by L C Taylor
“It’s been two months, Constable. TWO FUCKING MONTHS. WHERE IS ANTHONY?”
“We don’t know… I wish I could tell you something different, but there is no trace of him. It’s like the Diamond Queen, whoever has them, doesn’t want them found.”
“Unacceptable. Do you hear me? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!” Rory collapsed to the ground, her sobs coming out in pants.
Captain Kris rushed to her side, lifting her from the floor, “Your Majesty. Are you ok? Constable, call Christine.”
Constable Philips babbled on his phone and set it down, “She’s on her way. Rory,” he moved to stand beside the Captain, “I know you’re upset, but you have to get control. The kingdom needs you. Anthony needs you to be strong.”
Christine rushed into the room, “RORY!” she reached out, grabbing her hand, “What happened?” Christine glanced at the men standing around.
“She collapsed after hearing the update.”
“Captain Kris, can you take her to our quarters. I’ll be there in a moment. I need a word with the Constable.”
Christine watched as Rory was carried from the room by the Captain.
“Constable,” Christine pinned him with a stare, “I am worried about Rory. She hasn’t been sleeping, and for the last three weeks, she’s been throwing up every morning.”
“I can send the doctor to your quarters and have her examined. I am sure it’s the stress of Anthony’s disappearance, plus the deterioration of her father’s health has been added to the mix.”
“Yeah… she cried herself to sleep last night. She wants so badly to give him the wedding he asked for, but she won’t do anything without Anthony. She’s even begun shutting me down.”
Christine collapsed into the seat across from the Constable, “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know. Maybe a celebration of your union would be enough.”
“No. I can’t ask her to do this without Anthony.”
“Not a marriage. Just a party and acceptance of your love. It would give her father something to witness in the event he dies before Anthony returns.”
“If Anthony returns, you mean. We don’t even know if he is alive.”
“I have to believe he is, Christine. For your sake and Rory’s, we must believe.”
“You’re right. I’ll go talk to her. Please have the doctor meet me in our room. Keep me posted – and Constable,” Christine stood and placed her hand on his desk, “Perhaps you should have me in here for future meetings. I can help keep her calm.”
“Yes… I do think that’s wise. Let me know what the doctor says.”
Christine hurried into the hallway and paused. Resting her back against the wall, she took a deep breath. Christine had to keep herself together for Rory, but the truth was… she was falling apart inside.
It’d been two months, and still, there was nothing about Anthony’s wellbeing or whereabouts. To make matters worse, The Onyx Queen had fallen off the planet. Her mother was ruling temporarily until Onika returned. She’d left, with her former commander in tow, claiming she needed time to come to terms with the life-altering secret she’d learned in the journal. A journal that somehow disappeared from the Onyx Castle. It still hadn’t turned up… but it was just a matter of time. That book had brought nothing but devastation to the six kingdoms.
Taking a deep breath, Christine rushed toward her room. A room she shared with Rory. It was supposed to be their room – Rory, Anthony, and her. It felt empty with him gone.
Christine paused at the entrance to their quarters. Placing a hand on the cold wooden frame, she took a deep breath and went in. Captain Kris was seated on the chair near their shared bed.
“She fell asleep,” Captain Kris looked over at Rory, “I am worried about her.”
“That makes two of us. Can you let the doctor know she is sleeping and that I’ll call for him when she wakes? I’d rather not disturb her right now. She hasn’t been sleeping well, so this is much-needed rest.”
“Absolutely. A guard will be right outside the door. Call me when you’re ready for the doctor.” Captain Kris placed a hand on Christine’s forearm as he headed toward the door, “We will find him, Christine. I will make sure of it.”
Christine nodded and locked the door behind him. Stripping off her clothes, she slipped under the covers beside Rory. Tugging her body against hers, Christine wrapped an arm around her waist and rested her head against her shoulder.
“I won’t stop until we bring him home,” she whispered into Rory’s ear, “I love you, Rory.”
