At first light he sent word for Clarisse to have Kyra packed and ready to depart. He had gathered his men himself. Eris glanced around him. His men appeared just as grumpy as Kyra at their abrupt departure.
Only Thyone and his score of a dozen men appeared in good spirits, jostling each other and joking and teasing. It was amazing to witness the unit within which they worked. Even their horses seemed to step in perfect synchronization as they galloped behind his army. There was little trust for the man or his army, but he could find no plausible excuse to dismiss his company. If anything, they were proving to be much better humored than his men, than Kyra.
He had hoped to avoid contact with Kyra for the rest of this day, but his heart stirred as she yet again glanced over her shoulder. Spurring his horse around, he galloped to her side.
Kyra kept her gaze steadfastly forward as she felt his approach. It was clear from her reddened eyes and pale pallor she had spent the night tossing and turning. He could only hope the tangling of her sheets was due to sexual hunger. That had surely consumed his fevered body. His erection had never cooled, his ardor had not abated. Eris spoke softly, “I apologize for the abrupt departure from the city. I am aware that you wished to do a bit more sightseeing of its extravagant views, but duty calls.”
Kyra remained adamantly silent. Eris sighed. “I promise I shall bring you here as soon as my errand is complete.” He waited for a response and got stony silence in return. Eris hedged his horse closer and whispered, “Come now, Kyra. The city goes nowhere and does naught except lie on the banks of this great ocean and await your return. Your curiosity may be satisfied just as adequately at any given future date.” Kyra refused to voice her opinion.
Eris decided on a change in tactic. “Are you quite sure you would not rather travel in the cart? The horse beneath you would tire you unnecessarily.” He cast a short glance over his shoulder and watched Aurora, seated elegantly upon the cart seat. “Aurora seems well rested upon the cart.”
Kyra’s eyes flashed in the sunlight, a dangerous, violent, stormy gray. “You may, of course, join her if you so wish. I, however, shall endure.” She dug her heels in, but Eris kept pace with her easily.
He chuckled. “Her tongue may appear waspish, but she possesses no bite.”
Kyra bristled as she spat out, “Is that the conclusion you reached after a single night with her? Well, then, if that is your preference. I, however, prefer something with less simmering and a lot more bite.”
Eris burst into laughter. “It would seem I have a preference for both a waspish tongue and a ferocious bite. Sheath your claws, my little fire-spitting kitten. I spent the night at the stables upon finding the doors barred against me.”
Kyra tossed her hair and faced forward. He asked simply, “Why exactly are you in such foul spirits? I have offered to return you to this place to allow you a viewing at your leisure. I have pledged Aurora shall be upon her best behavior.”
Kyra scowled. “You rouse me of my sleep and order us leave without any explanation or reason. Where do we go? I know not. Perhaps you shall find time in your busy schedule to keep your companion informed. I do not relish the idea of being ordered as one would an animal or being whisked away as one would an item.”
Eris paused, allowing her horse to pull ahead. She spoke with such heat and vehemence. He was sure this was not the root of her dissatisfaction, but he was not about to begin speculating. Anything was possible with women. He caught up with her easily. “Should you have questions, you have but to ask. But I shall put to rights this wrong immediately. We leave in search of the demon sent from Cronus. I have spent most of last night discussing stratagem with Thyone.”
Kyra squinted at him. “And this is the reason they escort us? I can appreciate any information he could have offered to benefit your quest, but is his presence here truly necessary? Must I remind you that just yesterday afternoon the man tried to abduct me?” She breathed in slowly, trying to get her anger under control. “I do not trust him.”
Eris inhaled sharply at his lack of understanding. He had thought nothing of her discomfort in the man’s presence. But then he was not accustomed to explaining his actions. He spoke in a soothing voice, filled with sincerity and honesty. “He had indeed offered valuable information, Kyra, information pertaining to the creature’s next attacks. It is something I was merely guessing at before. As to his attack of you, I can say nothing further except I shall guard you with my life. I would never knowingly place your life at risk.”
