“I really don’t know, I promise you! We sent out a few patrols to assess the strength of Ashmar’s defense, but nothing more.”
“Did you give orders to prepare for an attack?”
He emphatically shook his head. “No.”
Mauria unexpectedly entered the hall. Her love stood in horror as she saw his bloody hand. Mauria ran out and slammed the door.
Chapter 50
Mauria stood outside the Ashmar town hall. Her fists clenched in anger as she assembled her thoughts. She patiently waited until Lilly finished her reckless, immoral deed, then charged at her the moment Lilly emerged from the building. She grabbed her wrist and dragged her around the side.
“What are you doing?” Lilly asked.
She waited until they were behind the hall and slammed Lilly against the wall. Lilly had superior strength, but anger fueled her actions.
“There’s going to be a lot of yelling. I don’t want anyone to overhear us.”
“You don’t have to yell,” Lilly said.
She gritted her teeth. “The hell I don’t. You’ve done it again, haven’t you? Don’t try to deny it. I saw what you were up to.”
“This doesn’t involve you.”
“When are you going to understand that everything you do involves me, Lilly? Everything. Especially when you do something so stupid.”
“We needed the information, and I was the only one willing to obtain it.”
She threw Lilly’s wrist away from her. Lilly’s red stained finger caught her eye. “His blood, I presume?”
Lilly looked at her finger and remained silent.
She wiped the blood on Lilly’s dress. “Your actions affect others. Your revenge affects others.”
“This was not revenge.”
She turned away from Lilly. “It doesn’t matter. Once again you have acted without regard for others.”
Lilly spun around her. “I did it for others.”
“Did you kill that soldier for me? For my children?”
“What soldier?”
“The one near Masola. The one that got me whipped, and the one who ruined our family! Do you remember that one?”
Lilly looked toward the ground.
“I wasn’t there for Adrious or Manis when they needed me most. And…” She choked back tears. “And I wasn’t there for Shareis.”
“We needed the information. Thousands of lives depend upon it.”
She scoffed. “You can justify it however you want.”
She noticed Olivia standing at the edge of the building within earshot.
“Sorry… I wasn’t eavesdropping,” Olivia said. “I’m on the night watch, and I heard something.”
She stomped away, brushing past Olivia.
“I didn’t mean to—”
She dismissed Olivia. “It had nothing to do with you. That woman is stubborn and self-centered. She thinks only of herself.”
“You do realize she’s a Proctor, right?” Olivia asked.
She stopped. “I know they can be a bit obstinate.”
Olivia laughed. “Obstinate? Lilly is selfless for a Proctor. They don’t usually give us lowlifes the time of day.”
“She tortured Cadrin!”
Olivia smiled. “Oh… Sounds interesting.”
She continued walking. “Not that kind of torture. There was blood.”
“Well, a little—”
“I don’t have time for Skilla vulgarity.”
Olivia tugged at her hand. “You could use a little.”
“Excuse me?”
“Just what I said. Do you know the problem with humans?”
She folded her arms. “No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
“They are convinced that only their concept of morality is valid. They say they accept other cultures but turn their nose up at the first sign of disapproval. But have they ever stopped to think how some of their ways are backward to Skilla? And Proctors—they don’t like anyone. You’re lucky that one even speaks to you.”
“She injured him!”
“I’m sure she did,” Olivia said. “He wasn’t very talkative. He needed a good punch in the nose.”
“No, it wasn’t like that.”
“Look, Mauria, I know you’ve been through a lot—”
“You don’t know me,” she sneered.
She pointed around the building. “Oh, I do, because that beautiful woman wouldn’t stop talking about you the entire time we were gone. She’s in love with you.”
“It doesn’t matter,” she said.
“Love always matters. Good grief, woman. Are you going to live the rest of your life mad at Lilly?”
“You don’t know what she put me through.”
“No, I don’t,” Olivia said. “But I do know that we don’t get many chances at love. I do know that she’s a wonderful woman. She would do anything to protect you and your children.”
“Except when she loses her temper.”
“And you’ve never lost your temper?” Olivia asked.
“I’ve never killed anyone.”
“I have,” Olivia said. “You’re lucky you’ve never been in that place, Mauria.”
“You don’t understand.”
“No, you don’t understand. She loves you and would do anything for you. The information she obtained from Cadrin might save your life. It certainly saved you from having to do whatever she did to him.”
She sighed. “I…”
Lilly walked past them and proceeded to the tavern.
“And she’s got an amazing backside. I spent several hours cramped in a metal shaft staring at it and I can attest to its quality.”
“That doesn’t really matter.”
Olivia threw her hands up in frustration. “Don’t let all of that go.”
“Is that all you think about?” she asked.
“Not entirely. But you’re all Lilly thinks about.” She pointed to the inn. “Go talk to her.”
Chapter 51
Frasie warmed herself near the fire. She hoped her clothes would dry soon. A robe over her chemise did little to keep out the chill.
Aiden handed her a cup of Elvemon tea. “Are you comfortable?”
