by Cathryn Fox
Katrina’s pulse leapt as she recognized the familiar letterhead. Eagerly, she opened the folded note and read the message.
She skimmed the words twice before the meaning finally settled in. It was a personal invitation from Ranek to join the gala at the king’s castle.
Excitement danced in her heart and she had to stop herself from shrieking out loud. She pressed the letter to her chest as a smile stretched across her mouth.
After their brief meeting on the sunken ship, she hadn’t been able to further her relationship with Ranek. He’d gone off with a band of warriors soon afterward to battle rebels from the underworld. She had no idea he’d returned so soon.
In his absence, rumors had quickly spread throughout the kingdom that Ranek had chosen a mate. Katrina remained silent in the face of such gossip. It would be presumptuous of her to suggest he’d chosen her.
She swallowed the dryness in her mouth as she considered the idea further. Was it possible that he’d chosen her? A nervous, excited flutter made her heart race, and she had to sit before she collapsed. Feeling flushed, she fanned her hand before her heated cheeks.
Gaining control over the situation and her emotions, she immediately quashed her wandering thoughts. The king would insist there be many young women at the castle for Ranek to choose from before he made his final decision. It would simply be foolish for her to set herself up for such disappointment.
Climbing to her feet, she walked to her dressing room. Standing before her mirror, she considered how to style her hair. Should she pin it up into an artful coiffure? Or should she let it fall around her shoulders? She cursed her untamed curls as she ran a comb through them.
How would Ranek prefer it?
After much debate she pinned it on top of her head and set out to find appropriate attire. The note said there would be dancing following a formal dinner. As Katrina reached for a simple but elegant dress from her wardrobe, another knock sounded on her door.
She padded softly across the room. Another servant bowed before her. The girl appeared to be only a few years older than Katrina herself.
“I am Tiera. I was sent to help you prepare for the evening.” Dark hair cut shoulder-length framed her porcelain-white face. She lowered her lashes, shadowing her large eyes.
Surprised by such unaccustomed luxury, Katrina stepped back and with a wave of her hand, invited the girl in.
“Ranek asked that you wear this.” She handed Katrina a beautifully decorated box. “I will draw your bath and prepare your lotions,” she said before disappearing into the other room.
Katrina threw open the lid. She gasped in surprise, certain she’d never seen a more beautiful gown. The palest of greens, it was embossed with emeralds, rubies and shimmering diamonds that could only have been acquired in the dangerous mortal world.
Katrina shivered just thinking about venturing into such forbidden territory.
Had Ranek gone there for her?
“Your bath is ready,” Tiera said, indicating for Katrina to follow.
Katrina stepped into the other room and became unsettled at the thought of undressing in front of the council’s servant.
“Drink this.” The girl pressed a cup into her hands. Katrina examined the dark liquid before inhaling the fragrant mixture of spices and herbs. “It will help relax you,” Tiera insisted.
Katrina felt the tension drain from her body when she sipped the syrupy concoction. Her tightly coiled muscles began to relax. The potion was rich in flavor, and the exotic blend of herbs tingled all the way to her stomach.
The girl untied the belt of Katrina’s robe. Her breasts jutted forward as her only piece of clothing fell to the floor. Tiera took her by the hand and guided her into the bubbly, aromatic bath.
Breathing in the scented water, she relaxed and allowed her head to loll to one side as the servant began sponging her naked body. She felt almost dizzy, drugged, as though she were floating through time and space.
Katrina’s nipples darkened and hardened as the girl dragged the rough sponge over them. If not for the potion relaxing her, surely she would have protested Tiera’s invasive touch.
Katrina took another sip of her drink and watched the servant ready her body. A warm glow spread through her veins and settled low in her stomach.
Tiera lifted Katrina’s legs one at a time. She ran her soapy sponge down the length of them, careful not to miss a speck of her tender skin.
Eventually Katrina’s lids slipped shut and she relaxed against the gentle stroking motion of the girl’s small hands. Hands so unlike the masculine, rough-textured skin of the warrior who’d promised to teach her everything. Her body came alive, stimulated just thinking about his long, decadent fingers skimming her curves.
Tiera pushed the sponge between Katrina’s thighs. As the fabric scraped her most feminine places, Katrina’s clitoris hardened involuntarily. Katrina lifted one lid but the girl was either oblivious to her arousal or chose to ignore it.
Inching her legs apart to provide Tiera with better access to her secret spot, Katrina once again relaxed and enjoyed the massage.
Upon completion of her bath, Tiera poured lotion over Katrina’s body and with an erotic circular motion worked it into her skin. Katrina moaned softly as the other girl’s warm hands kneaded her tender flesh.
Tiera stepped back and bowed before Katrina. “If that will be all, then I shall return to the council.”
Katrina sighed with pleasure and disappointment. Although now relaxed from head to toe, she was disappointed that Tiera had to rush away. She’d quite enjoyed the other girl’s company.
Katrina ran her hand through her damp hair. The bath had left it a rumpled mess. “Would you mind helping me with my hair? Sometimes I swear it has a mind of its own.” Katrina tugged on a wayward curl.
Tiera smiled and followed her into the dressing room.