Kyra exhaled slowly at his words. She slowed her mount and whispered, “It would relieve my mind should you take equal steps of caution for your own life with regards to this man. Should you find yourself attacked and slain in a cowardly fashion, a feat this man has clearly shown an inclination toward, then you offer me no protection other then empty, lifeless words.”
Eris struggled to hold his laughter in. He stared into the depths of her gray eyes and whispered, “Your concern for my welfare is appreciated, no matter the wrappings of dull ash you disguise it with. Be at rest. I watch this band that accompanies us with nothing less than acute caution.” He enjoyed her subtle flush as she prepared to deny his assumption. She cared, and he knew it despite her wish to keep the fact concealed. Before she could voice any protestation, he opted for a redirection in the conversation. “Now allow me to feed your mind a bit of venturing and speculation. The location of our next city should be of personal interest to you.”
Kyra perked up immediately. “Where do we go?”
Eris chuckled as he reached across the short distance between them and laid his finger gently against her lips. “Such unrestrained curiosity, my kallos, my beauty. I shall keep the name for now, and you shall see what memories are inspired in this place.” He moved slightly ahead before he added, “Make yourself comfortable in your cart. You are, after all, hostess to this party. We travel fast and light.”
Kyra called out after his retreating back, “I shall hold you to your promise. In return for playing the dutiful hostess, my eyes shall be satisfied yet of this Brice of Tryns.”
Eris threw a quick glance over his shoulder and laughed as she swung her horse around and approached the cart.
* * * *
Kyra assessed the carefully arranged setup in the tent closely. Clarisse had followed her instructions to the last detail. Shimmering candles lit up every dark corner, casting delightful, dancing shadows upon the tent walls, and heady scents of darkly exotic incense clouded the air. She smiled in satisfaction. The day had been long but adequately rewarding. They had set camp beside a bubbling spring. The dust and grime had been washed from her hair and body. Lingering blossom scents of her soap clung to her loose flowing hair and heated flesh. Her hunger for food had been quickly appeased, leaving her only with a greater yawning emptiness to contend with—lust. She turned her expectant eyes away from the entrance and glanced at the mirror. What she saw made her smile cunningly. Below her breath she whispered with a sly smile, “My wetted sheath shall be satisfied yet of your evasive lance, Eris.” She laughed lightly as she assessed the fruits of the plans she had formulated earlier. She had found a use for Aurora after all.
Kyra frowned as she recalled Eris’s persistent questioning. She had not relished leaving the city before perusing all its glamour, but this had not been the root of her sour disposition on the trip. Neither was she insecure about Aurora, as Eris suspected. The woman held no threat for her. She simply found Aurora a brightly decorated ornament with no substance or depth, so as to competition, she found the opponent sorely lacking. Her nipples had stabbed against the soft linen dress she had donned. That had been the true reason for her aggressiveness. She had been forced to pass the night yet again without satisfaction. She could not simply admit to him that she had wished his lance buried deep within her last night, that she had wished his plundering and thrusting immediately after witnessing his might upon the battlefield. He needed no more encouragement for his inflated ego. And she had already co
me up with a plan. Now all she needed to do was wait.
She did not have to wait long. Eris drew apart the folds at the entrance of the tent and ducked in. He paused halfway and blinked. He stared at the dainty, swaying candlelight. Kyra smiled as he sniffed. The air was heavily scented, the sweet, intoxicating, and highly arousing smells permeated and stimulated the senses.
His attention turned to her. Kyra stood still, allowing his eyes to feast on the sheer, glittering material. The waistband of the pants hung low on her flared hips, leaving a decadent path of narrowed waist for his viewing. His eyes hungrily devoured a path up to her barely concealed breasts. A single band encircled her neck, holding the flimsy cups in place. Eris gulped. Kyra smirked. Aurora had been correct. Playing the harem’s high queen was highly gratifying. Kyra proceeded forward as he stiffened visibly.
“Kyra?” His voice was harsh and strained.
Kyra eyes crossed and rolled in amusement as she whispered, “Just so like a man. You would expect me to know your identity even against your identical twin, yet you verify that this is me.” She sauntered slowly toward him. “Tell me, does apparel make the woman?”
