Woman of Power

by Toni Sands

  ‘Gilda? She did what?’

  Gavin clutched at the familiar-sounding name. ‘That’s the one. My informant tells me the other ladies put her up to it. I’ve never spoken to her apart from stammering out my thanks. I was embarrassed – didn’t want to seem ungrateful. You must be able to recognise that.’

  ‘I’ve spent months yearning for some sign from her that she even noticed me, let alone wanted me to carry one of her favours.’

  Gavin held his breath. Not an easy thing to achieve in such a heady, challenging environment.

  ‘When she smiled at me one evening, across the dining hall, I thought yes!’ Tev shifted, stretching his powerful frame out flat on the bench. ‘I made up my mind, when the next jousting bout was announced, I would seize the moment. Request a favour. But then you arrived. The dynamics changed. Tiernan made a real fuss of you. Your turning up while Saladin’s still away has delighted him. Even Zebal put himself out for you.’ He paused. ‘You’re not, are you?’

  ‘Definitely not,’ said Gavin. ‘Zebal’s good fun and his fencing skills are sublime. But no way do I fancy him.’

  He heard Tev’s sigh. Saw his bulk move through the steamy gloom. ‘I thought you and I could be good mates. You’re not too laddish like Braden. Darien and Cordale are out of my league. They’re a little bit superior, if you know what I mean. Can’t imagine confiding in one of those two.

  ‘Saladin’s fantastic, though. Strong. Clever. But not too clever. He’s always been supportive of me. With him out of the picture, I don’t have anyone to talk to, really. When you came along, I thought this new knight is my kind of bloke. Then you copped all those favours and I could have killed you. I really could.’

  Gavin put his head in his hands. ‘Mate, I’m so sorry. I really am. Girls will be girls, I guess. But I have a lady waiting for me back home. We have an understanding. Coming here happened when I least expected it. Hadn’t asked for it. Tiernan told me his father went through the same experience years and years ago. That’s why he’s kind of got a soft spot for me, I reckon. He understands what it’s like to be the incomer – the odd one out.’

  Tev propped his head on one hand, elbow resting on the slatted bench. Gavin couldn’t help noticing the impressive erection. The knight was hung on a par with Sarum, Gavin’s stallion. Nor could he help but imagine Amara’s hands, as she’d run them up and down the length of his own cock when the two of them made love in the hayloft, the storm battering the barn while they created their own tempest inside.

  Amazed by his own audacity, he wondered how it would feel to run his hands up and down another man’s cock. To stroke Tev’s awesome equipment. Here. Now. Such a thought horrified him. Intrigued him. Lured him.

  He suspected he was blushing like a girl. That was the only similarity to the fair sex, given his own burgeoning erection was fast demanding to join the party. His words hung in the humid air, inviting, no, demanding a response. Had he made himself sound too much like a wimp? Did the other knight think he might begin blubbing?

  Unsure what to do next, Gavin got to his feet, looking round for something to cover his manhood. Tev swung his legs down from the top shelf and dropped to the floor, to stand close to him. Sweat ran down both their faces; steam turning Gavin’s hair to corkscrews. Tev’s shaven head glistened wet, his ponytail hung limp and saturated, in stark contrast to what jutted between his thighs. He gave Gavin an awkward smile and a tiny shake of the head, as if further words would break the spell. You could not have passed a coin between their two foreheads.

  Later, Gavin would wonder what propelled the two of them into each other’s arms. But they put their arms around each other, hugged, drew back, and hugged again, clinging like brothers reunited after years of separation.

  ‘I wouldn’t have hurt you for worlds,’ whispered Gavin. This felt good.

  ‘I know. I’m going to give it a go. Show Gilda I’m a brave knight, not a wuss.’

  ‘You’re certainly not a wuss,’ said Gavin, trying to ignore the tightness in his chest. Tev’s meaty erection pressed against his thigh. If he shifted, his own cock would cosy up to the other knight’s. Yet he found it impossible to shift. Impossible to be the one making the first move in this homoerotic game.

  ‘I’ve always wondered what it must feel like for a woman to have my cock pressed against her,’ said Tev, his voice low, husky. ‘I’m sorry if I’m out of order, but does it feel weird to you too? Not that you’re a woman, of course!’ He chuckled, sounding nervous but not seeming eager to move either.

  ‘It doesn’t feel weird.’ Gavin matched his friend’s low tone. His huskiness. ‘It feels pretty good to me. Though I can’t believe I’m telling you this.’

  After a pause, Tev’s voice broke the silence. ‘Could I touch you, Gavin? Only if you really want me to.’

  Gavin’s heart leapt into his throat. Or seemed to, as something constricted his throat. He wanted all right. His hand moved towards Tev’s hand and he pushed it gently but with conviction till it touched his cock, till the room started spinning and Tev was on his knees in front of him. The sensation was so incredible as he took Gavin’s length into his mouth, he didn’t want it ever to stop.

  Different. Naughty. Unexpected. Forbidden. Intense. Unbelievable. Breathtaking. Fantastic. All at once.

  ‘What if someone comes in?’ Tev kept his hands on Gavin; moved his mouth away to whisper the question.

  ‘Keep doing what you’re doing.’ Gavin knew he was fast dissolving into sweet surrender. He could hardly draw breath. ‘Then I want to do the same for you. Maybe we’ll get lucky. Have the place to ourselves.’

  ‘There’s oil on the side here. Shall I …?’

  ‘Please.’ Gavin’s breathing was ragged. ‘Yes. Nice.’

  ‘Your balls are so tight. Your cock’s like steel in a satin glove. Fit to burst. Am I doing this right?’

  ‘Yes. It’s perfect. You’re perfect. Maybe a bit faster now …’

  Gavin closed his eyes, stood, legs apart, hands clutching Tev’s shoulders. Shuddered to a climax.

  When it was over, they reversed positions. Tev’s erection felt heavy, powerful, vulnerable in his hands. He watched with a feeling of triumph as the other knight threw back his head and came. Gloriously. Joyfully. And he’d made it happen.

  Both still struggling to breathe evenly, they sat down on the bottom bench, thigh by thigh.

  ‘Did we just do what I think we just did?’

  Tev chuckled. ‘You bet. Buddies for life now, Gavin?’

  ‘Without any doubt. Have you ever done this before?’

  ‘When I was younger. What about you?’

  ‘The same – out of curiosity more than anything.’ Gavin paused. ‘Mate, about what we did. It was brilliant but I don’t actually fancy you. Please don’t think that. It just kind of happened.’

  ‘I know,’ said Tev. ‘I feel the same. Whatever came over us, it felt pretty bloody good.’

  ‘Confession time,’ Gavin continued. ‘I did to you exactly what I know I like.’

  ‘Same here. I could still go out tonight and fuck a woman. How about you?’

  Gavin thought of Amara, couldn’t help himself. ‘Oh yes. One with fabulous tits.’

  They smacked their right-hand palms together in a high five.

  ‘I need a cold plunge now. Maybe not a hot massage, though,’ said Tev, heading for the door.

  ‘A hot massage?’

  ‘Maidens who are trained to rub our joints and give our muscles a workout will always go that little bit further if a knight wishes.’

  ‘Do you mean they’re whores?’ Gavin followed Tev to the cold pool. It wasn’t big enough to swim in. Just big enough for two or three people to dunk themselves in the icy, refreshing water.

  ‘I mean they’re handmaidens. They’re here to minister to us, whatever that involves. Jupiter Knights aren’t just about jousting and fencing. We are war machines. Many of us go without sex for long periods. Take Saladin, for instance. When he returns
to his wife, we probably won’t see him for a couple of days. To tell you the truth, I long for a wife, Gavin. One whose name is Gilda. And you? Don’t you get fed up with one-night stands?’

  Before Gavin could answer, a pageboy hurried into the chamber. ‘My lords, there’s good news. Sir Saladin is back from the eastern regions. He’s arrived in time to compete in the big championships. Isn’t it great?’

  Chapter Fifteen

  Later, when everyone gathered for the evening meal, Gavin met Saladin for the first time. He eyed the impressive knight, who wore a flamboyant robe in shades of red and purple, deciding the man must top his own height by three or four inches.

  Saladin greeted him courteously, massive hand thrust out. ‘Our liege lord has told me how you come to be here, Gavin. I’m to put you through your paces in the jousting alley tomorrow.’

  ‘I’m honoured and shall do my best to impress you, sir.’

