by Kat Brewer
Cassie laughed and promised to behave, wishing her friend a good day.
Looking behind her, she didn’t see her slaves, so she eased herself to the edge of her seat and stood up slowly. Tentatively, she placed weight on her injured leg. The pain was not as severe as it had been initially, so she made hesitant steps towards the balcony rail. Shrugging her shoulders and rotating them, she tried to work out the kinks and stiffness brought on by her recuperative inactivity. She bent at the waist and touched her toes, careful not to put pressure on the wound.
It felt so wonderful to move that she walked several laps slowly around the balcony, working on loosening her leg muscles.
She heard a knock on the door and as quickly as she could, she got back into her chair and propped up her legs. She looked to the doorway as Nall came out to her chair.
“Hello, Nall. I hear that you are leaving us tomorrow,” Cassie said.
She smiled up at him as he took her hand and kissed it gently before sitting next to her.
“Yes, it is time we returned to Serlenn, and we will have to settle the matter of Ambria. Perhaps Erla should annex it and make you Overlord, or should I say, Overlady?” he said with a grin.
“Funny! No, I shall be quite content to regain my strength and get back to my warriors. I think Ambria should be left to you men.”
“I haven’t thanked you for saving me from a pile of rotting corpses yet. I offer you my body for any carnal desires you have in compensation.” A wicked grin lit his face.
Cassie laughed, but she could see in his eyes that it was not an empty offer.
Nall was a gorgeous man with his wild silvery hair, navy blue eyes, and a body to die for, but Cassie knew that with Nall, it would never be just sex. He wanted more from her. There was something inside her that was very susceptible to this man and she continued to fight his pull.
“When I am recovered, I just may visit Serlenn and take you up on your offer,” she winked at him.
“My country, my home, and my heart will always be at your disposal.” Sadness stirred in his eyes, turning them nearly black. “I wanted to come and tell you goodbye as you won’t be there to see us off. I also wanted you to know the offers I have made still, and shall always, stand.” Nall rose and then reached out to steady Cassie as she rose with him.
She felt incredibly sad at the thought of their leaving, she had enjoyed them while they were here. Even the scoundrel, Darien, would have a permanent place in her heart.
Nall looked at her yearningly, and to his surprise, Cassie took his arm and pulled him flush against her. She reached up and grabbed his hair, pulling him down for a kiss, and Nall wasted no time in deepening that kiss, holding her tightly to his body as Cassie surrendered to the passion that surged through him, responding with heat.
Time seemed to stop as their lips fused, tongues clashed, and hips moved together. When Nall finally raised his head, they were both breathless and aroused.
“Lady, you are making it nearly impossible for me to not carry you off with me,” Nall said, growling the words, his voice rough with desire.
“Nall, I apologize. I just did not want you to leave Erla thinking I cared nothing for you. I did not think it would escalate so quickly, though,” she rasped out, panting.
“No! Do not apologize. I will take this with me. It is one perfect memory, and I do not want it sullied by apologies or regret on your part.” His hands cupped her face, and he let his lips wander across her cheek to her mouth again.
Cassie sighed and hugged him tightly, mindful of his hardness still pressed against her belly. Nall finally stepped back, raising her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles before he turned and left.
Cassie’s eyes, following his retreating back, fell upon Mika’s stricken face.
“Mika, please!” she said, exasperated. “Don’t upset yourself. Lord Nall is leaving.”
“Mistress, you do not have to explain anything to me. I have no right to feel pain or jealousy when you are with another man. Forgive me for my behavior.” He hung his head in contrition and knelt before her.
“Mika, I have been ill tempered lately, and I feel awful for treating you and the others as I have. I know how much you love me, my darling. I love you and I don’t want to cause you any pain.” Her hand curled under his chin, raising his face to hers.
Golden eyes swam with tears.
