by Croft, Sky
“I know what you’re doing, Shale,” Blake suddenly spoke up from beside her.
“Eating bread?” She smiled down at Blake. “Why are you still awake?”
“That’s just what I was about to ask you, though I know the answer.”
“I won’t bother replying then,” Shale said dryly, taking another bite of the bread. She frowned as Blake sat up. “Is the light disturbing you? I’ll put it out if it is.” Shale leaned out of bed toward the lantern, which was hanging on a nail in the wall, intending to extinguish the flame inside.
Blake touched her arm, stopping her. “No, leave it on.” She got out of bed, and started to search through some parchments on the table in the corner.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m looking for...ah, found it.” Blake came back to bed with the parchment in hand. She pulled the blankets back over her, and began to read.
“Blake?”
She didn’t look up from her reading. “Yes, Shale?”
“What are you doing?”
“I’ve got some work to do. If I’m going to be awake all night I might as well be productive,” Blake said, without a hint of reproach in her tone.
Shale sighed. “Blake, please, go to sleep.”
“Not until you do.”
Shale’s response was sharp. “I’m not tired.”
Blake looked hurt. “That’s the first time you’ve ever lied to me, Shale.” She met Shale’s apologetic gaze. “I hope it will be the last.”
“I’m sorry.” Shale let that sink in, and she gripped Blake’s hand. “Truly. It won’t happen again.”
Blake nodded, forgiving her. Then she returned to her work.
“There’s no reason for us both to be tired tomorrow,” Shale said.
“That’s up to you.”
Shale exhaled loudly. “You’re so stubborn.”
“No more than you.”
Shale conceded that, and silently finished eating her bread. She knew it wasn’t fair of her to keep Blake up too, but she was quite unwilling to go to sleep. “Can you pass me the mug, Blake?”
Blake handed her the mug of water, which was kept on the nearby shelf.
Shale drank thirstily, washing down the bread. She then gave it back to Blake. “I was thinking about putting some shelves up on my side of the bed,” Shale said, smiling at her words. She was so pleased they were living together.
Blake returned her smile. “Good idea.” When Shale stifled a yawn, Blake put the parchment aside and took hold of both her hands. “You can’t stay awake forever, Shale. I know you’re frightened of going to sleep in case you have another nightmare, but—”
“I’d be a pretty pathetic warrior if I was afraid of going to sleep.”
“That’s Kale talking, not you,” Blake said. “And it’s not pathetic to feel, Shale. That’s one of the main things that I love about you. You’re so much more than just a warrior. So much more.”
“I shouldn’t be scared. Not of this.”
“Why not? Because Kale wouldn’t be?”
Shale tipped her head. “I should be strong.”
“You are strong. When I think of what you’ve been through,” Blake paused, her eyes misting. “I’m surprised you’re doing as well as you are. Your strength amazes me.” She squeezed the hands in her own. “Please stop comparing yourself to Kale. You’re not her, and I wouldn’t want you to be.” She hesitated briefly. “You know it doesn’t bother me whether you lead or not.”
Shale was taken aback. “It doesn’t?”
“No. Whatever makes you happy is fine with me.”
“Kale will want to lead again.”
“That’s Kale. What do you want?”
“I want you to be proud of me.”
Blake pressed her lips to Shale’s, kissing her lovingly. “I couldn’t be prouder.”
Shale blushed, but a delighted grin etched its way across her face. After a moment, she sobered. “I’m not sure I want to lead again.”
Blake nodded, then kissed Shale once more, gently pushing her down onto the bed. She began to stroke Shale’s hair. When Shale protested, Blake said, “I’ll be right here. If you do dream, I’ll wake you straight up.”
Shale closed her eyes, surrendering to Blake. She wound her arms around her. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Blake,” she whispered.
Blake gave her a devoted look, then snuggled into Shale. “Likewise.”
“IT’S NOT BROKEN,” Appollonia said. The swelling had now reduced enough for her to examine Shale’s knee properly.
