by Riley Walker
I reach my hand down to help her get back up. She crawls into the bed and we continue our drinking and storytelling. The last thought I had before finally passing out was, thank goodness she fell asleep before she was able to snort-a-shift. I really didn’t want to sleep with a penguin tonight.
18
Wet And Wild
I woke up the next morning in hangover hell. A place I frequented in the Earth realm. If I were still there, the three of us would go down the street to the local diner and get a nice greasy breakfast. This thought brings a sudden pain to my chest and I choke back a sob. I still have not allowed myself the time to properly grieve Colton. I know my time to break down is coming. I can only hold this in for so long.
Mother has yet to hire a new chef so the other wait staff have been doing the cooking. Let me say, I am not impressed. I look over to see Shelby drooling on my pillow and softly snoring. Maybe the hot springs in the grotto will make me feel better. I quickly put on my favorite yellow polka dot bikini, and leave Shelby in bed.
The grotto is a natural hot springs that has been surrounded by stone. On one end it is shallow with a bench that will seat several people and it gradually gets deeper opening into a pool like area.
I slowly ease down into the warm waters and immediately feel my tense muscles relax. I lean my head back on the ledge and for the first time in days, I feel at peace. I start to fall asleep when I hear a throat clearing. When I look up, both of my fated mates are standing there smirking at me, wearing nothing but swim trunks. Oh my, these men are fine!
Edrik, my Knight, is 6’2”, with chestnut hair, and chocolate brown eyes with golden flecks. He has wide shoulders, a slim waist and a constant five o’clock shadow. He has the body of a God and heart of a warrior. When we are together he feels like home.
Rook, my Renegade, is 6’4”, with dusty brown hair, and piercing green eyes. His body is wide and muscular. My two men couldn't be more opposite. Edrik looks sophisticated, while Rook’s scar, that runs from about two inches above his eye to right above a set of full lips, makes him look rugged and dangerous. Edrik has a light dusting of hair across his face and Rook keeps a short beard.
I give them my come hither look, but I’m sure I just look like I smelled something bad. I’ve never been able to pull off sultry. “Are you going to join me or just keep staring?”
Edrik smiles, “I could stare at you all day.”
I am just about to invite him in when my face is suddenly splashed with water. Rook just cannonballed into the middle of the pool, almost drowning me. I barely have time to wipe the water off of my face, when I feel a pair of strong hands wrap around my thighs, pulling me off of the ledge I was sitting on. I am suddenly face to face with my Renegade. He thinks he is so funny. I try to shove his chest and swim backwards but there is another strong chest at my back caging me in. I just found myself in a man sandwich.
Rook grabs my neck pulling me in for a hard kiss while Edrik grabs my hair and tosses it over the back of my shoulder. He begins kissing my shoulder and up my neck, moving to the back of my earlobe. He knows my sweet spot and I moan into Rook’s mouth in appreciation. I feel Edrik untying my bikini top while still sucking and kissing along my neck, then Rook begins to push down my bottoms.
I pull myself away from Rook’s lips, trying to catch my breath. “I’m not sure this is the right time for this. Shelby is upstairs mourning, Armand is still on the loose, and we are still trying to stop this war.”
“Cara, we need you and you need us. Now, relax and let us love you.” They both swiftly remove their trunks and toss them onto the side of the pool.
I am spun around and Edrik brings my back to his chest as he sits down on the bench. He pulls my chin around until I am looking up at him. “Chess, we almost lost you. Let us have this moment to feel you, to touch you, and to know you are still here with us.” His lips come crashing down in a passionate kiss that brings tears to my eyes. I have never felt so loved and cherished in all my life.
