Ties of Destiny (Curse of the Crown Book 1)

by Caitlin Taylor

  The Prince. So wholly out of the question, he should not even have entered Jeffrey’s mind. But to play with that body... It was impossible. Who else?

  Felix. The brunet could kiss, he was good looking. Maybe he’d be interested. It was worth a try.

  But first, Jeffrey thought he should find Sofia. If she was interested to learn more of Tacitus, now was the time. She couldn’t possibly think him plain after this display.

  After speaking with Sofia, Jeffrey found Felix on the veranda, standing with two other nobles. Jeffrey positioned himself in his line of sight and waited. When Felix looked at him, he winked and inclined his head towards the other side of the house. He walked in the direction he’d indicated.

  Around the corner of the house was a deck with sun loungers and Jeffrey laid down on one, closing his eyes. He felt confident it would not be long.

  “You look different today,” the brunet’s low voice made Jeffrey open his eyes. “Without your armour. Less intimidating.”

  “An assessment of the Prince’s guests suggested there was no need for such precautions,” Jeffrey said and motioned at the empty chair beside his. Felix sat.

  “Not even a sword?”

  “I’m confident that I could protect the Prince from any potential threat from the company present at the house. Not that the need is likely to arise.”

  Felix smirked. “There was one dominant topic among the Prince’s guests after they arrived. Do you know what it was?”

  Jeffrey raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

  “The Prince’s new guard. Standing in full armour behind the Prince as he greeted us. You were an imposing sight, not helped by the frown and growl on your face. More than one person was intimidated and then Lucretius started sharing a story of his first introduction to you. Juggling knives? Your reputation is... exceptional.”

  Jeffrey chuckled. “Juggling knives, is it? He has poor memory. It was only the one. You must be very brave to dare to let the brutish guard kiss you, however.”

  “But the brutish guard is so very handsome. How could anyone resist? I envy the Prince,” Felix sighed.

  “How so?”

  “Getting to look at you in your uniform all day, every day? How he keeps his hands off you, I don’t know. I think I’d be quite incapable.” Felix’s green eyes wandered down the length of Jeffrey’s body, leering hungrily.

  Jeffrey laughed. “Maybe he knows better than to risk injury.”

  Felix raised a delicate caramel-coloured eyebrow. “He is the Prince.”

  “And I am intimidating,” Jeffrey said matter of fact, sitting up. His knees were touching Felix’s. He reached out, taking a gentle hold of Felix’s chin. When there was no protest, he leaned in, capturing Felix’s lips in a hard and demanding kiss.

  A hand sought purchase in Jeffrey’s tunic as Felix shuffled closer, eager for more. Jeffrey caught both Felix’s hands and pressed them against Felix’s chest, keeping them pinned. Felix moaned, a sound muffled by their kiss.

  When Jeffrey pulled away he was a little breathless. Felix’s eyes were closed, his lips still parted, he too was breathing hard. Jeffrey chuckled, and Felix blinked.

  “How private are your rooms?”

  Felix blinked again, and Jeffrey could see him working to understand the question.

  Shaking his head, Jeffrey chuckled and asked, “Can you lead us there?”

  Felix’s eyes opened wide, a grin spreading. He stood too quickly, nearly falling over in the process. Jeffrey reached out, his hands grabbing a slender waist.

  “Easy, petal,” he chuckled. Standing too, he followed Felix inside.

  Inside the room, Felix turned to close the door. Jeffrey stepped behind him, pressing his chest against Felix’s back, his hands reaching around and spreading on the noble’s chest. He kissed the side of Felix’s neck, biting gently. Felix pressed his palms flat against the door, leaning against it heavily. Jeffrey’s fingers trailed lower, finding the hem of a plain shirt, no buttons or laces, it came off with no effort. Smooth skin with just a smattering of hair. He found a nipple and pinched it, receiving a groan in return. Letting one hand trail lower, he found a belt and opened it, pulling it out of its loops. He let a finger trail along the hem of the trousers, drawing a moan.

