“Interesting,” someone remarked. Freya knew who it was even before she turned around. She ignored him as she rolled her mat and wiped the sweat off her face, neck and arms. It was the king.
“You need to come with me,” he said, blocking her way back inside the room.
She had no choice but to look up and face him. She almost gasped when she saw those intense blue-green eyes again with their flickering silver streaks. He looked so damn handsome too now that he was clad in a black tuxedo. She felt so drab and dirty next to him.
“Where are we going?” she asked guardedly.
“A dinner party,” he said impassively. “You must look your best. Grailey’s on her way here now with the stylists and grooming experts.”
Freya just nodded and simply sidestepped him to get inside the bedroom. This is it, she told herself, taking a deep breath. Our act officially begins.
*****
It was an intimate dinner party in a lovely mansion on top of a hill, owned by one of the richest aliens in Tryptin. Everybody who was anybody on the planet was present, which made Freya even more nervous than she already was. She didn’t really have any problem mingling with the rich and famous, whether alien or human. It was also easy for her to act as if she were a regular socialite from another planet.
What was truly problematic was to pretend that she was in love and happy with King Zaino. Apparently, it was a very big deal for the king to marry a queen for love and not just for convenience. This was the very reason that made her current position a challenging one.
After dinner, they went out into the garden to watch the fireworks that the host had prepared for them. King Zaino actually put an arm around her as they looked up at the sky. It would have been a romantic moment, if it had all been real.
“Thank you,” he whispered to her, rubbing her shoulders.
The simple gesture was too good to be true, and yet Freya felt that he meant it. She met his eyes and smiled, before turning toward the sky again. Inside, she was melting and she could not understand why.
Suddenly, toward the end of the fireworks display, his other arm slid onto her waist and he slightly twisted her to face him. Before she could even do anything, she felt his soft, moist lips on hers. Instinctively, she closed her eyes and savored the sweet kiss.
When she opened her eyes again, she noticed a tall, muscular alien staring at them. Now she knew why the king had suddenly kissed her. He had not just gotten carried away by the moment. He had not suddenly developed an attraction toward her. It was all part of the act. She felt disappointed, her pounding heart slowing down and being replaced by sheer discontent. She knew it came with the job, though, so there was nothing she could do about it.
Throughout the evening, every sweet gesture and smile from King Zaino made Freya want to cringe. She had never been comfortable pretending to be someone she was not. But what bothered her even more was the fact that she was so affected.
When it was finally time to go, the alien that had been observing them during the fireworks display approached them to say goodbye. He said, “You are really lucky to have a real relationship going on. I was wondering where you met?”
Freya hesitated, her heart beginning to race wildly.
King Zaino was also caught off-guard, but he managed to answer with composure at the same time that Freya gave a reply too. “Planet Earth,” was his short answer while Freya had blurted, “Here.”
The alien looked fascinated. “Where is it, really?” he asked in a meaningful tone.
“We met first when I visited the Earth a few years back,” King Zaino said smoothly. “But that wasn’t when we started our actual relationship. It was when she worked here in Tryptin.”
“Aahhh, interesting.”
Freya gave him an odd look, knowing very well that he did not buy it completely. She had a bad feeling about this alien.
“You know, Jecksel, we’d love to stay and chat more but unfortunately, we have many things to do tomorrow,” the king told him. “We need to rest now.”
“Of course,” the alien called Jecksel said, slightly bowing.
Freya gave out a sigh of relief once she knew they were out of earshot. But she could still feel the alien’s eyes on them. Perhaps King Zaino also knew it because what he did in the next few seconds was something she was truly not prepared for.
A transport pod landed in front of them to pick them up. Zaino paused for a moment, and then took Freya in his strong arms. He kissed her passionately and she found herself responding eagerly too. As their lips locked, Freya’s heart hammered. She felt the heat growing from deep within her and rising to the surface, making her wrap her arms around his neck and actually feel for just that instant that they weren’t just pretending.
He was the first one to pull away after a while, giving her a smile and then leading her into the pod. They were silent on the way back. In the compact space of the pod, close to the king, Freya could not shake off the mounting desire of her body. She yearned to be kissed and touched by this man whom she had detested just earlier that day. What’s wrong with me? she asked herself.
In the confines of their bedroom, her longing increased even more. He hadn’t said a single word to her since the passionate kiss they had shared, and she had absolutely no idea what was running in his mind or how he was feeling.
She sat tensely on the edge of the enormous, deluxe bed as he vanished into the adjoining bathroom. “Stop it, Freya,” she said just under her breath as she tried to calm her nerves and get rid of the escalating craving of her body.
But when he came out in just a pair of cotton shorts, she couldn’t help gawking at his broad shoulders, the little hairs on his bulky chest, and his set of fine, solid abs. “You’re going to sleep like that?” she asked in astonishment. “Beside me?”
Suddenly, Zaino broke into a grin. He sauntered over to where she was sitting. “What’s wrong with this?” he asked.
“Nothing,” Freya muttered, turning her head away. “I’d better get dressed for bed.” She stood up and found herself standing so close to him she could feel his breath on her face. Before she could even move another inch, he placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her on the lips.
