10 comments/ 6510 views/ 12 favorites Nights in Rodan Ch. 00 By: feistyphoenix Iona hurried to the throne room with Eleanor at her heels. She tucked her own black hair behind her shoulders and smoothed it down. "Come child, your father wants to see us." Her voice wavered but she hoped the little girl didn't notice. The small red head skipped playfully down the corridor, carrying her favorite doll in her arms. She twirled a circle in her pretty lilac dress and grabbed Iona's hand. Her wild hair hung loosely around her, the sides pulled back with a golden comb. "Why does daddy want to see us?" her bright blue grey eyes implored. "It's time for our trip my girl, remember what we talked about? You and I are going on a journey together." Iona reminded her. "Yes! A trip! Do I get to take my pony?" she was very excited. "Yes my dear, you can take your pony." She stroked the child's hair and took her hand again. The guards opened the heavy mohagany doors to the throne room. There were tables along the walls covered with maps and diagrams. Men stood around them talking in hushed tones, arguing, and studying. King Domnall Cormack stood at the head of the largest table discussing strategy with his General. Eleanor wiggled her hand out of Iona's and ran to him. The large imposing man patted her head and waved the General off. He swept the child off her feet and above his head, Eleanor squealed in delight. She was such a joyful girl, always laughing and smiling. It was a stark contrast to the war preparations going on around them, Iona couldn't help but smile. Eleanor was the only bright spot in the King's life. The last several years had been hard on everyone in Rodan, but the Druid king had taken them especially hard. His reddish hair was lighter now, and his blue eyes always looked tired. The death of his wife giving birth to their only daughter had devastated him as much as it devastated Iona, her best friend. Iona noticed the king looked especially haggard these days. The magic that once flowed freely through him and made him so powerful had been crushed by the weight of his grief. The Druid magic was all that kept the tiny kingdom of Rodan from being overrun by invaders, without it they were an easy conquest. Their neighbors to the south had been trying to reach a trade agreement with Rodan for almost two years without success. They needed port access but the King refused to allow it. Many of his advisors had encouraged him to make a deal or sign an up to date treaty. The first treaty he signed almost 15 years prior had been for the marriage of his firstborn daughter to a son of the House of Mollach. Their allegiance had been called into question when an assassination plot was uncovered, and as a result King Cormack declared all treaties void. Domnall was convinced beyond a doubt that spies from Onaendra had been behind it. The King held his daughter close, kissing and nuzzling her innocent face. Iona let them have a private moment. Mollach's forces were closing in, they'd be here in a few days. It was the last window of opportunity to get Eleanor out of the city safely. "Daddy, why aren't you coming with us?" Eleanor pouted. "I have important things to do here child, when the time is right I will come for you and we can live here together as a family again." he stroked her arm gently, reassuring her. Iona knew it broke his heart to tell her that. The chances of his survival were dismal at best, they'd be overrun. Onaendra's forces were strong, and three times the size of Rodan's. This was the last stand, Mollach had already taken the southern plains and the western border, all that was left were the Eastern forests and the mountain pass to Proteria, a city as big as Rodan. It was rumored the lord of Proteria had already reached a deal with Mollach, total surrender. The King was angry but thought it would be safer for Eleanor there, where there would be no fighting. "Iona, can I speak with you privately?" Domnall motioned her to him and put his little girl down. "Go play in the corridor my dear. And remember, I love you as big as the sky." He whispered and winked at her. "I love you as big as the moon!" Eleanor whispered back to him before scampering off. "Take care of her Iona, and maybe with luck she will grow up and have a happy life." His eyes darkened. "I will do my best Your Highness." She assured him. "You have been good to her, and to Anne and I. I know you miss her as much as I do." He took Iona's hand gently. "I do my King. It has been a pleasure to help raise Eleanor in her stead." "No one could have done a better job my dear." He looked upon Iona and found it difficult to remember she was only 25. She had filled big shoes after his wife's death, she was family to him. "Thank you, sir." "You leave after sundown tonight." He was all business now. "Yes, sir. Everything is ready." "Good. I have to finish these plans. Give Eleanor another kiss from me." It was very unlike him to speak this way in the war room but he had always been a kind man. "I will Your Highness." She turned to leave, and when the doors closed behind her she wiped tears from her eyes. "Why are you crying?" Eleanor peered out from behind a tapestry. "Child, come out of there. It's almost time for supper. And then, we go on our trip!" she tried to sound excited, for the child's sake. She was only 4 and couldn't understand the political upheaval that surrounded Rodan. Eleanor stepped down and ran ahead of Iona, so innocent. ** After supper in her quarters with Eleanor she sent the bags down to the stable to be loaded on horses. Only one man was accompanying them, Grinley. He'd been Queen Anne's trusted advisor and an accomplished warrior. They would arrive under the guise of a refugee family in Proteria, sending a convoy would be impractical and they'd be tracked down easily. Iona was very nervous; she sent Eleanor to her room to put on her traveling dress. It had been quite awhile so she decided to go check on her. She was halfway to the princess' rooms when she heard shouting and men running down the corridors. "To your battle stations men!" someone cried out. Iona's heart pounded, Mollach's forces couldn't be here yet! She rushed to Eleanor's room and found it empty, save for a maid cowering in the bath. "Where is she?" Iona demanded. "I don't know, I came in to check on her and she was gone!" the maid was in tears. There was only one place she could be at this time of night. The secret passage to the King's quarters, she was probably expecting him to tell her a story as he usually did. Iona slipped into an alcove behind a tapestry in the corner of the bed chamber. She felt for the seam, to the untrained eye it simply looked like a natural space between the stones. She felt carefully, there it was! The air was being sucked in gently. She pressed and the wall opened quietly. That stubborn child! She'd be the death of them both. She caught up to Eleanor quickly on the stairway to the King's bed chamber. "We must go, child!" she hissed. "No, It's story time!" she shook her loose red locks defiantly and pulled away. "I will make a deal with you. If the King is in his room you can kiss him goodnight but if he isn't we have to go, immediately. And above all, we must be very very quiet." She pleaded. Eleanor considered and finally agreed. They crept up the dank stairs quietly. The walls were covered in rivulets of cool water. Iona peered through the crack in the wall while Eleanor wiggled in next to her to get a look too. A tapestry covered most of this passage but at the right angle a person could see most of the room. Iona knelt down beside the child and whispered, "he's not here." Just then, there was loud shouting in the doorway. King Domnall crashed through the door, sword in hand. His arm was bloodied, it didn't look good. "You're too stubborn, you'll have us all killed!" a man accused him. Iona couldn't see the other man but she could guess what the argument was about. She put her finger to her lips and motioned for Eleanor to stay silent. Eleanor covered her mouth with her hands dramatically; her eyes wide in fear. "I will make a stand for my kingdom!" the King bellowed. "Mollach's forces are in our harbor and on our plains, we have nowhere left to go. We should surrender while we still have a chance! His forces are in the harbor and at the gates, we have no more time!" "Over my dead body!" the King growled and lunged at the man they couldn't see. Iona wanted to drag Eleanor away but she knew the child would fight her, kicking and screaming all the way. The swords clanged together loudly, Eleanor covered her ears. "You stupid old man," the disembodied voice accused. "you can't beat me!" The King was shoved against the wall, he had run out of space. They could only see the traitor's back now, he took a cheap shot to the King's leg, cutting it from under him. He went down on a knee, Iona looked away and cradled Eleanor's face to her chest. She couldn't let her see. She'd never heard a man die before, but she heard the sound of metal on bone knew it was over. She never did get a look at the man's face, he exited just as quickly as he'd come. The heavy door shut with cold finality. The King lay sprawled on the floor, a deep wound in his chest, blood seeping out around his body onto the stone floor. Eleanor pushed open the wall and ran to him. "No Eleanor, get back here!" Iona was terrified they'd be discovered. She touched her father's hand. "Daddy?" she looked him in the eyes but he didn't move. She shook him, "Daddy wake up, the bad man is gone now. Daddy wake up!" She pleaded with him to wake up and come back over and over again. Iona's heart was shattered. She was crying but she scooped the child up in her arms and carried her back down the passage to a different door. This one led out the back courtyard where they were supposed to meet Grinley. The babe cried quietly in her arms the whole way there. "The King is dead, "she choked out. The color drained from Grinley's face, as he saw the child in her arms covered in blood. "Is she hurt?" he asked her. "No, It's Domnall's." she sobbed. "Give her to me, she will be safer up here." He took the child from Iona and sat her up on his great black beast of a horse before swinging himself into the saddle. Iona mounted her own horse and together the three of them stowed away in the shadows of the city. It was a city in chaos. Homes near the docks were burning, people were fleeing in every direction and