  With his hands on Felix’s waist, Jeffrey pushed him against the door, pinning him there with his weight. He took Felix’s wrists and brought them to his back, each handmade to grasp an elbow. He wrapped the belt around both arms once, only a hint of his intentions then held him tight and placed a kiss against the nape of Felix’s neck.

  “I like to play a little rougher than most, I promise it will be worth your while,” he whispered into Felix’s ear and licked the shell. “Do you consent, little flower?”

  Felix whimpered in response. Jeffrey didn’t move or say anything else, giving the brunet time. “I consent,” he managed to say in a whimper.

  “I am pleased to hear it,” Jeffrey said with a chuckle. He used the belt to tie both arms together. Next, he set to work on the brunet’s pants.

  Once he had him fully naked, he leaned against him again, his hands exploring naked skin.

  “Tell me, petal, have you ever been tied before?”

  “Yes, Master.” A breathless whisper.

  “Master, huh? We’ll get along just fine it seems. Ever been spanked?”

  “Yes, Master. Not very hard but... I liked it.”

  “Excellent. And do you have a safe word?”

  “We normally use oiktos, Master.”

  Jeffrey sneered. “Fancy ancient words, for fanciful nobles. You sure you’ll remember when it comes down to it?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “Good. Enough talking. Turn around.” Jeffrey’s voice was playful, the slap he gave Felix’s buttocks gentle.

  Felix did as told, turning around in the small space between Jeffrey’s body and the door. Jeffrey attacked the brunet’s mouth while at the same time roaming his hands across the skin on offer.

  When Jeffrey pulled away, he was breathing hard. Using only his thumb he played with a pink nipple, while his thigh rubbed against Felix’s groin. The brunet’s breathing became more shallow, his face flushed.

  Taking a step back, Jeffrey crocked a finger at Felix. “Follow me, petal.” He walked towards a couch and sank down on it. Felix knelt at his feet, making him grin. “So eager.” He reached out, cupping a pale cheek and caressing it. “Get on my lap.”

  Felix complied, shuffling closer and with Jeffrey’s help, draped himself over Jeffrey’s lap.

  “Such a pretty little flower,” Jeffrey cooed, stroking Felix’s round globes. Without warning, he smacked his hand against the pale skin. Felix gasped and squirmed. Jeffrey stuck again, the other side this time and received a moan. He trailed his thumb between the cheeks, pressing against Felix’s entrance, tracing it. He went lower, pressing against his perineum, moving lower still. Wrapping his hand around Felix’s balls he massaged and pulled and stroked.

  Felix kept himself still, but each touch drew a different sound from him, moans and whimpers mingled but no words came. When Jeffrey moved again to wrap his hand around the base of Felix’s penis, the brunet thrust uselessly, wanting more, yet unable to achieve it. Jeffrey grinned and moved his hand ever so slowly along the growing length. All the way to the head where he paused. And back again. He repeated the motion a few times, keeping his pace slow and torturous.

  “Master,” Felix moaned. “Please.”

  “Please what?”

  “I can’t... ugh... need more.”

  “I’m sure you do, but we’re not here for your needs, are we, petal?” Jeffrey said, his tone playful. “Your mine now, to do with as I please.”

  “Yes, Master... I’m sorry,” Felix whimpered.

  “Shush, you’ll learn.”

  Jeffrey continued his ministrations a little longer. When he stopped, Felix let out a breath that could have been relief. Jeffrey smirked and trailed his fingertips across the inside of F
elix’s thigh. Without warning he slapped his palm against the pale skin, the sound of flesh impacting flesh ringing in his ears. He struck again, the same side, then again on the other thigh. Felix moaned and squirmed.

  He paused long enough to let Felix take a deep breath before he struck his cheeks. Both, then one, then the other. He continued until pale skin gradually turned pink. Leaning down he licked a path across the radiating skin. He pulled apart Felix’s cheeks and trailed his tongue into the valley, finding puckered skin that twitched at each touch. Jeffrey pulled away and sucked on three of his fingers, coating them liberally. He let his index finger trail the edges of Felix’s entrance.

