They all bowed deeply and walked away. Alder seemed pleased with how I handled it, his face beaming as he looked at me. His eyes raked over my body as he took another sip of his wine, a wicked grin on his lips. I noticed he had blotted the wet stain on his pants, it was dry now. I deliberately looked down at it and then back up at his eyes. His hand curled tighter around his wine cup.
“I think it is time for some fun,” Alder said to the room, though his eyes did not leave mine. He stood and held out a hand to me. I took it as he led me away from the table and back down the center of the room.
Chapter 34
Staff opened the doors as Alder led me out into the hallway. The court followed behind us. We walked down another long hallway until we came out to a large, open courtyard.
It was decorated with shining candles and glimmering ropes of lights. The stars danced in the night sky above. Musicians played music and staff began handing out more glasses of wine and a bubbly drink Alder called champagne. The court filled the patio, laughing and dancing.
We stood over to the side, sipping tall glasses of the champagne as the party began. Paired couples whirled and twirled across the dance floors, their dresses swaying behind them as they floated across the floor. I watched them dance intently, trying to learn the steps. I was nervous. If Alder asked to dance, I would have no idea how to mimic the graceful moves they were doing. I took another large sip of the bubbles.
Alder was chatting with Benci next to me.
“The city missed you while you were away.”
“Oh, I doubt they even noticed I was gone.”
“The ladies of the court missed you, at least,” Benci retorted.
“I’m sure you took good care of them.”
My eyes went between the two of them, and I huffed. They both turned to look at me.
“Can you two not discuss your conquests? I’m literally standing right here,” I said. Alder turned up a crooked grin and wrapped a hand around my waist.
“That’s all in the past. And it was all before I had laid eyes on your beauty,” he said sweetly.
I rolled my eyes. Benci’s gaze on me looked unimpressed.
“Is there an issue?” I asked him with piercing eyes, my inner enchantress not happy with his blasé attitude. His eyes widened with surprise at my directness. I felt Alder’s hand tighten around my waist.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Benci said dismissively.
I narrowed my eyes at him, his gaze unflinching. I reached my power out slowly, gauging how responsive he was. Alder shifted nervously next to me.
My power hit him, and yet he didn’t move. No change registered on his face. My power felt like it was up against a hard wall. I huffed and redrew it, turning my gaze to the dancers.
Alder cleared his throat and continued his conversation. I tried to keep my eyes away from Benci and focus on the steps, trying to learn. Trying not to think about how much it bothered me that he seemed immune to my prowess.
A woman approached us. She had long straight blonde hair and deep set blue eyes. She was pale and wearing a long black dress with a corset. Her eyes flickered up and down at me as she approached. I vaguely remembered meeting her in the dinner room.
Alder stiffened next to me as she approached… I looked up at him and saw his jaw was clenched.
“Sasha,” Alder said, his voice sharp.
I noticed she was lifting her chest up, arching her back slightly as she strolled closer to us.
“My King…” she drawled. “I’ve missed you.”
Her voice was arrogant, too familiar with Alder. I felt a pang of irritation and… jealousy. I looked back at Alder, he seemed uncomfortable again. She turned her gaze to me.
“I heard you’ve been living in an alley for ten years,” she said, a laugh in her throat.
I felt my lips tighten, the enchantress begging to be released inside.
“Thirteen actually,” I said. My lips almost snarling as I spoke.
“That must have been just awful. To think we have all been here living and loving while you suffered for so long,” she said with fake concern.
The enchantress was enraged at her insinuations. I felt the pink glow rise to my skin, I couldn’t stop it as it formed and rolled out over me. My teeth sharpened and my talons grew in less than a second, my eyes darkening as a low growl escaped my lips. I was ready to tear her apart, to slit her throat with my hands in the middle of this courtyard in front of dozens of people.
Her eyes widened in terror, her mouth agape as she leaned back away from me. Her fear wafted over to me and made me salivate. I stepped closer, ready to pounce and--
“Yes, Valeria has an incredible, awe-inspiring story. How she managed to survive all those years is a testament to her strength. And not to mention her beauty,” Alder said, his arm wrapping around me and pulling me close to him, away from her. He kissed me on the cheek, soft and intimate, as my death stare bore through Sasha. His power washed against mine in a wave, trying to calm me down.
“Yes, how inspiring,” she stuttered. She glanced back and forth between us anxiously and then quickly turned, her lips curling and her dress swinging in a wide arch as she nearly ran away.
“Who the fuck was that?” I asked Alder, turning to him as my rage simmered and my features returned to my normal self.
He swallowed before he answered. “Just an old paramour. Nothing to be concerned of, she was a passing fancy that can’t seem to take the hint.” His thumb grazed my cheek as he spoke, his eyes sincere as he looked into mine.
He leaned down and gave me a soft kiss, his power nuzzling mine as he did. He withdrew slowly, and I gave him a half smile. His lips mirrored mine. He straightened his head and kissed my forehead before turning back to Benci.
