by E. A. James
“Eager?” Aerdan crawled between Angelica’s legs and nuzzled her lower belly. She flushed hotly – by now, she was so wet that the scent of her arousal mingled with the chill evening air. She moaned lowly as Aerdan slid a finger inside of her and brushed against her soft, damp skin.
“Yes,” Angelica moaned. Aerdan slid a finger inside of her body and Angelica gasped at his skillful touch. With one hand, Aerdan tugged Angelica’s underwear down her legs and tossed them to the side. Being completely naked on the grass made Angelica’s blush deepen, but she didn’t care. She knew she was behaving like a carefree, shameless girl…and somehow, that just made her want Aerdan more than ever before. Aerdan crawled closer, nuzzling her pale stomach as his fingers played on her most sensitive areas. When Aerdan found her swollen nub of pleasure, Angelica gasped in delight. Aerdan grinned wickedly.
“Enjoying yourself?” Aerdan grinned, raising an eyebrow and staring into Angelica’s dark eyes until she moaned. He rubbed his finger in slow, torturous circles until Angelica was whimpering and straining. He snickered and pulled his hand away. When Angelica cried out, Aerdan dipped his mouth to the fork between her legs and began to kiss and suckle. Angelica moaned as orgasmic pleasure filled her body. She tangled her hands in Aerdan’s hair and tugged at his scalp as his tongue and lips sucked at her most sensitive area. She could barely keep herself from rubbing her hips against his face, desperate for more pleasure.
Aerdan pulled away. Angelica watched, breathless with anticipation, as he pulled his leather trousers down his muscular hips. His stiff manhood bulged and Angelica shivered with pleasure as he moved closer. Angelica’s heart was thumping as Aerdan steadied himself with a hand against her hip. He guided himself into her, groaning with pleasure and closing his beautiful blue eyes as his hard cock penetrated Angelica’s body. For a moment, it almost stung. Then the pain melted in a warm pleasure that felt like honey seeping into Angelica’s body. She shivered and moaned, wrapping her narrow thighs around Aerdan’s waist and clinging on tightly.
“God,” Angelica moaned softly, closing her eyes and arching her back. For a moment, they stayed locked together. Then Aerdan began to pump his hips, thrusting in and out of Angelica as his motions filled them both with a powerful pleasure.
Aerdan leaned over, kissing Angelica’s face. When their lips met, she eagerly licked her own juices off his lips, blushing at the taste of her arousal. A warm, musky smell filled the clearing. Angelica found that she was moving her own hips, pushing against Aerdan, wanting more. With each of his powerful thrusts, she found herself moaning and writhing. When she rubbed against his body, pleasure shot through her lower belly and soon, Angelica was crying out and gasping for air. She dug her nails into Aerdan’s back as he rode her faster and faster, pushing her bottom into the grass.
“Oh my god,” Angelica moaned. The orgasm broke over her like a tidal wave and she could barely remember to breathe as intense sensations gripped her – it almost felt like someone was between her legs, squeezing with every pulse of her heart.
Aerdan arched his back and flicked his hair back. Beads of sweat flew from his forehead and landed on Angelica’s chest, covering her in his musk. She moaned softly – pleasure was still racing through her, even though her orgasm was fading, and she could tell that it was getting more serious for Aerdan. As their bodies moved together like a perfect work of art, Angelica held onto Aerdan’s shoulders with all of her might.
Aerdan gasped. He groaned and bucked, driving deeper inside of Angelica’s body than ever before. He whimpered and yelled, screwing his blue eyes closed as his body slammed against that of his lover. Angelica could practically feel his manhood releasing inside of her.
Aerdan and Angelica collapsed into the grass together, sweaty and spent. Aerdan grinned, then leaned in for a tender kiss that filled Angelica’s heart with contentment.
Angelica licked her lips and took a deep, quivering breath. She looked up at the sky and burst into laughter.
Aerdan frowned. “Lady, why are you laughing?”
Angelica covered her mouth with both hands.
“The sky,” she said softly. “It’s pitch black. I guess we missed that sunset after all.”
Aerdan grinned wickedly. “There’s always tomorrow,” he said archly. “I’m sure you’ll see it at some point.”
Angelica flushed hotly. “I’m sure I will,” she said softly. “I’m sure I will.”
CHAPTER SIX
Angelica
After the night they made love, everything changed between Angelica and Aerdan. While she couldn’t put a finger on it, she was sure that somehow, she owed the changes to bedding Aerdan. To her shock, Aerdan seemed more interested than ever before…and soon, talk of an upcoming royal marriage filled every hut, home, and castle in the realm.
While Angelica was still intimidated by Zornaya, she was beginning to feel more comfortable. If Zornaya knew about what had happened – which she very likely did – she said nothing. Instead, she began treating Angelica almost like a surrogate daughter.
“I was never lucky enough to have living children after Aerdan,” Zornaya said one morning. The two women were in Zornaya’s chamber, seated at a table littered with herbs and spell books. “I suffered three misses, and a still.”
Angelica flushed. “I’m an only child, too,” she said. She didn’t add that it was because her parents had gotten divorced while she was still young. “It was hard sometimes. I was lonely.”
