by Viola Grace
"Because the only reason I am a lady is that my father had sex with my mother, a poor reason for thinking I am above her in station, isn't it?"
He nodded as the idea ran through him.
"Why do some of you call him Lord Kalowell and others Lord Thorn?"
"It depends on when we entered his service. I grew up in the keep when his father was Lord Kalowell. Lord Thorn was in charge of the guard and defence, so most of the military still call him Lord Thorn while the newer and domestic staff call him Lord Kalowell."
When her ladies were finished swarming around Dorith, they nodded and she turned to Tonio. "Lord Thorn mentioned gardens?"
He grinned and nodded. "This way, ladies. Kalowell has some of the most beautiful gardens on the entire continent."
She inclined her head for him to lead the way. "We will be the judge of that."
Chapter Ten
Nasha had to admit that she was stunned at the beauty of the gardens around her. The flowers were lush and well-tended, fruits were sweet and the open grasses were a thick, soft carpet under her feet.
Her ladies were climbing trees and picking berries, laughing and chattering as they would have at home. It seemed the Fano women were adapting quickly.
Nasha was sitting on a bench and enjoying the afternoon sun on her face when a shadow fell across her face. "General Alsco, how charming to see you again."
He sat next to her, so close that she could feel the radiating heat from his thighs. "Lady Nasha, I hear that you have already spread your legs for Thorn."
Ithena began to rise in her, the hostility radiating off Alsco was rousing her protective instincts.
"We attempted to raise my star to the surface." She made a tiny gesture to keep her ladies back.
Tish looked worried and that was a bad thing. She had more sensitivity than any of the others combined and that meant Alsco was broadcasting unpleasant emotions.
Tonio looked conflicted and he suddenly darted back into the keep.
Nasha felt a flutter of disappointment that he abandoned her so easily.
"And were you successful?" He was trailing his fingers on her thigh and leaning toward her.
"Time will tell. I did give it my all though." Her skin was crawling at his touch.
"Would your so-called star rise with a more skilful lover, do you think?" The trail of his fingers turned into a more solid grip and he moved dangerously close to the juncture of her thighs.
A familiar voice struck out with a deep anger. "I think you should remove your hand and yourself from the keep, Alsco."
Thorn was emanating pure fury and a strange aura. Golden light was pulsing from him and a quick glance told her that Eshkar was in complete control.
Ithena rose to match her mate, her temperature rising until the general yelped in pain. With his hand removed from her, she went to stand beside her mate, looking at the male who was turning powder blue under her gaze.
"Nasha invited me to her bed. I swear it, my lord!"
A low growl came from Thorn's throat. "You lie. It was your hand on her, not hers on you that I saw when you were offering her your services, hashka. My mate's avatar did not invite or entice you in anyway."
"I promise, my lord. She started to seduce me on the journey to the keep."
Eshkar laughed. "She was naked, covered with blood and pinned against me. There was no ounce of seduction in her. She merely wanted escape. You will remove yourself from Kalowell lands immediately. I do not wish to kill you for defying my direct order to leave this woman alone."
Ithena placed her hand on Eshkar's arm. He calmed by inches. A half-dozen guards came and escorted Alsco out of the garden.
Eshkar looked down at her, stroking her hair away from her face. "He was my avatar's oldest companion. They grew up together, but even he was not surprised when Tonio came for help."
"She was contemplating strangling him with the chain Thorn placed on her."
He grinned. "Was she? She is a feisty thing, isn't she?"
"Once, I saw her rally her men to fight off forest bandits when she was twelve, I knew she was the avatar for me." She curled her arm in his and they began to walk through the garden. "This is a very lovely garden."
"It is his pride and a source of serenity. He won't admit it to her, but he gardens every chance he gets."
"She goes into the kitchen and bakes. Oh, she didn't like me saying that." Ithena laughed at the irate cursing of Nasha in her mind. "She is the most independent of my avatars, ever."
"He is strong and calm of mind. A great warrior and a better statesman. He was dying on the battlefield when I took him and with the healing I provided, he agreed to become my avatar. He was not too keen on the idea either. I have to admit his words to me are hardly deferential right now."
They passed Nasha's ladies-in-waiting who bowed low at the obvious presence of their star. The ladies kept a good distance from them, allowing them their privacy. How thoughtful.
Ithena smiled. "You should have heard Nasha cursing me out when I would not rise for you."
"You allow her to speak that way to you?"
"I sort of enjoy it. It lets me know that whatever she says it is from the heart. I never have to guess what she is thinking about."
A sober look from golden eyes into her red orbs ceased the momentary frivolity in her. "Thorn wishes to know how much she really hates the chains."
"She thinks they are rather pretty, but would rather have a choice."
Eshkar nodded. "Interesting. He wants her people to see her in chains. He believes it will make it easier for them to accept the loss of life involved in the defence of Fano."
"It is probable. She has quieted on the matter now."
He cleared his throat. "When do you think she will let him back into her bed?"
She laughed again. "She tricked him. She cannot share his bed, but there is no regulation against him sharing hers. Oh, she didn't like me sharing that information either."
