfsigr’s care. Once Magnolia was safely asleep, Chrys called for Undain and Dennac to return as their presence was required before Alfsigr could proceed. When they arrived, they were dismayed at the pitying expressions on Honey’s and Daffodil’s faces as they slipped out of the suite. Chrys simply patted them on the shoulder and shook her head before she left. “I knew we shouldn’t have left Magnolia alone with them. No telling what ideas those fiends have filled her head with.” Undain strode into the bedroom where Magnolia was sprawled stark naked on the bed, sound asleep. And she was smiling. Gloomily, Dennac followed him. “I think you’re underestimating Magnolia. She may have given them some ideas.” Alfsigr handed Undain the jewelry to inspect while she brushed a depilatory over Magnolia’s dark pubic curls. “Make sure there are no burrs from the engraving,” she grunted as she efficiently wiped away the curls, leaving Magnolia smoothly bare. When they were satisfied that the jewelry was burr-free, they returned it to the healer. Alfsigr had prepared many royal brides in her time so she was quick and competent, piercing and inserting the elaborately engraved platinum and gold ring and locking it into place. A few moments of speed-healing completed her task with the clit ring. She took a tiny tube of ointment from her basket and instructed the men on the care of a newly pierced bride. Then she moved on to the nipple piercing. In a remarkably short time, she was finished and Magnolia had a set of rings that matched her clit ring. A delicate gold chain joined the rings. In the center a fine emerald pendant, a tiny platinum unicorn and glittering deep amethyst pendant lay between her breasts. Alfsigr regarded her patient thoughtfully. “It’s a good thing that you didn’t have silver or iron. There is something…” She slowly shook her head. “I’m not sure. Your woman is more than she appears.” 28

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Dennac lifted Alfsigr’s hand to his mouth and gently kissed the worn skin. “We will have a care for her. Thank you.” She snorted and withdrew her hand. “See that you do.” She shook an admonishing finger at Undain. “I’ve healed her but she will still be tender. I left a basket of special oils for you to use at your consummation. Don’t forget!” “Yes, ma’am.” Alfsigr left, shaking her head. She didn’t have much faith in men in general and new husbands were the worst. Undain scrubbed his face and yawned. “Bed!” Peeling off his zipsuit, Dennac inquired wearily, “Did your father sign the certificate?” “Are you kidding? He was leaping around the library like a horny old goat on speed. He wanted to rush right up here to meet her. I didn’t dare leave until he’d passed out. Gareth and I carted him up to his bed.” Undain shoved his own zipsuit down to his knees and sat on the side of the bed to push it over his feet. Leaving it on the floor in a heap, he keeled over next to Magnolia and tumbled into the deep well of sleep. Dennac collected both zipsuits and carried them into the bathroom where he dumped them down the laundry chute. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. “Dennac, old boy, what are you getting yourself into? A wife who’s more than she seems? War with the harpies? Papa will no doubt have something to say about this.” With a deep heartfelt sigh, he turned out the lights in the suite and crawled into bed on the other side of Magnolia. He rolled on his side, draped his arm over her belly and went to sleep.

***** Xurca stalked to and fro in front of his throne. “What do you mean you don’t know where the little bitch is? How hard can it be?” 29

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Balrick, his chief spy, cringed at the foot of the steps. “Sire, the ship broke up on the rocks on the shore in a storm. We know not whether she was rescued.” “Find out!” Xurca bellowed. “Already that harpy bastard Rugat is demanding answers. Get them for me!” “Yes, Sire.” Disgusted at his whining, Xurca kicked him before stomping up the steps and throwing himself into his uncomfortable throne. Why didn’t they make thrones so they were comfortable? Put some cushions and pillows in them so they weren’t so hard on a bony ass? He kicked at the serving maid kneeling next to his throne. “Make yourself useful, wench. Suck my cock.” She scrambled to do his bidding while Balrick hastily backed out of the throne room. The courtiers in the throne room stood around like so many statues, waiting with bated breath to see what the king would do next. No one wanted to become the target of his wrath. Deep silence fell over the great room except for the soft sucking noises from the maid’s mouth. The raucous sounds of the crows outside on the roof echoed in the room. Then Xurca shouted as he spurted his essence over the maid’s face. A sigh seemed to move through the room. “Get out!” The king shoved her away from him roughly, sending her tumbling down the stairs. “Magnus! Why is there no music? I want music and dancing!” Immediately the string quartet in the corner jolted out a jangled, dissonant noise that eventually smoothed into screeching, hissing melody. Courtiers hopped and stumbled as they danced under the wicked gleam of Xurca’s eyes. If some wondered how quickly they could leave the Yule court, none made the mistake of allowing that information to cross their face. The maid surreptitiously wiped her face with the hem of her skirt, then slowly got to her feet and scuttled from the room. Xurca contemplated the punishment he would visit on those guilty of helping Magnolia escape. Certainly, she had assistance in leaving the court. He tapped his chin with a long graceful finger. Now where would that bitch Melusine go to hide? He was 30

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quite convinced that she was responsible for her puling daughter’s escape. Outwardly she was compliant when he announced Magnolia’s engagement but her eyes were… Xurca shuddered involuntarily. If he ever wanted to feel safe again, he would have to make sure Melusine was dead. The bitch had marked his life as forfeit. It occurred to him that he just might have miscalculated when he agreed to Rugat’s demands. The harpy bastard wasn’t content with his own share of Avalon. Xurca didn’t particularly blame him. Zephyros, the harpy lands off the western coast of Alfland, were high barren treeless towers of stone where the winds never ceased and icy gales pounded at the base of the gray cliffs. If a ship was so unfortunate as to wreck upon the jagged rocks that surrounded Zephyros, the harpies feasted for days on the survivors. Abruptly, Xurca motioned for silence. The courtiers froze in place, wondering what new terror the king would visit on them. “Clear the court! Everyone out! Guards!” The rush for the open arched doors was most amusing to behold. Xurca laughed maniacally as his cowardly courtiers fled. When the great room was empty except for the guards and the string quartet, Xurca gestured for the musicians to go. Silence echoed in the great room. “Harn, make sure that no one is left in the castle. No one except the guards and servants. Then lock the gates. Let us see how anxious my loyal courtiers are to be on their own when Rugat and his army attacks.” His mad eyes met his guard sergeant’s. “And the harpies will come when I inform Rugat that Magnolia has escaped.”

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Chapter Four Pale gray winter light stole past the slim opening where the heavy curtains didn’t quite meet. Magnolia drifted on the edge of wakefulness, cozily ensconced between the body heat of the men on either side of her. Her head rested on a firm shoulder while her body sprawled comfortably along the man’s side. Against her back and ass, another male body spooned her so closely his cock nestled against her pussy. His hand was thrust gently between her thighs cupping her swollen folds. He snored gently in her ear. Such a lovely dream. With a grunt, the man she was sprawled across turned a little so that her knee nudged his rigid cock. He groaned, groped around for her hand until he found it and then firmly wrapped it around his hot satiny flesh. In her dream, her fist tightened and stroked over the velvety length. He moaned and thrust up with his hips, jostling her breasts. A sharp tug on her nipples jolted her wide awake. A wild shriek escaped her as she tried to sit up. There were men in her bed! Undain opened one eye as he pulled her back down on his chest. “Mmmm. Don’t mess with my dreams, sweetheart. Your hot little hand felt so good holding my cock.” Dennac nibbled on her ear while he rubbed two fingers back and forth along her slick pussy. “Mm-mmm. Such a wet little pussy you have first thing in the morning. What kind of dreams were you having, Maggie?” “Wh-what are you doing in bed with me?” “Sleeping?” Undain yawned. “At least I was until you woke us up, wiggling that hot body of yours all over the place, rubbing your tight little nipples on my chest. I bet your pussy is wet too.”

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Magnolia shivered as Dennac lightly brushed the soft petals between her legs. “Oh, yeah, she’s wet,” he assured his partner. He slipped his hand free, taking care not to pull on her clit ring, and stuck the fingers in his mouth. “Delicious too.” The rigid cock brushing her knee pulsed and twitched. Her clit throbbed with the light brush of Dennac’s fingers against her clit ring and a rush of slick fluid coated his fingertips. “Ooh, you like that.” Dennac sat up and rolled Magnolia onto her belly between Undain’s legs while Undain scooted up in the bed until he was leaning back against the pillows piled along the headboard. “There, sweetheart. Suck Undain’s cock while I have breakfast.” He nudged her up on her knees so that her pussy was a symphony of color, scent and taste. Then he wallowed in the feast of delights spread before him. Undain cut off Magnolia’s squeal of surprise by gently pressing her head down so that her lips brushed his aching cock. He inhaled sharply when she opened her mouth wide and sank down over the plump dark head. Her tongue danced along the underside of the crown, tickling the sensitive skin that ran along the edge of his cock ring. After lapping all the way around, she greedily stuffed more of his cock in her mouth, sucking and licking with such enthusiasm his eyes crossed. Eagerly licking up the creamy essence of Magnolia, Dennac slipped a fingertip in her beckoning anus. She jerked, then rocked back on her knees, lured by the dark unexpected pleasure. Her clit ring dangled, gently tugging. Caught up in unfamiliar pleasures Magnolia forgot her fears and uncertainties. Dennac’s wicked fingers and tongue and Undain’s busy hands playing with her oh-sosensitive ears soon had her body drawn tight with need. She cupped Undain’s heavy sac in her soft hand, rolling it gently. Knowing that he was on the verge of coming, he brushed his fingertips down to her earlobes, pinched lightly and commanded, “Come for us, Maggie. Come now!”

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Spectacular fireworks raced the length of her slender body as she gave in to his urging. Transported by the overwhelming feelings, she plunged her lips down over Undain’s cock, sucking with fierce abandon. With an astounded bellow, he came, helplessly pumping his seed into her hot mouth. Panting as he struggled for breath, he propped his head against the wall and closed his eyes. Magnolia collapsed with her head on his belly as she idly licked and nibbled on his softening cock. “Maggie, love, you could suck on me like a Hoover but it’s not going to help for a while.” “Hoover?” she queried with a quizzical look. “Um, a cleaner. It sucks up dust from rugs and carpets. Trust me, their machine should suck as well as you do.” Dennac buried his head in the covers and laughed. “I told you, Dain. Didn’t I?” Undain craned his head, trying to see what Dennac was doing with his hands. “What are you up to down there?” Casting a quick glance down at his hard cock, Dennac replied, “Oh, about eight inches, give or take a little…” “With your hands, Den. What are you doing with your hands?” Dennac snorted softly. “Getting Maggie ready for a butt plug. She’s needs to have one in for a while before the wedding or she’ll be very uncomfortable when we consummate the marriage.” He snapped up a small vial of clear oil from the bedside table and poured a few drops on his fingers. “Damn. I didn’t think of that!” Her head came up off Undain’s belly when the gist of their words finally filtered into her tired brain. “What?”

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Patting the soft curve of her butt with one hand while he slowly finger-fucked her ass with the other, Dennac said, “Calm down. We’ll use an inflatable one so you get used to it gradually. By this afternoon, you’ll be ready for us.” “Wait! This afternoon?” “Uh-hmm. Chrys said everything will be ready around four subprime. We’ll have the wedding, then Arri and Merlin will serve as witnesses for the consummation. But that won’t be until we go back down to the tower.” “People are going to watch us?” she clarified, remembering the rumors at Xurca’s court. “Uh-hmm. The first time. Then they’ll go home and we’ll be on our own.” “I don’t have any clothes,” she objected. Undain sat up. “Lift up a minute, Maggie. I need to get up.” She leaned back so that he could move his legs, then slumped back down with her head on her folded arms. “Why do you keep calling me Maggie?” “We like it. Do you mind?” Dennac asked as he flicked his tongue over her clit. She wriggled madly, pressing back for more. “I suppose not. Dennac!” Undain went into the bathroom, returning in a few minutes with the basket Alfsigr had left the evening before. “I knew I remembered this!” “I’m surprised you remember anything after trying to out-drink your father.” Dennac peered over the side of the basket that Undain tilted toward him. “Hmmm. The purple one, I think. Is there any of that lavender oil?” “Yep. Here you go.” Undain dropped the items on the bed next to Dennac and returned the basket to the bathroom. “Maggie, hold still,” Dennac warned as he dribbled several drops of the lavender oil on the stretched skin where his fingers speared into her. It warmed to the touch, then her skin began to tingle. He twisted his fingers, spreading the oil all around the entrance. He added a few more drops and worked his 35

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fingers in and out, spreading the oil farther and farther inside. The tingle spread with the oil. Maggie wiggled and pressed into his fingers. He smacked her lightly on the ass. “Hold still.” Undain came back and picked up the butt plug, dribbling several drops of oil on it. “Ready?” “Yeah. Maggie, coming in now,” Dennac warned as he took the plug from Undain. He pulled his fingers free and slipped the plug inside. Her breath whooshed out and she whimpered. “Good girl.” Dennac patted her ass gently. “Okay, just let me set it and we’re good.” He pressed the buttons for setting and timer and flicked the switch on. “You can relax now.” Moving up so that their heads were close together, Dennac brushed her lips with his. She tasted herself on his mouth. Her tongue flicked out, slipped along his lower lip. Her skin felt too tight for her body. The plug slowly expanded. The weight of her nipple rings kept a steady pressure on her hard nipples. And the clit ring tugging on her clit kept her attention on the tiny nub. “Dennac? Do we really have to wait?” she pleaded. “Yeah. But it won’t be long. Now…I think it’s time to take a shower.” Magnolia thought about the thousands of tiny water needles in the hot spray hitting her sensitive skin and shuddered. By the time the wedding was over she would lose her mind. The only thing that kept her going was the plans she had for Dennac and Undain after the wedding. Chrys and Honey had promised to take her shopping before the ceremony. If she was going shopping with the sisters, she needed to shower first. With gritty determination, she crawled to the edge of the bed and sat up. The butt plug shifted, a fiery zing zipped up her spine and she gasped as her breath whooshed out. Oh, this was going to be a fun day! Gripping her bottom lip with her teeth, she stood and wobbled into the bathroom. In the shower, she fended off the men with a snarl. “Touch me and you die!” 36

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After a comprehending look, Dennac backed into the corner, briskly washed his body and hair and edged past her to get out of the shower stall. Noting his heavy rigid cock, Undain blocked his way, nudging him back into the corner. “You forgot something,” he observed as he grasped Dennac’s fat cock in his hand. “Oh, yeah?” Dennac groaned when Undain stroked him, playing with the bars and ring. “Yeah. Kiss me, you fool!” Magnolia watched open-mouthed while the men kissed, meshing lips, nipping with strong white teeth, twining tongues. It was like nothing she’d ever seen before. This was not some gentle lovemaking. It was almost brutal in the give and take. Undain broke off the kiss and dropped to his knees to take Dennac’s cock in his mouth. She found Dennac’s grimace of pleasure irresistible. Moving past Undain, she wiggled into the corner behind Dennac, plastering her breasts against his back. Then she embraced him, covering his nipples with her wicked fingers, plucking gently at his nipple rings while she rubbed her tight nipples on his smooth, damp skin. Dennac stiffened with a shout as he came in Undain’s mouth, hot, spurting jets that Undain greedily swallowed as he gripped Dennac’s ass to hold him in place. They panted, breathing heavily while Magnolia continued to toy with Dennac’s nipple rings. She rested her head on his shoulder, cuddled at his back. After a few minutes, Dennac covered her hands with his. Undain stood up and leaned into him, pressing Dennac and Magnolia against the cool shower wall. “Ummm. A Dennac sandwich.” Dennac cleared his throat. “Speaking of sandwiches…I’m starving.” “Me too,” Magnolia admitted before nibbling lightly on Dennac’s shoulder. “Oh, all right. Come on. Everyone rinse off and we’ll get out of here. Hopefully, Esmerelda will have coffee made.”

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“Coffee?” Magnolia stood under the shower, submitting to their ministrations as they carefully rinsed her hair. “It’s a hot drink for breakfast. You’ll like it.” Undain turned off the water and they stepped out into the huge bathroom where warm fluffy towels awaited. By the time they dried off, brushed teeth and completed the rest of their morning routine, Magnolia was getting a little impatient. She wandered out to the bedroom and opened the closet where she saw Undain hang his robe. Slipping it on, she tied it tightly at the waist before opening the bedroom door to peek into the suite living room. Arri was seated at the little dining table, calmly eating breakfast. She noted the hearth decorations were completed and all signs of the activity from the night before were erased. Arri paused and gestured toward the couch. “Good morning. Chrysanthemum sent up some clothes for you. She said to tell you they’ll be ready to go shopping at ten prime.” Ignoring the clothing, she joined him at the table. Helping herself to the various dishes kept piping hot under clear domes, she asked, “Did you sleep well?” He shot her a glance, realized that there were no hidden messages in her question and nodded. “The beds are very comfortable. No need to ask how your night was. I could hear the shouting.” Blushing furiously, she ducked her head and concentrated on her breakfast. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he said gently. “I’m very, very happy that my brother and Undain have finally found their woman. And such a lovely woman too.” “Quit flirting with my woman, Arri.” Undain joined them at the table and poured himself a cup of dark liquid from a steaming carafe. “What are your plans for today?” Arri dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and sighed. “I’ve been asked to accompany the ladies on their shopping trip. I believe that Ling–Ling and Merlin are going as well.”