Closing her eyes, she let sleep take her. She needed to be strong for Rory… her happiness meant too much for Christine to allow herself to crumble.
Chapter 19
Anthony woke to the sound of scraping as the door was forced open. Glancing toward Dimitra, he realized she’d come to stand between him and whoever was coming into their dank prison.
“Dimitra, what are you doing?”
“You’re still recovering. I don’t want them to hurt you, Anthony. You need to live for Rory. I won’t let her lose us both. Now shut up and follow along. Lay back and close your eyes. Let them think you’re asleep. Please…” She shot him a wary glance.
Anthony winced, his wound still throbbing reminded him he’d nearly lost his life at the explosion. Pressing his eyes closed, he laid flat against the cool concrete and listened – as the Diamond Queen had ordered him.
“I see he’s still unconscious.” A man’s voice echoed off the walls.
“What do you want with us?” Dimitra bit back.
“It doesn’t matter… everything will be revealed in due time. Look,” Anthony heard his footsteps move closer, “you need to just do what he says – I don’t want your blood on my hands.”
Dimitra gasped, “You’re being forced to do this, aren’t you?”
Anthony cracked an eye open, trying to see what was happening.
“Stop pretending to be asleep, I can see you’re awake.” The man barked, causing Anthony’s eyes to fly open.
“Why are you doing this?”
The man peered over his shoulder, checking the corridor, “Look…” he lowered his voice, “He has my sister… if I don’t go along with his plans, he will kill her. I can’t let that happen. She’s only nine. He already killed my parents.”
Dimitra sighed, “Help us escape, and I promise to help you save her.”
“I can’t. He’ll kill her the minute I betray him.”
“So what? You're going to kill us?” Dimitra demanded.
“No…, he has a plan for you – but him,” the stranger pointed toward Anthony, “he’s not important.”
“Please don’t kill him. I’ll come with you – willingly. But Anthony needs to be set free.”
The man seemed to be at war with himself. He glanced once more into the corridor, “I will tell him you're dead. You,” he motioned toward the queen, “will have to put on a big show about him being left dead in this room. I will leave the door unlocked, but you will have to wait a day or two before trying to leave. There are six of us here right now. But we have been ordered to move her.”
Anthony grunted, “Your Majesty, I can’t allow you to do this.”
“You don’t have a choice. You’re the only one who can clue everyone in on what’s happening.”
“Can you tell me anything that would be helpful?”
The man pondered for a moment, “The place where fire meets water and is covered in darkness. That is where he will take her.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“That’s all I can give you… I’m sorry.” He reached out for Dimitra’s arm, “Come. We have to go, or he will become suspicious.”
“Wait… can you unlock his chains? Please…” Dimitra yanked free and ran to Anthony. Squatting down, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “Take care of my cousin.”
“I’ll find you, Dimitra. I promise.” Breaking apart, Anthony looked to the man, “What’
s your name? Can you give me that?”
Sighing, “I…” he looked at the queen, “my name is Jason. Jason Castor. And I promise to protect her – I swear I will not let any harm come to her where he is taking us.”
Anthony nodded as Jason unfastened his chains. Rubbing the flesh where the metal had bitten into his ankles, Anthony watched as Dimitra was pulled from the room. The slamming of the door made him startle and wince. He closed his eyes for a moment and listened. He could hear banging, and then silence fills the space. Remembering his promise, he leaned against the wall and waited.
He’d find Dimitra… but first, he had to get to Rory. She needed to know he was alive. Then Anthony would stop at nothing to save Dimitra. He had a feeling Rory would burn the world down to find her cousin.
Chapter 20
Another week passed, and Rory was pretty tight-lipped about what the doctor told her. Christine was beginning to worry, as Rory was still sick.
“Rory,” Christine grabbed her hand, “Please tell me what the doctor said. I’m worried about you.”
“I’m not ready to talk about it yet. Has anyone found anything? On Anthony or Dimitra?”
Christine gave her a weak smile, “No. Nothing.”
