As he felt the tiny muscles in his eyelids come back to life he waited, controlling his anxiety until they were fully restored, then very slowly opened his eyes.
The chamber was the one in which he’d gone to sleep, there was no-one else there, but his arm felt as though there was a mighty weight upon it. Darting his eyes to the side, prepared to fling his right arm across his body to attack whatever he might find, he saw the familiar curly red hair.
Lizbett!
Sighing heavily he surrendered back to the process of waking, allowing each of his limbs to return to their full state, but thanks to Lizbett his left arm would not be as it should for a while.
I will spank you until your bottom matches the color of your hair. What a willful, disobedient girl you are, so much worse than I thought. Your father was right, you are impossible. I will tame you though, yes I will, and spanking isn’t the only weapon I have at my disposal.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Lizbett opened her eyes and stared around the room. She felt groggy, but the light beaming through the windows told her it was late and the suns were high in the sky. Yawning happily she smiled at how marvelous it had been to sleep next to the strong, protective body of her warrior, then shuddered deliciously when she recalled the previous night and the great pleasure he had shown her.
Mmmm, I must touch my fingers there again. Maybe I can do it for myself now, maybe he has released me.
Her arm was bent at the elbow, the back of her hand resting near her head, and she began to move it slowly downwards, but it unexpectedly caught. Turning her head she was shocked to discover her wrist had been bound with a thin rope, and that rope was secured to the bedpost.
“What is this?” she protested, and as she attempted to sit up she discovered she could not; her opposite wrist and both her ankles were also tethered. “Who has done this to me?” she wailed. “Show yourself. You must be a coward to tie a woman like this.”
Movement across the room caught her eye, and she sighed in relief when she saw it was Larian.
“Thank goodness! Look, Larian, look what someone has done to me!”
She watched him ambling towards the bed and began squirming impatiently.
“Why are you moving so slowly? Please, Larian, please hurry and get me out of these ropes.”
He stopped at the foot of the bed, and crossing his arms he glowered down at her.
“I tied you!” he declared.
“What? You? Why?”
“If you do not know then I must leave,” he growled walking away.
“Wait? Where are you going? You can’t leave me like this. I won’t allow it. Why? Why did you do this? Tell me, I demand you tell me.”
Ignoring her he continued to move away, but just as he was about to leave the chamber he turned around.
“Think about the question you asked me,” he said sternly, then disappeared through the curtain.
“STOP! COME BACK HERE!”
Her voice was loud and shrill, and she groaned with great relief when he suddenly reappeared.
“Thank goodness! I should think so!”
He moved swiftly across the room, and only when he sat next to her did she notice what was in his hand.
“No, not the horse bit thing, no!”
“Screaming is not acceptable. I’m going to leave it right here,” he said placing it next to her. “If you yell like that again it will go inside your mouth, but be warned, I’ve added a very distasteful potion and you won’t like it.”
“How long are you going to leave me here,” she pleaded.
“I told you to think about the last question you asked, before you began screeching that is. When you have the answer to that question, then, and only then, will I consider releasing you.”
Speechless, she watched him stand up and march away, then stared at the bit laying next to her. She wanted to wail at him, she wanted to yell and pound her fists on his chest, but she certainly didn’t want that thing back between her teeth. Sighing heavily she closed her eyes and thought about his comment.
“I told you to think about the last question you asked.”
Why? That was my question, why did you do this to me? He’s punishing me for something, yes, he’s punishing me. That’s the answer. Wait, that’s only part of the answer. Why is he punishing me? Ooh, because I snuck into his chamber and climbed into bed with him. Of course, but he was sleeping. What does it matter? If only I’d woken first I could have snuck away and he’d never have known. Oh well, at least I have the answer now.
“Larian, I know why,” she called.
Silence.
“Larian!” she called again, a little louder.
“LARIAN!”
His body whistled through the curtain and zipped across the room so quickly she barely had time to catch her breath before he was placing the bit between her teeth.
“HUMPHH!”
“I warned you,” he said sternly, standing up scowling down at her. “Does everyone jump when you yell? Did you expect me to come running because you think you have the answer? Foolish girl,” he scolded. “You called once, that was enough. You will learn I will come when I’m ready to come, not because you yell for me. I was very clear, scream and the bit goes in your mouth. Now you will stay tied up even longer.”
“Hmphf,” she bleated, her eyes pleading up at him.
“Enough! Not another sound!”
Turning quickly he strode away, and as Lizbett saw the curtain flutter in his wake the first bitter taste of the potion on the hard rubber between her lips began to fill her mouth.
Oh, this is dreadful, what is it? Ooh, this is… but before she could finish her thought a small voice began chattering in her head.
Larian is a warrior, he is a Warrior Of The FIrst Order, he is a Commander. His will is iron, his promise is gold, his threats are real, his mind is as sharp as his sword. You have his love, but if you want him you have to realize he means what he says. If you want him you will have to obey him. If you want him you will have to be…a…a good girl, a really good girl.
