The Reckoning, page 10
She slanted her head to the side and peered up at him. “Did I hurt you?”
“No…of course not.” He took a deep breath as her hands crept up his chest again. “As much as I love your touch, too much of that sort of thing can hasten a man along. It has been long since I had a woman.”
She pulled away. “I thought—Druh Forest—” She left the sentence hanging and his arms came around her to draw her back into his embrace.
He smiled. “What gave you that idea?”
“Etan…”
“I should have known,” he countered dryly. “I had consumed a little too much wine, but I swear I did not touch her, though the Elven wench tried.”
Tannith laid her cheek against his chest, but Kaden shifted his stance and lifted her chin so he could see into her eyes. “I must have your trust.”
“If you say it is so, then it is so,” she answered simply. “I know now, you would not lie to me.”
“Then all is well?”
“I am sorry I put you through so much. I mean…well…you know—”
He grinned, and she could see the white of his teeth in the moonlight. “I have not perished yet.” His voice deepened. “But let me see if I remember what to do with a woman.” He drew her closer against his body.
“First I put my hands here,” he whispered against her ear, placing his hands on her shoulders. Then, he slid his hands to the soft curve of her spine and came to rest on her small derriere. “Then here.”
Chills spiraled down her back, spread to the tips of her toes, then skyrocketed back up to settle low in her stomach.
“Then I place this hand around here,” he continued as one hand stole around to rest over the junction of her thighs.
She gasped.
“Relax.” His lips ran from her collar bone to the base of her throat, his breath hot against her skin. “Trust me.”
Relax! She groaned. How could she relax? His heat was all over her, his scent all around her. It filled her mouth, engulfed her, intoxicated, and made her faint. She could not breathe!
For a moment she struggled, then as suddenly as panic seized her, it drained away as she remembered where she was—who she was with. This was Kaden, the man she loved, the man she had fallen in love with the moment he had burst through the trees to aid her. She released her breath and wrapped her arms about his neck, pressing herself unashamedly into his hand.
****
“Whoa. Slow down.” He laughed softly and shifted her position. Gently slipping a callused finger into her warmth, then another, and began a slow steady rhythm. She was tight, hot, and wet—a different kind of moistness than the water—smooth like velvet. Kaden prayed he could control himself long enough to bring her to fulfillment. There was nothing he wanted more than Tannith naked beneath him. Right now!
She moaned, bringing him back to reality, and he withdrew his fingers grazing his palm across her cleft. She threw back her head and a small sob escaped her lips. His left arm came around her to support her, the ends of her hair trailing the cool water of the pond.
“Kaden…” Tannith arched upward, offering more. Her body dissolving in liquid fire, a raging need like nothing she had ever imagined pooling between her thighs. Instinctively, she opened them wider, knowing only he had the power to ease the pulsing ache growing inside of her.
He tried again, rubbing, and flicking her tiny bud back and forth between his fingers. He leaned low and drew her breast into his mouth, grazing her nipple with his teeth, then soothed it with his tongue.
Tannith’s whole body erupted into a thousand shattering pieces of intense delectation. So utterly terrifyingly pleasurable, it left her trembling in its wake. She collapsed against him and buried her head on his shoulder, waiting for her trembling to subside.
Kaden’s arms came about her, and he scooped her up and waded quickly toward the shore. Lowering her to the grass, he came down over her and settled in the cradle of her thighs.
****
Adjusting his weight, he looked down into her eyes. They were dark pools of purple, and she appeared a delicate illusion of Fey, almost ethereal. He knew he had to ask one more time, even if the answer broke his heart. “There will be no turning back after this. Are you sure…?”
She put a finger to his lips. “I know what I am doing.”
He searched her face for a heartbeat more, nodded, then bent to trail soft wet kisses down her breasts, stomach, and over her hips.
