by M. A. Thomas
Xavier stared at Eldrich who was fidgeting in his seat. Human food, particularly aromatic cooked food, disgusted vampires and Lela was sure Eldrich was doing all he could not to vomit.
“We need your help,” Xavier said.
Lela swallowed a last spoonful and wiped her mouth, her eyes on both Xavier and Eldrich.
“We desperately need your help,” Zel said.
“In what way?” Eldrich asked.
Xavier glanced at Lela. “Meeting you on the river bank was not an accident,” he said to her. “I sought you out.”
Lela coughed. She did not dare look at Eldrich. She could feel his eyes on her.
“You know him?” Eldrich asked.
She nodded.
“Look at me,” he said.
Coughing and silently pleading with the Gods to take her, she timidly moved her stare to him.
His eyes near-bleeding, he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Did you lie with him?” he asked, tears coming down his face.
He was breaking her heart.
“No, I would never...” she tried to take his hand but he brushed it away.
“You kept it from me. What am I supposed to think?”
“She did not lie with me,” Xavier said. “I swear it.”
Eldrich exposed his fangs. Zel screamed. Xavier stood, spreading his wings. Yes, Lela had been right. Her life was about to change again.
“You’re a vampire,” Xavier said.
“And you’re an angel, which explains why I couldn’t detect your scent. Despite your shameful past, your creator still protects you from us.”
“I’m not to blame for what my ancestors did,” Xavier said.
“Yet, you’re cast out from the Heavens, nonetheless,” Eldrich said. “I should drain you right here and now.” He took a step forward.
Xavier didn’t budge. “And you think I will let you kill me? Try and we shall see who wins.”
Eldrich laughed. “Ah yes, I had forgotten how vain and overly confident fallen angels are. It’s been two hundred years since I’ve come across one. And how appropriate that you preside over a place named the Kingdom of the Lost. Is this where all fallen angels sought refuge after the war with my kind?”
Lela didn’t know what to do. She had never heard of angels, fallen or otherwise. They weren’t even mentioned in storybooks. Not only did they exist but they had been in a war with vampires. Her head was spinning and her stomach ached. At this moment, she was sure she was the dumbest girl in all the kingdoms. Truly, what was she doing? She was a princess for blessed Gods’ sake and instead of helping her father take care of the people of Barmoth, she had run away to live with a vampire and was now in a tower in a land unknown to her and what’s more, an angel was asking her for help. Just another day in the forest!
“Please, hear us out,” Zel said, moving between Xavier and Eldrich.
Eldrich retracted his fangs. “Speak,” he said.
“I’m imprisoned in this tower for all eternity, only able to leave it at night. And even then, I’m not allowed to venture too far. A witch took me from my parents when I was born and has kept me prisoner my entire life.” She sighed.
“You poor thing,” Lela said. Oh the pain Zel’s parents must have felt when their infant daughter was ripped from them and Zel...Lela couldn’t imagine a worse life.
“She caught my father stealing spices from her garden. My mother craved spices when I was in her belly and the witch’s garden had an abundance of unique spices. When the witch caught my father stealing, she cursed him and told him he would have to give up his unborn child or refuse and watch both my mother and me die.” She wrapped her arms around Xavier’s waist. “I have lived in this once roaming, invisible tower all my life. I thought I would remain alone forever until,” she looked up at Xavier, “he found the tower. For an unexplained reason, the tower stopped moving and became visible that day. I believe in my heart that my parents somehow found a way to help me...to make the tower appear and stop wandering aimlessly. When I sensed someone outside that day, I let down my hair. I had to know who it was that had found the tower.” She gathered her hair and then let it go. It fell past her ankles, carpeting the length of the room.
Lela held her hand to her mouth. Eldrich did not move or say a word.
Xavier kissed the top of Zel’s head and said, “Tell them the rest.”
“Xavier used my hair to climb to my window.”
“Why didn’t you fly?” Lela asked.
“The hair was so beautiful and golden. I was drawn to it, captivated.”
“When the witch found Xavier with me, she pushed him out of the window, thinking that he would fall to his death. And when he didn’t fall and instead flew, she tried to cast a spell which would make the castle invisible again. No spell she cast worked. Xavier confronted the witch and knowing she was somewhat defeated and now in the Kingdom of the Lost where her spells were not as powerful she consented to letting me out at night. However, if I wander too far, her spell brings me back. Despicable, evil hag won’t let me go.” Zela covered her face with her hands and sobbed.
“What does your predicament have to do with us?” Eldrich asked, harshly.
“The same witch who cursed you, cursed Zel,” Xavier said.
“You know about me?” Eldrich said, exposing his fangs again.
“Settle yourself,” Xavier said. “I only know because the witch told me. She’s a wretched soul. She will let Zel go only if,” he looked at Lela, “if she lies with me.”
“No!” Eldrich said.
“You can’t be serious,” Lela said, nearly bursting into laughter.
“We’re not lying to you. We need your help,” Zel said, sniffling.
