by Lily Thomas
Shaking her head, Roxanne pushed the thought from her mind. There was no point in daydreaming. This life might be for Elizabeth, but it was not for Roxanne.
“You chose to marry Stryme?” Roxanne was still confused about how she got here in the first place.
“Yes, of course. He stole my heart… with a lot of convincing… and other things.” She giggled.
Roxanne nodded understanding what she was getting at. “You have to tell me more.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “I never would’ve imagined this life for myself, but I’m glad it’s happened. And it’s a long story about him capturing me. But I did fall in love with him.”
“He is a fire giant.”
“His name is Stryme, and he is my husband.” Elizabeth’s sapphire eyes gave her a pointed glance.
Roxanne blushed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have addressed him as just ‘a fire giant’. It all is so much for me to wrap my head around. I would never have thought to meet a woman who was happily married to a fire giant. Surely, you can understand why it’d be so confusing.”
“I can understand your confusion. It’s not every day you see a happily married human and giant. For now, let us tend to some basic needs that I’m sure you’ll be eager for. When I saw Daerrin had a human woman on his horse, I immediately called for a bath to be drawn. I’m sure you’ll want it.”
“Indeed. Traveling with an army leaves little room for niceties.” Roxanne agreed.
“Then follow me.”
Smiling from ear to ear Roxanne rose from the table with Elizabeth and followed her as Elizabeth led the way out of the great hall. She couldn’t wait to soak her weary bones in a hot bath.
Roxanne paused at the great hall doorway and looked back at where Stryme and Daerrin were still speaking, their heads close together as they discussed something important.
“I’ll make sure to let him know where you’ve gone.” Elizabeth came up beside her, grabbing an elbow, and guided her from the great hall.
“No need to bother. I’m sure Daerrin won’t worry where I am.” Although she had hoped he would’ve looked up when she’d left the great hall. They’d spent a lot of time together and a few special nights.
“We’ll need to discuss why he brought you here. It was unexpected but perfectly fine. I’m glad to have another human woman around.” Elizabeth sent her a genuine smile. “There’s a lot I wouldn’t mind knowing about Arcaern, since I left.”
“Yes, of course.” Roxanne agreed. Maybe getting out of here wouldn’t be that difficult, after all, when she had a possible human ally and a queen at that. She might be able to convince Elizabeth to order Daerrin to release her.
“Here is your room for your stay with us.” Elizabeth opened the door and stepped inside.
Roxanne walked into the room, and her eyes landed on the bath that was awaiting her. She needed to bath, needed to feel clean, and needed to relax. All that warm water would treat her body so well.
“I will leave you alone with your bath.” Elizabeth cast her a knowing smile before leaving the room.
Roxanne bolted to the side of the tub the moment the door closed. Stripping like her life depended on it, she could barely contain her excitement. Steam rolled off the water in waves.
Placing a toe in the warm water, a sigh escaped her. This bath was going to do her well.
Sliding the entire way into the tub, she felt all of her muscles loosen with pleasure. It was such a nice change, since landing in Daerrin’s arms.
As she leaned back against the tub, her eyes landed on the bed across the room, and her eyes lighted up again. She was going to sleep in a real bed. This castle might be her cage, but at least it was a gilded cage. She was happier with the luxuries of a castle at her fingertips.
She had grown tired of living like a soldier with Daerrin. She wasn’t built for a life of dried meat and no private time. He was always there watching her. Not that she blamed him. She was a rebel with a cause.
Running the washcloth up and over every inch of skin she sighed with pleasure. There was nothing quite like being clean and having all the dirt washed off. It felt like her skin was finally able to breathe.
Thinking she must have just spent too much time in the bath she reluctantly got up and out of the tub. She would miss the bath, but Roxanne couldn’t spend the rest of her life just lying in that tub soaking all her troubles away.
Making her way over to the bed she was pleased to find a new dress laid out on the bed. It was a gorgeous fabric dress, not fur, and Roxanne knew it had to have come from Elizabeth’s wardrobe.
As much fun as it had been wearing Daerrin’s fur dress, Roxanne was ready for some proper human attire.
She would have to remember to thank Elizabeth the next time she saw her because this dress would make her feel civilized again after so many days out in the wild.
Holding the dress up to her clean skin, she beamed. She couldn’t slip into the dress fast enough. It tied up in the front, allowing her to put the dress on without a servant present. If only she had a mirror to look in, then it would all be complete.
Sitting down on the bed she couldn’t get over the feeling of having a soft mattress below her bottom.
“One little moment to lie down won’t hurt.” She told herself, but the moment her head hit the pillow she was out like a light.
Chapter 13
Daerrin glanced around the hall impatiently. Roxanne had yet to make an appearance.
He wasn’t too worried. There was no way an escape would work. Security around the castle was up to speed since Stryme didn’t want anything happening to his precious human queen. Roxanne would be caught and brought back if she was found outside the castle.
Though she might still be enjoying the bath Elizabeth had drawn for her.
“Stop worrying, Daerrin. Your human is still up in her room. I made sure to have a maid watch her room for you, in case she tried something.” Stryme smiled over at him. “I’ve had a lot of experience in that area.”