“No.” She smiled. “But I’m with you, and that makes everything better. How’s Marcus?”
“Sleeping,” he replied. “The wound isn’t angry red anymore.”
She took a sip of tea. “That’s great.”
He sat next to her on the sofa and wrapped his arm around her. “This is perfect.” He pulled a blanket over them. “Right here, with you, nestled by the fire.”
She looked at him and smiled. “We’ve spent so much time apart, or at odds with each other. I’m sorry for that.”
“None of that matters,” he said.
They drew closer and shared a tender kiss.
“I’m not cold anymore.”
He brushed away some of her curls and kissed her neck. It caught her breath. She tried to shed a layer of clothing but doing so underneath the covers proved an awkward challenge.
“There’s no graceful way to do this.” She stood and removed her robe. “That’s better.”
He sat on the edge of the couch and looked up at her. “You are absolutely gorgeous.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not. But there’s no use in arguing with you.”
“You’re learning.” He put his hands on her hips, then felt her through the cloth. She adored the sensation of his strong hands on her bottom.
She removed her underclothes and stood naked in front of him. He looked up at her and smiled, then kissed her stomach just below her belly button. He stood and embraced her, drawing her in for a lingering kiss.
She unbuttoned the top buttons on his shirt. “If I have to be naked, you do, too.”
He finished taking off his shirt. She ran her hands along his strong shoulders and muscles. He eased her down on the couch and moved on top of her. She adored the closeness of their bodies.
“I don’t know wh
at’s next,” she admitted. “I mean, I know what we’re supposed to do. I’ve seen it a lot, of course. On the farm, not in real life. I haven’t ever seen it with humans.” She hesitated. “I kind of wish I had, actually, then I’d know.”
“We don’t have to do anything,” he said.
She touched his face and smiled as she ran her hand along his stubble. “You are a sweet man. I don’t think just anyone would sleep with me and not even think of touching me inappropriately.” She gave him an incredulous glare. “You didn’t think about it, did you?”
He grinned. “If I’m being totally honest…”
She frowned. “Yes…”
“The thought crossed my mind. When I first cuddled to you, I wanted more. Briefly. And only once. I knew, of course, you weren’t interested and kept any stray thought under lock and key.”
“I appreciate that,” she said. “But now, there is no need.”
He looked away. “Well... I don’t know, I—”
She shook him. “Listen here, Aiden. We’ve waited long enough.”
He smiled. “I know. I am teasing you. But, are you sure? With all that’s going on?”
She nodded. “Yes. But don’t expect me to be good at this.”
“I haven’t had much experience myself. But I’ve read a book.”
She gasped. “Not Nivvy’s book?”
“No. Written by a Skilla. The dedication said something about freeing humans from their sexual ignorance.”
She took his hand. “I trust you.”
He kissed her again, then kissed her neck and chest. She ran her fingers through his hair as he gently worked his way to her breast. He licked her nipple with the tip of his tongue. She sharply inhaled when he took it in his mouth.
He grabbed hold of her waist and moved his kisses to her stomach. He circled her belly button with his fingers. “Is there no part of you that isn’t adorably perfect?”
She blushed. “A perfect beanpole, you mean.”
He eased further down, and she cringed as he exposed her golden-red patch of hair. She thought it looked atrocious, but she was delighted he seemed pleased. He eased back next to her, and, with a tender touch, rubbed his fingers between her legs. By instinct, her legs parted further, and her breathing quickened as he continued stroking her. Soon, she found herself moving her hips to the same slow, steady rhythm of his caress.
Aiden showed patience, but the exquisite sensations were overwhelming. She put her hand on his. “Can you stop…just a moment?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “It feels good, doesn’t it?”
“Oh yes! I’m not used to it.” She fanned herself with her hand. “And it’s so hot in here.”
He looked around the room. “Seems alright to me.”
“This is complicated!”
He grinned. “Maybe. But we don’t have to continue.”
“No, please… It feels wonderful.” She pointed down there. “Go back to what you were doing. I won’t interrupt again.”
He resumed stroking her. “It would be alright if you do.”
“Not a chance.”
His touch felt even better. The sensations were strong, but not so completely overpowering that she couldn’t enjoy them. His fingers glided easily over her most delicate skin, providing long, slow, uninterrupted movements of sheer bliss.
She tugged at his belt. “You’re still overdressed, Aiden.”
“The book said to take it slow.”
She unfastened his buckle. “I read fast.”
He removed his pants. She caught sight of his fully naked body and felt an immediate need to be as close to him as possible. She pulled him toward her, and he laid on top of her as he gazed into her eyes. The reality of what was about to happen hit her when she felt him against her.
He kissed her, then guided himself into her. He took his time, but there was some discomfort. She expected that and hoped it would pass soon because the sight of him over her and the feeling of him inside her provided immense satisfaction.
After some difficult moments, the pain subsided, giving way to a warm, fulfilling pleasure. She arched her back, and seemingly by instinct he pushed further, meeting a growing need inside her. Her breaths became soft moans. Just as things were going well, he stopped.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing. Just…need a minute.”
