"Kind of."
"How did it start? Did he walk in on you and you were trying to defend yourself?"
"No, it was the other way around. I had come up the hidden stairs, and—"
"Stop! How did you end up on the hidden stairs?"
"I, uh, got a bit lost, and I ended up outside the door of the room where you store the weapons."
"You went inside? But I had the trap set! How did you get in without being killed?"
"I remembered what you said about the bar."
"What if you hadn't? This just gets worse and worse, but of course, you didn't do anything wrong, did you, Serenity?"
His voice had dropped, and though she wasn't looking at him, she could feel him frowning down at her.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, "please forgive me. You're right. I was foolish, and I did misbehave."
"Go on."
"Please, Master, will you punish me?"
"Good girl. Lay over my knee."
Crawling forward she stretched across his thick, muscled thighs, and let out a yelp as he landed several hard quick smacks.
"Back to Trebor, rather than trying to explain, I can guess what happened. You made it up the stairs, saw him going through my trunk, and took it into your head to attack him."
"When I didn't see you, I thought he'd killed you," she said earnestly, looking at him over her should, "and he'd held a knife to my throat and tied me to your bed. He's horrible."
"Weren't you afraid?"
"Not really. When I saw him I was filled with so much anger I couldn't bear it. It was dark, and I knew I'd surprise him, but I'm not sure I wanted to kill him. I did want to hurt him though, and I wanted to make him tell me where you were."
"You can't take upon yourself to attack people. You're way too small and physically weak. What you did when you saved my life was completely different. I was under threat. With Trebor, the only thing that was in danger was—"
"The Choker of Belonging," she blurted out, cutting him off, "and I stopped him from looking at it."
"I was going to say, the only thing in danger was you!"
"The choker was too."
"But you didn't know about the choker, and even if you had, jumping on Trebor with a knife was a very foolish thing to do," he exclaimed, landing a flurry of hard slaps. "So was leaving your house and coming in the dead of night," he continued, scolding her as he spanked, "and regardless of how it all finished, you had no way of knowing the outcome. Don't you ever do anything so dangerous again, do you understand?"
"OW, OW, OW, yes, yes, Master, I understand."
His hand was rising and falling, landing sharp stinging smacks one after the other, his flattened palm traveling across her entire seat and the back of her thighs, and though she squirmed and squealed, Killian was determined it would be a lesson she'd never forget. He loved her, and she was far too reckless.
Serenity's skin was on fire. The spanking was hurting as much as the first one he'd delivered when he'd thrown her over his shoulder, but it was different. The slaps weren't being delivered slowly as they had been then, they were fast and furious, and she could barely get her breath.
"There!" he exclaimed. "Your bottom is red and sore, just as it deserves to be. So many things could have gone wrong last night. You put yourself at terrible risk. You are brave and foolish. How many times must you hear those words before you know them to be true. I admire your courage, but you must learn not to be so rash."
"Yes, Master," she panted. "I understand, I do, I swear."
"I know a way to help you," he declared, moving his hand over her scorched behind, rubbing away the hot sting. "I will spank you every time the garden is weeded. That happens every few days."
"WHAT?"
"I won't spank you hard, not like I just did, but hard enough to remind you to think before jumping into things. On the days you see the gardeners weeding, you will ask me for your reminder spanking."
"Master…"
"I believe you should have said yes, Master."
"Yes, Master."
"Good, now that's settled, would you like to lay in my arms?"
"Very much."
As she gingerly crawled off his thighs, he slid down on the bed, and she nestled into him, but it was only for a moment. He moved her on to her back, pinned her wrists on either side of her head, and lowered his lips on to hers in a warm, gentle kiss. The power of his hold, the burn in her backside, and his warm loving lips, sent a rush of longing through her body. She loved his power, his authority, and his sweetness.
"Do you want me?"
His voice had been a whisper, and she moaned her response, wriggling underneath him.
"Was that a yes? You want me to thrust my shaft inside you?"
"Yes, please, Master, please will you thrust your shaft inside me?"
Moving on top of her, still holding her wrists, he shifted his pelvis so his cock fell against her pussy, and as if it had a life of its own, it began rubbing itself inside her slick seam.
"Master, how are you doing that?"
"I'm allowing my cock to tease you. I'm a barbarian, and this is something a barbarian can do."
"I don't understand," she whimpered, though barely able to focus as his member became more aggressive, sliding itself up and down her pussy slit and rubbing against her clit.
"You don't need to understand, you just need to close your eyes and feel."
She did as he said, shutting her eyes and surrendering to the delicious torment, and as his cock explored her sex, his mouth dove against her neck, kissing and tonguing, then moved to her breasts, hungrily devouring them, drawing her nipples into his mouth and sucking with a ravenous need.
"Master," she finally gasped, desperate for him to enter her, "please take me. Please, Master."
Returning his kiss to her lips, he slipped his tongue between her teeth as his cock snaked itself inside her, and listening to her muffled cries, he pumped with slow, powerful strokes.
The unique gift the Gods had bestowed upon the barbarian men was little-known outside their world, and they wished it to remain their secret. Killian was now completely committed to a life with Serenity, so was able to unleash his cock's special power, the power to operate independently, to sense her pussy's needs and respond, delivering the greatest pleasure a woman could know.