  “Such an eager flower it seems,” Jeffrey teased when Felix tried to push backwards. He used his free hand to hold Felix still, while his fingers continued probing. Felix’s groan at the first finger breaching his ring of muscle was low and deep but he didn’t stop pushing into the touch, trying to get more. Jeffrey gave him time anyway. Felix was clearly eager and seemed experienced enough, but perception could be deceiving. And Jeffrey was aware of their difference in station, if only in the back of his mind.

  Soon Jeffrey added a second finger that slipped in so easily, he didn’t wait long to add a third. When he started teasing Felix’s secret spot, the brunet grew ever more restless. Pushing backwards into the touch, thrusting to seek much-needed friction, moaning with abandon.

  “You’re so close, aren’t you, little flower? I think it’s time to stop.” Jeffrey stilled his movements but didn’t withdraw his fingers.

  “No,” Felix cried. “Master...”

  “You want to be filled properly, don’t you?” Jeffrey used his free hand to stroke Felix’s back in a soothing pattern.

  “If it pleases you, Master.”

  Jeffrey chuckled. “You learn quickly, lucky for you.” He withdrew his hand, drawing another moan from Felix. With gentle hands he helped Felix off his lap, settling him between his legs. “Do you have any oil?”

  “Bedside table,” Felix whimpered. He was breathless and flushed, his tongue wetting dry lips.

  Jeffrey smiled at him, leaned in and kissed his lips. “Go get it.”

  Felix looked down at himself, tugging at his arms, still tied behind his back.

  “Use your mouth.” Green eyes stared, opened wide. “Go on.” Jeffrey pinched a nipple, making Felix yelp and get moving. On his knees the brunet crawled towards the bed, his movements awkward and slow. Jeffrey watched in fascination. He’d never thought he’d see a nobleman on his knees, doing Jeffrey’s bidding. It was a novel experience. He reached for his own ignored erection and started fingering it.

  Felix reached the bedside table, managed to open the drawer with his mouth, and pulled out a small vial that he held between his teeth. He made his way back to Jeffrey.

  Rising to his feet, Jeffrey moved towards the bed. No words were needed for Felix to follow. Jeffrey took the vial and placed it aside. He leaned down and kissed him again. Wrapping his arms around the slender noble he lifted him and deposited him on the bed. Grabbing a pillow, he pushed it underneath Felix’s bum.

  Still eager, Felix made to wrap his legs around Jeffrey and received a slap on his thigh for it. “Do I have to find something to tie up your precious stem, petal?” He wrapped a hand around the base of Felix’s erection, squeezing enough to make his point. “You wouldn’t want that now, would you?”

  “I’m sorry, Master. I’m yours. I’ll be good.”

  Jeffrey huffed but said no more. He pulled his tunic up, took off his loincloth, and with the vial in his hand, settled between Felix’s legs. He coated himself liberally, applying some of the oil around Felix’s clenching ring as well. Spreading Felix’s legs further, he shuffled closer. “Are you ready, petal?”

  “Oh yes, Master.”

  “Good, don’t come until I give you permission.”

  Felix moaned in what could only be protest but it changed when Jeffrey pushed into him. Slow and steady but relentless, until he was fully sheathed. He couldn’t wait now, couldn’t give Felix time to adjust, whether he needed it or not. He pulled back, almost all the way out and thrust back in again, faster and harder with each stroke.

  Using one hand to prop himself up, he let the other trail over Felix’s chest. He teased his nipples, flicking and pinching them. He went higher and pressed three fingers against Felix’s mouth. Felix’s tongue came out to lap at them, then lips wrapped around them, sucking eagerly.

  A loud plop as Jeffrey withdrew his fingers. Instead, he wrapped them around Felix’s straining erection. With the lightest touch, he stroked the length in rhythm with his thrusts.

  “Oh, Master... too light, please... I can’t take much more.”

  “Not yet, petal. You want to please me, don’t you? Just a little longer.” Jeffrey tightened his hold, making Felix curse. He chuckled and thrust harder. The stench of sex hung heavy in the air now, skin slapping against skin, their breathing heavy and shallow. He wouldn’t last much longer himself.

  Shifting position, he lifted one of Felix’s legs on his shoulder, altering his angle. Felix’s moans took on a new urgency and his muscles clenched, holding Jeffrey tighter.

