Flame Thrower

by Alice Wade

  Tillian pushed against his chest and tried to shove away in order to see his face. Ryan wouldn’t budge. “No, you have choices too! You could try to find another way,” she cried, not ready to accept the new realization she just stumbled across. If Ryan did succeed and Gareth died, she’d be all right. Sad, but all right. That was disturbing, but when faced with the alternative of losing Ryan, there was no question.

  “There is no other way. He’s brought harm to my family and on my land. End of discussion. If you are going to continue to argue, sweetheart, I need you to leave. I have plans to draw up and I’m not enjoying arguing with you any longer.” Ryan placed his lips on her forehead again and just held them there for a moment, then released her. “I have to get back.”

  Ryan turned his back on her and began talking with the generals about tactics that she knew nothing about. Tillian watched him go and felt helpless in this. She was going to lose one of the men she loved and there wasn’t anything she could do.

  Wallace saw her discomfort, so he leaned in casually but looked down as if checking his shoes. When he spoke, it was soft, just louder than a whisper. “I see your face when he speaks of killing your brother. You mustn’t stop him, my Queen. I’ve known Ryan a long time and when he hunts something, he doesn’t stop until his prey is his.” He raised his face to look flush at her. “He will destroy him one way or another so you should accept that and start grieving now. There is nothing you can do.”

  Tillian shook her head at his confidence and assuredness in the matter. “Maybe and maybe not. I was raised with the mind that there are always choices. Everyone gets to choose what they are going to do. He could choose another path,” she said with conviction.

  “Like they chose to whore you then allow you to be discarded? Yes, these are men who make wise choices, Queen Tillian.” He bobbed his head sarcastically. “Very wise.” Wallace touched his forehead in apology for he could see his words bit deep.

  Tillian frowned and returned his evaluation with a look of confusion. “Why do you care so much?” Wallace flinched at her words. “You just met me over a month ago. Why do you care if I live or die? You probably know and cherish his sister, Crysin. Why care about me at all? You should be offering to hand me over yourself to get her back.”

  Wallace couldn’t believe what he heard and stared at her dumbly for a moment, then said, “You are my Queen, Tillian, one I’ve been waiting for since Ryan came of age. He vowed not to marry; would not share his power, so Yorath suffered that loss. This country needs two to lead, two to keep the people loyal. We have that now and I’ll not willingly lose it.” He paused and hung his head in decision. “I’m not sure I should say this but I will. I’ll also protect you till the end because you make Ryan happy. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been tormented by his powers for many reasons, but the worst has been how women used him. You would think that being the Crown Prince would be more seductive, but no. There are cruel women out there who wanted nothing more than to bed him in an attempt to get pregnant in order to carry a Mage child. This made him very selective, so much so that he will have months, sometimes years between any female relations. When the second woman used him, he vowed never to get married and have his throne stolen from him. He kept that vow for over twenty-five years Tillian.” The long heavy pause had her looking up sharply. “Until he met you.”

  Tillian wasn’t sure how to comprehend what she just heard. Ryan resumed pacing and she watched his graceful gait as he moved from one end of the room to the other. Her stomach cramped in affection when she watched his muscles move under his tight tunic and how his breeches hugged his legs perfectly. “So, you would kill for me? You would sacrifice Crysin,” she added to Wallace while she watched Ryan.

  “Gladly.”

  Tillian looked at Wallace with new respect. Here in Yorath she was someone of worth. Back home she wasn’t and treated as such. Even the Lords found her to be worthless. This switch in attitude was going to take her a while to get used to. Sacrificing Crysin still weighed heavy on her heart, though and she wasn’t ready to give up on a woman she’d never met. Not when she meant this much to Ryan. Not to mention, she was the sister of a strong man too. She held the same hope that he’d save her. Snorting, Tillian looked down. She had to find a way to save the woman.

  “What will Ryan ultimately do? You’ve been around him his whole life.” Tillian desperately needed to know if there was a chance he would ride to the fight himself.