Shale let out the breath she’d been holding. “Great,” she responded, relieved. She would have Kale fetch her a staff. She could use that for support when she walked.
“You still need to rest it,” Appollonia said, as if reading her mind.
Shale’s brow furrowed slightly, until she realised that resting it wasn’t the same as keeping off it. “I’ll rest it.”
“Do you want me to wrap it?”
Shale was about to decline, thinking the healer was trying to catch her out—why would her leg need a supportive wrap if she wasn’t going to use it? But Appollonia gave her a look that said she knew exactly what Shale was up to, and she didn’t seem annoyed by it, so Shale nodded. “Please.”
Appollonia proceeded to bandage her knee. “I bet you’re fed up with being stuck inside?”
“Sometimes,” Shale replied. When Blake’s not here, she added silently. Shale was quite content to stay inside the cabin when Blake was with her. She held back a grin. More than content.
“There you go,” Appollonia said, as she finished.
“Thanks.” Shale was keen to get some fresh air. “What’s the weather like out there?”
A smile flicked across her face at Shale’s eagerness. “Warm. Perfect to sit on Blake’s steps and rest your leg.”
Shale laughed outright. “Is that a hint?”
Appollonia’s smile widened. “A mere suggestion. Do you want me to help you?”
Shale had spent plenty of time with the healer because of her numerous injuries, and was a lot more comfortable around her. She decided to accept her assistance. “All right.”
Appollonia looked surprised, but pleased, and helped her to stand. It was a good thing she did, because Shale couldn’t keep her weight on her leg for very long.
Shale managed to walk outside, and she followed Appollonia’s suggestion, seating herself on the cabin steps.
“I have some more people to treat. Will you be able to get back inside?”
Shale nodded confidently. “I’ll be fine.”
“Try and stay out of trouble,” Appollonia teased, as she ambled away. “I’m running out of medicinal supplies.”
Shale chuckled. “I’ll try my best,” she called after her. She glanced around the village—nothing had changed. Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes, enjoying the sun as it bathed her face. Shale didn’t know how long she stayed like that, but it was quite a while.
She heard footsteps heading for her, and looked toward the sound. The queen was approaching.
Shale returned the smile, though hers was slightly anxious.
“My Queen.”
“Shale. I’m glad to see that you’re up and about.”
“Thank you. I’m afraid Blake’s not here.”
“I know. It’s not her I came to see.” Zayla indicated the steps. “May I?”
“Certainly.” Shale shuffled over slightly to give Zayla more room.
“How are things?”
“Fine, my Queen. Better than fine actually. Kale and I are finally settling in, we’re finding our place here.”
“Good.”
“I want to thank you again for your patience. I know we haven’t been easy at times.”
“Nonsense.” Zayla’s smile grew. “Well, perhaps at times.”
Shale’s anxiety eased considerably, and she produced a sheepish grin.
“Blakaea tells me you’ve moved into her
cabin, excuse me, it’s your cabin now, too. I’ve never seen her this happy, so I owe you my thanks as well.”
“I assure you it works both ways. I’ve never been this happy either,” Shale said. “I love Blake very much.”
Zayla patted her shoulder in a maternal gesture. “And I know she loves you. I’m very pleased for you both.”
They spotted Blake making her way across the village.
“I wondered why my ears were burning,” she said goodnaturedly, as she neared.
Zayla didn’t deny it. “The gods blessed me with a beautiful daughter, Blakaea. Is it so wrong of me to want to share that gift?”
An amused expression crossed Blake’s face. “That’s the nicest possible way of admitting you were gossiping.”
“We were doing no such thing,” Zayla said. “A discussion is hardly gossip.”
“Mm-hmm.” Blake didn’t sound convinced. “Shale?”
“It’s true,” Shale said, growing somewhat flustered. She didn’t want Blake to think she was talking about her behind her back. She had been, but it certainly wasn’t in the negative sense. She decided to tell Blake what was said. “I was just telling your moth...the queen, that I’ve never been as happy as I am with you, and that I love you deeply.”