Tannith gasped as a strange tingling began in her navel and transcended to the secret place between her thighs. He hooked his arms under her legs, and drew them apart, then very slowly, lowered his mouth to press against her soft flesh and thrust his tongue into the tight warm opening of her body. She bucked and writhed, trying to pull away, but he held her firm and settled her with gentle words of love.
He returned his mouth to the place that burned between her thighs.
Rocking back and forth, her breath came in short sharp bursts, and the tension grew. She moaned for release, her muscles tensing and tightening. Higher, harder, like a spring ready to uncoil…she clutched at the grass with both hands and arched her body as his tongue touched her where no man had ever dared and worked magick with lips and hands.
She cried his name and grasped his shoulders, seeking, searching for a summit…Would this ever end? She wanted him to stop. She wanted him to go on forever. Her breath, hot and fast, she could barely breathe. Searching…for something only he could give.
He rose over her, and she arched up and pulled his body down hard into hers.
****
Kaden had wanted to take things slowly, not to frighten or hurt her, but just like his woman, she rushed in headlong, even into this. He watched her eyes widen, first with surprise, then pain, then with wonder.
His hands slid down to rest over the curve of her bottom. “Trust me,” he whispered gently. “Allow your body to adjust to mine. We have all night and the rest of our lives. Can you feel me? I am inside of you—part of you—and you of me.”
****
Tannith heard Kaden’s words and gloried in them. She had entered a whole new plane she never knew existed, the initial pain of his entry already forgotten. She was so ready she hardly felt the tearing of her maidenhood. He was inside her, and she was hungry for the rhythm that would bring fulfillment to them both. His name came in a sigh, and she urged him on.
He began to move, teaching her, whispering encouragement, building the tempo layer upon layer. Yet still, he thought of her innocence and did not want to hurt her. He held back. Sweat ran freely, and his body grew taut, near to explosion—but he wanted more. He wanted Tannith with him. He rose enough to give him access to that place that needed to be touched. His fingers moved and he stroked her there. At the same time, he thrust, his strokes deep and powerful. Her nails bit into his back, but his pain turned to pleasure as he felt her respond, tightening and convulsing around him—straining into him.
Tannith became aware of strange sensations licking through her insides like quicksilver. Her breasts grew heavy, the urge to hold on, pull Kaden closer, climb into his soul, became overwhelming. Then it happened—her body spun away, racked with one continuous spasm after another. Great waves flowed over her, through her, picking her up, carrying her to their topmost peak then dropping her back down. Only to pick her up and start their wild ride over again. Her breath unraveled in a piercing scream.
“Tannith!” Her name splintered from Kaden’s lips. A hoarse cry from somewhere deep in his gut. He felt the collapsing contractions of her body. With one final thrust, he poured himself into her with a heady rush of exploding senses.
With bodies joined, they rode out a maelstrom of pleasure so fierce, so tense it left them drained and breathless. They came down from their peak slowly, and for long heartbeats, neither spoke.
Kaden rolled onto his back and stared up at the heavens. “Now you are truly my woman,” he murmured, taking a fistful of her fair hair, bringing it to his face. “Did I ever tell you I love your hair?”
She moved over him and stared down into his midnight green eyes. “Did I ever tell you, I love you?”
He grasped her and rolled her onto her back, then rose above her, his gaze mischievous as it swept her breasts.
She giggled and tried to push him aside.
He held her down and brushed his stubbled jaw across her nipples. “Prove it.”
“Anytime.” She squirmed, then her expression changed, and her violet eyes darkened even more. She lowered her hand between their bodies and felt his semi-erect shaft. “Still, I do not think you are up to it, yet.”
He raised an ebony brow. “I take that as a challenge, woman. We shall see who is up to what.
As he spoke, her hands worked their magick and he gasped. His eyes transformed to an intense blue-green, and he grinned wickedly. “I told you not to touch me there.”
Tannith smiled. “So you did, but I think you have noticed I am not much good at taking orders.”
“Then I shall have to teach you.” He began to ease down the center of her body. “Will I not?”