Benci seemed amused by the whole situation. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the dance floor, trying not to the think of the fact I had an uncontrollable urge to kill a woman just for having a history with Alder. If he hadn’t been there, who would have stopped me? Would I have been able to control myself? I swallowed hard. It seemed my powers were more dangerous than I realized. I needed to keep control and not let my emotions win next time. I was lethal now, and hungry for the taste of more death. My heart grew heavy, as if that moment had darkened my soul. I grimaced as I felt the slightest twinge of vileness spreading in my chest.
Minka twirled Jubilee around the dance floor. They looked like they were floating in their long gossamer dresses. Apparently see through fabric is all the rage in Labyrinth City. They danced and drank and laughed. Jealousy twitched in my heart.
I must have been staring at them a bit too longingly because soon, Alder noticed.
He reached out a hand to me. “Would you like to dance?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I- I don’t know how,” I said to him quietly. His face upturned in a smile.
“That’s ok, I am a wonderful teacher,” he replied, his hand still outstretched to mine.
I placed my hand in his warily. “I’m probably going to step on your feet,” I said.
He laughed and led me to the floor. He turned and placed one of my hands on his shoulder, the other hand he held in his, holding it high to form a square. His other hand went to my waist, a soft gentle grip.
“Alright, now we count 1- 2- 3- 4- while we dance in a square,” he said. Confusion crossed my face.
He chuckled, “Just follow me,” and then started to move.
He counted out loud as we danced, helping me keep the steps. It was easier than expected, his frame holding me in place and leading me through the dance.
When I started to get the hang of it, I lifted my head up to look at him, my face beaming. His glow was that golden hue of pride.
“Very good,” he said, then he pushed me away with his hand on my hip while holding my raised hand even higher. I twirled under our arms twice, and then he pulled me back. I felt my dress swish around me. In that moment, we were the only two people in the
world.
The music turned to a soft melody, a delicate symphony. He pulled me closer, wrapping both of my arms behind his neck. He placed his hands on my waist, one curling behind my back. Our torsos touched as we began to sway together. His crown glinted in the light, it only added to how handsome he looked. How powerful he looked.
Our powers reached up to find each other, caressing as they met. His glow turned that blood red as his eyes held mine. I leaned my head against his chest, my left arm moving down to his waist, soaking up his warmth and comfort.
“You enchanted everyone tonight,” he whispered.
“Not everyone,” I replied, my face still against his breast.
“She hardly matters, and I think with the scare you gave her she will never show her face here again,” he said, referring to Sasha.
“I wasn’t talking about her.”
“Oh, then who?”
“You know who. Mr. Hard Ass.”
He laughed. “Benci, he has had a hard life. Emotions don’t come easy for him. But he is a true and loyal friend.”
“Mhmm.”
“Why do you care what he thinks, anyway?”
“I don’t. I’m not used to someone being immune to my charms.”
“Well, I most certainly am not,” he said, his fingers running down my exposed back as he spoke. I smiled and nudged my head closer into his shoulder, right below his neck. His arms held me close. He kissed the top of my head as we swayed.
My eyes looked out to the crowd, and I noticed Benci standing at the edge of the dance floor. He stood still, not dancing. He was staring at us, staring at me. Our eyes met, and I felt a blush come to my cheeks, but I held his gaze. His face stayed frozen as he watched.
A chill went down my spine. I picked my head up and looked at Alder.
“Shall we retire for the night?” I asked him.
He laughed. “Now whose being pompous?”
I gave him a devilish grin and then led him off of the dance floor.
I narrowed my gaze at Benci as I walked, pulling Alder along with my hand. He was still staring. I kept his gaze as I walked right past him.
Chapter 35
When we reached the bedroom, Alder just wanted to undress me. But I resisted.
“I need to write this letter to Leo first,” I said, kicking off the heels, my feet aching already.
He groaned and wrapped his hands around me. His eyes pleading with me and his mouth was hot on my neck.
“Why don’t you pour us some wine and I’ll meet you on the balcony,” I said. I felt a thrill run through me, I was telling a King what to do. And he was putty in my hands.
He kissed my neck and sauntered away, throwing his golden crown off onto the desk.
I sat down at the little desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. I considered my words for several minutes before I wrote.
Leo,
I sent these men to find you. Please trust them. They will bring you back to me. I am safe in Labyrinth City. I miss you.
I considered adding more, but I couldn’t find the words. The past days had been a whirlwind of emotions and events. Our parting already felt so long ago. I thought back to that night together. I shouldn’t have slept with him. That was a messy mistake, one that I would have to face sooner or later. But that needed to be a face-to-face conversation.
I prayed my words would be enough to convince him to trust these men. I signed the bottom with my name and left it open so the ink could dry.
I sat for a few moments more, rethinking my recent choices. It felt like a whiplash to jump between Leo and Alder so quickly. But I couldn’t help the raw chemistry, the pull I felt for Alder. I just didn’t have that with Leo. He reminded me of home, a comfort meal of sorts. But Alder was the full feast.
I sighed to myself before getting up and walking to the balcony, unhooking my dagger and leaving it on the small table. Alder sat on one of the loungers. I walked past him and leaned against the railing, looking out at the vast sea. I wish I could accompany them tomorrow, but I had a mission of my own to complete.
