Bride of Dragons (The Dragon's Virgin Tribute)
Page 2
"What are you reading?"
Ylissa realized she was staring with her mouth open. She set her jaw and held her head high, glaring at him.
"A human history tome. It's written in the common tongue. I'm sure you can not read it."
"Well, no." He admitted, with another disarming half-smile. "But I should like to learn. Or perhaps you could read it to me."
She raised an eyebrow, hoping to discomfit him. "In five minutes?"
"No, no..." He gave a low laugh, refusing to be mocked. She heard a sound like a flame crackling in his voice. "We will have the rest of our lives, my Queen. You can read to me later."
A jolt of cold went down her spine. She regarded him silently, looking him up and down. "So you are... one of my consorts?"
He nodded, and took a step toward her, extending his hand. He had rings on all his fingers, and his claws were long. She stared at him dumbly, unmoving, and finally the lord reached closer and took her hand in his, boldly raising it and brushing his lips against the back of it.
From her books, she knew it for a courtly human gesture - one unused among dragonkind. For a moment, her breath caught in her throat. Had he learned that for her?
"I wanted to see you," the dragon lord murmured, in a low, confidential voice. "And speak with you, before I commit to a lifetime as your mate." He still held her hand in his, as though reluctant to let go. "Luckily for me, you are most beautiful. A worthy Queen."
The guard at the door gave a discrete cough. Her suitor straightened up, letting go of her hand. He stepped back, smiling again. "I look forward to our next meeting." And his eyes roamed downward, over her body, making Ylissa feel naked and exposed. "Very much indeed."
.
She huddled in the middle of the huge bed and cocooned herself in soft blankets. After a long while she managed to sleep.
It must have been very early when her door burst open and a pair of guards entered. Ylissa sat up, rubbing her eyes. Seeing the guards, she frowned. In her half-awake state she wondered how they dared burst in on her sleeping.
"What is it?" She asked.
"It's time, Princess. Your mates are waiting," a guard answered.
Now she remembered where she was, and realized what he meant. She pulled the blankets up to her chest, frowning at the guards. "You have awakened me," she said. "You can give me a few minutes to refresh myself." She had no choice but to go with them, but she they could at least afford her basic respect.
After a moment's indecision, the guards agreed, and left.
She got out of bed and cleaned up, straightening her clothes and washing her face. Her hair was teased and messy from tossing and turning in bed. Bitterly, she pulled it out of its bindings and ribbons, and combed it with her fingers as best she could, letting the long dark tresses hang loose to her waist.
In another small act of rebellion, she left off the uncomfortable golden slippers they had dressed her in and left her feet bare. Why should she look beautiful for these strangers, anyway, who she had no part in choosing? Briefly, she thought of her nocturnal visitor. He had been kind enough - or at very least he knew how to flatter her. Would the others be like him?
The guards soon returned to unbar the door. Ylissa was sitting on a bench, back straight and hands in her lap, trying to look regal and hoping they couldn't see her knees shake. She wanted to retain as much composure as she could.
But when she saw the chains in their hands, she felt her eyes go wide. “There is really no need -” she tried to keep panic from her voice.
“It is the tradition.” The guard said.
“A tradition from thousands of years ago!” she retorted. How long had it been since the last female dragon, anyway?
They took hold of her wrists. She tried to resist, spitting all manner of insults at the men. But of course they were stronger, and all she achieved was the loss of her dignity as they dragged her kicking and shouting across the floor.
They threw her on the bed. As they clamped the manacles around her wrists, she tried pleading. “I will not run,” she said. “I promise. Do not chain me.” Tears spilled from her eyes as she begged. Why did they have to do this? She knew her duty – she did! And it wasn't like she could escape anyway. She couldn't fly, like everyone else.
They quickly had her secured, and turned to leave without a word. Ylissa hissed more insults at them, twisting in her chains. They were long enough to let her move around, but short enough to keep her on the bed.
She had struggled herself breathless when she heard wing beats. Immediately, she stopped still, and stared up at the sky. A shape blocked the morning light from the landing ledge. Gusts of wind picked up the ends of her hair, as a dragon descended.