“And Onika? Have we figured out where she’s gone? Commander Holsten isn’t answering his phone either.”
“Sorry,” Christine shook her head.
“This is so fucked up. Dimitra, Anthony, and now Onika has dropped off the face of the earth.”
“Well… I’m sure she is safe. One of your best guards is with her, after all.”
Rory walked to the large window in their shared quarters, “I feel like a part of me is broken, Fitzy. And that’s not fair to you.” Rory turned and held out her hand to Christine, “I’m sorry. I just miss him.”
“I know,” Christine laced their fingers together, “I miss him too. We’d just gotten to the point where we realized we loved one another. How could I not love him? His love for you broke down all my barriers. I was ready to explore with the two of you and stop being separate.”
“Oh, Fitzy,” Rory wrapped her arms around Christine, “I love you.” Pressing her lips to Christine’s, Rory put everything she felt into the kiss.
Christine moaned, leaning into Rory’s body.
“I don’t think this is a good idea, you’re still not feeling well.”
“I’m fine. I need to be close to you, please, Fitzy.” Rory tugged at her shirt, pulling it up and over her head. Christine eased Rory from her shirt as well, leaving them both standing there in bras.
Rory slipped her straps over her shoulders and unfastened hers, letting it fall to the floor. Flicking the snap to her pants, Rory pushed her shorts down and stepped out of them.
Christine hurried to undress. The sight of Rory naked in front of her made her tingle all over. Rory reached out and palmed Christine’s breast. Her fingers closed around the taut nipple and squeezed, making Christine gasp.
Rory slowly walked Christine backward to the bed and pushed her down. Climbing on top of her, Rory took her mouth in a fierce kiss. Their tongues clashed against one another, fighting for dominance. Their naked chests were pressed against each other, heat radiating around their bodies. Rory laced their hands together and pressed them above Christine’s head. She trailed kisses down her neck, licking and sucking. Christine responded to her touch, her hips bucking beneath Rory.
Rory licked her way down, swirling her tongue across each pink bud as she moved down. Pushing Christine’s legs wide, Rory buried her head between her lush thighs. Pulling Christine’s sensitive nub into her mouth as she pressed a finger between her folds.
“Rory!” Christine cried out, grinding her hips and arching her back.
Rory giggled just before burying her tongue inside her. She worked her mouth over Christine’s center, plunging her digit in and out, trying to draw out Christine’s orgasm. Her movements were calculated and tender. Rory lapped at her juices, sucking her lips between her teeth. Christine’s breathing became frantic as she raced towards the cliff of ecstasy. Adding more fingers, Rory fisted her cunt. Curving her fingers inside Christine’s womb, she hit the spot, pushing her over the cliff. Christine tensed, then screamed out. Her release hit her hard and fast.
Rory could feel her core tighten around her fingers and then release. A flood of desire spilled out, coating her hand in Christine’s honey.
“FUCK!!” Christine screamed out before relaxing her body. “Holy shit…”
“Oh… we aren’t done.”
Rory reached into the drawer beside the bed and withdrew something. Christine’s eyes went wide, “What the hell… when did you get that?”
“I’ve had it… and now we’re going to use it.”
Christine watched as Rory climbed on to the bed and straddled her at the knees. Rory grabbed some lube from the drawer and coated the dildo. She eased the tip into Christine’s pussy until it was seated inside her. Propping herself up, Rory pushed the other end inside herself. Laying flat on Christine, she closed her legs around Christine’s.
“I’ve wanted to do this for some time, are you ready?”
Christine moaned beneath her, “God, yes. Please move already!”
Rory rocked her body, the dildo sliding inside her and Christine. Christine wrapped her legs around Rory’s back and started to move with her. The dildo slipped in and out, making a sucking sound. Rory leaned up, arching her body, so it pressed the rubber dick inside deeper.
“Oh god…” Rory panted, “Fuck… Christine…”
Christine found a steady rhythm, her body responding to the pleasure stick between her folds. She couldn’t believe it felt so good. She’d been with men before, but with Rory, it was unreal.
