Lady of Stone, page 31
They kissed among more cheers and drank again.
* * *
Later that night, in Thana’s bed, they lay in a tangle of sheets, both breathing hard, and Sylph felt a contentment she’d never known before.
“I’m going to write a book about you,” Thana said.
Sylph tried to reason why but could consider nothing but bliss. “About this?” she asked, gesturing to the wad of sheets, evidence of their lovemaking.
Thana barked a laugh. “While I’m sure that would sell well, no. About your unique power.”
“Is that wise? You’ve often spoken about its capability for destruction.”
Thana was quiet for a moment. “But even if others figure out how to make these pyramids of stone, they might not be as powerful as you.” She looked up from Sylph’s shoulder with a frown. “Then again, maybe you’re right. If someone else is meant to have this power, they’ll come to it on their own. I just hate the idea of knowledge being lost.” She snuggled in tighter. “Maybe I’ll write it, then hide it.”
“It won’t be the only secret around our house. The prince wants my advice on setting up a spy ring.”
Thana shuddered. “The less I know about that, the better.”
Sylph kissed her temple. “My raven is always honest and honorable.”
Thana kissed her back, eyes sparkling in the light of a single candle on the bedside table. “Do you have any idea how much I love you? Would you like to be my betrothed?”
Sylph bit her lip to keep from laughing and widened her eyes. “How sudden and unexpected.”
“Just say yes.”
“I don’t know. That proposal…lacked grandeur.” She squealed when Thana tickled her. “I do not respond to marriage proposals under duress!”
Thana continued her assault, adding in kisses and repeating the question until Sylph couldn’t breathe for laughing and cried, “I yield. Yes!” Amid giggles, she added, “You horrid little bully.”
“But I got what I wanted,” Thana said, arching an eyebrow. “Proving that tickling and kissing are undeniable motivators.”
“I’ll remember that for the next council meeting.”
Thana laughed. “I love you, Duchess.”
“And I, you, Duchess-to-be.” When Thana’s jaw dropped, Sylph said, “Oh yes. You will be what you once hated.” It seemed Thana hadn’t really considered that, and Sylph felt a flutter of fear until Thana shrugged and snuggled close again.
“I’ll work hard to serve as an example to other nobles that one can possess a title and avoid being an ass.”
“Such an insurmountable task will surely keep you from boredom.”
“Life will never be boring with you.” She kissed Sylph’s shoulder. “Shouldn’t we try to sleep? Tomorrow is another future to look forward to, and we’ll want to be well rested.”
Sylph couldn’t help a smile. “Or we could start a future worth looking forward to right now, and to the spirits with being well rested.” She caressed Thana’s side, driving home her meaning, and returned Thana’s smile and kiss.
They blew out the candle together and lost themselves in the blissful present.
About the Author
Barbara Ann Wright writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not ranting on her blog. The Pyramid Waltz was one of Tor.com’s Reviewer’s Choice books of 2012, was a Foreword Review BOTYA Finalist, a Goldie finalist, and made Book Riot’s 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels by Female Authors. It also won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Fantasy. She’s won five other Rainbow Awards and has been a Lambda Award finalist.
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Barbara Ann Wright, Lady of Stone
