Drider Boyfriend: Raoul (complete)

   Sequel to Florent the Drider. 

 “Uncle Raoul,” a tiny voice chirps at me.

    I look down, seeing Fei, my cousin’s little girl, toddle into the room carrying a book. “What’s this now? You should be in bed, little one.” I pick her up from the ground and place her in my lap. She’s so light, she feels like a feather. 

    Fei is all pink and has fluffy, curly hair like her father. Her wings are still small, but they flutter every so often. 

    “I can’t sleep,” Fei argues. She holds up the book. “Will you read to me?”

    I am awfully touched. I have been attached to Fei ever since she was first born. The road to getting her here was a rocky one, as her parents had married against both their families’ wishes. For a while, they lived with me while their families argued. Once Fei was born, a compromise was made, but Florent and Meihui decided to stay with me at my estate until Fei was a bit older. 

    I read the story to Fei, one about a prince and his knight who are very close. The knight sacrifices himself to save his beloved prince, but in the end, the two find their way back to one another and get married.

    “Why aren’t you married?” Fei looks up at me as she pets the wedding portrait of the knight and the prince.

    I sigh and ease back. “Good question.”

    “Is it because you aren’t a prince?” Fei tilts her head.

    I snort and rub the top of her head. “Maybe that is what I have been doing wrong all this time, my darling girl. Since I am not a prince, I do not have my knight.”

    Fei furrows her brow and scrunches up her little face. “What if you were the knight?”

    “Oh, good lord,” I whisper and lean back. “Me? A knight?”

    Fei nods. “You and Daddy fight all the time. You always win.”

    I laugh and shake my head. “That is because your father is an idiot with a sword, my little peach.” I pick her up to carry her back to bed. “I hope you know that you don’t need a prince or a knight to be happy,” I warn her. “You are complete, and beautiful, and very smart without someone mucking up the works.” I bop the tip of her nose and she giggles.

    “Fairy tales are nice, but you are much nicer.” I tuck her into bed and find her favorite toy on the floor. “Sleep well.” I kiss her forehead.

    Fei grabs my hand and squeezes. “Good night, Uncle Raoul.”

    “It will be.” I kiss her knuckles. I leave her room, making sure to leave the door ajar so she has a bit of light inside.

    Back in my study, I find the little picture book I had just read still on my chair. I look it over, opening to the page where the prince confesses his feelings to his knight. The prince is drawn frail and lovely, while the knight is hulking and powerful. Both have shimmering button eyes and rosy cheeks as they look at one another.

    I sigh as I place the book aside. It would be nice to have a knight or a prince in my life, I will not argue that. You can be as complete and happy by yourself as you like, but even the strongest of people can get lonely and long for someone. 

    The next day, it begins to storm heavily. The heavens open up and rain takes over. Thunder and lightning bicker and fight beyond our doorsteps. Fei keeps insisting she wants to go out and play in the puddles and rain, but Florent and Meihui are hard set against it. So of course, what does she do? She comes to her Uncle Raoul.

    “It isn’t safe out there,” I tell her. “You hear that thunder?” I point above as it roars over the estate. “That isn’t just a lot of noise, that means something bad. Besides, you’re so tiny, you’ll get blown away.”

    “I will not!” She stomps her little foot and I have to keep myself from laughing.

    “Once the worst of the storm has passed, I will take you out to play in every single puddle on the grounds! I promise.” I grip her tiny hands tight. “But for now, we need to stay inside where it is safe.”

    “That’s boring!” Fei whimpers, big fat tears starting to spring up in her eyes. “Everything is boring! I can’t go out! I can’t go play! I want something to do!”

    As I start to comfort her, the doors rattle and bang. Someone outside is knocking in a mad panic. I place Fei aside, just in case. “Stay here, girl,” I warn her. I go to the doors as they continue to get banged on.

    As I open the door, someone spills inside, soaked to the bone and struggling to stand erect. He grabs hold of my arm and pulls himself up. “My carriage,” he wheezes.

