“Thank you, Lord de Braose, you may be seated,” Pentanimir said.
“Sir Cantrell. You asked to face your accuser; there he sits. Would you like the formal claim read into the permanent record so that you may answer it?”
“There’s no need, Zaxson,” Ladir said. “I’m certain the charge will stand.”
“Do you willingly admit to the offenses you’ve committed against Lord de Braose?”
“There was but one, yet it isn’t easily forgotten or forgiven. I was following Lord Daracus and Sir Yannick’s commands. They ordered Beilzen’s just sentence after crimes he confessed to committing.”
“You’ll address your accuser by his proper title, guard of Nazil . Beilzen de Braose has been granted the title of Lord and serves Nazil as a Chancellor of Treasury. Either will suffice. Choose whichever suits you best.”
“Yes sir, Zaxson. Lord de Braose brutally raped Lady Denotra and was justly punished for the crime.”
With that, Pentanimir nearly gasped.
“I—I see,” Pentanimir managed. “I’m unaware of any such crime being committed. However, the charge against you is valid and must be taken under careful consideration. Being a Chosen is more than following orders. True, you must be willing to serve Nazil with honor, but I expect all beneath Sir Yego’s charge to respectfully offer an opinion when it’s warranted. I won’t have a group of thugs raping and pillaging throughout Faélondul. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Zaxson. I didn’t want to harm anyone, but I was commanded to do otherwise.”
“Were you commanded to tell everyone about my shame and offer japes at my expense?” Beilzen asked.
“Once not so long ago, Lord de Braose, you would’ve done the same. Don’t forget that we served together and spoke much. There are many charges one could make against you as well.”
Temian silenced both men. “Enough. We aren’t here to discuss Lord de Braose’s possible offenses. We’re speaking only of you, Sir Cantrell.”
“Agreed,” Pentanimir said. “We’ll take your inquiry under consideration. You’ll be summoned once a decision has been reached,” he said, motioning to the door.
“Do you have something you need to tell us, Beilzen?” Danimore asked once Ladir had left.
Beilzen cleared his throat. “What Ladir said is only partially true.”
“What part of his words are false?”
“I endeavored to tell you before, Zaxson, and you gave no care for the cause of my imprisonment and torture. I defiled no one. Denotra demanded my—my service with thoughts of you in her mind.
“At that time, it mattered not to me who she imagined I was. I did as she commanded and was pleased for the opportunity.” His eyes met the floor. “For the first time, I was the first and you were second to me. It was foolish, and had my mind been clear, I would’ve stayed far from the citadel.
“I lost myself in the feeling. Long had I convinced myself that I desired Denotra, as nearly all in Nazil knew. Once the opportunity presented itself, the reality paled considerably to the fantasy.” Beilzen’s voice cracked as the memories of that night assaulted his mind.
“It wasn’t until her needs were sufficiently met did she regret her decision. When Denotra opened her eyes and looked at me, revulsion replaced the pleasure I’d given her. She was disgusted, fearing Daracus’ wrath and thoughts of a possible pregnancy.”
“And this is when he took you?” Danimore asked.
“No. It wasn’t until Denotra fell ill did she tell Daracus. I knew I’d be blamed and possibly beaten for my offense against the first Lady of Nazil, so I attempted to flee to Yarah. Before I could leave, Daracus sent Yannick and the guard to detain me. I was dragged from the temple and beaten, and then Yannick ordered his guards to…to abuse me.
“Daracus knew I spoke true, but he tortured, and maimed me in spite of it. That’s the truth, and I’ve regretted my actions and the envy I felt toward you ever since.”
“Denotra commanded you to lay with her?” Temian asked.
“Yes, Sir. Though she stated from the beginning, that I wasn’t who she wanted. She chose me out of convenience and for my ability to keep her secret. I had to answer to the Zaxson’s name and she called out the same as I pleased her. It was a game to her, and she labeled it as such.”
Pentanimir met his eyes. “I was forced to take part in a similar game , Beilzen. However, she didn’t tell anyone about how she took advantage of me.”
