by S. J. Smith
“Yes let’s all move to the throne room. Fredrik and Helena you can follow my daughter and I to my adjoining meeting room.”
I followed my dad and noticed Helena and Fredrik’s two guards emerge from the group of people to flank them. The group moved and I saw it as a good sign that at least our court members were mingling in good nature.
*****
Rune
I did not like Fredrik, the presumptuous Norwegian prince. Initially I had only been wary of being together with Luke in Emily’s presence, but he was behaving honorably and with no ill will. I was sure we were both now focused on Fredrik’s actions.
“So, let’s all talk,” King Lucas said and everyone sat casually around his room. It was set up to be a neutral room. There was a large panoramic view of the countryside around the circular room and the furniture consisted of couches and some tables. There weren’t even family banners up in the room, as not to send any perceived wrong messages.
“Yes let’s talk. I have been instructed to be blunt with you King Lucas. The other western European clans have been threatened by organized attacks of the cats and dogs. It’s certain that soon something will be attempted on our clans. I’m sure the weaker shifters see us as a sleeping threat and wish to diminish our numbers while we are divided.”
I could tell that Emily appreciated Fredrik’s straightforwardness.
“But the other clans are too stubborn to see this and unite, if not simply for protection’s sake,” Helena spoke up and Emily sat back in the sofa chair she occupied.
“There are important intricacies of uniting several nearly independent clans,” Emily said and Helena nodded.
“True, but Fredrik and I feel that if we could at least foster talks like these with the other clans that would be a step in the right direction and alert our enemies that they are pushing us together into an organized front,” Helena was earnest and Emily seemed just as engrossed in the conversation as she. Yet Fredrik was staring at Emily as if he wanted to claim her, and that I did not appreciate.
“It would be conducive to have more meetings like these in the States, a sort of neutral zone…surprisingly.” Fredrik said in a low voice and Emily glanced at him. Her eyes flitted to Luke a moment and then at me. I took a seat next to her, which incidentally, was in between her and Fredrik.
“That is a good idea if you think the other heads of clans could civilly come together and discuss possibilities of merging or something along those lines,” I spoke up and Fredrik looked at me as if I was the worst nuisance.
“I’m sorry, who are you?” he asked and I quirked an eyebrow at his concealed hostility.
“He’s the future second and has a voice here,” King Lucas spoke up on my behalf and as much as I appreciated that, I would rather have answered for myself.
“I am also courting Princess Emily,” I added and Fredrik snorted, before he turned his attention to Helena.
“Well I’d say it’s clear to see another clan is on board with us. What’s left is to spread the word and stop these attacks on our people,” he said and she inclined her head.
“Perhaps we should do this soon?” she suggested and both Emily and her father shared a loaded glance.
“Yes, if the threat is as real as you say. I think calling for a conference of sorts should be held soon,” Emily said and Helena smiled at her with a sort of comradery.
“Well Helena, you are the more diplomatic sort compared to me, perhaps you should go on a circuit calling the other clan leaders here. I could stay here as a sort of proof of good intention,” Fredrik suggested oh so smoothly, and both Luke and I shared a look. We definitely had the same feelings concerning Fredrik.
“I approve of this plan. Fredrik, you are welcome as our guest until this conference is pulled together,” King Lucas said and Fredrik smiled in thanks.
“Wonderful, perhaps it would be an interesting stay to watch the contests for the beautiful Emily’s hand,” Fredrik said and Emily tilted her head at him slightly.
“Contests?”
“Like the tomes of old! If there were ever more than one suitor for an heir, then they would compete in competitions and even duels.”
To my surprise the king chuckled almost fondly.
“Yes I remember those stories, it is a fond tradition I wished we hadn’t lost,” he said and Emily looked at her father as if she wanted to silence him immediately.
“Well that’s all well and good…but I think it wise to leave a few of my court here as well while I go on circuit, if we are all serious and in agreement, I will be leaving immediately,” Helena said and Emily was eager to steer the conversation back to its course.
“Certainly, your court will be welcomed guests here. We have more than enough space,” she said and Helena inclined her head in acknowledgment.
“Good, then I declare this a successful meeting.”
Just like that the meeting was over and Helena would soon be leaving with her guard. Emily stayed to speak with her father briefly then she gestured to Luke and I to follow her out. We made it all the way to the courtyard without her saying anything.
“I don’t like Fredrik,” Luke broke the silence once we were far enough away and Emily turned to speak to both of us.
“Neither do I…I don’t like that my dad doesn’t seem to mind him,” she glanced between us and then it appeared that she became uncomfortable. “Well uh…I should go.”
“I don’t like you being by yourself with Fredrik as a guest here,” I said and she chewed on her lip.
“I’ll be fine don’t worry. I’ll see you guys around okay?” she said and then turned on her heel and walked back towards the throne room.
“What was that about?” Luke asked and I shrugged.
“Maybe us all being together makes her uncomfortable.”
“Yeah I think you’re right…look I don’t want this to be like a competition or anything. Regardless of how this goes we’ll be working together in the future on matters of the clan. No animosity between us?” Luke extended his hand and I shook it.