    “Are you hurt?” I grab him, helping him inside. He leans against me and he feels surprisingly light for someone his size. 

    “My carriage,” he pants again. His cloak is heavy and weighing him down from the rain. I help him into the study, where there is a warm fire roaring. “It crashed over the ravine,” he grips onto my hands. “I managed to escape, but…” he cries and places his face against my shoulder.

    “Now, now, it’s quite alright. Are you hurt anywhere, sir?” I rub the back of his head as he weeps.

    “My poor horses!” He sobs. 

    I sigh and hold him for a moment while he cries. Once he’s settled, he pulls back and I see his face. He’s so beautiful, my heart stops beating. His skin is all black and soft, he has big wide eyes like Meihui does, and they shimmer like an opal. On top of his head, he has two antenna that are thin and pointed. His hair is black and there is dark fluff around his neck and chest as well.

    “I’m sorry,” he sniffles. “I burst into your home and then I cry on you.” He looks up at me and I would give him everything. “Forgive me.”

    “There is nothing to forgive,” I manage to speak despite being breathless. I offer him my handkerchief. 

    “Thank you,” he whispers. He dabs at his eyes and a soft smile spreads on his face. “I feel so lucky to have found you. In this weather, I thought I would be a goner for sure.” He looks back at me and I want to cry. How can someone be this lovely?

    “My name is Lulëzim,” he says. 

    I furrow my brow. “I know that name,” I murmur. I am then struck and I clasp a hand over my mouth. “You’re the prince in Monclarate!” 

    Lulëzim chuckles. “Oh my, my reputation has reached this far, has it?” He stands and removes his cloak and as he goes to warm himself by the fire, I admire his beautiful orange wings. Except, one wing is different, it is patched with a sheer material that is golden. 

    “Not reputation,” I murmur. 

    Lulëzim turns and smirks at me. He’s quite tall and has broad shoulders and thick, strong arms. “Then how do you know of me?”

    I chuckle and shake my head. “I was trying to be polite, my prince.”

    “And yet,” he turns to me, “you have not told me your name yet?”

    I gasp and can’t help but laugh. “Of course. Where are my manners?” I bow to him. “I am Vicomte Raoul,” I reply. “And I am honored to have you in my home, your highness.”

    “Oh, please,” Lulëzim rolls his eyes. “Call me by my name. I do not much care for the titles and the pompousness.” He then grins. “And I know of you.”

    “Oh no,” I sigh.

    “Oh yes,” he grins. “You helped your cousin to marry Princess Meihui. I owe you for that.” He wags his finger at me. “The lovely Meihui was supposed to be my bride ages ago.”

    I go cold all over and my gut sinks.

    Lulëzim grins. “Thank you.”

    “Thank you?” I gasp.

    “Meihui was a good friend of mine and she would have made a very wonderful bride. But we would not have made a very happy couple.” Lulëzim replies.

    “Raoul, what was all the noise?” Meihui comes wandering in.

    “Speak of the devil,” Lulëzim steps towards her.

    Meihui’s eyes go wide and she raises her hands to her face. “What are you doing here?” She rushes up to him.

    “I almost died.” Lulëzim takes her hand and kisses it. “It is good to see you, Meihui. You look lovely as always.”

    Meihui squeezes his hand. “You look chilled to the bone! Are you alright?”

    “Some rest and I should be ok. I was simply enjoying Raoul’s lovely company.” Lulëzim replies.

    Fei peeks out from behind her mother’s wings and looks up at him.

    “Oh my,” Lulëzim kneels down. “What on earth is this creature?”

    Meihui smiles. “My daughter, Fei.” Fei tilts her head then ducks back behind her mother’s wing. “Come out now,” Meihui says. “Say hello to our guest.”

    “I’m amazed, Meihui. She’s quite stunning. I don’t think the two of us would have been so lucky.” Lulëzim stands back up. “Congratulations.”