“No doubt because she desired your pledge, Brother,” Danimore said. “No gain could come of revealing such to Daracus or Draizeyn.”
“True. But it wasn’t the same for Beilzen. I want to hear more of this, Lord de Braose, but this isn’t the time,” Pentanimir said. “We have much to accomplish and little time to do so. Thank you for your assistance. It won’t be forgotten.”
Reality of the Heart
“Didn’t I tell you that you’d enjoy it?” Sahma said.
Ahvixx rubbed the towel over his face and then froze, watching Sahma emerging from the water, her thin tunic clinging to her every curve and protrusion. He attempted to avert his eyes, but couldn’t turn away, captivated by what lie beneath the sheer cloth.
She appeared nearly naked, and the evidence of his arousal was unmistakable.
Sahma grabbed a dry towel, wrapping it around her before sitting next to him. Ahvixx swallowed hard, glancing down to his crotch, and then quickly tossed his towel over the rise beneath his trousers.
“Wasn’t it refreshing?” she asked, laying her head on his shoulder. “I love to swim.”
“Yes—yes it was,” he stammered.
Lowering him to the blanket, Sahma snuggled in to the crook of his arm. Ahvixx gingerly wrapped it around her, crossing his legs as comfortably as he could. His mind raced, not knowing what, if anything, to do or say. The more he thought about her clinging tunic, the more aroused he became. He glanced down again, willing his body to calm.
“I could lie here with you the entire day, Ahvixx. The smell and the sounds of the water are so peaceful,” she said, gliding a hand across his chest. He shuddered, feeling the throb increase.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes—yes, I’m fine. It—it’s very peaceful.”
Sahma nodded, snuggling in again. “I’ve just noticed that you don’t have any hair,” she said, caressing his chest. “My father’s chest is covered with it. It appears more fur than hair,” she giggled. “But I like how yours feels. It’s so smooth and toned. You’ve been hiding a lot beneath those robes.”
She smiled, continuing her caress. When her fingertips grazed his navel, Ahvixx sprang up, bunching the towel around his crotch as he stood.
“Ahvixx, what’s wrong?”
He shook his head, angling away from her.
“We don’t have to swim if you don’t want to,” she said, standing to face him, causing her towel to lower.
His face flushed as the throb became almost painful. “Please,” he nearly begged. “Will you please cover your chest.”
She peered down, and then looked up at him with eyes filled with desolation. “Forgive me. I—I didn’t know,” she said, tightening the towel and sitting at the water’s edge.
This was the first time she’d felt uncomfortable around him. Ahvixx was the one person that she could share all her heart and desires, and she loved that about him.
Tears lined her eyes as she considered the possible change in their relationship. Certainly, she’d gotten older, but those changes didn’t hinder the love she held for him. Now, she was uncertain about their relationship, or what would happen as she continued to mature.
He watched her go, feeling the weight of the expression she wore. After taking a deep breath, he joined her at the water’s edge.
“I’m the one who needs to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong, Sahma, you only did what I’ve grown to love about you. When we’re together, I cherish our closeness. You’ve shared something special with me, a part of yourself, and I
…I don’t know,” he relented, desperately attempting to understand the maelstrom of emotions swirling through his heart and mind.
When she looked up at him, he saw the tears lining her eyes.
“I don’t ever want to make you cry,” he said, leaning forward and softly kissing her brow. He hugged her against him, kissing the crown of her head. “Forgive me, Sahma. You did nothing wrong.”
“Then what is it?”
He sighed, leaning away from her. “You must notice how you’ve changed.”
“Changed? I’m the same as I’ve always been,” she offered as innocently as the look in her eyes.
“Yes and no,” he said, helping her to stand. “You’re still my dearest friend whom I love, and nothing will ever change that. However, you’ve matured since we’ve known each other. When first we met, you were a skipping young girl, and now, you’re a beautiful young woman, and your body reminds me of this when I look at you.”
“Isn’t that pleasing to you?”