The dragon was huge, silver-grey and scarred. Its clawed feet touched down on the ledge. Before it had finished furling its wings, another smaller, bronze dragon alighted beside it. Briefly, the beasts snapped at each other. Ylissa drew her legs up and cowered at the head of the bed. The beasts blocked the entrance to her room, then stalked inside, squeezing one by one through the opening.
Up close, they were terrifying and magnificent. Their scales shone in the light of the numerous candles set around the room. When one hissed at the other, she saw its teeth, long as daggers. Their eyes glowed, fiery red-orange.
The sound of wings again. A final dragon landed, and made its way inside. This one was small and dark and lithe. It looked like the small dragon she had seen fighting in the pit – but it was impossible to tell. It shook its great head and looked over at the Princess, nostrils flaring. A long, forked tongue flicked out as though reaching to taste her from across the room. She shivered.
As though now realizing she was there, the two larger beasts swung to face her.
Ylissa swallowed hard, looking into their glowing eyes. She held her chin high. “I would have you face me in man-form,” her voice cracked on the last note. The dragons terrified her. At least in human shape they could not rip her apart with one swipe of a claw. “I... want to see what you look like.” She explained.
She watched them change one by one, the transformation quick and effortless. Three men stood, naked. They approached her bed-altar, and stood with ceremonial stiffness to make their introductions.
The first was a man older than Ylissa, strong and in the prime of his life. His thick arms were roped by muscle and old scars. The scales on his muscular legs were golden. He had small, pointed horns, and his face was quite handsome, though there was a cold look in his eyes and his expression revealed nothing.
"I am Lord Thress of Althmoor," he said. "Known as the Eternal Fire. Champion of the Last War. Duke and Protector of Althmoor." He gave the smallest of bows, holding Ylissa's eyes all the while.
At her father's insistence Ylissa had studied the noble dragon families extensively. The titles and names were familiar. Clearly this was an impressive man. Yet she did not like him, at first glance.
Another man stepped forward, tall and dark-skinned. With one look at him, she could tell he had come from far away. His skin was tattooed with intricate winding designs which blended with his dark scales. His dark hair hung in ropes to his shoulders and was adorned with small charms. He had large horns, sweeping back from his head.
He spoke with a thick accent. "I have the honor to be Prince Sudreth, son of the King of the Jural Isles and heir to his throne." A place she had heard of, but of which she knew little.
The Prince bowed deeply, his amber eyes glowing, as a dragon's often would when excited. He smiled hungrily at her, and she imagined sharp teeth behind his lips.
"Princess,” interrupted a voice. “I am Lord Vaermax of Lyrroth."
With this short introduction, Ylissa's gaze was drawn to the final suitor - last night's visitor.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said, just as though they had never met. He gave a little flourish as he bowed.
Ylissa looked at him, astounded. Now that she had his name, she knew exactly who he was. A minor lord! A minor
lord had managed to best all the others - save these two, of course - fighting for her hand? This man had no titles or accomplishments to his name. He was a second son – not even an heir to any land worth mentioning.
Smaller and leaner than the other two, his body nonetheless spoke of a wiry strength. His eyes were alert, dark pools which seemed to drink in the sight of her.
He smiled, snapping her back to the present. She nodded, acknowledging their introductions, which felt ridiculous while she was chained to the bed and they were naked. She tried fervently to avert her eyes from their bodies. All three had erect cocks standing in readiness. She had never seen a man naked, outside of paintings – and paintings did not look like that.
Her heart was pounding. She fervently hoped her consorts couldn't see how nervous she was. Please, just let it be over quickly.
.
They came close to her bed. Like a pack of predators, they surrounded her. Why did they all have to be here at once? Images flashed in her mind. She imagined intimate acts with one while others watched. She'd always imagined such deeds to be private. Her face went hot as she blushed, and she tried not to look at any of them.
They touched her. A hand on her ankle, pulling at the hem of her dress. Picking up the ends of her hair. Three pairs of hands.
