WingsOfDesire-AriannaSkye (46 page)

Belenus followed Maeve’s steps and poured the remaining wine into the other goblet.

Maeve turned to face Cerne, and Belenus turned to face Rhiannon. With deep bows, they offered Cerne and Rhiannon the goblets.

Rhiannon took Cerne’s lead and turned to face him, holding the goblet high. What was she supposed to say? She took a deep breath and concentrated. “Drink of sweetness, and I promise more shall come.” She held the goblet to Cerne’s mouth and tilted it, allowing the wine to flow into his mouth.

More shall come, eh?

Rhiannon blushed.
It’s our wedding night.

“I think I’ll enjoy that sweetness, my love,” he said, lifting the veil from her face.
Already
flushed, and you haven’t even had a drop of wine yet.

You are deliberately trying to tease me, and I hate to say it, but it’s working.

Good.
Cerne lifted the goblet to her lips. “Drink of sweetness, and I promise years more to come.” He titled the cup, allowing the sweet wine to dance across her tongue. It was delicious.

Her heart began racing and her skin tingled as tiny jolts of electricity raced through her. Her body zinged with energy and her breath caught.

Is this supposed to be happening?

I’m not the expert on the sacred wine, my love.
Cerne’s lips curved into a devious smile.

The priestess padded back toward them holding a twisted and knotted branch. Two rings of grass and straw dangled from it. The priestess extended the branch toward them and spoke. “I provide rings of twisted grass, pulled from the earth goddess’s body. Place the rings on your fingers and they shall turn to silver. The marks of her sacred leaves shall remain.” She extended the branch to Rhiannon, beckoning her to take it. Rhiannon plucked the ring

from the branch and turned to Cerne. “This is a symbol of my love, so that you may never forget it and always take comfort in its presence.”

She took Cerne’s left hand in hers and slipped the ring onto his finger. As if by magic, she watched the green grass and yellowish straw mold into a beautiful silver, etched ring.

“Wow,” she breathed.

Cerne chuckled softly. “Fascinating, isn’t it, my love?” He did not wait for her response and turned to the priestess. He rolled the ring off the branch and grabbed Rhiannon’s hand, repeating the same pledge. With tenderness and care, he placed the ring on her finger, letting his fingertips linger against hers. Again, the grass and straw morphed into a stunning silver ring.

The priest padded next to the priestess and grabbed both Cerne’s and Rhiannon’s hands. “It is now time to join you for eternity.” The priest placed Rhiannon’s right hand in Cerne’s, then had them cross their left hands one over the other. The priest took a long silver cord, wrapped it around their wrists and hands, and bound their hands together. “Thou art bound forever. Thou have discovered magic within each other. The Gods have agreed to thy love.” Warmth and love continued to swim through Rhiannon as she turned her gaze to her parents.

Oberon held Titania’s hand in his, the admiration evident in both their eyes. Titania reached over and patted Oberon with her other hand.

The priestess turned Rhiannon and Cerne around to face the council. “I pronounce thee wed, and may the blessing of the Gods and Goddesses be with you forever, wherever thy paths lead.” Her face swept into a warm smile. “It’s time to complete the joining.”
I thought it was going to be a… umm… private completion.
Rhiannon perused the small crowd gathered around them.

Cerne attempted to mask his laugh with his fist.
A kiss seals our agreement. What happens
in the royal bedchambers seals our fates.

Oh, duh.
A small blush warmed her cheeks.
Well, kiss me already.

I’m happy to oblige you, my lovely wife.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

His jade eyes swirled with desire as his gaze burned into her, sending heat radiating through her body He crushed his lips to hers, licked, and nibbled. Rhiannon moaned against his mouth, her breath hot and heavy. She entwined her arms around his neck and laced her fingers through his hair.

“I love you, Rhiannon.” he breathed out, his tongue tracing against her heated lips. The heat

swirled within her, consuming her. It was more than desire, it was something stronger. It was love.

“I love you, too,” she murmured, tracing her fingers along his cheek. “More than words.” Hot pulses shot up her spine and radiated through her shoulder blades. . This shouldn’t be happening, not now. Eyes wide, Rhiannon gazed up at Cerne. He appeared as equally confused as her.

“What’s going on?” she whispered, clutching Cerne’s robes. Tingles of pleasure filled her every pore.

“We’re getting our wings. Hold on.” Cerne pulled her close, holding her tight, kissing her harder.

“But—” Rhiannon gasped, feeling them both starting to levitate off the ground.

A giant wave of energy shooting through their bodies sent them crashing together. His spicy woody scent mingling with the heady taste of the wine they’d shared intoxicated her. She threw her head back, allowing the pleasure to build. The jolts of energy exploding within her sent her flying. No orgasm could compare to the power crackling through both their bodies.

A bright ball of light surrounded them, consuming them in pure warmth. With a contented murmur, she basked in the energy that continued to course through her body.

The energy dissipated and Rhiannon toppled onto Cerne in a mass of arms, legs, and—

wings? She gazed down at him, a wide smile etched across his face. She leaned over to trace her fingers over one of the silvery wings on his back, enjoying the velvety texture. “Whoa. Was that supposed to happen?”

Cerne helped her sit up and scooted next to her. He faced the small crowd who watched with curious gazes. “Is this normal?”

“Aye,” came a resonant voice. Stepping though the crowd, Ethelred, the blind wizard, hobbled toward them. “The power of your love is strong, and you’re fulfilling a prophecy.” Titania nodded, gripping Oberon’s hand tightly. There was no masking the tears of pride in their eyes. “We’re proud of you, Rhiannon.”

“And I’m proud of you too, my love,” Cerne said, lifting her head to meet his lips. “You’re beautiful inside and out. Look at your amazing wings.” Rhiannon turned to look. Despite the newly formed appendages, she found them rather easy to operate. She flicked her wings up and down, taking in the deep violet plumage at her back.

“I’m proud of you too, Cerne. I’m proud to love you.” Cerne nodded and pulled her into a firm embrace, drinking her lips like he was lost on a desert island and her mouth was a newly discovered oasis. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. There was no place she’d rather be than in Fey, protecting it from evil, with Cerne—her consort—her love.

About the Author

Arianna Skye is the erotic pen name of paranormal romance author, Sidney Ayers. She loves infusing stories with humor. What would the world be without a little bit of laughter? Arianna writes a plethora of genres, ranging from historical, to paranormal, to contemporary.

A native of Michigan, Arianna still lives in the same town she grew up in. No matter how hard she tries, she just can’t seem to get away. Michigan is in her blood, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

To learn more about Arianna/Sidney and her books, you can visit either one of her websites.

www.AriannaSkye.com

or

www.SidneyAyers.com