“I wasn’t worried,” Daerrin said defensively. “I’m just wondering why she’s taking so long to come down.”
“Perhaps she’s avoiding you.” Elizabeth chirped from the other side of Stryme. “I couldn’t imagine being hauled around by a fire giant was much fun.” She glared at Stryme and then smiled. “I enjoy it now though.” She playfully punched Stryme on the shoulder.
Daerrin shook his head. “She wouldn’t avoid me. Roxanne takes everything face first with her shoulders straight. There’s no lack of spirit in that one.”
“I used to think the same about myself until I was captured by a fire giant.” Elizabeth popped a bite of food into her mouth. “You all can be scary.”
“But you don’t fear me anymore,” Stryme stated or asked, his voice didn’t seem too sure of what answer to expect.
“Of course I’m not! I know now you’re a loving man and a good father.” She sent a smile over at where their little boy was being tended by a servant.
Daerrin smiled. He enjoyed seeing the two of them together. There wasn’t a single moment in his life he believed a human and a fire giant could work out, but he’d been wrong. Elizabeth and Stryme had been destined for each other. They had a rough start, but they’d done pretty well for themselves.
Feeling the weight of Elizabeth’s gaze, Daerrin stood up from the table. It was time to leave before Elizabeth inquired about his intentions with Roxanne. He knew it would come at some point. Elizabeth would, of course, sympathize with Roxanne, and he didn’t want to fight with his queen about getting his revenge.
“Where are you headed?” Stryme asked.
“In search of Roxanne.”
“You’ll find her…”
“I know where you stashed her.” Daerrin cut off Elizabeth.
Her eyebrow rose. “How?”
“All castles have eyes and ears.”
Elizabeth cracked a smile. “Isn’t that too true.”
Leaving the great hall, Daerrin went in
search of Roxanne’s room, which would now become his. He wanted to keep her in his line of sight. Or so he told himself, but the thought of sleeping with her in a comfortable bed had him rock hard. There was something primitive about being with her in the woods, but he was looking forward to some relaxing nights with her in a room with a bed.
Cracking open the door Daerrin was surprised to find Roxanne asleep on the bed while fully clothed in some more human clothing.
A smile spread across his face as he closed the door silently and strolled into the chamber. As he walked over to the bedside, he couldn’t help but admire her beauty. Her fiery hair was whisked to one side, and its red tendrils contrasted sharply against the grey furs of the pillows.
Once he got his eyes to move away from her stunning hair, he admired the way her dark lashes laid against her cheeks softly. She was a sight to be admired. She was gorgeous.
He almost wondered why her father hadn’t married her off yet. Daerrin was sure she had men beating down the door to spend a lifetime in her bed. The only thing that might put them off was her spirit. Roxanne wasn’t a woman to take it and not give it back. She wouldn’t be a mouse of a wife.
Remembering she’d skipped the meal, he made his way back to the door and popped his head into the hall. There was indeed a maid watching the room from across the corridor.
Motioning her forward he stepped into the hall a bit so he wouldn’t disturb Roxanne.
“I will need a plate of food sent up. Quickly.”
“I was told to stay here and keep an eye on the human woman.” The maid looked up at him, her hands twisting in her dress.
“I’ll be sure to keep an eye on her while you’re gone. I was the one to bring her to this castle in the first place.”
The maid nodded, sent a nervous glance at Roxanne’s door, and then left to grab him some food.
Daerrin was glad the maid wanted to do her job so well, but she could trust him to keep a watchful eye on Roxanne while she was gone.
Returning to the room, he closed the door. He walked over to the fireplace. There was no fire, and the room was starting to develop a slight chill. There was no need for her to catch a cold.
By the time he got the fire roaring, a light knock sounded on the door. Brushing his hands on his pants legs, he rose from in front of the hearth and opened the door to the room.
A tray of food was shoved through the opening. “Will this do?”
“Yes, thank you. You may return to your post.” Grabbing the tray from the maid, he shut the door and placed the food on a chest at the foot of the bed.
The sight of Roxanne laying on the bed had his cock stirring to life. That fluffy dress looked so good on her and accented her bosom to perfection. He’d prefer if she was laying on the bed naked, but he wasn’t that lucky.
Lifting Roxanne, he shifted her over a bit on the bed so he could sit next to her.
“What’s going on?” Roxanne jumped, and then when she saw it was he she relaxed again. “I thought you were an intruder.”
“I came to check in on you since you missed dinner.”
“I missed it?” She looked like she might cry. Because she missed dinner?
“There is no need to worry.” He rushed to reassure her. Grabbing the tray from the chest, he handed it over to her.
Her eyes lit up. “Thank you. You truly have no idea what this means to me, to finally have some food inside a castle.” Roxanne grabbed hold of the tray and licked her lips.
“Would you like to sit in the chairs near the fire? It might add to the loveliness of having food in a castle.” He was amused with her prioritizing good food before a lot of other comforts.
“Don’t mock me.”
“I would never.” He held a hand to his heart. “Shall we?”
Roxanne nodded and sent him a smile.
“Let me.” He took the tray from her, but she was reluctant to let it go. “I’ll give it back to you once you sit down.”
