Caledonia Fae 05 - Elder Druid by India Drummond Read Free Book Online

diamonds. It’s hard to worry too much about that.”
    Tràth knew Munro was oversimplifying things, particularly the diplomatic ties with Caledonia, but he appreciated the effort.
    “Why haven’t you seen Douglas?” Munro asked.
    The baldness of the question startled Tràth. He was accustomed to being the most blunt person in a conversation, but his stark way of speaking was nothing compared to the humans’ usual manner. “He’s changed,” Tràth said. “We are not as close as we once were.”
    Munro nodded. “His work with the Source Stone has been consuming him. I think seeing you would do him good.” The druid hesitated. “I know how you feel about him. It’s the same with me and Eilidh. This bond we share is like nothing else. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t experienced it could understand.”
    Tràth stood, lost for words for the second time that night. He’d never discussed his feelings for Douglas.
    “Go talk to him, at least. It’ll do you both good. Then, if you have time, we’ll go to the library. I ran into some runework that may relate to temporal flows. I’m not sure, but I’d value your perspective.”
    “Very well,” Tràth said. “I’d like that.” They walked together to the Druid Hall. Each step of the way, Douglas’ presence grew more intense as the bond pulled him onward.
    Tràth knew the moment he and Munro arrived at the Druid Hall that Douglas was not inside the workshop. “I believe he’s in his suite,” he told Munro. “I’ll find him.” What he didn’t say was the emotional ripples coming through their bond told him Douglas was not alone. And likely having sex.
    Tràth climbed the stair, noting how much more activity filled the Hall than during his last visit. Nurses, Watchers, attendants, servants of all types, and scholars went about their business as in any kingdom Hall. For the first time, he was aware of Douglas’ true rank. He wasn’t merely Tràth’s bonded druid anymore, but a nobleman in his own right. Had he been selfish to worry that the distance was due to anything more than Douglas being busy with his station?
    The human’s familiar, musky scent greeted Tràth as he walked through the arch into the druid’s suite. The arches were doubled and offset to allow for some privacy, but as in the Caledonian style, the building’s designers used few doors, locks, or latches.
    He walked past the entryway and the private lounge, into the bed chamber, guided by the heightening thrill streaming through their bond. Douglas lay on a raised, flat, human-style bed, naked, atop a female faerie whose legs were wrapped tightly around him. Her head was thrown back, her eyes closed. Douglas met Tràth’s gaze without breaking the rhythm of their congress.
    The powerful sensations coursed through the bond, and Tràth’s body responded. His breathing became heavier, and he sat on a lounger across from the bed, enraptured with the experience. Months had passed since they’d shared such moments, since they’d held pleasure parties and partaken in the pure delights only a bonded pair could enjoy. The heights of their sexual experiences were increased not two-fold, but many times over. They each felt the pleasures of the other, but something in the sharing gave them so much more.
    For the first time in months, without the need for smoke, the thumping of time receded. Douglas held Tràth’s gaze. As he moved toward his peak, he did so slowly, and Tràth knew this was for his benefit as much as for the faerie beneath Douglas. At one point, she opened her eyes, startled to discover the prince watching. Douglas soothed her, whispering huskily into her ear until she smiled.
    When Douglas finally climaxed, Tràth pressed his eyes closed, feeling every shudder, relishing the groans of his bonded druid. Although not sated himself, he revelled in Douglas’ gratification. He only opened his eyes when Douglas spoke.
    “Come over if you like,” Douglas said. “I’m sure