The Savage King

by Michelle M. Pillow

  The ceffyls’ hisses kept most of the large swamp life at bay. Their thick hide could withstand the bite of the poisonous givre that swam freely in this part of the kingdom. When Falke helped Ulyssa to mount, he’d warned her to keep her legs from the water. She obeyed, holding tightly onto the horn, her legs lifted onto the strange creature’s back to sit crosswise.

  The group traveled in silence for about an hour. A diffused light fell over the dense forest in a soft green haze that blended eerily with the patches of hot, steamy fog from the nearby marshland. From what Ulyssa could tell, aside from the inherently different vegetation there wasn’t much difference between the swamps and the marshes, except that the marshes seemed devoid of all life.

  The air was damp in this part of the woods. Moss hung from treetops, unmoving in their windless isolation. They were in an awful place. The rotting smell of molding plant life and animal carcasses masked even the barest traces of scent. Even the insects seemed to have deserted the area.

  Kirill didn’t look at her once during their trip but kept his gaze stoically forward. Ulyssa had never dreamed of being a mother, and the pregnancy didn’t seem real to her. She knew the Agency would never allow her to keep and raise the child. Nevertheless, it hurt that Kirill so readily agreed to run her through. She’d said it to shock him, to hurt him for not denying he’d been with other women since her. She never thought he’d agree to it.

  It hurt that he showed her no more notice or consideration than if she’d announced she’d grown a new freckle. Prince Olek and even the stoic Prince Zoran hovered protectively around their pregnant wives, rubbing at their lower backs, guiding their arms, kissing their temples with quiet whispers of concern. Ulyssa grimaced as she looked forward to where Kirill rode near the front of the group, far away from her.

  The constant bumping of the animal beneath her made her queasy. She was ready to stop and rest, but would never be so weak as to complain. Gritting her teeth, she stared forward, concentrating on sitting upright.

  “You knew you carried his first heir and yet you left anyway?”

  Ulyssa jolted and turned to stare at Falke. She’d not heard him ride up next to her. Her eyes had drifted absently to Kirill’s back, trying to remember to hate him. Glancing around, she saw that no one had heard his words.

  “I just found out today,” she answered quietly, letting her mount fall slightly behind, so they wouldn’t be overheard.

  “Had you known, would you have left him?” Falke asked.

  Ulyssa turned to look at him. His eyes weren’t judging. If anything, he looked sad. She saw he held no hard feelings about being left paralyzed next to the tree. He didn’t mention it, so neither did she. Without flinching, she said, “Yes. You out of anyone should understand that I must do my duty.”

  “Yes, I, out of any, understand that,” Falke answered. He gave a meaningful glance to Kirill. “But he will not. All he will understand is your betrayal.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Falke. As soon as this mission is complete, I’m gone. If I fail, I die with the rest of you. If I succeed, the Agency will pick me up. I’ll disappear, and not even the king of the Var will be able to track me down.”

  “You would take his child from him?” This time when he looked at her she saw a mix of disbelief and horror.

  “Yes. This child should never have been conceived. It’s against Agency policy for me to have it. They chose me because I had no ties, no commitments beyond duty. My shot must have expired or been defective. When I get back, I’ll be lucky to have a choice in the matter. Most likely they’ll rid me of it without even asking. Or, on the very rare chance they allow it to be born, they’ll take it and find a placement for it at one of their training facilities.” Ulyssa took a deep breath, wondering at the intense sadness that flowed over her at the words.

  She suddenly felt very empty and hollow. A pain shot over her abdomen, blanketing her chest and heart in agony. She wanted to cry out, but the air was trapped in her lungs.

  Kirill abruptly turned around to stare at her. His dark features frowned in question. Ulyssa felt as if he stabbed her with his eyes. Another pain shot through her, and she turned to look at Falke. Her face pale, she whispered, “Help.”

  36

  Kirill paced outside the tent where Ulyssa slept. He cursed softly. As they journeyed, he’d been doing his best not to look at the woman who tormented his every waking thought. But then, as a sense of pain and sadness so intense washed over him, he was drawn to give her comfort. It was strange, but he felt her inside him. Her agonizing scream echoed in his head, drilling a hole in the side of his skull.

