by Kris Norris
“So tight, sweetness. I love how firmly your body holds me.”
She moaned again as he slipped his finger all the way in, spreading the slick oil up and down her channel. Her muscles relaxed, taking his intrusion more easily. He smiled, and pushed in again, two fingers this time, both coated with a thick layer of fluid. “Damnation woman. You will surely be the death of me.”
Mira mumbled a reply, but it got lost in the sound of his heartbeat. His blood pounded through his veins, threatening to end his explorations before they began. He groaned and removed his fingers, feeling her press back at the loss. He met her challenge with the head of his shaft. She stilled as he lodged it at the entrance to her ass, rubbing the tip around the edge. For a moment, he wondered if she’d pull away, but cursed when she pressed against him, sinking him slightly inside.
Keegan surged forward, slipping the bulbous head in her channel. Her tight ring of muscles clenched on him, as if deciding whether to pull him in or push him out. He paused, waiting to gage the outcome when she reared back again and sank another inch inside. His growl was followed by a firm thrust, his control no longer his. He pushed forward, burying himself in her ass until his sac cupped her sex. Mira cried out, but the sound was raw and hungry and he took it as his sign to move.
He eased back, feeling her snug channel grip his cock, pulling on the skin until he thought he’d lose his mind. But just when he was ready to bow his head in defeat, her muscles urged him back in, and he surged forward again, reclaiming the lost inches.
“So tight. Sweet Heavens but I feel as if I’ve crawled inside you.”
“Please. Don’t make me wait any longer.”
He bent down over her, lightly biting at the corded muscle on her shoulder. “I’m trying to go easy. So I don’t hurt you.”
Mira huffed and clenched on him, locking his shaft deep inside her. “Stop worrying about hurting me, Keegan, and love me before I die of need.”
He closed his eyes, the last shred of his control fading with the release of her muscles. He kissed her once, revelling in her raw cry of desire, as he dragged the heavy length of his cock back to the entrance of her nether hole, pausing one last time, before driving into her.
Mira wailed beneath him as he pounded into her, thrusting his cock so deep he felt her sheath clasp at his bollocks as they slapped against her, nearly filling that hole as well. He kept moving, claiming her fully before retreating to the edge, growling as the tight ring pinched his crown, never allowing it to leave her heated channel. Back and forth he forged, holding her hips in his hands, growling as the fire welled inside him, threatening to pull him into the darkness. Mira thrashed against the bed, her voice a rough mixture of his name and a word he couldn’t quite make out. She’d angled her body, lining her nether hole up with his thrusting shaft, keeping it aligned so every stroke buried him deep within her. He fought the need, wanting to make this one joining last a lifetime.
The sound of his name brought him back. Mira threw her head back, her voice fading into a silent scream. Her walls clamped around him, trapping him inside, as her orgasm purged the air from her lungs and she went limp beneath him, his hands the only force holding her up. His cock swelled with male pride, his release burning down his spine. He called her name a moment before the fluid purged from his shaft, filling her anal walls with his hot seed. Over and over, jerking his body against hers until his strength finally waned, and he collapsed on the bed, pulling her with him, drawing her into the protective curve of his body. Shadows flitted across his vision, his breathing a series of sporadic gasps, until the last of his release purged from the tip.
“Dark Heavens.”
The words were whispered with her name as he drew her closer, softly drawing her hair from her face. Her eyes were closed, her thick lashes brushed against the soft skin of her cheek. He reached forward, tracing a single finger along the curve of her face. “Mira. Sweetness, are you hurt?”
A soft sigh sounded from her lips as her mouth turned up into a contented smile. She didn’t speak, but dropped a gentle kiss along the back of his hand before drifting back to sleep.
Keegan watched her fade, drawn to the simple beauty of her silhouette. So different from any woman he’d ever met, yet burned into his memory as if he was looking upon a face he’d known all his life, but only just found.
He sighed, easing his shaft free as he pulled her closer, feeling her heart beat with his. There’d be no turning back—Mira was his.
