Dark Illusions (The Warrior Breed), page 20
Lorelei came up to stand beside him as the man left. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close.
"What is it?"
"Nash is in one of the cells in the dungeon."
She leaned back and looked at him. "You're joking."
He shook his head. "No, and he expects an audience with the King."
"Then I think you should give him one." A smile played about her lips.
"But not until tomorrow," he said.
She smiled. "I agree."
They said their goodnights, then went up to the rooms that had been prepared for them. The King and Queen were in one wing, and he had his rooms in another. As soon as they walked inside, they stopped and stared at the opulence of the rooms.
There was a sitting room with sofas in front of a crackling fireplace, giving the space a warm and inviting ambiance. Beyond double doors, the bed chamber had the largest, ornately-carved bed he'd ever seen, a tall mirror in one corner, and a beautifully painted armoire. They stepped into the next room and found the biggest bathroom he'd ever seen with a clawfoot tub and walk-in shower. Everything was done in shades of deep green and gold. The fixtures were modern with an old-world look.
“It’s beautiful,” Lorelei whispered. “Just like a fairytale.”
“And you’re the princess,” he told her.
She shook her head. “No, I’m the pauper. A pretender.” Tears filled her eyes.
“You’ll never be a pauper,” he said. “I don’t ever want to hear you say that. No one can choose who their parents will be. For a long time, I didn’t think mine cared about me. I thought they dumped me at the diner.”
“But they didn’t, and you are a prince.”
Old doubts returned. How the hell was he going to be a prince? He liked skid-row bars and fighting. He didn’t have what it took to be a prince. Hell, he never stayed in one place for more than a few weeks. He would embarrass his parents.
He hesitated. “Promise me you’ll stay with me.”
“For as long as you want.”
After they showered, he turned off the lights. The curtains were open, so there was just enough light from the moon that he could see her. He didn't bother closing them as they climbed into bed. He pulled her close. How had he ever managed without her? But was it love? Did he even know what love was?
“Don’t think about anything,” she told him.
“But I wasn’t…” A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Yeah, I guess I was.”
“Don’t worry about tomorrow. There’s only tonight.” She pushed him to his back and moved on top of him. “Only feel our bodies as they connect.”
Her body stretched out on top of his. Their bodies melded as one. Naked skin against naked skin. His hands began to slide up and down her back, lightly caressing. He moved his hands to her butt and squeezed.
She drew in a sharp breath, then moved to a sitting position.
He groaned.
“Did I hurt you, my Prince?” Laughter followed her words.
Now she teased him, not that he minded. "Watch it, or I might just have to lock you in the dungeon and torture you."
“Would you do that? I downloaded a book about couples who did something similar. I believe it was called BDSM. It sounded…um…erotic. Yes, that’s the word—erotic. Can we do that sometime?”
He began to laugh. He couldn’t help himself. Maybe it was the sheer emotional rollercoaster he’d been on.
“I’ve said something wrong again.” Her bottom lip trembled.
He quickly reversed their positions. “Absolutely not. Maybe I will tie you up and have my way with you.”
“You can have your way with me right now if you’d like.” Her breathing had become ragged. She squirmed beneath him, pushing against his erection.
“Yeah, that sounds good, too.”
He slipped inside her. She was damp with need, ready for him. He moved slowly at first, wanting to prolong the moment, but he had a feeling they both needed each other too much to wait. He began to move faster, sliding against her smooth inner walls, feeling the friction, the moist heat of her body.
When release came, it was more powerful than anything he'd ever felt. He had a feeling it wasn't about the sex but the woman beneath him.
But would she even think about disrupting her life, now that she had it back, to join him in what could possibly be more chaotic than even he could imagine?
Chapter Twenty-four
Nash
"I tell you, I’m not supposed to be here. They've made a mistake."
The man hesitated, and Nash took heart. "I'm supposed to see the King tomorrow."
"What’s your name?"
Thank God, someone who would listen. "Nash Bumford. My family came over on the Mayflower! The secretary to the King made a mistake. I have extremely important information the King needs to hear."
"I'll pass on the information." The man walked off.
"Stupid guard," he mumbled. They were never going to get it right. This was the third man he'd spoken to. He was a Bumford, and a Bumford did not get thrown into a cell in a dungeon. It was dark and damp. He would probably catch a cold. He could already feel his chest tightening up. This was terrible, just awful. Surely, someone would realize the mistake and come down and apologize.
He frowned. What in the world was going on anyway? Something about there being an attack. They must have been mistaken. There were guards everywhere. No one in their right mind would go up against King Rufus. He'd been the ruler for at least twenty years. They probably thought the fireworks were an invasion. Stupid peasants!
The wooden door to his cell creaked open. He squared his shoulders and straightened his suit jacket. It was about time. He didn't care if the secretary apologized or not. He would have his job. He started toward the door, but they shoved a man inside.
"What is this?"
"You're lucky you had a cell to yourself for this long," the jailer said. "We're starting to fill up." The door slammed closed again.