She let him take the tray and then raced over to her chair. “Ok. Food.” She demanded.
As he handed her the tray and sat down before the fire, she dug into the food. Elizabeth’s words came back to haunt him. Was Roxanne hiding from him or had she fallen asleep by accident?
“Were you…” Daerrin cleared his throat, “hiding from me?” He couldn’t believe his voice had been so wobbly, but he couldn’t take it back. His heart was desperate to hear her answer. She’d always been so spunky. He’d hate to take that away from her.
Roxanne laughed, throwing her head back. “I wouldn’t hide from you, don’t worry about that!”
Relief soared through him. “I didn’t think so, but I wanted to make sure. There was some speculating at the dinner table as to why you didn’t come down.”
“Why bother checking?” Her jade eyes looked over at him as she continued to eat. The firelight glinted off her fiery hair.
Daerrin didn’t want to answer. He might come up with an answer that scared him. So he gave her a shrug and stared into the fire. No need to let her know that she might mean something to him. She was resilient, and he was impressed with her ability to face new challenges without breaking down into a sobbing mess.
“Done?” He noticed there were only crumbs left on the tray.
“Yes. Thank you again for bringing me a plate.” Roxanne passed him the tray.
Daerrin set it down on the floor by his chair. “I figured you would hate to miss a real meal after all the disgusted looks you gave the dried meat.”
“Your meals weren’t bad, but there is something to be said about the luxuries of a castle. And you’re right about the dried meat. If I never see another piece, it will be too soon.”
“You won’t hear any arguments from me. I’m just as happy to be at the castle as you.” He looked forward to having a few days to live in luxury before he went back to the front lines with his men.
“Is this your chamber?” Roxanne looked around the small room.
“No, but it will be tonight.” Daerrin cast her a wolfish grin. He had plans for some entertainment for them both.
“Is there no possible way of me persuading you to sleep elsewhere?” Roxanne twisted a curl of her hair around a finger as she contemplated him from across the room.
He shook his head. No matter what, he was going to be sleeping next to her, even if he wasn’t allowed to touch. His cock and mind were in firm agreement on the subject. Roxanne had some hold over him, but he enjoyed every moment of it.
Standing up from his chair he decided he would strip for her. He wanted to see how long she could last before she climbed all over him. She was a passionate female, and they both knew she liked what he delivered.
Roxanne watched Daerrin as he stood up from his chair. His hands went to the hem of his shirt stripping it off over his head, and then he threw it across the room. It went flying, but it wasn’t the center of her attention.
Her gaze fell on those hard muscles of his chest and abs, and her stomach flip-flopped. He needed to be painted. He was that gorgeous. She knew what those muscles could deliver when it came to bed sport, but she couldn’t keep giving in like a weakling.
She had to be strong. Her father would die of a heart attack if he knew she was sleeping with a fire giant, and so easily. Her father probably knew she was no virgin. No woman who spent a good deal of time at court nowadays was innocent. Everyone was living for the present in case there was no future, because of the rock giants.
Then Daerrin worked his belt off and worked his way through the ties on his pants.
Her tongue shot out to lick her suddenly dry lips. He was stripping for her. His crimson eyes scanned her face, taking note of her every reaction, while he teased her.
She commanded herself to look away from him, but her eyes wouldn’t obey her mind. They wanted to see what was below his waistband because it had so far brought her a lot of pleasure and she’d never be able to look her fill.
Even as she thought about the nights they’d spent
together, she felt her clit ache in anticipation as her heart rate spiked.
His dick sprang forth as his pants plummeted to the floor, and she sucked in a harsh breath. With the firelight, she was much better to appreciate its length than in a darkened tent, and she could feel the area between her thighs slicken with just the sight of his cock.
Working her eyes back up his abs and chest she eventually came to his crimson eyes, which mirrored the lust she felt building within her.
“Now it’s your turn.” He said taking a small step closer.
Roxanne shook her head. “I’m not about to strip.” If she stripped, Roxanne knew she would just end up sleeping in the massive bed with him. But she could do other things that didn’t involve a bed and would sate his raging desire.
Sliding off the chair she walked on her knees to him, grabbed his cock with one hand, and then sucked the tip into her mouth.
She heard his shocked intake of breath. Glancing up she saw those crimson depths glazed over as she continued to suck on his cock. His hands landed on her shoulders, as he rocked his hips with her motions.
“Take it deeper.” He growled down at her.
Roxanne raised her eyebrows. Here she’d thought she was taking it deep. Taking a deep breath, she took more of him into her mouth as she ran her tongue around his thick girth. One of her hands clasped the rest of his long length, while the other hand massaged his balls. She loved playing with the puckered skin and could feel them tighten with excitement.
His hands left her shoulders to run through her hair.
“Oh god, I love that you removed your hair from that restraining braid.”
Gently he wrapped his hands in her hair and helped her move her head along his shaft. Roxanne swirled her tongue around the tip of his cock, and then licked up and down the slit on the tip.
Daerrin pushed her away, and she raised her eyebrows in question.
“I have some other plans for you.” His voice had gone darker and held a promise that left her stomach trembling in need.