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“Shopping?” Dennac shuddered. He meandered over to the couch and poked through the clothing piled on the end. “I see that Chrys found some clothes for you, Maggie.” She watched him flip through the blouses and skirts. “I needed something to wear when we go shopping today. Especially since you left my clothes behind when you brought me here.” “Shopping?” Undain paused with his cup halfway to his mouth. “You’re going shopping?” “I’m going shopping with Chrys and her sisters. I have things to purchase before the wedding,” she replied primly. “Woman things.” “Uh-huh.” Scrutinizing her expression intently, Undain missed the fleeting smile on Arri’s face. “What will you use for money?” “Chrys explained about my dower rights. She said she would ask Gareth to arrange the transfer of my credits before we go shopping.” Magnolia poked at her eggs with her toast. Scrambled eggs were new to her. She wasn’t sure that she liked them but she was very hungry. Finally, she cut up her sausage and mixed that in with the eggs. The spicy meat flavored the eggs so that she really didn’t notice the taste. “Well, isn’t Chrys the enterprising one.” Dennac dropped the blouse he was appraising and came to sit down at the table. “I vote that we go back to the tower before Chrys totally corrupts Maggie—and stay there.” “I believe that you are too late,” Arri teased. “Much too late. But I shall have a wonderful time watching the show.” He tossed his napkin on the table and stood up. “In the meantime, I have an appointment with Gareth this morning. Magnolia, I’ll see you later.” By ten prime, Maggie was dressed and waiting. She nervously plucked at the sheer blouse that did absolutely nothing to hide her breasts and nipple rings. And since the nipple rings kept her nipples in a perpetual state of arousal, the hard tips obviously

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poked at the fine fabric which in turn brushed over the tips. It was a never-ending circle. Her nipples occupied so much of her attention that she almost forgot that she was naked beneath the full skirt that matched the blouse. Fortunately, it was not sheer fabric like the blouse but it was short. Bending over wasn’t going to be an option, especially with all of her new accoutrements. She shook her head in amazement. Clit rings and butt plugs. Had her mother known what Magnolia faced when she arranged passage on the merchant ship? Magnolia suspected that her mother had known exactly what was in her future. After all, that was what a seer did. They saw the future. And Melusine was one of the most powerful seers of Alfland. A soft knock warned Magnolia that it was time to go. Arri opened the door and poked his head inside. “Ready? Ah, yes, I see that you are indeed ready. Chrys has a shawl for you downstairs.” Magnolia followed him down the stairs, walking tall and proud. Her breasts bobbed gently as she walked but she was determined to carry herself like a lady. After all, her father might be a crazy old bastard but he was a king. She found the shopping an exhilarating experience. Aside from accompanying her mother on market day, she had never been shopping. There was so much to see. Most of the shop windows had items artfully displayed but since it was Yule season, they were also decorated with bits of greenery—holly and mistletoe or fir branches—and candles with ribbons and pine cones. Pine wreaths with apples and nuts or colorful feathers and bells hung on the doors. Bright red pennants flew from the poles atop the buildings. Everywhere people bustled cheerfully through the narrow lanes. Magnolia shivered in the skimpy protection of her borrowed shawl as Chrys led them from shop to shop, moving briskly in the sharp cold air. They entered a small jewelry shop, crowding into the narrow space between the long cases filled with gorgeous necklaces and rings. “This shop should have something suitable for Dennac

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and Undain,” Chrys declared. “Most of the items you’re interested in will be in that case in the back.” Accompanied by Arri, Magnolia wormed her way through the crowded shop until she reached the case Chrys pointed out. Her eyes rounded in amazement at the selection displayed. Unsure where to start, she began at the far end, slowly perusing each item. Arri waited patiently but as he sensed her increasing frustration, he inquired, “What are you looking for, my new sister?” She tapped the glass counter with one restless fingertip. “I want something for them to wear that marks them as mine. I’ll be covered with jewelry declaring their ownership. I want something that declares my ownership!” He bent his head over the case, skimming the rows of items until his eyes rested on exactly the right item. “There! What do you think?” Her eyes lit on the items he pointed out. “Perfect! They even come with the correct gems!” When she looked up at him, she caught a wide knowing smile on his face. “You are going to lead them a merry dance. I’ll be delighted to watch you wrap them around your little fingers. What else do you need?” Deciding to take him into her confidence, she shared her plans. When she was finished, Arri was laughing so heartily the other customers were staring at them. “I cannot wait!” he declared. “Come! We have no time to waste!” He captured the attention of the shop owner and indicated the items that Magnolia wished to purchase. After noting down the lines of script she wanted engraved on each item, she paid for them and agreed to return for them by two subprime. Then after explaining to Chrys that he would escort Magnolia on her quest, Arri led her out into the narrow lane. “I know exactly the place we need. Come this way!” They hurried through the cold, zigzagging through the warren of lanes until Arri stopped in front of another small shop. Magnolia’s eyes goggled at the impressive 41

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display in the window while Arri tugged her inside the warm shop. The brightly lit room had row upon row of sex toys in every color of the rainbow. As they went through her list, Arri helped her choose the best items for her plans. Magnolia was incredibly impressed by his encyclopedic knowledge. When they piled the items on the counter and she whipped out her small credit unit to pay for them, he forestalled her with his own credit unit. “Allow me. This will be my wedding gift to you, my new sister. May you use everything with joy!” “Th-thank you!” she gasped, covering her burning cheeks with her hands. “Now then, what is next?” Arri inquired as he watched the shop owner carefully pack their choices in a handy carry bag. “Yule gifts for Chrys and her sisters.” She frowned in thought. “I have no idea what they would like.” “I know the very thing.” He hefted the bag of toys and led her back outside. “This way!” “Where are we going?” she asked as they scurried around a blind corner into a tiny alley. “Here.” He whipped open a blank door and ushered her inside where she stumbled to a halt in amazement at the costumes displayed on the walls. “What is this place?” “This shop sells erotic underwear.” “Underwear?” “Garments you wear under your blouses and skirts.” He led her to a counter that was piled high with lacy bits of cloth. While he plucked one piece from the pile and held it up for her inspection, he explained how it was worn and the advantages. With a thoughtful expression, she sorted through the pile until she had one in every color. Then she chose six more in assorted colors that she placed in another pile. With approval he fetched two small shopping baskets for her choices.

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They moved to another counter where he held up another item, explained its purpose and demonstrated how it was worn. She tossed more items into her shopping baskets. Finally, he led her to the back corner where a beautiful garment was displayed on the wall with a matching male counterpart next to it. After an extensive discussion, she chose one for herself plus one for each of her men…Dennac’s in purple and Undain’s in green. When they were ready to leave, Arri arranged for the shop owner to wrap Magnolia’s gifts for Chrys, Honey and Daffodil while they waited. Then with the rest of her purchases packed in a gaily embroidered bag, they were on their way back to the jewelry shop to collect the engraved jewelry for Undain and Dennac. Abruptly, Arri stopped in front of a busy shop and led her inside. “What are we doing here?” she asked through chattering teeth. “Buying you a cloak!” He commandeered the attention of the seamstress and explained what they needed. She trotted off to a small room in the back, returning almost immediately with a heavy luxurious dark green velvet cloak embroidered with flowers in reds and golds. It had a soft lined hood, deep pockets and matching mittens. “Well. Try it on!” The seamstress helped her slip it on. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen and she could have wept because she couldn’t possibly accept it. “We’ll take it.” “No! I can’t! Arri, you can’t give this to me!” “Oh, I’m not,” he assured her. “It’s going on Dennac’s account.” He cocked an eyebrow at the seamstress. “He confirmed it, yes?” “Certainly, sir. It was confirmed last hour.” “Excellent! Now, Magnolia. We must hurry if we are to get you back to the castle on time.” Back outside they went with Magnolia snuggled in her warm ankle-length cloak.

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When they reached the jewelry shop, her purchases were ready. The jeweler swiftly wrapped them for her and they were off once more, hastening through the gathering gloom of late afternoon.

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Chapter Five In the enormous castle foyer, Arri and Magnolia sorted through the packages. He pocketed the jewelry with a brief “I’ll give these to Friar Tuck and explain your wishes”. He handed her the gifts she’d bought for her new friends. “You’ll want to give them their gifts yourself.” He hoisted the rest of the bags. “With your permission, I’ll take these down to the tower so that they are in place when you need them.” Impulsively, she went up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Arri. You’ve been wonderful!” “You’re welcome, little sister. May you have a merry Yule.” With a small smile, he watched her pick up the long folds of her cloak and run up the stairs. King Arthur, watching from the open library door, walked out into the hallway, following Magnolia’s lighthearted progress with curious eyes. “What have you been up to, Arri?” “Why nothing, you old reprobate. I’ve merely been squiring my new sister around while she did her Yule shopping. Surely you cannot find anything sinister in that?” “If I believe that’s all you been up to, you’ll no doubt try to sell me a bridge from Avalon to Alfland.” Following a hunch, Arri motioned for Arthur to follow him back into the library. After he closed the door, he opened the bags, displaying Magnolia’s purchases. Arthur’s eyes widened in shock. “What have you done, Arri?” “Our innocent little Magnolia had a list, Arthur. I helped her find the things on her list. I’ll show you something else.” Arri pulled the package of jewelry from his pocket and spread it open to show Arthur. “This is what she insists they will wear. Or she will refuse the collar and cuffs.” Arthur sat down with a thump. “Stars of Avalon!” 45

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“She might be a virgin but Magnolia grew up at Xurca’s court. She isn’t going to be a shy retiring maiden that those boys can lead around by her nose. And that’s a very good thing, I think.” Arri closed the jewelry package. “I need to find the good friar and explain the change in the ceremony. And then I promised to blink down to the tower with the rest of her packages.” Suddenly Arthur started laughing. He laughed until he cried, pounding his fist on his knee. “Heh. Heh. I wish I could be a spider on the wall when they see what’s in those bags!” Arri found the brandy and poured them each a tot. They clinked their glasses in a toast. “To Magnolia!” “Bottoms up!” Arthur declared.

***** Magnolia flung open the door to the suite with enthusiastic abandon and rushed inside. She skidded to a halt when she caught sight of the action taking place in the living room. Slamming the door shut, she shoved her cloak off, dropping it on the floor and sashayed toward her men with her hands planted firmly on her hips. Slowly, she circled around them, tilting her head first to one side, then the other as she took in every nuance of the scene. She tapped one finger on her chin as she considered the options. Then with one snap, she snatched up the black knight, leapfrogged over the white bishop and rook, landing smack on top of the white queen and neatly cornering Undain’s king. “Checkmate.” Dennac dropped his head down, banging it on the table with slow, measured thuds. “Where the hell did you learn to play chess?” “Oh, is that what you call it? We call it King’s Quest. Very popular at court.” With a shrug, she went back to retrieve her cloak, shaking it out carefully before she flung it across the couch. Belatedly, it occurred to her that she hadn’t thanked Dennac so she rushed back to the table and planted a loud smacking kiss on each of his cheeks before

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pushing the table so that she had room to plop down on his lap. “Thank you for the cloak. It’s beautiful.” “What about me? Don’t I get a kiss?” Undain demanded. “According to Arri, Dennac paid for the cloak.” Her breasts bobbed enticingly beneath her filmy blouse as she wriggled on Dennac’s knees. The butt plug which she’d heroically ignored while out shopping was vibrating as her butt pressed against Dennac’s muscular thigh. When she struggled to hop up from his lap, he wrapped his arm around her waist and ducked his head, nudged her blouse out of the way with his nose and captured a tight nipple in his mouth. She squeaked and jerked as he flicked the little bud with his tongue. Undain jumped to his feet. Chess pieces rolled and bounced in all directions as he shoved the table completely out of the way. “What a wonderful idea!” He tugged her blouse down, trapping her arms against her ribs. “Oh, isn’t that pretty,” he breathed as he took her other nipple in his hot mouth. With one mind, they tugged her knees apart and slipped their free hands between her legs, searching out the soft folds at the juncture of her thighs. Dennac gently tapped at the clit ring, sending fiery sparks zinging up her spine while Undain carefully insinuated a fingertip in the slick opening of her pussy. “Hmmm.” He lifted his head, brushed her soft lips with his and whispered at her ear, “You’re wet, Maggie. Been thinking about us?” “I’ve been thinking about all the ways I’m going to punish you for this butt plug!” she panted as she squirmed on Dennac’s lap. “It’s a wicked, evil torture!” A brisk knock on the door gave them little warning as Chrys shoved it open with her hip. “Coming in!” By the time she was inside, followed by Honeysuckle, Magnolia’s clothing was restored and she was on her feet. The women carried beautiful dresses folded over their arms. “Out, out, out,” Chrys declared authoritatively. “It’s time for us to help Magnolia prepare for the wedding.” 47

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Undain crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s hard to have a wedding without the grooms,” he observed. “Your clothes are laid out in Arri’s rooms. Gary and Arri are waiting for you. Go!” She shooed them out of the room. “Finally!” Magnolia trailed after the sisters as they trotted into the bedroom where they spread the dresses out on the bed. “They’re beautiful.” “Well, pick one so we can get started.” Honey dumped her shoulder bag on the floor. “We have a lot to do.” “Pick one? Of those?” “You were planning on going naked?” Chrys went in the other room and dragged a chair into the bedroom. “Hurry. We have to do your hair, get you dressed, explain the ceremony…” “Arri told me some of it,” Magnolia ventured quietly, abruptly unsure and nervous about going through with it. “Good! Any questions?” Honey inquired as she began to remove items from her bag. Shoes, hair ornaments, brushes and combs. “Uh…” “No? Okay. Take off those clothes.” Chrys was absently picking through a small collection of makeup tubes she’d dumped on a small table. “Hurry up.” “Take off my clothes?” Chrys curiously peered at her over her glass frames. “You have something I haven’t seen before? You were stark naked last night, Magnolia.” “I was?” Appalled red color flooded her cheeks. “Truly?” “Yep. Truly. So don’t freeze up on me now. I need to check your piercings…unless you would rather I ask Alfsigr to come up?” “Alfsigr?” Magnolia’s voice shot up to a high squeak. “The healer. She’s the one who did your piercings last night.” 48

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Magnolia dropped into the chair and covered her face with her hands. With a little sigh, Honeysuckle went to kneel down next to her. “Magnolia. Look at me.” Magnolia peeked at her between spread fingers. “Everything is going to be all right. How did you think you acquired that beautiful jewelry?” “I don’t know.” Helplessly, she waved her hand aimlessly in the air. “I think I was trying very hard not to think about that,” she confessed finally. “Well, here’s the way it happened. Chrys brought you in here in the bedroom. You undressed and crawled on the bed. Then she called Alfsigr and your men. When they arrived, she left. Alfsigr did your piercings and speed-healed them. And then she left.” “Oh.” “If you want to squeeze in a quick shower before you dress, you need to hurry. And Chrys or I need to check your piercings just to make sure that they’re all right. If not, we can summon Alfsigr so that she can treat you before the ceremony.” “Argh.” Magnolia strangled her objections as she got to her feet. The removal of boots, skirt and blouse only took seconds. Chrys carefully checked her piercings with impersonal skill. “Everything looks good. Get rid of the butt plug and jump into the shower!” Standing under the hot water pouring over her head, Magnolia pondered the winding road that had led to that moment in her life. What could have changed? Nothing. From the announcement of her engagement to Rugat, her fate had been sealed. And truth to tell, all of it—piercings included—paled next to what Rugat had planned for her. Dennac and Undain were by far the better alternatives. Their extended families had welcomed her, taking her under their wings. With a small sigh, she turned off the water and exited the shower. It was time for her to do her part.

*****

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A few minutes before four subprime, Arri came to fetch Magnolia from the suite living room where she nervously waited in solitary splendor. After helping her dress and arranging her hair, Chrys and Honey had gathered their belongings and left, admonishing her to not sit down. There had been much giggling over their presents— especially after she shared her plan with them. So she’d spent what seemed like hours pacing from window to window while waiting. When Arri opened the door after tapping on it once, he paused in the doorway and surveyed his brother’s new bride. “You’re very beautiful,” he said quietly. “Dennac and Undain are the most fortunate of men.” She fought hard to keep her hands clasped together behind her back. Like all royal brides at Came-a-lot, her breasts were bared, displaying her nipple rings and chain. In a tradition that went back centuries, the male guests would line up prior to the ceremony to inspect her jewelry. Then Arri would deliver her into the care of her husbands and the ceremony would begin. “I-I look all right?” Arri smiled as he gazed at his new sister-in-law. She stood nervously twisting her fingers while she waited for his verdict. The silky pale turquoise skirt swirled over her hips, falling in loose folds to her knees in points embellished with teardrop pearls. The snug bodice supported and displayed her bare breasts beautifully with a pearl-lined edge on the halter straps that crisscrossed in the middle of her back. She had delicate gold slippers on her feet. He couldn’t recall the last time he had seen anything as lovely as Magnolia. He took the filmy transparent matching wrap from the sofa and carefully draped it around her bare shoulders. “Exquisite. Come, Magnolia. It’s time.” She followed him out into the hall where he placed her hand on his muscular arm and they began their journey to the great hall at Came-a-lot Castle. As they walked, she noted the pine swags that lined the banisters and the cheerful golden bows that hung from each point. “The greens are lovely. I noticed the stores in the town were decorated the same way.”

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“Alflanders don’t decorate for Yule?” “Y-Yule?” Startled, she stopped and stared at him. “This is all for Yule?” “Certainly. What did you think?” “All of it? They decorate the entire castle?” “Of course. Wait until you see the great hall.” He led her down the stairs, down to the main hall where the servants were lined up to catch a glimpse of the new bride. An excited hushed murmur followed them as they unhurriedly paced down the long hall to the double doors that led to the great room. It was a blur of candlelight, greenery and flashes of jeweled color. At the double doors, Arri halted, then bent his head and leisurely kissed her. When he lifted his head, he offered her a slow smile. “Mistletoe,” he whispered, indicating the large ball of greenery hanging in the doorway over their heads. In the far corner, a small group of musicians were playing something soft and soothing. She didn’t recognize the melody but found it festive. High above where Undain and Dennac waited with Friar Tuck, an enormous pine tree hung upside down from a huge hook. It was decorated with hundreds of tiny white lights and clear glittery glass balls in all colors. On a long table behind Friar Tuck, greenery and candles punctuated with more glass balls served as a beautiful backdrop. Along the right-hand wall, a line of men stood waiting respectfully. Arri led her down the line. Each man kissed her cheek, though none touched her otherwise. Suddenly, Arri was placing her hand in Undain’s and backing away. Dennac took her other hand in his and the ceremony began. Arri had carefully searched his conscience before warning Undain and Dennac about Magnolia’s little surprise. To his mind, it seemed more important to prevent her embarrassment with their possible refusal than it did to preserve her surprise. So when the good Friar Tuck presented the engraved cuffs and nipple charms that she had purchased, her men gravely accepted the gifts, vowing to wear them as a sign of her ownership.

