Carved

by Miki

  “Thank you, it’s a deal.” I answer. “I guess it’s just a wake-up call to the hard decisions in life. She really had relief in her eyes. I’m going to remember that instead of question myself anymore. Thank you for believing in me, I needed this talk.” The realization he cares enough to be here for me pulls at my heartstrings.

  Just then the waiter returns and removes the empty trays bringing us a bottle of rich burgundy wine. Spar opens it and pours us both a glass. I enjoy it with a sigh.

  He hands his glass to me and I take it with a question in my eyes. He picks me up carrying me to my room and tells me, “Come here, I want some alone time with you.”

  I smile a little and say, “That would be really nice.”

  “Be careful—don't spill. Well, if you spill, I’ll have to lick it off you.”

  “Okay, now I need to spill it on purpose. Maybe pour it.” I tease him as he sits me softly on the edge of the bed. He takes our glasses and places them gently on the nightstand.

  Standing in front of me, he pulls my head toward his abdomen. I open the snap, using my teeth, and lick his skin softly, using as much of my tongue as I can. He pulls back slowly, but with force, pressing me toward the bed. He caresses my neck, working his way toward my stomach. As he moves down, I check to see if he’s biting off the buttons or unbuttoning them. I smile to myself—he’s very talented with that tongue. It takes a few more seconds for him to get my shirt undone. Using one hand, he pulls it the rest of the way off. He pulls me up and kneels in front of me, holding my back and kissing my neck.

  “Oh, that feels so good,” I moan.

  He continues kissing my lips and playing with them until they tingle. He has his hands on my breasts, rubbing them gently through my bra. His hair is tickling my stomach as he unbuttons my pants with his mouth. At the same time, he undoes my bra with one hand. I pull it off and throw it across the room.

  He raises up a little to suck one of my nipples into his mouth, taking it slowly. I moan into the silence. He begins rocking back and forth on me. My brain is fried. I push him back, so I can unbutton his shirt.

  To hell with that.

  I pull as hard as I can, and the buttons spray across the room. I unbutton his pants and he helps me. He bends to take his jeans off, pulling them over his clawed feet and I watch as the muscles of his ass bunch. He stays bent down, helping me the rest of the way out of my own pants.

  Now that we have the clothes out of the way, he climbs onto the bed with me. He lifts me by the waist to put me on top of him. Leaning into him, I bite his ear and I tell him he’s mine. I’m never letting him go. I lift and slowly guide him into my body. The stretch hurts just enough to feel good. He’s making deep gargoyle satisfaction noises—sort of like a moan and a growl together. I’m not going to last long. He puts a thumb on my clit, making a circular motion. That’s all I need, and I’m gone.

  I stop for a second when he flips us over and keeps up the rhythm. Slow and steady, he doesn't rush. It’s like one long orgasm that keeps going. Then, my big Spar finally gets to cum too.

  Exhausted, he looks at me, “Kendra, I love you. I’m so proud of you. Don't question your decisions. I’ll tell you if I ever think you might want to reconsider. I love you with everything I am.”

  Spar and I talk until I fall into an uneasy sleep. I wake a few hours later and reach for him. He isn’t there. Instead, my hand touches Mica on the chest. He rolls over to me and presses his body to mine. I can feel his big claws, smooth and gentle, on the small of my back. That’s a very sensitive part of my body that I love being touched, especially by this big hunk. I’m not ready for this yet, with him. But kissing is good.

  All right I have no idea what’s going on. He’s too wonderful. I can't even think of anything but him now. I need to take a breath. When I do, I want to stop and talk to him for a bit. “Mica, I need to stop for now. As much as I don't want to. I’m not ready yet. I want our first time to be different. Special. Okay?”

  “Okay, I understand, my beautiful lady. It’s still a few hours until sunrise. Mega left word that he wants to talk to you as soon as you wake anyway.”

  “I talked to Spar already, so he knows. I guess you know because you’re here with me and not him. I need to tell you about Kino, too. I want to make sure you’re on board with all of us being in a relationship. What do you think?”