“That’s just what I was hoping for.”
*****
Luke
I liked that Rune and I could be respectful to one another, maybe we could even be friends. He wasn’t a bad guy at all. I wasn’t concerned about whether he would get Emily or whether I would. I was more worried about if I would lose Emily in her choice. I wanted to send her something as a token of my affection, I just didn’t know what. I didn’t have much to do the rest of the day and thought I would be spending much of it escorting Emily around.
“So…I should find my father, I’m sure he wants me at his side.”
After our handshake I almost forgot Rune was still there.
“Yeah, sure, sure. I’ll see you around.”
We parted ways and I decided to visit my mom’s house. I hadn’t visited her in a few days and knew she would be complaining soon.
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be wooing the princess,” was her welcoming reception once I got to the house.
“It’s good to see you too mom, how are you?” I asked and she waved away my comment.
“How are things with the princess? Just imagine how beautiful your children will be,” she said wistfully as I stepped inside.
“I hope she will choose me…things went well last night,” I said and her eyes brightened.
“Truly? How well exactly?” her gaze became suspicious and I grinned.
“Well we kissed and I’d like to get her something special as a gift…” I said and my mom’s expression brightened instantly.
“Oh! I know just the thing, come.” She took my hand and led me upstairs to her bedroom where she pulled out her huge jewelry box. “Don’t tell Dean I gave you any of this, he will be jealous,” she rummaged around in the family heirloom. It was passed down for generations by the women in my mother’s family. There was jewelry from as early as sixteen hundred and everything that went into the large crafted wooden box w
as real metal and stone or gems.
“Here, give her this. It was my grandmother’s arm circlet.”
I studied the platinum circlet, it was a dragon with amethyst eyes.
“Oh this is perfect mom thank you,” I bent to kiss her on the cheek and she shooed me towards the door.
“Go on and give it to her,” she said and then added, “oh, and come later for dinner if you can, Dean caught me a nice goat earlier today.”
“Doesn’t he have a job?” I asked and she snorted.
“You know how he is with his numbers and stocks; he ends up with much free time. I’m just glad he’s found a fruitful job that allows him to still be a part of the clan, even if just as a hunter.” It was true my brother’s role with the clan was mostly traditional and ceremonial in a sense. But he was happy, as was his family.
“Alright, I’ll see you soon mom.” I kissed her on the cheek again before hurrying back to the castle. I found Emily relatively quickly. She looked flustered coming out of her father’s study and a bit flushed.
“Everything okay?” I asked her and she nodded quickly and took my hand, steering me away from the study.
“Yeah fine, you guys just keep…popping up everywhere.”
I tilted my head at her a bit questioningly and she shrugged off her own comment.
“I have something for you,” I told her, then realized we were heading towards her bedroom. She wasn’t fully paying attention to me, more like hauling me to the room frankly. Once we were inside she took a deep breath and I studied her closely. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes I’m fine…you said you had something for me?”
I nodded and then handed her the circlet. She smiled and her eyes lit up.
“Luke this is beautiful!” she said and studied the intricate detail on the dragon.
“Let me put it on for you.”
She handed it back to me and I put it around her right upper arm. It fit perfectly.
“Thank you, it’s beautiful,” she said and I grinned at her.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it. It used to be my great grandmother’s.”
“Well then I’m honored you gave it to me,” she said sincerely and then took a deep breath.
“Can I ask why we’re hiding out here?”
“Oh I was running away from Fredrik and had just ducked into my dad’s study to throw him off my trail,” she said. Anger rose in my chest and she put her hands out as if to steady my reaction. “It’s fine, he didn’t do anything, I was just trying to avoid him, so I wouldn’t have to speak with him.”
“Either Rune or I should have stayed with you. If Fredrik makes you uncomfortable then you should let us buffer you from him so that you aren’t hiding in your own castle.”
Rune was right, someone should have stayed with her.
“Okay I’ll make sure one of you is with me from now on…”
“Do you have anything to do? I can stay with you today, I’m free,”
“I’m just supposed to make sure all our guests feel welcome. We can leave in a bit.”
I quirked an eyebrow at her, wondering why she didn’t want to go right away. Though I had to admit speaking to court members wasn’t exactly exciting. Then I noticed her pupils had dilated a bit, and my other nature rose to the surface along with my temperature in reaction to her. The air was thick with what I knew she wanted and hell if I wasn’t all for it. Emily stepped into me and I wrapped my arms around her waist before lowering my lips to hers. She moaned softly and I gripped her waist, holding her flush against me. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t felt her need before, she was feverish compared to me and I wondered if she was in pain with the need I knew she was feeling.
“You really need a mate don’t you?” I asked breathlessly, and she simply nodded before she pressed a kiss against my neck and pushed me towards the bed.
“You have no idea,” she said hoarsely and I let her push off my shirt and kiss my collar and chest. I ground my teeth against the raging hard on I had in my pants.
“Emily, careful…” I said between clenched teeth and she pushed me onto the bed and climbed onto me. I slid my hands underneath her blouse and against her smooth skin as she kissed me again. I was torn, trying to reign in my urge to claim her as mine because she hadn’t yet said the words. That she chose me.
