by Rachel Angel
“Chants?” I looked at him in disbelief. “Like what? Like witchcraft? Like something holy?”
He shook his head. “No, far from holy.” He looked down before meeting my gaze again. “At times, the chants are barely human, but at other times, I can make out certain human sounds, almost words, though I’m not sure in what language.”
My stomach tightened up into a painful knot. “Okay,” I said, nodding. “I’ll be careful. Very careful. But promise me that you’ll be careful, too. You’re all alone out there in your lodge. At least here, I’m well surrounded.”
“And I am reassured by that.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry about me, Violet. I’m a trained fighter. And, in case you didn’t know, I’m a very capable fighter.”
I squeezed his hands. “I know you are, Avery, but until we find out what’s really going on out there, until we find out who’s wandering around out on that mountain, you need to be especially careful.”
“I am careful, and I will continue to be.” He released my hands. “As I am sure you will.”
I nodded.
“I’ll see you soon,” he said. “My father is also eager to see you again.”
I knew he was to be at the Choosing, as many Kings from the surrounding kingdoms would be. But what struck me was how he completely ignored the fact that his brother would also be there.
Throughout his visit, he hadn’t mentioned Axel at all.
Were things still strained between them?
Before I could ask him, he walked away.
“Thank you for letting me know about the forest,” I called out after him.
Chapter 3
Violet
“How are things coming along here?” I asked Rosie when I entered the kitchen. The scents of aromatic gravies, sweet jams and fragrant sauces filled the air.
“Oh, sweetie,” Rosie said as she rushed around, stirring this and flipping that. “Your timing couldn’t be better. Lara and Frieda were both burned when a pot boiled over and had to leave to go to the infirmary, and Vivian had to go home because her boy is sick. I’m severely shorted-handed and there is still so much to do.”
“Tell me what you need. I still have a few hours before I have to get ready for the banquet.”
“You’re a life saver.” Rosie smiled as she wiped the sweat from her brow. “It’d be wonderful if you could go out to the vegetable garden. I need several carrots, three large yams and as many cabbages as you can carry.”
“I’m on it.”
“There’s more,” Rosie said, looking wearily at me. “Your father reminded me that Queen Annabella is allergic to nuts and eggs. I need to make at least three desserts that have neither. If you can find enough blueberries, raspberries or strawberries to make a pie or a few tarts, that would be great. If you can’t find enough of any of those, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“Okay,” I said as I came up to her and patted her on the back. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon with everything you need.” I grabbed two large hand baskets and headed out.
The sun had warmed up the afternoon considerably and as I headed to the garden, I hummed a pleasant tune. Careful to find the most ripened items, I snapped off three cabbage heads, pulled out a half dozen huge carrots and then reached for the small potato rake and dug out a few yams.
With all the required vegetables in my baskets, I quickly brought them back to the kitchen.
“Here are your vegetables, Rosie,” I called out before heading out again. I walked past the garden and beyond the orchard.
Dozens of blueberry bushes grew along the sunny edge of the forest along with raspberries and blackberries. The few strawberries that remained were too small to be of any use, so I collected as many of the big ripe blueberries as I could.
As I reached deeper into the blueberry patch, I heard a strange sound. Straightening up, I thought of what Avery had said as I looked around, trying to find the source of the sound.
It came again, an eerie growl.
I set my hand over the hilt of the short sword that was always at my waist. The growl came again, and every muscle in my body tensed, ready to fight.
A loud thud sounded behind me and I dropped my basket of blueberries as I turned, but I wasn’t fast enough. I was quickly tackled and pushed to the ground, scratching my face on the branches of the blueberry bushes on my way down. The hard and heavy weight of my attacker pinned me to the ground as a hand quickly came over my mouth, silencing any cry for help.
Swallowed up by the dense blueberry bushes, I turned on my back to face my attacker. His laughing eyes instantly met mine, but his hand remained over my mouth.
Smiling under his hand, I struggled, knowing very well how it excited him. He reached up under my shirt and greedily grabbed my breast, and when he finally removed his hand, it was to replace it with his hungry lips. His newly freed hand hurried under the waistband of my skirt and under my undergarment. The motions of his fingers instantly aroused me, bringing on the hint of an orgasm.
Leaving my lips, his warm wet mouth came to my breast, latching onto a nipple and bringing it to exciting heights. I was on fire and in need of having it extinguished.
And I needn’t tell him.
He knew.
Jacking my skirt up, he tore off my undergarment and parted my legs. He didn’t waste any time. We both knew what we wanted, and we both wanted it now.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” he said huskily.
“Well, you’ve found me, Axel,” I said with a lusty grin. “What are you going to do now?”
“Oh,” he said with a sexy groan, his cock nudging up against my pussy.
Damn, he made me so hot. He knew how to turn me on, warm me up, make me beg. He knew I couldn’t resist him. He knew that I always wanted more.
And he exploited that.
“Don’t make me beg for it, Axel.”
“Oh,” he groaned. “But I do love to hear you beg.”
“Give me your cock,” I said. “Fuck me with that big dick of yours.”