  “Master, I beg you. Please.”

  Jeffrey groaned and tightened his grip on Felix’s erection, pumping harder. “Come for me,” he said. Another trust, two. He came undone, burring himself deep as Felix screamed, hot white liquid squirting over both of them.

  Sluggish movements had Jeffrey withdraw from Felix. He turned the brunet over on his side and unwound the belt, discarding it beside the bed. Felix was unmoving, letting Jeffrey manipulate him, moving his arms to his side. Jeffrey massaged both of them to make sure blood flowed freely.

  “You alright?”

  Felix grinned in response and nodded. “Never better.”

  Jeffrey chuckled and laid down. When Felix shuffled closer, he wrapped him in his arms and pulled him close.

  “Is there gonna be a round two?”

  Jeffrey laughed. “Was it that good or are you just very starved?”

  “Maybe a bit of both?” Felix shrugged, still grinning.

  Jeffrey shook his head but said nothing else. Felix’s eagerness and willingness surprised him. He’d not truly expected to be able to tie the nobleman up, never mind order him the way he had done. And to have Felix ask for more was encouraging. After some rest, he would not say no. And really, when a nobleman could beg so nicely, who was he to refuse. A smirk pulled on his lips.

  “Have you been to many of these parties?” Jeffrey asked into the comfortable silence.

  “This is the third.”

  “Are they all the same?”

  “Yes and no. Different people visiting mean different interests, different groups forming.”

  “But there’s always orgies?”

  Felix laughed. “Yes, that does always seem to happen. We don’t get to do anything like this at home, you know.”

  “No? You just fuck all the servants and guards until you’re bored with them. Then you come here and fuck each other,” Jeffrey drawled.

  Felix turned to stare. “We don’t...” He paused. “You don’t have a very high opinion of the nobility, do you?”

  “Let’s say my experiences are typically not as pleasant as the last few hours,” Jeffrey replied with a wink.

  “I’m sorry. We’re not all bad.” Felix’s green eyes were fixed on Jeffrey’s.

  “I’m starting to learn that. You don’t spend much time at court, do you?”

  “Not now, no. I used to. In younger years.”

  “You’ve known the Prince a long time then?”

  “Since we were boys. I first came to court when his grandfather was still King. It was a different time.” Felix propped himself up on an elbow, his left hand trailing lazy circles on Jeffrey’s chest.

  “Less hostile?”

  “Less complicated. Much has changed. I’m hoping he can ascend soon. His reputation isn’t good, but I know him. He’ll be a
good King.”

  Jeffrey remained silent. A King that flogged his servants for spilling wine.

  “I’m glad he’s found you, you know. You’re a decent man and you seem good for him.”

  “I’m sorry?” Jeffrey said, stumped by the assessment.

  “He’s had a lot of trouble with his guards. It’s not something he speaks of, but I know... He’s different this time.”

  “You mean on this trip?” Felix nodded. “He’s lost in thought a lot. Is that what you mean?”

  “No, that’s not new... well, it’s the old him, from before... He’s calmer, more... at ease, I think. It’s hard to explain. Some of the others have noticed it too.”

  “And you attribute this to me how?” Jeffrey raised an eyebrow. The idea that he was in any way influencing the Prince was absurd. That it was a positive influence seemed outrageous. They only ever fought. It might have got better but only marginally, there was still always tension between them.

  “I am calmer spending an hour with you. Never mind all day, every day. Talking to you is easy too. I think it’s because you’re so unlike anyone I know.”

  Jeffrey shook his head. He didn’t know what to say.

  ***

  Jeffrey had spent much of the day with Felix. When they eventually re-emerged, their absence seemed to have been noticed by only a handful of people, some of whom jeered at Felix. Jeffrey didn’t care much and found a quiet place from where he could observe the others in a way they wouldn’t notice too easily.

  At one point he spied Sofia and Tacitus deep in conversation with each other, oblivious to all else around them. It pleased Jeffrey. They would make a good match. He also noticed Silvestro, walking slowly and with measured steps. His sleeves were pulled low, hiding tell-tale rope markings. It was only a matter of time for them to be noticed and for word to spread.