by E. A. James
Aine swallowed. “Yes,” she said quietly. “Queen Zornaya is a wonderful leader. We must all protect her.”
“No,” Huen said. “I meant you. I would be willing to die for you, Aine.”
Aine’s heart skipped a beat in her chest and she felt her cheeks redden. She was glad for the dark of the room – at least Huen wouldn’t see her blush.
Aine swallowed hard. “I…I do not know what to say,” she said softly. “Huen, I wouldn’t want you to do that.”
“What? Die for you?”
“No,” Aine said nervously. “I would not want you to die.” She blinked and bit her lip. “I…I could not imagine life without you, now that I have met you.”
Huen pulled Aine close. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her deeply. Aine moaned softly as Huen’s tongue slid against hers and explored the hidden, secret places of her mouth. When she felt Huen’s sharp teeth gently nibbling on her lower lip, a surge of warmth exploded in her lower belly.
Aine wrapped her arms around Huen’s neck and pushed her body close to his, desperate for more contact. As the kiss grew more intense and passionate, Aine crawled onto Huen’s lap and wrapped her legs around his waist. Her dress rode up almost to her waist and she blushed hotly, knowing she was completely exposed from the waist down.
Huen groaned into Aine’s mouth. He put his hands on her waist, then tentatively took the hem of her dress in his hands and pulled it over her head. The cool air of the room hit Aine’s skin in a sensual shock and she whimpered with pleasure as her nipples stiffened. Huen pulled her close and her breasts rubbed against his leather tunic. The sensation was delicious and Aine lowered her face to Huen’s neck, kissing and nibbling at the soft skin. She fumbled at the lacings on Huen’s tunic with clumsy fingers.
Huen chuckled and gently pushed Aine’s hands away. He locked his eyes with hers as he unlaced his tunic and pulled it over his head, revealing a tanned, muscular body. Aine ran a hand over the muscles of his chest, loving the firm way he felt. Before, their lovemaking had been rushed, intense. But Aine could sense this time was different. She wanted to take her time with Huen, explore him thoroughly.
Huen cupped Aine’s breasts with calloused hands, rolling her hard nipples between his thumb and forefingers. The sensation was incredible and Aine threw her head back, moaning softly as the ends of her hair brushed against the small of her back. Pleasure exploded in Aine’s body and she whimpered. Huen took Aine by the waist and gently lifted her off his lap, setting her down on the soft bed. He crawled on top of her and dipped his head to her chest, flicking his tongue over Aine’s nipples and biting them until she cried out with pleasure.
Aine ran her hands over Huen’s close-cropped hand, massaging the back of his neck. She loved the way his muscles swiveled and rippled as his body moved closer to hers. She spread her legs and the musky scent of Aine’s arousal filled the small chamber. Aine reached for Huen’s trousers, fumbling with the laces. Huen gently pushed her hands away, then slid his trousers down his narrow hips and kicked them off the bed.
Huen’s hard cock brushed against Aine’s thigh and she whimpered in anticipation. Huen tangled his hands in Aine’s hair, pulling her head back. He crawled between her thighs and nipped and kissed her neck until Aine moaned with pleasure. She spread her legs and pushed her hips forward, desperate for him to enter her.
“Oh, Aine,” Huen groaned in Aine’s ear. She shivered.
“I want you,” Aine whispered softly. “Please, Huen.”
Huen groaned as he steadied himself with a hand against Aine’s hip. When his cock slipped inside of her, she shivered and moaned, arching her back and wrapping her slender legs around his waist. Huen stayed like that for a moment, then began to rock his hips and slide in and out of Aine’s body. She pressed her chest to his, whimpering at the delightful sensations caused from her stiff nipples rubbing against his smooth muscular build.
Huen bucked and gasped, kissing Aine and sucking on her lower lip as he slid in and out, thrusting harder with each second. Aine felt her lower belly tense as the pleasure mounted in her body, ready to explode. She held her breath and gasped as Huen’s hands slid all over her body, making every inch of her olive skin feel stimulated and taut with lust. When she closed her eyes, golden fireworks exploded behind her lids.
Aine moaned and bucked her body against Huen. A slick coat of sweat enveloped her body and she rubbed against Huen’s pubic bone with as pleasure gripped her between the legs. She clenched her teeth and moaned, straining against his grasp.
Huen groaned. He roughly grabbed Aine’s thighs and pinned them down on the bed, vaulting against her until he closed his eyes and grunted. Aine felt something come to life inside of her, and she whimpered softly as her orgasm crashed and broke over her body like a thunderstorm. Electric pleasure filled her from head to toe and she was powerless to move, all Aine could do was lie under Huen and experience the delightful sensations.
Huen bucked and gasped, thrusting deeply inside Aine. She felt his body tense and shudder as he came inside of her. Then Huen collapsed against Aine, his sweaty head resting against her sweaty breasts. He stayed inside of her and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.
Aine shivered as the cool air made her sweaty body feel chilled. She pulled a fur over Huen and yawned, nestling her head in the pillows.
“We should rise,” Aine whispered, running her fingernails along Huen’s upper back. “I am sure Aerdan is waiting for me.”