Emily ground herself against the bulge in my jeans and I groaned before I flipped her over and pressed my hips against hers. She gasped and I hooked my fingers into the waistband of her tights before sliding down her body and pulling them off. Her eyes seemed to glow as she watched me with her heated gaze. I felt it caress my very soul and I knew exactly what she wanted from me. I gently nudged her legs open and pulled down her panties before I stretched out on my stomach and settled my shoulders in between her legs. I held her gaze the entire time, even as I lowered my mouth to the lips of her sex. She smelled amazing, like warm vanilla and spice, my mouth even watered at the fact that I was going to taste her.
When I slid my tongue out and pressed against her clit Emily’s eyes widened and she bit her lip. Then I swiped my tongue over her nub rhythmically and with some pressure. Her arousal was almost sweet and the sound of her moan, plus the heated and carnal look in her eyes, was heady. Emily was unbelievably sexy. I knew she was close when her hips started move and her fingers pulled at my hair. My cock was painfully restrained in my jeans and all I wanted to do was thrust into her.
“Luke!” she called out my name just before her legs tightened and her body shook with her orgasm. “Oh god!” she cried out and I watched her eyes go wild and then melt into pure bliss as her orgasm mellowed. After that I had to literally force myself away from her. I couldn’t stay, the urge to claim her was too strong.
“Emily…I have to go.”
She sat up and looked at me as I grabbed my shirt and backed towards her balcony. She understood why, her eyes never left mine.
“It’s alright…go,” she whispered and I gave her a look of longing before I hurried out onto the balcony and quickly took to the sky. It was easy for me to shift, as the dragon had been just under the surface of my skin.
*****
Emily
Luke literally ran from the room and I watched him go. Afterwards I collapsed on the bed and wondered if he had kept my panties. Even after such a good orgasm I still wanted more. I took a minute to try and calm my nerves, but then I was getting a strong headache because Luke had left so suddenly and we had been forming a bond. I knew he hadn’t wanted to mark me without my explicitly choosing him, but soon, especially if we continued to do stuff like that, there would be nothing either of us could do about it. I groaned and then forced myself into a sitting position. Then there was a knock on the door and I barely had enough time to scramble and pull the blankets over my lap before the door was cracked open and Rune stuck his head through.
I glanced up and wondered if fate was making a fun game out of my situation.
“Hey, are you busy?” he asked and I simply shook my head, feeling beyond flustered. “I was hoping I’d find you alone…were you napping?” he asked me as he came in and of course shut the door behind him.
“No…uh, well maybe?”
He smiled at me crookedly and came right over to the bed. He inhaled deeply once he was close to me and tilted his head to the side with a slight smirk on his lips.
“Maybe hmm?” he quirked an eyebrow at me and my eyes widened when I realized he must have thought I was…servicing myself.
“Ah…um…oh my god this is so embarrassing,” I eventually said and Rune shook his head. His hair was loose that day and he pushed it over one side of his head, out of his face. “I don’t know what to say,” I breathed and then clenched my jaw once I caught scent of Rune’s need to mark me. My body was tuned up and ready go again almost instantly.
“It’s alright, I’m just glad I found you while you still have your pants off.”
I was suddenly worried that Rune would catch Luke’s
scent. He pulled the blanket off of me and his nostrils flared before his eyes met mine.
“You weren’t alone…did you choose him?”
“No, we didn’t do…no I didn’t choose him.”
Rune nodded and then he actually shrugged and pulled off his shirt before climbing onto the bed.
He kissed me and that heated magnetism was there just as strong as it was between Luke and I. My sex clenched and then he pushed me back onto the bed gently before his lips trailed a hot path from my jaw to my neck. He nibbled his way to just under my ear and I arched into him. My hands roamed his chest and well defined stomach but before my hands could get too low, Rune caught my hands one at a time and held them above my head. I gasped and shivered when he blew in my ear and then nibbled on my earlobe. Then he pushed off my shirt and unclasped my bra seemingly in one motion. Rune slipped off my bra and leaned to the side so he could trail his eyes along my naked body.
“You’re so…you’re so beautiful and sexy and…all of the good things that poets can say, but I can’t,” he said, making me giggle, before he trailed teasing kisses across my belly and back. Then he stopped at my breasts and pressed a feather light kiss on both of my pebble like nipples. “You’re really warm,” he whispered and all I could do was nod.
My entire body was raging, I had only two options and that was to either orgasm, or pull a Luke and let my dragon form take over and take to the sky so that I could try and cool down.
“Rune whatever you want to do, just do it…please.” I was panting and he saw the need in my eyes.
His mouth closed around one of my nipples with more pressure and he gently pulled it between his teeth just as his hand slid down my side and curled around to my inner thigh. I moaned in impatience and intense arousal, then his fingers found my clitoris. It felt like he was sending bolt after bolt of pleasure through my body. When Rune slid his fingers into my slick core I moaned loudly and then practically convulsed when he easily found my g-spot.
