“Alright.” I was trembling slightly, from both nerves and excitement. I had felt pleasure from them before, but I knew this would be different. Neel pulled me towards Hunter’s bed, pushing me to a sitting position so he could kneel at my feet. Hunter stood by my side, his fingers still continuing to play with and massage my wings in a way that was making me want to squirm it felt so good. Neel pulled my mouth to his, his lips soft as they met mine. His kisses were slow and sweet, his tongue flicking out to taste my lips and disappearing before I could taste him with my own. I wrapped my hands around his shoulders, pulling him closer to me. Spreading my legs so that I could hold him against my body, I groaned as he pressed into me. Hunter’s lips found my neck, kissing, nipping, and then laving the small stings away.
I tugged at Neel’s tunic, desperate to feel his skin underneath my hands. I had seen them all while we bathed, but now I wanted a chance to touch them the way they had touched me. Neel reached back to untie the clasp holding his tunic behind his neck, his mouth never stopping its slow exploration of mine. When his tunic fell away I dug my hands back into his shoulders, enjoying the sensation of his hot skin under my fingertips and the way his muscles bunched and flowed in response to how I massaged him.
Hunter’s fingers danced across the collar of my tunic, a playful tease as his mouth continued to work on my sensitive neck. A woosh of fabric was my indication that his own tunic had fallen to the floor. I wondered if he would let me taste his tattoos again, he had seemed to enjoy that the last time I did it. Neel’s mouth pulled from mine, leaving my lips swollen, as his mouth sought down the other side of my neck. “Ready?” Hunter’s words were husky and full of need as he tugged slightly on the tie for my tunic, not enough to to release it but enough for me to understand his question. I nodded eagerly. I wanted to feel their skin against mine again. Already I was panting, my body twisting under their ministrations.
Both of my mates groaned as my skin was bared to their sight. As if unable to resist, Hunter reached out to grasp my breasts, kneading and molding them in his hands. A whimper escaped me as I arched into the sensation, his fingers tugged at my nipples sending waves of pleasure shooting through me. I reached back to run my fingers down his chest and over his abdomen, playing over the hard, etched contours of his muscles and enjoying the way he hissed as I teased my fingers against the fabric of his pants. Neel’s mouth slid from my neck, tracing my collarbone with his tongue, before he nipped my breast. I arched, reaching up to hold his mouth to me, enjoying the sensation of his hot, wet mouth on my breast, pressing my core into him, trying to obtain the pressure my body needed.
“It feels so good.” The words were only a mumble as I let myself fall into the pleasure they were giving me. Hunter knelt by my side, his mouth claiming my other nipple as he suckled hard. I groaned, the sensation of two mouths on my nipples too much to take as I twisted in their grasp. I tugged their heads away, frantic now as I reached for the fastenings to their pants, my hands shaking with nerves.
Neel grabbed my fingers before I could undo them, shaking his head slightly as he smiled at me. “No need for that yet. We’re enjoying you.”
I was needy and exasperated as I pulled at his hold. “I’m enjoying it, too. I want to enjoy more!”
“More, hm?” Hunter’s smile was decidedly wicked as he quickly undid the fastenings to my own pants, sliding them down my thighs. Neel slid from his position between them, exposing me completely to their view. Whether it was because I knew they had all seen me nude before, or whether I just needed them too badly, I was unsure, but I wasn’t nervous being bare in front of them.
“Beautiful.” Neel’s eyes swept me from head to toe before returning to my own. “You’re gorgeous, Emberly.” I smiled slightly, reaching out for both of them, unhappy that they were so far from me. Neel’s mouth returned to my breasts, suckling and licking as Hunter massaged my thighs. I couldn’t resist running my hands over their chests and abdomens again and again, kneading the firm muscles and smooth hot skin.
“I want to taste you.” Hunter’s eyes were hot as I looked towards him. Taste me? He just had his mouth on me. His fingers swept higher, playing across my aching core and I gasped, widening my legs to allow him better access. “Here, Flower.” Oh, Gods. Neel’s mouth continued to work over my breasts and, lost in the sensation, I nodded my assent at Hunter. I spread my legs wide, leaning back slightly and using my hands to balance myself on the bed. Hunter slid between my thighs, his hot mouth following a path up my thighs as he went. I groaned, long and loud, as his tongue slid over and into me. “So sweet,” he murmured before his tongue returned to me. The dual sensations were too much, and I felt myself quickly falling into the pleasure that racked my body.
