My dress was a full-length affair the color being a somewhat shockingly vibrant tangerine shade. It was made from material that managed to cling in all the wrong places. It left my entire back open starting somewhere near my tailbone and had a two inch wide gold edge that rose up the sides past my breasts over my arms as token sleeves. The edging came around and under my breasts and tied in a wispy bow between them, the likely intent was to draw attention to their shape and size. I was pretty sure they managed to do that without assistance. My chest was basically bare and the triangles of cloth barely covered me. It was for sure everyone could tell I was chilled as my nipples pressed against the material like they were eager to escape their extremely brief confinement. My shoes were golden high heeled sandals, undergarments… non-existent. At least he didn’t pile my hair on my head again I though with a grimace. That might have been enough to send me into hypothermia.
On the plus side, he managed to provide me earrings and a crown. Both items of jewelry were made from stones that perfectly matched the color of my dress. I kind of liked the jewelry and thought I might like to keep them around when this was done. The crown would look nice on my bookshelf at home. It would be a nice keepsake to remember my visit, maybe I’d sit it next to my flute. Which reminded me, “Owen, can you send my flute home for me? Unless you think there is some reason I continue to need it? I’d prefer not to have to carry it around all day.” I wasn’t worried about having to play for my food since Owen had arranged for breakfast, while Kit had been kind enough to provide the seating arrangements.
I had to smile when I thought about the uneven chairs and slightly concave table we’d all been forced to contend with. Sometimes it’s just better not to say anything, something Dane was quickly learning. When he’d had the audacity to suggest Kit correct his error, he’d found himself seated upside down in a chair that had managed to wrap itself about his thighs and waist. I had to give Dane credit though, after finding himself hovering head down over the table with no apparent way to escape, he’d merely shrugged, smiled and began helping himself to whatever lay within his reach. His good natured acceptance of the situation eventually disgusted Kit enough that he returned him to the floor. Since it hadn’t broken his neck, I was pretty sure the bruise on Dane’s head would heal quickly.
“No, you will not need it.” Owen interrupted my wayward thoughts to assure me. I blinked and noticed my flute disappear from where someone had laid it upon the bed.
If only all my troubles were so easily dealt with I thought, and then glanced toward Cam, who was seated farthest from me at the table. His eyes had been on me non-stop since I’d entered the room, and it had caused frowns, and a growl in Kit’s case. It was quite likely the reason for the dining experience from Hell. I had no idea what Cam was thinking, and probably didn’t want to know anyway. Obviously it wasn’t lustful or Kit would not have been making those awful gurgling noises in the back of his throat. That thought got me a nod of agreement from Kit who looked like he would enjoy listening to Cam scream as he was doing very bad things to him. He probably would have if I hadn’t forbidden him from tormenting Cam. He hadn’t liked my order but was, for the moment, following it. I simply did my best to ignore Cam, just as most of those seated at our lopsided; visually distressing table appeared to be doing.
By the time my hair was dry, everyone had bathed, eaten and dressed themselves in clothing provided by Owen. We were just finishing up when Lira knocked and entered, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. He looked hard used, as if he’d had a very rough night. I bit my lip and stared back at him, my cheeks flushing slightly. “Lira?” I queried and watched while he went to a knee.
“Your Majesty, the Princess has requested a private audience.”
I frowned at his comment, ignoring it to ask, “Lira, did you stand duty at the door all night?” I frowned again when he raised his tired face and nodded. “And is Roral out there with you?” I added, and again he nodded. “Are you well?” I queried, tilting my head to the side and staring back at him.
“I am fine, Your Majesty. You are most kind to ask.” He told me flashing me a smile, though it was clear to me that he was in need and not fine at all.
“Who else guards the door?”
“There were ten.” He told me hesitantly as if he wasn’t sure how I might react to his words.
I gave him a wince and a lopsided smile of my own. “There were…and now?”
He chuckled and rose when I motioned him to do so. “And now, all there are left are here to see, only Roral and I.”
“The others?”
