Feral King, page 19
“He could have killed you,” he scolded, but his tone remained light with relief. His arms squeezed a bit tighter, revealing the emotion that he wouldn’t voice.
“Roken, I couldn’t bear the thought of him taking your life,” I breathed, pressing myself so closely against him that I could hear the steady beat of his heart in his chest.
“You fought well, my sweet girl. I’m proud of you,” he murmured.
“How did you free yourself from his magic? He had said he could have killed you with a snap of his wrist, that that’s all it would take to end you. He would have spared you had I gone with him,” I explained, feeling a bit shy.
“There was no need for your sacrifice. The seer granted us one last miracle,” he answered.
I breathed a sigh of shaky relief. “Thank you, seer,” I whispered.
His hand splayed across my lower back, pulling me against him even more firmly than I thought possible. I wound my arms around his neck, and he lifted me off the ground. Gently, he pressed his lips against my forehead, kissing me softly. Warmth spread through my limbs, chasing away the ache of battle in an instant.
He carried me all the way back to the swimming hole, where he carefully disrobed me and dipped me beneath the warm water. With a tender touch, he wiped away the blood and sweat that peppered my aching flesh. His fingertips massaged my scalp, causing tendrils of pleasure to race through my body at his rough touch. I gasped, enjoying every moment before he laid me down in the shallow end of the pool to see to my clothing.
I watched as he swept his hands over my gown, cleaning it with magic as I soaked in the pool. When he was finished, he disrobed and joined me in the water, cleaning himself in the process. I enjoyed the sight of his naked form, from the rounded globes of his ass to the chiseled plane of his chest as he moved around me.
He gathered me in his arms and pressed his lips to mine, taking me in a gentle kiss that left my head reeling. He took my breath away in that moment, and I knew that we were meant to be.
Forever.
One week later
The time had finally come.
Roken’s curse had been broken. It no longer held him back from his rightful place as king.
I stood on the massive overlook at the top level of Ironpeak’s castle where there was a magnificent tree nestled amidst ancient stone structures, its branches reaching skyward like a crown of lush splendor. Its bark was weathered and gnarled with the weight of centuries. Leaves of vibrant green adorned its boughs, while delicate blossoms burst forth like stars scattered among the foliage.
I looked out at the vast expanse of rolling hills and fertile valleys, a panorama of breathtaking vistas that stretched as far as the eye could see. The land below, dotted with settlements and cultivated fields, unfolded like a tapestry of life and prosperity. Rivers meandered through the landscape, glistening like ribbons of silver, their gentle currents nurturing the surrounding flora and fauna. The air carried the scent of wildflowers, and the earthy perfume of the forest. The sunlight danced upon the fields, casting a golden glow on the land.
Helheim’s army had been pushed back in the days since our return. Scouts had returned to inform us that the rift has temporarily mended, but the magic holding it closed was tenuous at best. We were safe from the Dark King for now.
It was time for a long overdue celebration.
The streets teemed with life, vibrant with colors and the hum of animated conversations. Decorations adorned every corner, vivid banners fluttering in the breeze, while flowered garlands lined the doorways. The scent of freshly baked bread, aromatic spices, and sweet baked goods wafted from the bustling market stalls. Musicians tuned and played their instruments, their melodies resonating with joyous notes that echoed through the cobblestone streets. Dancers performed along the streets with grace, their movements an intricate celebration of jubilation, captivating the wandering crowd with their skill and exuberance.
Amidst the commotion, a feast fit for royalty was being prepared. Tables groaned under the weight of lavish spreads, an array of delectable dishes and exotic delicacies that represented the diverse regions of the realm. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of roasted meats, fragrant herbs, and spices that infused the dishes with mouthwatering flavors.
The city had come alive for the return of the king.
As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow upon the white marble city, the people began to line the streets.
Roken emerged from his chambers, dressed in a garment befitting his royal stature. Woven with threads spun from the purest silks and embellished with intricate golden embroidery, his robes exuded an aura of majesty and grandeur. The fabric cascaded in elegant folds, flowing with a fluid grace that emphasized Roken’s commanding presence. The emerald-green hue was vibrant and rich against the golden sash that wound around his waist. Each seam and stitch spoke of meticulous craftsmanship. Intricate patterns of intertwining vines and swirling dragon motifs decorated the robes, their golden threads glinting in the fading sunlight.
His dark green eyes met mine, filled with promise of the night to come. The two of us hadn’t had any time together in the days following our return. There was too much to be done. The remaining segments of Helheim’s army had needed to be dealt with and disposed of. Citizens of the realm needed to be housed and fed. Soldiers needed to be cared for and wounds mended.
There had been no time for us. I swallowed hard, my insides swirling with need at his dark look of desire.
He had told me how exceedingly proud he was of me for how brave I had been in the face of Malachi, but he’d also warned that he was going to show me exactly what would happen if I snuck off on my own like that again.
I bit my lower lip, drawing it in between my teeth with excitement for what was to come.
It wasn’t to be a punishment, but a reminder that I belonged to him in every way, and I was looking forward to it, even if it meant that I was going to spend a significant amount of time begging for mercy before it ended in his bed.