Eris drew in a sharp breath as she strolled to him leisurely. Her legs were lovingly stroked and caressed by the flowing fabric with each step. Her hips rolled enticingly, threateningly to release the low-hanging fabric with each move. As she sashayed, twisting her waistline subtly, blatantly displaying her feminine curves, she pushed out her breasts. The twin cups of gauzy fabric covered nothing. They simply decorated. A pair of sparkling emeralds, glittering green and teasing, artfully arranged, strategically suspended before each erect nipple, drew his eyes and held his gaze. Eris swallowed.
Kyra licked her lip, colored as deeply as rubies, leaving it wet and shimmering with moisture. She watched him coyly beneath darkened, shadow-lined eyes. Her glance was intentionally seductive, inviting. Eris hissed.
Kyra stopped before him. “I am told, within the harem, a woman must first display her wares decadently clad.” Her lips twitched in mirth as he simply stared. She whispered, “Should your voice desert you, you may nod your approval.” Eris jerked his head just once.
She smiled and reached behind her neck. A quick tug and the jewels fell forward, revealing more precious treasures beneath. She flicked her hip sharply, first to the right and then to the left. Soft fabric whispered as it flowed down her legs and pooled at her ankles. “The woman must then display her unclad body for perusal.” A strangled sound left Eris as his eyes focused hotly on the thatch of blonde curls at the juncture of her thighs.
Kyra tilted her head and smiled coyly. “The man must then show evidence of either his acceptance of her—or rejection.”
The air caught in her chest painfully as she stood before him, open and vulnerable. Her skin heated, begging for his acceptance, his touch. Her body shivered as she awaited his approval, her blood stirred and pounded through her veins, hammering in her ears with each thunderous heartbeat. She wanted him to caress and fondle her every forbidden curve, discover her every hidden secret. She needed to touch him, taste him, and feast of him. She waited impatiently.
He growled his response. “Acceptance is the only word that shall greet your body from these lips. You are a beguiling witch, and you shall pay for your trickery.”
He reached out and tweaked her nipples. They puckered and hardened under his ministrations. Kyra swallowed and stared in fascination at his hands, hard and dark as they covered her pale flesh. He fondled her breasts gently, kneading and rolling her rosy nipples to full arousal. His palms brushed the tender, stabbing nipples as he moved his hands in slow circles. He continued his caresses until her nipples throbbed, hot and erect. His calloused palms chafed against the erect points, eliciting a strangled moan from her.
She thrust her breasts forward, wantonly lapping up his expert touch. His fingers plucked and rolled, sending shards of excitement through her body. Her legs trembled with the effort to stand. Her breaths left her in short, hot pants. Dampness rushed to her secret valley. She squeezed her legs together, even as she felt the urge to part them wide. She could smell her own arousal, sense the musky dew that glistened at her bud.
She opened her eyes and stared at him. Fierce, volatile passion swirled within the mossy depths. Her hands reached up and grasped his. Slowly, purposefully, she ran his hands down her body. She hissed as his palm skimmed over her navel. She moaned as they finally reached her hot center.
She watched his face, bottom lip clamped beneath the flash of white teeth, as his hands parted her wet folds. Moisture rushed forth to greet his probing fingers, inviting him in. He leaned down and captured her lips with his own just as two fingers stabbed her beneath. Her cry vibrated against his tongue and coursed down his throat and through his body. His erection jerked eagerly against her middle at each measured plunge of his fingers. His tongue plunged deep, lapping hungrily, greedily. His teeth nipped hard at her bottom lip, sharp and savage, as his tongue soothed and caressed.
Kyra thrust his fingers into his dark, glossy hair. Her hands groped and explored the hard ridges of his tight, muscled back and shoulders. She clung to him, strained against him. Her hips pumped in tune with the rhythm he set with his fingers. She swayed dizzily against him, with him, in a dance as old as time.
Finally he wrenched her hard, lifting her off the ground. He laid her down upon the bedding on the floor, prepared with soft petals and smooth pelted rugs.