The truth sent a ripple through her heart, then a chill down her spine, and closing her eyes his actions swam around her head. She recalled him lifting the nefarious traitor from behind the table and hurling him at her father’s feet like a rag doll; his warm, protective hold as he’d taken her in his arms when he’d returned so late the night before; his kindness towards the humble village maiden. Hot tears began to brim behind her eyes.
But I am not good, I’ve never been good. I may be a Princess, but I’ve never been good, and I’m certainly not good enough for you, Larian. You have become a warrior of the highest order, but I have become nothing…just older.
Her body began to sink into the mattress as the wetness dribbled from the sides of her eyes.
Larian had not gone anywhere; he was watching from a small gap in the curtain. When he heard the sigh he was hopeful, and when she began to softly moan, and then sob, he prayed it signaled what he believed it did.
Moving quietly across the room he sat beside her, and when her eyes opened and she stared up at him he saw vulnerability and understanding flowing with her tears. Reaching behind her head he unbuckled the bit and gently removed it.
“Larian,” she whispered, “I know the why, but I know so much more.”
“I’m listening,” he said softly.
“The why is because I…I…ignored your wishes and crept into your bed last night. I know about Zinyana, and that you probably wouldn’t wake, and you didn’t, but that was so wrong and I’m sorry, and that’s why you tied me up.”
“Yes, that is the why. What else do you know?”
“I know that…that…I am not good. I have never been good, and you were right when you said I disobey just because I can. I’m not a good girl, I’m not good at all, not good enough for you,” she exclaimed, and with a heaving sigh she broke into sobs.
“The dawn of understanding. It is such a moment to behold,” he murmured, and reaching a
cross her body, with one pull of the rope, all her limbs were simultaneously released.
“Larian? What are you saying?” she blubbered not even caring that she was free.
“Come here,” he crooned pulling her into his body. “Have faith, sweet Lizbett. You will travel with me to my residence, and I will help you free the good girl who lives inside you.”
“I don’t know how,” she moaned.
“I think perhaps you do,” he smiled.
“Can I say something?”
“You asked for permission. See, we are making progress already. Yes, you may say anything you wish, as long as it isn’t unkind.”
She pressed even closer against him, curling her head into his shoulder.
“I feel so amazing when your arms are around me. It’s as if nothing can harm me. If feel so safe. I always want them to hold me like this.”
Closing his eyes Larian inhaled her sweet scent, relishing her soft, yielding body as it dissolved into his.
“I shall always be your strength and your protector,” he whispered. “I promise, and you know I always keep my promises.”
He rocked her for a short time, then she lifted her head and gazed up at him.
“How long will this awful taste be in my mouth?”
“For a while,” he nodded, “like the sting of my hand. It remains to remind you of your crime; it helps you the next time you might want to be naughty.”
“Oh, a while?”
“Yes, a while, but speaking of your lovely mouth, I believe we both need to have our morning meal.”
“The servants will have left a large tray outside my door,” she replied. “Can you bring it in, please? I will wash my face and meet you at the table by the window.”
“I must be quick. I have to seek out the King and hear what information was uncovered.”
“I’m sure there will be a great deal,” she frowned. “I need a long soak before I venture out.”
“Then I will eat with you, and leave you to your girly ways,” he smiled, and kissing her forehead he slowly moved her off his lap and headed for the curtain.
Entering her bed chamber he opened the door to the foyer and found exactly what she had described; a large tray covered in plates offering a variety of food. Carrying it across to the table by the window, he pulled on his long pants and sat down to eat. He was ravenous and his arm was still lagging; he’d need another hour of Zinyana to fully restore the blood that was not circulating properly.
You are a very naughty girl, Lizbett, but this morning we have crossed a barrier. You have many sore bottoms in your future, and many more lessons, but you will get there.
CHAPTER TWELVE
After sharing breakfast overlooking the gardens with the golden mountains gleaming in the distance, it was time for Larian to leave for his audience with the King. Standing up he took her hand, pulled her into his chest, and hugged her warmly.
“Larian,” she murmured, “I love being in your arms.”
Moving his lips to her neck he kissed her languidly, then straightening up he traced her face with his fingertips.
“I must go, sweet Princess, but soon we will be on our way to my home. Pack only what you need, just one bag.”
“One bag? I’ll try,” she muttered trying to think of the largest bag she had.
“I have to go. After I meet with your father I must return to my bed chamber and enter Zinyana again to restore arm. I’ll come back here to fetch you when the East sun is halfway set”
“I’ll be ready,” she promised.
Moving quickly to the main foyer of the King’s apartments he was told that the monarch was in his personal suite of rooms surrounded by heavy security; Larian took that to mean the King believed a threat still existed.
As he approached the door to the King’s private apartment the same routine was applied as it had been the night before; he was stopped and his visit checked before he was allowed entry.
“I’m sorry you were halted, Larian,” the King apologized. “My personal retinue is extremely loyal and determined that no harm shall come to me.”
