Flame Thrower

by Alice Wade

  “Well, thank you for asking. Mary is recovering from that long illness thanks to you. That healer you sent made all the difference and we both are in your debt for that act,” Lord Williams replied full of sincerity. Then his eyes darted to Tillian and the unspoken request for an introduction was clear.

  “Lord Williams, may I introduce Princess Tillian of Folkyn?”

  She felt as if she were going to pass out. This was too much too soon. She forgot all her manners and just stared at this older man before her. She felt a little better when he softened the moment with a smile of encouragement.

  “A pleasure my dear. I hope your stay with us is enjoyable.” He bowed to Ryan again, “My king, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your generosity.” After a nod from Ryan and another compassionate smile to Tillian, he made his way back to the table.

  “Please, can we go?” Tillian pleaded.

  “Immediately. I feel I keep apologizing to you. I had not meant for this to be an ordeal.” He walked them back through the doors and into the study where servants had already set up a table with a lovely lace covering and were in the process of laying out place settings.

  Wallace and June arrived shortly thereafter with questioning looks on their faces, but they had the good sense not to ask once they got one look at Tillian. She appeared pale and had that look of a frightened rabbit about to bolt.

  “Thank you for joining us here. It was a mistake to push her like that. Please, if you won’t mind dining in here with us, we’d enjoy your company without all those eyes watching,” Ryan offered.

  “Of course,” June replied and slowly approached. Her outstretched hand begged Tillian to take it. “Princess, why don’t you come with me near the fire while the table is arranged?” She watched Tillian war with some internal battle to be courageous and won. When she nodded in reply and accepted her hand, June smile with reassurance.

  June guided them to a sofa near the fire and sat down, arranging her flowing gown around her. She tugged Tillian to sit next to her when she noticed the Princess had not yet sat down. “You must have been through a horrific ordeal to be frightened of them,” June indicated the nobles in the adjoining room with her thumb.

  Tillian inwardly cringed at that statement. It made her feel weak and broken. That thought kept her distracted, but June wouldn’t allow her to drift. Her voice pulled Tillian from the edge and talked her back down to reality.

  “They’re harmless, the lot of them really. I am glad for this respite, however, for they can be loud,” she added.

  Tillian felt the relief as well. “Yes, appears I can’t manage being around people right now.”

  June cast a glance to Ryan and then continued, “No one is forcing you to.”

  “I know.” Her head tilted in June’s direction and she looked at the woman closely. She looked different from women in her homeland and it only made this entire situation more foreign. Her face was wide with large green eyes that sparkled in the firelight. She wore her red hair free flowing in a controlled mass of curls that framed her face and cascaded down below her shoulders. The only adornment was a thin colored ribbon holding the mass off her face. Tillian absently touched her own head lightly, realizing her choice of the tight pleat to be severe.

  “You do realize you couldn’t be in safer hands than King Ryan’s. It was fate that led him to you.” June couldn’t resist.

  “Fate?” Tillian snorted. “I’m not sure I believe in that. It was luck,” she replied in a soft-spoken voice.

  “Now you sound like Ryan,” June chuckled. “I’ve been harping at him for years on fate and that one day he’d meet his true love and it would be love at first sight. He’d know when it happened, and...” She paused with a glance in her king’s direction, she found him watching Tillian carefully and that made June smile. “I think he knows.”

  Tillian tilted her head slightly. “You know this how?”

  “He’s one of my closest friends, more of a brother really. I can see it in his eyes, Princess. He’s in love with you.”

  Tillian huffed. “Well, that doesn’t exactly mean it was love at first sight.”

  “What else could it be?”

  “Luck. Maybe my amazing charm? I don’t know. But fate? I think not,” she joked, surprised that she suddenly felt comfortable enough to do so with a stranger.

  “If that makes you feel better about falling in love, all right. I chalk it up to fate.” June smiled and leaned her back into the cushions, feeling the warmth of the flames while she watched Ryan prowling the far side of the room. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this enamored before. I’m rather amused by his reaction right now. Look at him, Tillian. He’s frantic about your wellbeing. That gives you some peace, does it not?”

