by Ann Cory
Hartley faced the guards and raised her hood to them. “Many of you took care of me when I lived in the castle. I trusted you with my life. The man you protect and guard with your lives decided I was in the way. I don't know what story he told you, but I never left willingly. I hope you'll do the right thing.” She concealed her eyes again and turned to the crowd. “This beautiful land that so many of you work and tend deserves an honourable man to rule it. One who cares about your needs and those of your loved ones. This coward before you does not care for anyone but himself. I give you my word."
Tatian reached out and gripped her arm. She noted the rage in his eyes. She'd seen it before. Panic swept through her. He pulled his sword and raised it high in the air. Moonlight illuminated the blood-encrusted blade. Hartley struggled to free herself when two pigeons flew between them. Tatian's cries filled the air as the birds pecked at his face. He released his grip, and his sword fell to the stage floor. Several guards ran out and claimed it.
"You whore,” he seethed. “I wish you'd died the first time. I don't know how you survived, but I shouldn't have let up until I heard your neck bones crack."
The crowd booed and spat their disgust.
"You always did have a way with words,” Hartley said and moved back. She watched the guards surround him.
"We'll see to it he is tried by the people,” one guard announced. “It's good to see you alive and well."
With a final nod she left the stage. Her work was done.
The townspeople expressed their gratitude and cleared a path for her to walk. She started across the bridge when a man on a horse trotted up beside her.
"Might I have a word with you?"
Hartley looked up and recognised the dark-haired man at once, the tenth warrior who'd accepted Tatian's challenge. She'd sent him a letter requesting he arrive late, with the promise of a great reward—Tatian's crown and kingdom.
Pleased by his appearance, she paused and smiled. “I can spare a moment."
The man climbed down from his horse and removed his hat. “I witnessed what took place on the stage a moment ago and find myself curious. Will the blood tree do as you say?"
She glanced to the pebbled ground, heat filling her cheeks. “I'm afraid it's simply a tree that grows red flowers."
"What about the ones you claimed to plant along the castle walls,” he prompted.
Hartley met his gaze. “They don't exist."
A smile formed along his lips. “Then you tricked King Tatian."
"I merely exposed him for the murderer he is."
He cocked a brow. “Who are you? Some sort of sorceress?"
She sighed. “You're welcome to believe what you wish. I came here today for justice that was long overdue. Now, if you don't mind, I must go.” Hartley started to turn and stopped. The final step in her healing would be to change the tree into a gesture of kindness. “Here.” She whispered a few words and handed him the copper pot. “May it bring you good fortune in your coming years as the new king."
Puzzlement streaked the man's chiselled features, but she didn't have time to explain. It would all work itself out in the end.
She turned and made her way back home. The only place she wanted to be was in the arms of her two, handsome lovers.
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Chapter Five
It was dark by the time she returned home. The moonlight had shone brightly along the path and helped guide her home. Hartley opened the door and found herself greeted by a smattering of pink rose petals. They trailed through the foyer and down the hall. She followed the petals to the bedroom where Raithe and Faramir waited unclothed. Candlelight soaked the room in a gentle glow.
"I see you've kept busy while I was out."
Raithe embraced her first. “We figured you could use some pampering.” He pulled back briefly to look her over then held her even tighter. “You look like a new woman."
She breathed in his manly scent. “I feel like a new woman. A weight from my shoulders has been lifted."
"Good to hear,” he added and took a step back.
"I wish you could've seen the way I handled myself. You would have been so proud."
"We are proud, love,” Faramir said and took her into his arms. “We knew all along you could do it."
"I had my doubts, but you helped me overcome those fears. I couldn't have done it without you."
Hartley looked to the bed and saw the petals strewn along the mattress. She untied her cloak and let it fall to the floor. “I guess I'll be going to sleep now. It has been a very long day."
"You want to sleep?” Raithe looked down at his cock then back to her face. “The night is still young."
She bit her lip to keep from laughing. “What else is there to do?"
Faramir swatted her bottom and pushed his erection against her thigh. “Beautiful temptress. I can think of plenty to do."
He gathered her in his arms and tossed her gently to the middle of the bed. At once, both men moved beside her and made quick work of her dress and undergarments.
Raithe leaned over and delivered a hungry kiss. He suckled her lower lip then did a full sweep of her mouth with his tongue. The heat of his breath shot down her throat and melted her insides. His lips trailed down her neck to her nipple and gave it a long slow suckle while Faramir possessed her mouth. His lips tasted salty, and his breath smelled fresh. Her pulse thundered in her ears. She was in paradise.
When he released his mouth, she scooted down between the handsome beasts and stroked their cocks, their flesh moist and thick in her hands.
"You like that?"
They groaned in unison.
"I know what you'll like even better."