“No apology is necessary. I am pleased they are so diligent.”
“Larian, is your arm injured? It is hanging in a most peculiar fashion.”
“Sire, I will be frank. I wish to have no secrets; this is the fault of your daughter.”
“Lizbett? How could she possibly hurt your arm?”
“I was in the state of Zinyana in the bed chamber next to hers. She was willful, as well you know she can be, and against my wishes she crept in and laid next to me. Because of the weight of her body on my arm it could not reawaken properly. I now must sleep for a short time and rise again.”
“I’m sorry, Larian, that daughter of mine is impossible,” the King sighed. “I do hope you possess the patience to deal with her.”
“I believe I do, Sire. I took some steps to discipline her and I believe I made my point. Rest assured I will continue to make it clear such naughtiness will not be tolerated.”
“I’m glad you did,” the King said solemnly, “you must do as you see fit. It is on my shoulders that she is such a difficult young woman.”
“My only wish is to see her happy and content,” Larian said warmly. “A woman is not happy if she is disobedient and willful, at least, this is the belief of the Zanderonians.”
“I share your belief. I make sure my wife knows I am King, believe me, but as much as I am enjoying this conversation we must speak of more serious matters.”
“Yes, what news was uncovered? I am eager to hear.”
“As we feared there were others involved in the attempted seizure of the throne. Only a handful, but they are still at large. You must remain on high alert as you travel back to your residence.”
“Ah, this is good information, thank you.”
“Take note, Larian, there are four men, all nobles, three share the black hair and orange eyes of their heritage so they will be easy to uncover. The fourth is a distant relative and has reddish hair and blue eyes, and if he is disguised as a villager or a merchant he will be more difficult to spot. We think they’re traveling together which is helpful, but they stole horses so they may be far away by now.”
“I hope they are. If they are gone they don’t pose a threat,” Larian remarked.
“I do not share your view. If they are gone they can regroup, join others and launch a different type of attack. I shall not rest, Larian, until they are found.”
“Ah, yes, Sire, I understand. It is good Lizbett will be away from here. I imagine such men might see her as your weakness.”
“They would be right,” Handerah sighed, “and I would be very worried about your journey, but knowing there is the compartment in which she can hide, and that she will be escorted by you and the warriors of Zanderone fills me with confidence.”
“My men will need only two hours of Zinyana and then they will be ready to travel.”
“It’s amazing that you can do that,” Handerah declared. “It is truly remarkable and such a blessing.”
“It is, Sire, but when we sleep, young women like Lizbett can be very naughty.”
Handerah laughed out loud.
“It is good to joke when such serious matters surround us,” he chuckled.
“It is important,” Larian said. “Laughter and humor help us deal with the serious matters in life.”
“Indeed,” Handerah nodded, “and you have brightened my day.”
“Thank you, Sire, I’m glad of it. Now I must return to my chambers for an undisturbed, short sleep. Lizbett is packing, but I have told her only one bag.”
“That will be quite the challenge,” the King said raising his eyebrows.
“If I am still in sleep when the carriage and men arrive, would you please allow them a secure apartment where they may have their own time to sink into Zinyana and restore themselves? They will need sustenance upon waking, this is part of the process.”
“I shall give the orders imme
diately. The horses will be seen to and new ones provided.”
“Ah, I’m so pleased you mentioned the horses. I believe it would be beneficial for Lizbett to have her horse, Scarlet, come with her. I fully intend that she learn to ride in the manner she should, and Scarlet must also be trained to accept this.”
“I will see the mare is ready, though it is a long trek for her.”
“We will not be racing, Sire, and from what I saw the mare is not given the exercise she needs. I suspect she will enjoy the journey, and as you are aware we are taught much about horses and how to care for them.”
“Yes, of course you are. My mind is filled with too many things, and you’re right, Lizbett is very attached to her horse. She will take comfort in having her there.”
“Thank you, Sire, and if I may?”
“Yes?”
“I know you are very worried, but I believe these other schemers will be quickly captured. The head has been cut off the snake. It may wriggle, but its fangs are gone. Please, Sire, please get some rest and good food. Your Kingdom is safe.”
Handerah stared at the muscled young warrior; his wisdom was far greater than his youth would suggest.
“Farris was my friend, my confidant, my advisor. His betrayal has distressed me greatly,” the King confessed as a heavy frown creased his brow.
“A man is trustworthy only until he is not,” Larian said quietly. “You must find someone new, but until that person surfaces you can always contact me, and your wife will soon be at your side.”
The King stepped forward and squeezed his arm, a gesture of great fondness.
“The summer your Prince sent you to my stable, is the summer that assured the future of this Kingdom. I will take your wise words to heart.”
Bathed in the King’s warm approval Larian bowed his head, and overcome by the high praise he murmured a humble thank you, then backing up three steps he turned and left the chamber.
As he headed down the long passageway, his arm hanging uncomfortably at his side, his mind was swirling.
The Warrior and the Petulant Princess Page 8