Huen groaned as he pulled out of Aine and collapsed on the bed, face first. Aine grinned as she ran her eyes over his muscular body. She ran her hand down his back and squeezed his backside, loving the feel of his sweaty muscles under her searching fingers.
“I wish we could stay here,” Aine said softly.
“I know,” Huen said. He groaned and rolled over, sitting up and reaching for his trousers and tunic.
They dressed in silence. Aine went to the washroom and she washed her hands in the bowl of water and knotted her hair back behind her neck. The lovemaking with Huen had relaxed her, but she was beginning to feel nervous again.
When Aine returned, Huen was sitting on the bed looking forlorn.
“What if this doesn’t work?” Aine asked softly. “What if I’m not able to free the Queen?”
Huen reached for Aine’s hand, pulling her close and kissing her softly.
“You are going to try,” Huen said quietly. “And that is all you can do.”
Aine nodded. She tried to swallow her nerves, but they were stuck in her throat like a lump of dry bread.
“Yes,” she said softly. “I will try.”
Please, gods, let me succeed, Aine thought as she followed Huen out of the chamber and up the main staircase of the castle. Because if I fail, I know that I can never show my face here again.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Aine
When Huen and Aine arrived at Queen Zornaya’s chamber, it was packed with people. Aerdan, Angelica, Baelan, and seemingly every Zhekan courtier was sitting solemnly, staring at the Queen.
It was hard for Aine not to feel alarmed. Queen Zornaya looked even worse than she had before. Her skin was pale and clammy, and she felt feverishly hot to the touch. The words she was muttering under her breath were barely audible, even to Aine.
Aerdan walked over and shook Huen’s hand. Aine could tell there was some obvious tension between them, but she knew better than to ask.
“Aerdan, if I may, could you please escort everyone from the room?” Aine asked softly. “There is too much energy here – I will not be able to focus.”
Aerdan didn’t look too pleased with the decision, but he guided everyone but Angelica from the room. When he returned, Aine instructed him, Huen, and Angelica to sit in the corner of the chamber.
“And please be quiet,” Aine said softly. “I mustn’t be distracted.”
Aine took a deep breath, then drew a circle of chalk on the floor and stepped inside. She brought out the spellbook and set
it down on the ground, flipping through the pages until she found the exorcism spell. She closed her eyes and reached into her pocket for the talisman, clutching it tightly in her hand.
Something inside of Aine’s chest tightened and she swallowed hard.
“Oh, ancient goddess of Glasule,” Aine chanted, breathing in deeply. “Free this woman, Queen Zornaya, from the spirit of Glasule! Restore her to normalcy, and leave her body unharmed.”
A clap of thunder from the open window made Aine jump. She kept her eyes locked firmly on Zornaya and slowly approached the bed, holding the talisman out in the head. Aine felt energy swell deep inside of her body and she tried to channel it out of her fingers, pushing everything towards the supine Queen.
Rain began to lash the castle and lightning exploded in the sky. Aine did not tear her attention from Zornaya, keeping her eyes locked on the Queen’s face. The Queen fell silent and Aine stepped closer to the bed. She took the talisman and placed it on Zornaya’s forehead.
“Glasulian spirit, return to this vessel!” Aine shouted. “I command you to leave the Queen in peace!”
Thunder cracked and groaned from outside, and Aine could hear the fierce wind whipping around her. Her skin felt hot and itchy as she pressed the store deep into Zornaya’s forehead. Then the green stone began to glow and shake. It turned from a bright neon green into a deep garnet red, the color of blood. Aine gasped as the Queen’s complexion returned to normal and the sweat dried from her skin.
Queen Zornaya opened her eyes. She looked at Aine in confusion.
“Who are you?” The Queen demanded.
Aine plucked the stone from Zornaya’s forehead and wrapped it in a bit of cloth before slipping it into her pocket.
“I am Aine Brevenswood,” Aine said softly. “And I have restored your spirit to your body.”
The Queen sat up in bed, her long tresses falling over her shoulders. When she saw Aerdan standing in the corner of the room, she narrowed her eyes.
“Son, is this true?”
“Yes, Mother,” Aerdan said.
Queen Zornaya stared at Aine for a long time. “A peasant girl?”
“I am a Glasulian native,” Aine said softly. “I was adopted by Zhekan peasants when my birth family abandoned me.”
Zornaya blinked. “And you have saved my life,” she said.
“Yes.”
“That was not a question,” Zornaya said sharply. Her presence was so intimidating that Aine had the urge to melt into the floor.
“Mother, you should be grateful to Aine,” Aerdan said. “She is a friend of Huen’s, and it was her idea to assist you. Perhaps we should give her a payment of gold.”
“A payment?” Zornaya narrowed her eyes at her son. “There will be no such thing,” she said. Turning to Aine, she smiled. “Dear, a banquet will be held in your honor, and I would be very pleased if you selected a home near the castle for yourself.”
Aine flushed.
“Mother, there is still danger at hand,” Aerdan said.
“Yes,” Zornaya said tartly. “I can feel it too. But now is not a time to fret,” she added. “Now is a time to celebrate, and that is what we shall do.”
