“I fear that your father wouldn’t appreciate such a gesture.”
“Well, I’ll think about the pleasure we’ll share upon your return,” she whispered. “My body still trembles at the memory.”
As does mine, Denotra. However, the cause is not the same. He kissed her hand again. “Those thoughts will occupy my mind as well.”
“Are you satisfied now, Daughter?” Draizeyn asked.
“For now,” Denotra said, looking at Pentanimir libidinously.
“Good. Travel safely and swiftly. Much rests on what you discover at the foot of the mountains.”
“Yes, Zaxson. Nakaris, you’ll take position with Beilzen in the second cart. Danimore and I’ll take point in the first. Let us take advantage of the sun’s light.”
“Have the men left for their journey?” Oxilon asked the stationed guard.
“Aye, Sir Benoist. We just closed the gates behind them.”
“If they return soon, send word to me immediately.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Oxilon smirked, kicking his heels into his mount. After a quick glance over his shoulder, he pulled up his cowl, hurrying through the sparse streets.
When Oxilon reached his nephews’ home, he peered around again, banging on the door.
“Is that you, Gali?” Zeta’s weak voice called from inside.
“It’s the true head of this home.”
“Sir Pentanimir and Sir Danimore commanded me not to open the door for anyone but Gali, Sir. I’ll be punished if I disobey them.”
“Do you dare deny entry to their uncle, High Advisor to the Zaxson, and true head of this home? Open this door, slave, or you’ll experience what true punishment is.”
Zeta caressed her stomach, whispering a silent prayer as she unlatched the door. “For—forgive me, Sir Benoist. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I had to do what my masters commanded.”
Oxilon pushed her aside, taking a seat on the divan. “I promised that I’d ensure you were about your duties, and I see I’m just in time. You look as if you were abed.”
Zeta gathered the low collar of her gown, trying to cover herself. “My masters ordered me to rest so that I’d be able to serve upon their return.”
“Rest? I’ve just the thing to urge you to action. Firstly, bring me some refreshments, then you can remove my boots.”
“Yes, milord,” she said, hobbling to the kitchen. She prepared his tray and set it down on the table in front of him. As she lowered to her knees, she winced, clutching her side. “I’ll clean the mud from your boots, milord,” she said, struggling to stand.
“What fruit and bread do you have?”
“There’s some oat bread and sweet cakes. The masters brought plums and melon from the market, but they’re not as sweet as the ones from last season.”
“I didn’t ask for your opinion. Go and fetch them at once.”
“Yes, milord.”
“Wait. You should secure the door first. My nephews value your safety, do they not?”
She froze, feeling stabbing, icy pricks coursing down her spine. She wanted to run, to hide, anything to get away from him. But she followed his commands, returning to the kitchen. After loading the tray, she lifted it from the table, and stepped from behind the wall. Immediately, she gasped, stumbling back. While trying to regain her footing, the tray dropped, causing the food to scatter across the floor.
“Pick that up!” he demanded, landing a hard slap. “Am I some dog who eats from the floor?”
“No—no, milord, forgive me. I didn’t know that you were there,” she said, steadying herself against the table, attempting to regain her senses. Once she lowered to her knees, he grinned, stepping closer.
“I’m told that you have a special skill with your mouth. I think I’ll test it for myself.” Tossing his cloak over his shoulder, he began untying his laces.
Tears welled in her eyes as she backed away, shaking her head. “No, please no.”
“Do you think you have a choice, you human piece of filth,” he said, twisting a handful of her hair. “You should thank me for allowing you such an honor.”
“Please, I’m not well, milord, I—” She gagged.
“I don’t give a damn, you little whore. I’m not my nephews,” he moaned, clutching the back of her head. “Surely, if you can take the dark slave’s cock, you can take mine with ease.” He strained, increasing his efforts. The more she struggled against him, the more excited he became.
“Hells…yes,” he said, shuddering with the powerful release.