Vaermax unfastened her belt and pulled it away, bending close and looking into her eyes as he did so. Ylissa could feel her chest heaving with her halting, trembling breaths. There was something about him that made her unable to look away. He had that same little half-smile, as though he knew something she didn't. She found it annoyed her. What could possibly be amusing about this situation?
She tried to muster up a glare, but it was hard while so distracted. She shivered as a hand ran up her leg, drawing up the flimsy fabric of her dress. Fingers stroked her bare thigh, and trailed over the curve of her hip. A claw traced a fine line over her shoulder, her jaw.
Vaermax drew her focus back to him, leaning over her. Slowly, he reached out and put a claw under her chin, tilting her jaw up as though to get a better look at her face. His eyes glowed with desire.
It was impossible to tell who was touching her where. Someone was on the bed, next to her. A dragon aroused in anger or lust grew three times hotter than usual. Even Ylissa would wake up burning, longing for someone to touch her, to love her. She felt all three of them radiating heat now.
There was a tearing sound, and started in alarm. Looking down, she saw that the Prince stood over her, the torn hem of her dress in his hands. Her eyes widened as she glanced downward, her gaze drawn over his smooth brown skin with its dancing designs, to the dark patch of hair below his belly. His manhood stood erect, pointing straight ahead. It was huge, and Ylissa felt a pang of fear.
He ripped the fabric as she watched, slowly, as though relishing the task. Watching as the tear traveled up the center of the dress, revealing her body bit by bit. Her bare legs, then the bare mound of her sex. She pulled her legs up in a vain effort to shield herself, but he knelt on the edge of the bed and gently held her still. With one last movement he tore the remaining cloth open, revealing her high, full breasts.
Vaermax bent his head and pressed his lips to hers, demanding her attention again. He smelled of smoke, and his lips were soft and warm.
Hands reached around her to cup one breast, and Ylissa gasped aloud as fingers rasped over her nipples. When her lips opened, Vaermax slipped his tongue inside. His hand slid around her jaw, holding her helpless as he ravished her mouth. His tongue was long and forked, and skilful. He brushed it over hers; teased her lips, withdrawing, returning.
It was as though some trance had come over her. The sensation of hands all over her, stroking and teasing her flesh, was overwhelming. Ylissa was unable to move. She swayed in their grasp. Her nipples had hardened, and turned unbelievably sensitive. Her heart hadn't slowed its frantic rhythm.
Lord Thress was the one laying next to her. When Vaermax broke their kiss and moved away, leaving her breathless, Thress bent over her and placed a kiss on her neck. His hard manhood pressed against her hip as he sucked and nibbled on her neck, below her ear. He was burning hot, but his mouth left trails of moisture that cooled as he breathed on her skin.
Hands stroked every inch of her exposed skin. Someone was caressing up her leg, claws gently raking over her knee, her inner thigh.
Thress slid a hand over her stomach and under her hip, pulling her body to face him. He cupped her ass, squeeze her flesh, making a guttural sound of approval. She felt his cock throb, pressed up against her.
Fingers crept up her thigh. The anonymous hands forced her legs slightly apart. She hadn't known she'd been squeezing them together. Softly, barely touching, a finger traced over her sex. She shuddered with the sudden, unbidden pleasure, and the realization that she was wet there.
Someone stood next to the bed, on her other side. They leaned over her and pulled her hair to one side, and put a hot mouth on the back of her neck.
The hand between her legs continued to explore. She gasped aloud as the questing fingers dipped into her folds. They slid easily over her slick skin. Traced her juices over her inner thigh.
"Why have they tied her to the bed?" murmured the Prince. It was he who kissed her neck from behind, his long hair brushing her skin. “We should unchain her.”
Lord Thress chuckled softly. “Hmm, I don't know,” he said, giving her ass a cruel squeeze. “I like her like this.”
“It is not for her restraint,” Vaermax answered. “But our protection.” Ylissa realized it was his fingers that explored her. She felt her face heat in a blush. His words registered somewhere in the back of her mind. Their protection?