Aine bit the inside of her lip to keep from snickering at Aerdan’s pained expression. She dipped in a low curtsey to the Queen, thanking her for her kindness as Huen and Angelica led her from the room.
Just as Aine was about to throw her arms around Huen, Angelica took her by the hand.
“Aine, come with me,” Angelica said. “We’ll see Huen later.”
“But—“
“No arguing,” Angelica said serenely. “This way, please.”
Angelica led Aine up the stone staircase to the chamber she shared with Aerdan. She reached into a magnificent wardrobe and pulled a silken dress out, handing it to Aine.
“You should wear this to the banquet,” she said. “The green will be very flattering with your skin tone.”
Aine flushed. “Thank you,” she said.
“Do not thank me,” Angelica said. “It is I – and Aerdan – who should be thanking you.”
Aine nodded. “I am grateful that it was a success,” she said. “I was very nervous.”
Angelica gave her an odd look. “Aine, you are very talented,” she said. “No matter what you choose to do when…well when all of this is over, I do hope you continue with your studies.”
“Thank you,” Aine said.
Angelica left the room and Aine changed, taking extra care with her hair. Angelica had been right – the dress looked stunning on Aine.
When Aine went down to the main hall, she gasped. It was completely transformed. Silk banners hung from the eaves and the walls were decorated with mosaics showing scenes of Zhekan life.
“It’s beautiful,” Aine said under her breath she walked toward the long wooden table. It was filled with courtiers, and Aine saw Queen Zornaya take her place at the head.
“I would like everyone to be silent, please,” Zornaya said. Aine was impressed – she didn’t even have to raise her voice to get the crowd in order.
“As some of you know, I was in a perilous state,” Zornaya said. Her eyes flicked over the crowd until they found Aine. Even from a distance, Zornaya still had the most intimidating stare Aine had ever seen. “But I was saved from a disastrous death by this young woman, Aine Brevenswood.”
Everyone at the table clapped and cheered – even Aerdan – and Aine flushed.
“This banquet is in her honor,” Zornaya continued. “And I trust that my loyal subjects will treat her with kindness and civility.” Zornaya sat in her throne and the loud chatter resumed.
“You look beautiful.”
Aine looked up to see Huen, standing there and grinning. She flushed.
“Thank you,” she said softly. She scooted over on the wooden bench and patted the spot next to her.
“I’d like you to meet my parents,” Huen said.
Aine bit her lip. “Well, I’ve already met your mother, and it didn’t exactly go well,” she said softly.
“Come, Aine. I am sure they will be much kinder,” Huen said. He offered Aine his arm. She stood up and slipped her hand through his arm, resting her fingers on his muscular elbows. Gliding across the room with her arm in Huen’s, Aine felt like a beautiful, respectable lady. But when she saw Deratha sitting in a regal pose next to one of the largest men Aine had ever seen, she felt a flare of anxiety in her heart.
“Mother, Father,” Huen said, bowing his head. “This is Aine.”
“Yes,” Deratha said stiffly. “Looking much more appropriate than the last time I saw her.”
“Mother,” Huen said sharply. “Aine has performed a great service for the Zhekan people. Please, treat her with respect.”
Deratha looked ruffled, but she said nothing. She got to her feet. “I apologize,” she said curtly, in a tone that made it clear she didn’t care much for Aine. “This is my husband, and Huen’s father – Atrian.”
The muscular giant next to Deratha grunted. After a second of hesitation, Aine offered him her hand. Atrian kissed it, showing no sign of intelligence. Where did Huen get his genes from, Aine thought as she looked at his disdainful mother and his oafish father. He’s nothing like his father!
“Well, Aine, I hope you have enjoyed your time in the castle,” Deratha said. “I am sure it will be quite a trial for you to return home.”
“The Queen has given Aine a house near the castle,” Huen said. Aine flushed at the cocky, arrogant tone of his voice. When his disdain wasn’t directed towards her, Aine was surprised to discover just how attractive she found Huen’s affectation.
Deratha’s eyebrows flew up in surprise but she merely said: “Oh. How generous of our Queen.”
“Yes,” Huen said. “I am so pleased that she will be nearby.”
Deratha pinched her lips together. “Yes,” she said. “I am sure you will. Aine, please excuse us. I have some matters to discuss with my husband.” Aine watched as Deratha slapped
Atrian’s back so hard he jerked forward. Atrian slowly got to his feet, then lumbered out of the grand hall after his wife.
“I am sorry,” Huen said, grimacing. “I was hoping that she would not be quite so nasty to you.”
Aine shrugged. “I wasn’t,” she said. She sighed. “I am sure many Zhekan people have a similarly low opinion of me.”
“Not I,” Huen said.
Aine bit her lip. “Thank you,” she said softly. She felt strange – like an imposter. Even though the table was laden with delicious roasted meats, cheeses, and fruit more beautiful than she had ever seen, she wasn’t hungry. She felt out of place. I can’t live here, Aine thought. They will never accept me, or only pretend to do so because of the Queen. While she felt gratitude toward Zornaya and Huen, Aine realized she would never be a true Zhekan noblewoman.
