by Rachel Angel
I smiled indulgently as I watched him cut my meat and bring the morsel to my mouth. When he cut the second piece, he leaned in close as he brought it to my lips.
“I love to watch you eat,” he said. “There’s something sensual in every move you make.”
I wiped the corners of my mouth with my linen napkin.
“How about a sip of wine?” Avery offered, bringing my glass to my lips.
I played along and took a sip as he held my glass.
“You know,” I said. “While I do appreciate all this attention, I hope you’re aware that I am perfectly capable of cutting my own meat.”
“Of course, I know that,” he said. “I know you’re a strong and capable woman. But I also like to spoil you, treat you like the special girl you really are.”
“You’re sweet.” I was surprised by the degree of attention he was giving me.
“And I think you need to eat so you can build up your strength.”
“I’m strong,” I argued.
“I know you are. I just want you to be as strong as you can be. That way I won’t have to worry about you so much all the time.”
“You worry about me?” I said, a little stunned.
“Violet. I can’t believe you’re surprised by that. Of course, I worry about you. All the time.”
“All the time?”
“Well,” he said shyly, looking down at his plate for a moment. “You know what I mean. I think about you all the time. Sometimes I worry. Sometimes I’m just eager to see you again. Sometimes I dream about you.”
“I think you’ve simply held onto your childhood desire to take care of me. To watch over me.”
“It’s not a childhood desire I have anymore, Violet.”
A sensual jolt went through my body. He wanted me? Or was I just imagining things?
“Come on, Violet,” Avery said. “Don’t tell me you didn’t know.”
“Avery, we’ve been friends forever. You’ve never…”
“I’ve always wanted you,” he whispered as he leaned in closer. “Does that bother you?”
“Bother me?” I said. “Oh, Avery. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.”
He looked at me. “I wished I’d known that before.”
“Funny. I always thought it was pretty obvious.”
He shook his head. “Maybe. Maybe I was just a dense and innocent teenager. I’ll tell you, if I’d known this earlier, if I’d realized sooner how you felt… Well, it would have saved me a lot of tossing and turning. Instead of just dreaming about you… well, who knows?”
Under the table, he slipped his hand over my thigh.
“But since I’ve already wasted so much time, I’ll tell you now. I want you tonight. I don’t want to have to wait another day.”
I looked into his eyes, already filled with anticipation.
“I’ll be staying here, at your castle tonight,” he said softly. “Like all the other nobles here, I’ll be sleeping under the same roof as you.”
“Yes,” I whispered. I could already see where he was going. “I know.”
“Later tonight, when everyone has gone to bed, I’d like to sneak over to your room, if that’s all right with you.”
I smiled. “I’ll make sure my door remains unlocked.”
Licking his lips, he looked hungrily at me. “Damn, I wish I could kiss you right here, right now.” His gaze went to the scarf that hid his brother’s mark. “I wish I could erase that mark. I want to erase any trace of my brother on your skin.”
“Avery,” I said. “You know how passionate Axel can get sometimes. He doesn’t mean any harm by it.”
“He’s a thoughtless hothead.”
“At times, yes. But at other times he can be very giving and generous. And he certainly is a loving person.”
Avery’s features quickly hardened, and his eyes narrowed. “I can’t believe you’re defending him. After what he did.”
“You’re forgetting that, just as I’ve known you forever, I’ve known him. I know he has a good heart behind all that impulsiveness.”
“Violet, he marked you. He marked you like one would mark a piece of furniture; like a rancher would brand a cow.” He picked up his fork. “The way you would mark silverware or any other household item. He doesn’t own you. He has no right.”
“I know that.”
“You should have the right to choose who you want. He has no right to make that choice for you.”
“I know.”
“Besides,” he said, cracking a shy smile. “I want you to choose me.” He leaned in closer. “And when you discover what I have to offer, I know you’ll make the right choice.”
Chapter 7
Violet
More and more food was brought in. For those who loved to indulge in delectable delights, it was heaven. Many tried the meat pies, honeyed ham and thinly sliced spicy turkey.
Then it was the baker’s turn to be applauded as he brought it a five tiered cake, each tier surrounded by a golden crown of hardened sugar encrusted with candied jewels of red, green and blue.
Other trays of tarts, pastries and cookies were brought in, along with miniature versions of the crown cake. Coffees and teas and fine liquors were also brought in.
For me, I couldn’t take another bite, although I did indulge in a few sips of a sweet, orange-flavored liquor.
Finally, Father stood and tapped his silver knife against his crystal goblet. “My royal and noble guests from all kingdoms. Evening activities are soon to commence. We offer you music, entertainment and an ongoing stream of food and drink. You are all invited to partake, until the wee hours of the morning, if you are able. For those desiring a good night’s sleep, know that your suites are ready and waiting.”
Guests looked at one another, weighing their options.
“As for the Choosing,” Father said. “I’ve decided that it will be tomorrow night. I hope you are not inconvenienced by my decision, and I do hope to see you all there.”
