If...I can...just...hold...on...
Her cry is almost a scream this time as she clenches down on me, her hands reaching for something to hold on to and invariably finding my arms. The slight sting of her nails and the way her body tightens on mine sends a warning stab of pleasure through me.
One more thrust.
Two more.
My fangs sink into her soft skin as I slam myself into her, needing to be deep. My balls draw up, my cock jerking inside her as I finally spill my speed.
I moan, low and almost inaudible.
The pleasure is all encompassing, deeper and longer than I have ever experienced, until I almost see spots in front of my eyes.
I hold her close as I tremble from the much needed release.
Someone could attack right now and I would not have the strength to lift a finger. I let out a huff of breath as I gently release the grip I have with my mouth, my cock still buried deep inside Ling, where I would be content to stay forever.
I pull my hand away from her and feel a stab of disappointment.
Frowning, I put my hand back, cupping her comfortingly and a warm wash of contentment slides over me.
Yes. Keep your hand right there.
"I will," I murmur, kissing the mark I've left on her skin, feeling both guilt and satisfaction at the outward sign of my claim.
"You will what?" Ling murmurs, sighing as she lets her leg fall forward.
"Keep my hand on you as long as you desire," I say, squeezing her. I would be happy to touch her wherever and whenever she needed me to.
"Wherever and whenever?" she asks carefully, something in the tone of her voice alerting me.
I frown, rising up on my elbow to look down at her face.
She looks up at me, her eyes serious.
"Naefaren...I did not ask you to keep your hand on me. Not out loud," she says in a quiet, almost frightened voice.
I freeze. Does that mean...?
I swallow, the hope and excitement in me rising even as I attempt to stifle it, to be certain first. "I did not say I would touch you wherever and whenever," I say slowly.
"I can feel your...excitement," she says, pulling away from me and sitting up. "Is this...?"
I wrap my arms around her, wanting her close. I catch a brief picture of myself, my body large and muscled. Attractive to her.
"The Paritella," I whisper. "Yes, this is the Paritella," I say, my voice awed.
I feel a mix of emotions from Ling. Hope, happiness, trepidation.
"Do not worry," I say, holding her more tightly, using the beat of her heart to steady myself. "We will learn how to do this together."
She chuckles, the sound a little wet as her arms come around to grip my waist tightly. "Good," she mutters, leaning back so she can see my face. "Because I have no idea what I’m doing."
I laugh, crushing her even closer.
Do not worry. We have each other now.
I can hear her mental sigh, and the waning of her anxiety.
As I hold what is most precious to me in my arms, I have a deep sense of belonging, of rightness.
As if I have well and truly found my home.
And I know I will do anything necessary to protect her.
15
Ling
I move to the side as a carriage slowly makes its way through the marketplace. I wonder if it might not be more efficient, not to mention safer, if a path was formed just for carriages. Ideally not right through the heart of the marketplace.
Making a note to myself to bring it up later, I continue to walk in the stream of people, taking in the various wares, the smells, the sounds. I took out my translation device earlier, figuring if I keep it in all the time, I'll continue relying on it. My Alvan is pretty good now. Clara gave me some pointers that were really helpful, but the fact that everyone speaks Alvan around me all the time is one of the main reasons why I've picked it up so fast. Immersion learning.
Being out in the marketplace helps too. I can listen to all the conversations, tune my ear to the sounds. I don't really need anything, but I like being out here, watching people, seeing how everyone interacts. I've picked up on some of the nuances of the social structure.
Mainly, the bias between the people from Minor Houses and Major Houses is clear, though nobody is outwardly rude or violent. Naefaren has apparently made it clear such behavior is not welcome and I whole heartedly approve.
As I walk through the crowd, I get a few looks, but mostly from visitors. I'm a familiar sight to the people of House Viir now.
"My Princess?"
I turn at the hesitant voice. "Yes?"
The young woman twists her pretty pink skirt in her hands and walks over, looking over her shoulder.
"I would like to have a meeting with Prince Naefaren," she says. "Do you think he will agree to it? It is not an urgent matter, but I believe it is an important one. My mother says not to bother him with my nonsense." She smiles at me, humor lighting her eyes. "So, I suppose I am bothering you so perhaps you could bother him for me."
I grin, enjoying the circuitous line of thought. "Of course, I can ask if he will see you. Can you tell me what it is regarding?"
From what I've seen, though Naefaren has an open door policy with his people, it's pretty rare for women to take him up on that offer. Actually, I haven’t seen one yet unless she's with a man.
"Well." She steps closer to me, keeping her voice down. "The males all want to find a human Pari. But what about us females? Are we not allowed to want Paris and families of our own?"
I blink.
"You make an excellent point," I say, wondering why I hadn't thought of it. "I'll make sure Naefaren speaks with you."
"Thank you, my Princess," she says with a relieved smile, stepping back. "Thank you!"
Interesting. I turn and start back to the House Mansion, processing her complaint. It makes sense. If the males want to find human Paris, what about the female Alvans?