  Tillian followed her advice and found Ryan watching her. When their gazes met, she smiled. “You have no idea. I know this is very foolish of me, but I do not feel safe unless he is near.”

  “Not foolish considering what you’ve endured. He has the largest heart of any man I know, so it is understandable that you feel this way. Again, you couldn’t be in better hands.”

  Tillian’s eyes had not broken from Ryan’s worried stare. “I really hate being this weak. Before this happened, I was strong-willed and stubborn. Now I’m terrified of my own shadow.”

  June’s compassion swelled while she watched Tillian sinking into despair. “Princess, you’ve been tortured for two months. Your mind just needs time to accept that you are no longer in any danger. Let Ryan love you and help you heal. Let his heart show you the way.”

  Tillian finally broke her eye contact with Ryan only to look at June with wide eyes. “It’s not Ryan I’m terrified of, June. It’s everyone else.”

  “That, too, will pass. I can help you there. While you’re here, I would dearly love your company for tea. My door is open whenever you need a friend and I could even teach you a little of my craft.”

  Wallace heard that from across the room and choked. He couldn’t believe June just offered this to a Princess from Folkyn. He shouted, “No, you won’t.”

  June laughed, waving him off and focused on Tillian again. “Ignore him. He tolerates my beliefs but I wouldn’t say he accepts them. I also think he’s a little worried because you’ve been raised away from magic. I’m a Hedge Witch, you see. I have no village to support, so I tend to provide my skills and service to those I care for or who are curious enough to visit me here in the palace.”

  Tillian flinched back. She was taught Hedge Witches were the work of pure evil. They were unrestrained, eccentric and on the wild side. In a sense, unstable. This woman wasn’t unstable in the least bit, but she was definitely eccentric. Tillian had a hard time reconciling what she saw before her with what she’d been taught and failed.

  “Ah, I see your Folkyn beliefs are preying on your mind. Here in Yorath, my training is quite normal. We are normally found in villages as the healers or birth wives. You know, Edda is one, so is Girdie. Were they evil or unkind?”

  “N-n-no,” she stammered.

  “We are just a little different. I tend to read stones and remind anyone who will listen that ‘Life is Magic and Magic is Life,’” she smiled. “Fate plays a very large part of that belief. All things happen for a reason, dear. Ryan was meant to find you, because you were meant to find Ryan. It’s that simple.”

  “Huh, well I’ll think on that offer.”

  “Please, I would be honored.”

  It was then that the food arrived and all were beckoned to the table. The moment they were seated, Ryan snaked his hand under the table and clasped Tillian’s in a gentle but firm hold. He felt her trembling but it wasn’t anything compared to the pure terror she showed outside in the hall. The choice to come here was a wise one.

  The evening progressed after that with June luring Tillian out of her shell with her nonsense about fate and magic. Tillian relaxed enough to enjoy the company enough to laugh.

  Ryan felt a twinge of jealousy at t
hat. On one level, he cheered that she felt comfortable enough to let down her guard enough to laugh. Yet on the other, he wanted to selfishly guard that smile as only his. Tillian really had no idea how breathtaking she was when that inner beauty came through in her smile.

  At one point, June leaned in close. “So, how did he get you to stay?”

  Tillian replied with a very straight face, “He promised to cook for me.”

  June laughed hard and nearly spilled her wine. “Oh, Ryan, you are going to give Gretta a heart attack! She hates people working in her kitchen.”

  He released Tillian’s hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder instead. “I know, but I was willing do just about anything to get her to stay, June.”

  “I’m sure. Tillian, I think he got the better end of the bargain though. Have you really eaten his cooking?” June winked at Tillian then leaned back while the servers cleared the plates away.

  “I’m looking forward to experiencing it again tomorrow morning. I will let you know if it was as good as today’s meal.” Tillian’s voice was confident and demanding, so unlike the fearful woman from earlier.