When he backed away, she grabbed her throat, gagging and fighting for air. Oxilon leaned against the half-wall, catching his breath. In his youth, his lovemaking would last throughout the night. Now, he decided to test his endurance again. Reaching down, he wrenched Zeta up to her feet. He pushed her over the wooden table, tossing her gown over her head as his thick fingers began to probe.
“The Zaxson was right: your hole is too large for a normal-sized man.” He smiled, glancing around the room. “But mayhaps not for that,” he said, pointing to a thick wooden pole propping up the door to the floor compartment.
“Gods, no, please milord, no,” she pleaded, scrambling away as he pulled up his trousers.
He laughed. “I see why my nephew hasn’t screwed you.” He yanked the pole, causing the door it supported to slam shut. “His cock would be lost in that chasm.”
He continued his pleasures until he grew weak from the continuous eruptions. After a final release, he shoved her away, causing her to topple from her knees. He sat wide-legged at the edge of the divan, attempting to catch his breath and calm his body. Once the sensitivity eased, he wiped the wetness away, pulling on his trousers and boots.
“It’s a shame that your skill was nothing of note. I’ve had better whores in the lowers,” he said, straightening his hair and moving to the door. “Oh yes, be sure to tell your masters thank you from me. Do wash out your mouth first, though. You wouldn’t want them smelling my shit when they talk to you,” he laughed, slamming the door in his wake.
Zeta cried out, struggling to her knees. The pains assailing her body paled to those in her heart and mind. She fell back, clutching her womb and womanhood. Every tendon in her body felt aflame as she collapsed again, writhing on the floor.
“Gods, please no,” she wept, a gush of blood and fluids pooling on the floor beneath her. “Please, help me. Please,” she said as darkness crept in from the corners of her eyes.
Two are Made One
Brahanu nestled in to Itai, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. The sound of his heartbeat as her head rested on his chest was a constant reminder of the love they always shared, and she’d forever cherish. She smiled then, the melodic chimes attached to the carriage’s side were a perfect accompaniment to his heartbeats. She couldn’t imagine a more perfect ending to the start of her new life. Though it was a long day, she could repeat each aspect unendingly.
“I love you, my wife,” Itai said, enjoying the sound of it.
“I love you, too.”
He lifted her face to his, leaning down for a kiss. The surge of pleasure tickled down her entire body as she drew him in closer, wrapping her arms around him. Itai returned her affection, moaning against her lips.
“Pardon, ya two,” Tioch said, clearing his throat. “We been waitin’ out here for a bit.”
Itai flushed as they both chuckled, looking out at their parents.
“No, pardon us,” Brahanu said. Itai lifted her from the carriage, and Amani immediately embraced her.
“Ya done well, Son. Yer mum would be pleased,” he said, stifling his emotion. “Ya gots a beautiful wife and home. I’m proud of ya.”
“I love you, Papa,” Itai said, pulling him into a hug.
Brahanu held Amani tighter, witnessing the display. Their tears began anew, feeling both joy and sadness in that moment.
“All right, you two,” Hacom said. “She’s not going off to explore Shadow Frost. She’s going u
nder the protection of her husband.” He took Amani’s hand, gesturing to Itai.
After offering final goodbyes, the carriages pulled away. For a moment, Brahanu didn’t move. She watched their parents fade into the darkness as the chimes’ melodies faintly wafted on the wind.
“Are you ready,” Itai said, his voice barely over a whisper.
When she turned to face him, he scooped her into his arms. Itai smiled, pushing open the door, allowing her to see their home for the first time.
Brahanu gasped, trying to take in everything all at once. “By the gods, Itai, you did this?” she asked, turning one way and then the other.
He lowered her to the floor, keeping hold of her hand. “Papa and me. Do you like it, Brahanu.”
“Like it?” She kicked off her shoes, curling her toes in the thick floor covering. “I love it, Itai, all of it. It’s the most beautiful home that I’ve ever seen.” She paused, stepping across the floor. “It’s wood!”
“It is. I know how much you love the feel and smell of it.”
“I love you, Itai,” she said, throwing her arms around his neck. “Only you.”