“Have been unconscious for some time.” He added with a sly grin. I glanced at Kit and frowned at him, lifting one eyebrow in annoyance.
“Mistress, I only meant to pleasure you,” Kit replied as he felt the weight of my stare and pulled his gaze away from Cam long enough to give me a shrug. His eyes moved to Lira and gave him the once over. Kit shrugged slightly again, and mumbled something I couldn’t quite catch under his breath.
“I think….I might disagree but am not inclined to do so at this moment.” I sighed softly and then turned back to Lira. “Go and get Roral, would you?” I asked. He nodded and left the room, only to return with Roral in tow. Roral went to a knee and glanced at me from under his lashes. I could see the desire he struggled to contain and like Lira, I could tell he was also in need. I rose from my chair and stood facing the two of them. “Get up, Roral.” I chided him and he stood next to Lira, staring back at me from his pale green eyes. “I cannot offer you want you want. But I can offer you what you need, should you choose.” The words had barely left my mouth when Roral was nodding, and it only took a second for Lira to also. I pointed to the bed. “Go and lay down.” I told them and they nearly sprinted for our huge bed, which literally would have taken up half my room back at the den. “You will rest now and Kit will watch over you while you sleep, since it was his efforts that caused you such distress. I can think of no better way for him to apologize than to ensure you are well tended.” I informed them while Kit grumbled under his breath and shot me an extremely disgusted look. “Kit will ensure you are fully rested and that no discomfort or harm comes to you while you sleep.” I added, giving Kit a look that clearly said I was not kidding.
Roral and Lira made themselves comfortable and I crossed to Roral first, resting my fingers lightly upon his chest. His fingers clenched in the bedding and his eyes dilated in anticipation. “Just breathe,” I whispered when I realized he was holding his breath and leaned forward and kissed his brow, sending him into oblivion with the pleasure I fed into his body. He tensed on the bed and then relaxed completely. He was smiling softly and his eyes were closed when I moved to Lira.
Lira leaned upon an elbow watching us closely. His eyes focused on Roral and widened slightly when I pushed my satisfaction into him. Perhaps he felt it, I wasn’t certain. But he watched me shift toward him with an eagerness I had rarely seen, and across the room Cursed hissed softly in warning. Lira ignored the sound as did I. He remained leaning on one elbow; his two-toned eyes straying to my nipples while I watched him lick his lips. When I reached my fingers toward his chest, his hand wrapped around my wrist like a steel band. Not exactly squeezing just locked upon me.
“Lira?” I demanded in a soft voice. He rumbled deep in his chest and suddenly his shield slid away and I was swamped by his desire. Just like the last time, my mind was rolled over and under by his passion and I cried out as his arm snaked about my body. It felt like his arm was electrified and sparks passed between us everywhere he touched. In an instant he’d pulled me onto the bed and against his chest then I was beneath him. His mouth soon covered mine, and I felt him press his hard length into my stomach. My mind stuttered from the power of his desire pouring into me and I arched against him. His body moved over me, sliding his hard length to my tender flesh so that I nearly cried out again. Lira’s hand upon my bare thigh caused me to moan, but when his palm spread over my curls and the heat i
nvaded me, it shocked me into opening my eyes and pushing the haze back far enough to fill him to overflowing with satisfaction.
Lira groaned and slumped upon me crushing me into the bed. He turned his head slightly and close to my ear he whispered, “Almost.” And then he made a pleased noise and buried his face against my shoulder. I lay there for a moment trying to bring myself under control. Lira had really done a number on me and it had been difficult to refuse him what he’d made my body crave. I had no idea how he’d managed to lift my dress and get at me so quickly. The entire experience had only taken seconds, seconds in which I had somehow lost control. Something would have to be done about Lira. I just wasn’t certain what that something should be. I sighed and wiggled and pushed my way out from under him. He was like a limp rag sprawled across me. It was apparent he was incapable of helping me dislodge myself.