    Meihui smiles down at Fei. “Florent is with his mother right now, but hopefully he will be back once the storms pass. I would love for you two to meet.”

    “So would I.” Lulëzim then glances back to me. “It’s getting late. I shouldn’t bother you for much longer.”

    “I can show you to a room,” Meihui offers.

    “I can do that,” I quickly interject. “You go ahead and take Fei to bed. I’ll handle Lulëzim.” I reply.

    “I like the sound of that,” Lulëzim purrs. It stops my heart again and I almost forget to breathe. 

    After Meihui leaves, I show Lulëzim to a guest room that’s close to mine. “Is there anything else you will be needing?”

    “Some company,” Lulëzim smirks at me. “I often have a hard time sleeping alone.”

    Oh no, this is dangerous. I swallow back the hard lump in my throat and force myself to chuckle. “That’s rather bold of you.”

    “You’ve heard my stories,” he grins. “Besides, it isn’t often I am welcomed into the home of such a stunning creature.” I can feel his gaze as it travels along my body. “A good drider is hard to come by.” 

    “Lulëzim.” I feel hot under the collar, steaming really. “You’ve been through a lot tonight. You should sleep.”

    “I don’t want to sleep,” he murmurs. “I don’t want to think about-” he cuts himself off and shakes his head. “I’m sorry. I’m making a fool of myself, aren’t I?” He smooths his hair away from his face.

    “No, just being a tad revealing.” I bow my head. “Get some rest. It might help you.”

    Lulëzim nods. “Perhaps you’re right. But, just one last question before you go.”

    I linger at the doorway. “Yes?”

    A smile blossoms on Lulëzim’s lips that makes me weak in the knees and unwilling to leave. “Can I dream of you tonight?”

    How can someone have this much power? It doesn’t seem fair. “Oh, I-” I whisper.

    Lulëzim takes my hand and kisses the back. “Sweet dreams, Raoul.”

    “You too,” I whisper as I manage to make myself leave.

    I do indeed have sweet dreams, perhaps dreams that are far too sweet. I wake in the morning, feeling perturbed and rattled. My dreams were not as satisfying as they appeared and I was left wanting with the dawn.

    It is still storming outside, so it is impossible to tell if the sun has risen or not. I check my watch to make sure of the time before I get myself out of bed and dressed. 

    I go down the hall and knock on Lulëzim’s door to check on him. The door opens and Lulëzim stands there, half naked and making me weak all over again.

    “Oh, good morning.” He sounds bleary and not quite awake. “I was just rising myself.” He yawns and stretches, and he might just as well have killed me then and there. Watching his body stretch and tighten is too much for me after everything I dreamt. 

    “I can see that,” I clear my throat. “I was just making sure you were alright.” I swallow as I force myself not to stare. “Since you’re up, would you like me to bring you breakfast?”

    Lulëzim rubs his eyes. “You do not have to go through so much trouble, Raoul. If you serve breakfast at the table, I’ll join you there. The only thing is that my shirt is not yet dry.”

    He cannot go topless as he is now. He is far too much of a distraction for me. “I may have something you can wear. But I am not sure it will fit.”

    “Show me,” Lulëzim says as he steps out of his room.

    “Oh, uhm, of course.” I take him to my room where I try to find something that will fit him. I find a few things but they are a tight fit on him. There is one sweater I find and it has enough give to suit him, unfortunately, he looks amazing in it.

    “Thank you for the clothes.” We’re walking down to the dining hall now. No doubt Meihui and Fei are waiting on us there. “I will find a way to pay you back for all your hospitality and kindness.”

    “No, really,” I chuckle. “You don’t need to do anything. I am happy to help you.”

    Lulëzim dips down and kisses me on the cheek before we go in for breakfast. “Nonsense. I always show my gratitude one way or another.”

    I am speechless as we walk into the dining room. Already, Fei is eating her fruits while Meihui is enjoying tea while reading over letters.