He smiled at the thought. A healer for a wife. Who hailed from Queen Vestna’s Kingdom, no less. He certainly knew how to pick a mate. Now all he had to do was get them both safely back to Garinth, and the rest of their lives could begin.
Chapter Five
“No!”
Mira cringed as Keegan shouted the word back at her. She knew he wouldn’t go along with her idea, but it was the only way. “Keegan…”
“I won’t steal away in the night and leave you here to take the punishment Queen Vestna would otherwise bestow upon me.” His eyes burned as he met her stare. “In my Kingdom, men don’t leave their women to die.”
His woman.
Mira’s heart fluttered at the thought. He’d told her she was his, but under the circumstances, she just didn’t see how they could stay together, though she would have gladly sold her soul to spend one more night with him. He was her every fantasy, and it touched her heart at the tenderness he’d displayed during their last few couplings. Ever since he’d completed the bond, he’d stayed at her side. Even when he wasn’t loving her, he’d held her close, always touching her. She’d grown accustomed to having his hands cupped around her body, and the thought of losing that connection was killing her. But her love for him was stronger, and she knew if he stayed, he’d be killed.
She stood up and crossed over to him, touching him on the arm. A small amount of power flowed between them and she smiled at his hushed curse.
“That’s not fair, Mira. I know what that does to me.”
“I need you calm so I can reason with you.” She held up her other hand when he tried to speak. “Vestna won’t kill me. It goes against Corand law. She won’t risk losing her magic for anything, even seeing me suffer.” She lowered her fingers to his waist as she gazed down at her navel, smiling at the bright blue hue sparkling from the small crystal through her thin shift. She’d managed to break his stone hours ago, but he’d stubbornly refused to leave. She drew her gaze back to his face. “I’m expected to pass the Ritual. She’ll just be angry I actually did.” She glanced at his shaft, grinning at the bulge beneath his pants. “She didn’t think you could do the job.”
Keegan glared at her, but didn’t speak. She smiled as his shaft pulsed, flaring the head against the fabric. He’d crossed his arms and turned his head away when she reached forward and ran her finger along his cock, loving how his head snapped back and his eyes narrowed.
“She might not kill you, herself,” he said, slowly removing her hand. “But sending you on a mission with your sisters will accomplish the same result. We both know you’re incapable of being a warrior. Killing people goes against your very nature as a healer.”
“But at least I’ll be free. Even for just awhile.” She cut him off when he snarled. “You can’t stop it. The mission is part of the Ritual, and we both know Vestna’s not about to make any exceptions. If you stay, she’ll have you executed for treason, real or not. You know I can’t let that happen.” She handed him a folded map. “An old servant gave this to me for healing his wounds when I was a child. I think he hoped I’d be able to use it one day. It’ll take you to a secret route through the mountains. You’ll be halfway to your Kingdom before they realise you’re gone.” She drew his face towards hers with a gentle finger. “Please. I can’t bear the thought of Vestna hurting you. If I know her, she’ll make me watch, knowing it’ll kill me when I can’t heal you.”
Keegan scowled, but took the map. Something in his eyes had changed, but she couldn’t tell what he was
thinking. “Take this.” He handed her a small amulet with a strange symbol inscribed on the front. “Wear it the day you leave and don’t take it off. Ever. Do you understand?”
She nodded, knowing only death would separate her from his gift. “Go quickly. The warriors will be changing duties. You can slip out through the stables.”
He looked back at her bed—their bed.
“Please, Keegan.”
He nodded and took a step back, draping the cloak she’d given him over his body. “This isn’t the end, Mira. I promise.”
Mira forced a smile as he slipped through the door and down the corridor, disappearing around the corner. Tears welled, and once he was gone, she allowed them to flow unchecked. Tomorrow she’d have to face her mother, but tonight, she’d mourn the only love she’d ever know.