soldiers marched the streets. They barely made it out before the entire place dissolved into insanity. Grinley pulled the hood on Eleanor's cloak over her head and face. The girl didn't say a word for the entire journey. She barely ate and slept fitfully at best. By the time they reached Proteria she looked like an entirely different child. ** No sex in the prologue. Please be gentle, this is my first submission to the site. The first chapter should be ready in a couple of days. I have written most of the story already but I am open to critiques. Enjoy. Nights in Rodan Ch. 01 Leni brushed the large bay horse and hummed to herself. The dirt and loose hair drifted in the breeze, unfortunately right into her face. She blew her breath out in a sigh and wiped her brow with the dingy apron that hung around her slender waist. Some of the dirt stuck to her forehead but she didn't care. She tucked a stray strand of her red hair back into the fabric headband that contained the rest of her wavy locks. She saddled the horse and rode out to the field behind the livery. Grinley knew she had a way of calming the horses, which is why he had asked her to work the new one while he was out picking up a load of hay. The beast was smart, that was for sure. He tried to buck a few times, just to test her, but she grinned and stayed put in the saddle. She liked his spunk, and hoped the people that rented him would appreciate it also. She tried him over the low stone wall that separated the livery yard from the farm next door, her mount sailed over with ease. She decided it was time to test his speed so she turned him toward the low rolling slopes at the base of the mountain and encouraged him forward. Her heart leapt as his powerful shoulders lifted under her and his haunches bunched up. When she breathed out he released his power, she was giddy as he took off. He soon settled into a rhythmic gallop and her heart was elated, the cool mountain air whipped her face and tears stung her eyes from the chill but she loved every second on his back. She slowed him as they neared the forest and looked behind her, the city was now a tiny dot on the edge of a sparkling blue harbor filled with ships. The shadow of the bright white castle fell across the shops and houses. The beast whinnied loudly and pawed the ground. She was sure he would be even faster going home but she wasn't quite ready. She walked him through the cold mountain spring that flowed out of the pass and he didn't seem to care. He sipped a refreshing drink and she surveyed the area. The pass would close up for the winter soon, she knew. She heard something faint in the distance, an echo perhaps? Leni remembered the first time she had set eyes on Rodan since they had left when she was a very small child. She was 12 years old when they returned. She clung to Iny's hand as the snow started to fall silently. It had been a tough march all the way from Proteria where she lived during her childhood. She hadn't spoken one word the entire journey, she had been afraid to come back. Her father died here when she was 4, the memories still haunted her. She was traumatized after seeing him, a rich and highly regarded merchant, killed in front of her. How her beloved nanny Iona had spirited her away was a hazy memory she didn't fully understand. She only remembered the determination and grit in her father's voice when he held her for the last time. He told her he loved her and to be a good girl and mind Iny. After that she remembered little. Iona had pulled her away from his lifeless body, she remembered vividly the dark blood pooling on the stone floor. She shook her head as if she could knock the memory out of her mind. She decided it was time to get back, she had a long list of chores to complete before her work day was over but again the echo stirred within the mountain pass. She was half curious and half afraid of what was causing the vague sounds. She shrugged it off and patted the horse under his unruly black mane, where it was nice and fluffy. It warmed her hands and she took up the reins after a moment, sighed heavily and then let the large gelding run for home. She wore a girlish grin the whole ride back. Rayn Mollach was tired; they'd been riding for 4 days and were finally nearing Rodan. It would be his last trip before winter closed the pass this year. The easy strides of his horse were lulling him to sleep; he was bored with the grey mountain and ready to be out of the chilled air. He was looking forward to getting back home from Proteria, with one notable exception. It was his duty as the Prince, he'd been informed, to come home for winter court. He couldn't get out of entertaining the ladies of the court, a perpetual bore. They were dull; concerned only with money and who's breeding was better. He detested his father for suggesting it was time to settle down. Rayn was raised a warrior, his relationship with the King was rocky at the best of times. They never saw eye to eye on anything, when Rayn was a young boy he'd confided in his mother. Losing her was difficult; he had become withdrawn and sullen. The mood lasted for years, well into his adulthood. His perceived brooding drew women to him; they couldn't wait to "fix" him. He had few friends and many lovers but none that he cared to settle down with. He spent all his time learning to fight and it had served him well. He'd risen through the ranks quickly, and now at 34 he was the youngest General in his father's army. The 19 years of relative peace had been good for the empire of Onaendra but Rayn preferred the travel and the conquests. He grinned to himself remembering the last dark haired beauty he'd bedded. His friend and royal guard Kieran interrupted his thoughts, "We should be in Rodan by nightfall", he reported. "Good. I'm ready for a hot meal and a soft bed." "Aren't we all," Kieran grinned. **** Leni pushed open the rough door of her small home. Lukas shrieked with delight at her arrival. He toddled toward her eagerly, ready to greet his mama. He had only been walking for a couple of months now but he was getting more confident by the day. She sighed, wishing his father could see him now. Lukas resembled him so much. She took him in her arms and kissed his ruddy cheek. "How is my little man?" she asked him, as he wriggled away from her, ready to be on the move again. "He was tearing everything apart today," Iny answered from by the fireplace. She stirred the pot on the hook and then swung it back over the roaring flames. "Dinner is almost ready dear." Leni sank into her favorite chair, it had been Colin's favorite chair too. Sometimes she swore the blanket on the back still smelled of him even though it wasn't possible. "Thank you for cooking Iny, I hope Lukas wasn't too much trouble today." "Nonesense," she responded quickly, "he's an angel. He slept long enough for me to get my sewing done." She smiled broadly, her dark eyes glittering in the firelight. Colin's oversized beast of a dog, Wren, put his head in Leni's lap looking for attention. She mussed his sleek grey fur and then shooed him away. Lukas brought one of his small wooden toys to her and she pulled him into her lap. She spun the small wheels on the horse as Lukas watched her hands. Wren settled down on top of her feet. She smiled, loving being surrounded by reminders of her late husband. He'd died before Lukas was born. She missed him terribly and it had been almost 18 months. He'd been so excited about becoming a father, carving several sturdy wooden toys for the baby. Then, one night in the early summer, raiders from the plains swept through Rodan. She felt the familiar pang of longing and loneliness in her heart and sighed. "How was today?" Iny bustled about the house, readying the table for dinner. "Just fine, the new horse is working out well. I think he's a keeper." "Good. Come and eat, dinner is ready." Leni went through the familiar motions of family life before settling into bed with Lukas. They all slept on straw pallets covered with furs and blankets. Colin had provided for them well; he was a talented woodworker, well respected, and loved by everyone who knew him. Her life had never been easy; she started working to support her family when she was 10 picking fruit in the orchards. Most of her friends got married when they were 16 but she hadn't wanted anything to do with men. That is, until she had seen Colin farming in the fields when she was 20. She was taken in by his blue eyes and experience, he kissed her behind a barn on a mid summer's eve and she fell in love with him instantly. He was 5 years her senior and they never argued over anything. He loved her wild independent streak and let her do what she wanted. He took her hunting with him, taught her how to survive in the wilderness, and how to make love. She'd never been with anyone before she met him or since he'd been gone. He was her everything; after he died the only thing that kept her going was knowing she was carrying his child. Lukas was the only piece of Colin she had left. Leni hugged her sleepy boy close and breathed in his baby smell. "He won't be little for long," she sighed sadly. Rayn and his men made it to the castle just as the sun dipped below the horizon. He had missed the huge white stone walls he called home. He received a warm welcome from everyone as they'd entered the inner city gates but all he cared about was avoiding his father until morning. However, as soon as he'd made it to his quarters his father summoned him to the throne room. Rayn pushed the heavy doors open, letting his crimson mantle billow out behind him. He truly was a force to be reckoned with. He was tall, even among Rodanian men who were taller than average for this part of the world, his face was shadowed with scruff from his journey, his dark hair was wavy and neatly kept, and he had an unmistakable commanding presence. His dark eyes rose to meet his father's. "How was your journey my son?" King Mollach looked up from his papers, his blue eyes twinkling in the low light. "Uneventful." "Were your negotiations successful?" He father raised one graying eyebrow. "Yes, I think so. We'll be allowed to station troops indefinitely but they still don't trust us." He said gruffly. "They will after we dispatch those raiders from the plains permanently." "They've been a thorn in our side for too long now." He agreed. "I won't have any usurpers taking my throne, and defnitely not some barbaric raiders. The time