While Edrik’s lips are distracting me, Rook lifts my lower body and throws my legs over his shoulders. He places one hand on my stomach while using the other to part my folds. I feel one long finger enter me and I gasp into Edrik’s mouth. He keeps me afloat with one hand under my back while he massages one of my breasts with the other. Rook inserts another finger while the hand that was on my stomach slides up to my other breast. He alternates between squeezing and massaging my nipple. The pleasure and pain I’m experiencing has my core throbbing, and it is no surprise that I explode in orgasmic pleasure when Rook’s teeth bite down on my swollen nub.
They give me a minute to come down off my high and then Edrik spins me around to face him. I look into his eyes and say, “Eddie, I will love you forever,” right before I swiftly impale myself on him. Rook comes up behind me and massages my breast while he helps lift me up and down on Edrik’s shaft. The feeling of Rook’s hands on me while my Knight fills me up is pure bliss. Edrik looks deep into my lavender eyes just as Rook bites into the crook of my neck causing a swift pain that quickly becomes pleasure. Why does this man keep biting me and why does it feel so good? The orgasm that rips through my body has my core muscles clenching onto Edrik’s manhood as he takes one last thrust, reaching his own climax.
I don't get a chance to catch my breath before Rook has me tossed over the side of the pool with my knees on the bench, and my ass in the air. I am startled when he gives my right butt cheek a slap, then massages it gently. What does he think he is doing? That is the last thought I have before I feel his hard erection plunge deep into me. Rook is taking his time slowly moving in and out. I show my frustration when I try to push back into him, hoping this will make him go faster. All this gets me is another smack to my ass, followed by a gentle massaging. He keeps moving excruciatingly slow, stopping to give each cheek a smack between every few thrusts. I should be appalled by this, but all I want is more.
When I feel like I can't take any more of this torture, Edrik appears in front of me with a naughty grin. He bends down, giving me a slow, sweet, kiss, and reaches between my thighs. He begins to rub delicious circles on my swollen nub, and that is all it takes to send me over the edge. The orgasm explodes through my core, sending convulsions throughout my body. Rook’s thrusts are no longer slow and agonizing, but have now become hard and frantic. It only takes a few more pumps before I feel his shaft swelling and then emptying inside me. I can no longer hold myself up. My body feels like jelly and I have never been more relaxed or happy.
Edrik lifts me up gently, pulling me out of the water and wraps me in a fluffy towel. I hear Rook get out behind me watch him walk over toward me before stopping to kiss me on my temple. “I hope I wasn't too rough with you, Cara.”
I feel my face getting red. “I liked you being rough.”
Edrik chuckles, picks me up bridal style and heads out the door with Rook right behind us. “Where are we going?”
“First, we will feed you, and then we will train you.” Edrik says with a fierce look on his face. I guess we are back to being serious now.
I look over his shoulder and notice that Rook has a shit eating grin on his face. “What has you looking so smug, Rook?”
He gives me a saucy look. “If you don’t perform well Princess, I get to punish you.”
That is almost enough to make me do poorly, almost. I am way too competitive to not give it my all. Besides, I need to show these men I can hold my own or they will never let me go after Armand with them.
19
Nuttin’ Done
“And just where have the three of you been?” Shelby winks at me while giving Edrik and Rook a stare down as we enter the kitchen.
“Shelby, we’re going to grab some lunch then go train. Do you want to work with us?”
“Um, Chess, I do not think that is the best idea.”
“Hush, Eddie. It is a great idea. She needs to be able to defend herself with more than the little bit of MMA knowledge she has.” I turn my back on
Edrik and face Shelby. “Come on, Shelby. It will be fun. We can train together just like we used to.”
She bites her lip before finally responding. “Sure, Frannie. I can train with you guys. Besides, I haven’t had the chance to show old Eddie just what all my penguin can do.”
I’m pretty sure I hear Edrik mumbling under his breath, “Smacking people on the ass with a flipper will not help you.” I elbow him in the gut before walking toward the fridge and begin taking out everything we need to make sandwiches.
After our bellies are full Shelby and I excuse ourselves to go change into workout clothes.
