The Warrior Princess (Made For Each Other: The Dragon Shifters Book 3)

by Renee Carr

  “It does not matter tonight,” he said. “I appreciate the call, and I know you did all that you could.”

  “Thank you,” Joshua said, nearly slumped over with exhaustion.

  “Tomorrow is a new day,” Devon said to him. “A new chance to right the wrongs of today. For both of us.”

  Joshua nodded and the call ended. The prince felt peace from the call, even though both of their souls were in torment. Devon was right. Today was horrible, but they had both been surprised. Tomorrow would be better.

  He fell into bed, knowing that he’d probably sleep for hours before he could even think about getting up. However, for whenever he awoke, he had a plan.

  Chapter 18

  Leah awoke with a start. She had barely fallen asleep, and now there was a knock at the door. She wasn’t sure who could be calling on her at this late hour, and she really hoped there wasn’t an emergency because she was too damn tired. She stumbled out of the bed and pulled open the door.

  “How can I—Joshua,” she said, in shock. He was standing there as if it were the middle of the afternoon, and he had a bouquet of flowers in his hand. “What are you doing here?”

  “I couldn't sleep,” he said. “And I really had to see you. How are you?”

  “I’m fine,” she said, trying to hide how secretly glad she was to see him. “How are you?”

  “I'm fine, now that you are in front of me,” he said, and handed her the flowers. “Can I come in?”

  “Sure,” she said, holding her door open. “Of course.”

  He had been in her room a million times, but this time was different. As soon as she closed the door, he met her eyes.

  “I was lying there in my big palace bed and I just... I missed you so much.”

  “You should have called me up,” she said. “I bet it’s more comfortable than down here in the garrison.”

  “You know that it is,” his voice was low and quiet. “And I would have loved to have you with me. Up there. In bed.”

  Leah swallowed hard and put down her flowers.

  “What did you really come here for?” she asked.

  He took a step forward, and he touched her face gently. “I think you know what I came here for,” he said. “The question is whether you are going to let me stay.”

  He kissed her gently, and she responded with a passion and fire he didn’t see in other girls. But this was his Leah; she wasn’t like other girls. She was a warrior, and she knew what she wanted.

  When they broke apart, her hands dropped to his waist.

  “I’ll only kick you out if you keep your clothes on,” she said, and Joshua felt his body respond so swiftly that he almost orgasmed there and then. She was perfect, standing in front of him, in her night shift and tousled hair. He kissed her again, and Leah started to fumble with his belt, wanting it off. She managed to get it off quickly, and then unbuckled his pants, her hot little hands making fast work of his undergarments. “Joshua,” she whispered breathlessly. “Creator, I’ve been waiting for this half my life.”

  “I have too,” he said as he reached up her shirt. He had his hands on her naked breasts within seconds and he moaned in pleasure. “Creator, Leah, you’re perfect,” he said. “You’ve always been perfect.”

  “That’s not what the rest of them say,” she said as she kissed his neck. “They say that I’m not soft, they say I’m not supple, that I’m...”

  “You’re perfect,” he assured her and pulled off her shirt.

  He had never seen her naked before, but it was worth the wait. In front of him, like this, he felt his cock grow harder than possible. She was all lean muscle, with small curves, and every inch of her spoke of power and strength. The illness had not robbed her of her strength or muscle, and she stepped forward, her skin shining in the moonlight.

  “Do you want me?” she asked him and all he could do was wordlessly nod. Leah grabbed his attention and gently brought her hand to her flat stomach. Without breaking his gaze, she touched the top of her pussy and then brought her fingers lower, rubbing the glistening opening. She closed her eyes, moaning a bit as she tucked a finger inside. “Oh Creator. I’ve pictured you so many times when I did this to myself. Oh Creator.”

  Joshua reached his hand down to his stiff cock and began to stroke it, watching her.

  “Leah, why do you torture me so?” he begged. “You know that I want you... I want you so much. Oh Creator.”