has come for you to legitimize your claim to the throne Rayn. Have you given any more thought to my offer?" Rayn narrowed his eyes, he'd been hoping to avoid this conversation. His father must have read his mind because he sighed. "Rayn, I am old and tired. If you marry I will happily step aside for you. I'd like to see our line-" Rayn cut him off firmly, "I have no desire to rule this empire. My heart is on the battlefield, you know that. None of those delicate, well bred court ladies can understand that either." "You have six months to make a decision Rayn, and that is final." His father stated definitively. His steel blue eyes hardened on his son. "Good night father." Rayn spun on his heel and was gone. He threw his mantle off his shoulders as he entered his quarters. His blood was boiling. He paced the floor, taking off his armor and dropping it loudly piece by piece. He was furious! How dare his father give him a time limit when he was also trying to deal with the raiders. He growled and clenched his jaw. He stripped down to nothing and sank into the warm bath that had been drawn for him. He dipped below the surface and came up rubbing his eyes and face hoping for clarity. He soaked in the bath until the water started to cool. His attendant stoked the fire and left a tray of food for him on the table. He dressed in a night shirt and loose trousers and sank into his chair in front of the fire. He stared into it, watching the flames lick and dance. He ate his dinner and sipped brandy. He caught himself nodding off and finally went to bed. It would be nice to find a warm body to sleep with every night, but no woman he'd ever met had stirred strong feelings within him. He doubted she existed but he hadn't resigned himself to a marriage for political gain. The next morning he paid a visit to his scholar. Ramsey was in a fit over the discovery of a secret library of castle records. He'd sent Rayn a note on his breakfast tray asking to see him as soon as he was able. When they'd expanded the Onaendra to include Rodan they'd stormed the city and taken the castle by force many years ago, it was an all out war. Rayn had been much younger then, a boy of only 15. The area had been unstable for some time, the last king had no male heirs to claim the throne. King Domnall's only daughter was never found, it was assumed she had died in the malay. "Morning Ramsey", he said brightly. "Ah, Your Highness! So glad to see you, I trust your journey went well?" the old man prodded. "Quite well, what was it you wanted me to see this early in the morning?" He sat down at the cluttered table, it was covered with scrolls and parchment. "Let me see, ", the old scholar muttered, he stroked his long grey beard absently. Rayn flipped through the parchment in front of him, looked like records of some sort. The old man rustled some parchment on his desk before holding up a piece of paper. "Here it is!", he rushed to the table where Ryan was sitting. It was a drawing, a diagram of a dark haired woman with her head turned slightly away. Her shoulder was exposed, revealing a strange birthmark. "This is a drawing of the last Queen of Rodan, see here?" he pointed to the mark. "What is it?" Rayn didn't recognize the symbol. "It's an X, a strange marking that only the maternal side of her royal family possesses. Her maiden name was Swansea as the parchment explains, but she was supposedly the last living descendent." "What's that?" Rayn noticed something odd about the X. "I'm not sure but it seems to just be a natural flaw, it's almost a hook hanging off the top there isn't it, " Ramsey felt around for his magnifying glass and gave it to Rayn. Rayn examined the birthmark under the magnifying glass,"It is a hooked X Ram, but why are you showing me this?" "I've seen this mark before!" "Really," Rayn looked incredulously at the man. "It's true. I saw it when I was out in the city a few weeks ago, at the market." "On a woman?" He still didn't believe it. "Yes, on a woman!" Ramsey was excited now. "Come with me, and bring that paper with you." Rayn commanded. Ryan started off down the corridor towards his father's quarters, he was in no mood to go on a wild bear hunt for some woman with a scar that meant nothing. He knocked. "Enter" "Father, did you know about this?" Rayn took the paper from Ramsey and handed it to him. "The last Queen of Rodan........yes. She died several years before we invaded, childbirth I believe. That's when this kingdom started downhill. The King went mad with grief they say." He considered the paper carefully and then returned it to Rayn. "Did you ever see the mark? Perhaps when you used to come here regularly?" "Yes I remember noting it the first time I was here. The Queen greeted me in the throne room and I walked with her at court. I never thought to ask about it though." "Ramsey claims he saw a young woman at the market with this mark on her shoulder." The King looked at Rayn coolly, and then over his shoulder at Ramsey. "Are you sure Ramsey?" "Yes." He shuddered to think what the King would do if he was wrong. He gulped. "Go find this woman Rayn. We will have to question her immediately. She could be a threat to this crown and you know the Empire of Onaendra cannot afford to lose Rodan" King Mollach was livid now. "Yes father." Rayn was VERY irritated. GODS! Why did HE have to escort the old man around the city looking for someone who probably was not the Princess of Rodan and just an ugly old maid. He could have kicked himself for going to see Ramsey first thing in the morning. There goes my day, he thought to himself. ** Leni readied herself for market day. She packed her shopping bags and saddled up. Grinley always lent her a horse on market day and she picked up the things he needed while she was there. It was such a chore riding walking the middle of the city in that crazy place. She rode down the winding street toward the walls of the castle. She didn't mind doing his grocery shopping, he was a widower himself and his son had died also, in the same raid Colin had perished in as a matter of fact. He hardly cooked for himself anyway, usually Iny made extra dinner and took it to him, they were great friends. It was an odd partnership, almost like a dear uncle living up the road. He was always happy to help Leni out and she repaid him with extra work at the livery or a warm meal. She could see the market a couple of streets over, she tied her horse and started walking. ** Rayn and Ramsey rode out into the city in a royal cart. Rayn saw it was a nice day and squinted up into the sun. He should have been running drills with his men, and preparing for the next raid that was sure to come, they'd been more frequent lately. He tapped his fingers on his bent knee. The crowd at the market parted for them automatically but not without difficulty. Rayn kept his eyes open and his hand on his sword. Ramsey scanned the crowd. He didn't see the girl anywhere. He could have sworn she was here the last time he'd been here. They went along silently, both of them analyzing the crowd as they passed. Most people bowed when they saw him coming, but a few were too wrapped up in their shopping to notice. Rayn didn't care, he was a warrior at heart, not a Prince. "There!" Ramsey pointed. "Which one?" Rayn asked, looking at several different women. "The tall one, that's her. You can't see the mark now but it's under that shawl I'm sure of it. " She was smelling an apple, she handed coin to the merchant and tucked her purchase into the ratty bag hung over her shoulder. Her hair was tied up with a small scarf. Wisps of red waves had escaped. Her face was a little dirty, but her features shocked him. Under the dirt there was an attractive woman barely over 20. "Wasn't the last King a redhead?, " he asked Ramsey. "I believe so, your highness." "I'll follow her and meet you back at the castle later." He stepped down out of the cart. He took slow steps, trying not to bring attention to himself. He didn't want her to see him yet. He followed her down the street, she picked up a few more items and slipped between merchant booths. He lost sight of her. Damn it! He slipped through between booths also, and frantically looked for her. Hoofbeats echoed down the street, he took off towards it instinctively. He saw her sling the bag over her horse's shoulders and lithely swing into the saddle. She rode down the street at a leisurely pace, humming to herself. Her skirt was bunched around her legs revealing her pale calves and feet clad in simple leather shoes. She clearly didn't realize she was being followed. He wove around the busy street, locking his gaze on the woman atop the horse. He had to get a look at her shoulder. He finally caught up with her when she dropped the horse off at a livery. She must be close to home. ** Leni brushed the grey horse down, patted her, and shared an apple with her before starting off down the street toward home. It had been a long day. The sun was starting it's descent and it would be dark by the time she got to her door. She heard footsteps behind her, and sped up. This part of town wasn't usually dangerous but, any part of town could be dangerous. She slowed way down and noticed the footsteps did too. Her body shivered. This was creepy. She quickened her pace to get home sooner. Hands roughly grabbed her. She slapped at them but the man was very strong. She tried to look up at him but he turned her around and shoved her against a building. The rough stone was cold under her cheek. "Stop, get away from me!" her anger washed over him in waves. "Stop struggling, I will not hurt you." A deep voice answered gruffly. She stomped down on his foot causing him to grunt. She elbowed him in the ribs hard but he didn't seem to care. He was a big man and Leni was terrified. She felt her heart racing and the adrenaline kicking in, it warmed her and made her tingle. She fought harder. Nights in Rodan Ch. 01 The large man pressed his whole body against her, immobilizing her against the building. Her womanly scent intoxicated him, she smelled like fresh mountain air, horses, and something sweet. His heartbeat quickened in anticipation. Tears sprang to her eyes, she was being molested out on the street in the dark! She prayed someone would come around the corner and pull the man off of her. He pawed at her clothes, pulling at the fabric. Her shoulders were exposed now. She was determined not to let him undress her farther. Oh how her blood was