“Mika, be calm. I will not leave you. My place is here with you, so you must conquer this insecurity you feel. I am not any of your former Mistresses to abuse and abandon you. I promise you that if I did decide to leave, you all would certainly be going with me.” Her eyes got teary as she looked at his beautiful face. “You have been through a great deal lately, and I want you to rest so you’ll feel more like yourself.” She tenderly stroked his hair.
Mika nuzzled his face against her. It had been horrible for the past weeks between her disappearance, the war, and now her injury. He had felt so helpless, and he was unable to express his feelings. Even when the others spoke of their pain and loss, he had kept everything inside and now releasing it, he felt exhausted as tears ran down his face.
“Come on, let us go to bed where you can hold me till I fall asleep. Good God, that sounds wonderful to me. Does it to you?” He nodded his head and stood up, sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to the bed where they curled around each other and slept.
Later that evening, King Nyles and King Darien came to her to say their goodbyes. The wistfulness in Darien’s eyes touched Cassie and she kissed his cheek softly, wishing him good journey and health.
They departed with invitations for her to visit anytime, that she accepted with a genuine smile.
When they left, she allowed her slaves to fuss over her till bedtime. When sleep finally found her, it was peaceful and deep.
Two weeks later, the physician declared Cassie well enough to resume training. Her wound had knit together, and the stitches had been removed. Her attitude had also improved and the frustrated, angry outbursts at her slaves had ceased.
She had been working out in the slave’s gym for over a week and had built up her strength enough to where she felt she was ready to rejoin her warriors.
Lee and Kara had been her constant companions and encouraged her through her rehabilitation. Lee was becoming as dear to her as Kara and Nera, and Cassie looked forward to their trip to recover Princess Danai.
Cassie rose early for the first morning she would return to the training field and dressed quickly as she was eager to get started. Her men lovingly helped her and fed her breakfast, and she kissed them as she left with a smile.
She strode through the halls of the Palace and bounded down the steps, breaking into a run towards the training field. As she stepped into the field, her troops, led by Kara, turned and knelt before her.
Cassie’s eyes misted when they rose and shouted her name in unison, happy to have her returned to them. Cassie bowed low before them and rose with a grin.
Life was good.
Chapter Twenty Four
Cassie, Kara, and Leandra stood triangularly with their backs to one another, fighting off the vicious blows of the attacking women. Sweat poured down their faces as they swung their swords with grace and skill. Their attackers were unrelenting, and Cassie knew she and her comrades would soon give in to exhaustion if she didn’t turn the tide quickly.
Parrying a mighty blow from an attacker, she held the woman’s sword up above her head and spun a kick into the woman’s temple, knocking her to the ground. Spotting the leader of their attackers, she fought her way through the women who stood fighting between them and reached her, swinging her sword out. It was met by the other woman’s with a crash, knocking both of their swords to the ground.
Cassie lowered herself into a fighting stance, gauging her opponent warily. The woman struck out with a strong round house punch that Cassie easily blocked as she grabbed the woman’s arm, twisting it behind her back and pulling out her dagger to hold it tightly to the woma
n’s throat.
The women that Kara and Leandra fought froze as they saw their leader being held submissively by Cassie, and, one by one, they dropped their weapons.
Cassie, Kara, and Leandra grinned at each other.
“Excellent demonstration, Lady Cassandra!” Nera’s voice rang out from her seat in the stands overlooking the training field.
Nera flew down the steps and made her way to where her Commander stood, smiling widely at her.
“You have certainly regained your strength, and I believe you may even be stronger and faster!” Nera exclaimed, slapping Cassie on the back.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Cassie wiped sweat from her brow with the back of her hand after she retrieved her sword and sheathed it.
Kara and Leandra joined them as Cassie thanked her warriors and dismissed them. The women walked off the field, talking about training and Cassie’s upcoming trip to Leandra’s country to retrieve Princess Danai.
As they cleared the fence, Cassie looked up and saw Garen standing there, waiting for her. The hero worship in his eyes indicated his pride in her performance. She grinned at him and motioned him to her.
