by Sky Croft
Raised voices suddenly came from next door, and it was clear that Shale and Blake were arguing.
Kale quickly moved to the adjoining wall between their two rooms. She pressed her ear to its surface. “Sounds like there’s trouble in paradise.”
“Don’t exaggerate. It’s merely a disagreement. It must have been hard for Shale to let Lykos go.” Amber moved to Kale’s side and tugged at her wrist. “Come away from there.”
Kale perched on the bed instead. “It’s a good thing I wasn’t holding that pig, because I wouldn’t have released him.”
Amber gave her a stern look. “It was a queen’s order.”
Kale nodded. “I know. But I’d rather have taken Blake’s punishment for defying her.”
Amber shook her head. “It isn’t as easy for Shale. She’s joined to Blake, which makes things a lot more complicated.”
“I’d have thought that fact would buy Shale some leeway. She should learn to use it when she can.”
“Shale isn’t the type to take advantage in that way.” Amber prodded a knowing finger into Kale’s chest. “She’s not you.”
Kale smirked, neither denying the accusation, or looking the least bit repentant. “Well, we can’t all be perfect.”
Amber scoffed. “I’d better sleep on the floor. I don’t think there’s room for both me and your big head.”
Kale made an indignant noise, and pulled Amber down onto the bed, tickling her in torment.
Amber giggled. “Kale!” She reversed their positions, flipping Kale onto her back. “Ha.”
“Looks like you’ve got me.” Kale ran her hand up the length of Amber’s leg. “Now what do you plan to do with me?”
Amber playfully hovered over Kale’s lips for a moment before capturing them. The kiss was slow and sensual, but when Kale tried to deepen it further, Amber withdrew.
“Sorry.” Amber grinned down at Kale, not looking apologetic at all. “Thin walls, remember?”
Kale groaned in response. “You’ll be the death of me, Amber, teasing me like this.”
Amber winked flirtatiously. “I promise it’ll be worth the wait.” She left Kale on the bed as she got up and went to the washstand. She stood perfectly still, as if listening for voices from next door. “They’ve quieted down now. They must have resolved their disagreement.”
Kale huffed out a breath. “They’re likely having sex.”
Amber sniggered. “You would say that.”
Chapter Fourteen
AMBER SHOOK KALE for the third time, trying to wake her. “Kale, get up. We’re leaving.” She tossed several articles of clothing onto the bed, then shook Kale once more, smiling as her blue eyes finally opened.
Kale yawned as she sat up. “What? Why?”
“I’ve put a note under Blake’s door, telling them we’ve gone on ahead. We’ll meet them on route to the cave.”
“It’s still early, Amber, what’s the rush? If we leave now, we’ll miss breakfast.”
Amber shouldered her share of the supplies, satchels packed and ready to go. “You can either have breakfast, Kale, or you can have me. Your choice.”
A broad grin of comprehension dawned on Kale’s face. “As much as I like my food, there’s really no comparison between the two.”
She hastily began to put on her clothes, and was soon dressed. As Amber helpfully hooked a bag over Kale’s shoulders, Kale drew her in for a quick kiss. “I’m so glad you thought of this.”
“You and me both.” Amber eagerly led the way out of the room, passing the other rooms quietly to avoid disturbing anyone inside. The front door to the tavern was already unlocked, so they slipped through with ease, the town outside deserted at such an early hour.
As they set off, Amber said, “I left some money with the note for Blake, to cover our share of the rooms. I did try to find Tanis first, to pay her myself—she’s clearly up for the front door to be open—but I had no luck.”
“She must start early. Perhaps she’s out fetching water?” Kale moved closer and took Amber’s hand. “You’re well-prepared. How long have you been up?”
“In truth, the idea struck me last night, but I wanted to surprise you with it.”
Kale gave a pleased nod. “You certainly did that.”
