At last, there was a final decisive battle. I and my brother fought alongside our father and we surged headlong into the fighting. I was pinned down by a lord of the Kestrel dynasty who took my hand as we battled. I was certain for death when Leos came to my aid. I would have died if it wasn’t for him. He carried me from the battlefield on his back. His act of bravery earned him the undying respect of my father and that of the other dynasties. On that day he became a living legend.”
The Raven King fell silent, lost in his own thoughts. The prolonged silence started to make Kayla feel uncomfortable. “I knew there was something special about him, the moment I met him,” she said. “You must be very proud of him.”
Geminus looked at her sharply. “Yes,” he sneered. “He is a true hero.”
The bitterness in his tone was overpowering. Kayla instinctively edged toward the archway. “Well, I should be going back inside. I’m tired and I think it’s time I went back to my quarters.”
“Wait,” Geminus said. He reached out with his good hand and grabbed her by the arm. “Leos might be the hero, but don’t dismiss me completely. We are closer in character than you might think. I must be ruthless to survive as the Raven King, but I can be gentle, I can make you happy if you let me!”
“You’re hurting me!” Kayla retorted, trying to pull free of him. “Let me go!”
Geminus yanked her to him and bore down on her. His breath was stale with wine. “Don’t fight me,” he rasped. “I can satisfy you just as much as he can!”
“Let me go!” Kayla yelled, turning her face away from his hungry lips.
“Kayla?” Leos’ voice suddenly called out through the gloom. “Kayla? Are you out here?”
In an instant Geminus released her and retreated to the balcony as Leos emerged from the archway. He looked at his brother and frowned before hurrying over to her. “Are you all right?” he asked anxiously. “When I realised you’d left the feast I got worried.”
“I’m, I’m okay,” Kayla said, grateful for the strength of his presence. She wanted to sink into his arms.
“Kayla wanted to get a breath of air,” Geminus said, coming over to join them. “I have been telling her how fantastic you are, how you saved me from certain death at the Battle of the Three Kingdoms.”
“Oh,” Leos said, looking at Kayla strangely. “It was nothing.”
“Yes, saving my life is nothing important, I agree,” Geminus smirked. “Well, if you’ll excuse me I have some more carousing to do. You look tired my dear Kayla, you should get some rest. I’m sure Leos will take care of you.” With that he strode away.
Leos watched him go and then turned back to Kayla. His hands came up to hold her arms. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked. “You’re shaking.”
Kayla wanted to tell him that Geminus had tried to force himself on her, but she couldn’t find the words. They had seemed like good friends in the banqueting hall, and he was the King after all, how could she accuse him and, worrying still, would Leos believe her?
“Geminus is right, you do look tired,” he said, stroking his finger under her right eye. “Was he being obnoxious again? Just ignore him. He gets like this when he’s in his cups. I know he was scary in the throne room earlier today, but at heart he is a decent man. You’ll just have to get used to his peculiar ways.”
Kayla nodded, deciding to hold her silence. Geminus had been drinking heavily during the feast, and it wouldn’t be the first time a guy had made a play for her after hitting the bottle a little too hard. She wondered what would have happened if Leos had not turned up but pushed the uncomfortable thought to the back of her mind.
“I will, I promise,” she said, putting on a false smile. “I really am tired. I need my bed.”
Leos hugged her. “Come along then. I will escort you there.”
“Will . . . will you stay with me?” Kayla asked timidly. “I just want someone to hold me tonight,” she added quickly. “Nothing else though, is that a problem?”
Leos smiled and kissed her softly on the top of her head. “Of course not. I will be a perfect gentleman.”
Feeling safer now Leos was with her, she allowed him to take her back to her quarters and hoped Geminus would have forgotten his passion for her in the morning.
* * *
When she awoke to the sunlight streaming through the terrace windows that dominated the north wall of her quarters, she felt refreshed. The unpleasantness of last night was a distant memory and Leos’ strong warm body wrapped around her like a blanket. She snuggled closer to him luxuriating in the feel of the silk sleeping robe he wore.