  “My beauty, you’ve chosen well. We’ll be the best family. I can’t wait to start our new life together, Princess.”

  “Well, let's go take care of some business.” I begin get up, not thinking about being naked. Oh well, he’s mine. I know I’m his, just as much. I don't mind teasing him a little. It’ll make the wait that much sweeter.

  I get up and let the covers drop. Slowly walking to my bathroom, I turn, and oh yeah, he’s staring wide-eyed. “Mica, I’m going to get a quick shower. I’ll be out as quick as I can. Will you meet me in the living area?”

  I have a fleeting thought to run over, kiss him, and run. I’m afraid that it would be too much for either of us, and I wouldn't be able to stop. I really want to plan something special for him.

  Twenty-Two

  Friends

  Kendra

  I dress in some tougher clothes today. I’m not out to impress anyone. My mission: protect my friends while they torp. After yesterday, I need to be on my toes at all times. Walking into the living area, I say, “Hello, all. I trust y’all are okay?”

  They answer in the affirmative, though I can tell their spirits are down. The thought ‘like mine had been before Spar and Mica came to visit’ jumps straight into my mind. I hope I stifled the blush before it reached my face. “As soon as we get back to Navan, I think we should have a holiday. How does that sound?”

  The room perks up, smiles on everyone’s face. There’s even a small murmur of conversation now.

  “Mega, will you come walk with me?” I say out loud. Then I start our conversation in tele-speak as I walk out onto the patio with him behind me. Mega, does Flint understand what his job is now? Does he understand the sentence was a farce?

  Kendra, Flint and I spoke at length about what his role would be in this mission. I believe he understands it. I also believe Flint was hurt a great deal by his public humiliation.

  When we reach the patio, I end the tele-speak. “We need more information, and I need him to know we are on the same side at all times. At one of his next dead drops, make sure you have my coded thank you, with my love for him and my promise that I’ll bring his work to light as soon as we can. Mega, he must play double agent for a little longer. We need more information from Jafer. How would you feel about telling the others in our party that the sentence in the meeting hall was for the cameras only?”

  “Kendra, I believe there are others working with Jafer and against our best interests. I caution against that and advise patience.”

  “I know you’re right. I feel awful for Flint right now. We do need to find out who our enemies are. Baratium is obvious. He must have friends to help him travel the globe the way he is. I can’t help but think we were brought here as part of some elaborate trap,” I add.

  “TASS does not look out for the Ceorfan. In its hundreds of years of existence, it has never had a Ceorfan as a director, so I do not think they ever will look out for us. With that said, Edling, I do not see any further evidence of a direct plot. Kino, Amber, and Mason have all worked in constant patrols, searching for such evidence.”

  “You may be correct, General. Maybe it’s best if y’all pose on the top of the castle to sleep today. As high as you can, so no one can get to you. I’ll still be able to watch, but it’ll be safer. I’ll have the castle guards with me. That’ll allow Mica to sleep today too. I need him frosty for tonight’s strategy breakout, because this’ll be the last of the planning. Then we’ll start on mission ‘Horde Be Gone.’”

  “Yes, Edling. Let us return and tell the Ducere so the castle surveillance will think everything is okay.”

  When we ret
urn, I let them all know Mica will sleep today. When I do, they immediately balk at the idea. Mega explains our reasoning and they grudgingly give their approval.

  The sun rises and the Ducere fly to the upper most parts of the castle turrets and pinnacles. Watching them pose. I say to myself, “Wings up, Ceorfan.”

  They may even have heard me; as one, they immediately raise their wings. When the first rays of sunshine fall upon them, they harden into their torpified state. Amazing. They’re breathtaking. “Sleep well, my family. I have work to do.”

  My first stop is the kitchen and Chef Ron. I want to tell him, ‘thank you,’ for taking such good care of me. On my way, I run into Thurston and walk to the kitchen with him. I ask him, “How is your family, my friend?”

