by E. A. James
Aerdan leapt to the ground and tethered Tlatse to a tree before joining his friends.
“I’ve heard there’s something brewing at the castle,” Huen said slyly. “Something about a foreign visitor?”
Aerdan groaned. “How the hell did you find out about her so fast?”
Huen grinned. “So you know her then,” he said. “I heard she was quite small – more of a child than a woman, really.”
An image of Angelica’s swaying buttocks appeared in Aerdan’s mind and he groaned.
“She is lovely,” he admitted grudgingly. “I mean, if you prefer the slender types.”
Huen raised an eyebrow. “Tell me, Aerdan. What is she doing here?”
Aerdan shrugged and flopped down on the grass. Huen passed him the flagon and he drank deeply, then wiped his chin and lips with his sleeve.
“I have no idea,” Aerdan said. “I just…found her, right here, actually.”
“You mean, you had nothing to do with this?”
Aerdan shrugged again. A flash of guilt panged him. Remember, you told Brynx you’d do anything for a woman with a sense of adventure, Aerdan thought. And Brynx somehow brought her here. But that wasn’t my fault! It’s not like I thought Brynx would actually listen to me!
“No,” Aerdan said shortly. “I don’t want to talk about her.”
Baelan grinned. “Well, I want to hear about this lady,” he said. “Tell me – what of her looks?”
“She’s quite pale,” Aerdan said. And incredibly beautiful, and fair.
“What else?”
Baelan took the flagon from Huen and took a deep drink before passing it to Aerdan. Aerdan threw his head back and drank until the sweet mead burned his throat.
“She has dark hair, and dark eyes,” Aerdan said. “She’s slender. And she’s quick – she’s sly.”
“I’ve never met a quick woman before,” Baelan joked. “Aside from the Queen,” he added quickly. “No offense meant, Aerdan.”
“None taken,” Aerdan replied. He took another swig of his mead. The alcohol was beginning to dull his shame and embarrassment. Soon, the image of Zornaya chastising him had fled from his mind, and he was just starting to forget the disgusting way his father had behaved. Laughing with Baelan and Huen had always been Aerdan’s favorite activity – besides bedding girls around Zheka – and soon, it worked its soothing balm over his mind.
By the time Aerdan got back to the castle, he was staggering drunk. It was late – the castle was quiet, save for the guards parading atop the parapets. Aerdan could barely walk to his chamber – he kept his hands pressed against the cool stone wall and his head hanging low. When he reached his bed, he collapsed, fully dressed, and began to snore before his eyes were even closed.
--
“Ahem!”
The loud sound penetrated Aerdan’s hungover brain. His mouth felt like dry paper and his head ached with each pulse of his heart.
“Aerdan, I know you’re awake.”
This time, Aerdan’s lids fluttered open. Angelica was sitting by the side of his bed, looking cross. She held out a glass of water.
“Drink this,” Angelica said.
“What is it?”
Angelica rolled her eyes. “Just water,” she said sharply. “You forget – I’m not a magic user like the women of your kingdom.”
Aerdan groaned. Even reaching across the space between their bodies was painful.
“I must’ve twisted my neck yesterday,” Aerdan said.
“Yes,” Angelica said sharply. “Sometimes when you’re sloppy drunk, you hurt yourself.”
Aerdan glared at her. “Why are you, of all people, trying to tell me how to behave?” He chortled, draining the glass of water and shaking his head. “I am a crown prince, the High Commander of Zheka. And who are you?”
“Who am I?” Angelica got to her feet, her dark eyes flashing with anger. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Who am I?” She repeated angrily. “Seriously, Aerdan?”
“Yeah,” Aerdan said cockily. “Who are you?”
“I’m Angelica Bowers,” Angelica snapped. “You know – the girl you kidnapped and brought here because you wanted a distraction.” Despite her petite stature, there was real anger and power in her voice and Aerdan shrank back.
“Yeah, and?”
“And,” Angelica said haughtily. “Since you were responsible for bringing me here – and you obviously have neither the skill nor the interest to bring me home – you’ll not be leaving me alone again until I feel comfortable here.”
“What?”
“You heard me,” Angelica said angrily. “It’s your fault I’m here, and I’m not going to sit around and wait for you, just because you’re the son of the queen.” She tossed her dark hair over a slender shoulder. “Promise me, Aerdan. Promise you won’t leave me alone again.”
Aerdan frowned. He wasn’t used to taking orders from anyone – least of all this slip of a girl who knew nothing about his life – but he felt like he had no choice.
“Fine,” Aerdan said. “I promise.”
Angelica’s manners softened. “Thank you,” she said. She bit her lip and sank back down in the chair where she’d been sitting. “How are you feeling,” she asked softly.
Aerdan groaned and flopped back down in the pillows. “Terrible,” he said. “My head aches and I can smell my own stink.”
Angelica laughed.
“I’m going to go back to sleep,” Aerdan grumbled, pulling the coverlet over his lap. “I’ll send for you when I get up.”
“Oh, no you’re not,” Angelica said smugly. She got to her feet once again and Aerdan couldn’t help but notice the slight bounce of her breasts. “You’re coming with me.”