Chuckling contentedly, she turned with him to return to the keep. Nasha was in a slow simmer of irritation but not generally furious. After years of living in her body, Ithena knew the difference.
"When will her people arrive?"
"By the end of the week. Thorn has sent off wagons and scouts to bring them here, but if she would sign a note to her people that allows them to come to us without worrying, it would be a good thing."
"She will do it. Take her to paper and pen and she will draft it immediately. Do you have housing arranged?"
"He does. He created a separate village two years ago when he began negotiations with Lord Fano. Their fields are ready for the growing season and supplies have been set aside for them to last them through the first two years."
"She is crying."
"Why?"
"It is what she wanted for her people. She wants them to live good, productive lives. Each member of her keep is known to her and as precious as true family. I had to blank most of her mind during the battle. She could not stand to see her men cut down."
"Ah, Thorn understands. It also explains why she fought when he caught you."
Ithena laughed again. "No, that was all her. I ducked out of sight the moment you were within fifty yards."
"Feisty indeed."
"I think she will be a good mother. You simply need to tell your avatar that there are other places than his bedchamber for sex. Wow, she really didn't like that one." Ithena was so busy laughing at her that she let her control slip away.
"Eshkar, if you so much as hint to Thorn of what she just said, I will…I don't know what."
Thorn's blue gaze focussed on her face. "Too late. I heard everything. She calms him quite well."
"She does. So you are going to pretend you didn't hear anything?"
His smile was pure masculine smugness. "For now, I will let you know when I change my mind."
With a sigh, she left him and returned to her ladies. With Tonio hovering nearby, they made their way back into the keep and Nasha
asked for a pen and paper. She had a declaration to write.
Chapter Eleven
After she penned and signed six copies of her declaration to let her people know that they had a new place to live and provisions and lodgings were waiting for them, she completed the tour.
The warriors practicing in the courtyard was a favourite of her ladies, so Nasha left them watching the men engage in mock battles, their bronzed blue bodies gleaming in the sun.
Nasha returned to the dark halls of the keep and tried to yelp in surprise as a hand covered her mouth and pulled her into an alcove.
The scent of the hand over her mouth started a surge of lust as she realized that it was Thorn holding her. His dark whisper in her ear sent shivers through her. "I have changed my mind."
He released her mouth and cupped her breasts through her gown, pinching her nipples through the cloth as his lips kissed and nibbled at her neck. He released her breast to raise her skirt to her hips as he bent her forward to cling to a small chair in the curtained alcove.
His hand left her body and she heard his own clothing rustling as he freed himself. The first blunt probe of his cock against her made her flinch, but he backed off, slid two fingers into her and spread the moisture that was flowing from her and then he returned to try again.
This time, the flared head rubbed in her moisture first and then slid into her by inches. For balance, she spread her feet and lowered her hands to the seat of the chair, opening herself to him as best she could.
He thrust slowly until he was firmly seated and then started to pull her back onto him with a heavy beat. The harsh slap of their bodies made a noise that had heat flaring in her skin from head to toe. The perverse thrill of having an active hallway outside the alcove and the idea that they could be discovered at any moment sent her spiralling toward a release that she ruthlessly muffled by biting her lip.
His groan was executed through clenched teeth and his body shook as jets of semen emptied into her channel. She whimpered softly as he pulled out of her and smoothed her skirt back into place. He adjusted his own clothing after that and she was still leaning forward on the chair, her muscles locked as strong aftershocks pulsed inside her.
Thorn helped her rise and turned her to face him, rubbing her back as he leaned forward for a leisurely kiss. "I look forward to our next encounter, dinner is in an hour."
He left her in the alcove with a wink and a caress on her buttocks.
Nasha's heat was starting to bloom. There was no doubt. Every time Thorn was near, her body readied for sex. It would have been embarrassing if it wasn't so much fun.
She returned to the balcony and watched the fighting with her mind a hundred miles away. When her body was ready and if Thorn was willing, children were a possibility. She smiled softly as she imagined a boy with her eyes and Thorn's stubborn chin and a daughter with the glowing blue of her father's gaze.
"What are you thinking, Nasha?" Vavi broke into her little fantasy world.
"Would you believe…nothing?"
Vavi snorted. "No. You smell like you are back in Lord Thorn's bedroom and you have this strange smile on your lips."
"Just thinking about settling down and having a family. I was thinking that I would like a boy with my eyes and a girl with his."
The other ladies smiled gently and Lass stated, "That is a good thought."
They all turned back to watch the battle with eyes that were looking inward and imagining lives of domestic bliss.
Life rarely remained blissful, but it was a really good thought.
"How were the men's skills today?" Thorn's voice was casual as he placed a helping of vegetables on her plate.
"They seemed to be in fine form when we got there, but it degenerated a bit by the time we left." She didn't have to reach for anything, he served her each portion as the food was brought out.
"It may have had something to do with their audience. We have a distinctly skewed population here."
She laughed. "I hadn't noticed. Two to one?"