    “Good morning,” Lulëzim cheers as he walks in.

    Fei’s eyes get big and she ducks her head down.

    “Good morning,” Meihui sets the mail aside. “Did you sleep well last night?”

    “I did,” Lulëzim takes a seat and is served tea. “The bed was big and comfortable.” He then looks at me. “Raoul is making sure to take very good care of me.”

    Meihui gives me a look then smiles back at Lulëzim. “He’s very kind. He’s been so gracious in letting us stay here.”

    “I’m guessing you want the little one growing up somewhere loving and stable.” Lulëzim winks at Fei, who suddenly smiles. 

    “Both our families aren’t too happy about Florent and I eloping the way we did,” Meihui sighs. “So we figured Fei would be happier here. She loves her Uncle Raoul though.”

    “Uncle Raoul,” Lulëzim smirks at me. “Good with the little ones, are you?”

    “Just Fei,” I chuckle and fix my tea with honey. “She’s my best friend.”

    Fei looks between us. “Are you really a prince?” She asks Lulëzim.

    “Of course,” he grins. He spreads out his great and beautiful wings. “See? The orange means that I am a monarch.”

    “Do you have a knight?” Fei gasps.

I nearly spit all my tea out. Oh no. Fei is dangerous! I did not give the girl credit. She is very much like her father, she is devious.

Lulëzim smiles at Fei. “What makes you ask that?”

“A prince needs a knight, doesn’t he?” Fei asks, her eyes alight at the prospect. “Someone who guards him and his heart from any dangers!”

Lulëzim chuckles. “Do you think it is a knight’s duty to protect a prince’s heart?” He leans towards her. “Most knights I know are trained to protect the body.”

Fei seems angered by this. “But the heart is what is most important!”

Lulëzim chuckles, as does Meihui. “Well then, little one, do you know of someone who is properly trained and skilled enough to protect my heart?” He lays his palm over his chest.

“Uncle Raoul is perfect for that!” Fei is elated and enjoying her meddling far too much for someone so young.

“Alright, my little peach,” I fuss at her. “Enough of that now.”

“No, no,” Lulëzim scoffs. “I demand more. Do not silence her, how dare you?” He gives me the eye and grins. “I would love to hear how you could protect my heart.”

“He would make a good knight,” Fei continues. “Uncle Raoul is the best person in the whole world.”

Raoul chuckles. “In the whole world, you say?” 

Fei nods her head excitedly. 

Lulëzim grins at her before looking at me. “Well then, perhaps I should get to know this knight of hearts much better.”

After breakfast, Meihui takes Fei for her lessons. Lulëzim and I are left alone at the table together where he is finishing off his tea as well as the honey.

“Fei is adorable,” Lulëzim chuckles. “Please tell me there is more of her.”

“Not yet. But the way Meihui and Florent are, I am sure there will be soon.” I finish off my cup of tea and set it aside. 

“She’s very charming.” Under the table, Lulëzim’s hand is on my knee. I flinch and stare up at him in surprise. “She made quite the offer.”

“She’s very sweet, but do not take what she says to heart.” I reply.

Lulëzim sets his cup down. “But I liked what she said. I very much want to know more about the best person in the world.” His fingers slip under my chin and tilt my head up towards him. “I’m already enjoying what I see.”

I’m lightheaded and my mind begins to turn completely blank. “I’m not a knight.”

“I do not care.” He brushes his thumb along my lips. “I like you, Raoul,” he whispers to me. “But I know my reputation is not a romantic one. I can understand if you are hesitant.”

“You’re so beautiful, it makes me want to forget.” I look up at him. “I am usually the charming one, but you have knocked the wind from my sails.”

Lulëzim chuckles. “Forgive me. I would hate to take that from you.”

I place my hand on his wrist. “It’s alright. I don’t mind it.”

The rain continues, but luckily, the storms start to subside. I enjoy my time with Lulëzim, each day, we get a little closer physically as well. I enjoy his company and his wit just as much as I adore his beauty.

Apparently, the Butterfly fae are a little more lax with things than what I am used to with the Driders. While Driders are all about clothing, fashion, and presentation of the self, the Butterfly fae are more into comfort of the self. This includes a sort of casualness and their modesty is a bit different. Considering the lack of clothes Lulëzim has with him, it hasn’t bothered him. In fact, he much prefers to remain nude or in a comfortable robe than in clothes. Apparently, nudity is encouraged with the Butterfly.

I allow him to be comfortable around me, insisting on at least the robe, but outside his room, he had to wear his clothes, if only for Fei and Meihui. I’ll admit, I have stolen many a glances at him. I have let my eyes linger on his body to the point he must know I am staring. I think he enjoys it though.

One evening, I saw the time and realized I needed to get to bed. It was far later than I expected. You could also say it was far too early. As I was excusing myself and cleaning up the dishes from our snacks and drinks, Lulëzim grabbed my hand.

“Don’t go,” he whispers in an inviting voice.

I swallow and let him hold me. “I need to get some sleep. I have some important papers I need to look over tomorrow.”

Lulëzim slips his hand on my cheek. “Don’t go,” he whispers as he pulls me into a kiss. His tongue is surprisingly long and he tastes so sweet. I moan against him, sucking his tongue as he pulls me down closer to him.

“Wait,” I moan as saliva trails from my lips to his mouth. “Lulëzim, please, wait,” my voice cracks.

His smile is smug and lascivious. “I have been waiting.” He whispers. He places his hands around my waist. “Why must I wait more?”

My head is spinning and I can barely breathe. “I have been staring at you all night,” I moan. “If you kiss me like that, I’ll pop.”

Lulëzim licks his lips. “Maybe I want you to pop.” He unbuttons my shirt slowly. “I like when you look at me.”

“Please, I-” my legs all tremble, all eight of them.

Lulëzim opens my shirt and runs his fingers through the coarse blue curls there. “Driders have such lovely hair.” He kisses my neck as he rubs my chest. “I’ve been wanting to touch it since we met.”

I place my hands on his shoulders and close my eyes. “You’re one to talk.”

“I never said you couldn’t touch me.” Lulëzim looks at me with a grin. “I’ve done everything except command you to.” He takes my palm and places it against his chest. “All you had to do was ask.”

“It wouldn’t be-” I trail my fingertips down his body, “proper.”

“As if I give a damn about that,” Lulëzim laughs. He pulls me into another long kiss. “Those sharp teeth.” his tongue licks at my fangs. “I bet they feel good on the skin.”

I shudder and suck in a breath. “Damn you.”

Lulëzim presses his body against mine, our chests rub together and he slips his hands around my back. “Stay with me,” he whispers. “Just until morning.”

“That’s not far from now,” I murmur.

“All the more reason for you to stay,” he smirks. “If you don’t want to, just say so and I’ll leave you be.”

I look into his eyes and feel my insides shift and squirm. “I’ll stay.”

Lulëzim kisses me again before we go to his bed. I lay on my side so I can be close to him. He has removed his robe and is laying naked beside me. 

“Is that comfortable?” he asks me.

I chuckle. “It isn’t the best, but I can deal with it.” I lay my hand on his chest and rub it down to his stomach. He’s silky to the touch and I notice flecks of orange mixed with all the black.

“Are we going to sleep or are we just going to touch each other all night?” Lulëzim sighs. “If you keep doing that, then things will only get harder.”

“Suggestive speak.” I let my fingers rest on his belly. “Are the Butterfly easy to arouse as easily as they are to strip away their clothes?”

Lulëzim laughs and rolls over onto his side. “We enjoy sex, if that’s your roundabout way of asking.” He slips his long fingers through the blue curls on my chest. “We can enjoy one another with or without romance.”

I don’t know why this stings so much. “Oh,” I whisper.

“It’s better with purpose,” Lulëzim says. “Always is, of course.”