boiling! She tried to wriggle out from under him but he crushed her farther against the building making her yelp. He looked carefully at her exposed skin and there it was, the hooked X. She wouldn't stop moving. "I will subdue you" he said forcefully. "Tell me what you know, NOW." "About what?" her voice wavered. "This mark on your shoulder, where did you get it?", he was in no mood to play, and his ribs were smarting. "What? I don't know what you're talking about, ", she was frantic now. "This mark,", he pressed his thumb over it "It's just a birthmark you ass, get off me now!" she thrust her hands upwards catching him off guard. Before he could grab her again she ducked under his arm and ran. He let a string of curses fly. He snuck around buildings trying to find where she was going. Her panicked panting was leading him right to her. This was an easy hunt, almost not worth it for him. He thought about using magic to subdue her but decided against it, he didn't want to bring attention to himself. He cursed again, blaming Ramsey for having him out here in the first place trying to catch some girl. And then she was gone. He searched for an hour but didn't find her. He'd have to come back in the daylight. He was angry at himself for being too lax. She should not have been able to get away from him. The king would not be pleased. Rayn looked back at the looming white castle and made his way back, in the dark. Hali crept quietly home after the stranger gave up. She was watching him from the loft of the livery. She could tell by his clothes he was obviously rich, what the hell was he doing this far from the castle? It was creepy, just creepy. How had he known about her birthmark?! She shook her head as she closed the door behind her. Lukas was asleep already, the blankets covered his small body. Iny was sewing in the candlelight. "Iny, I need you..." she was shaking. "What dear?" She looked up, it took her a moment but she saw Leni's mussed hair and torn shawl and frowned. "What do you know of my birthmark?" "Your mother had one." She was confused. "A man just tore my clothes to get a look at it....a rich man Iny. I want to know the secret you've been keeping from me for all these years." Iny's dark eyes turned even darker. "Iny I am serious. I have known for years you were keeping something from me, what is it?" She was starting to get irritated. "I promised to protect you." "I know, but why? I'm a merchant's daughter, there is nothing special about me." Iona was silent for awhile. Leni was exasperated now. " It's....it's not that simple. Your father wasn't just a wealthy merchant." Leni's mouth dropped open. "What was he Iny?" she was worried. Iona leaned in close, "He was King, my girl" Leni's eyes went wide in disbelief at the statement. "He was..." "the King of Rodan," Iona finished. Leni shook her head, this was impossible, how had she not known? She recalled her earliest memories of childhood, there were few and mostly of Iona and she had always used Iona's surname, Swan to keep people from finding out she was the daughter of a merchant who had been involved in politics in the old regime. "Did my mother really die in childbirth?" she wondered how much of her life was a lie. "Yes, dearheart. Your father drove himself to the brink of insanity with grief." The dark haired woman shook her head sadly. "And that's when Mollach saw his chance?" she started feeling very angry. "They swept in, we were no match for them. They're bigger and more powerful than we ever were. Now all that's left of the resistance are the raiders." The realization hit her like a kick to the gut. "The raiders are the last of the Rodans?! Why would they raid their own cities and towns killing people?" she hissed. She had been under the impression that the raiders had always existed. Many Rodanians had been killed when the city was besieged, most of the inhabitants were Oneandran now. "I imagine they're trying to hurt the royal family any way they can, It's been almost 20 years since they took over and while things are better than I remember them being in my lifetime, it still hurts to have a foreigner on the throne." Iny's lips tightened. "Iny that man, whoever he was, knows about the birthmark. He knows who I really am." She was very serious now, and very angry. Her heart was racing. "You need to run. I will hide Lukas from them, you send for me when you get settled somewhere." The tears sprang to her eyes, leave her child behind? It was too much for her heart to bear. She felt like someone had stabbed her and was twisting the knife into her flesh, she clutched her hands to her chest and looked at Lukas sleeping near the fire. The tears rolled down her cheeks now, she wiped them away with her sleeve. Iona was very serious, "Go before first light. You must get away; they will kill you if they know the truth." She felt torn, and angry. "You didn't think I might need to know any this at some point?" Iona sighed. Leni went to the cupboard and pulled down Colin's old traveling bag. The soft tanned leather was so familiar to her hands. It made her fingertips tingle. The memory of him leaving with the bag slung over his shoulder and Wren at his heels was fresh in her mind. He was going bear hunting again, the rifle was in his arms. She patted her growing stomach, telling him to be careful. He'd smiled, raked his hand back through his sandy hair and winked at her. She tore herself away from the past and opened the empty bag, loading it with food, water, and a small piece of firelog. Some people used magic to start fires but she had no talent for it. Her power was unpredictable at best, and she preferred not to use it. Iona had tried to teach her but her knowledge was limited. Not many commoners had magical powers. Grinley had been surprised to be awoken so early in the morning. Leni pressed coin into his hands, begged him to help Iona hide Lukas and told him she needed a horse. He was groggy, and confused. "Take whatever you need.", was his command. She pulled her dark cloak tighter around her as she mounted her horse, and rode for the edge of the city. She crossed the archway to the wilderness just as the sun rose above the side of the mountain. She headed through the trees for the pass with Wren on her heels. The forest was alive with life. Wren's nose was glued to the trail, but they weren't going bear hunting. ** Rayn rose early, gathered a small group of men and headed for the section of town where he'd last seen the girl. He couldn't imagine a peasant woman causing too much of an issue but he didn't want to be caught unawares as he had been last night. He couldn't get her scent out of his mind. They started at the livery, the owner claimed he didn't know the woman's name and that one of his horses was missing, he even showed Rayn the empty stall. He knew then, she was running. Damnit! He sent three men back to the castle with orders to gather supplies for a few days journey and to let the King know what happened. He took Kerian, and Riley to the outer city gates. They weren't usually guarded, except lately the raiders had been unpredictable. "Close it after my men leave, ", he commanded, "no one else leaves until we find her." Maybe she'd be a good chase after all, internally he was yearning for an adventure like this. "Rayn, there are fresh tracks leading to the pass, they can't be more than a few hours old." Riley reported. "Follow them, we must find her." They turned their horses toward the looming mountain. She just had to attempt the pass at this time of year, figures. It would be winter soon, the forest was already showing signs and the leaves were a riot of color. He reached out with his senses, feeling for her. Some Rodans had magical powers, and every person had their own signature. He sensed nothing, she must have known they'd be coming and blocked his mind. ** Leni reached a stream crossing and took a break, she would need to pick up the pace very soon if she was going to make it to the mountain and set up a camp before dark. Ladd had taught her many things about the outdoors and how to survive, it was a good thing she listened to him, she was more resourceful than most women. If only he could see her now, how he would have laughed at the idea of her being a princess. She smiled. Wren barked frantically, and growled. Leni stood and turned around, her head felt like it was split open. She was in too much pain to even scream. Her vision blurred and then went dark. Her side and head were pounding and sore. She tried to move but the muscles in her arms burned in pain. She was bound. **** I hope you enjoy this first chapter. I'm holding off on sex for the sake of character development. Don't worry, there's some in the next chapter which will be posted in a few days. :) Thanks for reading and voting!-FP Nights in Rodan Ch. 02 She tried to curl her legs up toward her chin and found she was bound at the ankles too. Damnit. "Our prize has awakened." a sinister voice spoke out behind her. Her eyes flew open. She tried to roll over and look. The blood vessels in her head pounded, she had a massive headache. Her head swam and she blinked trying to clear her vision. A blonde man with fierce angular features knelt beside her. His hair was tied at the back into a short ponytail. "Don't struggle, pet." He brushed some loose hair out of her face. She froze at his touch. There was coldness about him; this was definitely not the same man who'd cornered her in the street. She looked past him at her surroundings. It was dark and she couldn't see far. He reached out for her again, touching her cheek and tracing his long fingers down her jawline. She jerked her head away. "Now now, don't be rude." He crooned, his dark eyes flashed. Her lips were cracked and dry; she licked them and tasted dried blood. Someone had definitely hit her over the head, it was killing her. In the dancing firelight behind the man she could see several other men kneeling, sitting, and talking as if this was normal. This was NOT normal. Her voice cracked, "Who are you?" "That's not important." He traced his fingers down the exposed flesh of her forearm. She tried to jerk away but he grabbed her, hard. "Do not pull away from me again," He growled and clenched his jaw. He pulled her up by her arm and held her tightly to his side. She could barely stand. Her feet were freezing, they'd taken her boots. Probably so she didn't run, she thought miserably. There was a small flash as he produced