by E. A. James
Thurban snapped his fingers and one of the girls came forward with a silken cloth. She dabbed at Thurban’s lips and chin, wiping away the last of the mead. Thurban gave her a raunchy look and reached around her curvaceous body before pinching the cheeks of her bottom. The girl squealed in pain and Thurban burst out laughing.
Aerdan’s distaste grew. Am I doomed to become the same old dumb man, he wondered. Or will my life be more exciting – a true adventure? His past few hours with Angelica had been more thrilling than anything that had happened in years, and Aerdan was reluctant to resign himself to a life of sloth.
“Father, Mother waits,” Aerdan said. “I am sure you can return to your…” he trailed off, eyeing the women around his father with slight disdain. “Fun very soon,” Aerdan finished. “This won’t take but a minute.”
Thurban grumbled. His face clouded with irritation as he hauled himself upright from the chaise and stretched. Even though he was old and fat, he still cut a powerful, intimidating figure. He still had at least two inches on Aerdan, and his shoulders were as wide as the trunk of a massive tree.
"This better not take very long," Thurban complained. "Girls, tidy my chamber." He winked lecherously and the girls giggled, but Aerdan could tell they were only feigning adoration. “When I return, I expect my dinner to be ready.”
“Yes, Commander,” one of the girls said, dipping into a curtsey. Thurban made no secret of staring into her gown where it puckered and fell away from her bosoms. Behind his father’s back, Aerdan rolled his eyes.
The walk back to Zornaya’s chamber took much longer – Thurban had a festering wound on his right knee, and he walked with a slow limp. Aerdan held his breath – the wound was stinking so badly that he felt faintly nauseous. Man up, Aerdan ordered himself as Thurban led the way to Zornaya’s chamber. You’re a man – it’s time to act like one!
“Queen,” Thurban cooed in a manner that was somehow both respectful and patronizing. “So good to see you are doing well.”
Zornaya turned and nodded her head at her husband. “Commander, there is someone I’d like you to meet.”
Aerdan noted with pleasure that Angelica looked marginally more comfortable than she had when he’d first left her.
“This is the lady Angelica, from a distant land called New York City,” Zornaya declared. “She is a guest of the royal family, and should be treated as such.”
Thurban snorted. He walked closer, dragging his injured leg behind him. Angelica stood there, quivering but holding her head high.
“Angelica,” Thurban repeated. He growled. “Not much of a woman, is she?”
“Commander!” Zornaya said sharply. “Hold your tongue. She is five and twenty years of age, which is more than acceptable.”
“Acceptable?” Thurban snorted. “What for?” He eyed Angelica lecherously and Aerdan had to consciously resist the urge to attack his father.
“For a wife and future Queen,” Zornaya said.
Angelica turned to Aerdan. “What?”
“Mother, I had not yet discussed this with Angelica,” Aerdan said quickly. “She is just a guest, that is all. She will be staying with us while we find a way for her to return home.”
“Aerdan’s told me all about how he’s an explorer,” Angelica said, a note of desperation creeping into her voice. Aerdan cringed as she continued: “So I’m sure it won’t take too long.”
Thurban exploded into laughter that filled the room with his syrupy mead breath. “An explorer!” He laughed. “That’s a good jest, son!”
“Aerdan?” Queen Zornaya narrowed her eyes. “Is this true?”
Angelica glared, her dark eyes flashing. “Yes, Aerdan,” she echoed. “Is it true?”
Aerdan felt like melting into the floor. I can’t believe I was so stupid, he thought. I couldn’t even think of a good lie!
Zornaya smiled serenely. Aerdan glared – why was his mother, of all people, happy about this?
“I am sure my son was only trying to impress you,” Zornaya said kindly to Angelica. “But he is no explorer.”
Angelica’s shoulders slumped. “I had a feeling,” she muttered.
“You are smart, child,” Zornaya said. She smiled. “And Aerdan…well, take it positively.”
Aerdan cringed. Of course, his mother was pleased that he’d lied – because he’d never bothered lying to a girl in order to impress her before. It was all too much to bear.
“Come on,” Aerdan said sulkily to Angelica. “Let’s go.”
Thurban’s laughter rang through the halls as Aerdan led Angelica out of Zornaya’s chamber. He stomped angrily down the hall and she broke into a run just to match his stride.
“Aerdan!” Angelica cried. “Where are you going?”
Aerdan didn’t answer. He was filled with a mixture of shame and anger. I shouldn’t have lied, Aerdan thought as he stalked away. But what in the name of gods should I have done instead?
Aerdan strode out of the castle. He broke into a run and didn’t stop until he was inside the stables. At the sight of his master, Tlatse shook his head and whinnied.
“Come on,” Aerdan said darkly. “We’re going for a ride.”