  “What do you want to do to me?” she asked, her voice low and husky. “Because if I like it, I’ll let you inside.”

  “I want to get inside you and I want to make you scream,” he growled. “And then I’m going to explode inside of you, and make you come again. I want to be...”

  “Then come here,” Leah leaned back against the desk that was in her tiny room and spread her legs. “Because you know that I don’t like to waste any time.”

  For anyone else, Joshua would have given them another 10 minutes of sweet passion, kissing their neck and warming them up. But his Leah was a different story entirely. His Leah knew what she wanted, and when she figured that out, she didn’t like to wait.

  He advanced forward, focused on her wide-open slit. He could barely contain himself, and he didn’t know what he would do if she said no. Still, he had to ask.

  “Are you sure that this is what you want?” he asked.

  In response, she grabbed his cock and pushed it forward, until he couldn’t help but thrust inside of her.

  “Oh Creator,” he called out, as he entered her tight, wet pussy. “Oh Creator, Leah, you’re perfect.”

  “Now, listen to me,” she said, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Maybe you don’t know this about me. But I like to be fucked and I like to be fucked rough. Can you do that?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said and wrapped his arms around her waist. He was trembling with need, and she was soaking wet. He knew that he wasn't going to last long, not in this moment that he had pictured so many times. He had wanted Leah without admitting it to himself for years. In the dark of night, or when his mind was taken by alcohol, he would reach for himself, half awake, and picture her strong form. “I can do that.”

  He began to thrust inside of her and Leah responded with her own hips. She moaned, and they were banging against the desk, which made it slam into the wall behind them. There was someone else sleeping on the other side, but Leah didn’t care. She needed this; she needed Joshua; she needed his come inside of her.

  “Oh Creator,” she breathed, throwing her head back. “Oh Creator, yes, yes, yes.”

  She felt the dragon fire rise inside of her, and when she looked back at him, her eyes were yellow. He responded with a flash of his own dragon eyes, and their passion soared to another level. He wasn’t sure that he could form words anymore, slamming her into the desk and feeling the knot start to loosen in his cock.

  “I’m not going to last,” he managed to gasp. “Leah, I’m not going to... I’m going to come.”

  “Come inside me,” she panted. “Come inside me. Make me scream. I’m so close.”

  “Oh Creator,” he moaned. “You wanted this, didn’t you? You pictured it?”

  “I have pictured fucking you in this very spot for years,” she said. “And I want you again, and again.”

  “Oh fuck!” he screamed as he came. He usually had more control than that, but Leah made all measure of control leave his body. He exploded inside of her, and he felt her pussy spasm as her orgasm started as well.

  “Joshua... Joshua... Joshua FUCK!” Leah screamed and he felt her pussy squeeze his still spurting cock. Leah came violently, her thighs shaking and her pussy squirting juices onto his cock that made him feel like he was coming all over again. Neither of them were coherent as they rode the waves of pleasure that rocked them.

  Eventually, they both collapsed backwards on the small bed in the garrison, their chests heaving. Leah continued to moan, her legs pressed together as she rode her orgasm out. He reached to pull her close, and felt he
r drip onto him, satisfied and lost in pleasure.

  “Was that everything you hoped it would be?” he asked her, when they both felt a little more coherent.

  “I don’t know,” she managed. “I think we have to do it a few more times.”

  He chuckled at that, stroking her hair.

  “I think that can be arranged,” he said. “Because I pretty much don’t intend to sleep with anyone else ever again.”

  “Joshua,” she said as she rolled over. “Don’t be silly.”

  “How is that being silly?” he asked, confused. “I’m in love with you, Leah, and I have been for a long time.”

  “And I you,” she said. “But we have to be realistic about this. You’re a prince and...”

  “And what?” he asked.

  “And you’ll be expected to marry,” she said.

  “So marry me,” he replied.

  He said it so casually that it almost didn’t sink in at first. When it did, she turned back to him.

  “What?” she asked, thinking that she had misheard.

  “You heard me,” he said. “Marry me.”