The sexual tension between them that they had been trying to ignore grew as their kiss intensified. He immediately slid his tongue into her mouth, which she let in willingly and met with her own tongue. Their French kiss and pressed bodies made her desire escalate even more.
A loud beep made them suddenly jump apart. Zaino looked irritated but nevertheless answered the call coming from the wall-mounted screen phone. He, however, instantly shut off the video and speaker feature with a remote and opted to put on the headset that was connected to the device. He walked out into the deck to take the call, which seemed to be about more politics.
Freya groaned, partly because of the disrupted moment and also because of how weak she had been. Why was she attracted to this arrogant king, anyway? Perhaps it was just because she had not been kissed like that in years. And of course it may have had something to do with the unique situation they were in, which added to the thrill. Even so, she vowed to increase her self-control.
After changing clothes and freshening up, Freya immediately fell asleep on the plush bed. She didn’t even notice Zaino climb in beside her. However, she did wake up in the middle of the night and saw that he was right next to her. She slept again in peace.
*****
The following weeks that came were a bit easier as Freya quickly adjusted to her “job”. King Zaino actually made time each day to eat and chat with her during lunch and dinner because he said they needed to know each other better in order to avoid problems in the future. She was touched, and figured it would do them good to become friends. However, he treated it as part of his duty, inserting their “meetings” into his busy schedule and being quite formal about it.
“Why do you like yoga so much?” Zaino asked her one time as they were finishing dinner.
<
br /> “It’s relaxing and rejuvenating,” Freya replied automatically. “It keeps me calm and positive, especially when I’m feeling down or troubled.”
“Really,” Zaino said uninterestingly. Then he wiped his mouth with the table napkin and stood up abruptly without another word.
Freya found it rude, as if everything was just mechanical to him. There were no real feelings involved, not even for friendship. She bit her lower lip to keep from speaking up. She watched him walk away as always. Grailey, who was standing close by, threw her a sympathetic look. Suddenly, she felt like crying. Her heart was overflowing with roller-coaster emotions that were nearing the brim. She decided to take a walk around the palace grounds to calm and steady herself.
As she passed by some alien warriors doing their evening training, she couldn’t help but feel concerned about their obviously weary condition. In her opinion, they were overworked. But who was she to speak up about the matter?
After about an hour, she felt more serene so she decided to call it a day. When she entered the bedroom she shared with the king, she was surprised to hear splashing and laughter coming from the pool area. In the dark, she approached the sliding doors and pushed aside the curtains.
When she saw Zaino flirting with a sultry woman in a bikini while enjoying a night swim, the pent-up emotions went tumbling out. She blinked back hot tears as anger, frustration, and loathing enveloped her.
I have every right to get mad, Freya thought with fury as her hands balled up in solid fists. We’ve been working so hard to pretend and make people believe we’re a happy couple and here he is suddenly dallying with some woman.
At that instant, she saw him turn to the door where she was partially hidden in the shadows. She quickly put back the curtains in place and stepped backward.
A minute later, he entered the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his hips, his sandy blonde hair still wet. He didn’t say anything, though, but simply headed over to the bathroom.
Freya was seething when he came out again shortly afterwards. “Not done yet with your woman?” she asked crossly. “I don’t think I can sleep in here tonight with all your noise outside. And besides, you might be needing this bed.”
“It’s not what you think,” Zaino said without any expression whatsoever. He strolled to face her squarely.
Freya folded her arms across her chest and stared back at him to meet his seeming challenge. “I don’t really give a damn about who you flirt, go out, or even sleep with,” she said, her voice laced with a mixture of hurt and anger. “You could have shown some respect, though. I’ve been working my ass off just to be the perfect queen in front of people’s eyes and here you are…”
“Are you jealous?” he asked, his lips turning up into a playful smile.
Freya couldn’t believe what he’d just said. “You know what? Never mind!” she said irately, starting to walk away.
But then, the king grabbed her arm and swung her around. The impact hurled her toward him, her face pressing against his brawny chest. “Don’t be foolish, Freya,” he hissed, trapping her with his arms. She tried to squirm free but he was too strong. “That human woman is nothing compared to you. She’s a big flirt but she also happens to be the daughter of the Earth ambassador, which is why it’s difficult for me to say no to her every time she suddenly sneaks into here. But believe me, I have no interest in her. There’s nothing between us at all.”
He looked taken aback when Freya actually laughed. “You just don’t get it,” she said.
“I do,” Zaino quickly answered. “You’re hurt because you think this can lead to trouble and put all our efforts to waste.”
“Good,” Freya said, her voice rising. “Now can you please let me go? Your little girlfriend might be looking for you by now.”
“I made her leave,” he said, still not releasing her. Then without warning, he pulled her even closer and kissed her on the lips.
At first, she pushed him away. But with his insistence, she found herself eventually succumbing to his kiss and touch. His lips explored hers hungrily while his hands gripped her tightly. She felt the heat spreading across her body, especially when he began kissing her neck and caressing her buttocks.
