The Princes Determined

by Robin Danner

  She wanted him now. Here, on this table. She must be a wanton.

  Talin tore his lips from hers and dropped his forehead to her shoulder. “You have no idea how much I want to fuck you right here.”

  Yes, she did.

  Rowena bit back the bold retort. Instead, she placed her hands against his cheeks to lift his face to hers. “Then do it.”

  Talin’s eyes blazed as he cupped her bottom in both hands and pressed her against his body. “I want to, believe me. Another time, though.”

  She gasped as he lifted her again and carried her the short distance to his bed. Her hands clung to his shoulders, desperate to have him kiss her again. She ran her palms across his broad shoulders and slid down his arm. His muscles were tight, and she reveled in the hardness of his body. It was so different from hers. His strength would’ve scared her a few weeks ago. Now it thrilled her.

  Talin pulled back the blanket to set her upon his silken sheets. Before she could react to the absence of his touch, Talin pulled his shirt over his head and joined her.

  Rowena’s mouth went dry. There were no words to describe his nude chest. Talin’s arms and shoulders were curved with muscle, his waist was tapered and firm. A dark sprinkle of hair circled his nipples and traced from his navel to his waistband.

  She reached out a hand to touch him, but he gripped her wrists and pinned them above her head. “There will be time enough for you to touch me. But first, you have too many clothes on.”

  He did not have to tell her twice.

  Quick as a wink, she wriggled out of her clothes. He helped her as her arms and hair got tangled in the mess she made of her clothing. Beneath, she was clad in a delicate silk shift, originally ordered for her bridal trousseau.

  Talin stared for several long seconds. His eyes grew hooded, and a faint flush of pink stained his cheekbones.

  “I love this,” he touched the tip of his finger to her nipple, which was erect and clearly visible through her shift. “You are responsive to my touch. Aren’t you, Rowena?”

  Rowena cleared her throat and nodded. “Yes.”

  His hand slid down, and he cupped her between her legs. Moisture from her arousal dampened the silk as he rubbed his fingers along the seam of her labia. “You want me here.”

  God, yes! Talin continued the sweet torment until she wanted to scream. When he leaned forward and bit her nipple, she did cry out. She opened her legs wider, wanting to feel more of him.

  “Patience, Rowena,” he chided as he withdrew his hand from between her legs. “Sit up.”

  She did as he ordered, and he pulled the shift over her head and tossed it aside.

  She probably should be nervous about being naked in front of a man for the first time in her life, yet she wasn’t. She wanted this man. He wouldn’t hurt her.

  “You, too,” she demanded and reached for the waist of his breeches. Together they undid the fastenings, and his arousal sprang free. She gaped, not quite sure what she was supposed to do with it.

  It seemed natural to touch it, so she did. She ran her finger across the head, spreading the drop of moisture that was there. She moved her fingers down the large shaft and marveled at the size and width. It was supposed to fit inside her, but she wasn’t exactly sure how. She traced her fingertips up and down the large vein that throbbed under her hands.

  “No more.” Talin made a choking sound and brushed her hands aside. “If you keep looking at me like that, I am going to come all over you.”

  “So what do we do now?” She put her hands at her side and lounged on her elbows so she could await his instruction.

  His eyes continued to roam over her body. Wherever his gaze went, she felt it as if he touched her there. She longed to reach for a sheet, but knew he wouldn’t like it if she did so.

  Talin put a hand at her waist and gently pushed her to the bed. “Well, first I want you to lie back and close your eyes.”

  She did as he said. The sheets were cool against the bare skin of her back.

  “Now I want you to imagine where you want my mouth.”

  A smile curved her lips. It was naughty of her, but she knew exactly what she wanted. She arched from the bed, and a cry ripped from her throat when he did it. At the first swipe of his tongue against the heated flesh between her legs, she shivered with delight. He kept at it, his teeth and tongue teasing the nubbin of flesh there. He was bold, his tongue taking possession of her innermost places. She curled her toes into the sheets and moaned.