“I wanted to bring part of everything you love here. Once you decide on window coverings, Nesrine will make them for us.”
“Everything is incredible. I always knew that you were talented, but I’ve never seen anything like this. You’ve made me the happiest woman in all the lands.”
He smiled again, unable to keep the blush from his cheeks. “I have more to show you. There are three large bedchambers and one small, a common room, a dining chamber, and Naji assisted with the kitchen. She said, ‘ye men don’t know nothin’ ‘bout such things.’” He chuckled, mimicking her voice. When he tugged on her hand, she didn’t move.
“Don’t you want to see?”
“I do,” she said, biting her bottom lip. “Where’s our room?”
Itai’s smile took in his whole face as he scooped her back into his arms, carrying her to their bedchamber. Brahanu removed her stockings, enjoying the softness of the bed. She glanced around the spacious room, decorated in her favorite colors: lilac and gold. Beautiful embroidered blankets covered the canopied bed with more cushions than she had ever seen. The flickering candles outlined their bed, scented with rosemary and jasmine. Brahanu fell back, rolling on her side.
“Is it feather-stuffed, Itai?”
“Yes, but there’s a woollen mattress beneath. I knew that you were accustomed to a feather mattress.”
“But the expense of it—”
“Doesn’t matter. This is our home, and you shouldn’t have to forego what you’ve always had because you married me. I want—”
“Itai, I haven’t lost anything by marrying you. I’ve gained so much, and have more than I ever knew existed. But…” she paused, sitting up again. “…there is something that I want that you haven’t provided.”
Itai glanced around, his brow knitting. “What is it?”
“It’s you,” she said, reaching out to him. His smile returned as she pulled him down to her. She caressed his face and chest, moving on top of him.
“Brahanu—”
“Shhh,” she said, her tongue tickling down his neck and over his clavicle. When she felt his arousal, she kissed up to his lips, gently suckling his tongue.
“I love you,” she whispered, slowly stimulating him. Within moments, Itai tensed, grabbing hold of her hips.
“Brahanu. Forgive me,” he breathed. “That’s not how I wanted it to be.”
She merely shook her head, covering his lips again. “We’re only beginning, my love,” she said, sliding from the bed, and drawing him up in front of her. Brahanu unclasped his tunic, kissing each newly exposed part of his body. Her fingertips tickled down his abdomen as her tongue encircled a nipple.
“Brahanu, how do you know these things? How do you know how to drive me mad!” he said, turning her toward the bed. His hands moved in a blur, untying the bonding knot around her waist. Hastily loosening her laces, he slid the gown down, fumbling with the ruffled layers beneath.
“Let me,” she said, removing her skirts, and the ribbon adorning her hair. When she slid free from her underclothing, Itai’s eyes widened, seeing all of her beauty for the first time.
“Must I stand here bare alone, or will you please me with your nakedness as well?”
For a moment, he could only stare, the pulsations of his arousal threatening to overwhelm him. As he licked the dryness from his lips, he continued to disrobe, revealing what lay beneath.
“By the gods.” She reached a trembling hand forward, shaking her head. It’s nearly a cubit, she thought, fearing for the first time, her fingers not coming near to closing. “Itai, the...it...I can’t...it’s impossible. I—”
“This has always belonged to you, Brahanu, and no other.”
“Itai, I desire all of you, but I don’t know how I can—”
“Then you’ll have what you desire,” he said, taking her hand and leading her back to the bed. As she laid down, he cupped her chin, kissing her tenderly.
“Do you love me, Brahanu,” he whispered, kissing down her chest.
The intensity of his touch sent waves of pleasure cascading through her entire body. “Yes, I love you, only you,” she moaned, the motion of his tongue increasing as he continued lower.
“It’s beautiful, Brahanu, all of you is beautiful,” he breathed, his lips, tongue, and fingers bringing her to a peak of satisfaction that she’d never known. She gripped his shoulders, nearly screaming with the eruption igniting every receptor in her body.
“Gods,” he moaned, enjoying her sweetness before returning to her lips. “I love you,” he said, slowly sliding into her warmth.
