by Lily Thomas
After hiding away for a day, Roxanne made her way down to the great hall. Elizabeth waved her down the moment she entered the great hall, and Roxanne walked over to where Elizabeth sat.
“Will you be sharing any of that food with me?” Roxanne eyed the pile in front of Elizabeth.
“I could eat everything stored within the castle walls and still not be satisfied.” Elizabeth leaned back and patted the bulge of her stomach. “Thank goodness I don’t live among humans anymore. I couldn’t imagine walking around in a tight dress while in this condition. The loose dresses of the fire giant lifestyle are perfect.”
Roxanne nodded as she looked at the white fur dress Elizabeth was wearing today. She too had grown fond of their way of dressing. All of the fabric dresses Elizabeth had loaned her had been loose, like the fur dresses the giant women used, and there wasn’t a corset to be seen.
“Perhaps I will join you in raiding the castle’s kitchen with our joined condition,” Roxanne laughed.
Elizabeth pursed her lips for a second. “Our joint condition?” Then her sapphire eyes lit up. “You weren’t sick the other day?!”
“Appears it was something more,” Roxanne stated as she took a seat.
“Oh, my! It looks like you caught my condition instead of the other way around!” Elizabeth peeled out in laughter. “Does Daerrin know?” Her voice went serious. “Well, of course not, he’s been gone too long. Do you want me to get word to him?”
“No. Not yet. I still need more time to digest the information myself.” Roxanne rushed to say. She had no idea how this news would go over with him when she was still wrapping her mind around it.
“I understand completely.” Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Congratulations, Roxanne. Children are a wonderful addition to life.”
Roxanne sent her a smile that she hoped would appear sincere.
“You aren’t pleased?”
Shaking her head, Roxanne reached for a roll. Elizabeth was good at picking up on her emotions.
“Why not?”
“I’ve always wanted a child, but I thought it would be with a human man, not a fire giant.”
“Take your time in thinking about it. You just learned you're with child. Even a human child might startle you when it’s your first.”
“When it’s born what will it be? Fire giant or human? Or neither? It has no place among humans or giants.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “It might never have a place among humans, but you will find the fire giants very accepting. I feared the same thing, but I never could’ve guessed how receptive the fire giants would be of a half-human half-giant prince.”
“But now I can never return home with this child.” Roxanne despaired. “My father would never accept it unless it came out looking like a human.”
“You’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed. Give it some time to sink in and allow yourself to relax.”
Roxanne knew she was right. At the moment she was wigging out about this, but she just needed some time to digest the information. After her time here, she was starting to doubt her father’s kindness because of all the facts coming in from the border. The fire giants hadn’t hidden anything from her.
But she still had to give her father a chance. He was her father after all.
Within a few days, Roxanne had calmed a bit about being pregnant with Daerrin’s child. It’d had some time to sink in, and she had daydreamed about what it might be like to have a child running around tugging at the hem of her dress.
Glancing out the window, she watched as a troop of armed fire giant soldiers rode into the castle courtyard. It made her think of Daerrin and how he was doing on the violent border. She may not enjoy being his captive, but she didn’t wish him ill.
Not only had she thought about having a child, but she’d thought about Daerrin as well. And for a captor, he wasn’t horrible. When he was around that is. She was actually beginning to miss his annoying presence.
A couple of the fire giant warriors dismounted and then took off their helmets. She was barely able to contain a gasp, as she saw Daerrin’s face. He was a bit scruffy, but it was him.
She hadn’t known Daerrin would be coming back to the fire giant castle anytime soon!
Sitting up straight she just stared down at him through the window. Roxanne felt butterflies flitting around her stomach as she thought about telling him about her condition. Would the child be welcomed?
Rising she found her legs shaky. She wasn’t one to tremble in fear, but she worried what Daerrin’s reaction would be. If he were pleased, it would help her feel more certain about this child.
Maybe he’d forgotten about her. After a month away, he might not even want her anymore. But she wouldn’t know until she got her feet moving and went down to greet him.
There were too many questions running around in her mind, and she had to get some answers to relieve her anxiety. Then again, why should she care what Daerrin wanted?
She stopped in the middle of the corridor. Had she missed Daerrin? Yes. Had she wanted to be wrapped in his arms again? Yes.
All these indicated she might like, if not, love him. Roxanne frowned. If she was becoming fond of Daerrin, then it was past time for her to be leaving him in the dust.
But she still had to greet and tell him about his child. She didn’t want the news to come from anyone else. It was something between them, and even if she might hate him for taking her captive, she knew it had to come from her mouth.
As she entered the great hall, she found Daerrin talking with Stryme. She took a moment to scan him with her eyes. It had been some time since she saw him last, and other than being a bit dirty and scruffy he was the same.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Stryme noticed her standing off to the side and pointed in her direction as he said something to Daerrin. Daerrin spun around.
His eyes lit up as they landed on her. Was that happiness in his eyes? Again her heart puttered in her chest, as she realized she had indeed missed his presence.