  “He’ll send in a minimum of two companies with him at the head. While his men are attacking, he will get Crysin out before they realize you are not there. Tell me something—from what I understand, the Folkyn army is pretty well-trained. Am I mistaken?”

  “I’m not sure as I have nothing to compare it to, but if I go by what my brother has mentioned, yes. He has worked very hard over the past few years to up the ante so to speak. Our men are stronger and more skilled in the art of warfare, not to mention they are ruthless. Gareth bragged often at how they’ve become more than a normal army with their techniques, and I’m not sure all of them are gentile.”

  Wallace looked sideways at her with a sad look. “Nothing in war is gentile.” He nodded. “Then the fight will be even. Our men are skilled, always have been, and we can fight dirty if need be. We have an advantage though. Ryan’s magic will most likely see an end to any chance of a fight anyway. He won’t let his men come to injury any more than you want him to. Try not to worry too much on that. In all honestly, he could level all two hundred men by himself if he needed to.” Wallace now leaned back against the wall with his arms crossed and watched the generals discuss the battle details.

  Tillian was desperate to find a solution that would avoid war, battles or the chance anyone, especially Ryan, was put into danger on her behalf. This news that he would send an equal number disturbed her. “Which direction did you say my brother was camped in?” He had not mentioned that but she needed to know just in case.

  “East, along the plains passage.” He looked at her, suddenly suspicious. “Why?”

  “No reason other than I was curious,” she replied with casual interest. “When will you all ride out, for I’m assuming you’re going?” Tillian turned her head to see his reaction.

  “Actually, no. I’ll stay here with you. Ryan asked that I personally see to your safety while he’s gone. Any objections to that plan?” He lifted one eyebrow in challenge.

  “Of course not,” she smiled. “It would be an honor and I’m flattered you agreed.”

  “Get used to it, Tillian. You are our cherished Queen of Yorath. There are quite a few people who will die for you,” he said with sincerity and devotion.

  Tillian eyed the guard from the side then decided to let any further arguments drop. Her mind was made up the moment he provided the location of Gareth’s camp. She would not allow this to transpire and exercised her own advice to make a choice. Yet for now, she’d remain silent on the topic and allow Ryan and his men to plan.

  “Wallace?”

  “Yes?”

  “Is there a chance Ryan could get hurt?”

  He harrumphed. “No.” He pushed off the wall. “Why don’t you get some rest while they finish this? I can have some hot food brought to you while you wait?”

  She cast one lasting look at Ryan who was engaged in a conversation over a map and pointing furiously at one spot with his finger. “I can’t argue with that,” she smiled.

  * * * *

  Later that evening, Tillian approached the topic with Ryan again.

  He groaned in response when she tried. “I’m not having this conversation with you again. My mind is decided. We will ride out tomorrow afternoon and rescue my sister. Enough discussion.” Since they were alone, both had changed into their night clothes and were sitting near the fire. He pulled her tight to his side and snuggled her against his frame. “I don’t want to talk warfare with you, Tillie. I would rather discuss trying for a baby again.” He looked down at her with desire bloomin
g in his brown eyes.

  “Don’t change the subject.” Her hand swatted his chest before she pushed off him. She wasn’t successful and he collected her again.

  “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I would rather love you and feel your body tremble with pleasure for one more night before I commit this act tomorrow.”

  She stiffened.

  “I accept it will take you awhile to forgive me, but I hope that one day you’ll understand,” he whispered with his lips pressed against the shell of her ear.

  “Ryan.” She felt close to tears.

  His hand stroked her scars along her back to highlight his point. “They hurt you, mistreated you and nearly killed you, Tillian. Gareth played a large part in that. Who knows what he’s doing to my sister at the moment, so any other choice would be unfair punishment.”