a dagger. She sucked in air as he knelt before her. She looked down at the ground, afraid of what he would do to her. His hand caressed her calf down to her ankle. His touch made her feel sick. He stood up again. "Walk." He pointed her towards the fire. He'd cut her bonds. She sighed, relief washing over her for the moment. When she was within a few feet of the warm fire he shoved her down hard, she landed on her tailbone and yelped. The men laughed. Her anger burned in her chest; how dare they! She kept her head down and clenched her jaw. The pounding in her head almost made her pass out again. The pain radiating in her lower back waned. They mostly ignored her presence. Good. "Drink" the blonde man held a metal cup to her lips. The water washed over her tongue and lips. It felt so cool, so refreshing. She gulped the whole thing down. He refilled it and offered again, she drank half this time. He studied her; she could feel his burning stare on her body. She shifted her weight and kept her head down. Why should she be ashamed to face him, he was the criminal. She looked up and met his gaze head on. He continued staring, the firelight reflected in his dark eyes. She gave him her most fearsome glare, he smiled. Damnit. "How long was I out?" her voice was low but the men stopped talking and all looked at her. Blondie sipped his drink, "This is the second night you've been with us." She panicked but tried not to let it show. What had they done to her while she had been out? He leaned in close. His breath smelled of alcohol. "Don't worry, I like my women awake." His face split into a wicked grin. The men laughed. She felt like crying but refused to show him any weakness. She lowered her head and they ignored her again. They offered her no food, and no more water. It seemed like forever but eventually they all passed out on their bed rolls, all except blondie. He sat there, just staring at her, willing her to break. When she didn't he got bored. He unrolled his bed near the fire and then knelt in front of her. He tipped her chin up to his face. She felt the desire rolling off of him, it made her sick. He covered her mouth with his own, forcefully. She resisted him but she was hurting, bound, and exhausted. He pulled away. "You're a sweet little pet, you know?" He cut the bonds off her hands. "If you fight me, I will kill you." He said it so calmly, so level. She felt the fear rising up inside her. He pulled her over to his bedroll, dagger in hand. She had no choice. "Lay down" The tears welled up in her eyes. He lay down and pressed himself against her back, his arm was across her chest and his hand held the dagger close to her throat. The message was clear: she was his possession now. Run Her body screamed at her but she couldn't move. She knew he'd slit her throat before she even got up. She was trapped. "If you're good, I might let you live." He threatened softly into her ear. The sound of his voice made her skin crawl. She thought he was going to do something to her but he must have been too drunk because he fell asleep quickly. One of the other men sat on the edge of the firelight watching her. There was no chance she could get away now, she forced her eyes closed but didn't relax. She was awake for most of the night, petrified of what he would do with her when he was sober. She thought of as many escape strategies as she could and vowed to get away in the morning. She finally slept out of sheer exhaustion but was startled awake at dawn, as was her hung over captor. He yelled orders to his men, most of them were still sleeping. Men on horseback charged into their camp, a battle cry on their lips. With one expert blow the first man fell to the ground twitching and bleeding from a fatal wound. Blondie ran for his sword but didn't make it very far, a warhorse blocked his path, a large dark haired man astride, his crimson mantle whipped out behind him as his heavy sword swung down in a deadly arc. She heard the crack of pistols firing behind her. Run. This time, her body listened. She frantically looked around and spied the dagger her captor had dropped. She grabbed it and saw her boots and traveling bag in a pile on the other side of the fire. The men were too occupied fighting each other to notice her slipping away. She grabbed her boots and cloak before taking cover behind a large tree. She pulled them on frantically and tucked the dagger inside one, hoping she had enough time to get away. Run. She left the shouting and clanging behind and slipped through the forest as fast as she could. She stopped only once to drink from a spring and out of sheer will forced herself to keep running. It seemed like she ran for hours. In her desperation and exhaustion she tripped and tumbled down a hill. She hit her head, elbow, and back against a tree making her cry out. The last thing she heard was distant barking; they were hunting her. Run. Her body had nothing left. The darkness overtook her again. ** Rayn thanked his stars they'd come upon the dog, tied to a tree near a stream. There was evidence of a struggle and drag marks. They found the raiders in the pre dawn hours and dispatched them quickly. The girl was nowhere to be seen, even though Rayn was sure they'd taken her. The dog was well trained and after sniffing a pile of dirty clothes and a saddle he'd taken off into the forest, crashing through the undergrowth and barking like mad. They rode hard after him, hoping he caught her scent. They found her at the bottom of a ravine, the dog licked her face and whined pitifully but she didn't stir. Rayn slid down the side of the ravine easily, and checked her pulse. She'd landed badly against the tree, her pulse was faint and she most certainly had a nasty head wound. Her hair was tangled in the leaves and twigs and halfway covered her face. He looked back up at his men. "Is she alive?" Kieran called to him. "Barely, we have to get her out of here. She needs to be healed." He lifted her carefully and held her close to him as he climbed back towards his men. Her scent overtook him, fresh and sweet. He had to hold back the urge to brush the loose hair out of her face. In all his life Kieran had never seen Rayn so gentle with a woman unless he wanted something from her. He couldn't understand it. He'd never even told them why he dragged them out here looking for her in the first place. King's orders he'd said. Kieran had to admit, cutting down the small group of raiders had been a little adventure although taking lives was never easy or particularly pleasurable. Rayn grunted as he set the girl down. "We'll make camp here tonight, ", he turned to Riley, "can you heal this?" "Yes, most of it anyway," Riley assured him. Riley was not as impressive of a warrior as the other men, what he lacked in brawn he made up for in determination and tactical skill. He could heal wounds using incantations but was not as proficient as a healer; it would have to do for now. He laid his hands on her and chanted the familiar incantation. Before their eyes her bruises faded from purple and black to green and yellow, the cut on her neck started to heal, and the color came back to her face. Riley looked up at Rayn, "She should come around in a couple of hours." "Good, bind her hands." "What?" Kieran was almost in a rage. "I said bind her hands, she cannot be allowed to escape again." "You're going to bind a woman, after her life was threatened by a bunch of heartless curs?" He was raging now. "She's a threat to the crown, if you're unwilling I can do it myself." Rayn leveled his princely gaze on his friend. He did not tolerate insubordination in the field. "Her?" he looked down at the bruised woman, she was rather young, and back at Rayn. "I'll explain later. It's bad enough we're three days off course." They set camp as the sun started setting. They'd made it as far as they could for the day. The dog hovered over the girl, checking her every few minutes before lying against her side and groaning. Rayn almost smiled. The grey beast was very loyal. He tossed a few pieces of meat in the direction of the dog, who snapped them up instantly. As Kieran and Riley started the fire, Rayn picked the girl up to move her closer to the warmth. The forest was cooling off. That damn scent of hers was intoxicating. It stirred something deep inside him. He tried to shake it off and would have succeeded had she not opened her eyes as he laid her down. Stormy grey blue orbs stared at him, she blinked several times and then after what seemed like an eternity she punched him right in the jaw with her bound fists. Shit. He grabbed at her but she twisted out of his grip, backed away carefully, and pulled a dagger from her boot. He watched in amazement as she turned the sharpened edge toward her own stomach. "I don't want to hurt you, but I will restrain you if I have to." He growled at her. She seemed to grow before his eyes, she stood up straight and for the first time he realized how tall and lithe she was. She deftly used the dagger to cut her own bonds before pointing it at him. "You will not touch me!" she exuded rage. "I don't have to touch you to restrain you, ", he threatened, his jaw throbbed where she'd hit him. Lucky strike, he told himself. She turned to run but he was faster; he recited the incantation and she simply sat down, folded her legs under her neatly, and dropped the dagger. But it didn't stop her from screaming at him. "You can't do this to me, I haven't done anything wrong!" she twisted and writhed but did not stand up, the spell held her in place. His men watched the entire exchange without moving to help either of them. Kieran was amused. This one was going to give Prince Rayn a hard time that was certain. She swore they were smiling at her futile attempts to move. As she struggled, her hair tumbled over her shoulders. She looked up at the man before her, his dark eyes were glinting; his cloak fell around his broad shoulders, framing him. His black over shirt was tucked into black pants and a brown leather belt hung around his slim hips. His sword was fastened to his side, at the ready. His boots were covered with a thin layer of dirt. He knelt in front of her, "Stop struggling, you'll hurt yourself." She glared at him. "If you were so concerned about hurting me why did you bind me?" "If you'll notice, "he haughtily pointed out, "your wounds are healed. Why would we go to the trouble of doing that if we wished to hurt you?