Everwinter (Chronicles of Naelyra Book 1)

by R. J. Lloyd

  "Sometimes, admittedly. Yet, I truly mean it with you." He pressed into me.

  I used my free hand to push back his hair so I could see his face. "You mean it with me? What do you mean, Kanedraven? What do you mean with me?"

  “This…” He entered me fast, deeply. Without holding back, then stopped. A sinister expression almost changing his features for a split second before he pulled back. There was a growl in his voice, an animalistic undertone as he gripped my legs and yanked me onto him. “I love this.”

  Screams of pleasure echoed through the vast room and down the hallway. "Yes, Mr. Rathmore. I most certainly do like you as well.” My typical confident tone cracked between gasps.

  He leaned in softly and kisses my lips, clearly savoring the moment. “Good. Then you will stay.”

  Where I had previously been more eager in bed, this time, I hadn't tried to pull him in. This time, I flinched ever so slightly as he pushed all the way in. However, I was not immune to his effects on me either, and I let out a long, low moan that vibrated against his lips. "Sorry."

  "Why are you sorry?"

  "Mmm…" I breathed in sharply. "For teasing you about using the word love in regard to aspects of me... for insinuating..." I bit, moaning as my teeth pressed into the softness of my lower lip.

  The coolness of his touch radiated through my heated flesh as he ran his hand across my cheek. "I feel a connection to you. I do not understand it. But it is there… and it is strong."

  I leaned my cheek into his hand. "Connection? Yeah. Pull? Definitely. But no. I don’t understand it either. But wow."

  He let out a deep moan, allowing himself to start keeping a rhythm. "Words mean a lot in your world, huh? Words and titles. Just as they do here?”

  My warmth begged for more of him. "Yes. Words mean a lot to me.”

  His body shifted as he looked me in the eyes. "I could love you. That I see would be an easy thing."

  My words stuttered. "I do believe I said I am falling for you, Kane. So, yeah. I suppose I could see loving you would be easy as well."

  A small part of me grumbled in defiance. I was not only accustomed to staying as emotionally distant as I could, but I was also never one to encourage that sort of thing. Yet, here I was, not only unlocking the door but cracking it open and beckoning him in… almost inviting him openly.

  "Is your blood still protecting me?” A small, veil of a wall came up, and my look changed to one of lust. “If so, then I want to feel how you would take me if you did not fear my mortality." I always could tell a lot about the men I had been with by how they were with me sexually. And thus far, I had started forming an opinion of Kane. One that told me that he was guarded. I wanted to see how he was without those guards in place. "Please..."

  A darkness washed over his eyes, making them turn almost red as he gripped my legs, his nails growing and digging into my thighs. "My blood should still keep you safe," he said, his voice dark, gravely, “Are you sure?”

  Something about the way he responded scared me, yet drove me on. "Yes. Let me in." I noticed his nails, wincing with the pain they inflicted. My hands gripped his shoulders, bracing myself.

  He let go, and when he did, my ability to keep up was completely gone. At first, I wrapped myself up against him, but it wasn't long before I was screaming from a mix of sensations. Passion, ecstasy, pain. Everything collided, and I was unable to grasp one over the other.

  His strong hands pulled on my hair gently exposing my neck. He waited, watching me closely as I spiraled further and further out of control. When I was fully overloaded, my body shaking and every one of my moans had fully transformed into screams, he sank his fangs deep into my neck, making sure I felt nothing but pleasure from the bite.

  When he let go of my neck, blood trailed down his chin. He arched up and roared loudly, getting lost in the frenzy. The power behind his orgasm, I knew, had ravaged my body even more than the sex itself, but he was the most dangerously gorgeous thing I’d ever seen.

  Every touch, every kiss… I cherished it all… wanted more. While I craved him still, my body started to go slack.

  He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, but a small amount of my blood stained his lips as he lifted me into his lap. "Don't you pass out on me yet. I can go a lot longer."

  “I bet you can.” My voice was weak as I rested against his chest.

  He cradled me against him. “Forever... with you, Auriena.”