  “Queen Kendra, my wife is down with a cold, but other than that, everyone is fine. Did you know I have a daughter attending university in Glasgow? She’s studying medicine,” he tells me, with a lift to his chest. He continues, “I have a son named John. He’s at home with his mom, sick.” His shoulders drop noticeably, “John has always been a little sickly.”

  The despair Thurston has for his son’s sickness is overwhelming me. I’ve always been able to perceive other’s feelings. Thurston’s are no different, except it’s much more intense. I’m not sure why, but when I accept the feelings, it seems to ease the intensity a bit. “Thurston, may I visit your family after I’m finished in the kitchen?”

  “I would very much like that my lady queen. I’ll be back to collect you in a little while. Chef Ron is right through those doors.” He gives me a little bow before turning and hurrying away.

  At his bow, I wince a little and quickly turn away, so he has no reason to assume I don’t appreciate his manners. The fact is, I’m still slightly bothered by the royal treatment. Thurston is a kind gentleman who has done his best to make the entire Ceorfan delegation feel welcomed here. I consider him a friend.

  It’s loud in the castle kitchen—not so much from voices, but from grinders, blenders, beeping from alarms and microwaves, the clicking of utensils. Over the din, a familiar voice rings, “Hey, my queen. What has happened that you would visit my humble kitchen?”

  “Humble? Well, my friend, I think our definitions of humble differ,” I playfully tell him as I move in and collect a hug. “I came to tell you thank you for taking such good care of me. I was feeling down last night and wouldn’t have attempted to eat if you hadn’t sent dinner to me.”

  “It was my honor, Queen Kendra. You’re a worthy queen. You show me kindness. You show kindness to the least of all of us. That is how we have measured you. The thanks go to you.”

  I blush deeply at the kind comments. “Chef Ron, you and your staff are wonderful. Everything you’ve cooked is delicious. In fact, I’ll need to start exercising if I continue to eat so well. I’m going to get bigger than a house.”

  “You’re most welcome. A chef does what a chef can. You’re the first to complement my meager offerings in a long while. Your kind words are further proof of your magnanimity. My staff and I appreciate that. Sit here, let me get you a treat.” He brings me a plate and a cup of tea. “This is a family recipe for apricot scones. Tell me what you think.”

  I take a bite for him. Closing my eyes to enjoy my treat, I lean back and say, “Yummmm. Oh, that’s good. Do you think I can have some of these sent to my room? Oh, and maybe, if you don’t mind…I’m going to visit Thurston’s family. Will you share some so I can take his wife and son some?”

  He smiles. “It is my pleasure to make the world happy with food. Simone, please prepare a basket of goodies for Queen Kendra to take with her.”

  “Chef Ron, thank you again. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  He smiles at me and says, “It is enough that you asked, and you love my cooking.”

  I leave the kitchen with my basket and immediately see Thurston coming for me.

  “Are you ready to take me to meet your family, Thurston?”

  “Yes, but you do not have to do this, my lady queen.”

  “Oh hush, I want to, you nut.”

  We talk and walk for maybe twenty minutes before arriving at his little cottage. It’s old, like the castle. I ask him if it is one of the older buildings. He tells me, “Yes. It was part of the original stewards’ residences that belonged to the castle when it was built in the 1600’s.”

  Thurston leads me through the front door. It’s a very nice cottage. He and his family are not lacking for nice furniture. The decor is more modern than what I’d expect, all dressed in a blue and gray color scheme. He calls for his wife and takes me by the hand, leading me to a bedroom where his wife is sitting in a comfortable-looking lounge chair in the same hues as the rest of the house. She’s bundled up in a thick quilt. The quilt looks old and worn, soft with age. She has thick fuzzy socks on her feet. Her hair is long, a thick steel gray braid that hangs over a small shoulder. She’s a tiny lady, maybe five feet at the most, and I doubt she’s a hundred pounds. She lowers the Kindle in her hands and smiles at her husband.

  “Who have you brought to visit, husband?” Her voice is beautiful and matches her perfectly. A high soprano voice if she were to sing, I’m sure. Thurston introduces us, and I bring out the basket of goodies Chef Ron sent and give them to her. She’s very happy, even though I can tell she isn’t feeling well. With all that’s been happening to me over the last weeks, I’m questioning many aspects of my life. Such as, I can’t remember being sick. Do I have a protection inside me? How can I pass that on without using my blood?