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Dennac read the inscription on the tiny charm and then threaded it on his nipple chain. He did the same with the heavy gold cuff before fastening it around his left wrist. Then he kissed her forehead before tilting his head so he could whisper in her ear, “I am honored to be your man.” Undain faced the witnesses and cleared his throat. “Our wife has gifted us with charms and cuffs as part of this ceremony. The charms are delicate little elves with our personal gems for eyes. On the back, the engraving says Magnolia’s Man. We are honored by her claim. The cuffs are also engraved. The, uh, cuff engravings say May our circle of joined hearts never be broken.” Without another word, he fastened the platinum cuff on his left wrist and kissed Magnolia. The ceremony moved forward with vows and promises and stern charges from Friar Tuck. Then Arri placed a soft pad on the floor and helped Magnolia to kneel. Dennac and Undain placed the marriage cuffs on her ankles and wrists and clasped her collar around her neck. Every piece had gold and platinum entwined and was studded with emeralds and amethysts. Suddenly the ceremony was over. On the table behind Friar Tuck, a parchment waited for their signatures. An unusual number of witnesses came forward to sign the marriage certificate. Then Arri rolled it up and presented it to Magnolia. She had barely clutched it in her hand when he blinked her from the great hall to the bedroom in the tower at the eastern shore. While she stood staring in amazement at the changes in the bedroom, Arri located the robe he used when he visited and shrugged it on. Dennac, Undain and Merlin blinked in on their heels. “Arri! What did you think you were doing?” Undain demanded. “I was hoping to give your bride time to prepare for you. May I suggest that the rest of us go upstairs to the library for a toast?” He smiled at Magnolia and plucked the parchment from her hands. “Call us when you’re ready.” “Thank you,” she said with careful dignity. “I will.”

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Arri shepherded his brother and Undain up the stairs with Merlin trailing behind. “Perhaps you would like to explain how you arrived with clothing, Dennac?” Arri inquired. “Merlin didn’t want to deal with me arriving naked.” “Ah. Too bad we don’t usually have Merlin with us when we blink.” When they were out of sight, Magnolia breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She wandered over to the bed, noting the preparations that Arri had arranged. The entire room was a seductive paradise. Soft lights and music set a romantic tone. A mound of lacy pillows was piled on each side of the bed. Rich glowing fabrics draped the bed like an intimate tent. And at the foot of the bed, two comfortable chairs awaited Merlin and Arri when they served as witnesses. On a small table next to the window, a single glass of wine sat next to a vase with two red roses. Magnolia couldn’t resist the lure of the roses. When she bent to sniff their fragrance she thought she saw the tiny glitter of precious stones hidden in the heart of the flowers. She started to pluck them out but decided that was a memory she would rather share with her husbands. While she undressed, taking great care with the beautiful fragile dress Chrysanthemum had provided, she took small sips of the wine. Once the dress was put away in the closet, she pulled out the embroidered bag of underwear. After a bit of thought, she chose two items and put everything else away. Then she went into the bathroom so that she could use the mirror. “Magnolia? Are you ready?” Dennac bellowed down the stairwell. “Not yet,” she called. “Soon!” “What’s taking so long?” Undain yelled. “We’ll be happy to assist you in undressing!” “Try to act like you have some manners,” Arri snapped. “Merlin, make them behave!” “Gentlemen, sit down.” Merlin growled. “You’re acting like stallions with your first mare!” 53

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Downstairs Magnolia stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection in awe. Surely that woman in the mirror wasn’t her! She twisted from side to side and turned around so she could look at her ass in the mirror. With a slow feline smile, she tilted her head to one side. Arri had been absolutely correct. They wouldn’t ever look at another woman again when she was through with them. She was going to strike them blind. She sauntered out to the bed and climbed on, arranging herself artistically on the sumptuous bedding. Then with one last deep breath, she called, “I’m ready!” Undain and Dennac lunged down the stairs with breathless haste. “I don’t think we’re going to want to miss this,” Arri muttered as he blinked Merlin and himself to a handy corner where they had a clear view of the action. They were just in time. Dennac stumbled to a halt when he saw Magnolia. Undain slammed into him, tumbling them both to the floor. They scrambled to their feet and staggered over to the bed. “Holy stars of Avalon,” Dennac swore. “Yeah…” Undain struggled to catch his breath. They couldn’t seem to take it all in. Magnolia was sprawled out on the covers in an incredibly decadent pose. She had on a bright red lacy bra with cutouts over the nipples so that her nipple rings and chain draped seductively from the tight pouting points. With it she wore a matching red thong expressly designed with a cutout to display her clit ring. When she shifted restlessly on the bed, the ring bounced jauntily against the red lace. With the glitter and wink of her collar and cuffs, she looked like a barbaric princess. Abruptly, with his eyes still on his wife, Dennac began peeling off his tight black zipsuit, completely forgetting his boots needed to come off first. Undain, marginally more alert, toed off his boots first, though he never looked away, even for a second. In the corner, Merlin leaned closer to Arri and murmured in his ear, “I think she has their attention.” 54

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“What was your first clue?” Arri inquired with a grin.

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Chapter Six Finally, shoving his zipsuit over his ankles, Undain kicked it off and crawled onto the bed. “If this is what Arri took you shopping for yesterday, we’ll have to adopt him. Geez, Maggie, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” he declared as he investigated the slit that displayed her clit ring. Dennac joined them, stretching out next to Magnolia. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful and so decadent in my life. We’re going to have to kill him because he saw you like this.” He leaned over her, flicking her nipple with his tongue. She arched slowly, twisting in their hands as they toyed with her rings. “I’m glad you like it,” she panted. “Can we play later?” “Oh, yeah. Later is good.” Undain threaded her clit ring through the slit in the fabric before tugging the lacy scrap down her legs. He tossed it toward the bathroom as he crawled back up the bed, tugging her legs apart so that he could fit between them. He grazed the soft swollen lips with his thumbs, watching them flower open under his touch. Bending his head, he skimmed his tongue over the slick skin, lapping at the slow trickle of cream that signaled her arousal. “Oh, yum.” After sucking on her nipples until they stood proudly erect, Dennac carefully unhooked her nipple chain and tossed it on the bedside table before releasing the bra fastener between her breasts. “I look forward to you wearing this again for us but at the moment… it’s inconvenient. Shall we get rid of it?” She curled up in his arms as he peeled the lacy garment off, tossing it on top of the matching panties. “Dennac! Now!” “Not yet, sweetheart. Pretty soon. Here.” He wrapped her eager hands around his cock. “Play with this while I play with your nipples. Do you know how hard it was to keep my hands to myself at that ceremony? You were so beautiful.” 56

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“I wanted to bend her over the nearest chair and sink my cock in her in front of everyone,” Undain admitted. “I wanted to show them that she belongs to us!” Tilting her hips so that her clit pressed against his busy, teasing mouth, she gasped, “Now would be a good time!” Her fingers tightened around Dennac’s cock as she tugged and stroked. He sat up and reached for the basket on the bedside table. “You may have a point there. Undain?” “I’m ready. Past ready.” Undain knelt between her legs. “Maggie, love, sit up a moment. Let me switch places with Dennac.” They shifted around until Undain was kneeling with his back against the pillows at the head of the bed with Maggie on her knees facing away from him. Her legs were spread as she straddled his knees. “Now that is a picture,” he murmured as he toyed with the tight rosette of her ass, dribbling a few drops of oil on the tips of his fingers, spreading it all around the entrance. The slippery oil warmed the skin, triggering a tingling glow. She rocked back against his fingers, wriggling her ass to press his fingers where she needed them. When he slid one finger inside, she moaned. “More.” Dennac stretched out so that he could watch Undain prepare her. “Oh, yeah. That’s pretty. Look at the way she’s stretching for you. Give her two, Dain. She wants it.” Magnolia dropped her head and chest down to the bed, presenting her ass high and open. “Please,” she whimpered. “What do you need, sweetheart?” Undain asked as he wriggled a second finger deep inside. “You. I need your cock in me.” He tapped her butt. “Hold still.” He reared up and lined up the blunt head of his cock at the small opening. Dennac dripped more oil on the head before sliding his

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fingers below to her clit. He very gently played with her clit ring as Undain pressed forward. She wasn’t sure which way to move. She just knew that she needed to move. Abruptly, she pushed back as Undain’s cock head popped inside. They froze as several long moments ticked by. With a deep shuddering sigh, Magnolia wiggled her hips. “I need you to move.” “I’m going to let you do all the moving,” he replied tightly. “How about that, Maggie? Why don’t you fuck me with that tight ass while Dennac plays with your pussy?” She panted and rocked, slowly working her ass until he was balls-deep sheathed in her ass. “Undain?” “Yes, love.” “I’m going to come…” she wailed. “I certainly hope so,” Dennac snorted. He slid just a fingertip inside her pussy and the little contractions rolled through her as she came with a shrill scream. “Oh, that was nice,” Undain growled. “Do it again!” “Move so she’s sitting on your cock in your lap and I’ll lick her pussy,” Dennac suggested with a wicked smile. After a bit of rearrangement, Magnolia found herself firmly impaled on Undain’s cock as she sat in his lap. He was leaning back against the headboard with her back resting on his broad chest while he tweaked and played with her breasts and tightly furled nipples. As he rubbed the tips with his thumbs her pussy clenched and her ass squeezed his cock. Dennac sprawled between their spread legs and feasted on her pussy with occasional passes over Undain’s tight heavy testicles. “Dammit, Dennac!” Undain roared. “Get your ass up here!” Chuckling, Dennac moved up on the bed until he was leaning over his mates. His cock nudged Magnolia’s clit. Her fingers tugged slyly at his nipple rings while he

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fiercely kissed Undain. He lifted his head and moved to kiss Magnolia. “Are you ready, sweetheart?” “I’ve been ready!” she snapped. She grasped his cock and lined it up at the entrance of her pussy. “Put it in!” “Tchk. Such impatience! Put your arms around me, Maggie.” Undain snarled. “Wait a minute! Here—put a few drops of the oil on your cock.” “Are you crazy?” Magnolia whimpered. “I’m already on fire!” After dribbling a few drops on his cock head, Dennac tossed the small tube aside. “I want you to come in a white-hot blaze, so hot that you don’t know where one of us begins and another ends.” He stretched out over them, supported on his strong arms, and pressed in until the smooth fat head was completely enclosed. Magnolia’s fingernails sank into the taut muscles in his back. “Don’t stop now!” “Um, I don’t know how to tell you this but you’re very, very tight.” “That’s your problem. Dennac, I need you,” she implored. He thrust in and out several times, working his way in farther each time until he paused briefly to kiss her. “Are you ready for all of me? I can’t wait any longer.” “Now!” Just as Dennac thrust forward, Undain bit down on her earlobe. She shrieked as her arms tightened around Dennac’s waist. He plunged in to the limits. “Holy stars of Avalon. You’re so snug my eyes are crossing.” She wound her legs around his hips, crossing her ankles and squeezed. “Is it supposed to feel this good?” she panted. “I can feel your cocks rubbing against each other.” “Yeah?” Undain flexed and thrust up as Dennac retreated slowly. “It feels like a silky fist holding my cock.” He cupped her breasts in his big hands and tugged at her beaded nipples. “You’re going to come for us again, Maggie. I can feel your sweet pussy rippling up and down the length of our cocks. Are you almost ready?”

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“Not yet! I want to feel you moving inside!” Dennac stifled a laugh. “If you want us to last you’ll have to quit squeezing us to death. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have bruises.” He pressed in, gently making a place for himself in her tight sheath and groaned as she clamped down. Nudging her hair out of the way, Undain discovered the taut muscles where her neck joined her shoulder and he bit down with careful pressure. Wailing, Magnolia surrendered to the inevitable. The white-hot heat that Dennac had promised flooded her senses as she trembled in their embrace, her pussy and ass clutching their cocks so tightly they followed her lead willingly. As the trio lay in a tangled heap on the bed, Arri and Merlin silently blinked back up to the library where Arri poured a couple of glasses of wine while Merlin affixed his flamboyant signature to the parchment document on the desk, attesting to the fact that he had witnessed the consummation. When he finished, Arri handed him his wine and signed his own name. The tri-marriage was officially signed, sealed and complete. “To Magnolia!” Arri toasted cheerfully. “May she keep them on their toes!” Merlin rejoined. “Oh, I don’t think that will be a problem. My credits are on Magnolia.” Merlin stared fiercely down at his ruby-red wine. “I just have one question.” “Oh?” “Where did you take Magnolia shopping for that scandalous outfit?” Arri’s eyebrows flew up. “Merlin, you dirty old man! Why ever would you want to know that?” “I might be old,” Merlin conceded in a dry tone, “but I’m not dead yet.” “Ah? And who might you be shopping for?” Arri twitted, laughing. Pushed to the wall, Merlin snapped, “If you must know, I thought I would buy a set for Ling–Ling for Yule!”

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Arri dropped into the closest chair as his knees gave out. He stared at Merlin with astonished disbelief. After a moment, he shook his head and chuckled. “You must invite me to the wedding. Otherwise Dick and Peter will kill you when they find out you’ve been bedding their mother.” “And I suppose you’re going to tell them?” “Stars of Avalon, no! I value my skin too much. Those two would singe my mane and tail.” Arri tossed the remainder of his wine down his throat. “Finish your wine. Then I’ll take you shopping for the lovely Ling–Ling. I’m sure we can find something truly memorable.” He rolled up the parchment and patiently waited for Merlin to finish his wine before blinking them back to Came-a-lot. Once they safely delivered the parchment to the royal record-keeper, they would find something spectacular for Ling– Ling’s Yule gift.

***** In the warm candlelit bedroom, Undain hugged his spouses and sighed. “I hate to say this.” “What?” Dennac muttered sleepily. He rubbed his head against Magnolia’s shoulder and nibbled at her earlobe. “I need to get up. You are squishing me.” Lifting his head, Dennac smiled down into Magnolia’s dark dancing eyes. “Did he just imply that we’re heavy?” “I think so.” “Imply nothing! I’ll say it straight out!” Cautiously withdrawing from Magnolia’s snug pussy, Dennac rolled to the side. “Oh, all right! I’ll go fetch us some wine and food while you and Magnolia get in the hot tub.” He whisked into the bathroom long enough to start the jets in the hot tub, have a quick sketchy wash and then trotted downstairs to the kitchen.

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Cuddling with Magnolia, Undain twisted until they were spooned together on the bed. “Are you all right?” “Uh-hmm.” “We’re going to go soak in the hot tub, anyway. Alfsigr made us promise to do so first thing.” He withdrew carefully and rolled onto his back. “Stay here a moment.” He went into the bathroom and returned with a warm, damp cloth that he used to gently cleanse Magnolia before he lifted her in his arms and carried her into the bathroom where he deposited her in the tub, gratefully joining her. She was fascinated by the bubbling hot water that pummeled her sore muscles with such soft violence. “What is this?” “It’s called a hot tub.” He turned her so that her back was toward him and began to massage her taut muscles. “It’s perfect for relaxing. Or making love.” “In the tub?” Dennac came in with a tray piled high with tempting tidbits. The scent of chocolate and wine drifted in the air. He switched off the bubble jets and handed them mugs of the warm spiced wine. Then with his own mug firmly clutched in his hand, he joined them in the tub. “Certainly in the tub. But not tonight. In the meantime, to us!” They touched their mugs to his and echoed, “To us.” Taking a hearty sip of his wine, Undain studied his lover over the rim of his mug. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “We need to leave. Arri and Papa are down in the kitchen, keeping watch and waiting for us.” “Oh, no!” Magnolia tried to stand up but Dennac firmly prevented her from moving. “No hurry. Rugat is attacking Alfland. Someone named Melusine sent Nathan word so he could hide Maggie.”

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“Mama!” Magnolia set her mug on the side of the tub and tried once more to climb out. Again Dennac held her in place. “She’s fine. She actually said to tell you that.” “Where does Nathan propose to hide Maggie?” Undain inquired calmly. Dennac quirked an eyebrow. “Nathan was not so foolish that he proposed any solution. He merely said to keep in touch.” “Who is Nathan?” Maggie demanded, administering a hearty pinch to Dennac’s arm. “Maggie, behave.” Dennac tucked her more firmly under his arm. “Nathan the Sneak is the king’s security chief.” Undain helped himself to one of the tiny rolled sausages and proceeded to offer it to Magnolia. “Well, what is your solution, then?” he asked Dennac as he kept Maggie busy by offering her tidbits from the tray. “If we go to White Hound Island, that will bring Rugat down on my people. They have minimal defenses. If we stay on Avalon, the same is true for your people. The knights are certainly not up to fighting harpies. Percival has invited us to Chrystal Isle.” Dennac shrugged. “It seemed the best solution for the moment.” “Chrystal Isle is a fairy tale!” Maggie burst out. “So are elves and unicorns,” Dennac replied calmly. “Yet we exist. Firebirds too, as Dick and Peter could tell you.” Her jaw dropped and Undain took the opportunity to pop a piece of chocolate fudge in her mouth. While she chewed on that meditatively, he helped himself to a delicate flaky little pastry stuffed with mushrooms and offered another to Dennac. The trio sat in the tub mulling over the possibilities and eating until the tray was a forlorn sea of crumbs. Finally, Undain took a deep breath. “All right, Chrystal Isle it is. We’re going tonight, I take it?”

