Vitoria shifted so she could lean her head comfortably against Matilda’s shoulder. Matilda leaned back against the tree, positioning them so Vitoria was cradled against her chest. Vitoria closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of Matilda’s soft breasts against her cheek. She could feel the rise and fall of the other woman’s chest, hear her heart beating. It was soothing, and she let herself be in the moment.
“Where were you going, kitten? When you ended up here.”
A stab of sorrow pierced the cocoon around her heart. Here was temporary. Matilda and Antonio were just two kind strangers she would never see again when she continued her journey. She had somewhere else she had to be, and now that she was walking again, it wouldn’t be long before she was able to drive. And then she would have to leave.
“I was going to meet someone.”
She knew that Matilda wanted to know who she was meeting, but she couldn’t tell her that. She doubted her arrangement with Mira was any more legal in Palici than it was in Calibrai.
“When I arrived, why did those Demalyn attack me?”
Matilda’s arms tightened around her and Vitoria liked the feeling. It felt safe there. She couldn’t remember ever feeling that way, probably because she had never really been safe before. She had had more security when her father had been alive, but even then, there were constant threats. Calibrai was rife with crime, and they had been too poor to afford the security systems necessary to keep thieves - or worse - out of their home. It had been pure luck that the few times their home had been broken into they hadn’t been there. She’d been luckier still to never find herself on the receiving end of the Upper Guard’s brutality, and to never have been assaulted on the walk home from work, unlike many of her colleagues and friends.
“They're part of our armed forces. They patrol the borders for Mazatch and foreign Demalyn. They couldn’t see your ears. They didn't know who you are. It won't happen again. No one here will threaten you or hurt you.”
Matilda ran a hand over Vitoria’s hair. It would be nice to stay there forever. Protected by the King and Queen, petted, and pampered. If only there was the option of forever. They would probably want her gone as soon as she was well enough, and even if they didn't expect her to go immediately, she couldn't delay for much longer. Mira’s offer wouldn't last forever.
“Am I the only Solviso in Kiilasalia?”
“No, we have others. Not many, but a few.”
Vitoria wrapped an arm around Matilda’s waist and snuggled closer. She wondered who the other Solviso were and how they had come to leave Calibrai.
“But you said they patrol for Mazatch and foreign Demalyn…”
“Solviso and Dengara are allowed to move freely between all the countries within Palici, so they tend to enter through check points. Usually when someone sneaks in through the forest they have nefarious intentions.”
Matilda ran her fingers through Vitoria’s hair, making Vitoria want to purr.
“How do you know that I don't have nefarious intentions?” Vitoria asked.
“I don't know that, kitten. What I do know is that Antonio and I can handle whatever intentions you have and any actions arising from those intentions.”
Vitoria pulled herself up into a sitting position, disentangled herself from Matilda, and turned to look at the other woman. “Really? You think being disabled prevents me from being any kind of threat to you?”
Matilda smirked. She looked amused. Like she was playing with a kitten who thought it was a cat. The thought irked Vitoria. She would prove to Matilda that she had claws.
“I didn't mention your disability and I didn’t say you weren't a threat. I said that we could handle you.”
“Because you think I'm weak.”
“No, kitten. I just know that I'm stronger. But remember that if I ever do something and you want me to stop, all you have to do is tell me to stop. Do you understand?”
Vitoria nodded.
“I need you to say the words, kitten.”
“I understand.”
Before Vitoria knew what was happening, Matilda had risen gracefully into a crouching position and then pounced on her. She pushed Vitoria backwards and pinned her shoulders firmly to the ground. Vitoria began to struggle and Matilda climbed on top so that she was straddling her waist. Matilda’s sarong fell around her legs so that her pussy was bare against Vitoria’s trouser-clad hips. Vitoria struggled against her captor, half wanting to dislodge Matilda and prove that she was strong, half wanting to submit to her. Her body flooded with warmth in that increasingly familiar way; the way it did when she remembered stroking Antonio or when she imagined eating Matilda’s cunt.
She bucked her hips upwards and Matilda let out a moan and ground her pelvis against Vitoria.
“Stop fighting me, kitten.”
Vitoria imagined Matilda turning around and lowering her pussy to Vitoria’s lips. Would it be as wet as Vitoria knew her own was? She wanted to lap up Matilda’s arousal, taste it on her tongue. She wanted to be trapped beneath her forever. She fought against her, twisting and turning to free herself. Matilda tightened her thighs, trapping Vitoria’s legs and held firmly onto her shoulders.
“There's strength in submission, Vitoria.”
“What do you want from me?” Vitoria asked.
Matilda lowered her head towards Vitoria until their lips brushed.
“I want your submission. I want you to let me take control, let me be in control of you. I want you to trust me with your body. My power isn't a threat to you. It’s your protection and your pleasure. Give yourself to me.”