  “Talin!” she cried out his name and lifted her hands to clutch the sides of his head. She pushed him away, but he growled, and she felt the vibration against her delicate skin.

  Talin continued to tease her. She strained against him, pushing him away and trying to pull him closer at the same time.

  Rowena’s cries grew louder. It was too much. She couldn’t take it. Her insides twisted and curled and tightened until she felt like she would explode.

  And then she did.

  She was still convulsing as he moved between her legs and entered her in one sure stroke. She cried out again, this cry a sound of shock.

  Talin cursed and held himself still. “I am sorry, my love.”

  She dropped her hands to his shoulders and held onto him. “It only hurt a little.”

  The pain was not bad enough to make him stop. She lifted her hips and urged him to move again. She needed more of him.

  Talin still did not move.

  Rowena cocked her head to one side. “Is something wrong?”

  “Nothing. Is. Wrong. That’s the problem.” He grit his teeth, moved his hips again, and stilled. “Damn it! I am not going to last long.”

  “Is that a good thing?” She bit her lip as she waited for his answer.

  “Yes, that is a very good thing.”

  Talin laughed, and she could feel him move deeper as he did so. She moaned at the sensation.

  “Do that again,” she ordered. He did and her eyes fluttered. “Oh. I like that!”

  Talin growled and gripped her hips as he thrust in and out of her body. She closed her eyes and held onto his waist, her nails gripping his skin as his body grew slick with sweat. Still he continued to move.

  She felt it again, that curling of her insides that signaled she was close. Talin called out her name as she convulsed all over again. She felt him twitch once, twice, three times, and then he collapsed beside her on the bed.

  Rowena lay there, mute. For so many years she had shied away from men and wrapped herself in a protective layer of haughtiness to hide the fact she was scared to death of their touch. Yet she craved Talin, desired his touch above all else.

  He pressed a kiss to her naked shoulder as he put an arm around her waist and pulled her against his body. “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes.” She answered honestly.

  “For food?”

  She frowned and looked over her shoulder. “What else could I be hungry for?”

  Talin lifted an eyebrow and nudged her bottom with his still erect manhood.

  Her mouth fell open the tiniest bit. “Again?”

  He rolled her until she was astride him and gave her a sexy wink. “I will feed you soon, I promise.”

  Chapter 6

  Talin tossed the blanket aside, careful not to disturb Rowena, and climbed out of bed. He’d kept her up late, making love to her over and over until she’d finally fallen into an exhausted sleep.

  A smile curved his lips. She was so responsive and passionate, completely different from when she’d first arrived at N’ior. He’d glimpsed the fire she kept hidden and knew it would only be a matter of time until she revealed her true nature.

  Rowena made a noise, and the sheets rustled as she turned to her other side. She was a restless sleeper, much like him. He’d never been an easy sleeper, even before the rebellion made sleep more elusive.

  It had to be well after midnight. From his window, he noticed the moon was high in the sky and draped in a cloudy haze. It would rain tomorrow. H
e’d thought to take Rowena riding, but there would have to be a change of plans.

  He grinned to himself as he reflected on exactly how he could keep her occupied.

  Rowena cried out, and he was at her side in an instant. “What is it?”

  She slept on, apparently in the grips of a nightmare. He hated the panicked cry that tumbled from her lips.

  He gently shook her. “Wake, Rowena. It’s just a dream.”

  Rowena’s eyes flew open and rounded with terror as she jerked away from him. She lifted her hands as if to defend herself, but then she recognized him and her arms fell away from her head.

  “Talin?”

  “Yes, my love. It was a nightmare.”

  He gathered her close and pressed kisses on the top of her head. She mumbled something into his naked chest.

  Talin pulled away and glanced down. “What did you say?”