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“Later tonight,” Dennac amended. “Much later tonight.” “And what’s your plan for the meantime?” Stifling a huge yawn, Dennac sat up and prepared to leave the tub. “Personally? I think we could all use a nap.”

***** At Came-a-lot, the men gathered in the library with Nathan the Sneak to discuss strategy. Nathan, who agreed with Dennac’s assessment of the situation, offered to leak the trio’s location the next morning. By then Percival would have all his people safely moved to the secret dragon lairs high in the mountains above their little village on Chrystal Isle. From his discussion with Percival, he knew that Bartholomew was barely held in check. Rugat was responsible for Bart’s father’s death among others in the dragon colony. If Undain and his spouses were going to be safe anywhere on Avalon, it would be on Chrystal Isle. Eventually, the meeting broke up as most of the men went in search of their wives and beds. As they climbed the stairs to the royal suites, Gareth mentioned something that had been bothering him for several hours. “Have you noticed anything weird about the girls?” he asked his brothers-in-law. “Chrys has been acting very strange.” Dick stopped dead on the steps, blocking the way. “How strange?” “Like she has a secret,” Raulf’s deep voice rumbled behind them. “They’re up to something. Daffodil has been vibrating like a harp for hours.” Peter turned to look at Raulf with a bare inkling dawning on his face. “When did it start?” “Right before the wedding,” Gareth realized as he smacked his hand down on the heavy banister. “Damn it! I bet it has something to do with Magnolia!” Dick grinned at Gary. “Since when have the girls needed any ideas from anyone else? Don’t you think they can rustle up enough mischief on their own?”

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“Oh, I have no doubt of that. But all the time Chrys was dressing, she was humming. And smiling.” “Damn.” Dick bounded up the rest of the stairs and ran down the hall with Peter hot on his heels. Taking a more leisurely outlook, Gareth and Raulf strolled down the hall side by side. “What do you think they’re up to?” Gareth asked. “I have no idea. But based on their excitement…” “It’s going to be very interesting. Well, good night. And good luck.” Gareth opened the door to his suite and went in, taking care to be quiet so that he didn’t wake the twins. When he saw the basket of toys on the dining table, he knew he was in for an exciting night. He toed off his boots and undressed, ripping his dark gold zipsuit in his haste. Kicking everything out of his way, he grabbed the basket and headed for the bedroom. She was waiting for him, cuffed to the heavy wooden posts at the foot of the bed. Gareth stopped just inside the door, the basket falling from his hands as he stared at his wife in shock. “Holy stars of Avalon…” He stumbled over the forgotten basket, hopping and cursing as he stepped on the tumbled toys on his way to the bed. Chrysanthemum leaned against the bedpost, taut with anticipation. Her breasts swelled as she took a deep breath. The nipples that peeked out from the openings in the lacy blue bra were high and tight. Her nipple chain swung gently with each breath. Above the edge of the tiny matching blue panties, her belly rippled and clenched, signaling her arousal. Gareth reverently touched her belly before turning her so that he could see the view from the back. As he suspected, the panties were the kind called thongs. A narrow blue ribbon ran up the crack of her ass. His fingers followed the path of the silky ribbon, nudging the butt plug he knew he would find there, moving on to burrow beneath the lace so he could sink his fingers into her hot, wet pussy. 65

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He slipped them out, brushing beneath the lace until he reached her clit. A light tug pulled the ring back through the opening in the lace designed to display it. “I’ll have to replace these later,” he muttered as he snapped the ribbons on each side. Spreading her legs, he bent her over, pressing her head down to the mattress. “I can’t wait, you witchy woman.” He lined his cock up at her slick opening and filled her with one thrust. She cried out his name, bathing his cock in her warmth as she came immediately, constricting around him with hard rippling contractions. With everything in him, he fought off the climax her pussy threatened to steal from him. Oh, no, he wasn’t going to let her win that easily. He embraced her, cupping her plump breasts in his hands, tweaking the hard nipples as he moved, thrusting in and out, powering through the tight grasp on his cock. “More, sweetheart?” “More,” she gasped. He nibbled on her shoulder. “I should spank you for nearly giving me a stroke.” “More!” Gareth shoved in deep and held still while her pussy pulsed and squeezed. “Where did you get the sexy underwear?” Chrys moaned. “Gary, don’t stop.” “Tell me. Tell me what I want to know and I’ll make you come again. I’ll make you come all night long,” he tempted. “Magnolia! She gave them to us for Yule presents.” “Ah?” He inhaled sharply as she shuddered and came again. Gritting his teeth, he started moving again, plunging hard and withdrawing slowly. “I must remember to thank her.” “Gareth, quit playing!” “Come again for me, Chrys.” He slipped one hand between her thighs and tugged at her clit ring. With a shriek, she came again, great waves of tiny contractions seizing

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his cock in a wet velvety grip. One final thrust and he joined her, bellowing out her name. They collapsed on the bed, panting and wheezing until Gareth slowly rolled to the side, worried that he might be hurting her. He sat up and found the release for the cuffs that held her arms in place. “Chrys?” “Hmm-mmm?” “Are you all right, sweetheart?” “Mmmmm.” He lifted her in his arms and carried her into the bathroom where he tended to her. Such love and tenderness filled his chest that he ached. Gently removing the butt plug, he cleansed her with soft touches before carrying her back out to the bed. After removing the bra, he tucked her under the covers. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow. He stood next to the bed, hands on his hips and smiled as he watched her sleep. “Merry Yule, love.”

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Chapter Seven Rugat raged as he urged his warriors on. Except for the odd peasant too stupid to hide or flee, the countryside of Alfland was empty. The warriors laid waste to the abandoned farms and estates, burning them as they moved on the capital city of Alfland. Rugat was well aware of the rumor racing through the camp about where Magnolia and her husbands were hiding. He sneered at the stupid humans who needed help mastering their women. And the best the stupid human could do was snare a unicorn as a partner. No human marriage would prevent him from claiming Magnolia. Thick black smoke billowed up, blocking the sun as farms and villages burst into flames. Xurca might not have been too concerned when his bastard daughter fled a marriage with a mere harpy prince but Rugat was determined that Xurca would pay dearly for his lack of control over his daughter. No one humiliated a harpy!

***** In the secret halls of the Underworld, Xurca found his way to the high king barred. Shocked and angry, he demanded to be escorted to the high king. Guards seized him and dragged him into the throne room, throwing him down before the high king. The stare that King Aelfheah favored him with was cold, calculating and dead. In that glance was certain death for Xurca. Furiously out of control, Xurca plucked the dagger from his belt and flung it at the high king. Guards leaped into place, blocking the knife while others jumped on Xurca, anxious to prevent any other attacks. A great quiet fell over the throne room as healers rushed to the aid of the guard who had blocked the knife with his body. “Is the traitor dead?” the high king inquired of Xurca’s guards. “No, Sire.”

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“Take him back to his castle. Throw him outside the gates and bar them shut.” “Yes, Sire.” Xurca struggled mightily with the guards but in vain. He yelled curses and threats on their heads if they carried out the high king’s sentence but to no avail. They were the high king’s men, loyal to no one but the high king. When they reached Alfland Castle, they opened the great gates, threw him out onto the gravel roadway and closed and barred the gates behind them. While Xurca was yet on his knees in the gravel, Rugat leaped down from the wall that lined the road. “Ho! What is this I see wallowing on its knees? Could it be the mighty king of Alfland?” Rugat drew one clawed foot back and kicked Xurca in the face, easily tossing him across the open gravel driveway. Xurca tumbled on the rough stones, bouncing like a ball. Before he rolled to a halt in the thorny holly lining the wall, Rugat was there, seizing him with clawed hands and tossing him toward the facing wall. Xurca screamed as he landed in the rosebushes that filled the center of the drive. With a terrible smile full of jagged teeth, Rugat bounded after him, ripping his bleeding body carelessly from the thorns impaling him. “Now we begin.”

***** High in the soaring mountains of Chrystal Isle, Magnolia stood on the walled ledge that guarded the small lair she and her new husbands occupied. Though not nearly as big as the lairs in the surrounding mountains, it had the advantage of complete privacy. The view from the ledge, breathtaking at any time, was almost beyond her comprehension as she watched hundreds of dragons in an incredible rainbow of colors in flight. They were evacuating the village near the sea, retreating with their families into the cold stark fastness of the mountains. Muffled in her heavy cloak, she still shivered in the frosty early morning. In the main chamber Dennac and Undain slept with the earnestness of the weary. In a side

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chamber, her new father-in-law, Prince Dazhdbog, and Arri also slumbered after spending long hours ferrying people to safety. She huddled out of the wind, mulling over the strange willingness of hundreds of families to pack up and move on a moment’s notice in order to protect her life. Truly, it was a puzzling conundrum. She was nobody—bastard child of a wicked cruel elf king, married for convenience to King Arthur’s son and his lover, the unicorn Princeling Dennac. Why were they all so anxious to save her? She tugged her cloak closer to her body, hoping to block out the cold wind that whistled through the peaks. The sun glittered on the snowy mountaintops, flashing reflected light down into the dark shadowy valleys below. Far away, the sea danced and glimmered dark green against the brilliant blue sky. Sighing deeply, she marveled at how swiftly her life had changed in two short days. Warm bare arms encircled her, clasping her in a loving embrace. Dennac. Even in the short time they had been together, his scent a mixture of spice and musk was imprinted on her soul. “What are you doing out here in the cold?” he inquired in a voice husky from sleep. “Undain and I missed you.” “You were sleeping.” “Even in sleep, we know that you’re there.” A heavy gust of wind whipped long strands of his pale violet hair around them. “Come inside where it’s warm.” “All right. Will you explain to me why you are out here stark naked?” “I was worried. I came to find you.” “Next time put on some clothes. If you freeze your cock, it won’t be much use to either of us,” she pointed out dryly. He tilted her head back so he could see her face. “Are you planning to use it any time soon?” he asked hopefully.

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“We-ll. I could be persuaded. Especially as it’s our honeymonth. Surely you and Undain are not exhausted beyond all hope yet.” “You are challenging us.” Dennac stared at her thoughtfully. “Just remember that you initiated this.” With a bright smile, she leaned back and snuggled into his embrace. “May the best man—or woman—win.” He shook his head in disbelief and swept her up in his arms. “You are dangerous. I tried to tell Undain but he just won’t listen.” He carried her back into the lair, plotting her sensual downfall with every step. When

they

reached

the

warm

main

chamber,

Undain

was

preparing

breakfast…naked. Their casual ease with their nudity both fascinated and intrigued her. Neither one of them had indicated that they expected her to follow their example but she always felt a trifle overdressed when they weren’t dressed at all. Dennac tugged her cloak from her shoulders, revealing her own state of undress. “Ahhh.” Stopping in his tracks, Undain’s eyes swept her from head to toe. “Tasty. Very tasty. Take off your boots and stay a while.” Tossing her cloak over a heavy chest, Dennac crouched down to help her remove the snug boots. “She’s challenged us, Dain.” “Really? What are the stakes?” he inquired as he set dishes and utensils on the table. Carrying her over to their bed, Dennac sat down, arranging her so that she was stretched out facedown over his strong thighs. Without further ado, he proceeded to spank her soft curvy ass. “She implied that we’re already used up.” Smack. “That we can’t keep up with her.” Smack. “And that we can’t take whatever she thinks up.” Smack. Instead of the expected yelps and howls he anticipated from Magnolia, she limply draped over his legs and silently endured. Annoyed, he gathered that dark hair that hid

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her face in one hand. She turned her head until their eyes met, rolling hers impatiently. “Is that the best you can do?” she demanded. Choking on his hot coffee, Undain snorted dark liquid over his chest. “Uh, Maggie, sweetheart? You might want to step back a bit until you find out what Dennac is capable of.” “Dennac might want to walk with caution until he discovers what I am capable of,” she retorted smartly. “Virginity does not equal stupidity. And not all females are imbeciles!” “I told you, Undain! I told you but you wouldn’t listen. Now see what has happened!” Dennac’s palm landed on her butt. Smack. “I bet that she won’t submit even if we tie her up!” Smack. He smoothed his hand gently over the deep pink cheeks, savoring the warm color. “Damn, you have a pretty ass.” “Do you plan to fuck it any time soon? Or are you just going to play around?” Shaking his head in disgust, Undain found a cloth and wiped the coffee from his chest. Then without warning, he plucked Maggie from Dennac’s lap and sat down with her straddling his thighs, facing him. “Lift up, Maggie.” Immediately, she lifted her ass far enough that he could notch the fat head of his cock in her eager wet pussy. “Sit.” She slid down until he was completely sheathed. “Now put you head on my shoulder and take a nap.” She cuddled in Undain’s embrace, unbelievably comforted by Undain’s rigid cock filling her pussy. Within seconds she fell into deep slumber. Dennac scowled at Undain. “What are you doing?” “I think she’s part fae. Melusine is a fae name. If so, she needs to spend time physically joined with us, Den. We’ve been too busy running to take care of her.” “Fae?” Burying his face in his hands, Dennac moaned. “Fae? It’s a good thing there are two of us because we’ll be spending that honeymonth in bed.” He stood up and went to the stove. “I’ll finish breakfast. Is she asleep?”

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“Pretty close. Go ahead and eat. I know you have to be incredibly hungry.” Dennac served himself and sat down at the table. “Is that why you requested this lair? It’s very secluded.” “Among other things.” Undain rested his chin on Maggie’s shoulder and thoughtfully regarded his lover. “Are you feeling neglected, Den?” “No. Not exactly.” “What then, exactly?” “Uneasy.” He chewed his food and swallowed. “Something about Maggie worried me. Her reactions were strange. If she’s fae, that would explain it, though. We both know that their sex drives change dramatically once they lose their virginity. She’s going to keep us very busy.” “Does that displease you?” Undain asked as he cuddled Maggie’s body closer. Deep inside he could feel her pussy pulsing and tugging at his cock even though she was asleep. But if he correctly remembered his conversations with Bart, she would wake soon needing voracious pounding sex. He smiled when he remember how Bart had been quite taken aback when Pansy started jumping him on an hourly basis. “What are you grinning about?” “Bart and Pansy.” Dennac burst out laughing. “Oh, yeah. If Maggie is anything like Pansy we’ll have our work cut out for us.” Magnolia wriggled in Undain’s lap, trying to get closer, working to suck more of his cock inside. He thrust up hard and deep, inhaling sharply. “Hmmm. I guess you’re awake now.” She leaned against him, pressing him back so that he lay down on the bed. Tucking her feet under his legs, she commenced pumping up and down on his cock as though riding a unicorn. With a soft grin, he cupped her breasts in his hands, tugging on the taut nipples while he watched her face.

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Drawn by the tender mix of arousal and play, Dennac joined them on the bed, caressing Undain’s chest, tweaking the tiny nipples and twitching his nipple rings. Then he leaned over Undain, kissing him with aggressive passion. Abruptly, Magnolia lunged, fiercely grinding her clit against Undain in angry frustration. Dennac slid his hand over her mound and toyed with her clit ring. She screeched and bore down on his hand. Slyly, he tapped her clit with a rapid tattoo. She whimpered. He hopped up and fetched the chair, situating it between Undain’s legs. Then with eager anticipation, he scooted up close to Magnolia’s back. Insinuating one hand back between Magnolia and Undain, he rubbed little circles around her clit. And with that other hand he worked busy wicked fingers inside her anus. By the time he was inserting a third finger, she exploded, throwing her head back and screaming loud enough to alarm the men in the other room. With a sudden pop folded gossamer wings emerged from Magnolia’s slender back, slapping Dennac in the face before they unfurled in a glittery spread. Arri, poking his head around the open doorway, observed the show with amusement before going back to inform his father of the latest developments. Evidently, there was much more to Magnolia than first appearances would reveal. Dennac chuckled. “So that’s what was holding you back.” Her wings fluttered erratically as she collapsed on Undain’s chest, fighting to slow her pounding heart. “What happened?” Undain patted her ass. “You just found your wings.” “Wings?” Her eyes shot open as she tried to sit up. Dennac slid his arms under the fragile wings and pressed down on her shoulders. “Stay still. They’re not dry yet.” “Wings?” Her rising panic was clear in her voice. “Magnolia.” Cupping her face in his tender hands, Undain kissed her until she stopped trembling. “It’s nothing to get upset over. You’re part faery. These are your wings. You’ll get used to them. Truly.” 74

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“That’s easy for you to say! You don’t have wings popping out from your back!” she retorted tearfully. Releasing her, Dennac crawled back on the bed and stretched out next to Undain with his head propped on one arm. He contemplated the pros and cons of having wings to deal with. “Can you fold them up?” he queried curiously. “I don’t know.” Her voice was muffled against Undain’s chest. “Why not try?” Undain suggested softly. The wings flapped sporadically. “Huh.” Dennac scratched his nose and thought. “Maybe we need to talk to Pansy. I know her wings aren’t always on display.” “Who’s Pansy?” “She’s Bart’s mate. And before you ask, Bart is Bartholomew Pottswald the Bold.” “A dragon.” Magnolia sat up and regarded the two men as though they were particularly interesting specimens. “Bartholomew Pottswald, the artist, is a dragon? And he’s mated with a faery?” “Uh-hmm. She used to be the tooth faery but she’s retired now.” Dennac yawned and closed his eyes. “Wake me up when you make some more breakfast, Dain.” Poking him in the ribs with his elbow, Undain sat up and lifted Magnolia from his lap. “You ate the breakfast. It’s your responsibility to make more. While Maggie has her turn in the bathroom, I’m going to see if Bart and Pansy are free for a visit.” He leaned over Dennac and kissed his cock before taking the head in his mouth for a quick suck. “If you hurry up with the food, I’ll suck you off after breakfast. Maybe Maggie will help me.” He stood up and stretched before stomping over to the low chest where he’d tossed his communicator the night before. With another yawn, Dennac rolled to his feet and went into the small kitchen area to see what he could find to fix for breakfast. Truthfully, he was still hungry. He was certain that Arri and his father were too. Though he was primarily a vegetarian, as were

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most unicorns, he could and had eaten whatever was available. But his father…well, Prince Daz would never eat meat. As he poked around in the cold box, he discovered a huge, heavy, covered crock. Lifting it out to the counter, he removed the lid and discovered a wonder of delights, a vegetable-bean soup. Happily he filled bowls with the soup and popped them into the heater. By the time everyone made their way back to the table, steaming bowls of soup were waiting. While the men, including Arri and Prince Daz, sat down to breakfast naked, Magnolia had improvised by slipping on a robe backwards, overlapping it in back beneath her wings and lashing it together with the tightly tied belt. “Did you reach Bart?” she demanded as she struggled with the difficulties of sitting in a chair without crushing her wings. Undain grunted, stood up and tugged her to her feet while Dennac reversed the chair so that the back faced the table. “Sit down straddling the seat.” Hungry and impatient, Dennac picked her up and plopped her down on the chair with her wings draped nearly to the floor. Handing her the bowl and a spoon, he said abruptly, “Eat.” Everyone was quiet, intent on filling their stomachs. Second helpings were requested and served. Undain offered coffee but Dennac was the only one who took him up on the offer. Arri and Magnolia had tea and Daz settled for cold water. Just as Arri shoved his chair back from the table with a deep sigh, Bart arrived, landing on the walled ledge with Pansy snugly wrapped up in a warm blanket. He carried her inside as though he bore a fine piece of porcelain. When he unwound the blanket, the reason for his nervousness became obvious. Pansy was pregnant. “Bart! You should have told us! I would have blinked Magnolia over to your lair!” Dennac protested.