Gratified, Amber increased her pace, keen to put some distance between them and the rest of civilization. Not another word was spoken as they left the town behind, crossing through several planted fields, and meadows where only animals grazed. They were already alone, but still they didn’t stop, neither wanting to risk being disturbed again. They had plenty of time, and both instinctively knew where they were headed, without ever communicating the destination. They had passed by a thick, dense wood on the way to town, and though the wood was set back from the main trade route, it was the trees’ unusual boughs that offered the secluded privacy they sought. Each large bough drooped heavily downward, hanging low to the ground, so low that the tips of the bottom branches actually scraped the ground. The thick foliage completely hid the base of the tree, and the space around it.
They walked for a good distance, and when they finally reached the wood, they pushed their way through the thicket, going deep into the trees.
Amber selected a large bough and lifted it so Kale could duck underneath, surprised by the hefty weight of the branch, and the effort required to move it. Once beneath herself, Amber heard Kale fumbling in her bag. She heard her, but she couldn’t see her. The foliage was so thick that the daylight from outside was completely blocked out.
Amber was just about to lift up the branch again, to allow some light in, when she recognized the sound of stones striking against one another. The lantern came to life, the flame illuminating the underside of the tree in a soft yellow glow, creating the perfect ambience for a romantic encounter.
Amber took a moment to look around. Astoundingly, the space under the boughs was more substantial than the room they’d recently vacated. Near the trunk, she could see farther up the tree, though not very far, as the boughs above blocked out the light in a similar fashion. The ground beneath her feet was spongy but dry, the thick moss like a bedroll made from nature herself.
She turned to face Kale. She watched as Kale raked lustful eyes across her body, and Amber felt a shiver of expectation run through her. She started toward Kale, stripping out of her clothes and leaving them disregarded in her wake. Kale did the same, and met Amber halfway, their mouths melding as their naked bodies came together.
As the kiss deepened, and their passion rose another notch, Amber cupped Kale’s mound intimately and squeezed. In response, Kale pushed Amber backward, moving with her and slamming her none too gently against the tree trunk.
Now pinned in place, Amber released a frenzied growl, and as their tongues battled, she lifted a leg onto Kale’s hip.
Kale’s fingers delved up into Amber, the fervent entry pressing Amber hard against the tree. Amber’s ragged moan seemed to excite Kale further, and Amber writhed in delight when Kale began to move in her, long, slow strokes building the tension ever higher.
“I want you so badly, Amber.” Kale tapped Amber’s rump, and Amber understood her wishes. She eagerly latched onto Kale’s neck and pulled herself upward, raising her other leg onto Kale’s hip so Kale now supported her completely. Her legs and arms wrapped around Kale, Amber lowered herself back onto Kale’s waiting fingers.
It was a testament to Kale’s strength that she could keep Amber in such a position with only one arm. Amber clung to Kale tightly, gasping in need as she felt Kale’s strong, yet slender fingers inside her, impaling her. “Deeper, Kale. Please.”
Amber cried out as Kale thrust farther into her, fingers in all the way to the hilt. Kale withdrew then plunged back inside, driving into her with a force that rocked Amber to her very core.
“Yes, Kale. Yes!” Amber was panting now, rocking herself faster with an urgency that only kept on growing. Then, suddenly, she was on her back, clawing at the moss in wild abandon as Kal
e, now on top of her, rammed into her with swift, powerful strokes.
“Oh! Yes, Kale. Faster.” Amber’s hips rose up to meet Kale’s thrusts, and she screamed as ecstasy flooded through her. Still, Kale didn’t stop, pounding into Amber with firm intent. Amber pressed her thigh between Kale’s legs, and as Amber began to writhe and thrash, Kale surged against her, clearly desperate to peak.
Amber’s breath came in ragged gasps, and Kale moaned as they kissed, tongues caressing as they slid against one another.
Amber whimpered as she began to tremble in climax, and as Kale rubbed her clit, she jerked and cried out, thrashing wildly. Her thigh pressed harder against Kale’s hot center, and that sent Kale reeling over the edge with her.
Kale collapsed on top of Amber, each taking a few moments to gather themselves, and to catch their breath. When they’d recovered, Amber tenderly guided Kale’s face to hers, their lips meeting slowly now, the passion still present, but no longer ruling them.