Neel pulled from my breast, a smile on his swollen lips. “Enjoyed that, Emberly?” I could only nod, aftershocks still riding me as Hunter continued his ministrations. His eyes remained on mine as he reached down, undoing the fastening to his trousers. I couldn’t help but stare as he slid them down his thighs, kicking them off until he was as bare as I was. His skin was entirely golden, and he wrapped his hand around his already hard cock, stroking twice as I studied him. “We don’t have to go any further.” His gaze was hot, but I could see the nerves there.
“Please. I want more.” My voice betrayed my need, husky and deep as I tried to maintain my balance. Hunter moved from between my thighs, and Neel took his place, rubbing himself against me until I moaned. “Hunter?” Confused, I glanced at him standing slightly to the side of us, and he grinned.
“I got plenty of pleasure just tasting you, Flower. For now, relax and enjoy Neel.” I hesitated for a moment, but he exuded no air of irritation or resentment so I nodded, focusing back in on Neel and the way his body felt pressed completely against mine.
“This will hurt a little. Stop me if you need to.” His eyes were serious, but I could see the rapid rise and fall of his chest, betraying his need for me. I just nodded, arching so my core pressed more firmly against him. Slowly he slid into me, the stretch causing a pleasant burn and I groaned, my head falling forward to rest against him. The burn turned to a piercing sting and I cried out, sinking my teeth into the hard muscle of his shoulder. “Shhh.” His body was taught as he stilled his forward movement. “Let your body adjust for a moment. You can take me, Sweet Pea.” His fingers massaged my nipples, a pleasant distraction from the stinging pain in my core. The pain began to fade, replaced by pressure and warmth. Moving as if on its own, my body pressed further against him, and I felt more of him inch in, causing us to groan in unison. “Gods, Emberly, you feel so good.” He spoke through clenched teeth as he pushed all the way into me.
His movements smooth, he slid from my body before pressing back in. I gasped, clutching at his back to hold him there as I ground against him. He picked up the pace, the rhythm smooth and sure as he continued to pump in and out of me. I moaned at the sensation - the heat, the pressure, the slight burn of him filling me, and the emptiness as he retreated. He reached a finger down, pressing it against my mound in mimicry of the tempo of which he was thrusting into me and sent me exploding over the edge again, every cell in my body vibrating in pleasure. He groaned, long and deep, burying his face in my hair as he found his release as well.
I winced slightly, looking over at Hunter. His trousers were undone, his cock glistening in his hand. “Sleep, Flower.” His voice was soft and filled with satisfaction. Indeed, sleep seemed to be all I could do at the moment. My body felt like melted wax as I slid forward onto his bed. Two kisses were placed on my lips, and I released a sigh of contentment before I drifted off.
Chapter Seventeen
“Time to get up, Flower.” Hunter’s voice was soft in my ear, pulling me from decadent dreams. I murmured my objection, trying to curl back into him. His skin was hot and smooth against my cheek as I curled around his arm, attempting to pull him onto the bed with me. I was exhausted and I had loved every moment of it.
“I don’t want to get up.�
�� My voice was husky, my throat dry and scratchy. As much as I wanted to continue to curl into the bed - or more accurately, into Hunter or one of the others - I desperately needed a drink, and I needed one soon. I peeked an eye open, expecting Hunter’s usual wide grin to accompany my playfulness. Instead, I was met with a somber scowl and shadowed green eyes. Instantly, I rolled to a sitting position, reaching out to grasp his shoulder. “What’s wrong? Your brothers? Tesha?”
“No. Cecilia’s trial is about to start. We have orders to bring you. The king requires you to be there as witness.” It was odd to see playful Hunter so serious. I slid out of bed and searched the floor for my clothing in a rush. “No, Flower. Not those.” Reaching to his feet, he pulled a small bundle up and set it on the bed. “You need to dress as suited to your position as Guardian.”
“Hunter, the king hasn’t acknowledged me as a Guardian or as your mate. I can’t dress at your level. It will simply cause more contention than anything else, and we don’t need more attention than we will already be getting today.” I was extremely nervous to be in front of the Court and to face Cecilia again. I had hoped my appearance at her trial wouldn’t have been necessary, but I should have known better. For charges as severe as the defection of trust Valkyries, of course, the entire Court would want to be involved and to see justice meted out.