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Pansy shook out her filmy dress, patted her soft pink curls and snapped, “Nonsense! I was getting so tired of that cave I was ready to climb the walls. Now, lead me to your faery.” She tromped off into the other room, leaving them to trail behind her. When she caught a glimpse of Magnolia, she stopped dead in her tracks, clapped her hands over her mouth and exclaimed, “Oh, my!” “What?” Undain stared at her anxiously. “Can’t you help her?” “Of course. It’s just that she’s far lovelier than I expected.” Pansy trotted over to Magnolia, circling around her in wonder. “Well,” she said briskly, “I see we have much work to do. The rest of you—out! Bart, take them to our lair and play a game of chess or something.” “Pansy…” “Bart, this is faery business. Out! I will call you on the communicator when I’m ready to come home.” “Clothes?” Undain inquired. “Hell no,” Bart declared in disgust. “Bring your poker cards. We’ll teach the prince how to play five card stud.” “Maybe I’ll teach you how to play blackjack,” the prince rejoined smoothly. “Ah?” Bart shot him a considering look. “You’re on, Prince.” Once the men were gone, Pansy gestured for Magnolia to join her in the center of the room. “Take off that incredibly ugly robe.” Magnolia pursed her lips. “Then I’ll be naked. I don’t understand exactly why everyone is so reluctant to wear clothes but I don’t plan to join them.” Curls bouncing, Pansy nodded. “I understand completely but it will be far easier to teach you how to operate your wings if you don’t have to worry about clothing at the same time.” “Oh, all right.” Magnolia wrestled out of the robe and flung it onto the bed.

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Pansy eyed her body ornaments. “Nice jewelry. It’s a good thing you bigger faeries don’t actually fly. All that metal would weigh you down. What is the silver metal?” “Platinum,” Magnolia answered with a puzzled frown. “Why?” “Faeries don’t do well with iron,” Pansy replied matter-of-factly. She crossed her arms over her rounded belly. “Turn around. I need to look at your wings.” Turning so that she faced away from Pansy, Magnolia waited patiently as Pansy checked her wings. There was something about the little faery’s attitude that bothered her. Pansy had a secret. Plunging in, Magnolia observed, “There is something that is not quite right. I can sense that something is bothering you, Pansy. What is wrong?” The faint touch of Pansy’s fingers on her wings made Magnolia shiver with arousal. “What was that?” “Your wings are an erogenous zone. It’s considered very intruding, even offensive for anyone to touch your wings except your lovers.” She sighed. “Unfortunately many will be tempted simply because your wings are so beautiful.” “Can you help me put them back wherever they came from?” “We can try. I’ll warn you now—they probably won’t stay because you’re in the beginning of your sex cycle. As long as you’re aroused, they’ll pop right back out.” Alarmed, Magnolia looked over her shoulder at Pansy. “How am I supposed to sleep? And what am I supposed to wear for clothes?” “Naked is good,” Pansy answered dryly. “Trust me, you’re not going to have time to dress…or do much sleeping either. So when you sleep, you’ll likely be napping on top of one of your husbands in between bouts. Lucky, lucky you. Those boys are endowed.” “Were you looking at my husbands, Pansy?” “Yep. And I have to say that they were well worth it. Yummy.” Magnolia turned to face her. “You’re a married faery.”

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“And pregnant. But not dead yet. I love Bart with all my heart but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate nice scenery or works of art.” With a swish, Magnolia turned away. “How long does this sex cycle you’re talking about last?” “Until you finally get pregnant.” “What!” “Faery pregnancies are…rare. The sex cycle is a built-in urge to procreate. In the meantime, I’m sure that your men are more than able to meet your desires.” Pansy took a deep breath. “Shall we begin?” Magnolia straightened up with determination. “Yes. Let us begin. I want a bath and the wings don’t fit in the tub!” The next hour was plain and simple hard work. But at last, Magnolia was able to fold and hide her wings at will. Releasing them was no problem—and even less of a problem as the hour wore on. Pansy finally tottered over to a chair and sat down gratefully. She patted her belly absently as a small foot lashed out. “All right. I think that’s about all we can do for now. Quick! Go take your bath while I call Bart. I need a nap.” Without argument, Magnolia fled, acknowledging how limited her wing control was at the moment. By the time she had completed her hasty bath, Dennac and Undain had returned. They were waiting for her, entwined together on the bed in an erotic pose that made her nipples peak and her clit pulse in anticipation. Curled in the classic position to mutually pleasure each other with their mouths, they were enthusiastically sucking each other’s cocks. Without hesitation, she joined them, kneeling on the bed so that she could reach between them to tweak their nipple chains and massage the warm, damp skin on their chests. It was a measure of her own arousal and fascination with her men that she didn’t even notice when her wings popped out.

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Chapter Eight The cool halls of the Underworld flickered with the flaring light from the torches lining the stone walls. Melusine walked down the hall to the private apartments of the high king with subdued purpose. There were observers, she was sure, who would take note of every detail, hoping to detect some weakness. But Melusine was an old hand at the politics of the fae. And she had learned at the feet of the master—her father, Aelfheah the High King. The guards flung open the wide doors when she reached the end of the hall. So. Her father was obviously waiting for her to arrive. Melusine swept into the sumptuous apartment with her head held high. The doors slammed shut behind her. She was vaguely surprised to note that they were alone. No advisors. No courtiers. Just her father and her in the empty apartment. “Your lover is dead,” he announced abruptly. “Lover? I have no lover,” she retorted scornfully. “If you refer to Xurca, the male you sold me to, then—” “Enough!” He cut her off with a sharp gesture. “Where is my grandchild?” Suddenly peals of laughter filled the apartment. “Your grandchild? Oh, no, Father. She is none of yours. You forfeited all rights to your grandchild when you banned us from the court.” “Where is she?” he bellowed, anger turning his face a dangerous coral color. “With her husbands,” she replied with soft smugness. Terrible silence fell over the room. “You dared to arrange a marriage for her?” “I? I did nothing except aid her escape from Rugat and a marriage arranged by her father. Whatever happened after that, she arranged on her own.” Melusine decided that

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she had waited long enough for her father to invite her to sit. She marched over to a wine-red chair and plopped down, glad to give her trembling knees a rest. “Who dared to marry the granddaughter of the high king?” Inwardly, she smiled. Already she could see his thoughts circling, circling around ways to retrieve Magnolia. He would find that task far harder than he could possibly imagine. Only that morning, she had received word from the fae at Avalon. Magnolia was well into the beginning of her sex cycle. No one—not even the high king could interfere. Melusine intently studied her short, trimmed nails. “I believe that she’s married to Undain, Arthur’s son, and his partner, Dennac, Daz’s son. My information indicates that she has begun her sex cycle,” she said quietly. “Her wings have displayed.” He cursed under his breath. “You bitch. You’ve ruined everything!” “More games, Father? With my child? I think not. Play your court games with someone else. You gambled with my life. It won’t happen again. If you threaten her, I will reveal your true colors to the court.” “What?” She leaped up and went to the wide doors. “I’ll testify against you in the great hall, Father. Once I tell them exactly what you have done, they will fall on you and tear you apart.” She turned to face him. “If you should have some notion of assassinating me, you should know that my testimony has already been entered in the courts. The only thing that prevents them from charging you with treason is my life. Once I am dead, they will come for you. If I were you I would pray daily for my continued good health.” She tugged the massive door open and left.

***** In their lair, Dennac and Undain dragged the heavy log to the fireplace, cursing and sweating. Clearly the young dragon who dropped it off on their ledge forgot that they didn’t have the strength of a dragon. When they finally had it situated, Magnolia 81

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decorated it with bits of holly and ribbon. That evening at nightfall, they would light the Yule log. Greenery swags decorated the fireplace mantel. Magnolia had insisted on deep red candles and sprigs of mistletoe to tuck in the bare spots. When she wistfully recalled the beautiful tree that hung high overhead while they said their wedding vows, the men put their heads together and came up with an alternative. Percival arrived with a small potted fir that they decorated with hundreds of little ribbon bows and set near the open doorway. Decorating was quite a challenge as they had to make frequent stops to rest. That was Magnolia’s new favorite word. Every time they rested, she enjoyed one or both of their cocks plundering her greedy pussy. In the hours since Pansy’s visit, Magnolia had come to the conclusion that nakedness was wonderful. She particularly liked it when Dennac or Undain were stalking around the lair with their rigid cocks bobbing like dowsing rods, seeking her hot pussy. It was so much more convenient when she gave in to the urge to take one of their cocks in her mouth to suck and play. Invariably that led to more bed play and resting. Delicious scents filled the lair as a small pig roasted in the oven. Undain brought her a steaming mug of wassail, presenting it with a kiss on each nipple. “Hungry?” She inhaled. “Starving. The pig smells wonderful.” Undain urged her over to the huge rug spread near the hearth. “It’s almost time to light the log. Dennac’s bringing a snack to tide us over. Have a seat.” She curled her legs to one side as she made herself comfortable on the rug while Undain fetched some pillows and soft blankets. Ah-hah! There would no doubt be more resting! Dennac meandered out from the kitchen with a huge tray piled high with incredible mouthwatering tidbits. After setting it on a low table next to the rug, he went back to retrieve the deep kettle of wassail which he placed on the side of the hearth. The early winter darkness closed in. Undain doused the lights and joined Dennac and Magnolia on the rug. Then Dennac softly chanted the New Year’s blessing, calling 82

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the light to banish the darkness. A small flame flared in the fireplace, caught on the bits of kindling and ran up the sides of the sweet-smelling log. Undain lit a taper from the bright flaming log and solemnly lit the candles on the mantel. Dennac led them in a toast to the coming year. Then Dennac took her mug from her and set it on the hearth. “Time to celebrate Yule the old-fashioned way,” he murmured as he tugged her into place until she was on her hands and knees in front of the fire. Wiggling her ass for him in invitation, Magnolia seized Undain’s cock and squeezed. “Come closer, Dain. I need your cock in my mouth.” Her tongue flicked out, wetting her lips as she anticipated the taste and feel of him. More than willing, he knelt in front of her, stroking his cock as he offered it to her. “I love when you suck my cock in that hot mouth. Your tongue is so wicked, Maggie.” Dennac avidly watched Magnolia suck Undain’s rigid length while he dripped oil on his fingers. Gently spreading the oil around her tight anal opening, he massaged and toyed until she rocked back, trying to capture his fingers. “Dennac! Stick it in!” “What? This?” he teased as he slid one thick finger deep inside. “Or this?” He added a second finger to the slick passage. “Hmmm. You’re so hot and tight, faery mine.” With a whoosh, her wings unfurled, fluttering spasmodically with each thrust of his fingers. He ran a light fingertip along the edge of her wing, watching her tremble as the fiery sensations zipped directly to her clit. Her body clenched around his fingers. She released Undain’s cock and sat up. “I need you, Undain.” “You want to ride my cock, sweetheart?” He lay down on the rug next to her. “Hop on.” Dennac slipped his fingers free and held her steady as she crawled on top of Undain. When she was settled, she clasped his cock in her hands, holding it in place as she sank down in hot silky increments. At last she was sitting skin to skin, pussy to balls on Undain’s cock. She threw her head back and moaned as little muscles squeezed and released up and down the hard length filling her. But as thick as Undain’s cock was, as much as it stretched her nearly 83

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to the limit, it wasn’t quite enough this time. She needed more. She needed them both. “Dennac? Fuck my ass?” Just using the forbidden words kicked up the heat sweeping her body. “Please?” “No begging required, Maggie love. I would willingly fuck your ass any hour of the day or night,” he whispered in her ear. He gently, gently nibbled the top edge of her wings. A rush of fluid bathed Undain’s cock. He flexed his hips, luxuriating in the slick, silky heat. As she arched back, her breasts lifted, proudly displaying her taut nipples teased by their gems—their claims of ownership. He cupped the soft curves of her breasts in his palms, pleased by the way they filled his hands. Dennac lined the fat head of his cock up and pressed forward, happily providing what she needed. When he was balls-deep in Magnolia, cock brushing against cock with Undain, he stopped, savoring the completeness they had with Maggie. The way that she had completely embraced them, heart and soul with her entire being, accepting them unreservedly dazzled and astonished them. She was truly the Yule gift of their heart. For long moments, they were still, three hearts beating as one, three bodies sharing joy and desire. And then as a fierce orgasm swept over Magnolia, she flung her arms wide as though in flight and screamed out in joyous abandon. Deep inside her body she gripped them with wet heat in hard pulsing contractions. It wasn’t possible to remain still. Undain and Dennac moved in concert, thrusting in counterpoint, their bodies eager to join hers in that hot dance on the edge of joy. The incredible sensations of their cocks rubbing together promised an exquisite defeat as they fought to hold off that final peak for a few more precious seconds. Ultimately, it was Magnolia’s second climax that stripped them of the fragile hold on their control. The tight grasp on their cocks, not only individually but the bonding of two-as-one, flung them into the fiery storm.

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After their hearts quit pounding, Magnolia licked her dry lips. “So that’s usually the way you celebrate Yule? I can see why everyone is so excited. Of course, I’m not sure what the tree and decorations have to do with it but it’s certainly worth all the work.” Dennac lifted his head from his resting place between her wings and coughed. “You have an irreverent mouth, Magnolia. But since you just made me come so hard that my brain is still foggy, I’ll forgive you.” He lightly smacked her butt and then gently withdrew his softening cock. “Come on, Maggie. Fold up your wings so we can take a shower.” She slumped down on Undain’s chest with a huff. “I thought we were going to eat.” Undain wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her shoulder. “Shower first. Then we’ll eat. Put your wings away and we’ll all take a shower together,” he coaxed. “I’ll scrub your back for you. I know it’s been really itching. Of course, you’re going to have to let go of my cock.” “Oh, all right,” she said grumpily as she sat up. When Dennac helped her to her feet, Undain’s cock slid out with a sucking pop. She folded her wings and stomped off to the bathroom while Undain rolled to his feet. “She gets testy when she’s hungry, doesn’t she?” he observed with a slow smile. “For food? Or sex?” Dennac strolled away, heading for the bathroom. If he took too long, Magnolia would use all the hot water and he was in no mood for a cold shower.

***** Raulf and Gareth rounded the corner to the narrow alley and purposely headed for the plain unmarked door with Dick and Peter on their heels. “You’re sure this is the right place? This is the Hot Pink Panty?” Dick inquired doubtfully. “This is the place. Arri gave me very careful directions.” Gareth opened the door and ushered them into the small shop. “I sure hope they have those panties in blue,” he muttered. “Chrys won’t be very happy if I can’t replace them.”

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Peter snorted. “Chrys! What do you think will happen if we can’t find a pair in green for Honey? Actually, I figure we’ll just buy several. Then we won’t have to worry about it.” “Why not just special order ‘em by the dozen?” Raulf teased suggestively. “Keep the shop on retainer.” “And I suppose you didn’t tear them off Daffodil either, did you?” Dick groused. “Nope. I let her have that honor.” Raulf headed directly for the table piled high with lacy panties. “But I’ll be happy to buy all the replacements that she wants.” The other men joined him, pawing through the piles of lacy bits, muttering and cursing as they came across especially provocative garments. Peter held up a piece that was two miniscule scraps of scarlet lace and whistled. “Would you—” “No, no,” a man’s voice declared testily. “Red. It must be red!” Peter whipped around, looking for the man. “What is it?” Dick asked quietly. “Merlin. I just heard Merlin. Quiet!” The brothers-in-law fell silent. “No, I don’t want green. I specifically requested red!” It was clear that Merlin was ticked off. “You promised the items would be completed in time for Yule Eve!” A low murmur from the shop owner was clearly placating. “Very well. I’ll return in two hours!” Merlin shoved aside the curtain that blocked the back room and stomped out, stopping in his tracks as he faced the four curious men. “Shopping, Merlin?” Dick queried with a feral smile. Gruffly, the ancient sorcerer replied, “Just some last-minute gift buying.” Peter held up a lacy pair of panties for inspection. “Red, was it? Must be someone special. And here I could have sworn that you were keeping company with Mama.” Merlin’s face flushed as he edged toward the door. “I am keeping company with your mama. She’s very special to me.” 86

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“So. Who are you buying the panty set for, Merlin?” Dick’s lazy tone didn’t fool his companions or brothers-in-law. “If you must know, it’s for Ling–Ling!” The magician desperately shoved past a couple of shoppers, focused on his escape but Peter’s strong fingers closed around his arm. “Not so fast. You have something to tell us?” Panicky, Merlin jerked his arm free and blinked out of the shop. “Well, now. That was interesting,” Raulf observed calmly. “Shopping for a new papa, are you?” “Oh, shut up.” Suddenly Dick started laughing. “Did you see his face?” “I saw it.” A little grin tugged at Peter’s lips. “I wonder what he’s been up to with Mama.” Gareth held up a handful of lace. “Do you really want to imagine your mother in this?” Sharing a glance, Dick and Peter answered as one, “Nope.” “Then back to the shopping.” Raulf picked through the panties, adding two more pairs to the pile he already clutched in his hand. “Shouldn’t they have baskets for the shoppers?” The shop owner popped up just then with an armful of baskets. “Is there some way I can be of assistance?” “We’re just fine. Thank you!” Gareth assured her. Gradually, they moved on to the other tables, adding filmy bras and sheer blouses to their haul. By the time they finished shopping, it was nearly dark and Merlin had not returned. Each of them chose a pretty embroidered bag for their loot, happy with their Yule gift choices for their wives. On the way back to the castle, Gareth wondered out loud, “How do you suppose Arri found that shop?”