Duty for Nazil
“It grows colder, Brother,” Danimore said, pulling his cloak tighter. “It snows in the mountains, and we must complete this duty before the cold touches Nazil.”
“It’s only been three suns. We’ll need to continue a while longer.”
“Aye, but the Zaxson wants trees harvested before the cold sets in, Nakaris said. We’ll have to cover a greater distance and return to Nazil with haste.”
“And what say you?” Pentanimir asked.
“Me?” Beilzen glanced around, surprised. “Both are true. The Zaxson needs a full report in order to send the slaves and builders. Mayhaps after we break our fast, we should each choose a different direction. This would increase the coverage and bring our duty to an end.”
“I had thoughts of the same,” Pentanimir said. “The concern isn’t merely for safety, but one might see what the other has missed. However, we do need to report soon.” Pentanimir stood, surveying the area. “After morning meal, Nakaris, you’ll take a cart and head toward the water’s edge. Take good measure and place the stakes accordingly.”
“Aye, First Chosen.”
“Beilzen, you’re tasked with the mountain’s edge, noting all that you see: falls, pools, loose rocks, and anything of note. You may take a cart with you as well.”
“As you say. But what about the wolves?”
“Those aren’t wolves, Beilzen. The jaenitu are thick in this wood and our presence has disturbed them. You aren’t to harm them, do you understand? This wood belongs to them, not us.”
“Yes,” Beilzen said, rubbing the hilt of his sword.
“Brother, our road will be the most difficult. We’ll take one horse from each cart, a supply of stakes, and split the center,” Pentanimir continued. “When the sun reaches its apex, we’ll return here, all of us. No matter how far you’ve traveled, return at that point.”
“Yes, Brother,” Danimore said, handing him some bread and fish. “Will we make for home upon our return?”
“If we still have light, and everyone agrees, we’ll move closer to home. But it’ll take us at least two suns to make Nazil.”
“My mind is one with Danimore,” Nakaris said. “I’d have this duty behind us and start for home. The light will stay with us for some time before
we need to stop again.”
Beilzen nodded. “The Zaxson will be satisfied with what we’ve done. There’s no need to linger past the duty of this day. I, too, long for a soft bed, and even softer breasts to lay my head upon.”
“What do you know about breasts, Beilzen?” Nakaris laughed. “The Zaxson cleared all the whore houses in Nazil. Where would you find breasts to lie on?”
“Danimore knows of what I speak. You have no need of whore houses when you own slaves. They do as they’re bid and cost no coin.”
He and Nakaris laughed, clanking their mugs together as Danimore and Pentanimir exchanged a glance.
“I have no need of whores or slaves,” Danimore said. “I prefer my ladies willing and unpaid.”
Nakaris pointed, roaring with laughter.
“Ah, as do I, my friend,” Nakaris said, jabbing him with an elbow. “Willing, wet, and very able.”
“All right, we don’t want to raise the animals in the wood with our chatter,” Pentanimir said. “We need to finish our meal and complete our tasks.”
Danimore tossed his bone in the pit, turning away. “I’ll prepare the horses and retrieve some stakes. When you’ve finished, snuff the fire and join me.”
“Did we say something to offend Dani?” Nakaris asked.
“No. Dani has always been the more indomitable of us. He’s never aspired to be a Chosen, yet he would’ve made a fine one.”
“I thought the mention of bedding slaves caused his anger.” Beilzen grinned.
“Slaves? Dani has no need of slaves,” Pentanimir said. “We have attendants to tend our home and stable, nothing more. Neither of us accepts anything that’s not given freely.”
“Aye, Dani’s always been like my brother,” Nakaris said. “His integrity can’t be questioned. When we visited Yarah last season, I even paid for his whore, but he wouldn’t be moved. Dani isn’t one for pretenses. If he proclaims a thing, he lives it.”
Beilzen shrugged. “If whores weren’t to be had, we wouldn’t have them. And what good is a slave if she can’t be taken? Besides, they get pleasure from it, at least mine does.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 31