Amber rolled Kale onto her back, then began to kiss her way down Kale’s long, toned body, stopping to lavish attention on her full, round breasts. She took a nipple into her mouth, feeling it harden as she licked and sucked. She nipped it lightly between her teeth, smiling when Kale groaned and arched into her touch. The nub was rigid now, standing erect on Kale’s chest.
Amber moved to her other breast, lavishing it with the same loving attention. She lapped at Kale’s navel as she descended farther, though she didn’t have much time to linger as Kale encouraged her downward with a hand to the top of her head.
Amber savored Kale’s taste as her tongue slipped into her warm, slick folds, each caress making Kale surge up against her.
“Amber...I need you inside me.” Kale sat upright using only her stomach muscles, and as Amber rose up to meet her, Kale drove her back to the mossy floor, straddling Amber’s stomach with a burning passion in her eyes.
Amber didn’t keep her waiting, pushing into Kale with a sure hand. Fingers plunging deep, Kale gasped and her hips began to gyrate, grinding herself forcefully onto Amber’s hand. Amber tried to sit up herself, and Kale assisted, wrapping her arms around Amber’s back as Amber began to suckle at her breasts.
Kale began to pant as she rolled her hips, the sound intensely erotic to Amber’s ears.
As Amber increased the pace of her thrusts, Kale released a long moan, her body tensing, then shuddering in climax.
Kale again pressed Amber to the ground, and as they kissed, Kale rubbed Amber’s clit, fast and hard. Amber’s release was immediate, and Kale caught her short, urgent cry as Amber pulsated against her.
Utterly spent, they held one another close as they recovered. Amber kissed Kale’s forehead, which rested in the crook of her neck.
“You did say it would be worth the wait.” Kale released an impressed sigh.
Amber giggled. “It certainly was.”
“You know I’m not one for setting the scene, but even I have to admit that this place is special. I’ll remember it.”
“So will I.” Amber glanced up at the large tree, its boughs nestling them protectively inside, sheltered and safe. It was the same feeling she had whenever she was in Kale’s arms. She gave Kale’s body a squeeze, and waited for pale blue eyes to raise and meet her own. “I love you.”
Kale’s smile was touching, her expression open and sincere. “And I love you, Amber.”
AMBER AND KALE had decided to stop early for lunch, to allow the others to catch up with them. They weren’t at all worried about being passed by, as Shale could detect Kale anywhere—all Shale had to do was follow her senses.
They’d picked a nice spot to wait, the vast meadow filled with bright, multi-colored flowers. Amber was searching through the bushes along the edge of the meadow, trying to find berries that were both safe to eat, and would go nicely with their meal.
She sniffed the air as a delicious aroma reached her—the ducks were nearly ready to eat. She glanced toward the center of the meadow, to where Kale was roasting the ducks over an open fire. One was for her and Kale to share, the other for Blake and Shale when they arrived.
“Ah-ha,” Amber said in success, as she spotted what she was rooting around for. She’d had the foresight to bring a wooden dining bowl with her, and as she started to pick the ripe red berries off the stems, she dropped them into it. Though many of the berries had been taken by animals and birds, a good few were still present, and she filled her bowl with them.
Amber suddenly had the feeling she was being watched, and she stepped back from the bushes, her sharp gaze scanning the area. Though she couldn’t detect any movement, the nape hairs on the back of her neck stood on end—she definitely felt eyes on her. Amber quickly placed the bowl down in the grass, wanting her hands free. She knew something or someone was moving closer, readying for an attack, but she was going solely off her gut, nothing she could physically see around her revealed any such threat. A woman sprang out of the bushes, her features blurred by the speed at which she moved. She was as fast as lightning, and tackled Amber to the ground with a thud. Amber’s swift reflexes saved her, getting a foot beneath her opponent and flipping her over her head.
The attacker collided solidly with the ground as Amber had, though she sprang up as if unaffected. Amber rolled to her feet, her fighting stance coming as naturally to her as breathing. She blinked in shock when her eyes registered the person in front of her.