Matilda took her lips in a fierce kiss. She released Vitoria’s shoulders and Vitoria wound her arms around Matilda, pulling her closer, holding her against her, matching Matilda’s passion with her own burning need. When Matilda pulled back from the kiss, she looked down at Vitoria and her face was soft. She smiled, and for a moment Vitoria felt like the only person in the world. Matilda placed a gentle kiss on Vitoria’s lips and then stood. She straightened her sarong and leaned down to help Vitoria to her feet.
When Vitoria stood on shaky legs, Matilda steadied her and helped her towards the chair. As Vitoria settled herself in it Matilda looked around, as though looking for someone. Vitoria followed Matilda’s gaze around the courtyard. She looked up at the windows and wondered who was in those rooms. Were there other monarchs in residence? Had they watched as Matilda overpowered and kissed her? If she could see everything that was happening in the courtyard from her ground floor room, then anyone else glancing out of their window could see her and Matilda. What about the staff? Everyone must think her a harlot.
But what did it matter anyway? She was almost healed so she would be leaving soon. She wished that it weren't so - that she could remain with Matilda and Antonio a little longer - but it would only be a matter of time before they became bored of her, and what would she do then? Mira’s offer was permanent. It was forever. It meant she had somewhere to go where she really would be safe.
She placed her hands in her lap and stared down at them as she spoke. She didn't want to look at Matilda. Obviously, the other woman did not intend to keep their midday meal plans. If she did, they would still be sitting under the tree, waiting for Antonio.
“I would like to return to my room now. Please.” Vitoria said.
“Oh.” Was that disappointment in her tone? “Of course.”
Any trace of disappointment was gone. Matilda’s tone was clipped, polite, and none of the heat of moments ago lingered.
“I think it will be time for me to leave soon,” Vitoria said as Matilda wheeled her chair. “I can't walk very far but I should be able to drive soon.”
The silence between them stretched out for an eternity, broken when Matilda said:
“But Vitoria, you haven't paid for your treatment or your accommodation yet.”
Paid for it? Of course. Why would they help her for nothing? Her heart felt heavy. Where the hell was she going to get that kind of money from
?
Chapter Five
It had been three days since Matilda had kissed her in the courtyard, and Vitoria had been avoiding both her and Antonio ever since. When they came to visit she would tell them she was tired. They had started leaving her door unlocked, so she took her morning walks alone, when they were both in their office doing whatever it was that monarchs did. She was getting further each time. She’d walked the length of the entrance hall yesterday. The guards outside Matilda and Antonio’s office had looked like they were ready to jump in and catch her if she fell, but they hadn’t stopped her. No one had stopped her from doing anything, in fact, and Antonio had told her that she was free to explore the palace. Just not to leave it without a guard.
She made her way through the entrance hall, using the crutches for balance and to take some weight off her ankle. The sweet scent of flowers mixed with a strong smell of polish and she hoped no one had been cleaning the floors. The last thing she needed was to slip and set her recovery back. Her first steps were tentative, but when her boots found resistance on the floor she moved with more confidence towards the staircase. She needed to get another book from the library. The romance novel had ended in a happy triad and she was desperate for more of the same. At least she could find a happy ending in a book.
She stopped at the bottom of the staircase and looked up. It was a beautiful escalier that split at the first landing and went in two different directions before meeting again at the top. It was exquisite, but not especially accessible. Still, she could rest when she got to the landing. She hoped the library wasn't far from the top of the stairs.
She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Lucy, the guard who usually stood outside her door, approaching.
“Vitoria, may I assist you?”
Vitoria shook her head.
“Matilda and Antonio said I could use the library.”
Lucy stopped still in front of her, arms straight at her side. Her white skin was more flushed than usual, but her gaze was steady as she regarded Vitoria with a blank look. “Of course,” she said. “Shall I fetch one of them to carry you there?”
“No. Thank you. I think I can make it to the top.”
“Are you sure? It's a long way and- “
“I'm sure. Thank you for your concern,” she said, although she wasn’t at all thankful for Lucy’s concern. The guard probably meant well, but Vitoria could barely breathe without someone checking to make sure she was okay, and it was becoming stifling. It didn’t help that she hadn’t left the palace at all since her walk with Matilda. She could ask for a guard to wheel her into the town but no doubt she would be charged for that too. The sooner she could lose herself in a book the better.
She stepped tentatively onto the first step, leaning forward on her sticks. That wasn't going to work. If her crutches gave out she would fall. She needed to use the banister. She left one of her sticks leaning against the bottom of the staircase, and using the banister and her other stick for balance, made her way slowly up the stairs. By the time she got to the landing she was breathless and her ankle throbbed. She stopped for a moment to catch her breath and then continued up. She stepped onto the landing and away from the rail. With only one stick to aid her, she wobbled slightly. A moment later she felt a hand on her left elbow and someone pushing her other stick into her hand. She turned and found Antonio standing there. He smiled proudly at her. No, it was just a smile. Any pride she saw there was just her projecting her ridiculous fantasies onto him. Since reading that silly novel she had started to entertain the idea that she could have more than sex with Antonio and Matilda. Then she remembered that she wasn't their guest, she was paying for her stay. And Matilda had all but rejected her.
“Thank you,” she said.
