Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny)

by K. Young

  "For what it's worth, I am sorry for the pain I have caused you. I assure you it has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But, you are safe with me here. Eat, sleep. We'll speak again tomorrow."

  Adrian kissed her hand and left her sitting on the bed. He closed the door quietly behind him, and Alice stared at it as if it had grown a tail. She wasn't even sure where to begin. She was famished, but in her experience, Adrian had drugged her food to force her compliance. If he were to be believed, then she had nothing to fear with the food spread out on the table on the opposite side of the opulent room but, on the other hand, perhaps she was seeing only what she wanted to see. It was always best to err on the side of caution where Adrian was concerned.

  Still, as her stomach rumbled, she did need to eat. She worried over her lower lip as she stood up and walked to the table where the food was waiting. She glanced at the spread in awe. It was all of her favorite foods. Breads, cheeses, fruits, pastries, tea, and duck with creamy potatoes. There was certainly no way she could eat all of the food herself, but she suspected that Adrian had intended to share it with her. She was touched that he should even remember her favorite foods. They discussed it once when she first came, before she knew what he was truly like, but that was nearly six years ago.

  Alice plucked a grape from the tray it lay upon and popped it into her mouth. The sweet nectar tasted so good after weeks of ship gruel that she decided to throw caution to the wind. She grabbed a plate and piled it high with food, then poured herself a glass of wine. Perhaps if she were too full to move, Adrian would not try to force himself on her, which she was sure was coming. But, in the meantime, all she could think of was how delicious the food before her was. Chapter 37

  Kristen woke up on a cold stone floor surrounded by moldy straw. She pulled herself to a sitting position and fingered her jaw gingerly, then winced when she touched a particularly tender spot.

  "You were a fool to rile him so." A voice said in the shadows.

  Kristen let her hand fall away. "Perhaps, but I'll not be intimidated by a tyrant bully. His power comes from those who don't stand up for themselves."

  The prince stepped out of the shadows and looked at her. He tilted his head as though the position allowed him to take more of her in. She returned his gaze. Kristen could tell he feared his father, but she could also tell that he did not want the life before him.

  "My name is Nikolas." He said quietly.

  "Kristen." She said.

  He nodded. "Yes, we're all pretty familiar with who you are."

  "Why am I here?"

  Nikolas shrugged. "My father is paranoid that your family will come to seek revenge. Not that you aren't without right to do so. But, he seems to think that by marrying you and me, your family would have no way to contest the right to the throne, and since I was king, it would still continue in his bloodline."

  Kristen snorted. "No offense, but I'm not marrying you."

  He smiled. "None taken."

  "You don't seem to like his idea any more than I do."

  "As you say, no offense. I do not thirst for power and blood as he does."

  "Then why are you here, in the dungeon, talking to me?"

  Nikolas looked away. Kristen got the distinct impression that he was choosing his words carefully. When he looked back, he was definitely more nervous than he had been moments before.

  "There is a prophecy here that one day a young woman would return Norway to its former glory by opposing the false king and standing up for what is right and just. The way you stood up to my father made me think of that."

  "I'm no savior, Nikolas. I have a life back home that I'd like to return to. This feud has nothing to do with me, it was before I was even born."

  "You have no desire to claim what is rightfully yours, and seek revenge for the family you lost?"

  "Given the chance, I'd like to help your father understand his mistakes in that regard, but no, I have no desire to rule over a country. I prefer the quiet life."

  Nikolas was surprised by her words. "You are much different than I thought you would be."

  "I get that a lot."

  Nikolas chuckled. He could clearly see this woman overthrowing his father. But, if she did and refused to take the thrown, what would that mean for their country? He didn't mind ruling, it's just that he didn't feel it was his right. He tried to explain it to his father once and had been beaten for his trouble. Since then, he played the ambivalent prince who was easily offended by the wrong thing. Most of the men he'd sent to the reaper had been his father's men. His father took it as a sign Nikolas was preparing for his role as king. But, to avoid suspicion, Nikolas had to send a few of the guards he knew were against the king to the reaper, as well. He'd earned a nasty reputation, but he was trying to help.