  “Love me,” I whispered, half conscious.

  He kissed my shoulder, his hands rubbing my back gently, holding me against him. “Just like it seems I am meant to. That is becoming clear.”

  Once again, he bit his lip and kissed me, wanting to be sure his blood would heal any wounds he might have inflicted. Carefully, he lowered me down and let me rest. I curled into him as he stretched out next to me. I saw a mix of curiosity and affection fill his eyes as he watched me fall asleep.

  Chapter

  Six

  Presentation

  My eyes fluttered open, the backs of my hands wiping away the residue of a sleep like I have not ever had that I could recall. The kind of sleep where you wake and forget where you are for a moment. Restful and relaxing with no nightmares, something that I’d grown accustomed to.

  I stirred in bed, searching for both the comforter and for Kane, a series of sleepy moans escaping me. We had spent the previous few days primarily in bed. Sharing stories and getting to know each other in more ways than one.

  Kane, not having left the bed just as he hadn’t each night, lay next to me. He reached out, pulling the blanket over me further.

  Still half asleep, I gripped the fabric and chanted a single word three times with my eyes closed. “Ignis… Ignis… Ignis.” The fire responded by growing in intensely. Already snuggled into him, I smiled, not thinking about my action. “Good morning... or night. Whatever time of day. I’m surprised you’re still here, not off waging wars or wooing women,” I teased him.

  He smirked and watched the fire grow. "Not when the woman I’m next to can burn me alive apparently."

  His mention of what I had done shook the sleep from me completely, and my eyes flew open. “I umm… I didn’t know I could do that.”

  “You didn’t?” He looked at me curiously.

  I shook my head. “At home, I could make flames shrink or grow slightly or change direction. But my abilities were never to that degree.”

  “Well,” He removed a lock of hair from her forehead. “Seems Naelyra is good for your powers.”

  “Seems so.” I chuckled. “Wait. You’re not out wooing women because of me? Or you’re not wooing me because I can do that?” I pulled an arm out from under the blanket and played with his hair.

  "Because I don't want to woo other women. I have stated this. Your powers do not detour me. If anything, they encourage me. Besides, I am pretty sure I could take you in a fight… I think.” He eyed me. “But why would I want to?"

  I tugged on a lock his hair very lightly and playfully. “How long was I out anyways? I slept so sound. That’s unusual for me. And definitely a welcome change.”

  "A welcome change, huh?” Giving me a light pat on my behind, he moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “Well, you slept for nearly a day’s rotation. I do believe our activities are taking a toll on your physical body. Shall we get you some food and perhaps go walking around the village today? I believe that is what you were asking to do several days ago before we found our way back in here."

  Lifting up and sitting next to him, I placed a series of small, gentle kisses on his shoulder, replying almost a little too enthusiastically when he brought up going out into the village. “Yes! Please! Food and exploration. Perfect!” But my joy quickly faded from my face.

  Noticing the shift in my mood, he turned toward me. "What's wrong? You look concerned about something."

  “I ummm...” I chewed on the inside of my lip, thinking. “Are the clothes you got me in Nirevale appropriate? And if so, where are th
e not ripped ones? But if not, how do I get clothes and accessories or whatever to fit in? The women I’ve seen here mostly wear dresses and such. That’s a bit different from the leather pants and cotton tops we picked up.”

  He leaned over and pulled the rope besides the bed. Moments later a woman walked in again. The same one that had been quietly bringing in food, water and other provisions over the days I had been there. She blushed and kept her eyes down.

  Kane motioned to the woman as if presenting her to me. "This is Sarah, my best servant. It is about time that you know her name so you can address her yourself should you need anything. She will take your measurements and make sure you have proper clothes from now on. Tailor made for you.”

  Sarah stood at attention with her hands behind her back as she waited for me to speak.

  I stood, taking the sheet off the bed with me, draping it around my body as I walked. Looking back at Kane, who had sprawled himself out on the bed, I grinned. “Yup... a king. You even lay around like one.” I walked over by Sarah, shaking my head at him before addressing the young woman. “Hello. I’m Auriena. It is nice to meet you. Just tell me what you need me to do.”