He had been a perfect gentleman the night before, and had not made a move on her which she appreciated. She thought again about telling him about Geminus but again decided against it. Looking at his beautiful face while he slept, she hadn’t the heart to cause him any upset or to spoil things for herself. She would pretend it never happened and move on.
She slipped back into a light doze until one of the handmaidens entered the room bringing along a generously stocked breakfast tray. The freshly cooked delicacies roused Leos from his slumber and he greeted Kayla with a light kiss on her lips before the both of them padded out onto the terrace that overlooked the mountains and sat down at the breakfasting table that was set out there.
“I thought we’d do some exploring today,” Leos said as they breakfasted. “I’d like to show you some of the country surrounding the city. We could have a picnic.”
“Oh yes, that’s an excellent idea,” Kayla said enthusiastically. She was chomping at the bit at the chance of going out into Zodia, and it meant she wouldn’t run into Geminus.
“I’m glad you agree,” Leos said. “I know we didn’t get to spend much time together last night, but I was expected to present myself to the court and it was good to see Virgon again.”
“I bet it was nice to catch up with your brother too,” Kayla said carefully. “You seemed to be really enjoying yourself last night.”
Leos shrugged his shoulders. “Geminus enjoys his festivities, perhaps a little too much, but yes it was nice to reminisce on better times. We have seen little of each other during the war and when we did speak we argued on how best to conduct the campaign. Still, that is all in the past.”
Kayla nodded. “Well I’m looking forward to spending some more time with you.”
“I like spending time with me too,” Leos said in a deadpan voice. “Now eat up and go get ready. We should be going while the day is still young.”
While Kayla showered, Leos went back to his own quarters to freshen up. They next met in the hanger below the palace. He was standing by a small, sleek aircraft that was shaped to resemble a dove.
“I thought we’d take out my personal flyer,” he said, smiling at her as he loaded a hamper into the tiny compartment behind the vehicles’ two front seats. “I hope you feel safe with me at the controls.”
“I guess so,” said Kayla. “I didn’t know you were a pilot.”
“Sure. For a little while I was doing supply runs to the Martian frontlines. I only crashed four times.”
“What?”
“Just joking,” Leos assured her. “It was only three.”
“That really fills me with confidence,” Kayla drawled.
Leos bowed and gestured for her to climb aboard. “Your carriage awaits, my lady,”
“Thank you, kind sir,” Kayla replied clambering through the hatch door and settling down into the passenger seat. Leos came in after her, closing the hatch door as he did so.
“Let us be off,” he said as he took the controls with expert ease.
The engine roared to life and the compartment thrummed with power. Kayla exhilarated in the sensation as the tiny craft detracted its landing struts and rose into the air. Leos gunned the controls and the flyer surged across the hangar and out into the bright sky.
“I love that part,” Leos whooped as they sped away from the city. “Are you okay?”
“I’m doing ju
st great,” replied Kayla grinning like a big kid. “Can we go faster?”
“With pleasure,” laughed the Raven Prince.
For the next half hour they soared and swept through mountains and over wooded valleys. Leos was an expert pilot and eagerly showed off his flying skills, performing several tricks, looping the loop and diving down until the bottom of the craft brushed against the treetops. Kayla whooped with delight, thrilled by the experience.
An overwhelming sense of freedom washed over her and she felt alive and vital. All her problems and anxieties melted away and she became lost in the moment. She could stay in the air forever, for all she cared, living like a bird on this magnificent, beautiful planet.
Leos took them over red forested hills and serene lakes, along silver gorges and up into vast mountainous regions. Kayla gazed down on picturesque villages of pink stoned habitation nests and sprawling farms where bulky, orange furred creatures that Leos called Jorphreys grazed contentedly.
On the lower plains horse-like animals with long slender necks and dazzling crystal feathers all over their bodies galloped at tremendous speeds, almost moving as fast as their own aircraft itself.