Katrina sat before her mirror and piled her curls above her head.
“Might I suggest you leave it down?”
“Why is that?” Katrina looked at her inquisitively.
“It is my understanding that Lord Ranek prefers it that way.”
Katrina fought a grin. “Then I shall wear it up.”
Tiera looked at her in surprise. Her large blue eyes opened wide, her mouth slightly ajar.
“I do not wish to seem too eager to please.” She raised one brow mischievously.
Tiera’s eyes lit with delight as they shared a private chuckle.
Hours later, Katrina found herself standing in the grand entrance of the king’s castle. A servant met her at the door and led her into the large dining hall. As she moved through the elegant room, she felt the glares from the other women. A hush fell over the crowd as she was seated next to Lord Ranek.
She was correct in her assumption that an array of beautiful women from their kingdom would also be joining her in her bid to be chosen as Ranek’s mate.
The king sat at the head of the table and nodded his greetings to her. She bowed graciously and accepted a glass of champagne placed before her by one of the king’s servants.
When the next lady was brought forth, all attention turned away from Katrina. All attention except for Ranek’s. A feminine thrill raced through her.
They gazed at one another.
He looked elegant in his formal attire. It wasn’t too often he moved about without armor covering his hard, muscular body. Her gaze roamed over his face. Tiny lines touched his mouth. Laugh lines, Katrina presumed, although she’d yet to see him laugh. Confident as always, he appeared less tense then he had during their previous meeting. With his features softened, he looked more handsome than ever.
His dark sensual eyes studied her with casual aplomb. She shivered with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she recalled the way he’d touched her and urged her thighs apart only days before.
Would he touch her again that way tonight?
The thought made her tingle with anticipation. She blinked, desperately trying to gai
n control over her emotions.
Beneath the table, his leg pressed against hers. Ripples of exquisite pleasure swept through her and she nearly leapt from her chair.
As though he could read her every thought, he leaned in and whispered, “The answer is yes, Katrina. I most certainly do plan on touching you again.” She caught his smug grin. “However, it will be when I’m ready.” He lifted his chin as if daring her to question his authority.
So, he wanted to challenge her, did he?
Slipping her hand below the cloth-covered table, she reached between his thighs and found him hard and wanting. She tossed him a slow, sexy grin. “I do believe you are ready.”
Sexual tension fired between them and crackled in the air.
He flinched and stifled a groan. “I look forward to punishing your bold actions, my love.” His jaw flexed.
Katrina moistened her lips. She could hardly wait.
* * * * *
Her touch on his leg made it difficult for him to think about anything else during their meal. He ached to ravage her naked body. To peel away her pale green dress inch by inch to expose her silky flesh. To have his wicked way with her from this night forward until the end of eternity.
Tonight he planned on making Katrina his mate.
Unbeknownst to her, he’d chosen Katrina a very long time ago. He’d been waiting for her to bloom, to develop the healing skills he knew she possessed, and take her rightful position as healer in their kingdom.
Recently however, upon finding his foolish younger brother touching her, he knew it was time to stake his claim. She’d grown into a beautiful, desirable woman and before another man set his fancy upon her, he would make his declaration to the kingdom.
No man would dare touch her once she was his. For if he did, his treachery would cost him his life.
“Shall we dance?”
When Katrina met his gaze, fire and heat splintered through him. Her lips were full and shiny, just begging to be kissed. She looked both innocent and sensual in the gown he’d asked her to wear. A gown he planned to strip from her body the first chance he got.
He held his hand out to her. She eagerly accepted, sliding her delicate fingers into his. He carefully pulled her to her feet as he did a slow perusal of her body. Her full, silky cleavage, barely contained beneath the fine threads of her dress, threatened to spill free.
He licked his lips and she smiled in response. He knew she enjoyed playing with him. He sensed she liked the sexual powers she held over him. Liked to tease him with her voluptuous body. And liked the responses she pulled from his. Tonight he would show her exactly what she did to his body. Especially to the member standing at half-mast between his thighs.
He pulled her onto the dance floor and pressed against her. He eased one knee between her spread legs and glanced around the room. “It pains me to go through these formalities when all I want is to have you alone,” he whispered harshly into her ear.
He felt her body go slack against his. It pleased him, the way she responded to his words. He almost chuckled. Now it was his turn to show her just who was in charge of whom.
It was his turn to play.
He inclined his head to look at her. “Would you protest if I touch you again tonight?” he asked, already knowing the answer by the response of her body. He spun her around, skimming her curves with his hand.
“Perhaps,” she murmured breathlessly. The soft warmth of her voice flooded him with longing, and he didn’t know how he would manage another second on the dance floor.
She clenched her thighs around his leg and pushed her pelvis into his groin. In his semi-erect state her hip connected with his cock. His body tightened and he slowed their dance steps.
He caught her gaze. “It would not be wise of you to resist my touch. Such pleasures are not given out freely.” He fought back a rakish grin. “Regret is such a dreadful waste of time.”
He became acutely aware of the way she vibrated in his arms. His teasing caused the effect he’d hoped for. What she didn’t know was that her sweet response to his seduction made him fairly mad with longing. His body was primed for the night ahead.