She smiled again and ran her hands through his thick black hair, letting it trail and coil about her hand. “Do you never tire?”
His reply was muffled as he turned his attention elsewhere. “Never of you, my lady, not ever of you.”
Chapter Nine
Skylah’s eyes widened in anticipation as the sun splayed from the mountains heralding a new dawn. She stepped through the open gates of Antibba. It was the first time she had been here as a full-grown woman.
Four cloaked figures blended furtively with the crowd milling their way toward the market square.
Erik explained that the market square consisted of tiers of shops built into a steep hillside, linked by walkways and a pleasant green park.
Novak’s tavern, “The Tiger’s Eye,” was located at the bottom of a hill in the better part of the village, flanked by a silversmith and a blacksmith. Some of the more disreputable establishments were at the top of the hill, fringed by seedy brothels, or worse, trafficked in human flesh.
Erik strode ahead, keeping his face and hair well covered. He led the way down a narrow, ill-smelling lane, several more dimly lit streets, and across a small park into another lane.
Halfway down he stopped, peered over his shoulder, and made certain he was not observed. He knocked three times at a small side door displaying a snarling black tiger on a background of gold. He waited several heartbeats, then knocked twice more.
The door rattled and a metal slide pulled across to reveal a round, podgy face with a shock of red hair and salt and pepper whiskers. The man stared at them intently then rammed home the shutter.
“Be gone. Beggars are not welcome!”
Erik pounded again. “Open the door, Norvak, ‘tis I, Erik.”
“I know no Erik.”
“Erik, your king! And if this door is not opened on the count of three, by the gods I shall behead you myself.” Erik drew a deep breath. “One…two…”
The door crashed back on its hinges, the small party ushered inside, and the portal slammed behind them.
Norvak viewed his monarch in disbelief. “A welcome sight you are, Your Majesty. We thought you dead.”
“Not yet, my friend.” Erik pounded him affectionately on the back. “Though not for the want of trying on our enemy’s part. How do my people fare?”
“I am well, milord, but there are many who are not. The Urakians are everywhere. The town is under martial law, and one called Sernon of Asomos sits on your father’s throne. He has declared himself ruler of all Tarlis. The people live in fear. Any caught speaking against him are thrown into his dungeon or mysteriously vanish never to be seen again. They say he is a sorcerer of much ability.”
Erik straightened as if struck, but it was no use being angry at Norvak, the man had always spoken frankly.
“Is it true, milord, your father the king, and Queen Morveena are…no longer with us? There has been talk…”
Erik’s jaw clenched as Norvak’s words trailed off. “My mother and father have journeyed the path to Elysium.” Erik spoke in a tight voice. “However,” he glanced away, “I would prefer not to speak of the circumstances just now. We are tired from our journey. And,” he met Norvak’s eyes. “I would favor not to spoil my homecoming with tales of sorrow.”
“Of course, milord.” The innkeeper nodded. “Forgive my foolish tongue. It does not know when to stop.”
Erik stepped aside and motioned to the Elisian and the Druid standing behind him. “Meet my friends, Captain Etan Jarrisendel of Ellenroh, and Ohma of Merrum Island.”
Norvak acknowledged them with a hearty handshake.
“And this,” Erik brought the girl forward, “is my greatest treasure, Lady Skylah.” He smiled down at the young woman beside him, his feelings written in his eyes.
Norvak slid her an appreciative glance. “A rare jewel indeed, my lord. Shall I have your usual rooms prepared?”
Erik glanced up. “Two will suffice. One for the Druid and the captain, the other for myself and my lady.” He knew he could count on Norvak’s discretion. He knew Kaden had brought several women here in the past.
****
“As you wish.” Norvak did not think it strange the young king would be sharing with the woman. Many times, in days gone by, his brother had brought a wench to share a night in his establishment, as his father before him had shared with the witch Zoreena. Always Norvak had kept his counsel. He was a loyal subject to the crown and was not one to question. He grinned, showing his discolored teeth. There was usually a hefty purse to be had for his trouble at the end of their stay.