“And your history?” I ask.

He sighs and snuggles more to his pillow. “Yes, well, being young and stupid is not an excuse,” he grumbles. “I’ve shared many beds with many people. Men, women, I wasn’t too particular of that. But that was years ago, I’ve not been as active as I used to be.”

I smirk. “So you and Meihui.”

“No way!” He scoffs. “By the time we met, I knew what I wanted. I knew I’d rather have my knight.” He inches in closer to me. “Then I met you.”

“And what made me so special?” My heart is throbbing and my chest hurts.

Lulëzim’s smile is dreamy and wonderful. “A lot of things.” He kisses me and I have to sit up. “What’s wrong?” He braces his palms on the bed. “Is everything ok?”

I swallow back the lump in my throat. “Sorry, but I, uhm-” I lay my hand in front of me, covering the opening at the base of my torso.

Lulëzim kisses my chest and eases down. His long, black tongue slips down my belly and he kisses and licks at my fingers. “It’s ok. Let me see.”

I slowly move my hand aside and let him see that I am opening. My cock is starting to slip out from behind. Lulëzim smiles and looks up at me. “Do you need to take care of this in private?” He rubs his hand up my chest again.

“If it isn’t to your liking.” I bite my lip and shiver. The more he touches and looks at me, the more I become exposed. “I know you must have seen more impressive lovers.”

Lulëzim licks my tip and sighs. “I like what I see so far.” He sits up and kisses me, pressing our bodies together again. I feel his cock rubbing at my belly and I push him back. It’s long and curved, pitch black at the base and fading into a brilliant orange at the tip. 

“Oh wow,” I whisper. I run my fingers up his shaft and listen to his deep growls of pleasure. “You’re a work of art.”

Lulëzim laughs and kisses me. “I want yours.” He looks down and rubs his cock to mine. I am now fully exposed and dripping from both the opening and my tip. My shaft is sapphire blue and glossy with my own mess. I have ridges down the base and the tip is spear shaped and flared out. I’m thicker along the bottom and I curve. 

Lulëzim strokes me in his fist, pumping me as more of the glossy liquid oozes between his fingertips. I grip onto his chest, moaning and panting as he touches me.

“You’re amazing.” Lulëzim moans into my ear. 

I bite his shoulder and he cries out in bliss. I take his cock back into my hand, rubbing it slowly as he holds mine.

“Is this all you want to do?” He purrs to me. “Wouldn’t you like to go a little bit further?”

I nod as I gaze into his eyes. 

Lulëzim chuckles and stands up off the bed. He looks around for a moment before he goes over to the sofa and bends over the back, presenting his rear and thighs to me. He reaches back, his fingers still slick from my cock. He prods at himself, moaning as his fingers sink inside himself.

“You mean-” I’m knocked breathless. “You want me to...I thought you’d want-”

Lulëzim looks over his shoulder. “I much prefer it this way, even when I was with women.” He smirks at me. “Is there another way you would want me?”

I walk up behind him and stroke his cheek. “No, I just-” I bite my lip as I rut my cock against his thigh. “No. This is wonderful.”

“I thought you would enjoy it.” Lulëzim moans. “Your cock is nice and slick, perfect for this.” He looks over his shoulder again. “I mean, do you want to?”

I feel a tightness in my chest, a nervousness. “Only if this means something.”

Lulëzim stands and turns around. He strokes my cheek and places a gentle kiss on my lips. “It means I want you,” he whispers to me. “It means I’ll want you many more times after.” He presses his forehead to mine. “I want to be yours from now on.”

I slip my hands around his waist and pick him up. He seems shocked I can do such a thing. He then loops his legs around my waist and shivers when he feels me rubbing between his cheeks.

“Can you hold me like this?” Lulëzim whispers.

I bite his neck and moan into his ear. “Of course I can.”

I press at his pucker and he moans into my ear as I make my way inside him. He squeezes tight around me and I start to go lightheaded. He feels so warm and deep inside. I arch my hips, placing my first two legs over the back of the sofa for support. 