My dress was bunched almost to my waist by the time I freed myself and I sat up on the bed, tugging at my dress and trying not to curse under my breath while I put myself back in order. My glance lifted to my men who were all bunched together, and appeared to be holding themselves in check through no small effort. All three of my Dragon’s eyes were whirling and Tdem appeared flushed. The rest of the men wore intense expressions, except for Cam just looked like he was in pain. Cursed stood next to him and I could see his fingers digging into Cam’s shoulder as if he’d been actively working at keeping him in place.
My eyes moved to Amras, who smiled wanly. Kit looked like he normally did when lust was the topic, so I turned to Owen and asked, “Is everyone okay? A little assistance would have been nice.”
Owen watched me for a moment and he swallowed before he replied. “There was some concern that should we attempt to aid you, your difficulties would have been compounded.” He told me in what I assumed to be a politically correct voice. His words caused me to shake my head and sigh. He was probably right. I’d been caught in a three way loop with Jace and Gareth before when their shields were down and the lust was running high. Glancing around at the others I could admit it would have been kerosene to the fire.
“I see no good deed goes unpunished. Isn’t that what they say?” I sighed then pushed off the bed, yanking my dress down over my hips. Thank goodness the material didn’t seem to wrinkle or I’d be in the process of changing again. Now where was I? Oh yeah, I had a private audience with Mom to get to, wonder what that’s was all about. I frowned slightly thinking it was likely I’d be getting yelled at yet again.
“Owen, might I have my knife back from wherever you put it when you stripped me of my clothing last night?” I asked, then plucked it off the bed next to me when it appeared. I rose and crossed to the table where I lifted my leg to a chair then proceeded to strap it to my calf as quickly and efficiently as I could manage in my high heels. I didn’t need to look up to know they were all watching me closely. “Owen and Amras can accompany me,” I informed the group when I put my foot back to the floor and smoothed my dress yet again. Everyone else frowned and Jace stepped forward before Gareth could.
“We need to go.” Jace informed me.
I sighed and frowned. I was just going to see my Mother; I didn’t need to be dragging an entourage along with me. “Fine, Dane can come with Owen and Amras.” And Dane perked up, stepping forward with a pleased smile. “But only because I don’t wish to alarm anyone, not because I think I’ll need him. Besides, Owen is with me and Kit is only ever a mental shout away.” Besides Kit was annoyed at Cam and had been told not to harm him. Gareth and Jace could handle Kit’s antics but I wasn’t certain I could say the same yet for Dane. That thought got me a moue from Kit, a thoughtful look from Gareth and Jace and a frown from Cursed. It was clear that Cursed was beginning to see that his new duties were going to restrict his access to my person significantly. From the look he shot Cam it was clear he was not happy with him. Cam wisely said nothing and somehow managed to look harmless.
“And what would you like us to do while we wait, Your Majesty?” Tdem interrupted my thoughts to ask. It was clear he wasn’t used to being told what he could and could not do but was trying to be a good sport about it. Perhaps he didn’t wish to be dragged across the floor by invisible hands and placed in the corner like Cam. I winced when he laughed suddenly and replied, “I don’t believe we’ve had enough time together for you to know what I do or do not like. However if you prefer to postpone your visit to the Princess, I’d be happy to educate you in my tastes.”
I blanched and couldn’t help glancing at Cursed who had stopped glaring at Cam and was looking rather ill. ‘Happy thoughts happy thoughts happy thoughts’ I mentally chanted, and had to look away from Cursed and his long black hair. I caught the calculating look that Tdem sent to Cursed and found myself biting my lower lip nervously. It took several seconds but I finally remembered the first part of Tdem’s question, managing to ignore the latter I threw up my hands. “I have no idea. What is there to do in a Sidhe? Hopefully this won’t take long.” I told him, wanting nothing more than to run from the room.