“Talk dirty some more. There’s something so delicious about hearing you talk such filth. Daughter to the Kingmaker. You’re practically nobility, and yet you talk like a whore.”
“And you fuck like a sailor who’s been out to sea for far too long.” I arched my back, shoving my breasts into his face, while putting some distance between my crotch and his cock.
“Are you playing with me, you wench?” he said.
“If you don’t fuck me now, I’m out of here.”
“You think?” He looked into my eyes. “You think you can break free of me?”
I grinned and licked my lips. I wanted him so bad. “Just fuck me and shut up.”
He licked the side of my breast and when I tilted my hips up to him, he rammed his cock deep inside me.
“Yes!” I said, gripping his ass with my hungry fingers. “Fuck me!”
“That’s all you ever want from me,” Axel said as he held himself over me. “All you want from me is my dick.”
“And what a great dick it is,” I whispered as he continued to pound into me. My arousal grew and my impending orgasm took complete control of me. No longer able to speak, I grunted my pleasure as I held the rhythm with him, pumping my hips up and back.
We climaxed together, both shuddering as our orgasms exploded. I clung to him, holding him to me, breathing him in as his body remained tight and rigid for another long moment.
“Damn, I’ve missed you,” he murmured into my ear. His hand ran over my shoulder, down along my waist and the outer side of my thigh. “All of this. All of you. Your soft skin. Your delicious scent. I’ve missed it all so much. I just had to rush out here to see you.”
“You’ve missed the sex,” I corrected. “You’ve missed fucking me.” I had no illusions when it came to Axel. I knew our relationship was sexual… and that was it.
“Well, yeah. I missed that, too.”
Pushing a strand of hair off his brow, I smiled at him. I
loved his playful side. He had the kind of boyish charm that women loved, and the women of the kingdoms certainly loved him. It wasn’t unusual to see sophisticated, mature women throwing themselves at him. And, what to say of the younger women who quite literally swooned at the sight of him.
“You’re the only one for me, Violet,” he whispered into my ear as he ground his pelvis into mine.
I let out a doubtful snort. Yeah, right, I thought.
“I want to take you as my bride,” he went on.
Marriage was not on my mind, especially to a king or prince. As kingmaker, it would be greatly frowned upon for me to be in any royal family. “You know that’s impossible,” I finally said. “I am to be kingmaker one day.”
“Truly?” he said. He shifted over to my side and looked at me. “You would choose the title of Kingmaker over love? Over me? Don’t I matter to you?”
“Of course, you matter to me.” I ran my hand over his strong, hard shoulder, down over his bicep and forearm and grasped his hand. The lust I felt for him was undeniable. But love? “Kingmaker is who I am, Axel. It’s my destiny.”
“Destiny,” he said flatly. “Who says? Have you ever thought that maybe your destiny is to be queen? To be my queen?”
I looked into his eyes, trying to see my future. It would be fun and exciting. It would be filled with sexual adventure and titillating games. But was it what I truly wanted? Did I need more?
Axel was still so young, and in certain situations a bit immature. In time that could change. He would mature and one day truly have a desire to settle down and take a bride.
A part of me wanted to believe that he would one day be grown-up, but looking at him, I couldn’t see it. All I saw was the handsome and sexy player who loved women, loved sex… and loved his freedom.
Chapter 4
Violet
Queen Jarely entered with King Taro, both elegant and regal in dark burgundy trimmed with black and adorned with gold. Then Princess Harriet, Princess Clara and Princess Zoe. Their pretty dresses of deep green satin, bright blue silk and creamy yellow taffeta, all had extra tight bodices with daringly low necklines. The dresses were meant to catch the eye, and every man’s eyes veered towards them.
I detested the competition. I hated to see women luring men into their webs with their deep cleavages and vague promises of pleasures to come, and I refused to participate.
Wearing a comfortably corseted charcoal dress with a dramatically high collar, long tight sleeves, and a relatively narrow skirt, all trimmed with black lace, I felt sexy and in power. In power of my image. I wanted to send the message to every man in the room that while, yes, I was definitely a woman, I also had much more than an interesting cleavage to offer.
The girls with the deep, deep cleavage looked at me, their flirting eyes leaving the gazes of the young men around them as they looked me over, analyzed me, and compared themselves to me.
I was no match for them, their confident gazes said, as did their cocky grins.
Yet as I walked through the banquet hall, the eyes of the princes turned to me, followed me. I glanced back to see the horrified and indignant faces of the three princesses.
“Violet,” Father called as I came near. “How lovely you look. Always so elegant.”
“Thank you, father,” I said, as I twirled around to show him the artistic embroidery that adorned the bodice of my dress. Black lace on black taffeta, the effect was subtle sensuality. My hair was pulled up with a web of tiny braids giving the updo added elegance.
“I’d like to introduce you to Prince Reginald from the Isle of Emerald and Prince Oliver,” Father said when I faced him again.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said as I offered my hand to Prince Reginald who was gorgeous with silver white hair, high cheekbones, and pale blue icy eyes fringed with long lashes.
He kissed my hand, his intense eyes riveted to mine. “Your father told me his daughter was strong and strong-willed, but he made no mention of how delightfully breathtaking you are.”