Her feet faltered as she became uncertain of herself. She didn’t know if she should rush towards him or pretend like his absence had meant nothing to her.
The decision was made for her as Daerrin strode over to her in a couple of long strides, took her into his arms, and crushed her against his chest.
Her mouth popped open in shock, as a thrill shot through her. It didn’t take long before his lips found hers, and she welcomed it. She could feel that Daerrin had missed her through his passionate kisses.
Even after so much time, there was still a sizzle between them that just couldn’t seem to be extinguished.
She felt some tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away. Why was she feeling so relieved that he still felt something for her? Everything was so confusing! If only he’d stayed away a little longer. Maybe then she could have gotten him out of her system.
“How are you?” Daerrin broke the kiss and gazed deeply into her eyes.
“I’m doing fine.” Roxanne smiled up at him, as he finally released her from his grasp.
“You will have to tell me what you’ve been up to while I’ve been gone.”
“Of course. I think you should first rest, and then we can discuss what’s been going on around here.” She was losing her confidence.
“Then I will take care of my horse and men and see you in just a bit.” Daerrin sent her a wink.
Roxanne smiled as he left the great hall. Sucking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly to calm her nerves.
“Did you tell him?” Elizabeth rushed up behind her.
“What?” Roxanne jumped out of her skin. Elizabeth made absolutely no sound when she moved around, and it was beyond creepy.
“The baby. Did you tell him?”
“Shh.” Roxanne glanced around, making sure no one had overheard. “Not yet.” Roxanne turned back to look at the door Daerrin had disappeared through.
“Would you want me to tell him?” Elizabeth vent
ured.
“No.” Roxanne was tempted to accept the offer, but she knew she shouldn’t. “This is the kind of news that should come from me.” When she gained the ability to speak. She didn’t want to just blurt it out in a jumble of words.
“Don’t worry about telling him. I’m sure he will welcome the news.” Elizabeth smiled at her, trying to give her some encouragement.
Roxanne slipped out of her dress and into her silky nightgown. She’d lied to herself. She couldn’t keep her hands off of him. All this time apart had done nothing but cause her heart to ache to have more of him. She’d missed him despite her best efforts.
The door opened, and Daerrin strode in, paused at the entryway, and then a wicked smile spread across his face as he took in the sight of her in her nightgown.
Closing the door behind himself, he made his way over to her.
Roxanne’s heart thundered away under her ribcage. It’d been so long since they’d seen each other. Try as she might to get him out of her system, she found herself always pulled towards him. She was nearly ready to just give in, but she had no idea what his feelings were when it came to her.
Daerrin’s crimson eyes burned into hers, and she felt her thighs grow moist. She was the prize, and he was the predator.
His hands cupped her breasts through the thin fabric, and her nipples tightened almost painfully in response. He stroked the aching buds sending sensations rolling through her.
“Oh, Daerrin.”
“I like it when you say my name.” His head bent down to her neck as he whispered in her ear.
Roxanne let out a whimper as more desire built between her thighs. “I want your cock.”
Daerrin chuckled. “Impatient vixen.”
He bent down in front of her, and she whimpered when he abandoned her nipples. Flipping up her nightgown, his head disappeared under the hem of her gown. He spread her legs with eager hands, and Roxanne leaned back against the bedpost for support.
His tongue shot out and licked her leisurely. “You’re so hot and wet for me.”
“Hmmm…” Roxanne leaned her head back against the bedpost and let the sensations roll over her.
Her hands worked their way into his black hair, her nails scraping against his scalp as he continued the onslaught against her nub.
Then his daring fingers plunged inside her. “Oh, your sheath is so tight and wet. You need my cock.”
“Yes.” Roxanne loved the rhythmic pumping of his fingers, while his tongue continued its magical work. A moan escaped her.
She enjoyed Daerrin’s dominant personality. She wanted nothing more than to have him take control of the situation and take charge of her body and pleasure.
Daerrin sucked on her nub one last time before breaking away, his head reappearing from under her hem.
Roxanne let out a whimper of need.
Daerrin sent her a cocky smile, licking off his wet fingers. “You taste so good. I could stay down there all night.”
“Sounds good to me.” Roxanne tried to coax him back to her thighs with eager hands.
“I have other plans for you, my sweet.”
Daerrin stood to his full height, his crimson eyes scanning over her body. “Take off your nightgown.” He commanded.
Roxanne’s fingers trembled as she reached for the hem of her nightgown. She wasn’t afraid of him. She was just bursting with excitement. Why wasn’t he just throwing her down on the ground and taking her?
She shed the nightgown. The colder air of the room rushed up against her nipples, tightening the excited buds.
Then Daerrin’s hands stripped off his shirt and worked on the buttons of his pants. His member sprang free, hard and ready for her. He kicked his pants out of the way.
Roxanne licked her suddenly dry lips. She’d love to suck his cock between her lips and tease him in the same manner that he’d done to her.
Before he could react, she bent down in front of him, her knees landing on the cold stone floor. Glancing up she met his heated gaze as she stroked his cock with one hand and worked his balls with the other.