  “Ryan—” Yet her words were cut off when his lips captured hers in a gentle but insistent kiss. He ravished her mouth slowly and with expert skills that soon had her so thoroughly distracted that Tillian forgot all about the sorrow, fear and worry on what the following day would bring.

  Her response led to him pushing her back onto the couch and thoroughly kissing her until she couldn’t speak. He sensed her heightened state of arousal and slowly untied her robe, sliding the fabric seductively over her bare skin, earning a moan.

  “Now, I’d like to discuss those babies,” he purred while using his thumb to trace the outline of her nipple a few times before he lowered his mouth to taste her skin.

  Tillian bunched her hands in his hair and pulled him into her body, holding him tight while he devoured her slowly and very tenderly. She allowed him this, even if she was fearful of what was to come.

  While he loved her, a part of Tillian’s mind planned. She couldn’t chance losing this man for any reason. Not for Gareth, not for her and not for Crysin. Allowing him to sweep her away in erotic sensations, she drifted but never lost sight of what her goal was.

  His voice shook her out of her thoughts because his heated and passion filled words touched her soul. “Tillie, oh Tillie. What did I ever do to deserve you?” he asked very quietly.

  “I think you have that backwards, Ryan. I’m the one not worthy of you.” Tillian rotated her hips in an act that drove him mad and ended up with him whisking her to the bedroom, where he looked down upon her when he pinned her to the bed.

  “You deserve me and so much more. I’ve waited for you my whole life and won’t risk losing you. Prepare yourself to be showered with love, affection and devotion for the rest of your long life, my wife.” Then Ryan demonstrated what he meant by making love to her until the moon was high in the night sky.

  Tillian’s mind couldn’t rest, though. She waited until Ryan fell into an exhausted sleep before she left their bed and collected her clothing. She stood there, clutching the garments to her chest, gathering her courage to get dressed and then sighed. This was her choice.

  While she dressed, she tried very hard not to succumb to the tears that threatened. She knew what she had to do and was committed to seeing it through. For once, she’d be strong. For once she’d fight back. She wasn’t going to let people die because of her and she wasn’t going to sacrifice a sister she’d never met to the cruelty of Folkyn. As Wallace had said earlier, she was the Queen of Yorath now and that meant she also protected her people, and that included Yorath’s King.

  She’d become overly attached to this man and when she looked down upon his sleeping form, her heart broke. He was so spectacular when he slept for all his worry lines, laugh lines and stress melted off his face and left behind a peacefully innocent man. Her heart thudded twice and she felt the pull to crawl back under the sheets and feel his naked body next to hers. She had to leave him...to save Crysin…to save Ryan from harm. Without Tillian’s intervention, that woman would be handed from man to man until Tillian was produced or Ryan would get injured trying to bring her back.

  With a tremendous amount of regret she removed the necklace Ryan gave her on their wedding day. It had not left her neck since, and she laid it on her pillow. He would know immediately what it meant when he woke the next morning to find her gone.

  She stifled a sob when she looked at Ryan, her gorgeous and generous husband, and resisted an urge to run her fingers through his short hair or feel the scruffy fuzz of his beard. She would miss him, everything about him. On second thought, she went to his closet and added one of his shirts to her pack as a reminder of what she left behind. With one final glance at the sleeping man, she swept from the room in the dead of night before she had second thoughts and stayed.

  Lucky for her, Ryan had not posted guards at their door and she found her exit to be unhindered. The stable boy was confused to be roused so early, because dawn was only a few hours away. In his confusion, he numbly saddled her horse without question. It was the Queen after all and the royals sometimes did things that were odd. Once she was mounted and riding off, he returned to his bed without much thought.

  Getting out of the city was another matter. The guard was suspicious she wanted to leave without an escort and wouldn’t open the gates. Tillian had to use all her authority and commanded him do so, and in the end he did.

  The moment her horse cleared the threshold, he sent a man straight to the castle at once.