Many of the older guests dawdled a while longer, either eating a final pastry or taking a last sip of alcoholic pleasure, before finally taking their leave. Only a handful left immediately after the meal, but most of the guests stayed to watch the first three entertainers hired for the evening.
Jugglers and acrobats had everyone smiling and applauding and asking for more.
When musicians began to play soft romantic music, young and old got up to dance with their loved ones. But when the musicians turned to more lively music, everyone save for the youngest of the princes and princesses left, leaving the dance floor to the younger generation.
“Well,” I said breathlessly after a third dance. I looked to the guests at my table. “I hope you’ve all enjoyed the evening, and I hope you’ll continue to have fun. As for me, the day has been long with preparations, and I must now bid you goodnight.”
I stood and nodded to the men around me, then curtsied to the few young women who still remained at the table.
Most of the men in attendance had moved on to fine cognac and brandy, and a small group had even taken a table to a corner of the ballroom for a game of cards. From the sound of it, there was a little gambling going on, and one frustrated guest appeared to be losing quite a bit of money.
Leaving the ballroom, I was satisfied with the way the banquet had gone, pleased with the part I’d had in its success. But I was also looking forward to the rest of the night to come.
Would Avery really come to my room?
Nodding and smiling to the few guests who wandered the halls, looking for their suite, I slowly made my way to my private quarters at the far end of the east wing.
Once inside, I removed Avery’s silk scarf and brought it to my face, breathing in the faint scent that still remained on it. He always smelled so delicious, and tonight was no exception.
I set the scarf down on the edge of my bed and worked to get my tight dress off. Accustomed to the aid of my maid, I struggled a bit to get the bodi
ce loosened enough for me to finally wiggle out of it.
Standing in front of the mirror with only a thin chemise and my black stockings still on, I scrutinized my reflection. My breasts, medium sized but pert, poked at the fine fabric of my chemise in an alluring fashion. My belly, tight and hard from so much training, was flat. My legs were muscular and lean.
Would Avery appreciate what he saw? Would it be enough? Could I stand up to the competition?
I reached for the golden scarf on the bed and wrapped it around my neck, once again hiding the mark Axel had left. I didn’t like the effect of the soft silk scarf over the plain white chemise.
I hesitated. Would it be too obvious? Too wanton?
Hell, Violet, I told myself. He’s coming over to fuck you. You couldn’t be too wanton if you tried.
I let the chemise fall to the floor, leaving only the silk scarf to cover my breasts. The sensation of the smooth fabric against my nipples was exciting and thrilling.
I couldn’t wait for Avery to come to my door; to see me. Eager and anxious to see him, I went to my door and cracked it open, peering out into the hall.
Nothing. No one.
Should I wait up for him? Should I go to sleep? I don’t think I could, I thought. Should I feign sleep?
I walked out onto my private balcony. Far below I could still hear the festivities. Could Avery simply be enjoying himself downstairs so much that he would forget about me?
I returned inside and sat on the edge of my bed. No. Avery wouldn’t forget about me. I knew better than that. I also knew that many of the noblemen in attendance used events such as these to discuss important matters, learn more about one another and discover new trends.
Patience, I told myself. Just be patient.
Excited and agitated, I nonetheless felt the rush and weight of the day finally take its toll on me. Fatigue took over me, and as I lay back, careful to drape Avery’s scarf sensually over my breasts, I promised myself I would just sleep for a few moments.
Through the depths of slumber, I heard in the distance the cracking of my door as it opened. Even before I awoke, I smelled him. That scent. That beautifully enticing scent. I fought to break through my sleepiness as Avery came into my room. I could hear the faint rustling of fabric as he took off his royal suit. And finally, he slipped into bed beside me.
I felt the heat of his body, his skin along mine, from his chest against my shoulder to his toes against my feet.
“You can wear my scarf anytime,” he said softly as he delicately pushed the fabric off my breasts, exposing them to his hands, to his lips.
Oh, what a way to wake up!
My body immediately responded as I just lay there and took it all in. His lips on my nipple was heaven and I never wanted him to stop.
But he did. He took his lips away from the hungry nub and kissed his way down over my belly, and on to the crux of my thighs.
Oh, yes, I thought. I’m already halfway there, I wanted to say. If anything, my orgasm would be too swift. I could feel it. My excitement level was too high. All he had to do was…
“Oh, yes!” I call out as he clamped his warm mouth over my core. “Oh, yes!”
He plunged two fingers deep inside me, letting the waves of my orgasm tightened around his digits. Leaning up, he looked into my eyes as my orgasm continued to rock me.
“This is going to be a long and beautiful night,” Avery whispered lovingly as he came up to kiss me.
Chapter 8
Tempest
The night was filled with heat, intense and searing heat; the heat of Avery’s body against mine. It was glorious. The feel of his skin was something I knew I would never tire of.
After that first swift orgasm, he looked into my eyes. “This isn’t over,” he whispered tenderly.
He made slow love to me. He was tender as he caressed my skin, discovered my body and brought me to exciting highs. And when he turned voracious and urgent, clawing at me and biting me, I just wanted to beg for more.
Simultaneously reaching our climax, we clung to each other, our perspiration mingling.