Thirty minutes later, Aerdan and Tlatse were soaring through the woods, moving as one body, one soul. Aerdan didn’t even have to keep his eyes open – he knew this path so well that it was like being with an old friend. As Tlatse broke into a fast gallop, Aerdan twined his hands in the mane of his stallion. His strong thighs clung to Tlatse’s back and sides. As Tlatse leapt and cleared a fallen tree, Aerdan tried to clear his mind. He tried to forget all about his lecherous father, his cold, distant mother.
And Angelica. What of her?
I don’t care, Aerdan thought bitterly. She despises me now, anyway – I lied to her! But what else was I supposed to say? He realized that even though he may have successfully diverted the attention of his mother for the moment, now that she had a new target, she wouldn’t release Aerdan from his obligations until he announced the bride of his choosing.
And what’s worse, Aerdan thought as he rode through the woods. She might just be trying to trick me, by making Angelica think that I’ve brought her here to be wed! Mother’s going to exploit whatever anxiety I have…and she won’t stop until I tell her I’ve chosen a girl.
His blood was racing through his veins by the time Tlatse arrived in the clearing. Baelan and Huen were already there, lounging in the grass and passing a flagon of mead back and forth.
Aerdan leapt to the ground and tethered Tlatse to a tree before joining his friends.
“I’ve heard there’s something brewing at the castle,” Huen said slyly. “Something about a foreign visitor?”
Aerdan groaned. “How the hell did you find out about her so fast?”
Huen grinned. “So you know her then,” he said. “I heard she was quite small – more of a child than a woman, really.”
An image of Angelica’s swaying buttocks appeared in Aerdan’s mind and he groaned.
“She is lovely,” he admitted grudgingly. “I mean, if you prefer the slender types.”
Huen raised an eyebrow. “Tell me, Aerdan. What is she doing here?”
Aerdan shrugged and flopped down on the grass. Huen passed him the flagon and he drank deeply, then wiped his chin and lips with his sleeve.
“I have no idea,” Aerdan said. “I just…found her, right here, actually.”
“You mean, you had nothing to do with this?”
Aerdan shrugged again. A flash of guilt panged him. Remember, you told Brynx you’d do anything for a woman with a sense of adventure, Aerdan thought. And Brynx somehow brought her here. But that wasn’t my fault! It’s not like I thought Brynx would actually listen to me!
“No,” Aerdan said shortly. “I don’t want to talk about her.”
Baelan grinned. “Well, I want to hear about this lady,” he said. “Tell me – what of her looks?”
“She’s quite pale,” Aerdan said. And incredibly beautiful, and
fair.
“What else?”
Baelan took the flagon from Huen and took a deep drink before passing it to Aerdan. Aerdan threw his head back and drank until the sweet mead burned his throat.
“She has dark hair, and dark eyes,” Aerdan said. “She’s slender. And she’s quick – she’s sly.”
“I’ve never met a quick woman before,” Baelan joked. “Aside from the Queen,” he added quickly. “No offense meant, Aerdan.”
“None taken,” Aerdan replied. He took another swig of his mead. The alcohol was beginning to dull his shame and embarrassment. Soon, the image of Zornaya chastising him had fled from his mind, and he was just starting to forget the disgusting way his father had behaved. Laughing with Baelan and Huen had always been Aerdan’s favorite activity – besides bedding girls around Zheka – and soon, it worked its soothing balm over his mind.
By the time Aerdan got back to the castle, he was staggering drunk. It was late – the castle was quiet, save for the guards parading atop the parapets. Aerdan could barely walk to his chamber – he kept his hands pressed against the cool stone wall and his head hanging low. When he reached his bed, he collapsed, fully dressed, and began to snore before his eyes were even closed.
--
“Ahem!”
The loud sound penetrated Aerdan’s hungover brain. His mouth felt like dry paper and his head ached with each pulse of his heart.
“Aerdan, I know you’re awake.”
This time, Aerdan’s lids fluttered open. Angelica was sitting by the side of his bed, looking cross. She held out a glass of water.
“Drink this,” Angelica said.
“What is it?”
Angelica rolled her eyes. “Just water,” she said sharply. “You forget – I’m not a magic user like the women of your kingdom.”
Aerdan groaned. Even reaching across the space between their bodies was painful.
“I must’ve twisted my neck yesterday,” Aerdan said.
“Yes,” Angelica said sharply. “Sometimes when you’re sloppy drunk, you hurt yourself.”
Aerdan glared at her. “Why are you, of all people, trying to tell me how to behave?” He chortled, draining the glass of water and shaking his head. “I am a crown prince, the High Commander of Zheka. And who are you?”
“Who am I?” Angelica got to her feet, her dark eyes flashing with anger. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Who am I?” She repeated angrily. “Seriously, Aerdan?”
“Yeah,” Aerdan said cockily. “Who are you?”
“I’m Angelica Bowers,” Angelica snapped. “You know – the girl you kidnapped and brought here because you wanted a distraction.” Despite her petite stature, there was real anger and power in her voice and Aerdan shrank back.
“Yeah, and?”
