Protect (The Guardians Book 1)

by K. B. Wheelock

  Zera licked her lips and looked the High Lord in the eye. “I am sorry, my High Lord. I would never interrupt you without a cause. I wanted to invite you and your advisor to a dinner tonight.” The High Lord’s eyes followed Zera’s tongue as she nervously licked her lips. She truly liked Adda and knew that her punishment for interrupting the High Lord would be the same as hers. The High Lord released her and walked her to the bed. He pressed a kiss upon her temple “We would be delighted to join you for dinner. I will have the chefs come to speak with us about your desires.” And he left. Zera leaned back into the cushion sighing in relief. She felt bad for the scare Adda had gotten, but there was not much she could do about that.

  Zera walked over to Adda and bent down. She gently tapped her cheeks until her eyes fluttered open. She helped her sit and patted her shoulder. Adda went back to her pallet in the other room, and Zera went to sit at the table to think about the next step. The dinner had to be perfect. She thought about the garden, and a plan came to her mind. Of course, she would have to ask permission from the High Lord, but if he agreed it would be perfect.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Nervously, Zera set everything up. The High Lord had been feeling indulgent and agreed to the use of the gardens. Everything that she had needed was delivered to the gardener who carried it to the location she had chosen. At her direction, he set the lanterns around the blanket and then carried the platters of food in. When he was finished, he bowed to her and shuffled back to his rooms. Zera would have to remember to thank the old man.

  Hearing the High Lord and his advisor in the grand hall, she quickly sat down upon the blanket. She had had Adda do her hair up as she had worn it the night that the High Lord had selected her, she had also chosen an outfit similar to the one she had worn that night that he had admired. Next to her the brook babbled, and a jug of mead rested in it’s cool embrace. A cushion sat on either side of her for the High Lord and his advisor. Platters of strawberries covered in chocolate, grapes, cheese, and small rolls filled with sweet meats sat in front of her.

  Zera stood and smiled as her High Lord approached. She respectfully kept her eyes lowered just enough so as to not meet his gaze. “My dear, you look more delicious than the strawberries,” he said and kissed her.

  A nasally voice agreed. “Your High Lordship, she most definitely looks more delicious than the strawberries.” The thin man with beady eyes, raked his eyes over Zera. As he sat, he managed to move his pillow so that he was almost touching Zera. Gracefully Zera sat, pulling High Lord Esson down next to her. She smiled shyly at him, mindful that another was present, and she was not allowed to speak.

  She picked up a strawberry touched it to her lips and then fed it to her High Lord. His eyes closed as the sweet juices flowed over his jaw. Zera leaned over and licked the juices off his chin. She smiled and sat back, satisfied that she had his attention. She picked up the platter of rolls and selected one. She held the small roll out to Lord Azazarel. He looked her in the eyes as he bent down and slowly bit into the roll in her hand, his wet mouth leaving a stain on her hand. She smiled demurely and hid the shudder that threatened to take hold of her. Lord Azazarel looked to High Lord Esson to see his reaction, but he just looked at his High Lady with indulgence. She pulled the jug of mead from the creek and pulled the stopper out. With her eyes on her High Lord’s she took a small sip from the jug, letting a small amount drip down her chin. She watched as his eyes followed the trail it left. Zera handed him the jug, and he took a long draw. She let the men talk in hushed tones, handing them each food and drink. When one jug was emptied she replaced it with another. The men talked less and drank more. The High Lord’s eyes were bright when they lit on Zera, and he did not see the jealousy and hatred that sparked in the Lord Azazarel’s, but Zera did, and she smiled.

  When the last bite of food was gone and the last jug emptied, Lord Azazarel stood. “My High Lord, I must congratulate you on your selection of mate. She is the perfect specimen. I must leave now for my own chambers. But I thank you for the evening.” He bowed and left the garden.

  Zera smiled to herself and laid back on the blanket, patting the area beside her. Esson moved over and lay next to her. “I did make the perfect choice” he said, nuzzling her neck. Soft snores let her know that he was asleep. She let her eyes drift shut. Hopefully, tomorrow night would go as well.