Blake’s eyes shone with affection. “I love you, too. Though that’s not what I was going to say. I was going to ask how you managed to get outside.”
“Oh.” Shale blushed in embarrassment, even more so when she noticed Zayla’s hazel eyes twinkling at her. “Appollonia came by. She helped me.”
“Was she able to tell if your knee is broken?”
“It’s not broken. I just need to rest it.”
“That is good news,” Zayla said.
Shale nodded, smiling when Blake winked at her. “I think Appollonia will refuse to treat me soon,” she joked.
Mother and daughter laughed, and Shale soon joined in.
WHEN SHALE AWOKE, she found herself under close scrutiny. Blake was watching her avidly, a soft smile playing on her features.
“Good morning.”
“How long have you been up?” Shale asked, giving Blake’s naked body a squeeze. She always woke with her arms around Blake, no matter what position they slept in.
“A little while. You slept through again,” Blake noted in a pleased tone.
“Mm. Let’s hope that dream was a one off.”
“Let’s hope,” Blake said. “Have you got any thoughts about what you want to do today?”
“A couple.” Shale smirked. “Though since I can’t go very far, my ideas are revolving around you and our cabin.”
“Oh really?” Blake sounded intrigued. “And what do these ideas entail?”
Shale kissed her leisurely, only parting when they had to break away for air.
“I’m sure...” Blake had to catch her breath. “I’m sure you could convince me.”
Shale chuckled. “Actually, there is something I’d like to do when my knee is better.”
“What’s that?”
“I’d like to take you to my old village, or where it used to be. It really is beautiful around there.”
Blake lightly rubbed Shale’s stomach. “I’d like that, too.”
“Of course it would be a lot easier if we had a horse, it’s a Hades of a trek on foot. Why don’t you keep any here?”
“There’s nowhere for them to graze,” Blake said. “The nearest meadow’s a good distance away.” She paused briefly. “I’d rather walk anyway.” At Shale’s questioning look, Blake said, “Horses scare me, they’re too big.”
Shale couldn’t hold back her smile, and Blake slapped her midriff.
“Don’t laugh. I’m being serious.”
“Does that mean you can ride but don’t like to?” Shale asked. “Or that you’ve never ridden?”
“I’ve never ridden. You won’t get me near one of those things.”
“You should really know how, though. You never know when you might need to.” She sat up, flashing Blake a mischievous grin. “Come on, I’ll give you a lesson.”
Blake looked at her as though she’d lost her mind. “Shale, you’re not leaving this bed, you need to rest that leg.”
“Who said anything about leaving the bed?” Shale’s grin became seductive. “Come here.” She waited until Blake sat alongside her before giving her next instructions. “Put one leg over, straddle me.” As Blake did so, she said, “Stay on your knees.” Blake was now positioned over Shale’s lap, legs apart. “Now, there are only two motions you make on a horse, up...” Shale pushed her upward. “And down.” She pulled Blake down. “Very good. Just repeat that a few times, I want to make sure you’ve got it.” Her eyes sparkled in merriment.
“Mm-hmm.” Blake’s amusement was clear, but she moved up and down, gripping Shale’s shoulders to keep herself steady.
“Faster,” Shale said, enjoying herself immensely.
“I think I’ve got it,” Blake said wryly, though she did increase her speed.
“You need practice. I don’t want you to fall off,” Shale teased, greedily watching the bobbing of Blake’s breasts.
“We wouldn’t want that now, would we?” Blake deadpanned. Her breathing quickened, the motion clearly stimulating her. The heady scent of arousal was apparent in the air, and Blake kissed her thoroughly.
Shale’s tongue duelled with Blake’s for several long moments before Shale pulled back. “Don’t distract your teacher.” She held Blake still. “There are four different speeds a horse can go, but we’ll start with walk, nice and slow.” Shale pushed a finger inside Blake, then another, taking her time deliberately, not wanting to rush.
Blake cried out in surprise, and began to gyrate against Shale’s hand.