“No,” Aerdan groaned. “I feel like I’m about to die.”
Angelica shrugged and smiled. There was no trace of sympathy in her face – Aerdan actually had the feeling she was enjoying this.
“Then you shouldn’t have stayed out all night, drinking like a frat boy,” Angelica said. “You’re coming with me. There’s a banquet held in my honor, given by your mother, and I won’t be showing up alone.”
Aerdan groaned. “You’re kidding me,” he said.
“Nope.” Angelica raised an eyebrow.
“What is…what is a frat boy?”
Angelica burst out laughing. “Get dressed,” she said, playfully swatting Aerdan on the arm. “Maybe I’ll tell you about it later. If you’re lucky,” she said slyly.
Aerdan flopped back down on the pillows and groaned. At least she’s not mad at me anymore, he thought as he struggled to motivate himself to climb out of bed. But what in the name of the gods is this banquet all about?
CHAPTER FIVE
Angelica
Hours turned into days and days turned into weeks. As Angelica grew more familiar with the customs and strange ways of Zheka, she started to appreciate how different this world was from her own society. Angelica spent her days with Aerdan, exploring the kingdom. Each night, she had a lesson with Zornaya – learning simple spells, such as conjuring fresh water from tainted muck, and untangling weaving with the mere touch of her hand. Angelica was surprised to discover that magical powers were something she could hone and learn, despite not being a native of Zheka.
“Everything has its place in our world,” Zornaya said serenely one evening. “And you are learning your own place, too.”
Angelica bit her lip. She still wanted to go home – she was sure that by now, Stacy had been searching for weeks – but she didn’t dare admit it, especially to someone as powerful and regal as Zornaya. If anything, her respect for the Queen had only increased after spending careful time in her tutelage. Angelica respected that Zheka was a matriarchal society…if anything, it just made her own anecdotes from home all the more amusing.
“Child, I’ve noticed you and my son becoming close,” Zornaya said. “May I inquire your intentions?” She rose from the table, moving gracefully away as her robes swept the floor. “I
want to be sure that they are honorable.”
Angelica swallowed nervously. “I…I don’t know,” she said softly. “I’m indebted to him, for showing me the kingdom.”
“Would you ever consider becoming his bride?”
Before Angelica could answer, the chamber door swung open and Aerdan, Baelan, and Huen tumbled into the room. Zornaya stood tall, glancing down her nose at the three men.
“What is the meaning of this,” Zornaya said stiffly. “You have interrupted our lessons.”
Aerdan gave his mother a guilty smile. When he looked at Angelica, he winked and her cheeks reddened in a hot blush.
“Mother, there is a magnificent sunset,” Aerdan said. “The most beautiful in weeks. I was hoping to show Angelica.”
Oh, god, please get me away from this conversation, Angelica thought. She stared at Zornaya. Please say yes, she added silently.
“Fine,” Zornaya said stiffly. She yawned. “I am growing tired, anyway. Angelica, tomorrow we will resume our lessons.” She gave Aerdan a stern look. “Keep the lady Angelica safe,” Zornaya said firmly. “We mustn’t lose her.”
Aerdan threw Angelica a lopsided grin. As Angelica followed Aerdan out of the castle, she stretched and sighed, relieved to be in the fresh air. Aerdan led the way to the stables where a beautiful white mare was waiting, saddled and ready, for Angelica.
“Lady, this is my gift to you,” Aerdan said, bowing low.
Angelica flushed. “So I won’t be riding behind you on Tlatse?”
Baelan and Huen burst out laughing. Aerdan silenced them with a single look.
“No, lady,” Aerdan said. “I thought you would enjoy the chance to have your own steed.”
“She’s beautiful,” Angelica said. She walked to the white mare and gently caressed her mane. “Thank you, Aerdan.”
“You are welcome,” Aerdan said. He stepped closer and for a moment, the tension between them grew thick.
Baelan coughed. “Aerdan, we will not be joining you,” he said. “Huen and I have…something to do,” he finished. “You go ahead.”
Angelica flushed hotly as Aerdan lifted her onto the white mare. “What is her name?” Angelica asked softly.
“I have named her Liliana,” Aerdan said. “I found it fitting.”
Angelica slipped her feet in the broad leather stirrups and clutched the reins nervously. “I used to ride, when I was a little kid,” she said. “But I haven’t been on my own horse in years.”
“Liliana is gentle, lady, she’ll be good,” Aerdan said. Angelica frowned – Aerdan wasn’t meeting her gaze.
The two rode off towards the woods as the sunset loomed large and red on the horizon. As always, Angelica was stricken by the beauty of the kingdom. The skies were almost never cloudy and when it rained, picturesque thunderstorms filled the land. But today, like many days, was clear and bright. The air was crisp with a touch of cool, and Angelica shivered at the memory of the fierce New York winters.
“Lady? Are you all right? Are you chilled? I have a blanket,” Aerdan said. “Shall I wrap it around you?”
Angelica laughed. “No,” she said. “I’m fine – just thinking of New York.” She shivered again. “The winters are so cold, there. There’s snow and ice and cold wind all the time. And it’s not fair – the summers are really hot, too. Like, scorching and humid.”
