Shyly, she agreed and turned to go into the bedroom. She got her toiletries out of her bag and carried them into the bathroom. While Henry was filling the tub, adding bubbles he had found in a cupboard, she brushed her teeth and slowly undressed.
Henry turned off the water and stood up, turning around. When he saw her standing there, his breath caught in his throat. “Beautiful,” was all he said.
She stepped forward, and he helped her into the tub before undressing himself quickly and joining her. He began to wash her, then he let her reciprocate. They kissed, laughed and splashed around until the water began to cool, then he stood in all his naked glory and pulled her up by the hand. He held on to her as she stepped out onto a bath mat next to the tub and grabbed a towel from a nearby rack.
Then, he got out and took the towel from her. After drying her carefully, he wrapped the towel around her and took down another for himself. When they were both dry, she went on into the bedroom to turn down the bed while he stayed behind to let the water out of the tub and brush his teeth.
Karia slipped on her robe and towel dried her hair before running a comb through it. She was just finishing when Henry joined her, wearing a pair of boxers only. His hair was still damp as he walked toward the bed.
When he reached her, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Finally, he whispered, “My love, my sweet, sweet Karia, I don’t know what the future holds for either of us, but one thing I do know. I will treasure the memory of this night forever. I love you.”
“As will I,” she whispered back. “We’ll always have tonight. I l-love you, t-too, Henry.”
After their earlier discussion about the future, both of them realized that they might not always be together. And if they did choose to spend their lives together, they knew that it would be an entirely different life. They would someday become the king and queen, and that was a lot to think about, for both of them.
He lifted her into his arms and placed her gently on the bed. Then he placed a finger on her lips and said, “No more thoughts about the future, about what may or may not happen. Tonight, it is only you and me. No castle, no school, no paparazzi or royal engagements, just two people celebrating their love and affection for each other.”
Karia nodded in agreement, and he bent down, replacing his finger with his lips.
He leaned his body over hers then scooted her over while he joined her on the bed, his tongue still entwined with hers.
Karia gave in to the kiss, putting their earlier conversation out of her mind. Right now, all that mattered was this cottage, this room, this bed. She was with Henry, and for tonight, he was hers and hers alone. Nobody was going to interrupt them or disturb them. It was the perfect setting for a night of love. No matter how confusing her feelings were about the future, tonight, this was what she wanted. She wanted Henry.
His lips and tongue moved down her body, first, to her shoulders where he placed tiny butterfly kisses. Then, he moved to her breasts, taking a turn with each of them, sucking and teasing before moving to her flat belly to place more kisses there. Next, he kissed down one leg and up the other until he got to the top and came to the apex between her legs—her sweet spot, the place that desired his touch, needed his attention, and had waited patiently for him to arrive there.
He took his time, teasing her with his tongue before giving her the full-on effect. Karia writhed beneath him, arching her hips to get closer. Henry raised his head and looked at her with a grin. “Greedy little girl,” he remarked before resuming his tongue action.
But she didn’t care how greedy he thought she was. She wanted—no, she needed—relief. She had been waiting patiently for another opportunity to be alone with her prince. Heaven knew those chances didn’t come along often. She was going to take full advantage of this time in his arms. She intended to come and come often this night.
And Henry made sure she did. When she fell apart in his arms the first time that night, he held her until her body stopped shuddering then hurriedly stripped out of his boxers and impaled her with his rock hard cock. He thrust hard, but Karia adjusted and matched him, thrust for thrust, until they both lay spent in each other’s arms after sharing an earth-shattering orgasm.
He got up to get them some water, and before long, he was at her again, kissing, sucking, teasing. This time, she mounted him and rode him with abandon until they were both screaming in delight as the erotic waves crashed over them and threatened to take them out to sea. A nap, and then again, only this time, slower as they held each other and made love in the early morning hours.
It was nearly dawn when they finally fell asleep again.
Chapter 8
They got up around nine, and Karia made breakfast after they enjoyed lovemaking in the shower. She had gotten in and was enjoying that first spray of steamy water when he’d decided to join her.
With a giggle, she said, “I thought you were sleeping.”
“I was until I heard you get up. Mind if I join you?”
“Well, since you’re already in here, what can I say?” she teased as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him good morning.
“Good answer,” he murmured through the kiss. Then he grabbed a loofah and began washing her, stopping to kiss each body part after he’d cleaned it.
“Mmm,” she said, “I think this is going to be a long shower.” She took the sponge from him and reciprocated.
Suddenly, he lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he pushed her against the wall of the shower compartment. He kissed her thoroughly, his teeth grazing her lower lip before his tongue invaded the velvety warmth of her mouth to dance with hers.
Karia sighed in pleasure. After the night that they’d just spent together, she hadn’t expected this, but she wasn’t complaining. They would soon be on their way back to the real world, so one more time with him was not something she was against. Not in the least, in fact, she welcomed it.
He kissed her neck and moved down to her breasts, giving each one equal time and attention. When he raised his face to hers again, he positioned his thick cock at her opening and moved her body down on him.