  “Just like that?” she asked.

  “Just like that,” he responded. “I know you, Miss Leah. And I don’t think you want a big romantic proposal, especially considering the type of wedding we would have to go through for me.”

  Leah swallowed hard and then sat up on her elbows.

  “Maybe I do,” she said. “Just... just to see what it’s like.”

  Joshua smiled and sat up as well. He slid off the bed and pulled off one of the royal rings that he always wore.

  “Leah,” he said. “Deputy captain of the guards. Love of my life. Will you do me the honor of being my wife? Because if you say yes, you will make me the happiest man in the world.”

  She paused for half a second and then nodded.

  “I will,” she said and held out her hand.

  He slid the ring onto it and leaned forward to kiss her.

  “I guess you did want a romantic proposal,” he said with a chuckle. Leah looked at the ring on her finger and held it up to the moonlight to see the red firestone embedded in the bulky design.

  “It’s actually quite pretty,” she said, smiling. “I think I’d like to keep it.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Joshua said. “I’ll get you a proper engagement ring. I’ll get you whatever you like.”

  “I like this,” she held up her hand. “Because you gave it to me. We’ll have it sized, of course, but... I’d rather have this over any delicate ring you can find.”

  “That’s my girl,” Joshua said and leaned forward to kiss her again. They fell back onto the bed and Leah giggled with pleasure as he tickled her neck.

  “How do you think the others are going to react?”

  “I don’t know,” he said. “But I don’t really care. We’re heroes right now, for rescuing Cory, so let’s ride that wave.”

  “I’m not royal blood,” she said, and he kissed her temple.

  “But you’re mine, he assured her. “And nothing else matters.”

  Leah had heard a lot of things in her life that she had to disbelieve. This, however, was something she believed in her very soul. She snuggled up to him, closing her eyes as sleep took her. She would deal with tomorrow when it came. Right now, all she wanted to focus on was being with Joshua, at long last.

  Chapter 19

  “You want me to tell him?” she asked, when Joshua started pacing. It had been two weeks since they had agreed to get married and both of them agreed that it was something they wanted to do soon. However, how soon was completely up to the king.

  Joshua knew there was a chance that Nathan could reject them. He knew there was a chance that if they did get married, he and Leah would be banished. He didn’t think that it was a strong chance, but he knew it was a possibility and so he was nervous.

  “No,” he said. “I should probably tell him. It’s just, everything has been so frantic lately.”

  “I agree,” Leah said with a grin. “Which is why we should just run off and do it.”

  Joshua sighed.

  “I wish that was the answer, my darling,” he said. “But I was not born a commoner. If it was, it would be easier.”

  “I really don’t think it’s going to be a problem,” she said, taking his hand. “After all, we’re fated, aren’t we?”

  “We are,” he said, gazing into her eyes. Leah could make him forget about the whole world.

  “So,” she said, “if we are fated, then let’s just tell him that. He was fated to Ivy, and he fought it for quite a while, and yet it still happened and they are perfect together.”

  “Well, they are something together,” Joshua said with a shrug and grin. “I think we should wait to tell him, until the banquet tonight.”

  “And what if he responds in a bad way?” she asked. “Do you really want to do that in front of all those people?”

  “If he says no?” Joshua said. “I will kiss you in front of everyone and then he can’t deny it.”

  “You’re bad,” Leah said, but secretly, she was nervous. It was a lot of pressure to put on someone when there were so many obstacles in the way. She knew that Nathan would have a million reasons for denying them, and she was worried about him if she were honest. He had not been himself lately. Ivy was doing a good job at keeping everything together, and under wraps, but those close to him could see that there were cracks under the surface. The king was starting to behave the way his brother John had, in the early days, when his mind was starting to go.

  “Anyways, do you need something to wear?” he asked. “I can get you...”

  “Am I not working the ball?” Leah asked, confused.

  “Uh, no,” Joshua said. “You’re not. You’re coming as my guest.”