He watched her chest heave. That was where he wanted his mouth. There. Right between her creamy mounds. Lust pounded through him and he fought to restrain his arousal in the midst of the noisy crowd.
“Your scent invigorates me, Katrina. What do you call it?”
She smiled demurely. Her gaze drowsy, heated. “Arousal.”
He hardened. Right there. In the middle of the dance floor, for all to see.
That was all he could take. He had to get her out of there now. He needed her alone, he needed to bask in her rich female body, her delicate taste and heady scent.
“Come with me now,” he growled, grabbing her tiny wrist and putting an end to their game. He practically dragged her to his chambers. He closed his door, shutting out the dull noise of the crowd.
His heart hammered in his chest when he looked at her. “Turn around,” he said, his voice husky with emotion.
She obliged. With her back to him, he examined the long column of her neck. Tendrils of hair had slipped from their moorings and flirted with her nape.
“Unleash your hair.”
She pulled it free and let it cascade over her shoulders. He gave a lust-filled groan.
“Do not ever wear it that way again.” She twisted slightly and he thought he detected a sparkle in her eyes. “Have I said something amusing?”
“No, my Lord.”
He came up behind her and gently touched her shoulder. He surfed his hand over her back, down her sides and lower until he touched the sweet tender flesh of her buttocks. His fingers bit into her hips and he pulled her hard against his engorged cock.
When she wiggled her backside, he groaned and began working at the small buttons lining the back of her gown, but quickly tired of the tedious work. In one swift movement, he tore the dress from her body.
She gasped in shock.
“Face me.”
She turned, her cheeks flushed from heat and desire.
She stood before him naked and graced him with a becoming smile. Her full breasts prominent, erect, her arousal apparent in the gleam of her silky, wet pussy. He growled out loud at the sheer pleasure of her beautiful body.
Although anxious to take her in his arms, he took his time looking at her. Savoring all that was his. Lowering his head, he captured her mouth in a kiss full of sensual promise.
He deepened the kiss and anchored her to him as he sank further into her warm, welcoming mouth. Using his knee, he urged her thighs apart.
“Are you no longer going to ask for permission?” she whispered between his kisses.
“No,” he growled. “You’re mine. Tonight we shall mate and belong to each other for eternity.”
A whimper escaped her lips. “Yes, Lord Ranek, there is nothing I’d like more.”
He dipped a fingertip into her damp, velvety pussy and drew in a shaky breath. His body went up in flames as her sheath tightened around his finger.
As he swirled his finger, he felt her tense. He pulled back and glanced at her. “What is it, Katrina? Have I hurt you?”
* * * * *
She looked into his eyes and saw gentleness there. She glimpsed the tender man hidden beneath a rough exterior and her heart swelled in her chest.
It pleased her that he was concerned with her comfort. She shuffled around and glanced at the dark shadows dancing in the corners of the room. “Someone is watching us.”
He twisted around but saw nothing. “Are you sure, my love?”
She gave a quick, tight nod. He picked her up, carried her to the bed and placed her under the safety of his heavy covers.
“Stay here. I’ll search the room.” He grabbed his dagger from the mantel and drew it from its protective covering. Slowly, he searched the room, drawing back the thick-paneled curtains to inspect every crevice of his chamber. Once satisfied that no one was lurking about, he came b
ack and perched on the edge of the bed.
“Katrina, the room is secure.”
She tossed him a hesitant look. “I thought I sensed something.”
He drove his dagger back into its casing. “If you’re still unsure, I could call the guards and have them search the castle.”
“No, I trust you.” Perhaps her anticipation of their first coupling was throwing off her senses. “Calling on the guards will take you away from me. And I don’t want to spend another second away from you. “
“Very well then, if you are satisfied, as I am, we shall put this matter to rest.” He drew back the covers. “Now, let me discover your body as I have been yearning to do for so long.” He traced a soft finger over her cheek then lower. He lingered between the satiny mounds of her breasts as his eyes locked with hers.
Overcome by his tender words and gentle hands, she melted under his touch and paid no more attention to her intuition—even though for a brief moment she thought she detected a new scent in the room, one with a hint of danger associated to it.
“You belong to me, Katrina.” He stood up and removed his clothes.
She admired his magnificent body. All muscle, strength, and power. She inhaled his rich, seductive scent. Moistening her lips, she stared with fascinated excitement at his jutting shaft. Nodding her agreement, she reached for him.
He took a step back. “Say it,” he demanded.
“I belong to you,” she whispered, instinctively widening her legs, exposing her swelling clit in silent invitation, her pussy glistening.
He squatted on the edge of the bed and slipped a finger inside her. She felt the room sway. When she gyrated against him, he rewarded her with a gentle kiss that started slowly, but quickly developed into something more powerful.
He stretched out beside her and pulled her down on top of him. Her body reacted quickly to the sensual stimulation of his thick cock resting between her legs. She moaned and thrust her head back.
His male scent intoxicated her. She felt drunk with desire. He once again pulled her mouth to his, her blonde curls spilling over his chest. She opened her lips and accepted his invading tongue.