  When he looked back at her, her face had paled and, turning to Falke, she slid off her ceffyl into the stagnant water of the marsh. Falke managed to grab her arm, so she didn’t go under. Kirill leaped from his mount, flying through the air and landing noisily at her side.

  “We camp here,” was all he said to the amazed onlookers.

  Their Draig traveling companions didn’t protest. They watched Kirill carry an unconscious Ulyssa in his arms to drier land, before moving to follow so they could set up camp.

  Now, stopping next to the tent, he turned to glare at his brother and demanded, “What did you say to her?”

  Falke held still and didn’t answer, not flinching at the dark tone. Nadja came from the tent. Kirill stiffened and looked down at the slender woman. She shook slightly before him, but he was too worried to pay attention to the reaction.

  “She’ll be fine,” Nadja said. “Just let her rest.”

  Nadja tried to step away. Kirill reached out and grabbed her arm. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Olek stand. He instantly let the woman go.

  “What is wrong with her?” he asked, his words harsher than he intended. He refused to show compassion. As Nadja’s eyes searched his face, she smiled slightly as if seeing through his façade.

  “These little fainting episodes are caused, more or less, by low blood sugar and tremendous amounts of stress. I even suspect that the HIA had her on a heavy birth control that hasn’t expired. According to the readings in her blood levels, she shouldn’t even be pregnant.” Nadja lowered her voice. “I don’t know much about the form of birth suppression the HIA uses on their agents, but I can tell you it will be a difficult pregnancy for her. She’ll be sick and weak for much of the time. She should be resting and watching her diet, not traipsing about the forest. Whatever it is causing her stress, if it doesn’t stop, she may eventually lose that child. I didn’t say anything to her about this because she already has enough to deal with.”

  “HIA?” Kirill asked.

  “You don’t know?” Nadja was taken aback. She paled and tried to step away.

  “No, wait, please, tell me.” Kirill let the full torment inside him pass over his face. Princess Nadja seemed to be the only one willing to tell him anything. In a hoarse whisper, he couldn’t stop the words from escaping him. “Please, I beg you. I have to know.”

  “HIA. Human Intelligence Agency.” Nadja paused. “My lord, Ulyssa is an undercover government agent sent here to stop my father from selling these types of weapons. She’s in deeper than most men are in the Federation Military. I don’t know much, but I do know that most HIA agents never leave the Agency. I honestly don’t think they can.”

  “How do you know all this?” Kirill asked.

  “You don’t grow up a Mafia boss’s daughter and not pick up a few things about the government.” Nadja patted his arm lightly. Sighing, she strode across the campground to her husband.

  A slight commotion to the side caught Kirill’s attention. Pia whispered angrily at Zoran before pointing at Kirill. The Var king stiffened. Zoran growled at his wife, who merely smiled and batted her lashes. Storming over to the Var king, he stated, “Lady Ulyssa is under our protection. Harm her...”

  Kirill snarled. Zoran nodded as they came to a silent understanding. For a moment, they held each other’s eyes before Zoran stormed back to his wife. Her squeal resound
ed over the campsite followed by her husband’s laughter. Sweeping her up over his shoulder, Zoran carried her into their tent.

  Jealousy hit Kirill in a forceful wave. He’d never seen or felt such happiness between a man and a woman as he saw in the Draig princes and their wives. His eyes turned to his own tent, where Ulyssa slept. It was likely he’d never feel such happiness as long as he lived. Perhaps the Var weren’t made to love. King Attor had seemed to think so.

  “Come, brother, let her rest,” Falke said coming from the trees. Kirill hadn’t even noticed he’d left when he was speaking to Nadja. Falke stretched his arms wide and noisily yawned. “Come. Join me by the fire.”

  Ulyssa groaned, opening her eyes. The sound of laughter drifted all around her. Sitting up, she saw the reflection of orange fire on the wall of the tent. Beneath her was a padded sleeping mat. For a moment, she blinked, trying to get her bearings.

  The laughter again sounded, louder than before followed by quiet murmuring of conversation. Crawling to the front flap, she pushed it aside and looked out. To her amazement, everyone was gathered around a campfire. Very cautiously, she stood, taking a wary step forward.