She shook her head. “No! Keep going.”
“I will…but wait.”
“I—”
“Trust me on this one, alright?” he asked.
It finally occurred to her what he was doing. She felt so silly for being naïve. She kissed and hugged him while he took a pause. After a moment, he resumed.
“That’s better,” he said.
“Mmm hmm.”
At first, she savored their closeness, but as his movements intensified, she lost herself in the building pleasure. Her hips rocked in time with his, and she began to pant. He stared into her eyes and gave her long, slow strokes. The miniscule pause between each felt like it would last an eternity.
“Faster,” she whispered.
He wasted no time in complying with her wishes. Her breasts ached to be touched, so she grabbed them and gently squeezed. Her muscles tensed, her legs stiffened, and she had no idea what to do with her hands. She held onto his side, then reached around and felt his bottom. She adored feeling his muscles work as he kept up the pace.
She let a whimper escape as her body perfectly matched his broad movements. Her heart raced, and brief shudders of pleasure rippled through her body. An unusual sensation radiated throughout her, and without thinking of it, she clenched her fists and cried out in bliss. She gripped Aiden with surprising pulses of intense contractions. As the waves subsided, she released the remaining tension in quick, awkward jerks.
His pace quickened, and his gaze intensified. He grunted as his muscles strained, then a pleasing warmth filled her with his release. He held on tightly as he finished, then collapsed on her chest. His head rested on her sweaty skin between her breasts. She ran her fingers through his hair as he recovered.
“I heard so many bad things about what my first time might be like. I thought it would hurt so much. But not with you, Aiden.”
“I saw you grimace,” he said.
“A little. But soon it was wonderful.”
He kissed her cleavage. “I’m glad. I was trying not to hurt you.”
“I’m so exhausted,” she said.
He brushed her cheek. “I’m sorry. Maybe you weren’t ready.”
“Oh, trust me, I was ready. I’ll be alright.” She looked into his eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you, Frasie.”
Chapter 52
Lilly waited until daybreak and knocked on Niv and Shareis’s door.
Her daughter answered. “Mom… Is everything alright?”
“Yes. I successfully extracted information from Cadrin.”
Shareis looked at her wife, still in bed sleeping, then sighed. “She’s not going to like it.”
“I did what I had to do.”
“Give us a few minutes and we’ll meet you outside.”
Lilly sat on the bench and waited for them. After a while, they joined her, and they took a walk around town.
“I didn’t want to discuss this in front of the others,” Shareis said.
Niv frowned. “I asked you not to harm him. Is he alright?”
“He’ll live.”
“I hope it was worth it,” Niv said.
“It was,” she replied. “And we are in serious trouble. I’ll start with the good news. The ships are the finest of their fleet. They spent a lot of resources constructing them, and as such, a second round of ships, if they arrive at all, will be cargo freighters to ferry coal. They won’t pose a threat.”
“We’ve been so busy defending ourselves against this attack that I hadn’t thought about the second wave,” Niv said.
“The troops stationed at the shore are vulnerable,” Li
lly said. “They came with around five hundred soldiers and, in the fighting so far, I believe we’ve taken out as many as fifty.”
“If their armaments were the same as ours, we would stand a chance,” Shareis said. “But since we can’t use magic…”
“About that,” Lilly interjected. “We thought that all of the men under Cadrin’s command were dosed with verdic acid, but this is not the case. Everyone born on Asaria has verdic acid in their bloodstream.”
Lilly stopped and faced them. “Now we get to the bad news. Morgan does not have verdic acid, thus she is able to use magic. And, she can use it on anyone, even those with verdic acid, because she wears the Amulet of Light—an amulet with a shimmering gold gemstone. It amplifies the wearer’s intent, but Cadrin is unsure of its other abilities.”
“I didn’t see anything around her neck,” Shareis said.
“Magic is taboo in Steelcove, so she keeps it hidden.”
Niv stopped and pulled a dark-purple amulet from the neckline of her dress. “She’s not the only one.”
She gasped. “What is that?”
“The Amulet of Darkness. Mae had it all these years and never told us.”
“And she gave it to you?” she asked.
“After Adrious told me of the three amulets, I suspected my mother was involved. I confronted her, and she admitted she had it. She handed it to me and told me to take care of it.”
She tilted her head. “You mentioned three amulets.”
“I wielded the Amulet of Balance for a time, but it was destroyed during a ritual to rescue Maeva.”
“The Amulet of Light may have allowed her to charm Cadrin,” Shareis said. “Perhaps yours will allow you to do the same, Niv.”
“We have no way of knowing.”
“We do,” she said. “Follow me.”
She led them to the town hall and found Cadrin with his head hunched over, sound asleep. She pointed to him. “Your test subject, Niv.”
Niv shook her head. “I don’t feel comfortable using magic against him.”
“Why not?” she asked. “If he had it, he wouldn’t hesitate to use it on you.”
“He is a savage murderer. I am not.”
“I am not suggesting you kill him. I’m sure you could use a spell that would…slightly injure him without causing any lasting damage.”
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