Alder came up behind me, his arms running over my dress and his lips kissing the back of my neck.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I’m just worried about Leo.”
He kept kissing my neck. “My men will find him, they are very good at their jobs.” His hand ran down lower, between my thighs. His power reached out for mine. She responded graciously, intertwining with him and sending quakes through me.
I arched against his touch. “Let me distract you for a bit.” His teeth grazed the tender spot of my neck as he pressed against me down there. The pleasure of it raked over me.
He pulled the fabric of my dress up before reaching back with his hand, finding me wet and wanting.
His other hand reached up to my face, turning it toward his mouth as his fingers moved in circles against me. His kiss was heavy with lust and adoration. I moaned against him. All thoughts of Leo far, far away.
The enchantress overtook me. She knew what she wanted tonight.
I pulled away from him, his eyes devious as he looked at me.
I walked to the lounger chair and laid back leisurely, keeping his gaze. I pulled my dress up and spread my legs, inviting him.
He took the hint and kneeled down before me with a smirk. I leaned back in anticipation. His arm wrapped around my thigh, clutching me to him as he began to devour me.
His hot tongue against me made me whimper. He moved expertly, sopping up my wetness with his skilled mouth. I groaned, every part of me turning to mush against his tongue. He brought a finger up and slowly entered me as his tongue stayed in rhythm with my moans.
He moved inside of me, sending further waves of ecstasy through me. His power washed over mine, tangling with it and setting my nerves on fire. Every note inside of me sung in tune with each other.
“Come for me,” he said, his lips moving against me. I obeyed and let the pleasure crash through my entire body, the climax making my thighs tighten around his head. I let out small gasps as it kept going, as he kept going. The sensations ricocheted through me again and again until they finally began to recede.
My whole body felt like liquid as he came up, wiping his mouth before kissing me. He pulled me up off of the lounger. My legs felt weak but his hands were steady against my body as he led me back to the rail.
He gently undid the strings of my corset, the dress falling to my ankles. I pulled off his shirt and tossed it to the side. His pants followed. He turned me around and stood against me. I felt his length against my thighs. I arched my back and let him enter, his hand wrapping around my neck as he did. He held his face close to my cheek, his hot breath against my ear as he thrust slowly in and out of me.
The hardness of him sent sparks through me. I felt the sweet tickle of the sea breeze on my naked skin as he went deeper and harder. The sensations piled up again, the caress of him inside of me pushing me higher and higher.
I clutched the railing, uncaring if all of Labyrinth City saw their King fucking me tonight. But we were too high up. There was no one around to hear us as we got louder and louder.
He was insatiable. And so was I.
My eyes opened as the morning sun illuminated the room. I was laying on Alder’s chest. We were tangled in the satin sheets. Last night had lasted for hours. I felt both refreshed and exhausted.
I lifted my head and gazed at Alder’s sleeping face. His tawny hair was messy against the pillow, his face soft. I leaned up and kissed his nose before pushing myself up and off the bed. I stretched and walked, naked, to the balcony to look at the sun coming up over the sea. It was beautiful. No end of the sea in sight, though I knew it must have been some sort of illusion. The Labyrinth remained right outside, waiting for me. But for today, I could forget.
I walked over to the small desk and read over the letter I had written to Leo. I sent up a silent prayer for his safety, then folded it and placed it back down. I noticed a dress laid out for me
on the lounge chair. I shuddered at the thought that Abigail had been in here while we slept. She must be very good at being quiet.
Alder stirred in the bed. I turned to him as he sat up, his eyes relishing over my body.
“Didn’t you have enough last night?” I mused, not meeting his eyes as I looked over the lacy dress she had laid out. I was used to shirts and pants. The dress felt so formal but then again, this is how the women dressed in the court. I could give it a shot.
“Never,” he said with a sly smile. He rose out of bed and walked over to me, kissing my shoulder, before sauntering over to the large wardrobe in the corner.
“When will I have my own wardrobe?” I teased.
“We can remodel an entire wing of the palace to be your wardrobe if you so desire.”
I pursed my lips. “That would be a bit excessive, don’t you think.”
“Not for the Queen of the Labyrinth.”
“I haven’t agreed to that yet,” I replied sternly, my eyes shooting him a look.
He laughed. “Yes yes, so you say.”
He pulled out his own clothes, pulling them on over his tanned skin. I watched in awe as the fabric slid over his hardened body. I wondered how he possibly stayed so fit. I looked down and started to put my own dress on, but realized it required some threading on the back.
“Help me into my dress?” I asked him. He grinned and walked over to assist, his fingers gentle against my back as he tied the strings.
The dress was a light green, the same corseted style to last night, but without the decadent jewels. This time sage silk fabric flowed out beneath my fitted bodice, clinging to my legs. My dagger hilt peeked out from the large slit in the fabric.
I ran a comb through my hair and wiped away the remnants of last night’s makeup. I applied some rogue and mascara like Abigail had shown me. I wore only my pink diamond snake ring for jewelry as I put on the matching strappy heels. How all of this had been created for me so quickly was a mystery but I loved it nonetheless.
The Labyrinth King (The Labyrinth Series Book 1) Page 19