  “We’re dead, aren’t we? I’m stuck in hell.” Ulyssa watched all eyes turn to her. The laughter died somewhat at her words. Nadja and Pia were nestled in their husband’s arms. Falke and Kirill were opposite the fire. Kirill stood as he saw her. “You’re all getting along, so either we’re dead or I’ve been asleep for a long time.”

  “Yo—” Zoran began, his word harsh.

  “Shh,” Pia hushed him. She smiled and drew his face to her. As if it explained away Ulyssa’s lack of manners, she whispered, “She’s pregnant. Leave her alone.”

  Ulyssa grimaced. Kirill stiffened. His eyes dipped to where his child grew in her stomach.

  “How do you feel?” Nadja asked, politely ignoring Ulyssa’s rude outburst. She rested her head on her husband’s shoulder and smiled knowingly. “You had us worried.”

  Ulyssa didn’t answer, as Kirill’s gaze captured her. There was no malice in his penetrating look. He almost seemed like his old self, before their duties came between them. Her heart fluttered in her chest. She swallowed, nervously. His mouth curled up slightly, very handsome in the way it pulled up at the edge. She knew that look well. He wanted her.

  “You should try to eat, Ulyssa,” Pia asserted, interrupting their trance. “It’ll make you feel better.”

  Ulyssa blinked, her eyelids still feeling heavy as she looked around her. Everyone stared back, their gazes full of questions, pity, understanding. She nodded in agreement, still feeling like she was walking in a dream. Her motion was only half finished when she gradually turned and moved to the forest, not saying another word.

  37

  Kirill exchanged looks around the campfire as Ulyssa walked away from them. He didn’t know how it happened, but somehow having a joint purpose had helped relations between the Var and Draig. He even suspected that being out of the palaces and on neutral ground also made it easier for them to set their differences aside. Even Falke and Zoran, longtime enemies, made civil comments to each other. It wasn’t a signed peace treaty, but it was a beginning, a good beginning.

  Falke frowned and motioned his hand that Kirill should follow Ulyssa.

  “Excuse me,” Kirill said, standing to go after her. He wasn’t sure what he’d say to her when they were alone. He was still angry at her for leaving him in the first place, for not trusting him to be a better man, for questioning his honor, for thinking that he could massacre innocent people, whether they were Draig or not.

  Sniffing the air, it didn’t take him long to detect her scent. Jogging forward, he saw the outline of her body in the dusky light of evening. She leaned against the trunk of a tree, staring absently at the ground. Her face was sad, and it tore at his heart to see it.

  “Lyssa?”

  Ulyssa turned. Her wide eyes looked at him. Slowly, she pushed away from the trunk. “This doesn’t change anything.”

  Before Kirill could respond, Ulyssa’s hands were on his face, pulling his mouth to hers. The first touch in what felt like ages exploded through them, tearing over their flesh like lightening. Ulyssa’s loud moan joined his, the sound agonizing. Her hands dug beneath his clothing, pulling desperately to free him of it.

  When he tried to pull back and speak, she kissed him harder, thrusting her tongue into his mouth almost desperately as she drank of his taste. Her teeth nipped his lips as she devoured him in the kiss. He didn’t resist, returning her passion full force, letting her take whatever she wanted from him.

  “Just kiss me, Kirill,” she said into his mouth. “I want to feel anything but this fear and uncertainty. I don’t want to die here.”

  “We’re not going to die,” he answered hotly. He pulled back to look at her face. She was vulnerable, fragile as she looked up at him. “If it goes wrong, there is an antidote. I will make sure you are amongst those who get it. I promise.”

  “No, you don’t understand. If it goes wrong, my bosses won’t let anyone off this planet alive, antidote or not. They can’t afford to stop and ask questions. They’ll kill us all. If we fail, we’re dead.” Ulyssa moved to kiss him again. He still held her, but he moved his head back to study her.

  “Kirill—?”

  “Why did you stay? Falke said you were ordered to leave by your boss.” Kirill’s eyes searched her. He waited a long moment for her answer.