I put on my short, black exercise shorts, and over my sports bra, a t-shirt courtesy of Shelby that reads, Forget Skinny, I’m Training To Be A Badass. Shelby is dressed identical to me, except for her t-shirt. Hers reads, I Hope Your Day Is As Nice As My Butt.
We head to the training room and find Edrik, Rook, and Hawkeye already in there, each on the ground doing push-ups. Have mercy. I look over at Shelby to see her mouth hanging open. I use my index finger to push the bottom of her mouth up and just shake my head at her. Two of these guys are off limits and Hawkeye, well, he’s just Hawkeye, with his dark black hair, olive complexion, angular cheekbones and a hard body. He is definitely something to look at.
“You girls ready to learn how to handle a sword.” Rook asks us with a smirk on his face. Cocky bastard.
“I already know how to handle a sword. Would you like me to show you how I do it?”
I whip my head to look at Shelby. Did she just say that? Yes. Yes, she did. “Shelby!”
“What?” She just shrugs her shoulders. “Don’t tell me you weren’t thinking that exact thing.”
Eh. She has me there. Again, two of them are off limits. I am going to have to sit her down and have a serious conversation. “Come on guys, let's get started.”
I walk toward the wall that holds an assortment of weapons. I look them over to find the prettiest, and I am immediately drawn to the sword hanging in the center of the wall. It’s all silver with swirls down the blade. The handle looks like a scroll with a ruby right in the center of the handle. It will definitely do. I go to reach for it and my hand is slapped out of the way.
“Cara, what are you doing?”
“I was going to take the pretty sword.” I reach my hand out again, only to have it batted away. Again.
“Rook! Stop doing that.” I glare at him then turn at look at the wall again. What is his deal with me using this sword.
“Look at me, Cara.”
“No.”
“Cara.”
“Suck it, Rook.”
I hear him huff before he grabs my chin and turns my face toward his. He places his nose against mine and gives me the smile that he knows I can’t refuse.
“That sword is too big and too heavy for you to learn on. I already have the perfect one for you picked out.” He kisses me on my nose then bends down and produces a plain, dull sword with plastic on the tip. Of course.
“Trust me, Cara.”
I take the sword out of his hand, remove the tip and twirl it around. “Damn it Chess! Watch what you are doing.”
I turn to look at Edrik and the rip down the front of his shirt. Oops. I put the tip back on the sword and look sheepishly at him. “I am so sorry Edrik.”
“This is why you have this sword. It’s lighter and has a tip for a reason. Do you want to stab, or decapitate Shelby the first day?”
“No she doesn't. Use the sword, Frannie. Jeez.”
“Here you go, Half Pint.” Hawkeye takes a sword just like mine and hands it to her. “This is one you can handle, I’m sure.”
Shelby winks at Hawkeye and begins to walk toward me. “If you only knew what I could handle, Hawk Boy.”
I’m done.
I double over in laughter at the look on Hawkeye’s face. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he might have a slight crush on my best friend.
20
Secrets Of The Queen
(Winston’s POV)
I feel like the only thing I have accomplished since returning to my Kingdom, is an over abundance of advisor meetings. They seem to be questioning every decision I have made since becoming King.
I am also keeping tabs on my Mother. It is obvious that she has a secret, but I am not sure what it is. I have spies among the Royal Guard that have witnessed her talking privately with couriers. The head of my Royal Guard, Commander Bishop, has informed me that the last letter she received had her shaken up and pale. My only concern is the Princess’s safety. I need to find that letter and figure out what my Mother has been up to. There is one person that might know where the letter is, and that is Sosha. She has been Mother’s Lady-In-Waiting for as long as I can remember and I am fairly certain that she has a little crush on me. Sosha is an Inferior that my Father bought for her when I was around five years old. She was only ten at that time, but my Mother wanted someone young and strong that she could train properly.