Lulëzim is biting hard at his bottom lip and he gazes at me with a thousand years of lust in his eyes. I kiss him, holding him to me as I begin to move. My breath is shuddering and I am trying to keep my voice quiet, but it soon becomes impossible.

Lulëzim wraps his arms around me, gasping and moaning as I thrust into him. His arms tighten and I see his eyes are rolling back. He grunts, arching his back so his neck curves backwards. He grunts, shudders, and cums all over my stomach.

“Lulëzim,” I growl into his ear. I feel myself begin to unravel. My mind spins and then I start to shudder. I buck and tremble and then I release into him. Lulëzim gulps and he runs his hands down my back.

We kiss as I lay him back down on the bed. We then lay together for a long time, giggling between kisses and soft touches. At some point, we fall asleep and I am only awoken by the too  bright beams of light coming in through the window.

“The sun,” I whisper.

Lulëzim stands up from the bed and pulls back the curtains. “The rain has stopped.”

I rub my eyes. “What time is it?”

“Is that all you’re worried about?” Lulëzim returns to my side and wraps his arms around me. “Now that the sun is out, I can travel.”

“Good, then maybe I can get some work done around here,” I tease.

“I knew driders were cruel,” he grins. He brushes my hair from my face. “Why don’t you take me home?” he asks. “Then I can introduce you properly to my folks.”

“I uh-” I hang my head and laugh. “Are you serious?”

“Of course I am. I don’t joke about my parents. Let alone having someone meet them.” He runs his fingertips along my lips. “They’ll want to reward your kindness for saving my life after all.”

“I just kept you in my home. I didn’t save anyone.” I comb my fingers along his scalp and to the back of his neck. 

Lulëzim strokes my cheek. “You did more than that.”

I sigh and give in. “I don’t want to part from you so soon. I suppose traveling to take you home will be a fair compromise.”

“I’m glad. My father will adore you.” He says.

I wrap my arms around him and squeeze him tight.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Lulëzim rubs my back. “You’re holding on to me like you’re afraid.”

“I’m not ready to leave this room yet,” I whisper. “I want to stay here for just a little while longer before we have to go out there.”

“Fei will be waiting on you to tell her how you’ve become a knight,” he teases. “Once we get married, you should make her your best man.”

“Don’t tease her.” I pull back and hold his lovely face between my palms. 

“I’m teasing you. I only adore that girl.” His long lashes flutter and he sighs. “I look at you and I keep getting swept away.”

I place my palms over his eyes and laugh. “Calm yourself. Now that we’ve tasted each other once, are you going to be so aroused at all times?”

“Perhaps I will be?” Lulëzim purrs. “With you as my partner, I will be lucky I can sleep at night.”

“You’re full of yourself,” I laugh.

“You forget, Raoul, right now I am full of you,” he grins.

We make plans to go to his home once the weather is certainly cleared. Once Florent returns home, Lulëzim and I decide it is a good enough time for us to leave. That way, the house is guarded, and Meihui and Fei don’t have to worry.

We have a big dinner the night before we leave, Florent and Lulëzim meet and the two get along swimmingly. 

“You’re going to make him happy, right?” Fei frowns at Lulëzim.

“Of course I am. Are you worried for your Uncle Raoul?” He asks her.

Fei looks to me and then back at Lulëzim. “Yeah,” she pouts.

Lulëzim takes hold of Fei’s hands. “I swear to you that I will only love and cherish your Uncle Raoul. In fact, do I have your permission?”

Fei looks to me again. “That’s all up to him. But if you ever make him sad, I will get you!”

Lulëzim hugs her close. “I promise, you can torture me if it comes to it.”

“Not that bad,” she mutters.

Lulëzim stands and takes hold of my hand. “I swear. I will make Raoul happy for a long time. Or at least, as long as I am allowed.”

I squeeze his hand. “I promise too.”