“I knew it would be sweet,” he said. “I knew that we were meant to be together. You are even more delicious than I could have ever imagined.”
We curled up together, making sure that every possible inch of skin touched the other.
When we finally fell asleep, tangled in each other’s arms, the sun had begun to faintly light up the morning sky.
Sleep was deep and wonderful, filled with dreams of my future with Avery. The dreams were bright and colorful and filled with laughter. Joy. It was all joy. Contentment filled me as never before.
When I shifted in the bed, curling up against Avery’s hard and hot body, the dreams intensified, turning crude and erotic. The dreams were pleasurable in every way.
From far, far away, as Avery filled my dream with sweet and sexy sensations, I heard a scream. In the context of my dream, it didn’t make sense. Where had the scream come from? An angry rival?
The scream came again; the shrill cry of a woman. I felt the cold air fill the space as Avery sat up and moved away from me. In my dream I tried to pull him back, to keep him close to me, but as another scream filled the air, I realized it wasn’t a dream. I woke up to find Avery was up and getting dressed.
“What’s going on?” I said groggily.
Another scream. This time I heard it clearly. A woman in distress, on the verge of hysteria. No words could be made out at first. Just panic.
“Help me,” the woman cried out. “I need medical care. Please. Where is everyone?”
A frown immediately creased Avery’s brow. “That sounds like my mother.”
“Queen of Islandia?” I said.
“Somebody, help me!” she screeched.
Avery hurried out of the room as I rushed to throw on a robe. Once out in the hall, I saw Avery heading towards the sounds of the screams. I ran after him and soon, more footsteps could be heard behind us as more and more people were awakened and thrust into the halls to find what was the matter.
“Mother,” Avery said, when he finally reached her.
Barefoot and in her nightgown, she turned to her son. Her eyes were wide with fear and confusion. “It’s your father.”
Shaking his head, Avery grasped his mother’s shoulders and held her steady. “What do you mean? What about Father?”
A crowd of sleepy guests had gathered around us, all wanting to know what all the screaming was about.
Axel came running from the other direction. “What’s going on?” He called into the growing crowd. Then he saw the queen. “Mother?” He pushed through the curious guests and came to his brother’s side, looking dumbfounded as he looked at his disheveled mother. “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure yet,” Avery said. “She’s hysterical.”
“We need to get him a doctor,” the queen cried. “Please, won’t anyone listen to me!”
Many of the guards had come to join us, and finally I saw Father join the onlookers. I pushed through the crowd to get to him. “I don’t know what’s going on, but she needs a doctor.”
My father nodded. “I’ve already sent out for Dr. Murphy.” He looked above my head to the gathered crowd. “Please. If I may ask that you all return to your quarters. Please. A physician is on the way and everything is under control.”
Many muttered and mumbled, reluctant to leave the lively scene. The high drama had awakened everyone’s senses and they seemed eager to see more.
“Please, people. We’ll make sure you are all kept abreast of any pertinent news.”
Shuffling away, they finally left, many of them taking one last glimpse over their shoulder.
“Mother,” Avery said, trying to gently guide her back to the room she shared with the King of Islandia. “What happened?”
Father and I followed closely behind them along with Axel.
“I don’t know,” she said through hysterical tears. “During dinner he became flushed and c
omplained of an aching in his belly. He tried to stay at the banquet as long as he could, but after dinner he got worse. He was eager to get to bed; eager to rest.” She stopped to catch her breath. “It’s not like him. He’s usually so energetic, so eager to enjoy a party such as this.” She looked apologetically to my father.
“I know he does,” Father said, forcing a smile.
“When we got to our room, he laid down and tried to sleep. After settling him in and getting him a drink of water, I went out to sit out on the balcony to read. It was such a lovely evening. I dreaded the thought of it ending.” Again, she looked at my father. “You do tend to your castle so well. Our view of the garden was so lovely and the far away isles mesmerizing.”
We arrived at their door and she turned to face us.
“I fell asleep on the lounge chair until I was chilled by the early morning air. The sun was coming up and I was hopeful my husband would be feeling better. But when I got up to go inside.” She was in tears again, distraught and frightened. Her face became a mask of pain. “He was green. His lips were dark… a strange color.”
“I don’t understand,” Father said. “Could it be something he ate?”
I looked at him. “Rosie is so careful. She checks and double checks everything. It’s impossible that she would serve anything that wasn’t of the highest quality.”
“No,” the queen said as she opened the door and we entered the room. “I think he was poisoned.”
We all stopped to look at her. It was an incredible accusation.
“Poisoned?” Father said, immediately concerned. “You think the King of Islandia was deliberately poisoned?”
“What else could it be?” she cried out. She walked toward the bed and pointed at her husband. “Look at him,” she shouted. “Look at him!”
We all stood shocked by the sight of the king.
“Now, where is that doctor?” she shrieked. “Where is he?”
For the first time in my life, I saw my father at a loss for words. He looked blankly at the queen, and I knew that he was deeply troubled by the possibility of someone being poisoned in his home. Even more so being that it was the King of Islandia. It was unthinkable.