  She buried her face again, but her words were audible this time. “It wasn’t a nightmare.” She took a deep breath and lifted her gaze. “It was a memory.”

  He felt as if he had been punched. The air sucked from his lungs. The bastard. If he wasn’t already dead, he would kill him. He’d suspected as much, but it hurt to learn it was fact.

  He held her closer. “Oh, Rowena.”

  Rowena’s beautiful eyes darkened. “Don’t you dare pity me.”

  “Believe me, it’s not pity I feel right now.” It was anger, pure and unadulterated. How could a father raise his hand against his own daughter? Talin’s parents had shown love and taught their sons to never raise a hand against a woman.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  She was silent for several moments. Finally, she shook her head. “Not yet.”

  She didn’t trust him. He loosened his grip, but stopped when she clutched his shoulders with both hands.

  “No! Don’t leave me!”

  She wanted him to comfort her. His heart warmed at the thought as he tightened his embrace. “I won’t. I promise.”

  “I needed to protect Sara. I thought he had her.” Her voice was a whisper. “I’m sorry I didn’t come to you. All of my life I’ve kept her from him so he couldn’t hurt her.”

  She had already told him of the letter she’d received, but she’d never let on it was her father—not the rebels—she had rushed to rescue Sara from.

  “Rowena, he is gone. You’re safe now. Your sister is safe. I will protect you both.” He would not push her. She could tell him when she felt like doing so. He wished she would confide in him. It hurt to bottle up your emotions; he should know, but now was not the time.

  “I wish…”

  Rowena nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder. “You wish what?”

  He ran his hands down her spine and up again in a soothing caress. “That you’d had a better father.”

  “Like yours?” Wistfulness colored her tone.

  “Like mine,” he affirmed.

  His father had been a great man. A loving husband. A devoted father. A great leader. All the things Talin hoped to be one day.

  “You miss him.”

  It wasn’t a question, but he answered it anyway. “Yes, I do. Not a day goes by I don’t. Mathis and I were young when our parents died. We weren’t ready to be rulers yet.”

  She lifted a hand and traced the line of his collarbone with her fingertip. “You are a good prince.”

  Talin shook his head. “No. I should’ve paid more attention to the activities of the rebels. I didn’t know it would become this serious.”

  “No one did, Talin!” She took his face between both of his hands and pressed a lingering kiss against his lips. Her topaz eyes glowed with conviction. “You will put an end to the rebellion. I believe in you.”

  “Why? I’ve given you no reason to.”

  Her smile turned wistful. “Your determination. It is what will win this war. You never gave up on me, did you?”

  He laughed and lay back to pull her naked body atop his. “And have I won you yet, my lady?”

  He didn’t think it possible, but his cock hardened once again. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her.

  Rowena slid one leg over his hip and brushed her lower body against his. “Yes. I believe you have, my prince.”

  In the morning, he would have to face his duties. But tonight … tonight it was only him and Rowena.

  He made love to her again and then followed her into a peaceful slumber.

  * * * *

  The snap of fingers in front of his face brought Talin to attention. He’d been in a daze remembering Rowena and the night before.

  He grinned at Collin. “Good morning.”

  Collin arched a dark gray brow. “I can see it is. How is the fair Rowena this morning?”

  “Still sleeping.” Talin wanted to shout from the rooftops, but he struggled to rein in the happiness that threatened to erupt.

  Collin’s brow arched further. “Ah, so that is the way of it then?”

  Talin’s face grew serious. “I will marry her.”

  “I figured you would.” Collin unfolded the map he’d brought with him and placed it in the center of the table. “The council will be here soon, but I wanted to update you on some information I received this morning.”

  Talin pushed his breakfast aside and watched as Collin made several notations on the map of Noventia. Collin placed his finger in the top northwest section of the kingdom.

  “We have reports the rebel leader is camped at Arylen. I have sent a couple of men to scout the area and obtain what information they can.”