She felt his hands creeping downward to lift the hem of her skirt and then pull down her lacy underwear. Her carnal desire intensified, especially when he inserted his fingers into her and started playing with her sensitive area. He expertly touched her sweet spot repeatedly, making her moan. As she felt her knees giving way, he took out his fingers so he could carry her toward the bed. As he did, the towel he was wearing fell to the floor, leaving him naked except for his briefs.
He took them off and then went to undress her hurriedly. She groped for his cock and felt it grow larger and harder underneath her touch. As their lips locked again, she started to fondle him, her hand moving up and down across the length of his rigid manhood. He moaned with pleasure, driving her to go faster.
He leaned forward to suck on her nipples, supporting his upper body by placing his arms on either side of her as she continued to stroke him. After a few seconds, he could not take it any longer. He pushed her legs apart and entered her. The penetration was sweet and slow as he took his time to reach the deepest part he could get to inside of her. Her nails dug into his back as he pleasured her with every deliberate heave, which grew faster and deeper as he went on.
Their bodies blended into one as they moved in unison, lost in the erotic moment. They savored the mounting desire and decadence, rising together to an unforgettable climax that made them both explode in intense warmth and gratification. The overwhelming pleasure was almost painful and made Freya scream, her voice blending with Zaino’s drawn-out moan.
She lay in the dark afterward, spent and confused but feeling strangely happy. Soon she fell into a restful slumber, enfolded in his arms.
*****
Freya’s thoughts and feelings were more chaotic than ever. She really wasn’t in the mood to wear any of her custom-made dresses fit for a queen. What she wanted more than anything that day was just to be herself. Hence, she dared to leave the east wing of the palace clothed in her favorite yoga outfit—black leggings and a matching tank top, both of which clearly brought out her sexy figure.
She strolled onto the field aimlessly at first, unaware of the stares of the much-stressed alien warriors who were up early for their training as usual.
“Queen Freya,” a male voice suddenly barked.
Freya turned around and saw Patrix approaching her with a stern look. He reminded her of an old, grouchy professor she once had back in college. “Yes?” she asked defiantly with her hands on her hips.
“With all due respect, your highness, I believe you must dress appropriately when roaming the palace grounds.” His face looked annoyed and exasperated. He motioned to his warriors. “These men need to train hard, but they seem to be distracted.”
Freya frowned at him. “You know, in the first place, it’s your ambition and stealth that got me into this,” she told him directly for the very first time, not covering up her negative feelings about it anymore. “And secondly, ow that I am Queen here, I shall do as I please.”
He reddened a bit, obviously affected by her words.
She wasn’t finished, though. “You know what? Your soldiers don’t seem to be very happy.”
“They don’t need to be,” he said.
“Oh, really?” she retorted. “Well, I think they are overworked. They deserve a break. Even aliens need to rest. They are not machines. Too much training can be bad, too.”
He was definitely angry at how she seemed to be questioning his leadership and training style. But he took a deep breath and stayed quiet for a moment. Then calmly he asked, “What do you suggest, Queen Freya?”
Freya actually began thinking. Then suddenly, a brilliant idea came to her. Why didn’t she think of it before? With a wide smile spreading across her face, she answered, “I have just the perfect plan to help them cope bett
er. I promise you that after this, you’ll have much better warriors who are better equipped for battle.”
After she detailed her plan, he actually nodded and said, “Okay. It’s worth a try.”
And before she knew it, she was back in her zone. All the warriors were supplied with yoga mats and the proper workout clothes. For the next few hours, she taught them to meditate and engaged them in various yoga positions that allowed them not just to tone their muscles further and improve their flexibility, but more importantly to make them relax.
After the extended session, she felt totally rejuvenated. The men too were evidently calmer and more at peace. They appeared to have enjoyed yoga. Patrix, who had simply watched them, seemed to be pleased. He wanted to continue their training after the break, but Freya insisted that they be given the day off. He eventually gave in.
That evening, Freya was feeling very peaceful, and happier. But then someone reminded her about her husband’s diplomatic trip to the Earth, and she recalled the human woman she’d seen with him in the pool. Her heart began to pound fast as she imagined them spending more time together. Why didn’t he let me come with him? she wondered. She could have visited Lia and Bonx and spent some time with their other friends.
In the next few days, she didn’t even hear from King Zaino. All that Grailey could tell her was that he had to stay longer on Earth. The more Freya thought about it, the more she convinced herself that he was playing her and that other woman. She’d been so stupid to think that he might actually begin to care about her.
Throughout the time that the king was absent, Freya focused all her energy on providing yoga classes for the warriors every morning. Eventually, even the other palace workers joined in. They all found it relaxing. She also explained to them the other health benefits that regular yoga practice could do for them.
“I feel so great now,” Freya confided to Grailey one afternoon. “Being a yoga teacher is really my passion.”
“You’re so good at it too,” Grailey told her sincerely. “Even I feel so relaxed all the time now and not always uptight despite my busy schedule.”
Alpha Vampire Romance: Vampire’s Mate (Paranormal Shapeshifter Alpha Demon Vampire Romance) (Coming of Age Werewolf BBW Shifter Women’s Fiction Short Stories) Page 22