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“Found it? Knowing Arri, he probably owns it!” The others stared at Raulf for a moment before nodding agreement. “You’re probably right. And we just made him a lot richer.” With a carefree laugh, Gareth led the way down the narrow lane. “If we don’t hurry we’re going to be late for the Yule log!” At the castle Merlin paced back and forth in Ling–Ling’s suite, growling under his breath while she watched him with tender amusement. “Why are you so upset? It’s not a disaster just because they saw you shopping. What on earth were you buying, anyway?” “Your Yule present.” “Oh.” She stared at him blankly for a moment. “What exactly did they say?” He stopped his pacing and planted his hands on his hips as he faced her. “They wanted to know when or if an announcement was imminent.” “Ohhhh.” “Ling–Ling, you know that I’ve been asking you to marry me for years now! But your boys don’t know that. They think I’m toying with you!” He sighed forlornly. “I don’t understand. I love you. Why won’t you marry me?” He went to the bar in the corner and poured himself a brandy. She sat up straighter on the lounge and thought about that. Why not? It wasn’t as though they weren’t compatible. Merlin was a wonderful lover. And she certainly wasn’t needed at the Hieney estate anymore. Honeysuckle could manage the estate and her husbands with both hands tied behind her back. “Very well,” Ling–Ling announced briskly. “I’ll marry you! When would you like to have the wedding?” Merlin, in the process of swallowing a hearty mouthful of brandy, choked and sputtered. “You will?” The shocked dismay on his face almost had Ling–Ling withdrawing her offer. Almost. But she decided that Merlin really needed her. He was getting too set in his

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ways and she would liven up his life. Besides, that tower of his desperately needed a makeover. They would have a very comfortable life together. She got up and went to him at once, twining her arms around his waist as she leaned on his broad chest. “Yes, I will. We will be very happy together. I don’t know what I was waiting for.” Her hands crept down and cupped his firm bottom. “Hmmm. I love the way your butt feels in my hands.” He cleared his throat and stared down at her as though she had turned into a cobra right before his eyes. “I don’t know about this, Ling–Ling. Your boys might not be very happy about this.” “Getting cold feet, Merlin?” she twitted gently. “Uh, no, no. I just don’t want to come between you and your boys.” A fine sheen of sweat popped out on his brow at the thought of facing Dick and Peter. “You let me manage the boys. In the meantime, we have a wedding to plan. Come to bed, darling. I’m sure that I can make you feel better in no time.” “Bed?” His voice rose in alarm. “Now?” Moving away, Ling–Ling reached up and removed the clips from her hair, releasing the long inky black strands so that they slithered down her back. Then she began to unbutton her sheer top…button by button. The curves of her breasts—surprisingly generous for such a tiny woman—peeked through the opening. Her nipple chain swung invitingly, beckoning, tempting him to cup the sweet weight in his hands. “Uh, Ling–Ling?” “Yes, darling.” Her skirt slid down her slender legs to the floor, revealing the enticing clit ornament that dangled between the rounded swell of her swollen labia. With his eyes glued on that bewitching little ornament, he began stripping off his clothes and boots with sudden haste. “Is tomorrow too soon for a wedding?”

*****

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Rugat perched high atop the bell tower on Alfland Castle. As far as he could see smoke billowed over the land, obscuring the mountains and the sea in the distance. He gnawed on Xurca’s arm bone while he considered his next step. With a snort of disgust he flung the bone down to the ground below. Xurca hadn’t been nearly as tasty as he had anticipated. For an elf, he was downright nasty. The harpy warriors were feasting below. Stuffed and half-drunk, they wouldn’t accomplish much for the next few days. By then the Avalonians would be winding up their Yule celebrations. Rugat scratched his chin with a long talon. Perhaps that would work in his favor. Many of the fools would be on the trails, returning to their homes providing easy pickings for his warriors. Of course, most of them would travel through the Dread Forest and Rugat wanted no part of that. Whatever creatures lurked there, they were something that he had no desire to tangle with. He shuddered when he remembered the last time he had taken part in an invasion on Avalon. That was back in his grandfather’s day. So many warriors died that it had taken two generations to replace them. The night creatures had swarmed from the Dread Forest, attacking with dreadful ferocity that terrified even the harpies. No, Rugat decided. Perhaps it would be better to attack Chrystal Isle, after all. At least there, he only had to contend with the dragons. And once he defeated them, Magnolia would be his. Not that she would survive long. His plans to keep her around as a toy had changed. No woman escaped his wrath.

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Chapter Nine After their shower, Magnolia lounged between Undain and Dennac on the warm rug in front of the Yule fire. “How did you make the log flame?” she asked curiously. “I didn’t see a fire starter.” Undain yawned sleepily. “Dennac’s a shaman-in-training for his people. He called the flame with the chant.” He lay down on the rug next to Magnolia, tucking her close to his chest. “It was a beautiful ritual, Den.” Absently braiding a strand of his hair, Dennac nodded. “The Yule log is one of my favorite rites. The darkness conquered by the light. The promise of the new year to come and spring. Just before sunrise, we will light the candles on the ledge and sing in the new dawn.” Magnolia studied him with dark, intent eyes. “You’re a very spiritual man. Will we live with your people after Rugat is defeated?” He tilted his head so that he could see her face. “Would you mind that? I fear that you would have to adjust to constant nudity. My people don’t wear clothing as a rule.” “What about winter?” she asked with a teasing smile. “It seems that it would be a bit chilly then.” “Winter is usually spent in unicorn form. Of course, then you would need clothes— or a very warm shelter.” He stretched out next to her, facing her and Undain. “Earlier this evening when we made love, I wanted to tell you both how very beautiful you are to me. I had not thought much about the woman who would join with us. And then you were there and we had to hasten through the wedding and consummation. We didn’t have time to know you.” Gravely, she agreed. “That is true. Would it have made your decision any easier?”

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“I don’t know.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Now I want to know who Magnolia of Alfland is.” “I don’t know.” She frowned, wrinkling her brow in puzzlement. “All my life I thought I knew who I was. And now I find that I knew nothing.” Undain yawned again in the drowsy heat next to the fire. “I suspect that your mother, Melusine, is fae. Moreover, the last I heard, the High King of the Underworld, King Aelfheah, had a daughter named Melusine. I have a notion that you’re the high king’s granddaughter.” “Then why would she be Xurca’s mistress?” Magnolia sat up and reached for the platter of snacks. “Xurca treated her very poorly.” Choosing a tiny sausage wrapped in pastry, she popped it in her mouth. The men, drawn by the alluring scents, sat up and delved into the treats piled high on the platter. Quiet crunches filled the air as they munched on the small snacks Dennac had prepared for their Yule evening. At midnight on the turning of the night, they would have the roasted pig at their Yule Feast. Undain had invited Percival, Ginnie, Bart and Pansy to join them in their celebration. “I think that we should invite your mother to join us here. Then you could ask her for answers to all your questions.” Undain’s startling statement caught Dennac and Magnolia off guard. “How would we send her an invitation?” Dennac asked cautiously. “I have a notion that Pansy could help us with that.” Undain popped a tiny mushroom tart in his mouth and chewed as he mulled over the possibilities. “I believe that Pansy knows more than she talks about. She’s on the Faery Council of Avalon.” “Pansy is?” Magnolia stared at Undain in disbelief. “And she saw me naked?” “Don’t get your panties in a twist. She’s probably seen a lot of stuff in her time. She used to be the tooth faery.” Dennac pulled her down on his lap and brushed his lips over hers before nipping her bottom lip between his teeth. “What’s even better is that she’s seen me naked!” 92

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“If my mother comes here, you have to wear clothes.” Her militant expression didn’t leave any doubt about her feelings on the subject. “My mother is not going to watch you two parading around with your cocks at attention! You belong to me!” Undain dumped the platter back on the table and scooted over so he could reach Magnolia. “That’s exactly the way we feel. You’re ours.” He curled his fingers around her hips and pulled her toward him. “Open your legs, Maggie. I need to taste your sweet juice.” She leaned against Dennac’s chest and spread her legs. Undain stuffed a couple of pillows under her butt and then sprawled on the rug with his head buried between her legs. Dennac cupped her breasts in his hands, rolling the hard nipples between his fingers. “Watch him, Maggie. Watch him lick your pussy and clit. Watch him with me.” “Why are you watching him?” she panted. “Why do you like to watch?” Dennac leaned his chin on her shoulder and licked her ear. “I love sucking your pussy. But I also love watching him too. And when I’m watching I can see the way you move, hear the way you breathe, see the expression on your faces. That’s incredibly hot. Isn’t that why you like to watch us when we make love, when I suck Undain’s cock like I did in the shower?” She arched and twisted in his embrace. “Dennac!” “Come for us, Maggie. Undain’s waiting for you.” Dennac carefully pinched her nipples, just enough to tilt her over the edge. Her hips lifted as the little contractions poured over her. When she was finally still, they cuddled and petted her as though she was the most precious possession they had. In a while it occurred to her that neither of them had been satisfied nor did they seem to be too worried about it. She thought about the days since Dennac had pulled her from the sea. While they were never less than loving and tender, they were never demanding. That wasn’t the familiar image she had of men. The males surrounding her as she grew up at court had all been users. Their focus had never been on whether or not the female was satisfied. That was immaterial to their gratification. 93

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Magnolia wrapped a soft blanket around herself and sat on the edge of the stone hearth with her back to the fire. Undain sat between Dennac’s spread legs with his back resting on Dennac’s chest. They looked comfortable and content but both of their cocks were semi-rigid. Finally, she simply asked because she had to know. “Neither of you came.” “No.” Dennac nibbled on Undain’s jaw and kissed his cheek. “Why not? Why not take what you needed when I was finished?” Undain sighed with deep satisfaction. “Your fulfillment was what I needed. I’m sure it was what Dennac needed too. We love watching you come. We love making you come. For us, that is what we need.” “But don’t you…want to finish?” “Eventually.” Dennac reached out and brushed her wrinkled brow with a gentle fingertip. “There is no right or wrong way to make love, Maggie. There’s no required regimen. Loving is whatever pleases the people in the relationship. We love touching you. We love touching each other. But touching in whatever form doesn’t always have to lead to climax. Sometimes, just touching is enough.” “That’s it?” “Um-hmm. Come over here and sit with us. You’ll see. Sometimes touching and holding are the best.” Undain held his arms out, offering her a spot between his legs. She dropped her blanket and snuggled in his embrace. And after a while, she understood that loving wasn’t about sex. It was the other way around. Sex was an extension of loving. They napped in front of the fire until Dennac woke, his heart pounding in alarm. He lay still, taking in their surroundings until he realized the time. Rolling to his feet, he bent over and shook his spouses awake. “In just a few minutes our company is going to be landing on the flight ledge,” he warned. Muttering grumpily under her breath, Magnolia staggered up from the rug and fled for the bathroom while Undain stretched and yawned. Finally, climbing to his feet, he 94

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collected the snack platter and the heavy wassail kettle and carried them out to the kitchen. Dennac was lifting the golden roasted pig onto a huge platter. He surrounded it with toasty baked apples redolent with cinnamon, cloves and honey. While he finished plating the rest of dinner, Undain and Magnolia quietly pulled on zipsuits. Undain had cut a long slit in the back of Magnolia’s, just in case she needed room for her wings. Properly dressed, they set the table. Magnolia placed little sprigs of greenery and holly at each place while Undain finished the arrangement of deep red bayberry candles and mistletoe. Just as they put the finishing touches on their preparations, Percy landed on the ledge. Undain went out to welcome him while Dennac slipped away to the bathroom to clean up and dress. Magnolia, already excited about meeting Percival and his wife Ginnie, was delighted when she saw what the huge green dragon carried in the leather pouch on his chest. Two little red-haired boys peeked curiously out from their sturdy protective carrier. Their bright eyes alighted on the glittering candles and ribbonfestooned tree. Ginnie, a shimmery turquoise dragon, landed right behind him, carrying a strange contraption that resembled a fence. Indeed, when she set it up with Percy’s help, Magnolia discovered that was exactly what it was—a portable baby fence to keep the boys out of trouble. Once the two mischievous little ones were safely deposited in their play area with their toys, Percival and Ginnie went into the spare room to change from dragon to human and dress. While they were gone, Magnolia crouched on the rug next to the baby fence and watched the children with deep fascination. Children younger than marriageable age weren’t permitted at Xurca’s court so Magnolia had never been so close to a little child. Even at Came-a-lot there hadn’t been time to meet any of the children who were there to celebrate Yule with their parents. Dennac finally made his appearance, snatching up one of the boys and plopping him in Magnolia’s lap before taking the other one himself. He joined her on the rug,

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watching her in amusement as she stared at the active toddler as though Dennac had just handed her a baby troll. The little one looked at her with big solemn golden eyes. She bent her head and softly kissed his forehead, uncertain of the reason behind her impulsive action. The shy wonder on her face as the drowsy toddler blessed her with a damp kiss in return was a memory he would treasure for the rest of his long life. Percy and Ginnie came out and for the first time Magnolia met them in human form. Her jaw dropped when she saw how tiny Ginnie was with her bouncing red curls and dancing sea-blue eyes. She would never have dreamed that Ginnie was a dragon if she met her in the forest or at court. As for Percy, he was a handsome muscular man with tousled dark hair and had obviously bestowed his golden eyes on his sons. Ginnie was merrily explaining how she met Percival when Bart touched down on the ledge with Pansy. Dennac handed his toddler over to Ginnie and hustled into the kitchen to carry loaded platters to the sideboard near the table. Undain lit the candles while Bart went to change and dress. A few moments before midnight, everyone joined hands around the table and recited the blessing for the coming year. Then in the Avalonian Yule tradition, the men served the women the Yule feast. Though Dennac and Undain had assured her that Bart was indeed the famous artist, Bartholomew Pottswald, Magnolia truly didn’t believe it until Bart presented their wedding present, a delicate still life of a carved unicorn in pale violet jade, a chess knight in emerald green jade and a golden bowl of magnolia blossoms. Tears glittered and trembled on her lashes as she moved at once to embrace him and kiss his cheeks. Bart flushed dark red with paralyzed delight as his glasses steamed over. “Thank you. It’s exquisite,” Magnolia declared as she patted his chest gently. “We will always treasure it.” A few moments before dawn, they all moved out to the ledge where they lit the Yule candles for the dawn blessing. Undain produced a small harp and performed the Song of Passing while Dennac led them in the singing. Then as the first rays of the sun

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shot across the mountaintops, each person snuffed a candle flame and recited the ancient words welcoming the sun back from the darkest night.

***** The great hall at Came-a-lot Castle was once more filled to capacity as the guests eagerly waited for Dick and Peter Hieney to escort their mother Ling–Ling to her wedding with Merlin. There was considerable speculation about the sudden marriage between the sorcerer and King Arthur’s beautiful half-sister. Merlin was a desirable but confirmed bachelor. Ling–Ling was a longtime widow. Why the rush to marry? Whatever the reason, it was clear that the Hieney brothers were thrilled as they proudly led their mother down the aisle to meet Merlin. The witnesses had no way of knowing what had taken place when Ling–Ling informed them of her plans. “What?” Dick howled. “Why are you getting married?” “Why do people usually get married?” “Mama!” “Of course,” she added thoughtfully, “we could just live in sin. It’s not as though we aren’t old enough to do whatever we want.” Peter just nodded agreeably. “It’s not as though you aren’t already bedding with him. But I imagine that you would like your own home and hearth by now. And the Great Mother knows that Merlin’s tower certainly needs to be spruced up a bit.” Plopping on a nearby chair, Dick just stared at his twin in disbelief. “You’re not going to object?” Peter shrugged. “As she says, she’s old enough to make her own decisions—and Merlin’s too. I think it’s a good match. When Merlin gets used to the idea, he will adore her. And Mama will make him happy.” “What about her feelings?”