  ‘This evening, I’m Saladin, not sir. I hear good things about you, young knight. I’m a little rusty after my travels but I’ll relish the challenge of facing you.’ He dropped his voice. ‘And maybe we should compare notes.’ He moved away to greet his wife as she entered the dining hall in the First Lady’s wake.

  Gavin was left puzzled by Saladin’s enigmatic remark but encouraged. With the arrival of this premier knight and the magnificent seven reunited, as newest recruit, he’d plummeted to number eight in the list. The best he could hope for was to be reserve in case one of the seven dropped out. He relished the chance to show his prowess against the huge knight with the musical voice and amazing flowing hair.

  Saladin’s wife sat next to Lady Amara at table for the first time since Gavin had joined the household. Her dusky good looks and ripe figure, in the late stages of carrying her husband’s child, intrigued him. She looked as though she belonged in some exotic hothouse, but it was still the First Lady who made his heart race and his groin tingle and ache. He daren’t look at her. Daren’t risk such naked longing showing in his eyes. Would she call him again? The thought taunted him while the wine flowed and platter followed platter of appetising roast meats, tender fish and honey-glazed root vegetables spiced with herbs.

  Gavin sat opposite Tev. To his relief, neither of them seemed embarrassed by their earlier encounter in the Turkish baths. If anything, they were more relaxed with one another, joshing and laughing as if they were old friends. Braden, next to Gavin, joined in the conjecturing about Saladin’s mission and whether and when they’d find out where he’d been.

  Gavin kept the big man’s remark to himself. For one awful moment he’d wondered if it had something to do with Lady Amara. Had she enjoyed quality time with Saladin in the secret grotto? Swiftly he discounted this option. No way could the prodigal knight have heard about Gavin’s misdemeanours. Besides, Saladin was too senior, too close to Tiernan. Such a dangerous liaison would rock the foundations of the mystical fraternity.

  Zebal addressed a remark to Braden, taking the younger man’s attention.

  Tev seized the opportunity to talk about his lady love. ‘Gilda never looks at me,’ he sighed.

  ‘She does, though.’ Gavin speared a juicy chicken thigh with his knife.

  Tev topped up their goblets. ‘I’d like to know when.’

  ‘When you’re not looking her way, you numbskull.’ Gavin laughed out loud at the affronted expression on Tev’s face. ‘In fact, your favourite lady’s sneaking a peep at you right now.’

  Tev turned his head slowly, so slowly Gavin could see the connection spark between maid of honour and pony-tailed knight. Amidst the conversation, the laughter, the consumption of good food, two pairs of eyes met and held in a mutually appreciative gaze. He saw Tev raise his right hand to his heart and pat his chest. He saw Gilda smile. Drop her gaze as befitted a demure maiden. Lift her eyes to meet his again. Lick her lips.

  ‘Jupiter’s bollocks,’ said Tev as Saladin’s wife turned to speak to Gilda. ‘That hot look she gave me! I. Have. To. Have. Her.’

  ‘Whoa, boy,’ said Gavin. ‘Gentle knights mustn’t think of their ladies in that kind of way. What about courtesy and courtship, my lord? How about you go over and speak to her after we’ve eaten? That’s allowed, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, but I’ve never mustered enough courage to do it.’

  ‘Don’t keep staring at her, man.’ Gavin tapped Tev’s arm. ‘Look away now. Good. Now, look back and give just the slightest nod. Tiny smile. Excellent.’

  ‘She’s blushing.’

  ‘Result. You’ve sparked the tinderbox. When you talk to her, compliment her upon her appearance. Show some humility. Ask her if she might consider handing you a favour when the big tournament comes around. Melt her heart, why don’t you?’

  ‘How come you know so much about all this stuff?’

  ‘Seven years as a pageboy, plus an older brother who’s also a knight.’ Gavin shot Tev a rueful smile. ‘Who knows when I’ll see him again. Or my lady in my own world.’ He bit his lip.

  ‘You must miss her. I forgot – you’d been away from home a long time before you turned up here, hadn’t you? Like Saladin.’

  ‘Longer than Saladin.’ Gavin concentrated on picturing his lady. Somehow her sweet face, tiny waist, and dark brown hair weren’t easy to visualise. He feared he carried a list of her attributes in his head but not in his heart. That was not a good sign for the future.