  Morning light shone into the garden, and Zera was shaken awake. Her High Lord had already left for his room, and Adda pulled on her arm. She quickly stood and went to her room. She allowed Adda to push her into the bath and quickly stripped. If she was to orchestrate tonight’s plan, then she must hurry. As soon as Adda had put the hair ornament in, Zera walked quickly to the door. She stopped at the door and looked at Adda. Turning around she took Adda’s hand and led her back to the pallet in the little room off the bathroom. She gently pushed her down and mimed being quiet. She stretched her hand out and gestured to stay. Zera went back to the door, took a deep breath and opened it. She quietly walked to the dining room and stood with her head bowed.

  A guard hit his spear on the floor and the men around the table looked up. A nasally voice sneered, “Two days in a row she defies you, my High Lord. Shall I have her removed?”

  “No, Lord Azazarel. That is enough. I will deal with my High Lady as I see fit.” He stood and walked towards the High Lady. He pulled Zera to her room and pushed her in and kept pushing until her back was against the wall. He kissed her neck, lightly biting it. “My dear, I hope there is a good reason. You are making me look bad.”

  “My High Lord. I am sorry, but I have no way to get a message to you beyond stepping out of my room. Might I have one of the young orphan boys to train as a messenger. He can come to you with a paper as a signal that I need to speak with you. Then, you can excuse yourself at your leisure.”

  The High Lord thought on this idea for a minute and then nodded. “The same rules shall apply. You will only speak to me. If he misbehaves, his punishment will be on you and Adda. As well if you misbehave, a portion of your punishment shall be met to him.” He kissed her, pushing his body against hers. “Was there anything else?”

  Zera bit her lip and debated if she should go ahead with her plan. She had already gotten the small errand boy that she needed, but no, the rest was just as important if not more so. Esson rubbed his finger along her lip. “Come, it cannot be that much you need.”

  “I was wondering if you and the Lord Azazarel would like to join me for dinner again tonight?”

  “Yes. Would you like the same arrangements as last night?” She had already thought this all out, but pretended to think on it. Then nodded yes, “but I would like you to select your favorite finger foods, my High Lord.”

  “I will have a young boy brought to you. The next time that you step out, I suggest it be at my invitation. My men will not allow me to let it go unpunished again.”

  Zera looked down at her feet. “Yes, High Lord.” He pushed away from the wall and left her standing looking at her feet. He couldn’t see the smile that spread over her face.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Zera had Adda help her dress, making sure that everything was perfect. Her mahogony curls cascading down her back, the gold hair ornament encircling her head and holding the front section away from her face. The gold chain hanging from ear to ear under her chin. For tonight she picked a series of maroon scarfs that covered her, yet as they moved revealed glimpses of her skin. A gold rope tied around her waist and those ends then tied around her wrists giving the illusion of her arms being tied, yet she had free movement.

  She had had the gardener set things up on the opposite bank with candles illuminating the space instead of the lanterns of the night before. More pillows were brought out and a light blanket was set over them. She made sure that she reclined next to the creek, the jugs of mead within easy reach. Trays of foods had been brought out and set within easy reach. The tableau was set, and she just waited. She heard the men approaching and let her
hand lay in the creek swirling the waters around, pulling the cord attached to her waist taut.

  She knew when they saw her, their conversation stopping and knew she had had the desired effect. She smiled and motioned for the men to join her. She had arranged the pillows so that Lord Azazarel would be at her feet, and the High Lord at her head, making a triangle. The trays of food sat in the middle within easy reach. She sat up, and reached for a piece of pear, one of her scarfs fell off revealing her pale shoulder. She saw the Lord Azazarel’s eyes track the scarf and smiled to herself.