“Oh, my little human.” Daerrin groaned, never taking his eyes off of her as she continued to work his cock with her hand.
Roxanne turned her attention to the massive member right next to her face. Her tongue whipped out, and she licked the slit on the tip of his cock, before sucking it into her mouth.
“Your mouth is so hot and wet.” He groaned as he gritted his teeth. His hands worked their way into her hair, and he slowly guided her up and down his length. He let out a groan, and she felt his balls grow tighter with his need, but he stopped her before she had the chance to bring him anywhere near climax.
She grumped. “I was looking forward to this.”
“Maybe next time. I have another idea for us right now.”
He assisted her up from her kneeling position, only to grab her around the waist and toss her onto the bed.
“I’ve been dreaming about you the whole time I’ve been gone.” Then he leaped on top of her. Daerrin gave her an intimidating growl, but all it did was send her mind into overdrive. It was such a turn on now.
Grabbing hold of each of her breasts, he shoved them together and buried his face in them.
“I could remain here for the rest of my days.”
“I hope you don’t.” Roxanne wrapped a leg around his thigh and pressed her wet center against him.
“Want my cock inside you?”
“Yes!”
Daerrin grinned down at her, looking like an absolute fool.
He settled over her, the tip of his cock pressing against her warm entrance.
Daerrin glanced down at her. Her fiery curls were spread out around her head, and her jade eyes were hazy with the desire rolling through her system. He loved her like this. Her guard was down, and she was receptive to him.
He knew she still wanted to get away from him, but he wasn’t sure he could ever let her go. Not because she was his source of revenge, but because she’d wrapped herself around his heart and he wasn’t sure he could untangle her without ripping his heart out.
Gently he pressed the tip against her wet entrance. His cock glided in with ease.
“Oh god, you’re so wet, my sweet.” He groaned as he did his best to enter her slowly. He loved how she pulled him in, and he wanted to make it last. It’d been so long since he’d seen her.
“Yes!” Roxanne tried to grind against him, but he held onto her hips.
“Don’t rush us. Enjoy it.”
Her tiny white teeth gripped her bottom lip, and he felt his cock respond to the image.
Penetrating her even deeper he groaned as her soaked entrance welcomed him in. Slowly he plunged himself to the hilt, then withdrew and slammed back into her. Her breasts bounced up with every forceful pump of his hips.
Her hands came up to play with her nipples, and he choked on his breath for a second. It was so erotic to watch her playing with her tight little nipples while he penetrated her to the hilt.
Her eyes went hazy, as her head fell back and he let go of her hips, allowing her to meet him with every frenzied thrust.
Her cheeks heated with her desire, and he found himself drawn to her lush pouty lips. Bending down he captured her mouth with his, giving her a heated kiss as they continued to grind against each other.
Her sheath tightened around him right before she threw her head back, her muscles coaxing his seed from his cock. Daerrin roared above her, while she moaned with her release.
He gave a couple of small thrusts as he finished, and then scooped her into his arms and flipped the covers back on the bed. Once he had them both tucked under the sheets he held her firmly in his arms.
He was finally coming down from his high as he rolled Roxanne over, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes, even when he put a finger under her chin to lift her face she refused. His heart wrenched in his chest. He hadn’t dodged arrows on the border just to come back and find Roxanne distancing herself from him.
“Why would you think something is bothering me?” She asked defensively.
“We just made love, and you were quieter than I expected. Then you rolled over and wouldn’t face me.” Daerrin kissed her neck. “So what is on your mind?”
“I… well, I…” Roxanne frowned. The words just weren’t coming to her. For once in her life, she was having a hard time forming words.
“Hmm?” Daerrin pressed as he continued to kiss her neck.
“I just thought I might not see you again. You were at the border for such a long time, and then you were suddenly here. You surprised me.”
“Hopeful I wouldn’t come back? But you might just have your wish granted for my untimely death. I’m due to head back to the field with some new men and supplies.”
Her heart tightened at the idea of him being back on the battlefield, but she shook it off.
“I think you’ve proven you won’t be that easier to get rid of.” Roxanne teased him. Glancing up she found him grinning down at her.
“Good to know you’ve given up on useless wishes.” He wrapped her more firmly in his arms, placing her head against his chest.
Roxanne felt butterflies flutter in her stomach, but for a different reason. Despite what he thought, she didn’t want to see him dead. Maybe it was the child she was carrying, but she was concerned about his safety.
Her feelings were changing towards him. Initially, she’d loathed him, but now… now she wondered if she might love him.
She should tell him about his child before he headed back to war and endangered his life. Yet she couldn’t risk he would stay with her if she gave him the news. She still had hopes of getting back to her father.
Roxanne had feelings for Daerrin, but she still had to resolve her father’s involvement in these village killings. She couldn’t even think about starting a life with Daerrin until she satisfied her curiosity. He despised her father for no reason, and she had to prove her father’s innocence in these border skirmishes.