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“Who do you think engineered this match? For certain, it wasn’t Merlin. He’s still walking around as though someone belted him with the Yule log.” Peter snorted in appreciation. “Nope. Mama blindsided him. Probably in bed,” he speculated. “Peter! Watch your mouth!” Ling–Ling was torn between pride and laughter. “Well, I know you, Mama,” Peter said unrepentantly. He bent down to kiss her forehead. “Just be happy.” “I will. Merlin and I will be very happy together.” Dick jumped to his feet and rushed over to hug her. “As long as you’re happy, then this marriage certainly has my blessing!” “In that case, you should probably find Merlin and let him know. He offered to withdraw his proposal if the marriage was anathema to you.” “Hah! Did he now? Well, we certainly wouldn’t want him to continue under that misapprehension. Peter? Shall we?” Dick wasted no time leading the hunt for Merlin. They ran into their quarry in the library where he was morosely downing brandy with the king. Clapping him in the shoulder, Dick declared, “Ah, looks like we’ve arrived just in time! Peter, pour us a drink so we can toast our new papa!” Dark eyes dancing with amusement, Peter went to do his brother’s bidding. When he handed his brother his brandy, Dick cheerfully clinked his glass with Merlin’s. “To Mama. She always gets her man!” “Hear, hear! I hope your Yule gift for her was ready,” Peter added slyly. “It appears that you’re going to need it!” Though none of the wedding witnesses knew exactly how Ling–Ling captured her man, they were all heartily in favor of the match. Their genuine good wishes and affection made the wedding a happy beginning for the Yule Eve festivities. After the vows were exchanged, the guests eagerly moved to the throne room to witness the Yule log ritual. Parents and children alike gathered around the enormous fireplace where the huge log, gaily decorated with bits of holly and greenery and bright

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red ribbons, was waiting. One by one the servants gathered and when everyone was present the lights were extinguished as Friar Tuck and Merlin chanted in unison, calling the fire, summoning the light to banish the darkness. A flash of flame licked along the length of the log. Then a brilliant flare engulfed the wood. The servants handed out warm cups of wassail. After sprinkling a few drops on the fire, Friar Tuck led the toast and a cheer.

A hush fell over the castle as the celebrants retired to their rooms to rest in preparation of the remainder of the Yule Eve feast and rituals. The smaller children were fed and put to bed but for many of the older ones, it was the first time they were permitted to participate. In Raulf and Daffodil’s suite, the older children raced around in excitement until finally Raulf declared that everyone needed a nap. Blankets were brought from their beds and spread on the living room floor in front of the fire. The lights were doused until there was only the glow from the fire and then Raulf, sitting in the big overstuffed chair with Daffodil on his lap, began to speak, sharing the story of the Holly King and the Oak King. By the time he finished the story most of the children were asleep. In the near darkness, a dark curly head lifted and eyes, shiny with unshed tears, met Raulf’s. “Thank you for allowing us to be your family, Papa Raulf and Mama Daffodil.” “Thank you for blessing us with the privilege of being parents, Micah. You make us proud of you every day.” Raulf’s quiet rumble reached the ears of all the children who were still awake. “We give thanks daily that you were willing to give us a chance.” The soft silence was broken by a gentle snore. Peace reigned for the moment.

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Chapter Ten Percival and Rajah, a rare silver dragon who was his top warrior, routed their reconnaissance flight well above the harpies’ flight limits while Dennac and Undain, their passengers, shot long-range pictures of the devastation on Alfland. The destruction was extensive, yet during their entire flight none of them saw any evidence of people. “Where is everyone?” Undain shouted above the rush and beat of Percival’s great wings. Percy peered through the drifting ribbons of smoke. “I suspect that they’ve gone to the halls of the Underworld. No doubt that enraged Rugat all the more, resulting in wholesale destruction as you see.” “What is keeping Rugat from following them there?” “The guardians. Not even Rugat is anxious to tangle with the guardians.” Rajah heeled off to the right when he spied something that caught his interest. Far below, Xurca’s castle was burning. The buildings were of no interest to him but the people crowded along the walls in search of escape were. Percival joined him as they searched for a way to aid the victims. “It’s a trap!” Dennac bellowed. “I know.” Rajah circled back around the castle for another look. “Rugat isn’t bluffing. He will gladly burn down the castle around them.” Formations of harpies appeared above the castle, straining in vain to reach the heights where they could attack the dragons. One, an archer, let off a shot that missed Percival but hit Undain, knocking him from his perch.

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As Dennac watched with his heart squeezing in his chest, Undain slowly tumbled toward the ground. Then, in a miraculous maneuver, Bart appeared, unexpectedly snatching him in flight. Dennac stared around him in amazement as hundreds of dragons filled the sky. Below, in the castle, the people suddenly disappeared. “What’s happening?” Dennac yelled. “The guardians are leading the people to safety!” Rajah trumpeted the retreat and Percival led the way back to Chrystal Isle. When Bart landed on the ledge at the lair, Magnolia was waiting with Ethanial, the dragon healer. On his heels, Rajah set down long enough for Dennac to dismount before taking wing again so that Percival could land. Bart carried Undain to the table where all was waiting in preparation for his care. The quiet rush of helping hands and hushed voices left little for Dennac and Magnolia to do except wait. They clung together as Ethanial calmly assessed the damage and wielded his formidable skills. The bolt had missed the most critical locations, though there was considerable damage. Percival paced restlessly on the ledge, torn between staying with his rider and overseeing the safety of his people. Dennac led Magnolia out to the ledge and released the agitated dragon. “Percival, go! The safety of your people is paramount now. Undain is in good hands.” Magnolia had never thought to see such an expression of sorrow on a dragon but clearly, Percival was distraught and terribly angry. He turned away and leaped into the air, his wings beating strongly to carry him away. Then Ethanial called Dennac’s name and they rushed back inside. Undain was conscious and pissed off. He had the unlikely notion that he was going to hop back on Bart’s back and head back to Alfland. Bart, on refusing to fall in with his unreasonable plans, was suffering some abuse.

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“Enough, you fool!” Dennac roared. “Who do you think snatched you from the air as you were plummeting to the ground? You should be on your knees thanking Bart for saving you!” Abruptly Undain seemed to collapse in on himself as the reality of his close call finally penetrated. “Damn, I’m sorry, Bart!” Bart shoved his glasses up his nose. They were a bit steamed up but at least they fit properly since Pansy had insisted on a new pair. His ears popped up and then drooped. “I was afraid you were going to hit the ground before I could catch you,” he admitted slowly. “I don’t know how I could have faced Dennac if I had missed.” Dennac clapped him on the shoulder. “It wouldn’t have been your fault, Bart. I know that. I watched the whole thing. I’m just glad that you were able to catch him after all.” “And you are not going anywhere!” Magnolia faced Undain militantly. “Now or in the near future.” “Now, Maggie.” “Don’t you now Maggie me! You nearly died today!” She burst into tears, effectively deflecting Undain from his determination to return to the fight. Dennac had not bothered to tell him that there was no fight to return to. The low hum of conversation wafted in from the landing ledge. Dennac went to see who had arrived, with Magnolia following right behind him. Prince Daz and King Arthur, their heavy cloaks blowing in the cold wind, were confronting a beautiful ethereal blonde woman. Dennac paused in the doorway, loath to interrupt what was obviously an extremely acrimonious encounter. Magnolia snatched up her heavy cloak and wrapped it around them, sharing it with Dennac. “You! What are you doing here?” demanded Daz. If his expression was anything to go by, he would rather be confronted by a harpy.

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“Tchk. Still bitter after all these years, Daz? One would think that you and Arthur would have recovered by now.” Both men shuddered when the woman smiled ever-so sweetly. “I have decided to pay my daughter a visit.” “What?” Arthur scowled at her with feral hatred. “You’ve come to the wrong place, Melusine. This is our sons’ lair.” “And my daughter’s,” she retorted softly. “Ah, forgive me. Did someone forget to inform you that Magnolia is mine?” “Yours!” Dazhdbog recoiled from her as though just her mere presence would contaminate them. “So this is your revenge?” “My dear, dear Daz. You cannot possibly believe that you or Arthur are important enough for me to spend my life plotting revenge. No. This was none of my doing.” “She doesn’t look a thing like you,” Arthur declared vehemently. “And she doesn’t act anything like you, either.” Melusine shrugged. “For that you must blame her nanny. By the time I realized the garbage Nanny Anny was filling her head with, it was too late. I let her go, of course, but the damage was done.” She tapped her chin as she tilted her elegant head in thought. “As for looking like me…well, of course she looks like her father. Nothing to be done about it. My father even banned us from the high court. He said there was no disguising that she was a half-elf.” Her lips twisted in an ugly sneer. “Perhaps if she had been blonde but that would be too much to expect. In any case the ears were impossible to hide and the eyes were clearly elfin.” “You knew what would happen when you put her on that ship.” Daz stared out over the valley. “You’re a seer, Melusine. There’s no way that you could not know.” “I’m sure that you won’t believe me but I actually didn’t even expect her to survive. I was positive that she would go down on the ship with her precious Reynaud.” Her eyes widened innocently. “I suppose that just goes to show that you can’t depend on anything—even visions.”

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Magnolia stepped out from behind Dennac and stared at her mother with burning anger. “You sent Reynaud to die.” “I did nothing, you little fool. He begged me to let him take you away on his ship. It’s certainly not my fault that he died.” “You sent me with him, knowing the outcome.” Magnolia turned to bury her face in Dennac’s chest as his arm surrounded her with comfort and protection. “Go away, Mother.” Impatiently, Melusine snapped, “Oh, get over it. He was a peasant!” “He gave his life for mine!” “So what? Look at what you ended up with. Two princes for husbands—men who are far more worthy than Reynaud!” Abruptly, Magnolia twisted in Dennac’s arms until she faced her mother. “Go away. Do not come back. Do not step foot on Avalon ever again. Do not darken my doorway.” As she uttered the ancient curse of banishment, her mother appeared to stretch, growing taller and thinner and more transparent. “You would foster a breach with your own people?” “My people? When have they ever claimed me? Even so, I welcome any of them except you. You I banish for the crime of murder. There were two hundred sailors and passengers on that ship. You sent them to their death.” As the men remained silent witnesses, Melusine bowed her head. “As you wish.” She faced the men and slyly smiled. “Rugat is no more. The guardians destroyed him and most of his warriors. I am the new ruler at Alfland. I trust you will choose to honor the previous arrangement?” Arthur studied her with a penetrating stare. “As long as you abide by the terms, I will.” Daz nodded blandly. “And I. You must make your own peace with the dragons.”

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“Percival and I have reached an agreement.” Melusine curtseyed gracefully and blinked out. For a long moment, there was silence on the ledge. Then Dennac led Magnolia back into the lair. There was much to discuss with Undain. And if Rugat was truly dead, a little to celebrate, also. When they returned, Undain had been moved from the table to the bed and was sleeping. Dennac waved his father and Arthur to seats at the table and went to see about making something hot to drink. Prince Daz went to exchange his heavy cloak for his warm robe while Arthur spent a few minutes watching Undain sleep. He had come so damn close to losing him. Arthur looked over at Bart, sitting forlornly near the fireplace. He went to join him, gently patting Bart’s knee. “Thank you for saving my son today, Bart. I don’t have any way of repaying you.” “I’m glad he’s going to be all right, Sire.” Bart’s sober gaze worried Arthur. “What’s wrong?” “It’s Pansy, Sire. She told me not to come home if I went with the other warriors. But, Sire,” Bart said earnestly, “I couldn’t just stay home when everyone else was going! What if they needed me?” “Maybe she thought she needed you more, son. Pansy doesn’t always let people know how scared she is about the baby coming.” Arthur’s wise old eyes met Bart’s. “Pansy likes to act brash and confident. But she really depends on you, Bart.” “I should go home.” Bart’s ears drooped and his tail thumped on the stone hearth. “You should go home,” Arthur confirmed. He didn’t often demonstrate the wisdom he’d gained through the years, preferring to present a more carefree face. Bart’s happiness however was another case entirely. He stared at the big depressed dragon intently. Finally he suggested, “But it probably wouldn’t hurt if you took some flowers or some other little gift.”

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With a deep sigh, Bart stood up and lumbered out to the ledge. This marriage stuff was hard work, he decided. Especially when you were married to a pregnant faery. By the time Bart was gone, taking Ethanial with him, Dennac had coffee and tea ready. He thoughtfully added a platter piled high with Yule cookies. The four of them who were awake sat down at the table. Waiting until the fathers had their mouths full of cookies, Dennac calmly observed, “So I suppose Undain and I should be glad that Magnolia isn’t our sister. How long did you two bed Melusine, anyway?” Cookie crumbs spewed across the table while Magnolia and Dennac watched the older men with indifferent interest. When the choking stopped, Arthur brushed the angry tears from his cheeks and glared at Dennac. “What kind of question was that?” “The kind that needs to be answered.” “It was a long time ago,” Dazhdbog protested. “Long before you or Arri were born!” “I’m glad to see that you have better taste in women now.” Magnolia nibbled at a cookie. “What was the attraction? Or is it naïve of me to ask?” Arthur gulped his coffee, staring at her over the edge of his mug. “Daz and I were younger and a lot more foolish back then. And Melusine was…” “Melusine.” Daz’s smile wasn’t a happy one. “We were fools as Arthur said. Ripefor-the-plucking fools. After Melusine, let’s just say that we weren’t quite as blind or stupid.” “What was all that talk about visions?” Dennac demanded. Magnolia cleared her throat. “Mama is a seer. Most of the time she knows things that are going to happen.” “Like the shipwreck?” She just nodded unhappily. “And Reynaud?”

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“Reynaud was the only other youngster at the court when I was growing up. His father was the head of the guard.” Dennac scrubbed his face wearily, wondering if there was any chance that Magnolia would ever fall in love with Undain and him. “You loved him, hmm?” “Reynaud was my brother,” she said softly. “Mama thought we didn’t know but we did. Reynaud’s papa told us when we were little.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “He knew the ship was sinking. He made me promise to dive overboard and swim for the shore. I tried to talk him into coming with me but he was the captain.” After a long, long silence Dennac spoke in an icy voice, “You were correct to banish her. There was no remorse in her heart.”

***** Nervously, Bart touched down on the ledge outside his lair, a fistful of snowdrops clutched in his claws. Flowers weren’t exactly thick on the ground in the mountains at mid-winter. He had spied the snowdrops by pure chance. He hoped that Pansy would like them. Changing to human form, he strode inside in search of his belligerent little wife. Arthur was right about one thing, Bart admitted. Pansy would never want anyone to know that she was afraid. He should have seen that himself but he’d been too busy having hurt feelings because she didn’t want him to go to war. Stupid dragon! What did he know about fighting, anyway? He’d never learned to fight—he was a painter, for cryin’ out loud! The only reason he was free to catch Undain was because he didn’t know what else to do! “Pansy! I’m home!” His determined rush came to a dead stop when he came faceto-face with Percival. “Percy! What’s wrong? Is it Pansy?” “Pansy is fine.” Percival placed a firm hand on Bart’s arm to halt him for just a few moments. “Ginnie and I came to tell you how thankful I am that you were there today.”

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Percival took in a deep shuddery breath. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t saved Undain. Thank you, Bart.” Bart shrugged uncomfortably. “I was there. Everyone else was fending off the harpies.” “Well, thank you, anyway. Now Ginnie and I will leave you and Pansy alone. Take it easy this evening.” Percival and Ginnie went out to the ledge while Bart went in to check on his wife. Pansy was crying. Bart’s body curled tight. Oh man…he hated when Pansy cried. Slowly he approached with his bedraggled flowers. Pansy looked up and flung herself into his arms. “Oh, Bart! I was afraid you really weren’t going to come home. I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean it!” she sobbed as though her heart was broken. “Ah, Pansy, don’t cry,” he pleaded as he cuddled her in his arms. “I’ll always come home. I would never leave you, my faery. Never.” Bart sat down in his soft comfy chair with Pansy cradled on his lap. The flowers were strewn on the floor, forgotten while he savored the joy of holding his wife.

***** In the gray light of morning, Undain swam up from the sleepy depths, tugged awake by the slow tide of pain. He opened his eyes, blinking in confusion at the pale blue ceiling. Gradually, it dawned on him that he was in bed in their suite at Came-a-lot. Next to him, Magnolia and Dennac were snuggled together facing him, slumbering with that heavy stillness that spoke of exhaustion and worry. The second he shifted uncomfortably on the pillow, Dennac’s eyes flashed open. “Hurting?” he rumbled in a scratchy voice. “Some.” Undain was shocked at how dry his throat was. He licked his lips and tried again. “Thirsty, actually.”

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Rolling to his feet, Dennac circled the bed and poured him some water from the carafe on the small bedside table. He slid an arm under Undain’s shoulder, lifting him so that he could sip from the glass without spilling it over his chest. When Undain indicated he’d had enough, Dennac lowered him back to the bed and set the glass aside. “When did we come back to Came-a-lot?” “Late last night. Your father wanted you at home so the healers could take care of you. My father and Arri helped.” “I feel like someone’s been beating me with a stick.” Magnolia stretched and grumbled under her breath before settling back to sleep closer to Undain’s side. Dennac went out into the living room for his communicator and summoned the healer on duty before locating his robe and shrugging it on. “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” “Hell, yeah.” Dennac smiled at the cranky answer. Undain was never a good patient. Helping his lover to his feet, Dennac steered him into the bathroom, waited until he was finished, then supported him while he washed his hands and brushed his teeth. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Undain groaned. It would be hard to find a spot that wasn’t swollen and bruised. His eyes were blacker than a raccoon mask and the nose…well, the nose was just a mess. “No wonder Magnolia thought I was dying. What the hell happened to my face?” “The healers believe that you smacked your face on Percival’s scales when you were shot. That was another reason we decided to bring you back to Came-a-lot. Percy’s already suffering terrible guilt from the incident. If he got a good look at your face, it would just make things worse.” “I believe it!” Dennac helped him back to the bed. They were nearly there when Magnolia’s eyes popped open. She leaped up with a shriek. “Great Mother! Look at your face!”