  Turning to the High Lord, she fed him the pear, till her fingers touched his mouth, dripping with the juice. He looked into her eyes and gently sucked her fingers clean. She leaned back to reach into the water for a jug of mead, and like the night before she took a long sip before handing it to the High Lord. She reached back again, and pulled a second jug out and looked at Lord Azazarel. She took a long sip her eyes never leaving his, then handing it to the Lord Azazarel. He took a long drink. “High Lord, your mate has definitely outdone herself tonight. I have never seen a garment like the one she wears. Would you be opposed to her standing and showing it to us?” The High Lord looked to his lady and nodded.

  She slowly stood and held her hands out as far as the ties would allow and spun in a slow circle. The scarves spun out from her body as she moved, revealing glimpses of pale skin. She spun a little faster and one of the scarves secured under the cord at her waist came loose and fell onto Lord Azazarel’s face. She could not have planned that better if she had tried. The side of her right thigh was now bare as was her shoulder. The Lords clapped, and she took a little bow and carefully sat down. The High Lord looked at her with appreciation.

  “My dear, you are a jewel.” She smiled and offered the men the various platters filled with sliced fruits, cheeses and little pies. As the night before, she made sure that by the time the food was gone they had had plenty to drink.

  When Lord Azazarel stood to take his leave, he stepped over to her and took her hand. He turned it over and put a warm wet kiss on the inside of her wrist where her pulse was. “Thank you, my High Lady. It has been a pleasant evening.” She blushed and nodded her head. High Lord Esson took note of the interaction, but simply smiled and wished Lord Azazarel a good night.

  When they were alone again he looked at Zera with admiration. “You do know how to set a table, or in this case a blanket. I would like to see more of this outfit. Is it of your own construction?”

  She stood and spun at his direction. “Yes, High Lord. I thought you might enjoy it.”

  He smiled and said, “Why would I enjoy this over any other outfit you have worn?”

  With a secretive smile she said, “If my Lord would allow me to come there, so you might see why?”

  He nodded and she went to her knees in front of him. He reached to touch the scarf on her shoulder and it fluttered to the ground. He smiled as he realized the game she had played. “Hmm my lady, I do not think I understand. Please stand again so I can look at the construction again.” She followed his lead and obeyed. As she stood she felt a tug and the scarves fell away, leaving her with nothing but the gold chain that wrapped around her wrists and waist. “Yes, I see much more clearly now.” He stood and quickly swooped her up and carried her into the apartments and into his room. Shutting the door behind them, he said “Tonight, I do not want anyone to hear you.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The next morning, she awoke in her bed, at some point in the night she had fallen asleep, and her Lord must have carried her in here. It didn’t matter. He had broken his rule of her going into his room. Adda stood next to her bed, a mug of warm mead in her hand. She pointed at the door and mimed that Zera should get dressed. Quickly Zera dressed in a maroon shift, wrapping a gold cord around her waist. She piled her hair on top of her head, securing it with a gold band. She then went and sat at the small table and waited while Adda opened the door.

  A few minutes later, the High Lord walked in followed by a small thin boy. “My lady, here is the boy as promised. He is old enough to obey and knows not to speak. If he does speak, he must be punished, and as promised his punishment will be yours and Adda’s.” He looked them both in the eye making sure they understood.

  “Kale, you understand that you serve her High Lady now. If you misbehave, she will be punished as severely as you. You must never speak. You have one job and that is to bring a paper from the High Lady to myself. When you bring the paper to me, you will stand quietly at the door, looking at your feet. You will not move until I tell you to come to me. Then you will come give me the paper and immediately return to the High Lady. Do you understand?”

  Trembling the boy nodded his head.

  “You will sleep on a mat in the sitting room. When Adda goes to breakfast she will bring you with her and make sure you eat. Then, she will bring you to the High Lady. You will sit on the floor next to the fireplace and wait for orders. Do you understand?” Again, he nodded.

  Striding over to Zera, Esson whispered “Do not make me regret this. Now before I leave is there anything you need?”

  Zera whispered, “I would like dinner with you again tonight. And maybe some paper and charcoal. I am not used to such idle hands.”

  “I will join you for dinner tonight, just the two of us. I have a better idea for your hands. You seem quiet creative with clothing. I will have some sewing brought to you.” She nodded in appreciation. He kissed her nose and left.