“No,” Shale said firmly, stopping Blake’s movements. “You’re riding, you can’t make that motion.” Blake immediately rose up, but Shale withdrew. “No,” she repeated. “Just sit in the saddle. I’ll tell you when you can go.”
Blake nodded and lowered herself. Shale re-entered her, watching as Blake struggled to hold still as Shale’s fingers slid in and out of her with long, slow strokes.
“Then there’s trot,” Shale said, picking up her pace, moving within Blake eagerly.
“Shale,” Blake pleaded, begging to be released.
“Easy, Blake. Not yet.” Shale squirmed a little. Only Blake had ever made her this aroused. She couldn’t get enough of her.
Blake was panting now, and Shale reacted strongly to it, fighting to keep herself under control.
“Canter,” she said huskily, thrusting harder into Blake, deeper. Shale couldn’t wait any longer. “Ride, Blake,” she urged.
Blake, now free, surged upward, then sank onto Shale’s hand, driving her in to the hilt. She rode hard, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Every time Blake was impaled, she let out the most erotic sound Shale had ever heard. It was a cross between a groan, a whimper, and a grunt, and it grew progressively louder on each descent.
“And gallop,” Shale finished. Blake was driving her crazy.
To Blake’s obvious delight, Shale went even faster, pumping into her with firm, sharp thrusts. Blake moaned, her grip tightening on Shale’s shoulders as she rammed herself down, frantically bouncing onto Shale’s hand.
Shale tensed in anticipation, the stimulation too much for her. “Blake!”
Shale’s face transformed in pleasure, then when she started to tremble, Blake plunged her tongue into Shale’s mouth, kissing her through her orgasm. Her lips caught Shale’s full-throated groan, and she reflexively clenched around Shale’s fingers.
Blake let out a needy whimper when Shale flexed and wriggled inside her, then gasped as Shale’s thumb rubbed hard against her clitoris.
Blake bucked wildly. “Shale, oh!” she cried. “Oh, Shale!” Her climax was that intense, her entire body convulsed powerfully. Shale stroked her down, and Blake sagged limply against her, trusting Shale to catch her.
Shale h
eld her close, gently cradling Blake’s head on her shoulder.
“Shale,” Blake whispered, saying her name in such a way that it sounded like a prayer.
“I’m here, Blake.” Shale affectionately tucked several strands of hair behind Blake’s ear. “I’m right here.”
Blake’s breathing began to level as she gradually calmed down. She let out a blissful sigh, wrapping her arms around Shale in a warm embrace. “If riding a horse was like that, I wouldn’t have a problem.”
Shale chuckled. “It might be, can’t say I’ve ever tried it myself.”
“Ew! Shale, I didn’t mean it like that!” Blake paused, as if thinking over what she’d said. “It was badly phrased.”
Shale played with her blonde locks. “I know what you meant, sweetheart.”
Blake pulled back to look at her, a tender expression on her face. “Did you just call me sweetheart?”
“Sure did.”
“I’m surprised it’s not against your warrior code of toughness.”
A quiet laugh. “I’ll only use it in private. I do have a reputation to maintain.”
“Does the same go for me?”
“No. You can call me what you want, when you want.” Shale paused. “Why? Have you been holding back?”
Blake nodded. “I wasn’t sure you’d like it. I didn’t want to embarrass you.”
“Blake, nothing you do could ever embarrass me. Please don’t worry about that. Just be yourself. That is, after all, who I love.”
Blake looked touched. “You say the most beautiful things to me.”
“That’s against the code, too, but I never have been one to stick to the rules.”
Blake smiled and kissed her softly. “My Shale.” She caressed her cheek, then kissed her again. “My love. My heart.”
“HERE YOU GO.” Kale handed Shale the few items she had left at camp. “There’s not much.” She dug into the pouch on her waist. “Found this, too.” She held up a delicate woven bracelet. “You don’t wear jewellery.”
“It’s not for me.” Shale cleared her throat self-consciously. “I was making it for Blake.”