Nera looked at him with a caressing gaze as the other two women eyed him appreciatively.
The sun shone on the multicolored highlights in his long, blond hair, making it shine, and his sky-blue eyes glowed with love and desire for his Mistress.
“Garen, what are you doing here?” Cassie asked gently.
“Forgive me, Mistress. I was going to the village for supplies when I saw you on the training field. I have long wanted to see you fight, and it was so exciting.” His full lips parted, and his breathing became rapid as he looked at her longingly.
Cassie thought it was very, very nice to be able to elicit this type of response from such an incredibly sexy man, and she sighed in pleasure.
“I hope I have not angered you, Mistress, by having done so without your permission.” He bowed his head, and his hair flowed onto his chest.
Cassie lifted his chin and smiled into his eyes, then pushed his hair back gently.
“I am not angry, my love. I had no idea you wanted to see me train.”
“Oh yes, Mistress. We all do, and the others shall be jealous when they find out I have.” He grinned at her mischievously, and Cassie tugged lightly at his chin.
“You are a very bad boy to tease the others. I shall have to punish you properly.” His eyes flew to hers quickly, but he relaxed when he saw the playful look there.
“Yes, Mistress. I look forward to your instruction.” He blushed and looked down again.
“You spoil them horribly, Cassie. But I can’t say I blame you,” Kara said, grinning at her friend. "He is gorgeous."
“I believe they are worth it,” Nera quipped as she wiggled her brows at the other women and Cassie laughed.
“Go run your errand, Garen. Then, hurry home to me.” His breath caught in his throat at the promise in her eyes.
“Yes, Mistress, I shall.” He bowed to her and then to the others before taking off at a full run towards the village.
The laughter of the women floated on the breeze as he dashed away.
“Cassie, I believe you will miss them when we journey to my home country,” Leandra said. Cassie nodded and raised her eyebrow. “I am sure my Queen will see to it you are well cared for, though. We have many beautiful men in our country.”
“Well, they do say variety is the spice of life.” Cassie laughed as they continued to the Palace.
“Indeed, it is,” Nera rejoined.
Kara broke away from the group and waved as she headed home, and the others entered the cool halls of the Palace, going to their individual apartments.
When Cassie entered, she stopped in the threshold and admired the sight of the beautiful men scattered about the sofa and rugs in the living area. It was her habit to do so as she never got tired of looking at the gorgeous creatures who belonged to her.
They had turned to smile at her as they rose and dispersed to make ready her bath. Cassie sighed deeply and allowed Mika to lead her to the bathing room and disrobe her. Staring into his warm, golden eyes, she literally absorbed the love and adoration coming from them.
“How are you, Mika?”
“I am very well, Mistress. I trust you were not injured?” Concern lit his eyes as Cassie had winced slightly when he removed her leather vest.
“I think I may have pulled a muscle during a training fight, but it's not bad. I’m just a little sore and stiff.”
“With your permission, we will give you a massage before dinner.”
“I would enjoy that very much, sweetheart. Thank you.” Cassie stroked his cheek softly and then turned to enter the hot water as Mika blushed at her touch and endearment.
Taylyn and Arn entered the tub and washed her hair and body, gently and reverently. Then, at her command, they left her to soak in the warm floral-scented water. In the end, she finally forced herself to get out, and Mika toweled her off. He then held out a silky pink robe that fell halfway down her thighs.
Kissing him lightly on the cheek, she walked into the lounge area and dropped her robe before lying down on the floor cushions and allowing her men to massage away the aches in her body.
Mika had rubbed a liniment into her aching shoulder while the others used sweetly scented oil on the rest of her. Between them, they had reduced her to a state of complete relaxation. Finally, she told them to stop, and as she rose, Arn settled her robe onto her shoulders while Kai tied it snugly.