Taking back control as he thrust, Killian brought her to the brink, then backed off, taking his time, then accelerating with force, until she was begging him to let her orgasm. His cock was also pleading for its release, and pumping with gusto, he rode them into their powerful climax.
Thousands of tingling pinpricks vibrated through Serenity's body, then wave after wave of dazzling spasms, and suddenly she was free, floating in the air, soaring over pink mountain peaks, shimmering blue lakes, and flower gardens filled with a myriad of colored blooms.
"Come back to me, my love."
His voice was far away, and as much as she wanted to explore the fluffy lavender clouds that lay ahead, her need to return to him was greater.
"That's my girl, come down, slowly now."
The earth was drawing closer. She could see him. He was standing in a lush green meadow with his arms open to catch her.
"There, easy, breathe, that's right, breathe, now open your eyes."
Her eyelids were heavy, so heavy, but with great effort she fluttered them open.
"I was flying," she mumbled, gazing up at him. "Everything was so beautiful."
"I know," he said tenderly, moving tendrils of loose hair from her face. "It was the flight of orgasmic bliss."
"How did it happen? Will it happen again?"
"Many things must unite for a woman's spirit to be set free as yours was, but yes, it will undoubtedly happen again."
"What things?"
"You ask too many questions," he said softly, "and some can't be answered. You must rest for a short time, then we will visit your brother. What happened just now, you cannot speak of it outside the tribe. None of it
. It is forbidden. Do you understand?"
His face was solemn. There was no question about his decree.
"Yes, Master. I promise it will never be spoken of by me."
"Good girl. Now rest in the sure knowledge your barbarian loves you, and will always be at your side."
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Moving through the passageways and slipping out the side door without being seen wasn't difficult, but Serenity was worried about crossing the grounds and exiting through the gate. There were people milling about. It would be impossible not to be noticed.
"Don't worry, there's another way," Killian said, taking her hand and leading her through the orchard.
As they emerged from the trees, she spied a huge hole in the high brick wall that bordered the castle grounds.
"My goodness, you should fix that," she declared as they approached. "The Phelans could have come through there and caught you by surprise."
"It's been a matter of great discussion," he said as they clambered over the crumbling brick to the other side. "You can't see it until you get close, and my father thinks it could be a valuable escape route if we ever needed one."
Serenity began to understand Bastian's point. The wall curved around, and after only a short distance the damaged area fell from view, leaving the tall stone barricade looking solid and unclimbable. They had also reached the only way down. It appeared to be extremely challenging, and she was sure it would be even more perilous climbing up. The slope was steep, with a smattering of trees, fallen branches, heavy bush, and a number of boulders. They began their descent, Killian carefully helping her through the tricky terrain, and by the time they reached the bottom she was panting.
"I think I agree with your father," she said breathlessly. "If someone tried to walk around the wall they'd be seen, and climbing up there would be impossible, and for what? You can't even see that big hole. How did it even get there?"
"I suspect a misfire from a cannon," Killian replied. "We don't have such weapons, and I'm glad of it."
"I wonder what happened to the people who used to live there," she said thoughtfully as they headed towards the village. "My father says the castle was empty for a long time before you arrived."
"Why didn't your people ever live in it? Surely it would offer more protection than your flimsy cottages."
"I remember as a child we would take shelter there in bad weather, but we were always glad to be back in our homes, and amazingly, our houses have never suffered much damage. They may look flimsy, but they are well-built. Knives and cloth aren't the only skills we have."
"You make fine furniture, so it makes sense you would build solid homes."
They'd reached the lane that would take them to the village, and proud of having a barbarian at her side, she slipped her hand into his. It felt tiny as large his fingers wrapped around hers, and leaning against his arm she let out a long happy breath.
"All the village girls will be jealous when they see me with you."
"Would they'd feel that way if they knew how red your bottom is?"
"Some would," she giggled, "and I know others who need to be spanked even more than I do. They make me look like a saint."
"That's hard to imagine," he chuckled, and as they turned down the narrow road that led to her family's home, Serenity's mother came running out the door to greet them.
"Serenity! You had us so worried!"
"You see," Killian whispered, "your foolishness upset your family."
"Sorry, mother, I didn't want to wake you and I needed to see Killian."
"It couldn't wait until morning?" she scolded. "You know the wild animals hunt at night, and the weather was dreadful."
"I agree," Killian said. "You'll be relieved to know she was lucky enough to reach me before the storm hit, and we had a talk. She promised she will never go out wandering at night like that again, isn't that right, Serenity."
"It's true mother," she said, feeling a pink tinge cross her cheeks as the early morning spanking flashed through her head. "I won't don't again."
"I'm glad to hear it. Thank the angels you're all right. Come inside, Killian, you're most welcome."
"Forgive me, but I know you only as Serenity's mother, and I can't keep calling you that."
"My name is Faith, and my husband's name is Axton," she replied as she led them into the house.
Though he didn't have to bend down to pass safely through the door as his father did, it was close, and he instinctively lowered his head.