If everyone in power is a male, it is quite easy to forget the female perspective. My to-do list is constantly gaining more items. Probably I should start carrying a piece of parchment and a pencil with me to keep everything straight. It gives me a sense of purpose that I really need.
Coming to Alva was a culture shock, no doubt about that, but the greatest shock was simply not having a job, some kind of responsibility beyond just being Naefaren's Pari.
But I've been attending meetings. Actually, almost every meeting Naefaren has, I make it a point to attend. When I reach the House Mansion, I go directly to the meeting room, greeting the guys already there with a nod and a smile. It’s the regular meeting of Naefaren's allies.
Naefaren is already here too and he stands to kiss me on the cheek.
"There’s a young woman who wants to meet with you," I murmur as he pulls back. "I think you should."
"A young woman? I will be sure to include her in my schedule," he assures me. "It seems as if perhaps you are more approachable than I," he muses with a smile.
I consider it. "Maybe for females," I agree.
He nods. "It is good that I have you now then," he murmurs, his face soft.
Well, the way he looks at me sometimes is like a punch straight to the heart. I'm still feeling sappy as we sit. I never thought I'd be that person mooning over her partner, but there you go. I can't even feel bad about it.
The meeting starts with the usual updates about the various Houses, any issues with the trade agreements and travel privileges at the forefront. The problems are usually quite minor and easily resolved, which is the case this time also.
The more I learn, the more respect I have for Naefaren and his ability to introduce well-meaning change, fighting against multiple forces to push Alvan society into a more egalitarian future. One where all can benefit. And though I agree with what he wants to achieve, I can also understand the opposition, things have been the same here, socially and economically, for generations upon generations.
The Minor Houses are un
der Major House thumbs, manipulated consistently with the threat of cutting power to their lights. Lights that protect them from the literal monsters in the dark. A relationship that would inevitably brew resentment, anger, and frustration in the Minor Houses.
Then the older Princes and people, along with the more traditional ones, do not want to let go of their positions at the top of the food chain. In my experience, the powerful hoarding their power is universal. They can’t see that their society will have to change, with or without Naefaren.
In fact, what Naefaren is doing is in the best interest of all the Major Houses. Better to control the change than have a bloody uprising leading to unavoidable deaths.
"Anything else anyone would like to discuss?" Naefaren prompts as we near the end of the meeting.
I clear my throat. I thought of bringing up the young woman's concern about the women finding Paris and creating families of their own, but that's something I need to discuss with Naefaren first. I've learned a lot, but that strikes me as a more delicate matter that needs a plan of attack in place rather than just bringing it up casually.
So I go with a more minor item on my list.
"This is not urgent," I preface. "But I was thinking it might be a good idea to carve out a path simply for carriages. The marketplace is more crowded than ever due to the trade deals, which means it takes carriages longer to find their way through the crowd. The amount of people also means accidents are not just a possibility, they are an inevitability."
There’s a pause.
"That is not a bad idea," Elorshin breaks the silence thoughtfully.
"Yes," an older Prince agrees. "It would be much more efficient if we separated the people on foot from those in carriages."
Naefaren nods, giving me an approving look. "That is an excellent idea, one that I am certain we will all look into for our respective Houses." He inclines his head at everyone. "We can discuss our progress during our next meeting."
A murmur of agreement goes round and then the meeting breaks up, everyone leaving quickly. I can understand after seeing how much Naefaren has on his plate every day. My mate leans back in his chair, sighing as we're left alone in the room.
I walk over and drop into his lap, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "Rough day?"
"Hmm." He rubs his face against my hair. "I have three more meetings. And the trip to House Caffaar. I may have to reschedule something."
This might be the opportunity I've been waiting for. "I could go to House Caffaar for you," I offer.
Naefaren frowns, opening his mouth to no doubt say no so I start talking before he can. "Look, I need something to do and you are too busy to take care of everything that needs to be taken care of. And I cannot simply sit around! I have learned a lot from all of these meetings. I already know the terms you are willing to accept with House Caffaar for the trade deal."
He hesitates.
"It’s a simple meeting," I add.
He sighs, his hand tightening on my thigh. "I do not like that it is House Caffaar. Prince Franean has always been up Malathin's backside."
I snort out a laugh, not expecting that line at all.
"Well, House Caffaar has distanced themselves from House Saren," I point out. "They are not going to do anything to endanger themselves after the embargo you have leveled on the other House." I pick up his hand, meeting his eyes. "I want to be a real partner to you. Let me help. You can’t keep me in a safe cage forever."
It's already starting to chafe and our bond lets him know I'm being sincere.
He rubs at his face. "Fine. But you are taking extra guards. And if the deal you come to an agreement on is not good..."
I snort. "It will be good," I say confidently. "In fact, I will most likely get better terms than you would have. I know how to negotiate."
He raises a brow. "Then I look forward to the excellent terms of our new agreement," he remarks mildly.
I can sense his confidence in me and his anxiety about me going.
I kiss him lightly. "Everything will be fine. You will see."
I have to get going almost immediately, so I quickly freshen up and change into nicer clothes before heading out into the courtyard.