Karia gasped, taking him all at once. Then she began to move with him as he pounded into her, pushing her against the wall. She ran her fingers through his wet hair and closed her eyes, reveling in the sensations that were already threatening to take over her body.
He leaned down and kissed her then slipped a finger into her back entrance. That was all it took for her to start screaming out his name in ecstasy. “Henry, oh my God, Henry.”
The shudders wracked her body, and it wasn’t long before he was also yelling out with his own release. It hadn’t taken long for her to come, but with Henry, that was always the way, it seemed.
When he had carefully put her down so her feet were once again touching the floor of the stall, he kissed her long and hard before washing her again. He then finished his own shower and turned off the water before helping her out.
Once they had dried and dressed, they went into the kitchen to scramble some eggs for breakfast. With English muffins and jam, coffee, and juice, they sat down to eat before getting ready to head back to the city.
“I hate to leave. It’s been so peaceful here,” she commented as she spread the jam on a muffin.
“I know. We’ll have to do this again sometime,” he agreed. “It was nice to get away. And what was even nicer, was spending the time with you.”
She smiled, and they finished eating. If she was going to keep her promise to Emma, they would have to get going soon.
Henry helped her tidy the cottage before they packed their belongings. He told her that they should turn on the dishwasher and change the bed linens, and the housekeeper would take care of everything else.
Soon, they were on the road. It was another beautiful day, and even though she hated to leave so soon, the drive was relaxing as they talked and enjoyed the autumn scenery. They arrived back at the castle around two and were greeted by Emma, who wa
s just coming down the stairs.
“Hi, you two. How was your time in the country?” she asked.
“It was a beautiful setting. We enjoyed it very much,” Karia said. “What did you do yesterday after we left?”
“I spent the afternoon shopping with friends, then we had dinner and went out. We all ended up spending the night at Catherine’s house. I actually just got home a short time ago myself.”
“I’m so glad you could see your friends. Did the press bother you at all?” Henry asked.
“Of course, they did. We just smiled prettily for the cameras, and they left us alone after getting their photos.”
Henry laughed and turned to Karia. “She’s so used to it by now that she just goes along with them.”
“Maybe I should try that,” she replied with a grimace.
“I think we are meeting in the den for tea and sandwiches if you want to join us. Mum and Dad are already there,” Emma informed them.
“Yes, we will be there after we take our bags up. We had breakfast before we left, but I’m famished,” Henry replied.
“You do know that someone can take your bags up to your rooms for you, brother dear,” Emma reminded him with a wink.
“That’s all right. We can do it. See you in a few.” He winked back at her.
“What was that all about?” Karia asked.
Henry chuckled. “I want a few minutes alone with you, so we’ll take our bags up before we join them.”
“Oh, now I get why she winked and you winked back. You are so bad!”
“Yes, that’s what they say.”
They stopped at her room first. He kissed her at the door and said, “Do whatever you need to do and I’ll be back in a few.”
Karia rushed into her room and set her overnight bag down then went into the adjoining bath to freshen up from the automobile ride. When she walked back out into the bedroom, she heard a knock on the door. Henry stood on the other side, and when she opened it, he moved inside to take her in his arms.
“I need one more kiss,” he said as his lips met hers.
The kiss turned into one of those passionate, toe curling ones, and Karia finally broke away, saying, “You don’t want to start something you can’t finish, so we’d better head back down.”
With a sigh, he agreed, “You’re right, of course. Shall we?” He extended his arm, and she took it. They descended the stairs together and met the others in the den for tea.
After they had eaten, Emma suggested that she and Karia take a ride before they each had to go back to school. As they walked to the stables together, she asked, “So, tell me. Was it romantic?”
“It was like something out of a dream or a movie. The cottage is lovely, the grounds are beautiful and the best part was that we were truly alone.”
“Well, not to burst your bubble, but you do know that there were guards around. You just couldn’t see them because they had orders to stay out of sight.”
“I guess I knew that, deep down, but I chose not to think about it. Henry was able to relax. We walked, cooked, talked. It was really nice.”
“I’m happy for you. I know it’s been difficult to date my brother.”
“Emma, I’m not sure how this will turn out. We may be together forever, but we may not. We discussed that. I want you to know that no matter what happens in the future, I hope to always be your friend.”
“Oh, no worries there. I know neither of you is ready for anything heavy right now. And even if you don’t end up as my sister-in-law, we’ll always be friends.”
They enjoyed their afternoon ride together as they continued to chat, and when they got back to the castle, it was time to think about packing.
When she was back downstairs with her bags, the staff had lined up to tell her and Emma both goodbye. The cook handed each of the girls a tin full of freshly baked cookies to take back to school with them. Once they had dispersed, the king, queen and Henry stepped forward to tell the girls goodbye as well.
“Come back anytime, Karia. We so enjoyed having you here with us,” Henry’s mother said as she hugged her. She moved to Emma and started talking to her.