I nodded and smiled, then turned to Prince Oliver, who was also very beautiful with golden hair and almost gold skin and amber eyes. He was stunning.
“You are indeed a vision,” he said, taking a long slow look at me.
“Prince Oliver!” the young princess in the yellow dress called out as she approached them.
He smiled apologetically and rolled his eyes before turning to her. “Yes, Princess Zoe.”
“You promised you’d show me your new carriage,” she said with a suggestive smile.
“You’re right,” he said reluctantly.
“I heard that it was lined with super soft satin. I’d give anything to see it.”
“It does.” He glanced back at me with regret as he walked away with the giggling young princess.
“I’ll leave you to entertain Prince Reginald,” Father said, as he looked at the new arrivals. “King Francis has just arrived, and he owes me a favor.” He winked at me and walked off.
I looked at Prince Reginald and smiled awkwardly.
“This is a lovely event your father is holding.”
“Thank you.”
We looked at each other for an uncomfortable moment.
“Would you care to see our gardens?” I finally offered, only to immediately hear the sexual innuendo of my invitation.
“Very much so, yes,” he said with a respectful bow.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you here at Kingsbury Castle before,” I said, trying to avoid being too intrusive. We walked out onto the expansive patio and I led him down the stone steps to the part of the garden reserved for orchids and other rare and delicate flowers.
“Indeed, it is my first time on the Island of Arcadia,” Prince Reginald said.
“Then, I will do my best to make a good impression on you.”
He chuckled. “No need. I am already quite impressed.” His gaze swept over me, and while there was keen interest in his eyes, there wasn’t the usual sexual assessment, but a sincere show of respect.
We came to the small area where the orchids were protected from the wind by a tall cedar hedge on one side while allowing them to be bathed in necessary sunlight.
“Father does like to see the grounds neatly kept. He has a team of men and women working here on a regular basis. It’s a full time job, really.”
“That is admirable.”
I looked up at him. “Tell me, what brings you here on the night of the Choosing?”
“My great uncle recently passed,” he said.
“And who was your great uncle?”
“King Frederick,” he said solemnly.
I nodded. I’d occasionally heard the name, but didn’t really know the man.
“Unfortunately, his brothers are at odds as to who should now claim the throne. Don’t get me wrong. I love my uncles, but this nonsense has to stop before they go to war over this.”
“So, you’re hoping my father will determine who takes the throne.”
The prince nodded. “For years I’ve heard about these banquets; these nights when a king is chosen. But it is the first time I attend such an event.”
“I hope you won’t be disappointed, Prince Reginald. Sometimes these things don’t turn out the way people hope.”
“Please, call me Reggie,” he said with a crooked and endearing smile. “I think ‘Prince Reginald’ makes me sound too lofty and out of touch.”
“All right, Reggie.”
“I have no expectations about tonight one way or another,” he said. “I just want it to be settled so that we can resume a normal way of life once again in my kingdom.” He turned to look at the flowers around him. “This is truly delightful. I’m glad you brought me out here.”
The evening sun lit up the flowers, giving them an almost unearthly glow. It was spectacular. I could not have brought him to see the orchids at a better time.
“It’s one of my favorite places,” I said. I pointed to a dark purple, almost black dendro
brium orchid. “I picked this one out myself and insisted Father add it to this garden.”
Reggie smiled. “You seem to be as strong and elegant as the flower you favor.”
I shivered and hugged myself as a cool breeze came in from the sea. “Perhaps we should go back inside.”
He nodded and we slowly made our way back to the ballroom.
“No sooner do I meet such a fascinating woman that she is swept away by another,” Prince Oliver said as he came up beside me, his arm snaking around my waist. “Come dance with me.”
I smiled at Reggie, who nodded his understanding, as Prince Oliver led me to the dance floor.
“I’ll tell you one thing,” Prince Oliver said as he pulled me into his arms. “You certainly make all the other maidens here look dull by comparison.”
I glanced down at my dark gown then looked to the princess in bright blue. Her breasts were pushing against the tight fabric of her bodice, promising to burst out at any moment.
Prince Oliver followed my gaze and chuckled. “Women who try to gain a man’s interest by shoving their breasts into the man’s face bore me. You have no idea. But you. It’s easy to see that you have something to offer; something interesting; something of value. I’ve no doubt that there is a red-blooded woman under this garment. You just refuse to so blatantly advertise it to everyone. I admire that about you. In fact, it is the very thing that attracted me to you when I first laid eyes on you. Strong, smart… and sexy.”
I looked up into his eyes, wanting to believe him. I’d tired of men looking down my shirt, my blouse, my dress. I’d tired of men thinking of me as nothing more than walking tits and ass. Yes, I was a sexual being and I made no apologies for that, but I was also so much more.
Did Prince Oliver really see the strong woman I was? Was he intimidated by it?
“Most women believe that men are scared off by a smart woman,” I said. “By a strong woman.”
“I’d say they were meeting the wrong men. An intelligent man does not want to talk with a woman who has little to say. Oh, perhaps for a night of fun, idle conversation will do, but for a real relationship? No. The woman has to have something more than just her body to offer.”