Mann Ramblings' story, So Little Magic Left, was Monday's Signature Feature. Did you grab your copy of the signature banner so you can share your love for Mann's story? If not, you can do that here! Today we're featuring his chosen excerpt.

Mann Ramblings says: I chose this scene because it sets the stage for a change in Rath and Shawn's roles, blurring them and sending them on a new direction.

 

“It makes me wonder,” Raza continued, “what the morning will bring?”

 

“You're not staying, Raza,” Rath said. He lifted the pitcher and poured a volume of water into the basin. A small towel sat next to it on the table which he soaked in the water and began washing the salt off his skin. The whole time he continued to face away, refusing to look in anyone's direction. “I didn't pay you for an overnight visit.”

 

“Rath, you can't seriously expect me to believe you don't want the opportunity for a second bout. Your ardor was insistent. I'm sure there's more to share.”

 

Shawn couldn't understand why Raza was trying to change Rath's mind. The lusty warrior that walked in the door earlier was gone. Now they were left with a sullen man whose voice was surly at best.

 

Rinsing out the rag, Rath cleaned his chest. “Enough, Raza. I enjoy your friendship and your innate fire magic makes you my favorite bedmate. But we've had this conversation many times over the years. I am not going to make you my consort.”

 

“Rath, I have no idea where you heard such—”

 

“Quiet. Your brothel isn't the only house that servants gossip in. But they are some of the most unscrupulous about it. I was told many stories tonight about your plans to wed me and live out a long life of luxury. I have no interest in your schemes or intrigues. Even if I was interested, the royal house would protest. My life is mired in enough scandal by my birthright.”

 

“Rath, be reasonable.”

 

Rath wrung out and rewet the cloth before scrubbing his privates. “Gather your belongings; your time has expired. Puppy, go to bed.”

 

“You would rather share your bed with your pet than with me for a night? Who do you think you are?”

 

Rath dropped the rag in the basin. “The half-breed orc prince. Or have you forgotten?”

 

Shawn finally dropped down from the chair that had been his perch all evening. Content that Raza was leaving, he no longer cared about the swaying erection he still sported. He regarded the elf who huffed as he buckled his kilt back in place. Raza was furious; his coppery skin threatened to turn the color of rust. If his gold-digging plans were true and had failed, Shawn was only too happy to see him exit the door.

 

“Very well, my lord. Feel free to find me again” – Raza threw a haughty sneer at Shawn – “when you need the touch of someone who can handle your needs.”

 

Shawn stared up at Raza with an incredulous disdain. “Christ. Even in Grimm's Fairy Tales the prince doesn't marry the whore.”

 

The kick that slammed into his chest caused Shawn to crash into the oaken chair behind him, flipping it with a loud clatter. He struggled to catch his breath as he rolled on the floor, pain blooming across his back and shoulder. Eyes crushed shut in response, Shawn heard the primal roar moments before the table he'd used as a desk upended and collided with the wall.

 

When he opened his eyes, a shiver ran down his spine. Rath stood taut, every muscle twitching and alive, his right hand holding Raza pinned high to the wall by the throat, the elf's feet dangling and kicking helplessly. Angry, heaving breaths seemed to swell Rath even larger than his already intimidating size. Raza's hands gripped the prince's wrist in some vain attempt to pull his hand free. The elf's eyes were wild in fear, sputtering and unable to breathe as the prince's fingers dug into his flesh.

 

“VENOMOUS SLUT!! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!??” Rath shouted. The pure violence in his voice put Shawn on edge. He could only guess what Rath was capable of at this moment.

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