  I give her a big hug, so I can have a reason to breathe dragon breath in her face. I hope it will help her to get over her cold faster.

  “I can’t stay for more than a minute or two, but I did want to meet you and John. Meg, please, get some rest, I hope to see you again.” I call her by the name Thurston had called her earlier when he introduced us.

  Next, Thurston takes me to John’s room, where his son is sleeping. John is obviously frail-looking, but a very handsome boy. His dark hair is messy from sleep and his fair skin red in places where he laid on his pillow. His hands and arms are on top of the covers. There are blisters on his hands. “What is it, Thurston?”

  “They fail to know, my lady queen. I hope they find out soon. He weakens daily. I’m afraid we will not have him too much longer if we can’t find help.”

  John hears his dad and opens his eyes and smiles. Thurston goes over and fusses with the covers, straightening them and combing his son’s hair off his face. I’d notice a small pocket knife on the bureau beside a wallet and comb. I pick it up and used it to prick my finger. As I do, I hide it from sight and squeeze it a bit to get the blood to pool on my finger.

  Thurston introduces me to John. When he does, I butt in between them, so Thurston won’t see what I’m doing. I reached for John’s blistered hand with my bloody fingertip, rubbing the blood into the blister. I pick his hand up and put in under the covers while telling him, “John, I’m happy to meet you.”

  He smiles and drifts off to sleep again.

  “Well, I should be going, Thurston. I’m sure I can find my way back to the castle. It’s a straight shot on an easy path. You stay and help your family for the time being.”

  Thurston tells me he’ll see me at the castle later, after dark. I reach for him and give him a hug before I leave.

  I say a little prayer for John as I start back to the castle. I haven’t had any exercise in a while, so I decide to run back to the castle. I need the exercise, or I might lose my edge. I was so weak when I was healing in the hospital after being wounded by Jerry Drinker. I thought it would take me weeks, or longer, to feel good enough to run again. The run feels good. I slow to pace myself. It’s only a few minutes to the castle. but still I’m starting to sweat as I arrive.

  I plan best when I’m running or walking. My plan is to go see if the Chairman will let me speak to Jafer and his men. Afterwards, I’ll go shower, sleep, and get ready for the gargoyle day to start.
I want to finalize our mission plans and get back to Navan. I need to do some work to control the cartel, so I don’t have to keep dealing with that problem. Perhaps I can persuade the prisoners to help. Lastly, I don’t want to forget to ask Jericho to use a spell on them to make sure they forget the location of Navan.

  Entering the castle through the front doors the guards recognize me, without a problem. I go straight to the Chairman’s office, and his administrative assistant rings him of my presence. She tells me her name is Cecile and if I need anything to let her know. Then she comes to the door waving me in. His permanent grimace is still in place and he’s smiling at me. That’s creepier than seeing a gargoyle smiling by a long shot!

  The Chairman seats me in a leather chair opposite his with his large wooden desk between us. He buzzes his assistant and asks her to have the kitchen send us some lunch. He doesn’t specify what he wanted. He looks over at me and says, “Don’t think I didn’t notice you not asking for specific meals. The best meals are never specified. I’ve been trying that, and my meals are much better than before.”

  We sit and visit over our lunch, talking of our families and what we want to see for our people. How we think we might best achieve peace across the world. I tell him we can’t enjoy peace until we get the despots under control. He agrees. The fight is never-ending.

  I ask him if I might question the prisoners. He tells me, “Yes, Queen Kendra. But I would like to go with you. I would, with all due respect, like to take my guards for your protection. We do have cameras in the cells and the audio is very good. Let me give you the codes to access those files while you stay here.” He punches information into his computer and provides me with the access information. “Tonight, Queen Kendra, there is a gala being held in the ballroom. Would you and your Ceorfan warriors please attend as our guests? If you need something to wear I have a designer within my reach—if you like.”