“Pleasing?”
“Yes, Ahvixx. When you look at me, is it pleasing to see me as a woman and your friend?”
“I’m always pleased with you,” he said, restructuring his thoughts. “What I mean to say is that as a woman—a very beautiful woman—sometimes I can’t control my natural, physical reaction to you. You are very appealing, Sahma. This doesn’t change how I feel about you as my friend; it’s just an unexpected variable. I thought our friendship would negate any attraction beyond that of admiration. But seeing you moving from the water and…and your tunic…” he left his words there, shaking his head again. “You’re a very attractive woman.”
“Is that all?”
“All? Isn’t that enough?”
“Ahvixx, I’ve always found you attractive. Your eyes were the first I noticed. Well, other than the comb tangled in your hair.” She smiled. “I told you that I thought your eyes were beautiful, and I still think the same. You’ve changed, too, you know? Your body is more toned and developed, and you don’t slump anymore. Do you really believe that I haven’t imagined how it would feel to kiss you? Not a mere touch, but to really kiss you.”
The shock of her always truthful statements set him back both mentally and physically. “You’re attracted to me?”
“Is that so difficult to believe?”
“I…I just didn’t think you thought about me in such a manner. You’ve never…well…I didn’t think you could consider me that way. We’re friends, and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize that for all of Nazil’s gold.”
“Nor would I, but I’m not blind, either. I wish you could see with my eyes.” She stroked his face. “But don’t worry, our friendship hasn’t changed, not to me. Ahvixx, you’re an attractive man, one that I could love beyond that which we now share. There’s no other person in all Faélondul that I’d want to share such closeness than you. I love you and cherish the relationship we have. Whatever experiences lie before us, they’ll be treasured just as our friendship is.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, not turning from his eyes. “You’re the one person who could help me understand and discover the many secrets of love. I could kiss you with all I have within me and that love wouldn’t change.”
His brow creased, admiring her cherubic features. There was such love and sincerity in her eyes. He loved her, and her eyes spoke the same.
The many secrets of love , he thought, returning her smile.
Although uncertain, he leaned forward, kissing her again. It was the most passionate kiss they’d shared: seeming more a display for lovers than of friends, and his arousal told him the same. When he stepped back, her smile broadened.
“And still I love you as my dearest friend.”
Ahvixx laughed aloud, tossing back his head before regarding her again. “I love you, too,” he said, taking one of her hands. “Mayhaps we should return before the diminishing sun takes all the warmth from us.”
She nodded, interlacing their fingers. She didn’t miss the significant bulge in his trousers, and she grinned, keeping those thoughts to herself.
Ahvixx’s thoughts were still on Sahma when he finally extinguished his lantern and shuttered his window. After stoking the fire in his hearth, his mind wandered as he undressed. He had to laugh, thinking about their time at the lake. His sister had been right. Only, he was the one who seemed unable to resist the woman that Sahma had become.
He shook his head, crawling into the warmth of his bed. After offering the usual prayers, he burrowed beneath the covers, closing his eyes.
Even in the peace of his room, sleep was elusive. Images of Sahma emerging from the water pervaded his thoughts. He attempted to focus on her face, but the curves shown through the sheer material overwhelmed those innocent features, causing a substantial rise beneath his covers.
“She’s your dearest friend, ” he said aloud, thinking the reminder was needed.
His sleep was fitful at best. After drinking a glass of water, he slid back beneath the covers with her image still in his mind.
“No, certainly not a priest,” he chuckled.
As he closed his eyes, a soft knock caused them to blink back open. He sat up in the bed, slack-jawed as Sahma rushed inside, latching the door behind her.
“Sahma?” he said as loud as he dared. “What are you doing?”
She hushed him, slipping out of her gown. His eyes nearly burst from their sockets, watching her approach his bed naked and unafraid.
“Wa…wait…what are you doing?” he asked in near panic, pulling the covers tight around him.
She slid in next to him, drawing some cover over herself. “Can’t I lay with you?”