  Sarah pulled out a measuring tape and motioned with a nod what she was about to do. She lifted my arms, letting me drop the sheet, and started taking my measurements, one segment at a time.

  As the she measured me, I asked, “How long will it take to get clothes? And would you mind having someone bring me some food and water please once we are finished?”

  Sarah moved to my lower half, running the measuring tape down the length of my thigh. The quiet woman nodded at my request and continued, still not speaking.

  Looking back at Kane, I shrugged. “I don’t know what all I should ask her for or how many of what. Can you let her know what we would like?” Feeling like I was in a fairytale after all, I wanted to live it up. However, I was also realistic and didn’t want to take advantage of his generosity.

  Seeing the servant pause for direction, he smiled and waved for Sarah to carry on. “Get her anything her heart desires and spare no cost. She is my guest and should appear as such.”

  Only stopping her task for a moment to give him a quick bow of her head, she then went right back to measuring.

  I leaned in toward the woman and shyly asked, “Maybe a few dresses, undergarments, shoes to match each and some jewelry? You know him pretty well I’d imagine. So, whatever he would approve of.” I left it at that so as not to ask for too much. Or at least I’d hoped. Standing back upright, I smiled at Kane, adding to him, “If you have anything in particular you want me to get, speak up now! Oh!” I turned back to Sarah. “Some lounge clothes for while I’m here in the castle. A couple sets. And a couple nice nightgowns, please. And if there’s something available here shortly so Mr. Rathmore and I can go into the city, that would be perfect!” I felt picky and demanding, but the smile on his face made me feel slightly less greedy… slightly.

  Sarah, adding the requests to the small, leather, bound notebook she’d been writing in, smiled at me. She nodded and turned to l Kane as if awaiting his direction, closing the notebook and bringing it to her chest.

  He cleared his throat. "Yes. Fine jewelry for her and everything else she requested. Before you start sewing, go to the South wing in the upper chamber there. You should find something in there that would be suitable for today. Quickly make alterations if needed. But before that, food. She needs to eat.” He winked in my direction. “I hope all of this will be suitable for you.”

  “Don’t give more than you wish just to make me happy. I don’t want to take advantage of you.” I let Sarah finish up and smiled as the woman rushed out of the room.

  "I always do what makes me happy, so don't worry about that." He continued to lay on the bed, a cocky grin playing on his lips.

  A brief moment later, Sarah returned with a variety of breakfast foods and native juices. She sat the platter down on the table nearest where I had been standing, bowed and left, nodding to her king on her way out.

  After a quick test of a couple of the meats, I went into the washroom and cleaned myself up. Standing in front of a large mirror, I looked over my body, amazed that I wasn’t battered and broken. I couldn’t feel the same thing I felt with his blood in me, but something felt different. Something in my core felt stronger.

  I washed up in the sink and returned, not wanting to make him wait. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I reached for his hand. “Thank you.”

  “For?”

  “The clothing, food, all of it.”

  “It is a little thing.” He rubbed my back.

  “Such a gentle…”

  Sarah came back in. Her entrance causing me to stop speaking before I got too sappy once again. The servant returned carrying a lavish, royal blue gown for me. She laid it out on the back of one of the chairs near the fireplace. On the table next to it, she placed a sapphire necklace and bracelet set, a pair of matching earrings and jewel studded shoes with a slight heal.

  Looking at us for approval once again, she waited near the door.

  I stood and went to the articles. “Wow.”

  Kane waved off the servant and sat up. "Go ahead; eat and relax while you dress. I know you are anxious to go and explore, but the city isn't going anywhere… I hope." He laughed.

  Almost choking on my bite when I saw the details on the dress, I then snatched up one of the shoes, looking at it then holding him out for him to see. “This? All this? It’s what you’d want for me?” It seemed a lot more ornate than the other women, going from one extreme to another.