“I’m close, Rory.” Christine panted, rocking her hips faster. “Please don’t stop.”
Rory eased her body up into a riding position and rode the cock with abandon. It went deeper, touching spots she’d never known existed. Her whole body coiled with pleasure. Christine cried out, her legs holding Rory tight to her cunt.
Rory felt the pressure build until finally her pussy spasmed and tightened around the dildo. She screamed out, letting the orgasm wash over her. Collapsing, she rolled to Christine’s side. The dildo slipped out of her and flopped onto the bed. Still buried inside Christine, Rory reached down and pulled it out.
“Damn… that was…” Rory tossed the toy to the floor.
“Fucking amazing,” Christine finished for her.
“Yeah… amazing.” Rory rolled to her side and snuggled against Christine’s flawless skin. Peppering her arm and neck with kisses, “I’m exhausted. Take a nap with me?”
“That sounds like a great idea. I love you, Rory.”
“I love you, Fitzy. Thank you for sticking with me. I’ll try to do better and not shut you out.”
Christine kissed her, giving in to sleep, they were wrapped around each other’s bodies as one.
Chapter 21
Anthony woke with a start. He wasn’t sure where he was, but sleeping on the street in an alley probably wasn’t the safest thing to do. Glancing around, he guessed that he’d somehow managed to find his way to the Sapphire Kingdom. There were far too many lakes for it not to be Sarifena’s home.
Pushing himself up on his feet, Anthony started towards the main road. Perhaps he’d find someone that could take him to her castle or at least help him call for help.
Limping his way out of the narrow alley, he was shocked to find the Queen. She was standing next to several guards at one of the local shops. He never believed in fate, but he was quickly rethinking his stance.
“Your Majesty!” Anthony called out, stumbling toward her.
The guards surrounding her rushed him, grabbing him by the arms and taking him to the ground.
“Please… I am the commander of the Ruby Kingdom.” Anthony hit the ground with a muffled grunt. His body ached, he was pretty sure his wound was bleeding.
“STOP!!” Queen A
zurite yelled, “What the fuck is wrong with you idiots? Can’t you see who that is…” she squatted, batting the hand of her guards, “Commander Blake… Jesus Christ – help him up, NOW.”
The guards helped him to his feet and held him steady. He felt like his side was on fire as he stood on his unsteady legs.
“Anthony, can you walk?” Sarifena grabbed his arm, “Officer Holberg, help this man to the car and you,” she pointed to the other man holding him up, “Call the doctor. I want them to meet us at the Castle.”
Sarifena followed her guards toward the awaiting SUV, “Captain Stephens alert Commander Brady. Let him know we’ve got the Ruby Commander and that I want to be the one to call Rory.”
Sarifena slipped into the car beside him, “Commander, do you remember anything?”
“Yes… but I’d rather wait until Rory is here to say anything. I’m just so tired,” he laid his head back on the soft leather headrest.
“Rest… I am sure Rory will be here today. If I know her at all, she’ll set fire to anyone that tries to stop her.”
Anthony closed his eyes, feeling safe for the first time in a while, “Your Majesty… how long was I gone?”
“A little over two months.”
“Fuck… Rory,” he paused.
“Anthony,” Sarifena placed her hand on Anthony’s leg, “Rest… I’ll make sure she knows you’re safe.”
Nodding, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Sarifena watched as her guards carried Anthony toward the medical wing as he needed medical attention immediately. His clothes were torn and covered in dirt and blood.
Sarifena took a deep breath and dialed the Ruby Queen’s number. This was going to be a shock and a relief all in one – Sarifena wasn’t sure if calling her directly was smart, but she knew she’d want to be first to know.
Chapter 22
Christine woke to the sound of something vibrating. Turning her head, she realized it was Rory’s phone.
“Rory,” she shook her awake, “your phone is ringing.”
“Just answer it,” Rory mumbled, rolling away from her.