  "I must go, but we will speak again. It would be wise to mind your cheek for a little while. You'll do no one any good being stuck down here." Nikolas said.

  Kristen smiled. "I'll do my best."

  Nikolas laughed. He didn't think she would try very hard at all, but he had to hand it to her, she was unmistakably fearless.

  ***

  Derrick, his brothers, and Guy were huddled around the table in Guy's quarters aboard his ship. They were poring over a map of Norway and making plans. Kristen had never told him where in Norway she was from, but Derrick guessed the Oslo, the capital, was as good a place as any to start.

  "I think it would be best if we split up and get as much information as possible once we arrive." Derrick said. "I'll take the docks."

  Tristan laughed. "A little pent up aggression there, brother?" He teased.

  "Being idle for nearly two months with no word of how she is has me a little agitated, yes."

  "I can't believe you married a princess." Oliver added from across the table. "Does that mean you will be a consort if she takes the thrown, or will we have to refer to you as your highness?"

  Derrick scowled at him. "That's not really the issue, now is it?"

  "Certainly not, but think about it. You'll be a higher rank than Scott."

  The brothers looked at each and burst out laughing.

  "Do you know, I hadn't even considered that. That would certainly get his goat, I'm sure." Derrick said.

  "I don't think he would ever get over the

  embarrassment of having to refer to you as "your highness."" Tristan added.

  "Well, we need to find her first." Derrick added, getting back to business. "I suggest we lay low and get a feel for the grounds. Tristan, have you had any dealings with them?"

  "Not much. I ran into them a time or two at sea, and as best I can tell, they choose their ranks based on who fights the best. "

  "Well, that sounds promising." Guy added, studying the map.

  "Indeed." Derrick added miserably. "Guy, how did the conversation with the king go?"

  "Kristen's grandfather is an old friend and he'd like to help because he always thought the day would come when Flanagan would return and reclaim his throne, but without any guarantees like he had with Flanagan, he's not willing to risk an all-out war."

  "So the answer is no?"

  "For the time being."

  Derrick stepped away from the map and went to sit in a chair across the room. He tossed himself into it, and slouched, bringing his hands to cover his face. This was turning into an impossible endeavor. They had no idea where Kristen was, even if they could retrieve her, they had no hope of going up against a Viking army alone, and they had no help from anyone in a position to do so. Derrick sank further down the chair.

  "Well don't fret yet, dear brother. We haven't even reached Norway yet. Better to see what the situation is first before we decide it's completely impossible." Tristan said reasonably.

  Derrick nodded. He had to remain focused on finding Kristen. The rest could be figured out when the time came. For now, he just needed to get to Norway.

  ***

  Alice awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. To her surprise, Adria
n didn't try to take her last night. He laid next to her, but he was a perfect gentleman and kept his hands to himself. He even let her sleep in, and left quietly to go about his daily activities. It had been some time since Alice had slept in, and she had to admit, it was pleasant to do so. But now she was hungry and ready for a bath. Adrian hadn't left her any instructions, so she wasn't sure what to do.

  She still didn't believe the nonsense he had spouted the night before about actually caring for her. He had plenty of opportunity over the years to show her that he cared, but had been nothing but cruel instead. He had an agenda she wasn't aware of yet, but it wouldn't be long before Adrian got to the point of what he wanted. Still, it was nice to be pampered and not slapped around, so she was loathe to do anything that would set Adrian off. She decided she would read a little and give Adrian time to return.

  And, it wasn't long before he returned with food and a bath without her having to ask. He had the servants set everything up and then dismissed them in a hurry. But, she watched him when they were around. The Adrian she knew, the cold and calculating, ruthless man who had trained her, was there. But, when the door shut behind the last servant, that mask of indifference melted to what seemed to be genuine happiness at seeing her. The change was certainly noticeable, but Alice didn't trust it.