My pussy clenched hard with need, bare beneath my dress simply because Roken had commanded it. His every step emanated with a powerful sense of royalty, his very presence commanding respect as he prepared to take back his crown.
Even Isolde dipped her head in respect towards the both of us. She had stepped down from the throne upon our return, insisting that the rightful king should take the seat.
In stark contrast to our initial meeting, she and I had become fast friends. She showed me around the city and introduced me to the king’s court. She had helped me to become familiar in the ways of the city, too. Together, the two of us had assisted in the makeshift hospitals, tending wounds and helping the soldiers and their families get back on their feet.
“Sophia,” Roken murmured, capturing my attention once and for all. I smiled, turning my gaze fully back to him.
He extended a hand, and I took several steps towards him, entangling my fingers within his. I dipped my head in respect and curtsied, but his arm quickly wound around my waist and lifted me back up.
“You bow to no one, my queen,” he scolded lightly, and my cheeks flushed with heat at the unexpectedly firm admonishment. His gaze slid up and down my body, taking in the gorgeous forest green gown that embraced my body like a glove. The tailor-made gown accentuated my every curve. The sweetheart neckline exposed a scandalous amount of my chest, and the trailing train was adorned with glittering gold embroidery, sewn in a beautiful landscape of dragons and fire. With every step, the gentle rustle of silken fabric followed.
“You are breathtaking, my sweet mate,” he whispered. He angled his face upward, scenting the air, and I blushed harder, knowing exactly what he was searching for.
“I followed your instructions,” I whispered, unable to admit to what he had demanded this morning out loud.
“Good girl,” he purred, and my heart constricted tight in my chest. I breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled me forward up onto the stage that overlooked the entire city and the surrounding landscape.
An attendant stood beside us, waiting with the king’s crown, a true masterpiece of regal craftmanship. Fashioned from the finest gold, it formed an intricate framework adorned with glittering emeralds.
It was a crown worthy of a king.
As I stood beside Roken, his voice rang out with a commanding presence, resonating through the grand hall as he addressed the gathered crowd. His voice, once burdened with the weight of a curse, now soared with newfound clarity and purpose. My heart swelled with emotion at the sound.
“My beloved people,” he began, his eyes sweeping across the faces before him, “today marks a new era for our kingdom. Together, we stand, united by the bonds of loyalty and resilience. It is with great pride and gratitude that I stand before you, once more, as your true king. At this same moment, I must ask you to accept Sophia as your reigning queen. She is to rule by my side as your sovereign and my one true mate.”
A wave of applause and cheers filled the hall, a testament to the unwavering support of our people. Roken’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes reflecting the gratitude and love that flowed between us.
With a smile, he continued, “But let us not forget the journey that has brought us here. We have faced adversity, darkness, and the weight of our own doubts. Yet, we have emerged stronger, bound by an unbreakable spirit. Our shared determination has shattered the chains that once held us captive, propelling us towards a brighter future.”
His voice carried the essence of a leader, intertwining humility and strength as he rallied our people with words of inspiration. “Today, we reclaim what was rightfully ours. With every step forward, we leave behind the shadows of the past and embrace the light that guides us. Together, we shall rebuild, restore, and ensure that our kingdom flourishes under the principles of justice, compassion, and unity.”
As his speech reached its crescendo, a surge of hope filled the room, a palpable energy that electrified the atmosphere. The crowd erupted into a deafening, thunderous applause. I watched with pride as Roken stood tall and resolute, his presence radiating the essence of a true leader and I knew that, together, we would forge a future filled with limitless possibilities.
It was our destiny.
The sun descended past the mountains on the horizon, and Roken dipped his head towards me. With a gentle kiss to my cheek, he pulled me in close.
“I think we have something to deal with tonight, don’t we?” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. His hand pressed firmly against my lower back, holding me captive against him.
“My king,” I began.
“I like the sound of that rolling off your tongue,” he continued, the sound of his words a soft purr that reverberated through me with vigor.
Any sassy retort died in my throat at the heated look in his gaze.
“Now, my queen, would you like me to be gentle tonight?”
The gentle rumble of his voice set my core on fire, and I shifted my feet, causally rubbing my thighs against one another and noticing that I was already wet. There was no doubt in my mind that he already knew.
“No, my king,” I whispered in a rush, afraid I wouldn’t get the words out before I lost my nerve.
“Good.”
CHAPTER 23
Sophia
The festivities raged long into the night, but Roken’s hand never released mine as he led me through our people. Hands reached out to graze my shoulders with reverence, and I smiled, dipping my head slightly in acknowledgement as we passed by until we entered the castle and ascended a spiral staircase to the king’s chambers at the very top of the castle.
The archway hummed with magic as we passed through the threshold.
“My chambers have been spelled to me and you, my queen. No one else may enter here. You will be safe from all manner of threats,” he explained softly.
He guided me forward, and I sucked in a breath, taken aback by the regal opulence of the bedroom as I took it all in for the first time.
The walls were draped in luxurious emerald-colored tapestries, creating a sense of grandeur, their intricate designs depicting scenes of valor and battle. Soft golden light spilled from elegant candelabras, casting a warm glow upon the chamber’s ornate furnishings.