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "Arrogant son of a-" He covered her mouth with his hand. "King...I am the son of a king. And you'd do well to remember that." he snapped at her. It dawned on her, this was THE Prince Rayn. He didn't look like she expected him to. He was rough like a warrior, not polished as she imagined a prince should be. Her temper cooled, but only slightly. She thought about biting his hand, but he removed it. Oh GODS this man was frustrating. She wakes up and he's almost on top of her panting over her and now he claims he doesn't want to hurt her. Leni wasn't buying any of it. Now the brute had used magic to make her sit there inches away from him. Damn him! She saw Wren lounging on a bedroll by an athletic man with short blonde hair. Traitor. "Wren! Come here!" The large hound's head popped up from where he had been resting, he jogged to her, sat down at her side, and gazed at Rayn quizzically. The dog was taller than she was, Rayn found it comical. As he lowered his hand from her mouth, he felt it tingle. He clenched his fist. What was this woman doing to him? It had to be magic. No one had ever had this effect on him. She was staring at him now, sizing him up. He could feel it. He didn't wish her to fear him, actually the thought of her shrinking away from his touch made his stomach turn. He growled low in his chest and turned away from her. "Let me go!" she screamed at him again, the rage rolled off of her like a thousand arrows glancing off his back. He stopped, considered ignoring her, and decided it wouldn't do him any good; he'd never be able to ignore her. He sighed. "I will let you go, but only if you behave yourself." He jabbed his finger at her to make his point clear. "What does behaving myself mean?" she questioned him. He allowed himself to grin. She was feisty, and sounded like a real negotiator. "It means no more escape attempts, no more dagger pointing, no more getting yourself into trouble, and doing what you're told when you're told to do it." "What's in it for me?" she was sarcastic now, a little cocky. He leaned in close to her face, inhaling her scent. GODS Why did he do that?! "I won't touch you unless you ask me to." He regretted it almost as soon as he said it. He'd give almost anything for her to kiss him right now, and he didn't know why. She was a mess and difficult as hell. Her stare was unwavering. "And?" she raised her eyebrows at him, clearly expectant of something else. "And what?" he snipped. "You'll tell me why the hell you're hunting me down like a wild animal." "Fine." Now he was ticked. "Now let me go." She glared straight through him, her blue grey eyes flashing angrily. With a wave of his hand her body was no longer restrained. He picked up the dagger and offered her his hand. She ignored him, got up on her own, and took a seat closer to the fire. It was getting dark now. As she walked past he noted her taut muscular legs and round plentiful butt barely contained in her tight pants. Her hair fell to the small of her back, tangled waves of red. The boots made her legs look even longer; he cursed his love of women. If she hadn't been his mission he would have considered her a worthy conquest. She drew her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around them. She watched the fire and considered her predicament. He must have been the same man who roughed her up in the city, the damn Prince. She just wanted to go home, she missed Lukas terribly. She cast a sideways glance at him as he sat down a few feet away. She didn't feel like talking right now. It infuriated her that he'd rescued her before she had a chance to escape on her own, evading the raiders and his hunting party. He saw her looking at him from the corner of his peripheral vision. Her full lips pouted. She was probably still in pain but too damn stubborn to complain. Well good for her, he thought. The evening passed without incident, they ate dinner as a group and she fell asleep by the fire on her own bedroll. ** She woke up in the dead of night and needed to relieve herself. Everyone else was asleep but Rayn was missing, probably doing the same thing she needed to. She didn't dare venture too far in the dark woods alone; her fear of the raiders was still very strong. She crept a little ways from camp and took care of herself. She was almost back to the clearing when a twig crunched behind her. "Going somewhere?" Rayn asked, he grabbed her arm roughly. She gasped; if she hadn't just relieved herself she'd be doing it right now out of surprise and fear. "Let go," she growled. "Not a chance, you were trying to get away." "I was not!" she hissed at him in the dark. "Why were you sneaking around then?" He pulled her closer to him. "You're so arrogant. I had to relieve myself!" her whisper was loud now. She'd wake the men if she got any louder. His muscular frame was inches from hers. She inhaled his manly scent; spicy and dark with a hint of the woods they were in. Her body wanted to lean into him, despite him acting like a jerk. UGH. Snap out of it! "You're coming back with me." "I know." Venom dripped from her words. He held her arm more gently now, guiding her through the undergrowth back to camp. "So tell me, why are you coming after me?" "I think you know, why." He hadn't expected her to want to talk about this now. "I didn't, until a few nights ago." He didn't have anything else to say to her, and they were back at camp. He let her arm go and she lay down and curled up facing away from him. He moved his bedroll a little closer to her; he didn't want her getting any ideas about leaving again. Wren lay down at her side and put his head over her hip, staring at Rayn forlornly. She stroked the large hound's head. For a second he wished she was running her hands through his hair like that, he pushed the thought away. He woke before anyone else, and surprisingly was inches away from her. He realized in that moment, he didn't even know her name. He instinctively reached for her but stopped himself. Her face was beautiful in the pre dawn light, even with the dirt smudged on it. Her full lips looked down right kissable. Why was she so irresistible to him? He needed to put some space between them. He shook Kieran awake. "Watch her." Kieran nodded. ** Rayn was obviously absent when she awoke the next morning. Another man was stoking the fire, the man with the short blonde hair. "What's your name?" she inquired. He looked up, smiled slowly, "Kieran, miss. Yours?" "Eleanor, where's the Prince?" "He'll be back soon." Kieran went back to stoking the fire but kept talking, "I'm glad we found you, there's no telling what those raiders would have done to you." She was stunned by his admission. "Rayn probably wouldn't want me to tell you that but I'm sorry you had to go through that. I don't know why he was so damn determined to find you but I'm very happy we did." Riley joined them by the fire and introduced himself to her. He was short compared to the other men and of smaller stature. He barely had any brown hair on his head, it was shaven so closely and wide blue eyes gave his face a boyish quality. She wondered if he was older than he looked. "Thank you both, for risking your lives for me." She was humbled, and incredibly grateful to them all, even if their leader was a total prick. Nights in Rodan Ch. 02 Both men nodded, "It was our duty." Kieran smiled at her. She found herself relaxing around them. They were pleasant enough, as far as captors went. She wondered if they had ulterior motives. Soon enough, Rayn was back and carrying breakfast. The men chatted among themselves. Rayn handed her a plate and she ate in silence, considering everything. She decided it was time for her to clean herself up. She hated being dirty like this; covered with dried blood, scars, and her muscles ached. Her clothes needed washing too. Rayn was next to her and had just finished eating. "Can I bathe now?" she asked. "There's a hot spring nearby, but you can't go alone." He looked up from his last bite of bread. She opened her mouth to argue, but didn't get a word in. "I'm not letting raiders make you their captive again." He looked at her decisively and she knew he wouldn't be changing his mind. "Pack up. I want to be ready to go when we get back." Rayn commanded his men. He handed her a small bag from his pack, she saw a bar of soap and a comb when she opened it. She nodded. He walked towards where the horses were tied. Apparently the spring wasn't that close. "You're riding with me." She walked toward her horse. "No, with me." He pointed at his own horse, and lightly swung up on it bare back. Why was he so difficult!? He probably thought she couldn't ride, her temper flared. She'd been riding almost since she could walk; Iona had told her the obsession started very early. He offered her his hand, and after giving him a hard look she accepted it and was soon seated behind him. She let her arms hang at her sides loosely as they walked a path towards the spring. He had a wicked idea. "Put your arms around me." "No" "It's part of the deal, you do what you're told." His voice was gruff but he was grinning to himself. He heard her snort in contempt. "Now." He commanded her. "FINE!" she growled in his ear. Her voice sent a tingle down his spine. She was actually kind of fun to mess with. She put her slender arms around his waist. He felt a stirring in his groin. Oh she was angry now. But after wrapping her arms around his much larger and harder body she found she kind of enjoyed it. It was quiet, but she could hear the bubbling hot spring. They were close. She made him turn around so she could get undressed, he protested but she won. Leni slipped into the spring and washed her clothes quickly. She felt very vulnerable being naked around him. She laid her clothes on a rock to dry in the sun while she washed herself. He stripped down and she watched him with wide eyes. He wasn't actually getting in with her was he? He pulled his linen undershirt over his head gracefully. She was distracted by his lean muscular frame, his thick shoulders especially, his back had a few battle scars and one large one snaked around his shoulder to his chest. She swallowed, hard. She thought about what it would be like wrapped in his strong arms. He noticed her staring. "Enjoying the view?" he grinned. He was pulling his pants off his long muscular legs, down to nothing but underwear. "Um..." she turned quickly away from him, she was sure her face