Naefaren is already waiting. With six guards.
Overkill much?
"Naefaren, do I really need this many," I mutter in his ear as he pulls me into a hug.
"Yes," he says stubbornly. "A compromise."
I sigh, looking over the serious men. "Alright," I reluctantly agree, walking over to the carriage.
He's making an effort to make me happy and I need to do the same.
"Do not take too long," Naefaren says as he helps me up into it. "And if Franean proves stubborn, walk. Give him a few days to stew. It will soften him up."
"Noted," I agree, smiling at Naefaren. "I will see you soon."
He nods, stepping back, his eyes on me.
It’s a little ridiculous riding in the middle of a caravan, but if it makes Naefaren happy, I can deal.
I wave goodbye as we ride out of the courtyard. I can sense his worry, though his face is calm, but I need to have some kind of role in my new life. And I know I am good at politics. Hell, it's all I’ve done for years. I'll just have to show him he's worried for nothing.
Our small train pushes through the marketplace, a separate lane would be great right about now, but we make it past the gates and ride across the flat plain to the tunnel. As we leave the distraction of the marketplace, I go over everything I know about this meeting. It's a trade deal negotiation, so it's pretty straightforward. Naefaren has laid out similar deals with his allies, so I know what the basic parameters are. I run through my strategy as we travel to House Caffaar, the prospect of a real negotiation sending a zing of anticipation through me.
It's just something I love to do and I've missed it.
After multiple turns and dim caverns, we finally reach House Caffaar's tunnel, the geometric designs along the walls and ceiling a pretty touch. We cross the flat plain, and when we reach the border wall, the gates open to us easily. The first thing I notice is that the marketplace isn't anywhere near as busy as House Viir's. There are perhaps a third of the stalls and about a quarter of the crowd.
I make a note of that. House Caffaar needs us much more than we need it. A good place to bargain from.
The people glance at us, but mostly just quietly step out of our way. That’s a little odd but I shrug it off as we reach the House Mansion. It’s just as impressive as House Viir's, made of the same stone, though this one’s constructed along more straight than curved lines.
We bring our carriages to a halt and my guards immediately array themselves around me as I step down. Seems a little overboard, but I let them do their job. I take a step toward the front door, ready to get started but before I can reach it, the door opens to spew out about ten guards.
I stop, my heart rate increasing. This cannot be good. I look back and another ten or so guards are blocking the way out of the courtyard. My guards tighten their barrier around me, their faces tense.
My stomach sinks.
I'm no fighter, but even I can see we stand no chance against a planned attack with this many people, in the heart of another House's territory, but my guards don't surrender. I wince at the clash of swords, the sounds of flesh thudding against flesh, the spray of blood.
I cry out as a swinging sword cuts right through the guard in front of me, his head rolling to the ground as his body goes down on its knees. Warm blood splatters across my face as another one of my guards finds his throat slit. I watch on in numb horror at the slaughter.
My guards put up a valiant fight, but they are simply outnumbered. My last guard topples over, a sword piercing his chest.
I'm breathing hard, trying to hold back tears as I force myself to look down at my people. They fought for me.
And died for me.
The ground is soaked in their blood.
I swallow back a surge of bile as I look up, for
cing my face into an emotionless mask.
If they're going to kill me, I won't give the satisfaction of cowering.
I'm sorry Naefaren.
16
Naefaren
I watch Ling leave with a contingent of trusted guards. It does not sit well with me even when I know I am most likely being unreasonable in my worry. Forcing myself to turn away, I go back inside the House Mansion, deciding to go to my study. There is always enough paperwork stacked upon my desk to keep me occupied.
I sit down and attempt to focus on figures and messages, though Ling is always in the back of my mind. I have another dispute to resolve among my people, but even the tears and dramatic assertions made by the feuding families does not fully occupy my mind. Not when a piece of my heart is out there, where danger is a reality.
Needing to expend some energy, I go out to the marketplace to make sure everything is still running smoothly. I listen to complaints and suggestions, all the while my mind still occupied with thoughts of Ling.
As I count down how long she has been gone and I pass the time when she should have been back, worry sinks its unrelenting teeth deeper in. I tell myself any number of complications could have arisen to delay her.
Extended negotiations.
A carriage wheel needing repair.
I cannot panic every time she is out of my sight or she will likely feel trapped, as if I want to keep her in a safe prison. Something I know I would not like myself. I return to my study once again and open a missive from another House inquiring about a possible agreement.
But my stomach continues sinking the longer Ling is gone.
With a growl, I finally stand, ready to go find her myself and ensure she is well. I am past worrying about how it may appear. I need to know she is safe.
As I get to my feet, one of my guards runs in, slightly out of breath. Everything in me stills as I brace for a blow.
"A message from House Saren," the guard explains, holding out the sealed parchment.
I take it. For just a moment, I have the urge leave it unopened, as if whatever is inside will not be true if I simply do not read it. But I am no child. The time for closing my eyes and pulling the covers over my head to block out the monsters in the dark is long passed.
Rescued by the Alien Prince: Celestial Mates (The Alva) Page 10