The Prince shrugged, as if it was nothing to him. He looked down at Ylissa, his hungry eyes glowing. “I think she is ready for us."
The reality of the situation suddenly struck anew. Panic gripped her, and tears stung her eyes.
Not knowing what she was doing, she squirmed, turning over and trying to struggle away.
She heard Thress growl. He grabbed her, and dragged her backwards. Her hands grasped uselessly at the blankets, the chains rattling.
His impossibly strong arms held her firm, up against him. His erect manhood pressed against her ass. "Be good, now." He snarled, and rocked his hips, grinding his cock against her.
"Be calm," Vaermax added. "It will not be so bad for you."
She had her eyes closed, and now she opened them. The Prince was in front of her, while Thress held her from behind. When she looked at the Prince, he stood up straight, and as she watched he took his huge phallus in his hand and began to stroke it. It was right in front of her - inches from her mouth - and she couldn't help but watch in breathless fascination.
A few moments later, she startled as she felt a tongue on her thigh. A dexterous, forked tongue. Without preamble, it flicked over her sex, tasting her. She heard Vaermax's deep hum of delight. Shocked, she jerked her hips, but the men held her tight, and strong hands forced her thighs open. The tongue withdrew, and then came back, lapping at her slit, exploring all her secret places.
Her eyes were fixed on the exotic Prince as he pumped his cock in his fist. His gaze roamed over her naked body, her arching breasts and their tight nipples, the curve of her hip. His hand moved in slow strokes, watching as Vaermax explored her with his tongue, evidently enjoying the sight of Ylissa naked, chained and violated.
Vaermax's claws dug into her thighs, causing little pinpricks of pain. Unable to move, she was at the mercy of his ravenous tongue. She was hot, her sex wet and swollen. Her inability to move as he toyed with her somehow added to the thrill as he licked and circled. Thress' hands roaming her body, squeezing her breasts - the points of pleasure all over her body combined to be overwhelming. She lay mesmerized, breath ragged, her body arching and hips moving of their own accord.
Vaermax probed her virgin entrance with his tongue, then slipped it inside her. She gasped, her hips bucking as the tongue flicked against her
inner walls, snaking deep, and causing her to shudder in unwilling pleasure.
"I think she is ready for us." The chilling voice of Lord Thress spoke close to her ear. He pinched her nipple, and Ylissa gasped. It hurt, but in a strange way that was pleasurable as well as painful.
"We will take her in order of rank." The Prince's deep voice was hoarse with desire, and his breath was coming fast. Ylissa looked at him, her eyes drawn to his hand, still stroking his member. It was slick with fluid, huge and veined, the swollen head thrusting out of his tight grip. He looked at her like a predator watches prey.
Vaermax lifted his mouth off her. "Good idea." He said, stroking her thigh almost tenderly.
She felt Thress' shrug. He got up, and Ylissa cried out as he grabbed her and yanked her up, positioning her on her hands and knees on the bed, holding her so she could not get away.
The men changed positions. Thress moved away as the Prince took his place behind her. He took her in his huge hands, making a made a low sound of pleasure as he stroked her body. He pulled her up to kneel and cupped his hands around her breasts.
His fingers worked a skilful dance, teasing her nipples. Circling, lightly, then rasping. Pinching, pulling until she gasped with pleasure-pain. He chuckled, and bent to kiss her neck as his hands roamed all over her. Then he pushed her back down to her hands and knees.
He was bent over her, his body close to hers. She could feel how strong he was, the strength in his hard body. He murmured something close to her ear, something in another language that she could not understand.
She felt his cock, suddenly pressing against her sex, directed by his hand. She whimpered, expecting him to take her then, terrified of that huge organ that would surely split her in two. But he only slid it against her, moving it up and down her slit as he sighed with pleasure.
Ylissa gasped as he manipulated her, his cock moving against her slick flesh. Tremors of pleasure rippled through her as its head slid over that little, sensitive nub she did not know the name of. She had never felt something so intense as this blissful friction.