“I’ve never worried about Aerdan being lonely,” Zornaya said. She sighed and reached for a silver goblet filled with a delicious light brew of mead. Taking a long sip, she passed the goblet to Angelica.
“He does have many friends,” Angelica said. She wondered if Zornaya was about to say something about the nature of Aerdan’s friends – the female ones, in particular.
“I have never seen my son show so much interest in a woman before,” Zornaya said. She gave Angelica a small, ambiguous smile. “He has made a great deal of change, seemingly overnight.”
Angelica flushed. Sometimes, it was hard for her to remember that Zornaya could read minds. Zornaya had often spoken of the art of secrecy – how it was possible to conceal your thoughts, even from someone as gifted as herself. But Angelica knew that was powerful, deep magic – something she wouldn’t be learning for a very long time.
“The whole kingdom is overjoyed,” Zornaya continued. “Especially at the prospect of a marriage that doesn’t involve Glasule.”
Angelica narrowed her eyes. “Forgive me, your majesty,” she said softly. “But why is that? I am an outsider, after all.”
Zornaya sighed. “Zheka and Glasule have been neighbors for many years, many generations,” she said. “And while they too are a prosperous nation…” She trailed off, biting her lip.
Angelica’s stomach flipped nervously. She’d never seen Zornaya look anything even remotely close to unsure before.
“Do not worry, child,” Zornaya said kindly. “It is perhaps best if I don’t tell you.”
Angelica narrowed her eyes. “But now I’m curious,” she said. “Please – tell me.”
Zornaya took another sip from the goblet. This time, she kept the silver clutched in her hands.
“Many years ago, there was an alliance between Zheka and Glasule,” Zornaya said. “But you must understand – The Glasulian people are not like the Zhekan people. They do not understand subtlety. They hunger for war, for violence.”
“But the show is so popular here,” Angelica said quietly. “How can you not say the same of your own people?”
For a moment, Zornaya looked angry and Angelica wondered if she ought to have kept her mouth shut. Then, Zornaya sighed and nodded.
“You are correct, child,” she said. “But there is a difference – that is entertainment. It is a way for men to prove themselves.” Zornaya narrowed her eyes. “Are you going to tell me that in the land of New York City, men do not attempt such dangerous stunts?”
Angelica
blushed. “They do,” she admitted.
Zornaya’s smile was smug. “I bet,” she said. “Because that is the nature of men. They hunger for violence, they hunger to prove themselves. That is why our way is better. Glasule is ruled by men, therefore they are always at war. They do not like peace – it feels unnatural to them.”
Angelica frowned.
“It is a fierce land, with many powerful warriors,” Zornaya said. “And yet, they have never managed to surpass the success of Zheka. Can you guess why?”
Angelica shook her head.
“It’s because they are always losing their men to foreign wars and battles,” Zornaya said knowingly. “Here, we are always at peace. Our men are grunts – they perform all domestic work. And if they happen to want to show off, for awards, well, they are welcome to do so. But we never lose lives to fighting battles on foreign soil, Angelica. You must remember that if you someday want to rule Zheka.”
Angelica bit her lip. “Aerdan has not spoken of marriage.”
“He knows,” Zornaya said. “Despite his lack of obvious caring, he knows.”
Angelica nodded slowly. “I…I do not know that I’m fit to rule,” she said quickly. She’d meant to keep her feelings bottled up, but sharing a strangely intimate conversation with Zornaya had relaxed her walls. Now that she’d begun to speak, she found that she couldn’t stop.
Angelica continued: “I haven’t been here for very long – what if the people wouldn’t like me? What if they wouldn’t consider me suitable?”
Zornaya laughed. “I will not lie – there are many girls in the village who envy you. But the primary concern is that we do not form a strong alliance with Glasule. Doing so would throw everything into jeopardy. The economy would collapse, all of the Zhekan people would worry about being sent away, possibly to die, at the hands of foreign barbarians.”
Angelica nodded. “I still don’t know how comfortable I feel,” she said. “What if I am never allowed the opportunity to return home? What of my own life? And I still haven’t figured out why I need to be here,” she added. “Please, Zornaya, tell me.”
“You do not need to know why,” Zornaya said serenely. “You must accept that this is the way of your life, that you were brought here for a reason. And if you are meant to be with my son, you must accept that he, too, is fragile. On the outside, Aerdan is a very strong man. He has a strong will. But on the inside…”
“He doesn’t want to stay here,” Angelica said impulsively. “He wants to explore.” She frowned. “I’m still not happy that he lied to me about that when we first met…but majesty, I know that’s all he’s ever wanted to do.”
“Aerdan is not yet a grown man in all the ways of the mind,” Zornaya said harshly. “That is a childish impulse – one that he must learn to control if he wants to succeed as a man. Don’t you understand that, Angelica? You must see: Aerdan’s place is here, ruling Zheka. His father won’t live forever. And may the gods help me if I have to rule without a male consort.”
Angelica fell silent.
“Come, child,” Zornaya said. “I will help you. You are still struggling with basic magic, yes?”
Angelica nodded.