"Something like that. Kalowell has always put a premium on their warriors and with Eshkar's help, the numbers shifted. Now, we are stable and have little to no worries of attack and the men are feeling the lack."
Nasha looked toward her ladies who were exchanging gazes with some of the battered and bruised men who had fought and flexed for their entertainment. "Well, I think we have an answer for five of them, ten if the men share."
He choked on his wine and gave her a look. "Kalowell men don't share."
"Good to know. You have set my mind at ease." She started in on her food.
Thorn gave her a dark look and set to his own meal.
It took her quite a while to finish the enormous pile of food that he had piled on her plate and she was groaning when the last mouthful was done.
Thorn nodded to her and lifted her to her feet at his side. The room fell silent. "One week from today, Lady Nasha of Fano and I will be joined in marriage. Her people will begin arriving in a few days and everyone is to extend every courtesy so that they will be at home."
The men stood and saluted again, the grunt and shout rang to the rafters.
"In other news, Captain Haros, present yourself."
From the ranks of the troops, a man stood and walked to stand before the head table.
Other captains seated on the other end of the table scowled.
"Captain, for your service to the keep and the loyalty of your men, I promote you to the rank of general. A space left open by the departure of Alsco."
Haros flushed and cast a glance toward the head table. Orial blushed at his direct gaze. "Thank you, Lord Thorn. I will do my best to prove worthy of the honour." He bowed sharply and with one more glance at Orial, he faced his lordship.
"As general, you will be responsible for greeting the new arrivals. Perhaps one of their own would ease the tensions of the first meetings. Lady Orial, would you discuss the needs of your people with the general on the morrow?"
Nasha fought her smile. He had noticed it as well. Good for him.
"Of course, Lord Kalowell. I will confer with my lady and relay her wishes for when our people arrive." Lady Orial stood and curtsied.
Haros moved toward Orial and extended his hand over the table. When she extended hers, he kissed the back of her hand. "I will seek you after breakfast, Lady Orial."
Nasha stifled a giggle as Orial snatched her hand back when laughter broke out in the room. "You could take lessons from him, Thorn."
"I will work on my techniques." He chortled and led her from the table.
As their departure dismissed the others, several men came to her ladies and made introductions, but a watchful Tonio stood by, keeping all comers from Mithwai with dark looks that meant business.
Her soul lighter than it had been in weeks, Nasha paced along with her companion to her new chambers. She gasped at the lovely and feminine rooms as she opened one door after another.
The bedroom was done in a beautiful silvery grey. "These rooms are lovely. Thank you."
"They were my mother's. Your ladies will be in rooms to either side."
"Wonderful. I wonder how long it will be until they are coupled up themselves." Idly she unlaced the shoulders of her gown before starting on the clasps.
"What are you doing?" He was watching her with rapt attention
"Getting ready for bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day." She undid the clasps from the bottom up and when the last clasp released, the silky embroidery slid to the floor.
She held her chain away from her body and smiled brightly as she turned her back to move toward the bed. "Goodnight."
Her striptease had its desired effect. He lifted her off her feet and came down on top of her with the bed breaking her fall.
He pinned her arms over her head and started a slow series of kisses that began at her hairline and worked down her face. She was leaning up to return his kiss, but he moved away, trailing kisses down her neck.
She arched un
der his attentions, sliding one leg up on the outside of his, her paler skin gleaming against the dark of his trousers. He gripped her buttock and rolled with her toward the headboard. She blinked up at him, bemused until she heard the tinkle of a chain and a click.
He had fastened her to the headboard.
With her in place, he levered off her and stripped in a flurry of clothing and flesh. Seconds later, he slid over her and into her in one slow move that shocked her.
The simple act of confinement had set her body aflame.
He began with a slow rocking thrust, which he stopped to suckle and bite at her breasts. He surged into her again and hard friction sent her into a shivering orgasm that he rode through. When she stilled, he started moving again, shifting his hips and slamming into her with an intensity that brought cries from her throat with every thrust. Her second climb to orgasm was slower, but he had the determination to bring her to the edge and her scream was muffled by his shout as her body twisted and gripped him unmercifully.
He fell to one side and unclipped her chain before pulling her against him.
She snuggled into his embrace and breathed deeply of their scent.
"They let us have this one to ourselves." Her amazement was unmistakable.
"They will wait until we are wed. Eshkar told me as much. They don't want our child born out of legality."
She sighed. "Things would be simpler if we weren't us."
He pressed a kiss to her forehead as she started to drift. "If we weren't us, we would never have met, so I will take whatever Eshkar brings from this point on without complaint. In you, I have the one thing I never thought to wish for."
She smiled sleepily against his neck. "Haros can now take lessons from you."
His chuckle soothed her into a dream-filled sleep where children with blue and lavender eyes played endless rounds of hide and seek and the stars were content.
Author's Note
Welcome to my one hundredth solo story. That's right 100! Yes, there have been co-writes, yes, there have been teeny stories for the anthologies of Extasy books, but for books that depended solely on me, this was number 100.