“The witch wants to hurt you,” Xavier said to Eldrich. “I’m sorry we’re asking this of you. I love Zel with every part of me. And I cannot save her alone. Please help us.”
Lela approached Eldrich. “Let’s go right now.”
Tears in his eyes, Eldrich said, “I love you.”
“Do you believe me?” Lela needed to know that Eldrich trusted her and that he did not believe she had lied with Xavier.
“You have chosen him. I can see it in your eyes. How long have you loved him? You tricked me into bringing you here. He is the reason you asked me to take you deep into the forest away from Barmoth.”
She moved in closer to him. “I love you. Your distrust is making my heart ache,” Lela said.
“You have broken mine,” he said, his brow wrinkled.
“Please believe me. I knew nothing of Xavier before today. I’m in love with you and only you.”
Eldrich looked at Xavier. “If you hurt her, I will kill you.” Then he dashed to the window and jumped from it.
Lela ran to the window and screamed, “Eldrich!”
He was gone.
“Will you help us?” Zel asked.
Lela turned and pounced over to Zel, ready to strangle her.
“This is all so ridiculous. You can’t honestly expect me to do what you’re asking of me. The man I love just abandoned me,” she said, glaring at Zel.
Then she walked to the staircase and grasped the handrail. She’d not stay in this place for one more second even if it meant she’d wander the forest alone forever.
“If you don’t lie with me tonight, Zel will die,” Xavier said.
Lela let go of the handrail.
“It’s true,” Zel said. “The witch has given us until tonight. That is why Xavier sought you out earlier today. He has been watching you for days.”
“So you were stalking me,” Lela said, still standing near the staircase.
“Yes, I’m sorry. Today on the bank, I was going to tell you the truth and ask for your help, but I couldn’t do it. You seemed so happy and carefree.”
“We couldn’t burden you with our concerns,” Zel said.
“Oh, right, sure I understand,” Lela said, laughing. “But now
you have no problem burdening me. And what’s more, why is everything bloody red in this place?”
“Red is the witch’s favorite color,” Zel said. “She insists that everything be red.”
“Of course, why didn’t I think of that? Ah yes, the witch...the evil hag who would like to see me and Eldrich broken apart forever. I shall have to meet this witch one day so I can hit her right in her disgusting face,” Lela said, sighing and falling into a chair.
“Careful with your words. She’s never very far,” Zel said.
“Zel and I decided to spend one last night together...to let whatever was going to happen, happen. We resigned ourselves. And then, there you were standing in front of me. I thought it had to be fate. Perhaps my creator had sent you to us,” Xavier said.
“So you invited me over for stew, how gracious and wonderful of you,” Lela said.
“Look, I don’t blame you for not wanting to help us. But we need to know your answer,” Zel said.
“Will you lie with me tonight?” Xavier asked Lela.
For goodness sake, a few weeks ago a frog had asked her the same question. She was beginning to think she was going to spend the rest of her life lying with strange men to help break some witch’s curse.
She stared at them; they looked so lost and sad and pathetic, holding hands, tears in their eyes, she couldn’t say no. She believed they were telling her the truth. Forgive me, Eldrich.
“Come morning, you will take me home to Eldrich,” she said to Xavier. “And you and Zel will never cross paths with us again.”
“Understood,” Xavier said.
“Thank you!” Zel said, darting to the staircase. “I’ll sleep outside tonight.” She disappeared down the steps.
***
“We have a room with a bed. Or if you’d rather we stay here,” Xavier said, his voice shaking.
“I’d rather we not do this at all but since I agreed, I prefer a bed,” she said, her thoughts on Eldrich. Sharp pain went through her heart and she wondered if he would ever forgive her.
Xavier led her through a narrow hall and into a small room lit with candles. In the center of the room was a round bed.
“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to,” Xavier said, unbuttoning his trousers.
“You’re going directly to it,” she said.
He blushed. “I’m sorry, I admit to being nervous.”
“Let’s get it over with,” Lela said, removing the cloak Zel had given her.
She was now completely naked. He took off his trousers; she looked away.
“May I kiss you?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
His lips touched hers. They were warm and soft, unlike Eldrich’s lips which were firm and rather cold.
Xavier kissed her as if she were a dying flower which he was tenderly trying to bring back to life. Continuing to kiss her, he placed his hand between her legs and began to caress her; slowly he moved his fingers inside of her. He then took her hand and placed it on his cock. She grasped it and moved her hand up and down on it, slow at first and then faster.
He pulled his lips away.
She thought her knees were going to give out.
He shifted lower on her body and began to blow air between her inner thighs, nipping and tugging at her.
She ran her fingers through his silky hair. Forgive me, Eldrich.
Turning her so that her buttocks were in his face, he ran his fingers up and down her... and then stretched her legs. May I rot in the darkest place of all the Kingdoms for allowing myself to feel pleasure with this man. May I rot for wanting him inside of me.
“Don’t feel guilty,” he said.
Could he read her thoughts? Not possible, but then she hadn’t even known angels existed until today and therefore had no idea what skills they possessed.