Zornaya got to her feet and walked to a small shelf in the corner of the room. She took a small bundle wrapped in silk and clutched it tightly in her hands.
“This was a gift from my mother when I was a small child,” Zornaya said. “It was hers, and her mother’s before.”
Angelica watched nervously as Zornaya unwrapped the small parcel. Inside was an ancient-looking book, bound with leather. The crumbling vellum pages were stained and thin. There were illustrations on the side of each page of text, and Angelica gasped as the illustrations moved before her very eyes.
“It’s a mere illusion,” Zornaya said. But she was smiling – Angelica could tell she’d been hoping for that very reaction. “Meant to keep children’s attention on their work.” Zornaya handed the book to Angelica and Angelica held it gently with both hands.
“You may keep this,” Zornaya said. “I think it will help you.”
Angelica glanced down at the book, suddenly feeling nervous. “Majesty, why are men not allowed to practice magic? Why are they barred from using their natural, inherent ability? Don’t you think some men might become powerful wizards – wizards who could be of help?”
Zornaya waved a hand in the air dismissively. “Men do not know what they want, most of the time,” she said. “As women, it is our job to guide them.”
But Aerdan, Angelica thought sadly. Maybe he would be happier if he could practice magic – maybe that would sate his need for adventure.
“I know what you are thinking,” Zornaya said gently. She put her hand on Angelica’s shoulder and Angelica felt a pulse of warmth pass from the older woman’s body to her own. “But no, child. I do not believe that would satisfy my Aerdan. He merely needs to grow, to advance from this foolish nonsense. I do not think Aerdan will be happy until he comes into his own.”
Zornaya’s blue eyes flicked to Angelica’s and held them firmly, making Angelica feel rooted to the spot.
“And I believe you have the power to help him come into his own, child,” Zornaya added in a voice that sent chills down Angelica’s spine.
Just as Angelica was about to ask what the Queen meant, a loud horn sounded. Angelica shuddered. She still hadn’t begun to feel better about the “shows” in the kingdom…and she hated the idea that one day, likely soon, she’d need to attend another.
“Majesty?” Angelica glanced up in alarm and saw that Zornaya’s face was pale, drained of all blood. Her blue eyes filled with tears and she gripped the edge of the table to steady herself. Is it possible that the Queen despises the shows as much as I do, Angelica wondered. I’ve never seen her look so emotional before!
“The guards,” Zornaya hissed. “They must be warned! This is not time to waste, child!” Zornaya grabbed a purple silk cloak and threw it over her shoulders.
The horn sounded again. This time, it chilled Angelica to the bone. She suddenly knew that it wasn’t the cry of a show about to begin. It was something darker, something far more sinister. A cold wind whipped into the room from the open window and Angelica shuddered as she crossed the stone floor. Outside, the skies were dark and stormy. The sea was foaming and frothy – huge waves, the size of small buildings, were crashing ominously onto the shore. When Angelica looked to the horizon, she gasped. Several large, black ships were gliding across the stormy seas.
“Glasule,” Angelica whispered. How did I know that, she wondered, glancing down in amazement. Then panic struck. I have to get out of here, she thought in a panic. What’s going to happen to me? What’s going to happen to Aerdan?!
Fear struck Angelica’s heart and she ran out of the room, following Zornaya down the spiral staircase. The castle was already abuzz with frantic royals, and Angelica was very nearly trampled as a herd of bulky, muscular men ran through the main hall.
Suddenly, a loud sound pierced the air – it was shrill and painful, and Angelica clapped her hands over her ears and winced. Her heart leapt into her throat – Zornaya was nowhere to be found.
“Aerdan!” Angelica shrieked. “Aerdan, where are you?”
Her cries were lost in the frantic, panicked atmosphere of the grand hall. People rushed to and fro, kicking clouds of dust from the stone floor and choking Angelica’s senses. In a desperate panic, she raced to the end of the hall, then took the secret staircase up to Aerdan’s quarters. Sweat was dripping down her forehead and soaking her dress by the time she reached the landing and pushed open the heavy wooden door.
Aerdan was nowhere to be found. Brynx stood on the bed, kneading the pillow with his paws.
“Brynx!” Angelica yelped. “What is it? What’s going on?”
Brynx walked in two circles, then sat down on his haunches.
“Brynx, something really bad is happening,” Angelica said frantically. “Brynx, where’s Aerdan? We have to find him!”
>
“If I were you, I’d suggest hiding,” Brynx said calmly. He licked one of his paws. “They’re coming for you both.”
“What?” Angelica’s jaw dropped. “Who is they? Brynx, come on! Tell me what’s going to happen?”
Brynx shrugged and looked apathetic. “It’s not good,” he said in a silky voice. “Warships from Glasule are never a good sign, lady.”
Angelica sank down on the mattress. “We have to find Aerdan,” she said breathlessly. “We have to make sure he’s going to be okay!”
“Aerdan is capable,” Brynx said. “He can take care of himself. But you – you on the other hand…” He trailed off, yawning and exposing his bright white teeth. “You ought to be as far away from here as possible by the time those ships land.” Brynx hopped from the bed to the ledge of the window and looked out. “And that will be soon,” he said. “Take a look.”