“Shale!” Amber lunged at her, and playfully punched her bicep.
Shale wore a smug grin. “I’m just testing your skills.”
Kale could be heard laughing in the background, and Amber shouted accusingly at her. “You knew she was there all along, didn’t you?” Kale only laughed harder, confirming her suspicions. Amber punched Shale again, since Kale was out of reach.
“That’s not fair,” Shale said. “Kale’s the one laughing.”
“That’s tough for you.” Amber swiped at Shale a third time, but didn’t connect as Shale dodged out of the way.
“Too slow.” Shale tutted critically as she shook her head. “What would Aris say?”
Amber darted toward her, but Shale was already on the move. Amber couldn’t continue the chase, for she had to backtrack to collect the bowl of berries.
As Amber walked through the soft grass, she heard Blake’s voice— Blake was already at the campfire.
“Smells good,” Blake said to Kale. “Thanks for making us some.”
Kale smiled and handed Blake a full plate, the dark meat letting off steam as it cooled.
Amber popped a berry into her mouth, enjoying the sweet tang of the juice. She sat down on the grass beside Blake, and offered her some. With a smile, Blake took several berries. Amber playfully withdrew the bowl when Shale reached out for some, scowling as if upset with her. Shale pouted in response, and looked at Amber with big doleful eyes. Amber relented, passing her the bowl.
“You could convert a virgin priestess with that look, Shale,” Blake said.
“That was Kale.”
Blake jostled Shale humorously as she chuckled. “Very funny.”
Shale regarded her with a straight face. “I’m not joking.”
Blake’s mouth dropped open as Amber broke into a fit of giggles. They both stared at Kale incredulously.
“Her name was Cleonia,” Kale said, her grin broad and self-approving. “And she isn’t a virgin priestess anymore. She had to drop the first part of the title after she met me.”
Amber howled with laughter, holding her side as she got a stitch. Blake didn’t seem to know whether she should be amused or mortified, but she ended up laughing just the same.
“I can’t believe you, Kale,” Amber said between laughs. “The nerve.”
Kale shrugged a single shoulder. “I was young.”
Shale scoffed. “That’s your excuse for everything.”
“It’s not an excuse, it’s a valid reason.”
“Which god or goddess did Cleonia serve?” Blake asked. “Please d
on’t say Zeus.”
Kale shook her head. “I don’t have a death wish. It was Aphrodite.”
Blake looked slightly relieved. “Well, at least the goddess of love can understand such an act.”
“I figured the same.”
“So, Shale,” Amber said, now in control of herself. “What were you doing while Kale was out dishonoring the local virgins?”
Kale’s voice rose in indignation. “It only happened once.”
Shale went quiet for a moment, as if thinking about the question. “Helping out at home. Covering for Kale by doing her chores as well as my own.”
Blake smiled. “Never have your differences been so apparent than in the last few sentences.”
Kale sniggered. She looked skeptically at Shale, then surprise crossed her face. “So you were. Did I ever thank you for that?”
Shale waved her off. “You just did.”
Kale cut some more meat off the duck. She placed the slices onto the wooden plates, then dished out the food, serving herself last when everyone else had a plateful.
They ate in companionable silence for a while, the berries complimenting the meal nicely.
“Did you see Tanis on your way out?” Blake asked.
“No. We left early, too. But the front door of the tavern was unlocked, so she had to be about somewhere.” Amber took a drink from her water skin. “Why’d you ask?”
“The cook, who told us he also owns the tavern, was spitting curses at her when we left. Said she’d just up and disappeared without a word. Left him in the lurch for a server.”
Kale put down her now empty plate. “She probably got fed up of having such a miserable job.”
“Maybe,” Blake said. “But he told us it was the first time he’d had any problems with Tanis, so he just couldn’t understand the reasoning behind her abrupt departure.”
“I’m sure she had her motives.” Shale shrugged. “Though I don’t suppose we’ll ever find out what they were.”