Nash looked at the man with disgust. He was probably just under six feet and his uniform was a disgrace. They probably threw him in here for being drunk and disorderly. When the man narrowed his eyes on Nash, Nash took a couple of steps back. He didn't like the looks of the man at all. His uniform was dirty and rumpled, the buttons straining against his wide girth, and he needed a shave.
But Nash was still a Bumford, so he raised his chin and glared at him. "There's only one bed. You'll have to sleep on the floor."
The man smiled, showing yellowed, missing teeth. "You're funny." His gaze roamed over Nash. "I like your jacket. Give it to me."
"I'll do no such thing," he huffed out.
The man lumbered over toward him. "I said, give me your jacket."
"I have you know it's tailor-made."
"I don't give a fuck. Give me your jacket." He took another menacing step toward Nash.
Nash quickly removed the jacket. "The King will hear about this," he said under his breath. He shoved it toward the man.
"You're a skinny little runt, but it'll work as a pillow.” He went to the cot and laid down, tucking the rolled-up jacket beneath his head and releasing a deep sigh.
"And where am I supposed to sleep?"
The man opened his eyes and smiled, then patted part of the bunk. "You can sleep here if you want. It would be a lot warmer for both of us."
Was he implying what he thought? "I don't think so!"
"Suit yourself." The man closed his eyes.
Nash backed into a corner, but after about an hour or so, his feet began to hurt. He slowly began sliding down the wall until he was sitting. He drew his legs up and rested his head on top of them. This wasn't supposed to be happening to him. He wanted to go home. He didn't even want Lorelei back anymore. He just wanted to crawl into his soft bed and pull the covers up to his chin.
The man on the cot shifted slightly, then farted loudly.
Nash curled his lip in disgust. The man was an uncouth peasant who apparently had no manners and who…
Nash's nose twitched. The most god-awful stench began to invade his space. He frantically waved his arms in front of his face, but it did no good. Oh God, he was going to throw up. He finally pulled up his shirt enough to cover his nose and mouth. His eyes began to water. It seemed like forever before the air started to clear.
He just needed to try to get some sleep. Everything would get straightened out in the morning. He closed his eyes and fantasized about climbing into a bath filled with sweet scents and bubbles. He would find a beautiful woman to wash his body clean. And then she would….
The man on the cot farted again.
Nash began to cry.
Chapter Twenty-five
Lorelei
There was a light tapping on the door.
Lorelei sat up in bed, tucking the cover under her arms since the last time she hadn't bothered, and apparently, that wasn't the normal thing to do. She so desperately wanted to be normal.
“You look beautiful early in the morning,” Wizard said, and she smiled.
“Someone knocked on the door,” she said.
“Come in,” he said without moving from his side or taking his eyes off her.
Zeke opened the door, and a female came in carrying a silver tray with a carafe and two cups, along with sugar and cream.
“Your coffee, Prince Octavius,” he said, then nodded to Lorelei. “And madam.”
Wizard rolled his eyes, and Lorelei giggled.
Zeke had the servant set the tray on a small table in the sitting room. "Your parents have requested your presence and that of Lorelei for breakfast this morning." He walked over to the armoire and brought out a robe for Wizard. He carried it over to the bed and held it out in front of him.
"I still remember how to dress myself," he told Zeke.
"Of course, sir." He didn't move.
With a mumbled curse, Wizard got out of bed and let him assist him in putting on the robe. Zeke turned away and returned to the sitting room, where he began to pour the coffee. The female servant had brought a more feminine robe for Lorelei to wear.
She closed the doors between the sitting room and the bedroom, then assisted Lorelei in putting on the robe. When she was dressed, she opened the doors between the two rooms again.
Lorelei couldn't stop grinning as she joined Wizard. He scowled at her. Zeke handed her a cup of coffee as soon as she was seated. She took a sip, then closed her eyes, savoring the taste.
"This is delicious, Zeke."
"Thank you, madam." He straightened, then turned to Wizard. "I shall return shortly to assist you in getting ready for the morning."
"I told you that I know how to dress myself. I don't think I'll require your assistance."
"But you're a prince now. Certain protocols need to be met. Especially when you meet your parents again."
Lorelei watched as Wizard opened his mouth, then snapped it closed. She wondered if he was going to argue with him.
"Okay, but I don't want it to become a habit."
"Of course not, sir."
"I've been wondering something. It's okay to say sir now?"
"Yes, Prince Octavius."
"Then why wouldn't you address me as sir before rather than, Your Highness?"
"Because you needed to get used to being a royal. Will that be all, sir?"
"Yes, go do whatever you need to do."
Zeke bowed, then left. The servant went with him.
"And what are you smiling about?" Wizard asked.
She quickly took a drink of her coffee. When she looked at him again, the smile was gone from her face. "Nothing, nothing at all."
"I bet you think this is funny."
It was all she could do to keep a straight face. "Not at all. I imagine it's hard getting used to a title and having servants waiting on you hand and foot." She suddenly turned serious. "There will be some adjustments to make. I'm sure it will be hard at first. After living such a cloistered life for so long, I know how difficult it has been for me to adjust. You can get used to doing things a certain way, and it becomes difficult to break habits. Just think of the good side. You have parents. From everything I've seen, they love you very much. By the way, I like your mother. She was extremely nice."