  “I stayed because it’s my job. I was sent here to stop Doc, and whatever it was he planned. I never quit a mission.” Ulyssa shook violently, but her words were calm. “I couldn’t leave just to watch innocent people die, not if there was something I could do to stop it.”

  “Is that the only reason?” he demanded. Even though his head stayed back, his arms held her tightly to his body.

  “What other reason could there be?” she whispered.

  Kirill groaned a low throaty sound as an answer, no longer able to hold back. Tugging her tight pants off her hips, he stripped her of her clothing as if he wanted desperately to be buried inside her.

  Ulyssa kicked the pants off her feet, helping as he pulled at her shirt. Reaching for his waist, she freed the rigid length of his arousal, gasping in pleasure as she caressed the smooth shaft.

  Kirill grunted, forcing her back against the tree. Eagerly, he lifted her up, parting her widely to accept him. He’d missed her so much. The perfume of her longing filled his head, calling to him like a drug. He was helpless against her, and he no longer seemed to care. There was no point in fighting their desire.

  Without needing to test her depths, he plunged himself forward. His body slid deeply into hers, conquering her. Ulyssa cried out, urging him on with her soft pants and whimpers of pleasure. Kirill answered her call with one of his own. Animalistic grunts of desire escaped them. His hips rocked into her, pumping fast and deep, as he tried to brand her to his touch.

  Ulyssa’s back rubbed against the bark of the tree, but she didn’t care. She’d missed him, as if a piece of herself had been missing. His hands gripped the cheeks of her butt, holding her firmly as he filled her, sliding in the cream of her body. At their fevered pace, it didn’t take long for the trembling of climax to seize them both. Her body clenched his, milking the seed from him as he came inside her.

  Ulyssa moaned, leaning forward to bite lazily at his shoulder. Kirill’s palm cupped her face, urging her back to his mouth. He kissed her gently, still buried deep inside, still trembling, and held her tight. In this moment of ecstasy, nothing else mattered.

  Ulyssa let him kiss her for a long moment before drawing back. A look of pain crossed over her features, as she demanded, “I need you to tell me you had nothing to do with this.”

  “You should know that answer for yourself. I shouldn’t have to tell you. Why did you leave me?” Kirill asked. “Was it because you’re pregnant?”

  “I left...” Ulyssa took a deep breath, before starting over. “I left because of the biolo
gical weapons.”

  “I don’t believe you,” Kirill said. He pulled his body from hers and laced his pants. Ulyssa stepped away from the tree and retrieved her clothing. Her legs wobbled, as she dressed. When they finished, he stated, “I can sense you’re lying to me. Please, Lyssa, for once, trust me. For once, tell me the whole truth.”

  Ulyssa pushed wayward strands of hair back from her face and sighed. “I left because it was my duty to go. I was never shipwrecked. I was sent by the Human Intelligence Agency to stop Doc Aleksander. I hid on the Galaxy Brides’ ship with the other Draig brides and when it landed I made a camp in the forest. But, before I could get to him, Nadja killed Doc. I thought my mission was over. I called the Agency for a ride and found out I was going to be stranded here for a while.” Ulyssa’s tone was hard, matching her expression. “I didn’t lie about King Attor kidnapping me. That much was true. The night you found me wandering the halls I was trying to escape.” It felt good to be telling him the truth. “Any idiot could see the Var and the Draig were at each other’s throats. I wanted to stay out of it.”

  “So why then did you agree to stay with me?” he asked.

  “What would you have picked? Three months in a forest being eaten alive by bugs, or three months in the lap of luxury?” The answer was honest, but it wasn’t the whole truth. It barely even skimmed the surface of the whole truth. Before he could probe further, she said, “I ran across the trade agreement by accident that night in your office. I thought you had something to do with it, so I waited for my opportunity and left.”

  “And do you still believe I am capable of such things?”

  “No,” she answered, knowing she never really had. She’d been confused, mostly because of how she felt. But, it wasn’t the trade agreement that sent her fleeing the palace, not really. It was seeing Linzi by his side in the hall, before all his people—a position he’d never allowed her to take. It was knowing he could, and probably did, take others to his bed.