In the next second, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. Then he placed her on her side and pressed his cock against her. Eldrich’s cock, she confessed, was not the size of Xavier’s.
“May I enter you,” Xavier asked.
Sweet Gods! She wanted his huge, firm cock in every way.
His wings expanded.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “When I’m aroused, I can’t hold back my wings.”
Closing her eyes, she said, “Enter me.”
He slid his cock in and she swore she felt it in her throat. She couldn’t resist making loud sounds. Noises she had never made with Eldrich.
Before she could hold her tongue, she said, “Don’t ever leave my body.”
He answered by driving deeper into her.
“What else do you desire from me?” he asked. “I will do anything you want.”
“I want you to do what you will. Surprise me, scare me...”
He jumped off the bed.
“No, please come back,” she cried. “I want you...need you inside of me.”
Smiling at her, he said, “I won’t be long.”
Lying on her back, she touched her every part. She felt she was drowning and she didn’t care. She could not explain her feelings, her desire for this stranger, this angel with whom she only had one night. A single night of exhilarating enjoyment before she would have to come to her senses and face Eldrich, the man to whom she had given her heart, the man she loved.
Xavier returned holding a squash! Lela had seen servants entertain themselves with oh so many different things including vegetables. Lela couldn’t help chuckling. Yes, she’d play along.
“I want you up against me,” he said.
She lifted her buttocks, holding herself up with her elbows. He came behind her and began teasing her with the squash, rubbing it between her legs. This was madness!
Then he pushed in the squash just a little and she screamed.
“Am I hurting you?” he asked.
“No,” she managed to say.
He moved the tip of the squash into her and she had the most intense orgasm she had ever had. Bloody hell, she was having sex with a vegetable!
He set the squash on the bed.
Collapsing on the bed, she said, “I’m humiliated.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was afraid you wouldn’t.”
The sight of his sprawling wings aroused her even more.
He plunged into her and she wrapped her legs high around his back.
“Call out my name,” he whispered.
“I can’t,” she said.
“We have only this night,” he said, his cock rocking her.
She was ashamed for liking what he was doing to her. She more than liked it. She wanted more.
“Xavier,” she said.
“Again,” he said, escalating his movements.
“Oh Xavier, I’ve never felt such intense pleasure.” He was ripping into her, causing her to have multiple orgasms.
He finally pulled out of her and released his fluid on her stomach. She took in a long breath.
“If you want, I can sleep in another room,” he said, retracting his wings.
“Please stay with me. I don’t want to be alone,” she said, feeling the oncoming of tears. She didn’t think she could ever face Eldrich again.
Xavier lied next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“I’ll stay with you all night.”
She closed her eyes and let sleep take her.
***
Morning came and Lela sat at the table, sipping broth. Zel and Xavier stood on the other side of the table staring at her.
“You can have more,” Zel said with a smile.
“Yes, yes, we have plenty,” Xavier said.
For goodness sake, the situation couldn’t have been more uncomfortable. No matter, Zel was alive and free to live her life with Xavier outside of this dreadful tower.
“We’re eternally grateful. If you ever need anything from us, we’ll be there,” Zel said.
What Lela needed was to go home to Eldrich.
“I wish you nothing
but joy,” Lela said. And she meant it.
Zel kissed Xavier on the cheek, her eyes sparkling.
“Are you ready to go?” Xavier asked Lela.
“No, but I will go just the same.”
“You will have the day to gather your thoughts,” Zel said. “And when the sun goes down, you and Eldrich will be together and all will be well, I’m sure of it.”
“I hope so.” Lela knew that all would not be well between her and Eldrich and that she had probably lost him forever.
Zel went to the window and flung open the shutters. “Oh, it’s a glorious day. The air smells wonderful!”
“May I pick you up?” Xavier asked.
“Go ahead,” Lela said, standing.
He scooped her up and walked to the window.
“I shall return to you soon,” he said to Zel.
Zel clapped and grinned as if she was a little girl having just been given a doll.
Lela was jealous of Xavier and Zel. They were in love and free.
In the next second, Xavier went out the window with her in his arms. Down they fell.
“We’ll die,” she yelled.
“Hold on tight,” he said.
Down, down they continued to fall.
And just when she thought they would surely hit the ground, he spread his wings and flew high into the air.
“Did you mean to scare me?” she asked.
“Maybe a little,” he said.
“You’re a funny, funny man.”
“I may never see you again. I wanted to give you one more thrill.” He winked.
She flushed and said nothing more.
Moments later, they were back in Barmoth. She looked down at the familiar forest and could see the riverbank on which she had first met Xavier.
“Leave me in the place we met,” she said.
He nodded and descended.
Once they were standing on the ground, he took her hand and placed it on the cross on his chest.
“I’m not ashamed of it,” he said.
“What will you and Zel do now?” she asked.
“I’m going to marry her. She will become the princess of the Kingdom of the Lost. And I will love her for all eternity.”
His words crushed her. Not because she wished he meant them for her but because her thoughts were on Eldrich.