  Talin leaned forward to study the area of the map. “Do we have a description of the leader?”

  “Not yet, my lord. Arylen is a two day ride from N’ior. We should have it soon.”

  Talin stilled at the look on Collin’s face. “There is more?”

  The older man nodded. “The rebels have decided to march on Isidor.”

  He cursed and surged to his feet. “What game do these rebels play? They cannot hope to overthrow both of our thrones. What sort of leader would make war with two princes?”

  “A foolish one, my lord.”

  Talin calmed himself so he could think rationally. “We must send word to Mathis.”

  Collin’s placid face grew pinched with worry. “I have already sent a message to Isis.”

  Talin laid a hand on the old man’s shoulder. “Nadia will be protected, Collin. I swear this to you. You have already lost one child. I will not allow you to lose another.”

  The council members soon arrived. They were provided the updated information, and a unanimous vote was given to continue to Arylen. Michael, who earlier argued against war, proclaimed that the rebel leader had to be stopped at any cost.

  Hours passed and Talin lost track of time. He sent a message to Rowena he would be unable to spend time with her as he’d planned the night before. Though his mind was focused on the topic at hand, she was not far from his thoughts. When he emerged late that afternoon, he went in search of her. She was not in the garden, which was unusual. A quick search of her chamber and the library proved she was not there as well.

  He at last located one of the maids, who informed him Rowena and her sister were in the ballroom. He continued his search, relieved when he saw the two ladies were indeed there. For a moment, he feared the rebels had taken them again.

  His footsteps echoed through the empty hall as he walked toward them. “What are you doing in here?”

  The sisters’ smiles were identical as they looked up. They were seated on the floor and appeared to be sewing.

  “We like it in here,” Sara offered as she tied the thread of her needle. “It’s quiet.”

  He squatted beside them and brushed his knuckle against Rowena’s smooth cheek. “I missed you.”

  She turned pink and glanced at her sister. “Sara was showing me how to stitch a rose. She is much better at it than I am.”

  She held up her work for inspection. He glanced at it and immediately returned his atte
ntion to her face. “It’s beautiful.”

  He knew Rowena grasped his meaning as she turned even pinker.

  Sara’s lips twitched in amusement. “If you will excuse me, I need to visit the garden for inspiration.”

  She hurried away before Rowena could stop her.

  “So we are alone.” He took the sewing from Rowena’s hands and carefully set it aside.

  In the fading afternoon light that streamed through the windows, she appeared tinged with gold. The gown she wore was a prim blue color, but the bodice was low enough to slip his finger in the valley between her breasts. He delighted as she shivered in response.

  Rowena stopped him by placing a hand to his cheek and turning his gaze to her worried one. “What is it?”

  He sighed and leaned forward to bury his head in her bosom. “The rebels will march on Isidor.”

  She stroked her fingers through his hair. “I feared it would be so. Isis is less guarded than N’ior. If they could conquer Isidor, it would be easier to take over Noventia.”

  “I refuse to let it happen.”

  The scent of her warm skin calmed him. He kissed the exposed skin there and tugged her bodice lower to reveal a plump, perfect breast. He took a nipple in his mouth and laved it with his tongue.

  “Talin! Here?” She gasped in shock, and then moaned as he continued to tease her.

  “Yes, right here.”

  She did not argue as he kneaded her breasts. His lips teased her nipple into an aching point, and then he moved to the other breast.

  He loved the taste of her, how responsive she was. No one had ever made him feel what Rowena did. He wanted to please her, heedless of his own needs.

  He urged her back until she lay on the marble floor. Rowena followed his lead and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she levered herself down. With one hand, he grabbed her skirts and eased them to her hips.

  Once she was naked from the waist down, he unfastened his breeches and released his engorged cock. “I need you.”

  She spread her legs as if in invitation. He put his hand beneath her right knee and opened her further as he thrust inside her welcoming depths. She was more than ready, and he easily slipped in and out.