  She sat thinking about tonight and how she should allow it to play. She knew Lord Azazarel would not take well to the exclusion. The High Lord had never dined with her alone. She chose where to set the blankets carefully. She decided that the smell of the mock orange tree that was in bloom would be the best spot. It was near the brook, which would allow for the mead to be kept cold. It also was far enough from the apartment that they would not be disturbed. She set about making a bed of pillows and blankets, a small nest that they could burrow into.

  Once the stage was set, she had Kale run a message to the High Lord. The High Lord flung the door open and stalked to her. “What part of I could not be bothered did you not understand?” He pushed her onto the bed and ripped her dress open. He opened the drawer next to the bed and pulled out a small jar. Tears pooled in her eyes as he put a finger into the jar, coating it with a white cream. He circled his finger around each breast in smaller and smaller circles, replacing the cream as need be. She cried silent tears as fire raced across her skin. The High lord grabbed her hand and fastened it to the top of the bed. “You will lay here until I return, the fire will remain until I release it.” He stalked into the bathroom, carrying the jar with him. She heard the tearing of clothes and knew that Adda was receiving the same treatment.

  The High Lord walked back into the room and eyed her. “Was it worth it, sending the boy to me when you knew not to bother me?” She turned her head and didn’t answer. He stalked to her and roughly flipped her to her stomach. The fabric of the bed touching her breasts almost made her scream. “When I speak you look at me and answer.” He stroked his finger down her spine and over her bottom, trailing ointment as he went. She screamed as fire coursed along her skin. He smiled and turned her head so that he could see her eyes. “Was it worth it?”

  “N-n-noo High Lord” He kissed her lightly on the cheek, licking away the salty tears, “Do you remember how I told you that punishment is only that if the one punishing hurts also?” She nodded, “Yes”. He took her hand and placed it on the front of his pants where it was obvious the effect this was having on him.

  “Watch.” He put his hand into the ointment and ran it down his stomach and into his pants. He hissed in pain as the ointment touched his skin. “For how long you must feel the fire, so must I.” With that he left her on the bed, silent tears running down her face. She could hear Adda sniffling in her room, the boy was nowhere to be seen.

  Hours passed until the High Lord returned, he stepped aside as one of the guards came in and
walked into the bathroom. He returned carrying Adda, tears running down her face. They left, and the High Lord shut the door.

  He released Zera’s hand from above the bed and sat down. “I’m sorry. I had to make it obvious to the others that our rules and way of life stand. They cannot see me distracted or weak. Lord Azazarel, especially, needs to see that I am in control. He picked her up and carried her to the pool in the bathroom. He carefully set her down in the water, and divested himself of his clothes and joined her. The water cooled the fire as it washed the cream away. He gently rubbed a cloth over her, making sure to remove all traces of the cream. “What was so important that you needed me so badly?’

  Zera thought about her answer, but it didn’t matter now. Instead of having help to prepare for the evening, she would prepare herself. “It does not matter now, High Lord,” She sat quietly. “Will you still join me for dinner?”

  “Yes, I have already told the men I will not be in the banquet hall.”

  “What will happen to Adda? And where is Kale?”

  “Adda will be taken care of by one of the nursemaids. She will return in the morning. Kale is with Adda. I did not feel he needed to see your punishment so had him stay in the sitting room.” He stood to leave the pool, “I cannot stay, there is much to discuss with the Lords. I will meet you at dinner.” He quickly put his clothes back on and left Zera. She laid back in the cool water and tried to relax her tense muscles. If tonight did not go as planned, she did not know what she would do.

  Chapter Twenty

  Zera sat on the blanket, nervously waiting for the High Lord to come for dinner. She didn’t know what to expect after this afternoon. She was angry that he had punished them to save face. The fact that he had included himself in the punishment didn’t make it feel right. If such a minor infraction received such a punishment, what would he do if he discovered her plan? Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself and looked around. It was as perfect as it could be. Hearing footsteps she looked up. Fear raced through her, and she tried to stand.