She wrapped her fist tight around Faramir's cock as she lolled her tongue around the head of Raithe's. With his balls cupped, she took him in deep several times then did the same to Faramir. Back and forth, she took turns sucking one cock then the other, revelling in their unique tastes and textures. They watched her intently, their eyes glazed and jaws slacked.
Raithe inched out of her reach and moved between her thighs.
"My turn to taste you.” His mouth closed over her pussy and spread her open with his tongue. She moaned in pleasure and tilted back her head.
"Come on, big boy,” she taunted to Faramir. “Fuck my mouth."
His cock dangled just above her lips. “Anything you say, love."
He entered her mouth and pumped slow.
"Damn, that feels so good,” he hissed.
Hartley grabbed his hips and brought him closer until her lips hit his balls. With practise she'd learned how to deep throat them without gagging—a skill she was rather proud of. Down below, her thighs shook as Raithe devoured her pussy. She moaned with a mouthful of cock.
Raithe paused and dragged his finger around her slit, using her juices to lubricate her. “You're unbelievably soaked, woman. Your scent is driving me wild."
Faramir slid his cock from her mouth and lay back on the bed. “I have just the place for that soaked pussy."
She straddled him and eased her slit over his cock until he'd completely filled her.
"Oh yes,” she moaned.
"That's right, love,” he prompted. “Ride me hard. Drench my cock."
His fingers traced the outline of her breasts and teased her nipples.
"Mm,” she moaned. “Yes."
To her delight, Raithe rubbed cool liquid along her puckered hole and spread her cheeks. His pinky slipped in a few times until she started to squirm.
"Ready for me?"
"Uh huh,” she whimpered. The wait almost killed her.
Faramir slowed his thrusts long enough for Raithe's cock to breach her anus. He entered, hard and fast. She cried out at the gratifying pain. Screams of more erupted from her as both men fucked her at once. In, out, in, out in smooth steady thrusts. Slow then fast. The double penetration sent mindless pleasure rocketing through her. Every orifice sated. Nerve-endings on fire. Body tingling. She
loved the way Raithe pushed down into her while Faramir pushed up into her, and she was trapped in ecstasy, the tantalising pace of their cocks thrusting away.
Hartley stole a look behind her. Raithe's jaw was clenched, his forearms streaked with muscle as he held her. She watched how he fucked her ass, a lust-filled smile fastened to his tightly pressed lips. Taking possession of her body repeatedly.
The melodious sounds of their baritone grunts spurred her on. She loved the way they satisfied her, in body, mind and spirit. The pull of an orgasm spiralled low in her belly. A smile curved her mouth. It would be one hell of a climax.
She clutched Faramir's shoulders. “Yes, I'm going to come now."
Raithe pumped her ass harder and reached around to jiggle her clit until the most incredible orgasm barrelled through her.
"Now,” she cried and rode wave after wave of pure delirium.
She was barely aware of how much time passed while she stayed in that spectral place. They thrust and groaned, released their heat inside her and thrust some more. Raithe withdrew first and kissed the small of her back.
"You okay?"
Half-paralysed, half-dazed, she rolled off Faramir and sank into the soft mattress. Her pulse pounded loud and her lungs ached from such deep breaths, but her entire body felt alive. “I've never been better."
"Music to my ears,” Raithe murmured.
They stretched out on their sides and nuzzled up close, their warm breath a welcome treat against her moist skin. She chuckled to herself to see little pink petals stuck to each of their bodies.
"Good night, love,” Faramir whispered. “Sleep well."
She blinked. He had to be kidding. “Sleep? But I'm wide awake now. What happened to the night is young?"
Raithe mumbled, “Ah, but we aren't,” and then began to softly snore.
In a matter of minutes, Faramir also started to snore.
A smile tugged her lips. Men.
With their slick bodies to keep her cosy, Hartley watched shadows from the candlelight dance across the walls. She felt strong, balanced and loved. Healed from the inside out. Life had its challenges, but it had its many rewards, too. She especially liked the rewards that came with hard muscles and skilful hands. Everything she needed was within reach.
To her relief, her eyelids grew heavy. The excitement of the day finally left, and a gentle relaxation overtook her. She let out a deep sigh of contentment. No one could ever hurt her again.
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About the Author
Ann Cory is an accomplished author and writes urban fantasy, paranormal, shape-shifters, vampires, fantasy, alternative, and BDSM, along with historical and contemporary to mix it up a bit.
When she isn't concocting a magical seduction story, she writes poetry, reads, and spends time with her husband and son playing games and watching movies. She also enjoys interior decorating, cooking and making wine.
Email: [email protected]
Ann loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at www.total-e-bound.com
Also by Ann Cory
Lust Detector
Vows of a Vampire
Into the Blue
Blue Magic
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