  Adrian walked over and kissed her on the forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

  "Yes. Thank you."

  He nodded. "Good. Let's get you bathed."

  Alice frowned. "I am capable of bathing myself, Adrian."

  "Yes, I know. However, I would like the pleasure." He held his hand out to her expectantly. "Please."

  She calculated her chances of survival in open combat with Adrian, and the odds were still against her. Despite all that she knew, she still had not surpassed him. Sighing, she placed her hand in his and, with his most charming smile, he led her to the bath tub.

  Adrian had fully expected her to argue or fight him, but instead she accepted. With shaky hands, he removed her robe and shift, then let them fall to the floor as he helped her into the bath tub. Everything about her was perfect to him. He ran a hand across the slope of her shoulders and followed the curve down to the crook of her elbow. He felt her shiver at his touch, but when he glanced at her eyes, he was pleased to note that it wasn't entirely hate he saw there.

  His hand dropped into the water and brushed her leg as he sought out the sponge. When he found it, he slid it up her leg, over her hips, and around to her back where he met his other hand and took the sponge. His free hand returned to the water and caressed her thigh. Alice drew in a breath, and he leaned over to kiss her shoulder as his hand inched closer to her waist.

  Alice gripped the sides of the bath tub. When Adrian said he wanted to bathe her, she didn't think he had this in mind.

  "I thought you were just going to bathe me?" She said, her voice sounding far too breathless.

  "I am bathing you." He squeezed the sponge over her back and let the water trickle down her skin.

  He watched in fascination as gooseflesh rippled across her arms, and her nipples hardened. Alice shifted in the water, angling her hips away from Adrian, but he didn't mind. His hand still crept up her leg until he reached her womanhood. She stiffened, but he nuzzled her neck as his hand found purchase between her soft curls. Adrian stroked her slowly until she began to relax against him, then he deepened the pressure. Alice's breathing turned shallow, and she leaned back against his arm.

  Smiling, Adrian bent his head and kissed her. His tongue slid over her lips until they parted, and then delved into the depths of her sweetness. The sponge he'd been washing her with fell to the water, forgotten in his desire to touch her. As Alice's tongue met his, Adrian lost himself in the feel of her. He had wanted to take things slowly, to give her time to adjust to this new level of their relationship, but when her tongue slid into his mouth with a need rivaling his, he knew that taking things slow was no longer an option. Throwing caution to the wind, he lifted her from the water and crossed the short distance to the bed. His mouth never left hers as he lay her down and covered her wet, naked body with his own.

  Alice rocked her hips into his, and Adrian nearly lost all self-control. A hungry need to possess her come over him and he tore his mouth away so that he could remove his shirt. But, as he pulled back to remove his shirt, Alice arched her back and pulled him back to her. He chuckled and kissed her, but pulled back again to remove his shirt. Adrian quickly yanked it over his head and threw it on the floor, then returned his attention to Alice as she softly raked her nails down his back.

  Alice didn't know when she had decided to enjoy Adrian's touch, but somewhere between the bath and his hand sending butterflies to her stomach, she noticed a change in him. She still wasn't certain she could trust him, but his touch had been gentle and sweet. Before he had always been rough and callous with her. But as the heat of his body returned to hers, she felt safe for the first time in her memory. Alice relaxed and slid her hands up and down the length of him as their kiss deepened. Adrian's manhood bulged from his breeches and rubbed at the sensitive point between her legs. She moaned in pleasure and Adrian bucked his hips into hers.

  Adrian felt certain he would burst into flames any moment; the heat between them was so intense. He still needed to remove his breeches, but he was absolutely loathe to leave her again, afraid she would change her mind. When he pulled back from her, he brushed strands of damp hair from her face and stared into her eyes, searching to see if she was ready for this next step. To his great surprise, she seemed willing to take whatever he would give her. Confident she would not refuse him at this point, he stood up and started to remove his pants. Alice jumped from the bed and stood before him, her skin still damp and glistening.