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“No thanks, I just had that dubious pleasure.” Undain sat on the side of the bed with a little huff. “Just shoot me and get it over with.” “Come on. Into bed with you. The healer should be here any minute.” With Dennac’s support Undain stretched out. He grunted under his breath when Magnolia rolled across the bed to the other side and bounced to her feet. She snatched up her robe and scurried into the bathroom, slamming the door shut just as someone knocked quietly on the living room door. While Dennac went to let the healer in, Undain tried breathing exercises to deal with the pain. It was Alfsigr who followed Dennac back to the bedroom. Undain regarded her with a sour smile and said, “I can tell you from extensive experience that breathing exercises do not work for pain. When Magnolia has our babies, you’re gonna give her something to help besides telling her to breathe!” Alfsigr put down her basket and surveyed her patient with a small grin. “I’ll remind you of those words when the time comes.” She seized his head in a gentle grasp and stared into his eyes. “Well, the pupils are equal. That’s a good sign. Your nose is going to require some work. Dennac wouldn’t let me do anything until I talked to you.” She shot Dennac a disgruntled glance. “I recommend putting you to sleep so that I can straighten it. The wound in your chest will take a while to heal. Fortunately the bolt missed everything vital. You have bruises and some lacerations on your back from Bart grabbing you but those will also heal with time.” “The headache?” Undain inquired wryly. “Probably a combination of things—rapping your head on Percy’s neck, jerking your head back when Bart caught you… Could be any number of things. I can give you something for the pain but I would rather not do that until I fix that nose.” “Fine. Do it. Just make sure you leave some pain meds with Dennac.” Alfsigr pursed her lips and nodded. Touching his forehead gently, she put him to sleep. Her eyes met Dennac’s as she sighed. “You were correct. Will you move him now?” 110

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“Of course. Where would you like him?” “It would be best is he was in the third room in the clinic. I will go downstairs now. You and Magnolia have time to dress before you bring him.” She picked up her basket and went softly out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Dennac knocked on the bathroom door and then opened it when he heard the shower running. “Mind if I join you?” “Come in. What did Alfsigr say?” Magnolia backed into the corner so that he could step under the warm spray but he reached for her, wrapping her tightly in his arms. “She wants me to bring him downstairs after we’re dressed.” He buried his face in the hollow where her shoulder and neck met. “She swears that he’s going to be all right but they don’t usually ask for the patient to be brought to the clinic.” “Dennac.” Her voice was muffled against his shoulder. She turned her face and kissed his jaw. “He will be all right. He will be.” Her arms held him tightly. They stood in the shower for long moments just holding each other. Magnolia knew that Dennac was crying but she wasn’t alarmed. It was a healthy way for him to finally come to terms with how close they had come to losing Undain. So she held him just as he had cuddled her the night before while she cried. It was the first time in her life that she remembered anyone holding her while she cried. Certainly, she had never held a man while he cried. Men in her world didn’t know how to cry. As far as she was concerned, it was a revelation that Dennac could cry. It was, she decided, the most wonderful discovery in her new life so far. Imagine a man who loved so deeply that he could cry. Perhaps someday, he would love her in the same way.

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Chapter Eleven A year later

The air in the tower on the eastern shore was redolent with the scents of apples and cinnamon and roast pork. Upstairs in the library, Dennac was hunched over the desk, studying a book of Yule chants, trying to choose one for the Yule Eve. Across from him, Undain was sprawled in his chair, sipping a mug of wassail and contemplating the forthcoming Yule Eve celebrations. Against his better judgment, they were going to spend Yule at Came-a-lot Castle. The choice wasn’t for lack of other invitations. In fact, they had been invited to White Hound Island to spend the holiday with Dennac’s clan. And the dragons had invited them to Chrystal Isle. Magnolia’s mother had even extended a tentative olive branch by inviting them to Alfland. But in the end, Magnolia had chosen the castle in Came-a-lot because she wanted to see their new nieces and nephews. All right, it wasn’t going to be so bad, he conceded. At least this year, he and Dennac were married to the most beautiful woman in the world. The fact that she was incredibly sexy and had a mind sharper than the finest sword was just frosting on the cake. She loved them and that was miraculous enough for them. If she just happened to get up to some mischief with the girls when they went to Came-a-lot, well…he was pretty sure that Dennac and he could manage her. Really, he was almost positive. Why, she hadn’t done anything outrageous in the last two months. As that thought crossed his mind, he shifted uncomfortably. Had it really been that long? That wasn’t a good sign, at all. Right on cue, her voice floated up the stairwell. “Dennac? Undain? Can you come downstairs for a moment?”

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Dennac turned in his chair to face Undain. Their eyes met in silent agreement. They knew that lilting, mischievous tone very well by now. Magnolia was up to something. With a light shrug, Dennac stood up and stretched. “Whatever it is that she’s thought up now, it’s past time, isn’t it?” He offered a hand to his partner and best friend. “Coming?” Very deliberately, Undain swallowed the last of his wassail and set the mug on the table beside him. Then he stood up and jerked Dennac into a fierce embrace. Their lips met sweetly but the kiss rapidly changed to a hot duel of tongues and teeth. “Gentlemen? Are you coming down? Or are you just going to play around up there?” Undain tilted his head back and stared into Dennac’s eyes. “Well, a few more minutes and I could certainly come…” “Somehow, I don’t think that’s what she meant,” Dennac said wryly. “You always turn me on hotter and faster than a bonfire. Let us go down and see what she’s up to this time. I suspect that we will both be coming soon.” Holding hands, they trod lightly down the stairs to the bedroom, pausing to take time to admire the beautifully decorated tree hanging in the stairwell. It was their surprise gift to Magnolia and she had been suitably grateful—so grateful that they were planning to do it every year. She met them at the foot of the stairs and handed them each a blindfold. “I have a surprise for you. Put on the blindfolds first.” Uneasily, Undain tied his on. “No new piercings,” he said firmly. Dennac chimed in, “No hot wax.” “Of course not. I’m shocked that you would think I would do something like that.” “Uh-huh. I saw you talking to Arri at Samhain.” Dennac reluctantly tied on his blindfold. No telling what she was planning but it would likely be a real surprise if it required blindfolding them.

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“Arri was merely telling me about his latest conquest.” She took them by the hand and led them toward the bed where she cuffed their wrists around the bedposts, one on each side of the bed. “It occurred to me that you two always seem to have all the fun. By the time you’re finished with your fun, we’re too tired for my fun.” “What?” Undain squirmed when he felt her soft fingers poking experimentally at his ass. “What are you doing, Maggie?” She lightly smacked his butt. “Last year Arri gave me an entire bag of toys for a wedding present. And I haven’t even taken them out of the packages. Seems like a shame not to use our wedding presents.” Dennac groaned. “Remind me to return the favor when he gets married.” “Bend over.” “What? Maggie, just what are you planning?” Undain yelped when the warming oil set fire to the nerves around his anus. Then Magnolia started toying with him, inserting and removing something that felt both solid and soft. Finally, she inserted it all the way. After some more odd movements, it began to vibrate and expand. “Holy stars of Avalon. It’s a butt plug,” he warned Dennac. “Really? How does it feel?” “Different. Verrry different.” Undain grunted as the vibrations picked up speed. In the meantime, Magnolia was treating Dennac to his own butt plug. Abruptly, he began to chuckle. “So tell us, Maggie. Is it fun to get some revenge?” “Actually, it is.” Her prim tone didn’t fool him. Even blindfolded, he could hear the impish humor in her voice. “So what else have you planned for us?” he asked. She patted his butt affectionately. “You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?” She moved away and the men could hear crackling and the sound of paper tearing. “Oh, boy! This is wonderful…” “Now, Maggie,” Undain started.

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“Oh, relax. We’re going to have fun, I promise.” There was the sound of running water and then footsteps. “Now then. I’ll just put that down to dry while I finish unpacking.” In the intervening moments while she continued to unpack, the butt plugs inexorably expanded. Dennac and Undain began to squirm as the plugs vibrated and purred deep inside. Then Magnolia tapped on Dennac’s butt and instructed him to stand up. When he stood tall and straight next to the bed, she draped something long and slinky around his neck. He frowned as he tried to surmise what she was doing. The fine hairs on the back of his neck rose in atavistic alarm when she began to hum under her breath. Suddenly, with a primitive flash of knowledge, he knew what she was doing. “Rope bondage! Where did you learn about this? Just wait until I get Arri in my hands!” “Wrong,” she caroled while she worked. “Daffodil explained and demonstrated the entire procedure the last time we went up there. She used one of the new bondage students. I believe it was Sir Aonghus, the Horse Knight.” She paused to tie a knot just above his cock, then smoothed the two strands of rope down on each side of his testicles. “Spread your legs.” When he complied, she knotted the rope strands together so that they gently rested against his perineum, ran them up just past his anus, tied one more knot, then on up his spine. When she pulled the rope taut, he jumped as the knots settled into place. In a few moments she finished with Dennac and moved on to Undain. By the time she finished with Undain, both men were softly cursing from the cumulative effects of toys and ropes. “I have to leave you for a bit,” she warned. “But I won’t be gone long.” They heard the bathroom door shut. “Dennac?” Undain muttered. “Yeah?” “We married a sex fiend.” “Yeah. Isn’t that great?” “Wonderful. I can’t believe she saved all this stuff for an entire year.” 115

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“Magnolia is nothing if not thorough.” “If she doesn’t hurry back, I’m going to come whether I want to or not,” Undain warned. Just then, they heard the door swoosh open. “I’m going to remove the cuffs. Don’t move. When I tell you, I want you to remove the blindfolds.” They stood still when their wrists were freed, waiting for her to give them permission to remove the blindfolds. “All right, take them off,” she said softly. Dennac tore his blindfold off and stared at Magnolia in astonishment. Undain joined him, marveling at her ability to keep surprising them. She was sprawled on the bed in a near repeat of their wedding night. With one important exception. This time she wore a one-piece black lacy garment cut high on the thighs. It bared both breasts entirely, cupping them gently in an open halter-style fashion. When she spread her legs, the open crotch delicately framed her pouting pink pussy and ass. She smiled, blew them a kiss and said, “Come and get it.” After the chaos of their honeymonth and Undain’s injury, it was no accident that Magnolia had purposely delayed playing with their wedding toys. She decided that she wanted a special occasion to introduce them, so she set them aside and patiently waited. The night that Dennac and Undain confessed that they loved her she knew exactly what the perfect occasion would be. It had taken a while to arrive but that was all right. In the meantime the three of them had fallen more deeply in love which was the way it was meant to be. The long weeks of convalescence forced them to spend time together well past the normal honeymonth. They moved down to the tower as soon as Undain was released by the healers and there they learned to live together in the most basic ways. Compromise, the daily give and take, the meshing of personalities and temperaments all worked out in the tranquil seclusion of the tower. In the spring and summer Magnolia discovered a talent for gardening under Dennac’s patient tutelage. Her excited joy when the first shoots appeared in her herb 116

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garden entertained Undain for days. Each day she rushed up the stairs to the bedroom to share her latest gardening news with him. One day she brought a flower. Another day she carried a baby frog cupped in her hands. The day she proudly presented her first zucchini, dumping it in Undain’s lap as he sat in the library, Dennac laughed so hard she had to pound on his back to keep him from choking. After Dennac explained that Undain absolutely loathed zucchinis, she was inclined to cry but they handily distracted her by making long leisurely love to her on the library table. In the fall, Dennac changed to his unicorn form and took them down to the beach by the sea. The first time he changed Magnolia had been so entranced with his appearance that it was a good thing Undain was along to keep her on Dennac’s broad back. His pure white coat was nearly blinding in the bright sunlight but his mane and tail and horn—they were a beautiful, shiny, glittery pale purple. After a few trips around the countryside, she felt more secure riding on his back but she never reached a point of complacency about her unicorn husband. Every time he changed she experienced a sharp dart of wonder. Now as her men crawled toward her on the bed, bound with soft colored ropes, she waited with delighted anticipation. From personal experience she knew exactly how hot and aroused they would be from the butt plugs vibrating deep within them. Without any doubt, she knew that this time was one of the times that they would join as one, sharing their hearts as well as their bodies. Undain trailed a gentle finger around her right nipple, watching it go taut with interest. “When were you going to tell us?” he asked softly. “Wh-what?” Magnolia stuttered when Dennac captured the other nipple with his teeth, just barely letting her feel the sharp edges as he sucked. He released the damp bud with a pop. “When were you going to tell us you’re pregnant?” He toyed with the clit ring that was playing peekaboo with the black lace. “We’ve been waiting very patiently, you know.” “You already knew?” Indignantly she tried to sit up but they easily prevented that. 117

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Undain unclipped the fastening behind her neck and tugged the lacy garment down until it was wrinkled at her waist. “Lift up, sweetheart. I like this bit of fluff and I want you to wear it for us again so I don’t want to tear it.” “I can’t believe that you already knew my surprise,” she declared with disgust as she lifted her hips so that Undain could slide the teddy over her hips and down her thighs. “How did you know?” Dennac laughed as he nuzzled her belly. “Let’s see. Alfsigr visited not once but twice? Since she’s the healer for the pregnant women, that’s kind of conclusive. Maybe some men wouldn’t have noticed but we love you. And we notice every little thing, every little change.” Undain tugged the teddy over her feet and tossed it on the chair by the bed. “Now then. Look at that pretty wet pussy. All ready for our hard cocks,” he declared with satisfaction. “I think that she should have both of us tonight. This is a special night, isn’t it? We need to be together.” Slipping a finger inside her pussy, Dennac rubbed that special spot that always made her come like a volcano. He could feel the tiny contractions gathering in intensity. “You’re ready for us already! What were you doing down here with this naughty pussy?” Undain snatched her hand and sniffed her fingers catching the unmistakable scent of Magnolia. “Ahhh. She was playing all alone. Hmmm. I can’t delay long enough to spank you this time but next time…” “We’ll paddle your ass until it’s nice and pink.” Dennac leaned over to kiss her while he rubbed inside her slick pussy before removing his fingers. “Sit up, sweetheart. It’s my turn to be on the bottom.” “It’s always your turn to be on the bottom,” Undain grumbled. “When the healers say that you can take the pressure on your chest, then you can have your turn.” Dennac’s refusal was gentle but firm. “Until then, you stay on the top so you don’t get crushed.” He groaned as he moved until he was on his back in the 118

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center of the bed. “You do know that Dain and I are going to tie your ass up, right? These knots are wicked.” Magnolia slapped her hand over her mouth to stop the giggle but it didn’t seem to help. Her dark eyes glittered with laughter as her body trembled with the giggles that refused to be held back. “Uh-huh. Two extra swats for laughing at us. Hop up here and slide my cock in your pussy, Maggie. I can’t wait anymore.” She willingly obliged, gladly taking his hot rigid length inside her greedy pussy. When he was as deep as he could go, they both took a deep breath and were still. Then he groaned again and urged Undain to hurry up. “Between the knots, the butt plug and her tight pussy I’m not going to last long.” Undain was already moving into position. “Lie down on his chest, Maggie.” She could hear the strain in his voice so she quickly cooperated. He dribbled a few drops of the oil on her anus, spreading it with a blunt finger. Eagerly, she pushed back, seeking the heat and pleasure. Clearly, she had prepared in more than one way. He leaned forward and nipped at her ear. “You wore a butt plug today, didn’t you, sweetheart?” Nodding, she moaned as he slid three fingers inside without a problem. “That was very, very good. I’ve reached my limit. Dennac is absolutely correct. These knots are wicked and the butt plug is outrageous. I hope you’re ready, because this is going to be hard and fast.” She shrieked as he filled her in one long heated thrust. “Undain! Now!” “Calm down, Maggie.” They held her trembling body between them, as they gave her the necessary time to adjust to the heated pressure of two stalwart cocks filling her, ready to give her the gift of incredible pleasure. Undain savored the secret intimacy of his cock nestled next to Dennac’s in the loving grip of Magnolia’s body. There was no greater sense of togetherness and

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commitment than when they were joined as one with Maggie cuddled between them. She was their anchor. Sprawled out beneath the warm weight of Maggie and Undain, Dennac sighed in repletion. This place, this warm center of the heart was exactly where he wanted to be. Maggie’s soft curves and slick skin against him filled the empty places in his soul. He sighed contentedly as Undain’s long legs brushed against his as he knelt behind Maggie. Undain shifted, rubbing his cock along Dennac’s and Dennac smiled as the sensations from the little bars rippled up his spine. He tugged on Undain’s shoulders until his chest was pressed all along Magnolia’s back. “Now that’s a Maggie sandwich,” he declared happily. “We’ll squash you flat,” Undain said drowsily. “Wonderful. I can’t think of anything I would love more than that.” Magnolia wriggled experimentally between them. “I can. I want to feel you moving. I want to feel you rubbing your cocks together inside me. I want to come from you fucking me together.” “Oh?” Undain nipped at her shoulder. “All of that? You’re a demanding little thing, aren’t you? I’m enjoying feeling you squeeze my cock against Dennac’s. Maybe we’ll just stay this way a while…” She tightened the muscles in her ass and vagina. Her men groaned and Dennac said, “Well, maybe not. Maybe we’ll just fuck you blind, instead.” “Excellent. I knew I could count on you.” She sighed blissfully when they began to move, thrusting deep, pleasuring her from their hearts and souls. This was love.

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About the Author Anny Cook learned to read at five years old. Learning to write was a natural extension. Through her adult years while a wife, mother, grandmother, fast food cook, warehouse book packer, Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, perpetual college student, executive secretary, and adult education teacher, writing served as the anchor that kept her sane. Well, maybe not exactly sane, but close to it. Today, after thirty-five years with kids, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and hamsters, she and her husband are empty nesters. Sigh. Finally, there’s time—and quiet—to write in peace.

Anny welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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Also by Anny Cook Flowers of Camelot 1: Chrysanthemum Flowers of Camelot 2: Honeysuckle Flowers of Camelot 3: Daffodil Kama Sutra Lovers Mystic Valley: Everything Lovers Can Know Mystic Valley: Traveller’s Refuge Mystic Valley: Cherished Destinies Winter Hearts

Also see this author’s titles at Cerridwen Press (www.cerridwenpress.com):

Mystic Valley: Dancer’s Delight

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