“Your acknowledgment to our Court is not the issue at the moment. Trust us. Father bears no ill will toward you and is aware of our situation. You are not breaking any laws by dressing at our level, Flower. We would never put you in that position.” Again he pushed the bundle towards me. Sighing, I took it from him, letting the cover slip through my fingers and onto the bed. The pants were a thick, stiff gold silk. The top was open in the back to show my wings, tied behind the neck, and it was made of a gold silk that was soft and flowing. The collar and hem of the shirt were trimmed in my princes’ colors, echoing the effect of my wings.
“Hunter, these are gorgeous. But how?” I glanced up at him, stroking my fingers over the material.
“We wanted you to have your very own ceremonial gear, just as we do. We had the tailors start on it as soon as you woke up. We had planned to give it to you for your announcement to the Court, but you need all the confidence you can get to face today.”
I leaned forward, brushing my lips against his cheek. “Thank you. All of you. For thinking of me, trying to make me comfortable, for everything you do for me.” I shoved him away, a small smile playing on my lips. “Now let me dress. If you stay to help I doubt the king will be happy.” Hunter smiled in return but didn’t disagree, turning his back while I slid the new clothing on. I had been dressed beautifully living in the palace, but the tailors had outdone themselves with this outfit. It fit like a glove. Nearly weightless, the fabric felt like water, cool and liquid against my skin.
“Ready?” Hunter hadn’t turned but had clearly heard me finish.
“Ready.” My voice shook slightly, and I bit my tongue. I wouldn’t let them see me weak. Hunter’s eyes flared as he turned and examined me. They were hot and nearly wild as they traveled up my body, finally landing on my own heated gaze.
“You look incredible. In our uniform. Our colors. Your wings glowing with our colors.” His words were nearly a growl as he stalked toward me. Easy, laid back Hunter was gone. His lips crashed onto mine, his tongue plunging deep as he pulled me tightly against him, the silk not acting as a barrier for our bodies. I moaned into his mouth, pressing myself even tighter against him. The friction the silk created against my nipples was decadent. I hadn’t seen this from Hunter before, and I wanted to let myself absorb this side of him.
“This is why I suggested that I be the one to drop off her new clothing.” Tesha’s dry voice barely reached me, consumed as I was by Hunter’s raging need. With his mouth moving over mine, I nearly tuned her back out when the piercing whistle sounded nearly next to my ear.
“Why does everyone here do that?” The words came out like the crack of a whip, irritated and loud enough to shock me. Had I actually spoken like that?
Hunter laughed, and some of the fire died as he glanced at Tesha. “That was an interesting reaction. I guess you’ll have to provoke her a more often.”
“Your Highness, I don’t believe it was my provoking that obtained the reaction. Her frustration is the most likely cause. Now, you are both going to be late. You need to move, now.” She wore a smile, but her eyes were serious and clearly worried as they studied us.
Hunter immediately sobered, grabbing my hand and pulling me down the hallway, nearly running in his urgency. As we neared the entrance to the throne room, he stopped so suddenly I nearly toppled over, fluttering my wings anxiously to stay upright. Tugging me into the shadows, he pressed a frantic kiss to my lips. “Don’t let them win. We’re right here for you. Keep your face as calm as you can. Don’t react. We’ll walk you through anything that’s necessary. Some of them want a reaction from you, want to prove you aren’t truly fit. Don’t give it to them. Chin up, Flower. You’re ours, now and forever.” A quick smile and he tugged on my hand, threading it through his arm and walking at a sedate pace. I tried to mimic him, my chin up, wings open slightly for balance, my stride even and smooth. Swinging the double doors open, we walked into a cacophony of sound. Whispers, murmurs, laughter, and chatter tapered down as we entered, maintaining our poise. The other conversations stayed dimmed, but the whispers built up until there was a constant hum surrounding us. I tried to ignore it, maintaining the posture that Hunter recommended. The mixed crowd of males and females parted for us, and we approached the raised dais. Unlike the last time I was here, it seemed as though every member of the Court was present. My princes stood with the king and his ladies, surrounded by a large flock of Valkyrie guards.