“And,” Angelica said haughtily. “Since you were responsible for bringing me here – and you obviously have neither the skill nor the interest to bring me home – you’ll not be leaving me alone again until I feel comfortable here.”
“What?”
“You heard me,” Angelica said angrily. “It’s your fault I’m here, and I’m not going to sit around and wait for you, just because you’re the son of the queen.” She tossed her dark hair over a slender shoulder. “Promise me, Aerdan. Promise you won’t leave me alone again.”
Aerdan frowned. He wasn’t used to taking orders from anyone – least of all this slip of a girl who knew nothing about his life – but he felt like he had no choice.
“Fine,” Aerdan said. “I promise.”
Angelica’s manners softened. “Thank you,” she said. She bit her lip and sank back down in the chair where she’d been sitting. “How are you feeling,” she asked softly.
Aerdan groaned and flopped back down in the pillows. “Terrible,” he said. “My head aches and I can smell my own stink.”
Angelica laughed.
“I’m going to go back to sleep,” Aerdan grumbled, pulling the coverlet over his lap. “I’ll send for you when I get up.”
“Oh, no you’re not,” Angelica said smugly. She got to her feet once again and Aerdan couldn’t help but notice the slight bounce of her breasts. “You’re coming with me.”
“No,” Aerdan groaned. “I feel like I’m about to die.”
Angelica shrugged and smiled. There was no trace of sympathy in her face – Aerdan actually had the feeling she was enjoying this.
“Then you shouldn’t have stayed out all night, drinking like a frat boy,” Angelica said. “You’re coming with me. There’s a banquet held in my honor, given by your mother, and I won’t be showing up alone.”
Aerdan groaned. “You’re kidding me,” he said.
“Nope.” Angelica raised an eyebrow.
“What is…what is a frat boy?”
Angelica burst out laughing. “Get dressed,” she said, playfully swatting Aerdan on the arm. “Maybe I’ll tell you about it later. If you’re lucky,” she said slyly.
Aerdan flopped back down on the pillows and groaned. At least she’s not mad at me anymore, he thought as he struggled to motivate himself to climb out of bed. But what in the name of the gods is this banquet all about?
CHAPTER FIVE
Angelica
Hours turned into days and days turned into weeks. As Angelica grew more familiar with the customs and strange ways of Zheka, she started to appreciate how different this world was from her own society. Angelica spent her days with Aerdan, exploring the kingdom. Each night, she had a lesson with Zornaya – learning simple spells, such as conjuring fresh water from tainted muck, and untangling weaving with the mere touch of her hand. Angelica was surprised to discover that magical powers were something she could hone and learn, despite not being a native of Zheka.
“Everything has its place in our world,” Zornaya said serenely one evening. “And you are learning your own place, too.”
Angelica bit her lip. She still wanted to go home – she was sure that by now, Stacy had been searching for weeks – but she didn’t dare admit it, especially to someone as powerful and regal as Zornaya. If anything, her respect for the Queen had only increased after spending careful time in her tutelage. Angelica respected that Zheka was a matriarchal society…if anything, it just made her own anecdotes from home all the more amusing.
“Child, I’ve noticed you and my son becoming close,” Zornaya said. “May I inquire your intentions?” She rose from the table, moving gracefully away as her robes swept the floor. “I want to be sure that they are honorable.”
Angelica swallowed nervously. “I…I don’t know,” she said softly. “I’m indebted to him, for showing me the kingdom.”
“Would you ever consider becoming his bride?”
Before Angelica could answer, the chamber door swung open and Aerdan, Baelan, and Huen tumbled into the room. Zornaya stood tall, glancing down her nose at the three men.
“What is the meaning of this,” Zornaya said stiffly. “You have interrupted our lessons.”
Aerdan gave his mother a guilty smile. When he looked at Angelica, he winked and her cheeks reddened in a hot blush.
“Mother, there is a magnificent sunset,” Aerdan said. “The most beautiful in weeks. I was hoping to show Angelica.”
Oh, god, please get me away from this conversation, Angelica thought. She stared at Zornaya. Please say yes, she added silently.
“Fine,” Zornaya said stiffly. She yawned. “I am growing tired, anyway. Angelica, tomorrow we will resume our lessons.” She gave Aerdan a stern look. “Keep the lady Angelica safe,” Zornaya said firmly. “We mustn’t lose her.”
Aerdan threw Angelica a lopsided grin. As Angelica followed Aerdan out of the castle, she stretched and sighed, relieved to be in the fresh air. Aerdan led the way to the stables where a beautiful white mare was waiting, saddled and ready, for Angelica.
“Lady, this is my gift to you,” Aerdan said, bowing low.
Angelica flushed. “So I won’t be riding behind you on Tlatse?”
&nbs
p; Baelan and Huen burst out laughing. Aerdan silenced them with a single look.
“No, lady,” Aerdan said. “I thought you would enjoy the chance to have your own steed.”