“That sounds terrible, lady,” Aerdan said.
“It is,” Angelica agreed. “And yet, so many people love it. It’s a huge city.”
“Lady, tell me – do you miss it?” Aerdan slowed Tlatse to a walk and slid off his back, tethering the horse to a tree. After a few seconds, Angelica followed suit, making sure to keep both feet firmly on the ground.
Angelica giggled. “I do,” she said sadly. “And I don’t think I’m ever going to get over being called lady.” She rolled her eyes. “Let’s just say titles aren’t really a thing in New York.”
Aerdan nodded stiffly. The seriousness of his response made Angelica laugh again. Aerdan gave her a puzzled glance.
“What is it?”
“Nothing,” Angelica said. Her palms began to sweat as Aerdan walked closer. Despite spending almost every day together, Angelica and Aerdan were rarely alone. Baelan and Huen were almost always around, and the clearing in the woods was the only place where Angelica knew they would be undisturbed. She flushed hotly. Why do I even want to be alone with him so badly, she wondered. It’s not like he’s shown interest in me, or anything like that.
Aerdan licked his lips and gave her a mischievous smile that tugged at her heart. “Lady, you’ve got a speck of something,” he said, touching the side of his cheek.
Angelica reached up to her face and rubbed with her fingers. Aerdan frowned and stepped closer – now he was so close that she could have nuzzled him. Aerdan’s musky smell of sweat and leather washed over her and Angelica struggled not to swoon. Her heart began to thump faster and faster in her chest and she was suddenly keenly aware of how her underwear were rubbing against her crotch. Her nipples sprang to life and rubbed against the inside of her dress, a silk gown that Zornaya had given her as a gift.
“Here,” Aerdan said gently. Angelica noticed that his muscular chest was heaving. He reached a hand up to her face and brushed her cheek. Angelica licked her lips as a warm sensation slid through her body. She swallowed nervously.
Aerdan didn’t pull his hand away. For a moment, they stared at each other – Aerdan’s brilliant blue eyes seemed sincere and warm, and Angelica couldn’t tear her gaze from his. She could feel that her heart was pounding and her cheeks were flushed and warm.
“Lady Angelica…” Aerdan whispered. He slid his hand across her neck and Angelica moaned softly at the touch of his rough fingertips on her soft skin. As Aerdan tangled a hand in her dark hair, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
Aerdan’s lips on hers were explosive. As his tongue slipped between her lips and into her mouth, Angelica moaned. She wrapped her arms around Aerdan’s neck and closed the gap between their bodies, pressing her torso to his. As the kiss deepened, Angelica’s nipples rubbed against the silk of her dress. She felt her lower belly tense with arousal and lust. Aerdan wrapped his arms around Angelica’s waist, pulling her against his muscular chest. She purred – his bulging muscles made her feel safe, protected – and incredibly turned on, all at once. Pleasure flowed through her body as Aerdan held her tightly.
Aerdan nibbled at Angelica’s lower lip and she closed her eyes, savoring the delicious sensations that coursed through her veins. As Aerdan’s hands moved lower and lower, she pressed herself against him, greedily wanting more. Aerdan slid his hands under her skirt, teasing her bare thighs with the tips of his fingers. Angelica felt like her body would explode if he didn’t touch her between the legs. As Aerdan laid Angelica down in the grass and crawled on top of her, she spread her legs and wrapped them around his strong waist.
Angelica gasped in delight as Aerdan tore at the laces of her gown with skilled fingers. The silk parted and fell open, exposing her pale breasts with nipples capped in pink. Aerdan lowered his head to her bodice and began to suck, taking a nipple in his mouth and gently running his sharp teeth over the sensitive skin. Angelica’s eyes rolled back in her head and she tangled her hands in Aerdan’s dark hair, gently tugging at his scalp. When Aerdan moaned onto her breasts, Angelica shivered with delight. The combination of his warm tongue and lips against his teeth was driving her wild, and soon she felt a delicious tension coiling in her belly.
“Angelica,” Aerdan groaned, pressing his body against hers and pinning her to the ground. “You’re so beautiful.”
Angelica flushed. “So are you,” she whispered.
Aerdan crawled up her body and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her passionately. Angelica tasted the sweat and musk of her own skin on his mouth and it made the moment even hotter. She’d never done this with a man before, never given a man a reason to lust after her. But the way Aerdan was making love to her
made her feel like a true adult, like a sensuous woman.
Angelica ran her hands over Aerdan’s muscular body. She slid her fingers under the rough linen fabric of his tunic top and lifted it over his head, tossing it to the side. His muscles gleamed in the dying light of the day and Angelica’s mouth went dry as Aerdan’s back rippled powerfully. She kissed Aerdan, desperate for more, desperate for him to take her.
“I want you,” Angelica purred in Aerdan’s ear. The dark stubble on Aerdan’s chin tickled Angelica’s neck and she shivered as he nipped and kissed her pale throat. Arching her back, Angelica wriggled out of her dress until she lay in her underwear with her legs spread. She reached for Aerdan, fumbling with the leather belt that held his trousers in place.