I bowed low to the dais, but Hunter’s guiding hand prevented me from genuflecting as I had done prior. “Your Majesty. My ladies.” I let the words remain a murmur, an acknowledgment for them rather than for the Court itself.
The king acknowledged me with a slight nod of his head. “Prince Hunter. Emberly. Join us, please.” The Valkyrie’s guarding him parted. The hum increased as I was guided onto the dais. I was able to catch a few of the words as I focused on gliding as easily as Hunter did.
“Wings!”
“Gold, how is that possible!”
“More than one color!”
“Unacceptable.”
King Anyil did not bother holding up a hand for silence. As we settled into our positions, he simply cleared his throat. The Court immediately grew silent, awaiting what was to come next. I could feel myself beginning to vibrate with nerves, and it was difficult to hold my wings still. They wanted to move and flutter, to give away the fear and agitation I was currently feeling. I had no belief that I would be punished in any way for my own kidnapping. The king was known for being a fair, even kind, ruler. “Most of you have heard the rumors of what we will address today. Rumor is not enough to make a judgment. Remember that while we will give you some information, I will not provide everything that went into making my decision here today.” His eyes scanned the room, possibly looking for certain people or just making everyone feel included in his speech. “Emberly was rescued by our princes when she lived in Scottsdale. Despite her maturity, she did not bear wings.” Low murmurs started up again and the king paused, waiting for the silence to resume. “When she was brought to us, she was near death. It was claimed that she was the aggressor in the original matter and that she was being punished for other crimes. When she returned to Scottsdale, I continued to investigate the matter. During that period, I had ordered that no one was to harm her in any way.” He turned to glance at me, and, if I wasn’t mistaken, he sent me the smallest of winks. Was he as playful as Hunter or Flynn? Even at a time like this? “A week passed while I tried to verify any information I could and allow other research as to the reason a fully grown Ardenian would not bear wings. The results brought to our attention were simply remarkable. Emberly.”
/> Hunter nudged me slightly, and I approached the king, again bowing low in respect. “Yes, Your Majesty?” I wasn’t sure if addressing him was appropriate in this situation, but I felt not responding to him would have been equally as rude.
“Please spread your wings.” An odd request, but, with a smaller bow, I followed his order. Each feather brightly shone as I stretched my wings to their fullest. A rainbow of light flickered against the tiled floor as the gemstone tips that reflected my mates sparkled. Gasps echoed through the room as the full effect of my wings was evident. “Emberly is a Guardian.” As he had not indicated I should step back or close my wings, I remained in my position as he again drew the attention of his Court. “The lore of Guardians is long lost. Not bearing wings is a trademark of being a Guardian, and is in no way the curse or disease that was suggested for many years of her life. Guardians are the strongest of warriors, bound to the royal family. Her rank is the same as the princes’”
A few cries of disgust and regret rung out from the audience though I couldn’t see who they came from. He did not let the interruptions phase him. “As per our laws, though no Guardian has been seen in centuries, she is to be mated into the royal family. While unusual, this mating is more…” He paused for a moment as if searching for the correct word. “More intimate than traditional matings. The mating is a true bond and unable to be broken. The Guardian will bear the mark of her mate on her wings.” Indicating the spread of my wings he nodded at the tips. “Lady Emberly is mated to all five of my sons.”
As cries of outrage and confusion wrenched from the crowd, I realized why so many of the guards were surrounding the dais. Neel, Jett, Blaine, Hunter, and Flynn all stepped forward, their wings spread to emphasize the matching colors on my tips and to support their father. “Silence.” The word was a true command, forceful and strict, but not loud. “Your objections are not needed. I will finish my explanation. Guardians are blessed in more than one way. Not only are they blessed with strength, an additional gift to be used as a guard for their mate, but they also have one other special trait. Guardian females will only bear female offspring.” Silence suddenly echoed across the room, leaving only the mere echo of sound. “This is a gift to our people. We will finally have an Ardenian queen back on the throne.” The silence was broken by manic cheers. Some of the females burst into tears that, from their smiles, I assumed were either caused by happiness or excitement. Not all of the faces were happy, however. Even from my location, I could see scowls, disbelief, and anger. Flynn was growling under his breath, too low for anyone but us to hear as they studied the crowd, memorizing faces.
The Valkyrie's Princes Page 17