“What? No. No, you can’t lay with me, not like this. You need to leave now before someone comes.”
“I can’t leave, Ahvixx. The guards were approaching when I came. They won’t make another round for some time. If I left, they’d see me.”
“Please, you can’t be here.” His eyes widened, hearing nothing but the ictus of his heart thrumming loudly in his ears.
“How’s this different than when we lay together any other time? Don’t you enjoy feeling the warmth of my skin against yours?” She moved closer, forcing his arm up high and taking a place on his chest. Her hand draped across his waist, and she snuggled in to him. “You see, it’s the same, only feeling your bare skin against mine is more pleasing.”
He jerked, trying to slide away, but the wall prevented his retreat. His wide eyes frantically searched his room before finding hers again.
“Sahma?” he whispered with a voice full of fear. “At least allow me my clothes.”
“What? But I thought you wanted to share this with me,” she said, gliding a hand down his chest. “I love how you feel, Ahvixx.”
He gasped, twisting his torso too late to prevent her fingertips from brushing his manhood. She stopped suddenly, feeling the rigidness increase with her touch.
“Shouldn’t your navel be up here,” she said, continuing to explore. “How far can it reach?”
He sprang up in the bed, moving her hand away.
“No. I can’t do this. Either you or I must leave. I…I…I can’t be tempted in this manner. Please, Sahma, I need to go.”
“Tempted? I’m not tempting you, Ahvixx. I only want to share myself with you. I…I saw your excitement at the beach and want to understand and experience all of you. Don’t you want the same?”
She took his hand, resting it on her breast. “I saw you looking at me, too. Don’t you want to know how it feels? Haven’t you ever thought about what it would be like to touch me?” she asked, as easily as requesting a passing of bread.
He didn’t retract his hand right away. Her softness and warmth were more gratifying than he’d ever imagined. He had thought about making love to her, he’d dreamt of it often. Too often. But this wasn’t a dream: she was here beside him. Gently, he squeezed and massaged her chest, caressing a nipple between his fingers. When she moaned, he quickly withdrew his hand.
�
�Ahvixx, why’d you stop?”
“I stopped because it’s wrong. You are my dearest friend, but we aren’t married, or…or even promised, Sahma. This is something only those who’ve professed their love are allowed. Not us.”
“But we do love each other. You said that our feelings were a natural thing, and there’s no one else that I want to experience these feelings with other than you. I wish to know, Ahvixx, as do you. There’ll never be anyone closer to my heart,” she whispered, moving over him, kissing. “I love you.”
He resisted only a moment before returning her impassioned kiss, as his hands explored every part of her that he could reach.
“You feel remarkable,” she said, falling to his side. “Better than I could ever imagine. I can hardly catch my breath.”
“I feel the same,” he said, moving over her, hungrily tasting her breasts. She arched toward him, enraptured by the sensation of his tongue and hands, searching her body. He continued, unsure of his technique, but enjoying the pleasurable discovery.
“Would you like it if I did the same?” she said, pushing him beside her, and then kissing and nibbling his chest. Never had he known such a sensation. He clenched his eyes tight, feeling the waves of pleasure cascade down his entire body.
Reaching out to her, he caressed her thighs, relishing the warmth he discovered between them. “I want to kiss you there,” he breathed, rolling her on her back. Sahma’s moans were immediate as he began his intimate kiss.
“Gods, it’s magnificent,” he said, excitedly continuing. He almost stopped when she trembled, but hearing her pleasured moans served to increase his fervor.
“Ahvixx,” she panted, pulling him on top of her. “What did you do?”
“I—I don’t know. Did you like it?”
“It was incredible. I never knew such pleasure existed.”
“Shall I do it again?” he asked, eagerly sliding down.
“No. Not yet. I want to feel more of you.”
“You—you want me to become part of you?” he asked, trying not to seem too ardent at the prospect.
“Yes. I want to know and only you can show me.”
Immediately, he began his probes. After several unsuccessful attempts, he sucked in a sharp breath, feeling an intoxicating warmth.
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 107