Kyra widened her legs and cradled him snugly. Eris grunted as he pushed against her. She felt her heat and moisture seep through the material encasing his throbbing shaft. His growl rumbled through her as he feasted on her soft, sensitive ear lobe. “I would pierce a hole right through my clothes, so great is my need to get into your welcoming, wet pussy.”
Kyra replied, husky and breathless, “And deny me the pleasure of watching you disrobe?”
Eris pushed away and sat upright. “Feast your eyes quickly as the show shall be greatly hurried.” He stripped away the obstructive fabrics harshly, rending the material in his haste.
Kyra watched with undisguised admiration and blatant appreciation the expanse of his chest being revealed. He was broad and hard, tightly packed with clenching, straining muscles. His belly rippled as he unwound the fabric surrounding his manhood. His arousal was plainly visible. A high, fierce tent thrust out between his legs. Kyra moaned in satisfaction as it was finally revealed for her viewing. She cupped her hand urgently over her pulsing pussy as she eyed his erection lustily. Veins protruded along his thick length. His cock jerked proudly, batting its reddened tip against his navel.
Eris raised a single eyebrow. “The woman of a harem must also voice her acceptance of her suitor’s lance.”
Kyra narrowed her eyes and licked her lips greedily. “The length and width moistens my pussy with its appearance. However, I can only evaluate after testing the stamina and vigor of your cock.”
Eris kneeled between her spread legs and grunted. “Then I shall accept your cries and screams as your assessment, for you shall have voice for nothing else.” He plunged into her without warning, sheathing rock-hard cock right to the hilt. Kyra’s keening scream urged him to move. He leaned down and whispered brashly, “That is a fine first scream. What other sweet cries shall you delight my ears and body with?”
Kyra hissed in frustration as he refused to budge, “Continue to remain motionless and you shall never find out.”
Eris held his weight above her on outstretched arms and looked down at the point where their bodies met. He drew out slowly and plunged hard. Kyra’s cry rang out. His erection throbbed as he exited, and her muscles squeezed and sucked in response. Eris gritted his teeth and withdrew again. This time she met his thrust with a violent one of her own. Their bodies slapped urgently together.
Kyra lifted her hips desperately, urging him to move faster. Eris’s body was clenched tight with restraint. “Epivr`adynsi, slow down, Kyra.”
She could not hold back. Her h
ips lifted higher and higher, forcing him to move. Eris grabbed her hips frantically. “Kyra, please cease.”
But Kyra was beyond the point of return. She slid her sheath desperately over his stiff length. The walls of her passage slid wetly but gripped hungrily. Her nails dug mercilessly into his sides as she stretched and writhed beneath him.
Eris grabbed at her fast-moving hips harshly. His voice left him in a savage roar. “I can hold back no longer.” His hips thrust forward.
Kyra groaned as he rammed into her. She arched her back and strained against him, lustily welcome all of him in. His thrusts became erratic, slamming into her violently, impaling her, devouring her. Kyra gasped in pleasure as moisture gushed forth. He pounded hard and fast, each stroke meshing and grinding. He strained and pumped into her, mindless and brutal, pushing her toward the release she craved. Kyra arched back and froze. Her body twisted and shuddered as vibrations from deep within her pulsed and throbbed. Her body opened and accepted. She surrendered.
At the last second Kyra opened her eyes. Eris shouted as his snake raised its head high on his chest. The head drew back as the first spurts of liquid shot, erupting hot and violent from his tip. He pumped hard, smacking against her softness, turbulent and greedy. His body jerked rhythmically, shooting hot juices deep within her.
She lurched in fear mingled with unexplained arousal. His beast had been reared. It sought release. The pupils of his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. Fangs pierced painfully against his bottom lip, seeking an exit, seeking freedom to ravage. She stared, helpless, powerless, as the beast was unleashed. It took control. Eris’s roar echoed on and on, savage and raw. He lowered his head. His eyes pleaded for her understanding, her mercy. His fangs sank in.
Kyra lost all coherent thought. As blissful unconsciousness tugged at the shattered fragment of her ravaged mind, she recalled only one thing. The terror of his beast greatly outweighed her excitement. She dreaded the serpent’s strike. She feared it.
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