  “I can cook,” Ryan defended. “You will see.” Ryan’s voice drew a raised brow from June’s face however. His ‘I can’ earned a laugh or two.

  Tillian added in playful challenge, “Prove it.”

  He dipped his head in a reply, “Your wish is my command. I will cook you the best breakfast you have ever eaten. Even if I put my life in danger because I’ve angered Gretta.”

  June watched this interaction and felt like doing a little jig. She had waited so long for Ryan to fall in love and he really couldn’t have chosen a more suitable woman. She was stunning, radiant and the love that burned in her eyes was enough to make June want to cry. More importantly, she needed him. Her heart was an open wound and Ryan’s love was just what she needed. That and time.

  * * * *

  Ryan enjoyed himself tremendously and felt utter happiness with Tillian sitting at his side. Halfway through dinner, he looked over and noticed Tillian had barely touched her food. That prompted him to lean over close to her ear. “Is something wrong with the food?”

  She dipped her head and then tilted it slight in his direction. “No, just no appetite at the moment.”

  “Well, you might later after I get done with you,” he added with a sexual undertone added in. He meant it as a tease, but he saw the fear flash at the mention of intimacy.

  “We’ll see,” she replied.

  Tillian picked at her plate pushing the food around just to appease Ryan but didn’t eat much more. Instead she focused on the friendly company and did her best not to think of the night ahead. Yet when she did, she couldn’t help the warm flush that spread between her legs, and that conflicted with her fear of disappointing him. It didn’t help that each time he brushed her leg or caressed her hand it only inflamed her desires further. Part of her couldn’t wait for their two guests to depart and part of her wished they would remain all night.

  Dinner complete, June felt it was time to depart. “Wallace, dear, I think we should be going for it’s rather late,” June finally blurted out. She could see the two wanted to be alone and felt now was a good time to leave. Tillian appeared much more relaxed and Ryan twitched with annoyance, which told June they had over-stayed their welcome.

  “I want a night cap.” Her husband could be so clueless at times.

  “Well, have one at home. I’m tired.” She smiled apologetically Ryan and then stood to force the issue. Wallace had no choice but to follow.

  Grudgingly, Wallace stood as well as the others. He approached Tillian without seeing any signs of aversion. “I do hope you visit. June is eccentric but could be a great friend while you are here. Just don’t let her force her mumbo jumbo on you. She’s a bit pushy when it comes to her craft,” he teased as he kissed Tillian’s hand.

  Completely at ease now around Wallace, Tillian accepted the kiss and smiled. “I will and I promise to not fall victim to her beliefs.”

  “Excellent, I hope to see you soon then, Princess,” Wallace replied. He was relieved she didn’t flinch from his presence. “Now, let me get my wild wife home.”

  “I’m not wild, different, but not wild,” she tossed back then hugged Tillian intimately. “Please don’t wait too long for tea. My house is lonely while Wallace plays Captain, so I need that friend as much as you.”

  “All right.”

  “Good evening to you both.” She winked when she caught Ryan’s eye. Her look expressed her approval before she dragged Wallace from the room with a flourish.

  The silence that followed their departure fell heavy in the room. Tillian felt the panic that had eluded her all night rush back. She knew what was going to happen next and the thought of being alone with Ryan both excited her and scared her to death. She knew as well as anyone that he’d want to be intimate, yet her insecurities of that terrified her.

  Tillian fidgeted and stood up, moving towards the fire. She stood before the flames while her heart beat erratically in her chest. This was it.

  Ryan frowned at her sudden withdrawal and followed. When Tillian flinched, he was thrown back into being worried about her well being. Was she now afraid of him? “Tillian?”

  When she didn’t turn around, he forced the issue by grabbing her shoulders and spinning her to face him. He used a gentle touch to tilt her face towards his, searching her eyes. The motion brought their bodies closer and he inadvertently pulled her closer, using an arm he wrapped around her waist. “What is wrong?”