  She reached for his hands as they began to remove his breeches and she gently pushed them away. Her eyes locked with his, and she held his gaze as she slowly slid his breeches down from his hips to his ankles. Adrian stepped out of them and Alice tossed them to the side, then settled on her knees in front of him. She took the full length of him into her mouth, and Adrian sucked in a sharp breath as her tongue and lips slid back down his shaft. She took her time caressing him, and her tongue swirled and twisted as her lips moved up and down.

  Adrian couldn't recall ever feeling anything quite as wonderful as what she was doing to him. One of her hands came up and massaged the underside of his shaft, and he nearly collapsed where he stood. The other hand joined her mouth and she found an easy rhythm where the two worked together, sliding up and down the length of him while her tongue continued its lazy perusal of his skin. The fire he felt before seemed glacial compared to how he felt now, and he was certain that if she didn't stop, his insides would devour him in flame.

  She took her time and Adrian felt his pulse quicken, and his breath was nothing but a moan. He grabbed her hair and held it from her face as he watched her. She sucked in her cheeks and applied a slight pressure to his shaft, continuing her up and down motion. But, it was enough to undo Adrian. He groaned in pleasure and spilled his seed into her mouth, filling her until she could take no more. She watched him carefully as she swallowed and Adrian lifted her from the floor and took her back to the bed.

  "Now, it's my turn." He whispered in her ear as he lay her down.

  His hand followed a lazy trail from her waist to the curls between her legs, and he parted her with a finger as he slipped it inside, creating a slow rhythm at first. His thumb caressed the nub at the top of her mound, and Alice moaned happily. Kissing her again, Adrian increased the rhythm of his finger until he felt the warm wetness of her body touch him, and then he slid another finger inside. Alice bucked her hips, wanting more, but Adrian took his time. He tore his lips from hers and moved to cover one nipple with his mouth.

  Alice's hands went to his hair, and she pulled at him as she writhed in need. Adrian's tongue circled the hardened nub of her breast and then sucked it further into his mouth while his fingers kept up a steady tempo. Alice
nearly unseated him as she bucked again, her hips slamming into his chest. He moved to her other breast and gave it the same attention while she bit her lip and moaned. Her breath quickened, and Adrian removed his fingers and scooted down so that his tongue could replace what his hands had been doing.

  Alice nearly jumped off the bed when Adrian's tongue touched her down there. She had been with Derrick for nearly three years and he had never done such a thing. Adrian held her waist in place with his hands as his tongue danced up and down the length of her. When he came back up, he swirled his tongue around the tip of her womanhood and she let out a lusty cry that seemed to send Adrian over the edge. He growled low in his throat and lifted himself up on his elbows, trailing kisses from her belly button to her mouth. When he was in position, he entered her swiftly and Alice sighed contentedly.

  But, Adrian was not yet content and he thrust into her, his hips slamming into hers as they barreled toward their climax together. Alice's breasts teased him as they bounced around, so he grabbed them, giving them a squeeze. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he could feel the intense pressure building in his groin, but he wasn't ready to give into it yet. He slowed his tempo and came to a stop, pulling out and lifting Alice's left leg to rest on his shoulder. She moaned in protest at the loss of him, but was quickly pacified when he reentered her.

  Alice had no idea lovemaking could be like this. Her first time with Adrian had been quick and over before she could even enjoy it. Things with Derrick hadn't been so bad, but she'd never felt the exquisite freedom of her senses she felt now. Each thrust of Adrian's hips had her crying out in pleasure. Each slide of his shaft caused a thousand sensations to crawl through her entire body, seeking release. The pressure built in her belly and the heat rose to a scorching temperature. She was sure they would burn before they finished. But, when Adrian lifted her leg to his shoulder, she was nearly undone. The sensations across her body were spinning out of her control, and she had no idea where she stopped and he began.