  He shrugged, looking over the shoe I was holding up. "I will never really tell you how to dress, but you did leave it up to Sarah to bring you something I would want for you. I see that she did as instructed. Is it too much? Are you not happy with her choice?" He held an apple-like fruit slice as if he was going to bite it but never did.

  I, still holding the shoe, climbed onto the bed with him, taking the fruit from his fingers. I popped it into my mouth, its juices staining my lips. “It’s gorgeous. I’m asking you if it’s the kind of thing you want people to see me in, knowing what they might think. Do you think it suits me? My role here.”

  He pulled me in for a kiss, rolling on top of me, just the blanket separating his body from mine. "I think it would look nice on you. Yes. I do believe it would be a suitable outfit for you to be seen by my side. Do you not like nice things?"

  “I do. It’s gorgeous. All of it. But won’t it make a statement to everyone? Won’t they talk about the woman you brought home in expedition clothes only to bring out in jewels? Won’t they make some sort of assumption?” I dropped the shoe down on the mattress and ran my hands up and down his arms.

  "They will think that you are special to me and my guest. They will know that you have my favor. Yes. It will make a statement. I am not crowning you or anything, but I am letting you be seen in royal jewels. Is this something you would rather not do?" His hair brushed my cheek as he leaned down and pressed his lips to my shoulder.

  “I don’t know. I mean… yes. It’s just…” I took a couple steadied breaths, pushing on his chest so I could get up.

  He complied, rolling over onto the bed. He handed me the shoe, a huff in his tone. “Fast.”

  “Yes!” I ripped the shoe form his grip and shot up off the bed, pulling the sheet back up around myself. “Don’t you think so? Don’t you ever wonder what this thing is between us?”

  “Why?” His muscles tensing slightly as he lifted himself up, going and pulling on the pair of pants that hung from the footboard of the bed. “I do not wonder such things I suppose. Have I tried to slow down my mind, recognizing that my pull to you was deeper and faster than I’ve felt before? Yes. But is it real? Yes. At least from everything I can assess.”

  The shoe lay in my two, petite hands, cradled in front of me. My eyes fixed on it. Yet, my mind was obviously elsewhere for a moment. “Yes.”

  He walked over to me, his much large
r hands engulfing my arms. “Yes?”

  I pulled the shoe into my chest. “Yes. It’s real.”

  “Yes.” He kisses my forehead. “Now, eat. Get dressed. I have a kingdom to show you.” The sound of his footfalls echoed through the room as he made his way to his boots. "Do you like being here with me so far?"

  “Yes.” I stated bluntly chewing on a grape. “I’m a gypsy. I’m not sure you know what that is. But I yearn to travel. And in my travels, I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere. Which I know is cliché. But here? With you? I don’t know. Something feels familiar. I’m sure it is a factor in how I just know this is real.” I popped another bite of something in my mouth to avoid saying anything further.

  He chuckled. "Well perhaps we should see more than just Everwinter? Who knows? I travel often."

  “I would love to travel with you!” My eyes went wide with my enthusiasm, causing me to clamp my hand over my mouth, embarrassed that I’d shouted so eagerly. “I’m sorry. I mean I’d love to travel with you.” This time, my tone was much calmer.

  “Then we shall do that.” He finished lacing up his boots and stood. “I have left some others in charge often as I have gone to take care of business. And sometimes, I just leave to explore or to find some peace.”

  “Does your home not give you peace?” I studied the dress, working out the best way to put it on.

  Kane made his way over to my side and held up the dress for me to slip into. “It is difficult to find peace anywhere where the people know they rely on you… or blame you. This is why I choose not to have my face plastered all over this world. That way, I can handle things in other cities without everyone following me. Or, on occasion, find a place to relax. The latter being rare.”

  “Does it help?”

  “It has helped me be less cruel than my father.” He bowed his head. “It has made me less cruel then I have been in the past.”

  After adjusting the sleeves so they sat well on my shoulders, I moved my hair to allow him to fasten the buttons and ties on the back of the gown. “Are you not still cruel? What changed you?”