"But there's still one person missing," he quietly said as he drank his coffee.
"Your brother," she guessed.
"Ezra. He should be here with us. I want to find him. I hope to God he's still alive."
"Your mother told me that everything happens for a reason. If it’s meant for you to find your brother, you will."
He shook his head. "I don't believe in all that stuff. I think we make our own destiny. Right now, I'm not sure I’ll be able to locate him."
"Maybe fate will look kindly upon you and help you in your search."
"I doubt that." He thought of how harsh his words sounded, so he continued. "But I'm glad you're here with me. You don't feel too intimidated by everything, do you?"
She smiled. "No, remember I'm on an adventure. Besides, how could I feel intimidated? Well, maybe a little. I am in a castle, and I've spent time with royalty, and I'm with a prince right now." She tried to be serious but couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out of her. "I have to admit. It doesn't seem real."
"If you don't think it feels real to you, how do you think I feel?"
"Quite overwhelmed, I would imagine. I have a feeling you will adapt very quickly, though."
It wasn't long before there was another knock on the outer door. Wizard called for them to enter. The doors opened and several servants came inside. Two of them carried chairs. Zeke began to introduce them.
"This is the barber, and this is the man who will do your nails, and this is the official dresser. For the madam, we have the same. Now, if you're ready to begin."
"You've got to be kidding me," Wizard said.
"I assure you this is fewer people than normal. I didn't want you to feel overwhelmed on your first day living at the castle."
"You didn't want me to feel overwhelmed? Yet I've got three people helping me get dressed, and you're directing them."
Lorelei cleared her throat. She had a feeling Wizard was about to lose his temper. She liked Zeke, and the others were only doing their jobs.
"And how are the King and Queen this morning?" she asked.
Zeke hid his smile, knowing she gently reminded Wizard of his duties. "They are doing quite well, madam, and very anxious to see their son this morning and you as well."
"If we must do this," Wizard grumbled. "Then let's get it over with."
The servants took Lorelei to the other room, but she could still hear Wizard's grumbling. Sometimes, she would catch one of the female servant's gaze, and they would smile at each other.
"This is one of the Queen's dresses that has been packed away," the servant told her. "Until your luggage arrives, she felt you would be more comfortable wearing this." She clapped her hands, and a moment later, a young servant returned with the most beautiful yellow dress Lorelei had ever seen. It was simple, but beautiful. It reached just past her knees and gathered at the waist.
"It's lovely," Lorelei said. "Are you sure the Queen won't mind?"
"Not at all. I came to work for the Queen when I was a very young girl and was here during the first invasion. The Queen has always been the epitome of kindness and grace. She's also quite taken with the young girl who has caught her son’s eye and seems to care very much about."
Lorelei could feel the heat rising up her cheeks. "The Queen is very kind, but there's nothing permanent between myself and the prince. Besides, I come from nothing. I don't even remember my parents that much. I was shuffled around from one foster home to another until I was…" She downed her head, took a deep breath, and then raised her chin. "Until I was sold to someone."
Tears filled the woman's eyes. "I'm so sorry, madam."
She suddenly brightened. "But Zeke set us both free, and Wizard helped us escape."
“They are both warriors.”
“That they are.”
As soon as she was dressed, another servant assisted with her hair. She pulled it back into a low bun at the base of her neck but left a couple of curls on each side of her face to frame it and soften the look. As soon as she was ready, the older woman lightly knocked on the door. The doors opened, and Lorelei got her first look at Wizard in all his splendor.
The dark navy uniform looked splendid on him. The gold buttons had been polished to a high sheen. A dark sash draped across his chest, knotted at his hip with gold fringe on the hem. The collar was straight and buttoned just under the chin. His beard had been trimmed, and his fingernails manicured. Lorelei was pretty sure if she stepped closer, she would see her reflection in the high polish of his black shoes.
She curtsied, lowering her gaze. “Prince Octavius.”
This wasn’t a fairytale, and she wasn't nobility. For the first time in her life, Lorelei knew she didn't belong somewhere, and it caused a crushing pain deep inside her chest. He'd told her there could be nothing permanent about their relationship. Did he have a feeling about his future? Even back then?
He walked closer and raised her chin so their gazes met.
"You are so beautiful," he said. “You truly look like a princess.”
But she wasn't a princess, and he wasn't her prince. She gathered her emotions close. She'd learned to do that long ago. "You look very handsome, Prince Octavius."
“What? No more Wizard?”
She shook her head. That man was gone.
He ran his finger beneath his collar. "I feel like a trussed-up pig about to go to market. And I feel silly."
Suddenly, he wasn't a prince anymore. He was just Wizard. Some of her discomfort left. "I'm sure your parents will be quite proud of you."
"Do you think so?"
His uncertainty showed through. It would be hard enough to discover that your parents hadn't left you in a diner but had never stopped loving you, and all these years, they were locked in a tower, suffering at the hands of a cruel dictator. Add to that, they were of royal blood when you had been raised in an orphanage. Wizard would need to change his whole lifestyle to become the man he was meant to be. He was about to meet his parents as a prince.