  She turned her head to the side and looked everywhere but at him. She couldn’t handle seeing his concern right now.

  “Tillian? Tell me what is wrong? Dinner was amazing and the company easy. What brought on this new fear?” There was an uncomfortable knot forming in his stomach.

  “Ryan—” Her whisper was so quiet that he nearly missed it. He now understood she feared his advances but he didn’t move. All through dinner, watching her laugh with June, it tormented him. In addition she rarely let go of his hand. The memory of her skin haunted him and now he desperately wanted to feel more than the palm against his body.

  “Why are you fighting this? I’m bewitched by your charm and find absolutely nothing repulsive about you.” He then laughed. “Quite the opposite to be exact. I can’t keep my hands off you.”

  “I don’t understand you. I’m ruined, Ryan. I’m not suitable for your partner and don’t understand why you are remotely interested.”

  That had him frowning. “Are you referring to the fact you’re no longer a virgin?” When she nodded he understood. She knew what he wanted and it was sending her into another tailspin.

  “Tillian, I could care less if you are a virgin or not. We don’t value such things in Yorath. From the moment we are of age, courtesans are hired to teach us in the ways of sex. We all come to our wedding beds ‘ruined’ as you put it. So you see, my dear, I could care less.” He lowered his face and kissed her. One hand moved along her neck and collar bone dropping lower to caress to swell of her breasts. This caused her to moan loudly into his mouth and arch her chest into his touch.

  Finding her last strand of resistance, she pushed him gently and he relented. “Ryan, please,” she sighed in exasperation. “I’m –”

  “You are what?” he demanded insistently, teasing her with his lips. He didn’t want to be talking at the moment.

  Tears silently slid down her cheeks while she looked into his warm brown eyes. It made him feel like a monster that he pushed her to this point, so he pulled back a little and looked down. He slowly wiped the tears from her cheek giving her a chance to calm down. “I’m scared,” she said in a very tortured and quiet whisper.

  Hanging his head, Ryan realized he had pushed her too fast. “I’m so sorry. I’ll stop.” He tried to pull away but felt her hand on his lower back pulling his body back towards her, a motion that ground his very hard shaft into her waist.

  “That’s not what I mea
nt,” she said quietly with a hint of seduction. Passion flared in her eyes when she met his searing, hopeful stare.

  “Oh?” he asked with optimism and leaned into her with his weight. He looked down at her with one raised eyebrow anticipating her response.

  “I’m scared, because I’m not trained and all I’ve ever known is rough abuse. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”

  His mind raced with the opportunities. “Then let me teach you. Let me show you what it means to really be loved,” he spoke softly into her ear. His hips pressed his case too and earned a soft exhale in response.

  She shuddered at his words but didn’t push him away this time. Encouraged by this, he lowered his head to her neck and began to kiss from her ear down her collar bone and used his lips and tongue as a tool.

  Tillian melted under his attention. She tilted her head back to allow him more access, which elicited a groan that she felt vibrations from deep in Ryan’s throat as he devoured her. It felt good to please someone like this. Tillian tumbled into the sensations and gave in to the wild feelings. They were similar to what she felt last night when he loved her for the first time, and she desperately wanted to feel that again. Where she was conflicted was with her fear-fear of wanting his love and fear of allowing it to happen at all. He wasn’t giving her much option to turn away, inflaming her arousal to a fever pitch. His tongue licked at the junction of her neck and shoulder, causing Tillian’s resolve to crumble. She was his to do with as he wished.

  He enjoyed the moment and kissed her into submission. He wasn’t expecting her to participate right away and jumped when he felt her hand snake up to caress his chest. It was too much for him. If she continued to caress him like that, he’d rip that gown off her body and take her right here. That was not what he wanted, and he collected both her wrists in one of his large hands and pinned them over her head, pushing her back against the wall.

  “My turn. You relax and let me love you, Tillian,” he cooed. He then devoured her all over again, kissing her lips, her neck, her ear. He made sure she was a quivering mess before relented.