"It must be nice to be so tall," Faith remarked.
"It has its advantages, and I'll be happy to help out if you ever need me."
"Mother, where's Simeon? We need to talk to him."
"He'll be back shortly. He and Galway took their father something to eat. Is there another problem?"
"Yes and no. It was an eventful night, and I think if Simeon heard what happened he might have some more ideas for us."
"You mean you've decided not to marry quickly?"
"We could, and we will if necessary," Killian replied, "but Serenity was adamant that we talk to Simeon before we do anything. As she said, a lot has happened."
"I did have another idea," Serenity offered, "one I haven't mentioned to you yet, Killian. I could dress from head to foot in a veil, and the priest, or whoever it is that performs the ceremony, would marry us, and everyone would think it was Soraya, except it would be me."
"What a devious mind you have," Killian said shaking his head. "I wouldn't deceive a holy man. I don't think it would bode well for us. Besides, when the veil came off it would probably give my poor father a pain in his chest."
"The ceremony is performed by a holy man?" Faith asked, genuinely interested. "Where does he come from?"
"He's a member of the Alaman tribe, Soraya's people."
The sound of the door caught their attention, and Simeon and Galway, playing and punching at each other, entered the house, but when they caught sight of the large barbarian they stopped short, staring up at him.
"Hi," Simeon said tentatively. "Is everything okay?"
"Hello, we haven't been officially introduced. I'm Killian."
"Yeah, I kinda knew that," Simeon grinned. "I'm Simeon, but you probably knew that as well. This is Galway."
"Hi Galway," Killian said softly, seeing the fright in the young boy's eyes. "Thanks for your idea about marrying quickly, Simeon, but we have some new information. Serenity thought you should hear about it before we do anything."
"Uh, sure."
"I'll fix us some tea and something to eat," Faith offered. "You sit down and start chatting."
They settled around the table, Killian grateful there was a long bench so he didn't need to squeeze into one of the chairs, and Serenity began the conversation by explaining how she had caught Trebor, a Phelan, the man Soraya wanted to be with, trying to steal a piece of jewelry that was necessary for the marriage ceremony to take place.
"Taking a necklace may sound like nothing, but the Choker of Belonging is irreplaceable, and even if Killian had been able to get it back, he'd still have to have a new one made and blessed, and that's very difficult," she finished.
"Could you start at the beginning, please," Simeon said solemnly. "That sounds like something that would have happened towards the end of this story."
"You're so right," Killian said. "It begins with a confession that was made to my father. This is what happened."
While Faith brought them elderberry tea, honey, butter and bread to the table, Simeon listened attentively, interrupting at key points for clarification or to ask a question. When Killian had finished, Simeon nodded his head and took a sip of his tea.
"So, what do you think?" Serenity asked. "Is there any way to deal with it? It's so complicated."
"Not really. You have absolutely no problem," Simeon declared. "You two can marry with everyone's gratitude and blessing. It's very simple."
"Simple?" Killian exclaimed. "Are you sure?"
"Of course. I
n fact, you could come out of this a hero."
"I told you Simeon would have answers," Serenity beamed. "I knew it."
"And I am grateful," Killian said. "Tell me your ideas, Simeon. I'm eager to hear them."
"I will, but on one condition."
"A condition?" Serenity exclaimed. "What do you mean, a condition? Simeon, this isn't like you."
"Do you want to know what that condition is?" Simeon pressed, his eyes still locked on Killian and ignoring his sister.
"Most certainly."
"If you show the village how to grow fruits and vegetables the way you do, I'll tell you how you can marry my sister surrounded by happy faces, not resentful ones, and before you answer, I know you're worried about the balance of power, but you needn't be. You, or perhaps Bastian, thinks that food is needed to use as an exchange for our weapons and cloth, but you're wrong. We need the meat from your hunting just as much, if not more. You assumed, probably because we're small-framed, we don't care for the heavy game you consume, but we do. You have never asked us what we favor. We are not hunters, we are farmers, and yet we cannot produce food from the earth as you can. If you were to share the secrets of your gardening skills, we would be grateful, and produce more for you, not less. Our abundance would decrease the hours we spend toiling, trying to make things grow, so we could spend more time making the things you want and need. We would be much happier exchanging those things for meat, and farm our own fruits and vegetables."
"That was amazing," Serenity breathed. "Who are you, and what have you done with my little brother?"
Killian leaned across the table, holding Simeon's eyes, then slowly nodded his head.
"You make sense," Killian finally said. "Now I have a condition for you."
"I'm listening."
"My father will soon be stepping down, and I am to become the leader of my tribe. I want you to be my adviser. If I find myself in a confusing situation, or I'm weighing decisions, I want you to come to the castle and meet with me."
"No," Simeon said shaking his head, "that's a bad idea."
"How can you refuse me?" Killian frowned. "Your sister will be my wife."
"I'm not refusing to advise you, I'm refusing to come to the castle. I'm truly honored that you want my thoughts, but my role must be kept secret. If it became known that your ideas weren't yours, but came from a simple villager, it would not only undermine your position, it would put me in danger. When you need me, come here, under the guise of visiting your wife's family."
Her Barbarian Master Page 12