was beet red. She combed through her hair and heard a splash but didn't turn around. She stood up to turn over her clothes on the rocks and to avoid him. The water came to her waist. He stared at her back, her hair was dripping wet and shining in the sun. She was stunning after the dirt was washed away. His body was aching to touch her; he begrudgingly remembered his promise as he watched the water drip from her long tresses, following the gentle curve of her waist. His loins burned with desire. He scrubbed his own body down quickly, and noticed a long streak of dirt across her back and some dried blood clinging to her shoulder. She had parted her hair in the middle and pulled each side around so she could comb through it. "You missed something." He pointed. She turned her head halfway around, "Where?" He closed the gap between them, "Here, "he traced his fingers down her back and she shuddered. He again noticed her birthmark, it was definitely the hooked X and exactly like her mother's. "You promised!" she accused him breathlessly. "I know, but you can't reach it." He ran the bar of soap down her back. She jumped away from him. Damn her, why was she so...so? Difficult! He was trying to be gentle but she was driving him mad. She turned to face him, only her long wet hair covering her lush perfectly formed breasts. He almost lost control right then. He groaned inwardly. "Please don't hurt me." She wrapped her arms around herself and sank back into the water. "I will not break my word." He really hoped. She saw his features soften. His large dark eyes bore a hole into her soul. It was very disconcerting. What was his end game? She wondered. "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to ask you, but I didn't think you would cooperate with me. What is your name?" "Eleanor" "That's a good name, a strong name." he knelt down in the water so he wasn't towering over her. He saw her relax a little more. Clearly the raiders had hurt her, she was fearful. It made him sick to think of those men taking advantage of her. She was a pain in the ass for sure, but she didn't deserve to be treated like that. "I am taking you back to see my father, he has some questions for you." He was direct. "I have questions too. I didn't find out about any of this until very recently." "You didn't know anything?" "My nanny raised me after my father died. She always told me he was a wealthy merchant. I never knew anything different until that night when you roughed me up in the street." "I'm sorry for that, by the way." He hoped he sounded sincere, maybe if he hadn't snuck up on her and scared her she would have been much easier to talk to. She shrugged and rolled her eyes. He was suddenly in her face, holding onto her arms. He'd saved her life damnit and she talked to him like this?! He was royalty! "Do not ever disrespect me. I am a Prince and you will treat me as such.", he ground out. The arrogance! She almost hit him, prince or not, he was a prick. The golden flecks in his dark eyes were glowing. He moved so quickly it frightened her but she refused to let it show. She put her hands on his bare chest to push him away, he was too close. His taut muscles rippled under her hands. He softened his grip on her, she looked up at him, eyes wide, waiting for what he would do next. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly. Oh Gods he couldn't take it anymore! Her stormy eyes seemed to look straight through him. He covered her mouth with his possessively. She started to push him away, but he was so strong he held her there in the steaming water, kissing her. It was like fire licking her lips, she gave in to his touch, it was just too overwhelming. He softly explored her mouth with his, the gentleness of it surprised her. She whimpered against his mouth, a low rumble in his chest told her he was enjoying this. No no no no....she loved Colin! One of his hands went around the back of her neck, stroking and massaging her. Her arms instinctively went around his broad shoulders, and her softness melted into him. His other hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her entire naked body against his. She felt his sparse chest hair against her warm skin, and his growing erection pressed against her thigh. She tingled everywhere. No! The feeling was so forceful inside her, she felt volatile. She pulled away slightly but he held onto her, kissing her and prodding her with his tongue. She panicked, guilt and desire overwhelmed her senses at the same time. NO! He flew back against the rocks on the other side of the pool, hitting them with a dull thud and she heard an unmistakable crack over the splashing water. She shrieked and covered her mouth with her hands; he was going to be furious with her now. He groaned, leaning on the rocks and he looked up at her, but instead of rage she saw surprise and shock. He held his ribs and winced. Run. She turned and started to get out of the shallow water, she didn't care if he saw her naked. She had to get away. "Please," he was almost begging her, "don't go." She froze at the sound of his voice, her hands planted on the rocks as if she would push herself out of the water any second. She was breathing hard, recovering from the power behind their kiss. What had she done? He moved behind her. She looked over her shoulder, he was inches away. Oh Gods she wasn't sure she could take it, she almost started to cry. "Can I touch you?" he spoke softly, gently. A voice in her head raged, it was a little late to ask now! "No, please!" she choked back the tears. "I won't hurt you. " He put a hand on her shoulder, turned her around and she shrank back against the rocks as far as she could. His stomach turned, she looked like a caged animal. "Just....calm down, breathe deeply." He kept his hand on her shoulder. She couldn't look in his eyes, but his touch radiated calm through her and soon she was breathing normally. "I take it you didn't know you could do that?" he rubbed his side again and grunted in pain. "No! No, I've never done anything like that before." She hugged her arms around herself. "It's all right." He dropped his hand from her shoulder. He was curious what feeling she was having when it happened, he hoped it wasn't fear. "Can we just go back now?" she was very ready to not be alone with him. Clearly neither of them could control themselves, for some unknown reason. She felt two inches tall. "If you are ready, yes." She nodded as he spoke. He sighed, "I'll turn around so you can dress." And he did, without fighting her about it, he just did it. Thank goodness! She dried herself off and slipped her dry linen shirt on over her chemise. He glanced over his shoulder and saw her gorgeous creamy white legs stepping into her riding pants. Her long tunic graced the top of her thighs; he could see the slight curve of her butt. He turned his head before she saw him. He wanted her, he wanted her so badly. He'd tasted her kiss and now it was going to be hell traveling back home. His father would probably have her killed; he wouldn't tolerate the rightful Queen of Rodan threatening his power. Rayn had just made this situation more complicated than it needed to be. Damn. Shockingly enough, the ride back to camp was more relaxed. She wasn't so tense and held her arms loosely around him; at one point he even swore she was leaning in to rest her head on him. He smiled to himself, women did not resist him often and when they did he always found a way. ***** Hope you enjoy the 2nd chapter. It was fun to write! Feedback is greatly appreciated! :) -FP Nights in Rodan Ch. 03 Eleanor had heard stories of the former King's family, or rather her family, having magical powers; all royal families did. Very few commoners possessed the Druid gift; she just thought she happened to be one of them when she was growing up. Iny tried to help her learn to control it when she was young but it was wild and when it overtook her mind it was a desperate fight to regain her senses and control it. She eventually got frustrated and tired of dealing with it so she buried it. It had been easier after she met Colin. Everything was easy with him; he was so easy to love. She felt so guilty about sharing a kiss with the prince, and almost as guilty for cracking one of his ribs, although it served him right for pushing her boundaries. She felt exhausted; the sheer power of the magic she'd used had drained her already weakened body. Rayn told her that was common when magic first started expressing itself; she rested her head lightly against his back and hoped he wouldn't mind it too much. They reached camp and found everything was packed and ready. Her horse was even saddled for her. She slipped off the side of Rayn's mount and walked to her own. Rayn tossed his saddle over his horse's back and pain shot through his handsome features; no one saw it but Leni. Pangs of guilt attacked her heart, he'd saved her from the raiders and she'd repaid him by trying to kill him. He probably avoided asking the healer to fix it just so he could make her feel guilty for days. She sighed and realized she had never even thanked him. They rode all day. She was adept on a horse but she'd never ridden for so long before over rough terrain. Her legs were aching and her tailbone was still sore but she didn't complain. She wouldn't tolerate these men thinking she couldn't keep up. Rayn slowed his horse to ride beside her for awhile, the men took turns "guarding" her, although it was clear she wasn't going anywhere or she would have tried to get away already. He hoped she felt guilty for hurting him earlier, as the day wore on the injury bothered him more and more. It was late afternoon and they'd have to stop soon to hunt for dinner. He was surprised that Eleanor didn't complain at all for the whole day; most women would be whining by lunch time that they were bored, sore, or tired but not this one. He refused to admit he was impressed but he was starting to feel more for her than just a wickedly strong attraction, he respected her. They found a sandy beach along the stream and decided to stop for the night. Rayn was barely able to dismount without his side being seized with searing sharp pain. He should definitely make her feel guilty for this one. "It's your turn to catch dinner tonight," he tried desperately to keep a straight face when he told her. "What?" her eyes went wide. She was easy to rile, he loved it. "Come on, I'll help you. We'll need a few fish to