“They are called yollans,” Leos replied in answer to her question. “They are the fastest animals on the planet, and very few people have ever been able to catch one, let alone tame it. It’s always been a dream of mine to own a yollan myself.”
“They’re so perfect,” Kayla said in a breathy voice. “I’ve never seen anything so exquisite, so handsome. It would be a great shame to keep anything so perfect in captivity.”
“And there was me thinking I was the most exquisite and handsome thing you’d ever seen,” Leos said giving her a mock pout.
Kayla leaned forward and delivered a long, lingering kiss on his sweet tasting lips. “You come a close second, my beautiful boy,” she purred, “or maybe a close third, now I come to think about it.”
After another hour or so of flying, Leos finally brought the flyer down in a lush meadow tucked behind a dense forest and bordering a large, deep river that was fed by a rushing waterfall tumbling down from the mountains.
Brightly coloured flowers were sprinkled over the deep grasses and the air was scented with honeyed blossoms. As Kayla disembarked from the flyer and stretched her legs, she drank in their surroundings and smiled to herself.
Leos came down after her, carrying the hamper. Setting it down, he pulled off his boots and padded barefoot through the meadow and down to the river.
“I used to come up here as a child,” he explained when Kayla came to join him. “This was my hiding place when life in the palace got too much.”
He sat down on the riverbank and put his feet into the green waters. Kayla crouched down behind him and began massaging his broad shoulders through the silky fabric of his shirt. “You had a rough childhood?”
“It wasn’t the easiest,” Leos admitted. “Zodian politics is rife with intrigue and assassinations as the three dynasties of the Raven, Kestrel and Eagle vie for supremacy. I learnt a long time ago to be very careful who I put my trust in. My mother died when I and Geminus were little, so we were raised by cold, distant nursemaids and our father barely bothered with me. He had affairs of state to deal with.”
“That sounds like a very difficult way to live,” Kayla said as she ran her fingers along his neck muscles, easing out the kinks she found there. “Wow, you’re really tense.”
“Mmmm, that feels amazing,” Leos said. “Oh yes, keep doing that. Are you some kind of expert?”
“Massage is a favourite hobby of mine,” Kayla explained, “but we were talking about your troubled childhood not my skilful fingers.”
“Please, no psycho-analysis,” Leos said. “Besides, Geminus had it tougher than me.”
At mention of the Raven King, Kayla felt her mood go down. “That so?” she said airily, not wanting to give anything away to Leos.
“He was the heir, so father was harder on him than me. He knew Geminus would have to be strong to keep hold of the Raven Kingdom. Our father died of a sudden illness when we were young, and Geminus had to take control before he was ready which didn’t help matters. No doubt you think he is cruel and sadistic, but he has to display his strength at all times. If our enemies in the court or the other two Kings see even a hint of weakness they would move in to strike. Geminus must be on his guard at all times. I don’t envy him his position.”
Kayla thought about this. “The political situation is really that bad?”
“At any given time the three Great Kingdoms are on the verge of war. The rest of the confederacy of planets that we own are unaware of how bad the situation is, and I wish it could be different.
Perversely, when we were fighting against the Earth, the dynasties put aside their old feuds and ambitions in order to preserve our dominions, but now the Neo-Fascists have been defeated, I’m afraid the old hostilities will emerge again.”
“That’s very sad,” said Kayla. “You’d think people would have had enough of fighting.”
“I had hoped that Geminus would try to heal the rifts and forge a new beginning, but he doesn’t seem interested,” Leos replied. “He is happy for things to go back to how there were.”
“Maybe if you were Raven King, things could change,” Kayla said.
“Maybe, but that won’t happen for a long time and hopefully it never will,” Leos replied, “but I didn’t bring you here to talk politics,” he added, turning round until he was facing her.
She smiled knowingly. “What did you bring me here for then, my prince?” she asked playfully.
“This,” he whispered as their lips locked together.