  Looking back over her shoulder as she galloped away, Tillian knew the warning had been raised. She pushed her horse into a run, knowing she only had a minute head start before Ryan unleashed his army to stop her from doing the one thing she felt was right.

  * * * *

  Ryan groaned at the loud pounding on the door and wanted nothing more than to roll over and just hold Tillian. When he did, he found a cold sheet where her warm body should have been. A metallic item slithered into his hand and when he lifted it to his sleep muddled eyes, he felt a chill seep through his body.

  Her necklace dangled from his fist and he knew. He knew instantly what she’d done.

  At that exact moment, Wallace burst through the door yelling at the men pounding. “Curse your weakness! Just open the bloody door!” He then burst into the room and found Ryan sitting in bed staring at the rose pendant dangling from his fist.

  Ryan’s gaze ripped away from the rose to Wallace, flames licked his irises, announcing his emotional state. “Where is she?” Ryan asked coldly.

  “Gone. She just rode out and I can still catch her.”

  “We, Wallace. I won’t let her ride there alone.” Ryan efficiently dressed while he managed to control both his magic and his anger. She had left him. She had left and was returning to the people who caused her so much pain. He would never understand that.

  Wallace watched him and knew. “She did this for you, Ryan. Tillian didn’t trust that you’d not be hurt, and is sacrificing all to save you, Crysin and the guards of Yorath.”

  Ryan slipped over the edge of reason and hollered at Wallace while the temperature soared. “I don’t give a damn!”

  If this were June, Wallace knew he would react the same way, and allowed Ryan his moment to seethe. After a moment he said, “Horses are waiting outside.”

  “Fine.” Ryan shoved the necklace into his pocket before securing his sword on his hip. “Let’s go,” he ordered and stormed from the room.

  Chapter Six

  Gareth rolled over and felt the naked warm body next to him. Memory of who was here caused his body to harden and he pressed against her back. The movement elicited a moan from his lips. “Crysin, my dear. It’s that time again.”

  She groaned into the pillow. Damn this man. He’d not lied one iota about his stamina or his creativity, so had taken every opportunity to play with her until she finally had to beg him to stop. Since he was partaking in her body in what felt like every hour, Crysin was sore, bruised and very tired. “Gareth, I can’t do this much more,” Crysin whimpered.

  With some amusement, he leaned up on an elbow and stroked the hair off her back and he leaned down to suckle her skin along her shoulder. �
�Too bad. I’ve only got you one more day.”

  One thing frightened Crysin and frightened her badly. Somewhere in the course of the past few hours, she’d felt the drug wear off and found she didn’t want or need more to keep herself wanting Gareth. The man was a good lover and he wasn’t too cruel in his creativity. The fact that she liked him scared her.

  “Please, no more for a while. I’m too tired to move,” she mumbled into the pillow.

  Seeing she wasn’t lying and truly was exhausted, he found a kind streak and relented. “For just a short while, though. I’ll have food brought and some fresh water, but, I’m far from through with you.”

  Her only reply was a muffled sound before she drifted halfway to sleep. Gareth dressed and found a guard to send in search of something to eat at this time of night before he returned to the bed.

  She watched him with half lidded eyes upon his return, for he’d woken her when he rejoined her on the cot. “I’m going to miss this, Crysin. I’m surprised to find you a satisfying lover. Women back home just do not demonstrate your level of skill.”

  “You’re so ignorant, Gareth. We are trained, don’t you know that? From the moment we are of age, we are shown the art of love making. Don’t get too flattered because this is all training, not desire.” She knew she lied. She did enjoy Gareth and he knew it too. His fingers along her bare skin were soothing and she rolled over onto her back. Crysin shivered suddenly when a chilliness hit her skin, and she pulled the blanket up to hide from the early morning air.

  He watched her closely and quite possessively. “I should have known you were trained. I won’t tell Ellis that or it’d ruin his impression of his prowess.”

  “Tell him what you like, I care not.” Her yawn split her face. “Now, let me sleep.”