foreheads touching, their eyes closed. And about themthe inferno began to diminish. They opened their eyes to see theflames slowly recede until one tongue flickered gently once more inthe cup of their joined hands. Rohyr reverently closed their fingersover it, holding the silvery light within for one tender momentbefore it was extinguished.Avoice rose in song. A song that was both a hymn of praise and an odeto love. The others swiftly joined in.Pressingcloser into Rohyrs arms, Lassen listened as the music echoedthrillingly in the vast space and filled his already full heart tooverflowing.ChapterTwenty-OneIdyllsTenryonarranged for a celebratory tea at his manse. It was a cozy and casualaffair with just the newly bound pair, their trusted circle andLassens parents. Accustomed to Rohyr bringing his leman andcousins with him to Ziana in years past, none of Tenryons servantsguessed at the nuptial nature of the occasion. The small group drewever closer together as each basked in the feeling of being a part ofsomething rare and momentous. Lassen decided then and there that hewould not exchange the simple manner of his binding to Rohyr for anylavish ceremony bereft of the loving intimacy that had made theformer special beyond compare.OnlyAeldan and Ashrian came back to Glanthar afterward. The othersreturned to their own homes and duties before their absences werenoticed. Eiren gave Rohyr one piece of advice before they parted,cautioning him to stick to anal intercourse until after Lassenbirthed.Itsjust a precautionary measure given that he nearly miscarried, thephysician explained. One of the properties of semen is to elevatepleasurable sensation by inducing mild spasms in the womb. Which isgood and desirable with a healthy womb but not so fine when abreeding Deir has a history of prenatal problems.Theyreturned to Pelmorth just as dusk was blanketing the countryside intwilight. The Mithani brothers insisted on escorting their cousin andhis mate to their chamber, archly advising Rohyr to deal gently withLassen even if he had abstained for far longer than they had everknown him to bear.Oncewithin their room, however, it seemed Rohyr would ignore theircounsel. For he hauled Lassen into his arms and kissed him hungrilyas he swiftly rid him of his finery. Not to be outdone, Lassenresponded as avidly, frantically unfastening clasps, undoing buttonsand untying laces.Assoon as Lassen was bared to the skin, Rohyr pulled him flush againsthim and backed him toward the bed without breaking the seal of theirmouths. Lassen thought Rohyr would tumble him into bed and take himwithout further ado. But Rohyr carefully lowered him onto themattress, following him down to cover him with his body, one handslipping between them to caress the slight mound of Lassensabdomen.Hisgentleness did little to dampen Lassens ardor. If anything, itroused his lust even further and he fervently wished Rohyr would justravish him senseless.Asyou wish, my love, Rohyr murmured with a rakish grin.Lassengaped in surprise before he recalled that their binding allowed himto impart his thoughts to Rohyr without the need for his mate to opena channel between them. He smiled at Rohyr in joyful affirmation.Rohyrsfingertips ghosted over his belly. I envy our son lying so safeand warm within you, he whispered. Would that