I could tell my cheeks were becoming pink and the knowing looks I received from several of the men were not helping. Meanwhile it seemed a silent conversation was going on between Tdem and Cursed, one that Cursed clearly did not wish to be having. If the reaction from the other Elves in the room was any indication, it seemed Tdem’s thought were leaking around the edges. And even though I couldn’t hear what was being said, it was clear there were others in the room that seemed to be having no problem at all. Jace shifted uncomfortably and Gareth looked like he was about to interrupt when Owen suddenly grimaced and crossed his arms over his chest. “Just long enough to upset you again, no doubt.” He muttered under his breath, but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. His comment brought the silent conversation to a halt and with one last promising frown Tdem looked away from Cursed.
Cursed looked relieved as if he’d been spared something he didn’t wish to contemplate. He licked his lips, took a deep breath. “You have no guards.” He reminded me softly and he looked particularly annoyed, possibly because of Cam and having to remain behind, or maybe because when I left the room I’d be taking Owen the peacemaker with me. “Who do you suppose will direct you to the Princess?” Cursed asked, narrowing his eyes slightly at my stray thoughts.
I really needed to get a handle on them and seriously contemplated raising my shields. I sighed and thought about it. Cursed had a good point and I turned to look at Amras, who looked back at me as if he was a bit distracted. When I continued to look at him and lifted one eyebrow in question he flushed slightly and stepped forward.
“I am familiar with the Princess’ quarters and can take you there.” He finally offered, his violet eyes not quite meeting mine so that I couldn’t tell if it was the fact he’d been distracted or that he could take me to my Mother’s personal quarters that was the issue.
I raised my eyebrows at the flush that reddened his cheeks but refrained from commenting on it. “Shall we then?” I asked and moved toward the door before someone else could come up with another excuse for me not to go. Gareth stepped directly into my path causing me to stop or fall into him. “I’ll be fine.” I assured him and went up on my toes so I might kiss him on the lips.
“Be careful.” He warned me and I nodded. Jace was next and he too received a kiss. Tdem cut me off nearly at the door and I glanced up at him in surprise. His dark eyes captured mine and his arms went round me and under my hair.
“Hurry back,” he whispered and kissed me like I was going off to war instead of down the hall to visit my Mom. When he released me I swayed slightly and licked my lips, which seemed to please him.
Dane’s hand on my back got me moving again and I turned to glance at Cursed just as I was about to step through the door. He looked angry and I couldn’t tell if it was his Uncle or my reaction to him that annoyed him most. I hesitated a second, reaching out to give him the feel of my lips pressed sweetly against his. His eyes widened and he seemed to set
tle.
The hall in front of my room looked like a combat zone with bodies splayed out everywhere. I stopped dead in my tracks and glanced around me in awe while Amras bent over the closest man and gave him a light shake. The man muttered in his sleep and shifted slightly but did not wake. “It makes you wonder just what is under the helms of Tdem’s men.” I whispered in a somewhat strangled voice. I couldn’t help glancing over my shoulder toward the door. We continued into the hall while Dane stepped back to the door and had a quick conversation with Gareth. Over my shoulder I watched Gareth poke his head around Dane so he could see the guards. A shake of the head and a wry smile in my direction told me that the guards would be guarded and Dane was soon striding back to us as we moved on down the hall.
Owen looked at Amras and something passed between them. “They are nulls, Lexi.” Owen whispered softly, as we moved down the hall after a last glance at the sleeping guards.
“Nulls, do you mean they can’t feel emotions?” I asked, rolling that thought around my mind for several seconds. I wasn’t certain how I felt about that revelation.
Next to me Amras frowned slightly. “I believe it means they cannot sense emotions, though it is more than that. Whether they can feel emotions I do not know. Most Fey tend to avoid them. I cannot think of any Seelie that do not find them a bit unsettling.” He told me. “Perhaps if you asked Cursed he may explain it better. It is likely he has had more interaction with them.”
“And can others sense them?” I asked my brow furrowing as I thought back on the distance that my Elven men tended to keep from Tdem’s guards whenever possible. Yet they seemed to not bother my Drakes in the least. Dane in particular seemed interested in the men that hid behind those masks. I’d seen Dane watching them at odd moments.
Beside me Dane shrugged. “Tis a curious nature I have.” He replied to my unvoiced thought.
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