“Yes, my dear, you and your family are always welcome,” King George said. He also went to his daughter then, leaving Henry to say goodbye to Karia.
“I’ll miss you,” he said as he put his arms around her.
“I’ll miss you too,” she replied. “Call and text when you can.”
“I will, and you do the same. I’ll answer when I can.” He leaned down to give her a chaste kiss, and then it was time to go.
Henry hugged his younger sister, and then the family walked out with the girls to the waiting cars.
Karia waved out the window as the driver drove away, wondering when she would see Henry again.
Karia was back at the academy. It was Monday morning, and she was ready to dive back into her classes. When she had returned the day before, she had noticed the eerie, paranormal feel of the mountain as she rode in the back of the royal car. What was it about this place? Not only did it have the name of a place used in fictional references, but it really was a somewhat spooky location to someone who was approaching it for the first time. She’d been here for over a year, and it still seemed surreal to her at times. Maybe it was the old-fashioned atmosphere, the disciplinary actions the school enforced, or maybe just the seclusion. She knew the school wasn’t haunted, and no one had ever hinted that it was, yet it held an aura about it that would make one wonder at times. The academy did have some strange traditions, but other than that and the fact that it was so secluded, she’d found it to be a good place to learn her craft. The professors were knowledgeable, the staff friendly, and the students normal. Of course, there was Professor Armstrong and his dark ways, but he was eccentric. He wasn’t the only person who held to old-fashioned ideas, even if he was a somewhat young man. The building the academy was housed in was old, and she’d never researched the history of it. She’d bet it was an interesting one, though.
Her thoughts went to Henry then. They had spent an absolutely wonderful twenty-four-hours in the country together. She would have to put those memories in the back of her mind for now, bringing them out only at night when she was alone in her bed. He had been sweet and caring, showering all of his attention on her for that brief amount of time. There had been no late-night meetings with his father, the king, no phone calls to interrupt them, and no paparazzi following them around in the hopes of snapping a few photos to put a false headline with. It was just Henry and Karia, a young couple away for the day and night. She remembered the conversation as she sipped her morning tea.
“It’s lovely,” she said as he showed her around.
“Yes, I’ve been here a few times with the guys, during my carefree days,” he said with a laugh.
“Oh, no girls?” she queried, afraid to hear his answer.
“There may have been a party or two,” he said. “But I’ve never brought a girl here for a romantic weekend until now.”
“Really?”
“Really,” he replied as he grabbed her to him and leaned his head down to kiss her.
“Are you ready to go? I’ll walk with you,” Colleen said, bringing her back to the present.
“Yes, let me rinse my cup and grab my books, and I’ll be right with you,” Karia replied.
“You were a million miles away. I’m guessing that means you had a fantastic break with Henry.”
“I did. There were some things he needed to take care of when I first arrived, but it gave me some girl time with Emma.”
“Well, it’s back to work today, I’m afraid. The first day back after break is always grueling.”
“Don’t I know it. May as well get this day over with,” she agreed as she and Colleen left their room.
They saw several of their friends and classmates in the dining hall when they arrived for breakfast. Many of the faculty were also there, enjoying a quiet cup of tea and some food before classes began.
&
nbsp; They joined Rhiannon and some others after filling their plates at the sideboard. The conversation centered around what everyone had done on their break.
Karia was grateful that it was time to go before it was her turn to talk. She picked up her tray and said, “Look at the time. We should get a move on. I’ll see you at lunch.” After placing her tray where it belonged, she walked on to her first class.
Everything was going well until the end of the day when she had a meeting with Master Armstrong. She waited outside his office until the student before her walked out and shot her a look that said she’d been thoroughly punished for some offense or another. Bloody hell! Karia thought. Am I to be next? She picked up her bag and stood, ready to knock on the door when it opened, startling her.
“Ah, there you are, Miss Daly. I was beginning to think you were tardy again.”
“No, sir, uh, Master Armstrong. I have been waiting out here for about five minutes,” she said in her own defense.
“Well, come along then. I don’t have all day,” he said as he ushered her inside.
Once she was seated, he took the chair behind his desk and looked over at her with that dark, sinister smile she had grown accustomed to. “Now, Miss Daly, tell me. Have you been working on your article at all, or did you spend your break playing?”
“Um, yes, I did work on it a bit. I didn’t have a lot of time, as I was visiting friends.”
“And by friends, I assume you mean the royal family?” he asked, his annoyance obvious in his sarcastic undertones.
“Actually, yes. I did spend a few days with Princess Emma. Then Prince Henry was able to take some time away from his duties as well.”
“Ah, of course. I trust he took you someplace special?” he prodded.
“We did attend a play one night,” she supplied, leaving out the fact they’d gone to the country for a day and night together. “We went riding with the family one morning. It was a pretty laid back week. The paparazzi always seems to be on the lookout for him, so it’s easier for us to stay close to the palace than to go out a lot.”
Karia and the Prince (Avalon Adventures Book 2) Page 10