She looked around the circular landing. She had expected another staircase, but as far as she could see, there was no way up to the higher floors. Gilded walls glittered under the bright sun and the marble floor was cool under her bare feet. She didn’t belong there. Her place was not in a palace with golden walls and expensive floors.
“I watched you walk up the stairs,” Antonio said. “Your progress is remarkable.”
She nodded and bit down on her lip. Anxiety fluttered in her stomach. What would happen when she recovered? Where would she live then? Perhaps she could live in her van somewhere within the city. It would be easier to pay off a debt that wasn't growing. Perhaps if she could get a message to Mira she would pay the debt for her.
“I was just on my way to the library. I finished the book you gave me and wanted something else to read.”
“Let me show you the way.” Antonio turned and walked slowly. She followed him down one of four corridors. It was windowless, and save for the light that filtered in behind them, dark.
“Did you enjoy the book?”
She felt tears prick at her eyelids. Her loneliness felt amplified when she thought about the characters, their losses and eventual happy ending. There would be no such happy ending for her. Her happily ever after was a transaction between her and a woman she had never met. It wasn't a bad ending, but it wasn't the romantic happily ever after people read about in books.
“Yes, thank you.”
They reached the end of the corridor and Antonio pushed open the large double doors. Vitoria held up her hand to shield her eyes from the sudden bright light. Sunlight spilled in from the three-storey windows that lined three of the walls. The library contained row after row of book-filled shelves, and when she glanced up, she could see even more shelves on the balconies. If she had a lifetime she would never be able to read them all.
She looked at Antonio and he grinned at her.
“It's quite something, isn't it? Come, let's take a seat. You should rest before you browse.”
With his hand on her arm, he guided her between some of the shelves until they came to a little seating area. She sat down on a two-seater sofa, wondering briefly if she would be able to get herself out of the soft cushions when it was time to stand up. Antonio sat down next to her.
“I can bring books to you, if you would prefer,” he offered. “There are many more in the romance section that I think you’ll enjoy, if you enjoyed the other.”
“Are they all the same?”
Antonio frowned at her.
“The same book? No. They are different books.”
He sounded thoroughly confused.
“No, I meant are they all about triads. Are there no romance novels in your library about couples?”
“Couples? You didn’t enjoy the novel as it was?”
She shrugged.
“Sometimes it is better not to entertain certain ideas.”
Antonio’s eyebrows shot up.
“Entertain them? Precious one, you have done more than entertain the idea, have you not?”
Her cheeks burned.
“I think I should return to my room now.”
She reached for her walking sticks but Antonio placed his hand on her arm.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I want you to be happy here in Kiilasalia.”
He ran his hand soothingly down her arm and she felt tears sting her eyes.
“It’s the norm here, isn’t it? Triads. That’s why the photos in your office all have three people.”
Antonio nodded.
“Yes. It’s the norm, especially for monarchs.”
“Where is your other mate?”
Antonio paused for a moment. Perhaps something terrible had happened to their mate. She shouldn’t have asked but she had to know. Who was this other person who took the place where she knew she should be?
“We haven’t found her. Or him. Or them.” Antonio seemed to be tripping over his words which was nothing like her usually articulate king. No, not her King. The King. He was just the King.
“There has been war. It’s over now but it has taken most of our reign to bring about peace between the monarchdoms. Usually monarchs spend their early years searching for their t
hird mate. Matilda and I were unable to do that, so we never found our mate.”
She tried to push away the thought that maybe she was their mate, but it was persistent. She was attracted to them both when she had never really been sexually attracted to anyone before. She felt a connection to them that was about far more than just physical attraction. Would they know already if she was their mate? Perhaps she could convince them. Somehow.
She turned towards Antonio and his hand moved from her arm so that his was around her. She placed her hand on his bare chest. “In the book, two of the characters were dominant and the third was submissive.” She remembered Matilda demanding her submission. “Is that how it always works?”
“Yes. That’s what we believe in Kiilasalia. Some of our neighbours believe the opposite, that it should be two submissive mates and one dominant, but here we believe that the natural order is for two dominant partners to meet and then find their submissive together. As the goddess Lencura intended it.”
Vitoria snorted.
“I don’t think she intends anything. The world is too chaotic for there to be any divinity involved.”
“Just because you don’t understand the order of things does not mean that there is chaos.”
She looked up at him, their eyes meeting, holding, and for a moment she felt lost in his gaze.
“I imagine it’s easier to have faith when you live in a palace, have a beautiful mate, and can protect yourself,” she said.
“You live in a palace, precious one. And you are protected here. Perhaps that should restore your faith.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. The longer I stay here in the palace, the more difficult it will be to pay my debt.”
A frown marred Antonio’s forehead and he looked uneasy. Instinctively, Vitoria began to stroke his chest, wanting to soothe him.
“Perhaps I could live in my van. Then I wouldn’t owe you any more for the room and I will be able to get by without pain relievers soon too so that should help. Perhaps there’s work I can do in the town or around the palace. Or anywhere, really. I can bake.”
Bound to the Monarchs Page 4