Falcon's Kiss: Princesses of Selmy Island (Book 1) by Mandi Richards

Author:Mandi Richards [Richards, Mandi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-08-11T05:00:00+00:00

On the last night before they were scheduled to arrive in Southshore, Marya and Ferrand sat together playing a game of cards. They’d come here often since returning from their island adventure, and she’d begun to refer to the combination pub-gaming hall-ballroom as the parlor.

For the last three days, Marya had been overjoyed by the renewed ease she and Ferrand seemed to feel around each other. Of course, at night, when she lay awake in her bunk, she had trouble putting thoughts of their night together out of her head. She’d be sure to suggest a brief engagement when the time came During the day, however, they’d settled into a natural rhythm, spending most of the time enjoying each other’s company and getting to know one another—well, he was getting to know her. He hadn’t shared much about himself.

Marya had had little experience with card games, which were more of a man’s activity in her kingdom. But Ferrand, it seemed, did not care for the nonsense of reserving specific activities for specific genders, bolstering Marya’s confidence in her choice of her future husband. Of anyone she could’ve chosen, not only did he make the best political match, but he actually seemed to value her opinions.

Marya laid down her hand. She had a complete High Aerie—The Eagle King, his brothers the Raven and the Hawk, plus the Owl Queen and their daughter the Goose Princess.

Ferrand groaned. “I cannot believe you beat me again,” he complained, setting down his cards to reveal no more than a pair of Larks and a pair of Peacocks.

“It’s easy when your every expression shows how valuable your cards are. When you are disappointed, I needn’t take a big risk to get a better hand,” she replied.

“Am I that easy to read?” he asked.

Marya nodded. “And when you are pleased, there’s no reason to play it safe. I have nothing to lose. I just plan accordingly,” she continued. “Though, there is also a fair amount of luck involved. We have no control over the cards we get.”

“When we are husband and wife, I will teach you a version of the game, where losing is not so bad.” Ferrand winked at her. “We will have to play it in private because it involves removing articles of clothing every time you lose a hand.”

Marya felt her face heating. Ever since their night in the cave, Ferrand had made comments hinting at the ways they would enjoy each other after the wedding. Marya didn’t know how they’d wait that long. She yearned to feel his hands, his lips—

Ferrand was watching her closely, his eyes dark with lust. Not for the first time, she wondered if he could read her thoughts.

“Shall we enjoy the sunset before dinner?” Ferrand asked, changing the subject. “I always watch the sunset on my last night at sea in an attempt to keep it in my memory until my next trip. Sunsets on land are never quite as spectacular.” How did he ignore his lust so easily?

Marya nodded and followed her betrothed to the weather deck on the ship’s stern.

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