At the center of the room stood a grand four-poster bed, its intricately carved, dark wooden frame reaching towards the ceiling. Cascading emerald-hued curtains enveloped the bed, creating an intimate sanctuary within the spacious chamber. The bedding, adorned with golden embroidery, beckoned with promises of plush comfort and rest.
Adjacent to the bed, there was a polished wooden desk, its surface adorned with parchments and lavish inkwells. Delicate quills awaited the king’s touch, poised to transcribe his thoughts and commands onto parchment with meticulous care. Surrounding the desk, there were shelves lined with ancient tomes and priceless artifacts that displayed the wisdom and history of the realm.
In one corner, a seating area beckoned, upholstered in lush green velvet. Rich golden accents embellished the furniture, their complex patterns mirroring the grandeur of the chamber. A large, intricately designed mirror hung on the wall, reflecting the room’s beauty and amplifying its sense of space.
A magnificent table lined the wall before us, its surface adorned with a lavish feast. Silver platters heaped with succulent roasted meats, tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs beckoned with their tantalizing aromas. Gleaming silver chalices brimming with rich, dark red wines reflected the copious amount of flickering candlelight that danced across the room. Bowls of luscious, ripe fruits overflowed, their vibrant colors adding a refreshing touch amidst the decadence. My mouth watered at the sight.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close against him as I took in the sight of our regal chambers. His chin settled on top of my head, and he cleared his throat.
As Roken’s strong arms enveloped me in a tender embrace, I felt a surge of warmth and adoration wash over me. In his embrace, I found solace and a sense of belonging, as if all the uncertainties and trials we had endured had been worth it to lead us to this moment.
“I spoke to my people earlier, my queen, but now I want to speak to you and you alone,” he murmured.
My stomach cinched tight with sudden nerves, and I clutched at his arms. “Roken?”
“I want to thank you for all that you have done, my sweet mate. Without you, none of this would have ever been possible. My curse would have never been broken. I would have never taken back the crown, and my realm would have been lost to the Dark King without you.”
I opened and closed my mouth to say something, anything, but nothing felt like it carried the emotion that was swelling in my heart.
“Tonight is not to be a punishment, but a reminder of just how proud I am of you and to show you I can be a king worthy of you, my sweet mate,” he continued.
“What’s going to happen?” I asked, my voice quivering with trepidation and slowly building arousal.
“I’m going to mark you, first with my belt and then with my teeth,” he purred.
My core constricted tight with arousal, my nerves torching with sudden heat.
“Your belt?” I asked, my voice husky with desire.
“I threatened you with my leather strap once, pretty girl. I did not forget the wetness seeping down your thighs at the mere mention of it,” he threatened heatedly.
Carefully, he lifted his hands and untied the cord holding the corseted back of my gown closed. He unthreaded it bit by bit, snapping the ties against my skin as he slowly bared my back. I sucked in a breath, the slight sting a promise of the pleasurable night to come. With every strike, my curiosity about the use of his belt amplified, so much so that I found myself looking forward to the moment he bent me over the bed and used it on me.
Would I like it? Would it sting as much as I thought it would?
When he pulled the cord out of the last rungs of my corset, he pulled hard enough to snap it one last final time across my back. I arched back, the sting of the leather ends striking across my naked flesh, pain radiating in sharp jolts straight into my core. As the sting began to lessen, heated desire followed, and it took everything in me to remain still.
“Show me,” I whispered.
“I plan to give you everything you could ever wish for, my queen,” he promised.
Slowly, he guided each sleeve of my dress down my arm until it pooled around my hips. When he pushed it past my waist down to the floor, he offered me a hand as I stepped out of it. His eyes roved over my body as I stood before him, dressed in nothing more than a pair of gold heels.
He circled around me, his gaze dark and purposeful as he studied my bare flesh. Purposefully, he reached for me and grazed the tips of his fingers lightly along my skin, causing fiery tingles of sensation to race across my arm. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from gasping out loud.
“You are absolutely regal, my queen. Every inch of you is a sight to behold, and I’m lucky to call you mine,” he breathed.
He stepped close and curled his arms around my waist, dragging his fingers up and down my bare flesh. With my back to his chest, I sighed, enveloped in the safe haven of his arms. I pressed my head back against him as he squeezed me tight.
“Let me explore this beautiful body. I want to see every inch of you before I mark you as mine,” he purred.
A heated shiver raced down my spine as he brushed my hair over my shoulder and pressed his lips to the side of my throat. I gasped, unable to keep myself quiet this time. I felt his lips curve with his smile against my neck. He trailed his kisses all over my shoulders, following the line of my collarbone and down my arm all the way to the tops of my knuckles. He spent time kissing each one, igniting my body with sordid desire.
“My king,” I breathed.
“Hush. Let me take care of you,” he purred.
He continued exploring my body with his mouth. When he approached my breasts, he took his time, gently suckling and dragging his tongue around my nipples until they were so hard, they were like little pebbles. I arched into his kiss, and he scraped his teeth along my erect buds, torturing them with a hint of roughness.