  “My, my,” Leah blushed. “Then I really need something to wear. You don’t think that will tip him off?”

  “Maybe,” Joshua said. “Or maybe everyone will be too stunned at how pretty you are to even do anything about it.”

  Leah smiled, giving him a kiss.

  “Just get me a ball gown or something, then,” she replied. “And a ring.”

  She had thought it was a simple request, but when she went into her chambers later that day, they were filled to the bursting point with several different ball gowns, all of various colors and styles. She was completely overwhelmed, and she knew that she couldn’t tell anyone. So instead, she closed her eyes and spun around the room, picking whatever her hand landed on first.

  It happened to be a gown of pale blue, with stunning jewels on it. It was bare-shouldered and bare-backed, a style that she didn’t normally wear. She felt like an imposter in it, but she put her hair up and attached the one pair of earrings she owned to her ears. She thought she didn’t look half bad and headed out into the hallway. Usually, right before a ball, she’d be running about, making sure all the doorways were safe and secure. She would go and see all the royals, making sure they knew their route to safety if anything happened, and she would head toward the ballroom for one final inspection before anyone else came in.

  This time, she waited until the hallways were nearly empty and Joshua messaged her that it was safe before walking them. He had apparently told his brothers he was going to be late entering the ball, for some reason or another, and they hadn’t said a word. When she slipped into the antechamber, his eyes widened.

  “Oh my Creator,” he said. “You look beautiful.”

  Leah blushed. It felt odd, to view him in such a light, and yet it felt perfect and right. They were used to being together, but they weren’t used to vocalizing the fact that they found each other attractive, or that they wanted to wrap their hands around each other’s waists.

  “I really hope that this goes well,” she said and he smiled, laying a gentle kiss on her cheek.

  “What’s the worst that can happen?” he asked. “That Nathan asks you to behead yourself?”

  “Uh, knock on wood,” she said
as Joshua turned to the footman with a nod. The footman pushed open the door and bellowed through the crowd, as he always did when the princes entered.

  “May I present,” he said, “Prince Joshua and... Leah, Deputy Captain of the Guards.”

  That certainly got people’s attention. All heads turned toward them, including Cory’s and the rulers’, who were already seated at the front.

  “Oh boy,” Leah muttered, but Joshua kept his grip on her arm.

  “It’s going to be alright,” he assured her as they walked down the aisle. “Just stay close to me.”

  As was customary when the king and queen were sitting on the throne, the pair approached and then bowed deeply. Leah kept her eyes on the carpet a moment longer, and then stood up. Ivy was watching her with a look of amusement. It wasn’t quite a smile, and it wasn’t quite approving, but she did seem intrigued by what was in front of her. Nathan, however, turned to his brother, looking for an explanation.

  “My lord and lady,” Joshua said. “I present to you, Deputy Captain Leah, my longtime friend... and, if she will have me, my future bride. With your permission.”

  Silence swept over the entire room. All eyes turned to Nathan, who didn’t move.

  “When did this come about?” he asked Joshua, his voice booming so that the whole room could hear.

  “Oh,” Joshua paused. “A while ago, I think. Leah and I just weren’t smart enough to admit it.”

  No one said anything for a while, and Nathan turned to Ivy. The pair seemed to silently communicate with their eyes for a long moment. Ivy gave Nathan the tiniest nod, and Nathan turned back to his brother and Leah.

  “Prince Joshua,” he said. “You are aware that currently, you are the crown prince to this kingdom. Until the moment comes when my line produces a child, you would be making Leah the crown princess. Do you think that is a wise decision?”

  “I do,” Joshua said. “I really do.”

  “And you are prepared, Leah,” Nathan’s eyes turned to her, “to serve the kingdom with your entire life, if it came to that?”

  “My lord,” Leah said, choosing her words carefully. “It is my life’s mission to serve as deputy captain. I would be happy... honored... fulfilled to serve as crown princess. I promise to love your brother, and to be a wife that the Dragon Kingdom deserves.”