“Let me show you to my sitting room. I dare say you must be famished.” He led the way out of the kitchen, through a brown beaded curtain into a small room, branching from a long narrow corridor. A faded green velvet curtain on the other side of the room separated the sitting room from the tavern bar. The room was warm and inviting with an open fire crackling in the grate and a wide elm wood table at its center. Oak paneling lined the walls, and over the hearth in pride of place hung a large moose head.
Norvak bent and tossed another log onto the fire, then stretched his back and turned to face Erik. “I will see your rooms prepared, and my Sara will bring you something warm for your stomach.”
Erik nodded and took a seat at the table next to Ohma who gave a weary sigh, and Norvak gave a clumsy bow and scuttled from the room.
****
“Can you trust him?” Etan frowned leaning back in his chair across from Erik.
“With my life. He is a loyal subject.”
“Even loyal subjects can be bought.” Etan rose again and headed toward the green curtain separating them from the bar.
“Not this one. He was my father’s man.”
Etan peered around the side of the curtain. Two men looked around in surprise from their table, then quickly returned to their drinking. He grunted and moved back to his seat as a tavern maid entered by way of the hall. The girl served their ale quietly and efficiently, while casting several saucy glances at Erik and Etan.
Next came Norvak’s wife with a venison pie, and the maid exited quickly from the room
“It smells delicious” said Skylah, as Sara set a large portion of pastry topped pie before her.
Ohma dragged his plate forward. “Actually, I do not care what it tastes like. I am so hungry I could eat a wasteland toad on heat.”
Sara shot him a daggered look.
“But of course, it would be nowhere as delicious as your wonderous pie.” He stabbed a large piece of gravy covered meat and pushed it into his mouth making a show of chewing with gusto. The others chuckled.
Sara finished serving the food then departed and they ate in a companiable silence.
However, the uneasy peace between the two men was soon broken when Erik withdrew a heavy purse from his belt, weighed it in his hand, and threw it down in front of Etan
“When you have supped, take this and purchase clothing and weapons for yourself. The blacksmith next door is renowned for his crossbows; see him first.”
Etan looked down his nose at the pouch and his jaw hardened. “What of you and the others?”
Erik took a hearty bite of his pie and washed it down with a draught of ale. After a moment he spoke again. “Norvak will see to our needs. And be careful, if what the innkeeper says is true and martial law prevails, you will not wish to be caught on the streets after dark. We will meet you here again just before sundown.”
Etan shoved his plate aside and stood. It irked him to be beholden to the man. Grudgingly, he snatched up the hefty bag of coins and shoved it deep into his cloak pocket. Erik may be generous and a good leader, but to Etan he was no more than the man who stood between him and the woman he loved.
He was about to pull back the curtain to step through into the sectioned off part of the tavern when Erik spoke again. “One more thing.” He waited for Etan to turn. “Something pretty for my lady.” The sensual look he bestowed on Skylah was not lost on him, and his fist bunched involuntarily in his cloak. He was beginning to loath this man more every day. He had disliked him as a tiger, as a man he disliked him more.
“Something made of silk, I think.” Erik’s yellow eyes held Etan’s for several long heartbeats, then he turned away to speak to Ohma as if in dismissal. However, his next words were again for him. “You should find a suitable gown in the market square.”
Etan gave the curtain a violent thrust and stepped through into the bar.
Ohma watched the curtain fall back into place and frowned. He had not missed the look of animosity that had passed between the two men. Trouble was brewing as sure as dragons hatched from eggs. He did not need second sight for that knowledge.
****
Tannith awoke to the sun streaming into her eyes through overhead ferns, and the sound of Kaden’s voice.
“Get dressed.” He tossed her clothes into a pile at her side.
She stretched and blinked, shading her eyes. “What is it?”
“I must speak with you.”