  But his immediate prospects centred on Arcandos. Hanging on to the coat tails of the Jubilee Knights until he proved himself their equal. Or not. In which case, he didn’t care to think what other tests the enchantress might be brewing in her castle of spells and intrigues.

  After the meal ended, Gavin watched Tev approach Gilda and sit beside her, his head close to hers. Saladin and his wife were finding difficulty keeping their hands off each other. Their smiles said it all as Tiernan shooed them off to their bedchamber. They ran the gamut of cheers and whistles from a few of the remaining knights but set off, arm in arm, to rediscover the joys of the marriage bed.

  Gavin was about to join Zebal for one last goblet of wine when he sensed the Lady Amara watching him from her seat beside her husband. Tiernan’s arm was draped casually across her shoulders, his fingers caressing the slope of her breast under her sapphire velvet bodice. The affectionate gesture seemed wholly natural, and in other circumstances Gavin would have approved. Yet now he felt jealousy spike him with its sharp claws.

  Since arriving in this weird world, his senses seemed to have been attacked on all fronts. That drug-induced episode with Sibilla floated in his memory, partly locked away and yet sometimes blasting him in his dreams so he woke, sweat-soaked and horny, so over-excited he’d no option but to grasp his rampant cock and slam himself, jerking and bucking, against the meagre mattress, urging himself towards a swift, violent climax. Only to be left bereft and longing for the sweet release and unbridled joy experienced within the voluptuous yet forbidden embrace of Lady Amara.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Early next morning, Sir Tiernan called a meeting of his knights and estate workers, his servants and everyone else who ensured life in his stronghold ran smoothly. Grooms, foresters, falconers and armourers. Male and female, they gathered in the great hall. Dogs padded in and found places at their masters’ feet.

  ‘Ladies, knights, soldiers, and pageboys – everyone, no matter whether you stir cooking pots or wield lances or shovels. I will not mince words. Yesterday, Sir Saladin returned from a mission on which I sent him months ago. He confirms what I’d heard rumoured. There is unrest in the eastern part of Arcandos. Rumblings and threats. Plots to take over our supremacy. In order to quell these, I shall send a party there. Very soon.’ His gaze scanned the sombre expressions.

  ‘We need to maintain our stronghold here. We need to send a message that everyday life in our province goes on unaffected. For that reason, I shall appoint two of my Jupiter Knights to lead a party of men who will set out to quash the unrest. They may be away some time. I need to stamp on
the rebels before their numbers swell.

  ‘For this reason, I cannot wait for the main jousting championships, so another of our own events will take place tomorrow.’

  A ripple ran round the hall. Gavin’s stomach clenched. Was this his time?

  Tiernan held up his hand. ‘All I’m interested in is finding the best-performing junior Jupiter to accompany the best-performing senior. Sir Saladin will not join the jousting lists because he has just returned and will assist me in making our home defences top priority. Every other knight is eligible. Dark forces are at work and we must overcome them. If you’re already one of my Jupiters, you have a chance to prove your true worth. If you are not, you have a chance to gain a place in the faithful seven.’

  There was silence as the men digested the implications of this. No Jupiter could sit back and enjoy security while so many others coveted his place and were ready to topple him.

  Gavin and Tev walked together towards the practice alley.

  ‘Exciting times,’ said Tev. ‘Or do I mean worrying?’

  ‘At least you don’t have time to become bored when you live in Arcandos. You must feel like you’re walking on quicksand.’

  Tev nodded. ‘I reckon you right. This situation might do you some good, then? If you get to be top junior knight, you’ll be on the way to returning to your world, won’t you?’

  ‘Reckon you could be right,’ said Gavin, shooting Tev a mischievous grin. ‘It’s a challenge for everyone, but it could push me a step further on this strange journey of mine.’

  ‘For me, it’s a chance to impress Gilda as well as Tiernan. Even if we don’t do well, there are still the main championships next week, with knights travelling from all over to compete against us. Big cash prizes on offer.’

  ‘Not long to wait now.’ Gavin noticed horses being led from the stables.

  ‘Your stallion and Saladin’s. Good luck, mate. I’m going for a long gallop.

  ‘This is what it’s all about,’ said Saladin as the two trotted back to the stables after their practice session. ‘Hard work. Concentration. Timing. Trust between man and his steed. Good job, knight. I see now what Tiernan means. You stand a very good chance tomorrow.’