* * * *
Mira stopped at the door to the throne room, ignoring the sudden churning in her stomach. The sun was setting along the horizon, reflecting long shadows across the palace walls. A bitter scent permeated the air, and she recognised it as the incense burnt at previous Rituals. She nodded at the women guarding the entrance. They lifted their lips into smug smiles, opening the door, announcing her arrival with an air or humour not easily missed. Mira pushed past them, chin held high, the blue gleam of her crystal hidden beneath a simple cloak. She was dressed in only a translucent robe, her feet bare against the cold stone. A gathering of women filled the room, standing in concentric waves flowing out from the Queen. Vestna smiled as Mira stopped before her, a proper curtsy followed by a muted, “Your Majesty.”
“Mira. How lovely to see you. I assume your Rite of Passage was enjoyable?”
Mira curtsied again. “Yes, mother.”
Tiana poked her in the arm, but didn’t allow her hand to linger as Mira’s aura shimmered across the material in a gentle ripple. Mira simply smiled. She knew it was proper to address Vestna as, ‘Your Majesty,’ during the ceremony, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use the old endearment. Keegan’s love making had given her a confidence she hadn’t felt since she’d been a child, and she was done cowering before her family.
Vestna sneered, motioning to the women standing beside Mira. “Very well. As you seem anxious to complete the Ritual, we won’t waste any more time with pleasantries. Sisters!”
With the single word the women grabbed Mira’s cloak, and tore it off her shoulders, tossing it aside in a crumpled heap. She didn’t move as they removed her robe, baring her body to everyone’s gaze. An audible gasp echoed through the room as the crystal sparkled in the harsh light, it’s blue hue casting small flecks across her skin. A contented smile touched the corners of her mouth as she watched her mother’s jaw gape open.
“Impossible!” Vestna surged to her feet, covering the short distance in three strides. She pawed at the stone, as if trying to dig the damn thing out, before cursing and raising her hand. Her arm stopped in mid swing, her gaze following the flickering blue light on Mira’s skin.
“It’s a trick. You discovered a way to break the spell.” Vestna crossed her arms on her chest, nodding at Mira. “You’ll submit to your Queen and prove your validity by giving us a demonstration of your newfound womanhood. Tiana. Strap her to the table. Bram will prove her treachery when she bleeds to death on his first thrust.”
Mira glanced at her sister, expecting fire to blaze from the woman’s hand, only to stare in awe when indecision flashed in her Tiana’s eyes.
“But her crystal is blue,” began Tiana. “That’s proof enough she’s passed the Rite of Passage. Corand law clearly states she’s to be given a celebration, not forced to fuck someone she doesn’t find pleasing.”
Vestna howled, fire erupting along her skin as she took a calculated step forward. “Don’t lecture me on Corand law, daughter. I’m well aware of what the sacred scripts dictate. But it’s obvious this little witch has found a way around our laws, thus justifying an altered approach.” Vestna reached for Mira only to have Tiana step in front.
“I’m as puzzled as you, my Queen. But altering the ceremony will spell certain death to us all. And I, for one, have no desire to lose my magic for the likes of her.”
Vestna scowled, but took a step back, the fire slowing bleeding into nothing more than a red glimmer. “Very well. If she enjoys fucking her Garinthian slave so much, she can give us all a show of her prowess. It seems obvious she welcomes him into her bed.”
Tiana shot Mira a wary glance before nodding. “I’ll return with the servant as ordered.”
Tiana darted from the room, the soft swish of her battle leathers hanging in the air. It was only a matter of time before they discovered Keegan was gone, but Mira had hoped to give him more time. She chanced a look at her mother, wincing at the visible hatred that radiated off the woman’s body. She’d always known her family despised her, but to see the emotion in its raw form was more than she’d expected.
“He’s gone,” said Tiana, dashing into the room, her words mingled amidst sharp pants.
Vestna’s head snapped up, her lips pulled into a tight line. “What do you mean, ‘he’s gone’?”
“I checked Mira’s room, but he’s not there. I’ve sent some warriors to scour the palace, but I have a feeling he’s not on the grounds.”
“What!”