Wildfire danced along her body and she trembled at his touch. Her desire for him was overwhelming, and she wanted him to take her completely. She was ready to surrender herself, no matter the consequences. She hugged him tight and caressed the firm contours of his body.
“Just a moment,” he whispered, surfacing from the kiss. He got to his feet and went over to lay out the picnic blanket next to the river. She came to join him and they kissed again, fiercely, hungrily. Tumbling onto the blanket there was a frantic scramble as they tore off each others’ clothes.
Before long they were naked, and Leos’ hot mouth and tongue explored every inch of her, driving her over the edge of ecstasy. Sensing she was ready for him, he cradled her in his powerful arms and they became one.
Kayla moaned with pleasure and lost herself to the sweet bliss of lovemaking. Their union was hot and frantic as they poured out all their pent up desires for each other and Kayla shrieked with untrammelled lust. Afterwards, they held each other and gazed up at the beautiful sky and Kayla closed her eyes, feeling happy and complete.
Chapter 6: Hollow Treasures And Dark Lusts
They retuned to the palace late in the evening, when the sky was painted in dark pinks and reds. It made the mood even more romantic, and Kayla was walking on air as the flyer landed in the hangar and the couple disembarked.
The mood was shattered, though, when Virgon marched grim-faced across the hangar to meet them. “At last, you’re back,” the big Zodian said directly to Leos, not even looking at Kayla.
“What is it? What’s the matter?” demanded Leos, scowling at him. “Can’t I have some time to myself?”
“We have an emergency,” Virgon said gruffly. “There is a dispute between the King and the trade delegation from the Kestrel Dynasty. We need you to mediate. You know how Geminus gets.”
Leos sighed heavily. “I really don’t have time for this. I am spending time with Kayla.”
“You go and help your brother,” Kayla said giving him a light kiss on the cheek. “We can meet up later.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Leos said, sliding his hand around her waist.
Kayla felt an aching heat surging through her. “I’ll be waiting in my quarters,” she said softly.
Virgon cleared his throat noisily. “My prince,” he said, “time is pres
sing.”
Kayla flushed and giving Leos one more lingering kiss headed back to her quarters, eager for their next meeting. As she entered the finely appointed apartment she closed the door behind her and leant against it, lost in a daydream. It was several moments before she saw the little figure watching her from across the room.
“What are you doing in here?” she demanded, her shock turning to anger when she recognised the intruder.
“Do not be cruel to a humble servant, lady,” whined the Fool as he somersaulted toward her, his bells jingling. “I bear wonderful gifts,” he added. “Beautiful baubles for a beautiful mistress.”
Kayla glared at him and then at the small black box the Fool clutched to his chest. He gave her a leering grin and bowed down, lifting the box up to her chest. It opened with a click and she found herself looking at a magnificent necklace made of multi-coloured diamonds that shone lustrously.
“What is this?” asked Kayla, utterly perplexed.
“A sign of love, a token of fidelity from one utterly captivated by your charms,” the Fool said in a sing-song voice. “Love makes Fools of Kings and Kings of Fools.”
“Kings?” Kayla echoed, a cold feeling sweeping through her. “This isn’t from Leos is it?”
The Fool cackled, and slapped the lid down on the box. He straightened up and started tossing it playfully into the air. “The strutting Raven Prince got the ripe treasure without parting with a penny. That’s true love if ever I saw it, or is it supreme stupidity? For other lesser suitors for the lady’s illustrious charms a claim must be staked and a dowry set at the door.”
“This necklace is from Geminus, isn’t it?” Kayla said, scowling at the little man.
“A cold talon between the legs can bring as much pleasure as a silky finger,” chuckled the Fool. He presented her with the necklace again. “Wear it as a token of affection and know the Raven King is truly generous. He’s willing to take on his brother’s cast offs. The fruit might be bruised but it tastes just as sweet on the second bite.”
Royal Protector: Battle Of Love (Celestial Mates Book 8) Page 5
