Hydromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 4)

“Easy?” Her smile turned seductive. “Who says I want it easy?”

He bent down to nip her ear, inviting a whimper.

“Have you forgotten, beautiful Maya? I know exactly what you need.”

“I haven’t forgotten.” She gasped as he cupped her full breasts, feeling them peak for him. “Just so you don’t forget, I’m going to tell you every day how much I love you.”

His heart lifted from his chest and floated to the sky. “Ah, for that, I think I’ll love you gently. And then…”

She laughed as he pulled her toward the water, but it soon turned into gasps of ecstasy as he undressed her and led her into the ocean, where she belonged. There was only one other place she belonged more than in water—in his arms.

Epilogue

The day was perfect for a hydromancist. There were thick clouds in the sky with a promise of rain. Maya stood in the small waiting room of the Josselin Castle chapel, staring at the wet Brittany sky through the window.

A very pregnant Clelia bustled around her, straightening the white organza veil while Kat straightened the ribbon of her bouquet.

“Don’t worry about the weather.” Clelia went down on her knees with difficulty to smooth out the white satin embroidered with crystal beads. “You know what they say about rain on a wedding day.”

Maya chuckled. “Stop buzzing around. You’re nine months pregnant, for God’s sake. You shouldn’t be bending like that.”

Kat clasped her hands together. There were tears in her eyes. “You’re beautiful.”

Maya glanced at herself in the mirror. Her hair was braided in a French plait down the side of her face, the ends loosely curled. Her dress was cut high in the front and low at the back, but not so high that it hid Tim’s mark. She wanted to show it off proudly. She wanted him to know that she was his in every way. Forever.

Kat pressed a white rose into the silver band that held her hair together. “There you go. Now you’re perfect.”

A knock fell on the door. Kat pulled it open a crack to reveal Lann, her husband, with their baby, Thomas, on his hip. Maya didn’t miss the way Lann’s strange yellow eyes lit up when they landed on his wife. He stuck his head around the door and kissed Kat.

Kat laughed. “Hey, you’re not supposed to see the bride.”

“I think Tim is getting nervous,” he said. “Almost ready?”

Kat glanced at her. She nodded. She was more than ready.

Thomas made a cooing sound. With a soft expression on her face, Kat kissed his cheek. Her burgundy curls fell down to the waist of her turquoise maid of honor dress, the same style and color that Clelia was wearing.

“I’ll tell Cain,” Lann said.

Cain entered a few seconds later, wearing his signature white suit, cravat, and waistcoat. His gaze went appreciatively over her. He leaned his cane against the wall and pulled her into a light embrace, touching his cheek to hers.

“You’re a vision, Maya. Thank you for the honor of walking you down the aisle.”

“Thank you for accepting.” She took a deep breath. “Ready?”

“Before we start, I have a wedding gift for you.” He took a piece of paper from his inside pocket and handed it to her.

Curious, she unfolded it. Her eyes scanned over the print, and then she looked up quickly. “Really?”

Cain nodded.

Kat and Clelia peered over her shoulder.

“What is it?” Kat asked.

“It’s the addiction,” she said, her voice shaking. “The tests … Charles and Eve’s cure is working.”

Cain seemed pleased. “In a few months, there shouldn’t be any symptoms.”

“Thank you.” She pecked his cheek.

“Don’t thank me. Thank Eve and Charles. I’m happy we have another medical collaborator. It’s been too much work for Eve to handle alone.”

She narrowed her eyes at Cain. “I’m not sure I’m happy about Tim’s collaboration.”

“We needed an informant in government. He’ll make a good one. And don’t worry, he’ll be well protected.”

“You’ll get used to the idea,” Clelia teased. “Joss wasn’t happy when I joined the team, and look at us now.” Clelia went quiet suddenly. Her eyes turned round. “I think my water just broke.”

“Oh my God,” Maya exclaimed. “Call Joss.”

“I’m not missing this ceremony,” Clelia said with a determined pull to her lips.

“Katherine darling, get Joss,” Cain said, taking Clelia’s arm. “Hurry.”

Kat rushed out of the room. Thunder lit up the windows. Just as the first drops started to fall, Joss stormed into the room. His mercury eyes were huge and his face was wild.

He took Clelia into his arms, lifting her off her feet. “I’ve called the midwife. Let’s go.”

Clelia’s face contorted. She grunted and then inhaled. “Not until after the ceremony.”

Joss stared at his petite wife in disbelief. “Little witch, the baby is coming.”

“Better make it quick then,” Clelia said to Maya.

Maya grabbed Cain’s arm. “Let’s do this.”

For the first time since Maya had met Cain, he didn’t seem his calm self. He wiped his brow as they took the first few steps toward her waiting groom.