Vestna’s voice rang across the room, vibrating the walls with its force. Mira winced, but held her ground as Vestna turned to her, rage burning behind her dark eyes.
“Where is he?”
Mira shrugged. “He was there when I left. I don’t know where he is now.”
“Liar!” screamed Vestna, pacing back to her throne. “You helped him escape.”
“How could I, mother? He was protected under your magic. Are you suggesting a witch without any power could break your spell?” Mira shook her head. “I thought your spells were absolute.”
Vestna cursed, but then lifted her lips into a cruel smile. “Of course, my dear. There’s no way a simpleton like you could break one of my spells. Perhaps there was a fault in the crystal. But since it’s clear you have feelings for this slave, I’ll do you a favour and get him back.” She waved at Tiana. “Tiana. Gather a small group. I want you to take Mira on her first mission and find the man who’s given my dear daughter a second chance.”
“What about the celebration? Corand law—”
“I know the law,” snapped Vestna. “But it appears our feast will have to wait until our prisoner is returned. I wouldn’t want Mira to be without the only man she desires.” Vestna smiled. “You’ll leave at once.”
“But—”
“You have your orders, Tiana. Go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Tiana shot Mira an unsettled glance before turning on her heels and marching out of the room.
“As for you, Mira. I suggest you go back to your room and gather a few of your meagre things. The next few days will be quite exhausting. Almost as much as the last few must have been.” She laughed. “I suppose I underestimated your slave’s potential. I’ll have to find out first hand just how good this man can be. Perhaps, if you behave, I’ll let you watch us fuck.” She flicked her hand at Mira. “Leave.”
Mira turned, picked up her clothes and left, praying to all the Gods Keegan had followed the map, and was well beyond the borders of Corand.
* * * *
Keegan stumbled along the rocky trail behind the palace, rain pelting his skin as he fought the numbing cold. Night was almost upon him and he needed to bridge the castle walls before they closed the gates. Hunger and thirst gnawed at his strength, but he kept moving, not willing to rest until he’d fulfilled his vow. He hadn’t stopped since he’d snuck past Vestna’s guards and found the hidden route through the mountains—a narrow, winding path that had tossed him against the rocks on more than one occasion. He’d managed to press on, only to be attacked by a pack of wild cur just as he’d crested the ridge. A small blade he’d found in Vestna’s stables had been his only defence until he’d been able to climb a
lone tree. It’d taken hours for the pack to scatter, but the damage had already been done. He’d taken several deep cuts to his chest, and had a series of puncture wounds to his right thigh.
But he’d kept going, the memory of Mira’s face spurring him on. He could still see her…unshed tears shimmering behind her green eyes, her blonde hair like a halo around her face. She’d had only her shift on and he could still picture her luscious silhouette swaying beneath the sheer cloth. It gave her skin a hazy appearance, as if he was watching her through the mist, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around her smooth skin and drink in the sweet fragrance he’d come to know as her scent.
This isn’t the end, Mira. I promise.
His words rang in his head, pushing him farther along the trail. He wouldn’t fail her, even if he had to take Vestna’s Kingdom apart piece by piece. She’d become his wife, and once she was safe, he’d spend his life showering her with all the love she’d given him for nothing more than a tarnished trinket and a passing promise in return.
He cursed, wincing when his foot caught on a stone, slamming him into the rock. The bitter taste of blood filled his mouth and he turned his head aside, spitting the red liquid across the path. “Damn you, Vestna. I swear you’ll pay.” He pushed up, trying to gain his balance, only to be shoved back down.
“On your knees, thief, before I take matters into my own hands and spare my father the trouble.” The man moved in front. “Tell me your name and I might allow you to live.”
“You’re getting a bit cocky for such a young lad, aren’t you, Roland?”
The man gasped and dropped to his knees, pushing Keegan’s hood back. “By the Gods, Keegan!”
Keegan smiled as Roland pulled him into an embrace, all but smothering him. “Easy, little brother. I’ve had a busy week.”