Cassie moved languidly to the balcony and settled herself into a cushioned chaise lounge, crossing her feet at the ankles and leaning her head against the soft fabric. She enjoyed a moment of pure peace as she took in the beauty of the gathering twilight.
She heard the door to her suite open and the sound of Garen’s voice as he spoke to the others, who were busy getting dinner ready.
Cassie sighed luxuriously and grinned. She loved her life here, and her beautiful men knew her so well by now that they could anticipate her needs and wants before she even voiced them. Cassie worked very hard nearly every day, and she was rewarded every day with pampering and the complete devotion of her men.
She called out for Garen to bathe and then join her as the others came onto the balcony with dinner. Pulling a table closer to her, they loaded it with platters and bowls. Mika bowed, and the others followed suit. He then loaded a plate for her while she watched his graceful movements appreciatively. He sat at her side and offered her choice bites, and Cassie lay back, allowing them to feed her.
Kai moved in closer and offered her some sweet pastries. She gazed into his warm, chocolate-colored eyes and smiled, pulling his head down and kissed him deeply. When she released him, his face was flushed, and she could see the evidence of his desire surging against his loin cloth. She ran her hand against it and grinned when his body jerked in reaction.
Garen came onto the balcony, sinking to his knees before her. Cassie ran her hand through his long, damp, blond locks before she pulled him beside her on the chaise, motioning for the others to bring him some dinner.
Arn filled a plate and made to hand it to Garen, but Cassie intercepted it with the intent of feeding him herself. The others sighed in envy as they watched her place the food in his mouth, and Garen found his breath coming heavily as his Mistress served him. When they had all finished eating, she excused all but him.
She pulled his mouth to hers as the others filed out, walking silently into the lounge. Biting down on Garen’s full lower lip, Cassie stared deeply into his eyes as he sighed blissfully. Chills ran down his spine at the lust he saw in her eyes. Moving from his mouth, she chewed lightly at his jaw, working her way to his ear. Garen trembled, aching to touch her, but she pushed his hands away.
“Be still, Garen. I will tell you when you may move,” Cassie growled into his ear, her breath raising gooseflesh on his neck.
“Yes, my Mistress,” he obediently replied as his voice shook wit
h desire.
Cassie’s tongue ran around his ear and very lightly inside. His breathing was ragged as he struggled to be still under her ministrations.
Cassie grinned, enjoying the control she had over him as her mouth moved down his neck and across his broad shoulder, sinking her teeth into his bulging bicep before moving towards his hard, pink nipple. She shifted positions so that he was on his back as she straddled his hips. The shortness of her robe allowed him flashes of her sex that further inflamed his desire. Running her tongue across his well-developed pecs, she finally reached the aching peak of his nipple and bit it sharply, causing him to cry out in pained pleasure.
“Oh! I am so sorry, my love,” she murmured as she laved the tender bud with her tongue before sucking on it firmly. Garen’s hip bucked under her in response, and she laughed, pinching his other nipple with her fingers in punishment for his movement.
“Garen, do I need to restrain you, my sweetness?” she asked, raising one brow.
“No, Mistress. Forgive me. I will try to be better.” His voice was husky.
Cassie laughed again. The sound sent more shivers through his body. His reaction to her touch was making Cassie hotter and hotter as her fingers stroked up and down his muscled abs. His hardness pressed against her intimately with only his loin cloth separating their bodies. Garen’s jaw clenched. The tendons stood out on his neck as he fought to keep his body still.
Not through torturing him, Cassie slid down onto his thighs and removed his loin cloth, allowing his thick length to spring free, and he moaned as the night air hit his heated member.
Cassie traced the tip with her finger, and he emitted a strangled sob, while she grinned into his tortured eyes. Slowly, she slid her finger down to the base and then again back up to the tip, and Garen panted. He was trembling and begging her with his eyes. Gripping his shaft tightly, she leaned over to touch her tongue to him, licking him lightly up and down.