I find Sosha in the kitchen giving instructions to the staff. It seems that the Queen would like to dine in her room tonight. She is not feeling well and would like some privacy. I wonder if her sudden illness has something to do with what is in that letter.
I wait patiently for Sosha to finish her instructions, and confront her as she is entering the hallway. I use my best sultry voice that always has the ladies giving me whatever I ask for. “Why Sosha, you are looking quite lovely this evening. Is there any way I could have a word with you privately?”
At first she looks surprised, but then she gives me a smile which I am sure is supposed to look sexy, but no one’s smile compares to my Beloved. “Of course your Highness, we can talk privately in my room.”
I nod my head and she turns, walking down the hall. I follow behind her, while trying to control the revulsion I feel about leading this poor girl on. We enter her room and I close the door behind me as she sits on the edge of her bed and pats the space beside her. Sosha has always been a little forward when it comes to her flirtations with men, but this is the first time I have ever led her on.
“King Winston, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
I pick up her hand and place a chaste kiss on it. I hold back the shudder wanting to come out. “I wanted to speak to you about Mother. I am concerned about her well being since my Father was killed. How is she when you are around? You are the closest to her and would know best.”
She places her other hand on my thigh and giggles. Do not roll your eyes, Winston. “She is having a hard time, but that is to be expected. I think when you finally decide to settle down and give her grandchildren, she will find a new lease on life.”
“Yes, well, I am working on that.” I pull my hand from her iron grip and stand. I cannot stand having her, or any other woman besides my Beloved, touch me.
“I heard that Princess Franchesca found two fated mates. That must have been a shock to you. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling, knowing that the one you were supposed to marry is no longer available.”
“Yes, I was surprised. I did not realize word had gotten around yet. However, the Princess is still my betrothed. Nothing has changed.” I am speaking through my teeth at this point.
Sosha suddenly looks sheepish. “I did not know the wedding was still on. When the Queen told me about her, I just assumed. Well no matter, if the Queen can have two consorts then surely the King can have a mistress as well.”
The thought of having a mistress, now that I have come to terms with my feelings for Franchesca is appalling, but I give her my sexiest grin, and sit back down next to her. I take her hand again saying, “Nevermind all that right now. I cannot even think about betrothals or mistresses until I know that my Mother is okay. Why do you think she is feeling unwell tonight?”
She looks deep in thought. “The Queen received a letter earlier today that has shaken her up. She has been laying in her bed since.”
I give her a concerned look, “Do you know what was in the lette
r or where I might find it? If someone is threatening our Queen I must know.”
“I do not know what the letter was about, but I witnessed her locking it away in the desk in her sitting room.” She looks at me with complete adoration and this makes me feel guilty for using the poor woman.
“Thank you, Sosha, for all of your help. If you could please keep this conversation between the two of us. I do not want to worry Mother anymore. I worry about her with everything happening.” I stand again and begin to head toward the door.
“Your Highness, if you would like to discuss this more, you can come back later this evening.” The sultry look she gives me makes my insides tighten, and not in a good way.
“I am afraid I cannot do that. The advisors are watching every move I make and I cannot let them see me with you right now. When the time is right, I will let you know.” I open the door and rush out of her room like wild boars are chasing me. I need a shower and a plan to retrieve that letter.
Mother is nothing if not predictable. I know every morning, without fail, she has a staff meeting to go over what and who is expected that day. She may have felt ill last night, but she is a Queen first and will not let anything slip through the cracks when it comes to her Kingdom.
When I am sure the meeting has started, I slip into her room and head straight for the small desk she has in her sitting room. I was a nosey child, and unless she has changed, the key will be hidden under the center drawer.
I get on my knees to look, and find the key hidden in the same spot. I smile at my luck, remove it, and stand back up. The lock immediately turns and laying inside the center drawer is a letter addressed to Isabelle. No one besides my Father ever called Mother by her given name. Not without Queen in front of it. My suspicion is growing. I grab the letter, open it, and begin to read:
