THE HEALING HEART

by Zelda Clemens

  Wade stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I really do.”

  “How should I repay you for your bravery,” she teased.

  “What’s on the table?”

  “Anything you want.”

  His hands ventured along the curve of her hips, his fingers stretching to grab hold of all her assets. “Anything I want,” he whispered.

  “Anything.”

  “I want you– his lips brushed against her neck – to go down to Birk’s and get me a sandwich.” He guffawed at her confused expression, lifting her into a seated position as he sat up.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, yes I am. I’ll be in the bath when you get back.”

  Roslyn huffed and puffed as she slipped into her outwear, mumbling her dissatisfaction as she slipped into her coat. She threw one of her boots at him, which he caught and tossed back. She couldn’t keep herself from staring at him as he stripped off his clothes. Before long, he was stark naked. “Wade.”

  “What?”

  With one hand covering her eyes, she gestured to his exposed man parts.

  “It’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” He shooed her out the door and began warming his bath water.

  *****

  Wade, Roslyn, and Elsa took in the riches that surrounded them as they waited for the Royal family. Priceless paintings kept an eye on them, while also giving them a glimpse into a life they would more than likely never live. Elsa scoffed at the silk table runner and turned her nose at the hand carved mahogany chairs.

  “Who needs this to eat?” After making sure no one was monitoring her, she slipped two forks and a knife into her shirt.

  The three of them stood as the two guards that visited Wade and Roslyn stepped into the room. The King’s aura overwhelmed everything in the space; the Queen’s the only thing rivaling it. They took their seats on the other side of the table, the visitors following suit. The King toyed with a grape before swallowing it whole. He did this five times before even looking in their direction. He cleared his throat and had a servant clean his face.

  “So, you three are here to address the resistance.”

  “Among other things,” Roslyn retorted. She peered at the Queen. She hadn’t told the other, but she was planning to confront the powerful woman about disowning her son.

  “Let’s hear it.”

  Wade and Elsa took turns pleading their cases, Roslyn remaining quiet, her demeanor calm. Finally, it was her turn to speak.

  “Do you know who this is?” she asked, referring to Wade.

  Neither royal member offered an answer. Without warning, the trio found themselves with swords pointing at their jugular veins. The Queen rose, her stride confident as she made her way around the table.

  “I know exactly who he is. I’ve been watching him since I threw him away. I’m surprised he’s survived this long.” She took the sword from one of the guards. “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” On her signal, the guard rushed Wade to the wall, delivering several bone-crushing blows to his torso. “I knew you would be a thorn in my side when you were born.” The blade screeched against the concrete floor, marking the date.

  “All he’s ever wanted was an acknowledgement,” Roslyn declared.

  “The one thing that would ruin me.” She instructed the guards to hold him up. The Queen assumed the stance of an experienced swordsman. “I should have killed you when you were in my stomach.” She drew her arms back, her breath steady. A hint of compassion passed over her face as she looked him over. She lunged forward.

  A scream ran echoed throughout the room.

  Blood trickled from Roslyn’s hand, a red stain decorating her sleeve. She stared down at the flailing queen, who was frantically scooting away from her.

  Elsa had a sword trained on the King’s Adam’s apple. “Don’t move.”

  Roslyn’s heels thumped against the ground as she followed the Queen’s blood trail, following her into the corner. She kneeled down, her grip tight on the bloody dagger. “I didn’t come here for blood My Lady. I just want a better life for the people down the hill. I want Wade – she peered behind her – to have his rightful place beside you.”

  “Never.”

  Roslyn cleaned the blood on her shirt, the stained glass in the windows, giving the blade a rainbow hue. She used it to lift the Queen’s chin. “I don’t want your power, your money, or your jewels. I, we, are here for justice and equality.” She felt the royal pulse race as she pushed the blade into the Queen’s skin.

  “Okay. Okay. I’ll give you what you want.”

  The Queen and King took time to clean themselves up before negotiation began. As nightfall fell, they were signing an agreement to the terms, which included reduced taxes and the right to a trial. Once all the legal aspects were taken care of, the Queen stood.

  “Elsa, my guards will accompany you home. Wade, my son, this will be your first night in your new home.”

  “What about Roslyn,” he asked.

  “You’re the prince. She can stay if it’s your wish.”

  “It is.”

  “Then so shall it be.” Without another word, the Royal Family left the room.

  “Well, that went better than I thought.” Wade stumbled backward as Roslyn crashed into him. “You’d think you were declared the prince.”

  She held his face in her hands, lost in the depths of his soul. She kissed his forehead, followed by his nose. She kissed both cheeks.

  He cupped her face in his hand.

  Their lips met.

  ###

  Shadows glided over Roslyn’s body, the moonlight giving her bare skin a bluish hue. The white sheets bunched around her could have been mistaken as angel wings, her golden tresses softly framing her face. She waited with anticipation to feel royalty. This anxiety was different. A subtle calmness floated in its undercurrents. She had no reason to be afraid. Her heartbeat was steady, her muscles warmed and relaxed. Scents of lavender and fresh roses coated the air, intermingling with her distinct pheromones. The thick curtains swayed in the wind, whose beautiful harmonies added the final touches to the atmosphere. She took a moment to appreciate the view, able to see the entire city from her height. She smiled to herself as she saw people dancing in the windows, a father telling his children a bedtime story. She transported back to a time when she was carefree, her only worry being the perceived monsters under her bed. She noticed that despite living a dismal existence, all the people she watched appeared happy, delighted even.

  She observed the contents in the room, an imported Italian rug, priceless paintings, handmade furniture, gold pieces sprinkled about; they didn’t seem to carry the beauty and weight they had previously. It was then that she realized they were nothing more than decoration, nothing more than a pair of earrings or a necklace. They weren’t necessary, their only jobs being to bring a look together.

  She untangled herself from the sheets and sat on the window ledge, the wind embracing her. She waved to the moon, stars, and passing clouds, promising herself one day she would fly amongst them.

  Lost in her thoughts, she paid no attention to the creaking door or the footsteps that slapped the floor. Lemon and sandalwood wafted into her nose, giving her a taste of what the other body that carried the smell tasted like. She permitted it to coat her nostrils before inhaling it into her lungs.

  “Different isn’t it?”

  “I’ve never been this high up before,” she admitted. “It gives a different impression of the village.”

  “I’m still getting used to it. I still can’t believe the Queen agreed.”

  “You can call her mom; she is your mother you know.”

  Wade narrowed his eyes at her. “We’re definitely not there yet. Maybe I’ll call her by her first name.”

  “It’s a start.”

  Her eyes still watching the father she asked, “What do you know about your dad?”

  Wade wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips into her c
heek before resting his chin on top of her head. “He was like me, poor and good looking.” He tightened his grip to keep her from swinging at him as he laughed.

  “You are such an asshole.”

  “Yes, but you love me.”

  Roslyn felt his heart against her arm. The words repeated in her ears.

  You love me. You love me. You love me.

  He loosened his arms so he could look at her. “You do love me don’t you?”

  “Are you going to kick me out of the castle if I say I don’t?”

  “No, but we would have to stay in separate rooms for the night until you leave in the morning.” He left her on the windowsill as he made his way to the king sized bed. His head hung between his arms, a sigh of exhaustion perforating the air.

  A hearty breeze nudged Roslyn off the edge; the twinkling stars letting her know the time was right to reveal her true feelings. She kneeled in front of him, her hands resting on his knees. Her pulse began thumping in her ears, the realization that she was completely naked creeping into her psyche.

  In through the nose, out through the mouth.

  In through the nose, out through the mouth.

  His name was barely audible as it left her lips. She gulped down the last remnants of fear, using it to coat her dry throat. “I love you, Wade. I always have.”

  He raised his eyes. “In what way? I don’t –

  “I want to be yours.” She chuckled to herself. “I want to be your queen. I have for a long time.” She became nervous at his prolonged silence, though she remained in place. “Say something.”

  Once again, his head hung between his arms. The silence lasted for thirty seconds. “I love you too.”

  “What?”

  He raised his head. “I said I love you too. I have since the first day we met.”

  “We met when we were kids,” she laughed. She stopped when she saw the seriousness on his face. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

  “I didn’t know how. I didn’t think you would feel the same way.”

  A fire burned within her that made her kiss him with more passion than she knew existed within her. Time ceased to exist as their lips remained connected, the need for oxygen non-existent. Heavy panting filled the room after she pulled away. “Let tonight be the last time you have any doubts about how I feel.”

  Roslyn climbed to her feet, using two fingers to push Wade onto his back. She mounted him, her wetness on his stiffness. She placed delicate kisses on his forehead and nose, following with both his cheeks. She took some time to caress his skin before bringing their mouth together once more. Her tongue teased his bottom lip, asking for permission to enter. After his lips parted, she experienced the cool surface that was his teeth before tasting his taste buds. Their tongues danced around one another, a complex Saltarello, both taking turns in allowing the other to lead. She combed her fingers through his hair, her nails scratching the back of his neck, the other hand massaging his chest muscles.

  Wade’s hands ventured over the soft curves that were her hips and ass, settling in his favorite spot, the small of her back.

  Without warning, Roslyn pushed herself into a seated position. “I need to ask you something.”

  “Anything,” he panted.

  “Were you watching me in the bath the other day?”

  “No?”

  She punched him in the chest. “Tell the truth.”

  He nodded before answering. “Yes, I was.” Suddenly, he flipped their positions. “But can you blame me?”

  He buried his face in her neck, nibbling and licking the sensitive area until Roslyn could only manage short shallow breaths. He descended her neckline, his tongue leaving a trail down her cleavage. A growl rumbled in his throat as he sucked her pert breast into his mouth. The suction he created solicited a guttural moan, increasing the intensity of his efforts. He circled his tongue around the darker colored skin, flicking the tip across her hardened nipple. He switched to the other side, performing the routine once more, getting the same reaction.

  He kissed down her stomach, each spot his lips touched further igniting the fire within her.

  Roslyn’s back arched as Wade’s teeth sank into her inner thighs. She stared at the ceiling, able to discern their tangled bodies in the gold leaf sheets. She spread her legs for him and tilted her hips. A gasp slipped from her chest as she felt his tongue, or any tongue for that matter, on her pleasure spot. She tugged at her hair with one hand, the sheets with the other. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head. She became lightheaded, forgetting how to breathe.

  In through the nose, out through the mouth.

  In through the nose, out through the mouth.

  Slap. Slap. Slap.

  “Roslyn. I can’t breathe.”

  “Neither can I.”

  “No really…”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” she apologized, loosening her legs. “That was amazing.”

  Wade winked and smiled. “I’m not done.” He dove back in, resting his forearms on her thighs. Each lick was full of intention and desire. It was his goal to let her know how deep his feelings were. He slipped his hands underneath her hips and pulled her closer. He wet his mouth and prodded her with his tongue.

  Her eyes burst open, colors she couldn’t name painting her vision. She tried to scoot away unsuccessfully, his strong hands holding her in place. She panted his name, while reaching for something, anything to grab, settling for her long curls. After a few minutes, she quit on to his rhythm, rocking her hips to meet his tongue, increasing his depth.

  “Wwaddee,” she moaned, as he licked to her throbbing clit.

  “Yes, my queen?” He sucked the pleasure spot until he could no longer keep her still.

  “I’m cumming.”

  He returned to the source of her flowing juices, sopping up what remained. He chuckled as she pushed him further into her, her liquid coating his mouth and nose. Upon resurfacing, he went to wipe his mouth.

  “No don’t. Let me.” She pulled him down to her, licking and sucking her orgasm from his lips. She allowed the bittersweet taste to coat her tongue before swallowing. Afterward, she flipped their positions, finding herself between his knees.

  “You don’t have to do that Rosie.”

  “I want to.” She ran her hands up and down his thighs, prompting him to lay back. She tried to keep a straight face in case he decided to raise his head. She stroked him to life, his full length just under ten inches. She pictured the sweetest thing she could imagine to make her mouth water. After taking a deep breath, she wrapped her lips around him. Unsure of herself, her pace started slow, her lips loose. Unable to handle all of him, she worked the bottom parts of his shaft with both hands, twisting and turning as she moved them up and down. The corners of her mouth curled into a smile at the sounds of his groans. “How am I doing?”

  “Perfect.”

  She sucked his head, teasing it with her tongue, giving it small nibbles. With each suck, she challenged herself to take more. Before long, she was halfway down, reaching just above her gag reflex.

  Wade called out to God as her tongue flitted across his taut sack. He avoided grabbing her hair, afraid he would rip it from her head. He gripped the sheets with such strength that his fingers were purple. He lifted his head just enough to see hers bobbing up and down, the sight sending chills up his spine. He bit his lip to stifle his moans. Just as she had done, he rolled his hips, thrusting deeper into her throat. As his orgasm warmed his pelvis, it took every ounce of his self-control not to kick his legs.

  His throbbing shaft prompted her to increase her speed and pressure. Saliva flowed into her fist, matching the streams that flowed from the corners of her mouth. Even the gusting wind wasn’t loud enough to quiet the sloshing sounds. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her pulse pounding. Gasps slipped through the openings in her mouth, his hard shaft threatening to do the same. The ooze she expelled caused her thighs to stick together. Small electrical shocks surged through her body as her nipples brushed
against her legs. She coached herself on her breathing technique.

  In through the nose, out through the mouth.

  In through the nose, out through the mouth.

  Her hands, mouth, and tongue worked in unison as Wade’s shaft stiffened to the point of eruption.

  Just before he was about to explode, Wade pulled himself out of her mouth. He scooted away from her, allowing gravity to pull him into the mound of pillows.

  After catching her breath, Roslyn climbed back to her feet. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “No,” he panted. “You did great.” He stopped her from taking him back in his mouth. He switched their positions for the final time. He stared into her eyes as he entered her. He held his position, basking in her heat. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” She nodded once.

  He pushed into her until their pelvises touched. He held her hips and rested his head on her chest.

  She wrapped her shoulders around him, hanging on as if she would never let go. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes as memories of their lives materialized on the ceiling. Her lips spread into a smile, the tears rolling down her cheeks, melting into his hair. She had loved him for as long as she could remember. Dreams of this night left her restless many a day. She squeezed him tighter, her tears flowing without abandon.

  Wade dug deeper, unconditional love in each of his thrust. He thought about all the times and ways he wanted to express his feelings, only to allow fear to get in the way. He slithered his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He promised himself he would never let her go. He lifted himself, holding himself up with one arm, holding her face with the other. He maintained the eye contact as he pushed into her, falling more in love with each stroke. He saw his future in her eyes.

  Roslyn held his hand. She kissed her fingertips before placing the other over his heart. Her eyes rolled as the beginning of her orgasm presented itself. She wrapped her legs around his waist, keeping him in close proximity. She pulled him down to her once more, the hearts beating in the same rhythm.