Knights of Desire [Flights of Fancy 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Read Free

reached the camp, and thoughts of the lizards faded from his mind. Clemmons stood outside the tent they shared and, as Landis watched, he pulled his armor from his torso.
    The sun was warm here in the valley, and it glittered in rays of gold, red, and bronze as it refracted off the skin of Clemmons's chest, still moist with sweat from the battle. His long blonde hair moved slowly in the gentle breeze, and Clemmons stretched, his burly arms high over his head as he let the sun and wind dry the perspiration from his body.
    Watching his lover across the short distance, Landis licked his lips. It wasn't so very long ago that he was happily married and never thought of a woman other than Anna, let alone another man. But then, seven years ago while he was away on a mission for the king, the lizards came and raided the village.
    Everyone knew that no matter what else had happened, no one could have saved the villagers, but guilt still filled him then. He could have at least died at Anna's side, his strong sword arm protecting her until the end. Instead, he knelt over her torn body, weeping openly, as other knights and soldiers searched for survivors that never materialized.
    Clemmons had knelt beside him and touched his hand. Without a word, Clemmons led him away from the shredded corpse of his wife, leaving the soldiers to prepare the mass grave for the villagers.
    After the priest said some words over the grave, he and Clemmons held an impromptu wake for the dead. As they drank deeply of the wine, Clemmons told the story of how he needed another brave knight to help him fight the lizards, to stop them from raiding more villages and killing more men.
    Landis knew then he had finally received the calling all knights await. He vowed his life, not only to his king but also to the death of the lizards.
    Over the next year, he and Clemmons fought side-by-side and back-to-back against the dragons, killing many of them. While the lizards had horrendous strength, they lacked the stamina of men. The two knights learned they need only to wear down the dragons, keeping them from taking wing, and then they were easy to kill. It was someplace in that year when the attitude between the men changed, but Landis was hard pressed to say just when.
    Clemmons was a well-known ladies' man at court. Rumor had it he had bedded every single one of the ladies-in-waiting at least once, most several times. Based on Clemmons's late night absences, Landis believed the rumors. He never saw Clemmons slapped by serving wenches or ladies of the court for a quick fondling of a tit or ass. In fact, many of the women appeared to encourage such familiarities.
    One night, a great distance from this battlefield, he and Clemmons had sat together in the light of the dying campfire, discussing the lessons of the day's combat. Clemmons sipped at his wine and studied him for a time before he finally spoke.
    "Have you considered finding another partner?"
    Landis recalled wondering at the time what had prompted the question. "I have, but no woman could replace Anna."
    He nodded. "Perhaps, but what of a man?"
    Same-sex partners sharing life was not unheard of in the kingdom, but Landis knew of no knight with such an arrangement. He laughed. "I never thought about it."
    "Perhaps you should."
    It suddenly became clear to him what Clemmons was suggesting. What with the friendship between them, they often seemed to be two people sharing one mind. The idea had merit. "Why should I?"
    "You and I make a good team in combat and politics. We would be even better personally." He smiled. "Besides, you've got a great ass."
    Landis laughed. "Well, you're not too bad yourself."
    The rest of that night had faded into a chain of lovemaking, and they had been together as a couple ever since. The new relationship created a few problems at court, but most were from jealous women and of no concern.
    Clemmons turned and saw him approaching. He smiled broadly, a look that gave Landis a sad reminder