feed all of us. It'll take too long for me to do it alone." He rubbed his side, silently explaining it was her duty to help since she'd put him in this predicament. She looked at Kieran and he nodded, urging her to go with Rayn. Why would she look to him? Rayn felt the jealousy seeping in but she turned and followed him upstream. He showed her how to stand, with her feet wide, and hold her hands steady in the water with an arrow at the ready. She was so angry she could spit. This was her payback, catching fish!? She hated the texture of live fish. She helped Colin hunt before and handled that rather easily but live fish were not her forte. And now she was stuck out in the cold water with him. A fish slid easily through the current, she waited patiently and closed her hands around it. When she tried to stand up her foot slipped off the rock she'd been standing on and she landed on her ass. She splashed, trying to recover before Rayn saw her. The water was knee deep and not dangerous but she was embarrassed. He looked up from his position a few feet away and smiled at her. "Try again." He encouraged her. She growled. He almost laughed at her; he'd never heard a woman get so exasperated that she actually growled. She repositioned herself quickly and prepared to try again. By the time she saw her next fish coming Rayn had already caught three of them. They were laying on the bank, each speared by an arrow just waiting to be cooked. Her stomach rumbled, her feet were numb in the cold water, and her back hurt from standing bent over for so long without moving. She was not about to lose this fish too. She grabbed too soon and the fish escaped. ARGH She pounded the water with her fist, she was infuriated and Rayn made it look so easy. "As much splashing as you're doing, it'll take hours to catch any more fish, "he waded towards her. "Let me show you, again." It was the fourth time he'd critiqued her position, style, or method. She groaned and stood up. He could tell she was close to her breaking point, he didn't let on that he was close to his too. His ribs were on fire and they still needed a couple more fish. He stood behind her this time, so he could guide her hands exactly how they needed to go. Her hands were on her hips, she rubbed the back of her neck with one before dropping it to her side casually. He knew she was tired, but he was going to teach her something even if it killed him. She pulled her wild hair forward over her right shoulder to get it out of the way. "Get in your stance again." He instructed her. She obediently bent forward and put her hands in the water. The ends of her hair floated on the current. Oh GODS why did he think this was a good idea!? He took a deep breath, "bend your knees, and make sure your fingertips are just brushing the bottom of the stream." She leaned down farther and bent her knees; her round butt was hair's breadth from his groin. He clenched his fists, steeled his nerves, and plunged his hands into the water to join her. She could feel his muscular body hovering just above her, and his hands were holding hers in the cold water. His face was next to hers on the left side, so close to her cheek she was almost brushing the stubble on his jaw. She tried to stay focused but it was very difficult. The muscles in her legs were burning from standing for so long but Rayn's warmth was surprisingly comfortable on her back. They stood close like that for what seemed like an eternity, and then finally a fish caught the current and swam directly for the opening between their legs. "Steady, don't be too eager." He whispered to her. His warm breath caressed her cheek. He was making it impossible to focus. She watched the fish swim closer, and then suddenly he whispered, "Now!" He closed her hands on the fish, but it was bigger than the others and she wasn't prepared for it. He tried to hold on to it with her hands but she gave up and started to stand, knocking him backwards in the process and into the water. Now they were both wet. "Stop!" he demanded. His temper was flaring, "try again, now. And this time, HOLD the fish and do not let go." They resumed their stance, together. It was absolutely killing him that her delicious butt was lightly pressing against his inner thighs. It took forever but another fish came along. He helped her close her hands just like before only this time she actually held on to the fish before pulling it out of the water. She speared it with the arrow he handed her and then tossed it onto the bank. She waded toward shore. "Where are you going?" Rayn was secretly relieved she was not between his thighs anymore, his lack of control had started showing and he was hoping she hadn't noticed. "I'm going to take the fish back to camp. I can't stand in that cold water anymore." She picked up their catch and started downstream without a backward glance. He stroked his erection back down and willed it to go away. He was dying to kiss her again, her damp clothes were sticking to her every curve and she had them in all the right places. He followed her back to camp, watching the way she moved through the forest and along the banks; she was graceful and quiet. Turning her over to his father would not be easy and he only had a couple of days to figure out a solution that wouldn't result in her being thrown into the dungeon and left to rot. They were almost back to camp when it happened. She held up her hand and stopped him while she crouched down. He had no idea what she saw until he knelt down next to her. It was one of the smaller types of woodland deer called a Bayon, a little smaller than her dog and enough to feed them for a couple of days. She was carrying the extra arrows and silently unsheathed one while Rayn handed her the bow they'd brought. He almost shot the deer himself but she seemed intent on doing it. He'd have a good laugh when she missed. He'd never seen a woman hunt game in the forest. He watched her work, drawing the arrow back, and taking a crouching step forward. As she moved the early evening light filtered through the trees and was dappled on her mane of hair. Her eyes narrowed and she breathed very quietly. With practiced ease she found a gap in the brush, and waited. The Bayon's head popped up and before it could move it was on the ground, the arrow had found its mark. Eleanor sighed and turned to hand the bow back to Rayn, but he was frozen. He had just seen a woman take down a Bayon in the forest with a bow and arrow. He was thoroughly impressed. "Well?" she asked as she picked up the fish. "Right," he was still absorbing what he had seen as he lifted the creature up and carried it across his shoulders back to camp. She didn't speak to him much for the rest of the evening. She was very tired, he had pushed her hard for the last couple of days and they still had two days of riding ahead of them. She went to sleep right after a plentiful dinner with Wren by her side gnawing a bone. Rayn sat in the firelight sipping brandy with Riley and Kieran. "Why exactly are we all the way out here for a woman?" Kieran finally asked the question. Rayn was surprised it took his friend so long to get curious enough to inquire. "She's the daughter of the last King of Rodan." He wouldn't lie to his men, they should know. "So she's the Princess..." Kieran considered for awhile but it was Riley that spoke up. "You're taking her back to your father." "Have to, he sent us after her." He looked at them both and hoped they couldn't tell he was fond of her. "And how may I ask is our gallant Prince going to shield her from your father's wrath?" Kieran looked irritated. He didn't see the point in hurting a woman who clearly didn't have a desire to rule a kingdom. "I have a plan." Riley and Kieran exchanged a look. "That usually means you have no plan." Riley even seemed angry at him. "I will not let him hurt her." He assured them, he wondered why they were so concerned. They looked at each other again, "The womanizing Prince has taken a fancy to the woman from the city?" Kieran punched him in the shoulder, he winced. "By the way, Riley I need you to heal my ribs." Riley stared at him blankly, "What happened?" Rayn told them what happened, well most of it. They discussed how it was possible that she had some very strong magical powers that were connected with intense emotion. None of them had ever met or heard of anyone with the ability to control and manipulate power like Rayn was describing. Leni drifted in and out for awhile, she heard the men talking about her but couldn't make out if it was anything important. She was just so tired. Wren kept her warm; she smiled and massaged his velvety grey ear. He made her miss home; she missed snuggling up every night with her little boy. She wondered if he missed her and if everything was okay. She wondered if she should tell Rayn about him, but sharing that part of herself made her uneasy, she couldn't let anyone harm Lukas. Her thoughts drifted to Rayn. After the events of this morning she was not surprised by his reaction when they'd been fishing together. Part of her wanted to throttle him; the other part of her wanted him and felt incredibly guilty for it. She was first to wake in the morning, and she found herself inches from Rayn's back with Wren wedged against her other side. At least she was warm? She was trying to figure out how to rise without waking him when he turned over. His face was so close to hers she got to examine his features; his eyes had faint lines around them, his lips were molded perfectly. The dark stubble that was growing on his face made him look rough but he had a very princely jawline, strong and square. His dark hair was mussed from sleep, her fingers itched to reach out and push the strays back off his forehead. He woke slowly, blinking several times before waking completely. He drank a little too much brandy the night before. He was acutely aware of her so close to him, she was awake, he felt her gaze on his face. Her eyes were clear blue and almost luminescent in the grey morning light. He slowly put his hand out to stroke her arm but she caught it in hers and put it back down, stroking his large fingers with her own long delicate ones. Before he was completely lucid she disappeared, was he dreaming? He groaned as he sat up and looked for her. She was kneeling by the stream, washing her face. He watched her turn her head up to the sky and murmur something, a prayer perhaps. She seemed sad. He shook his head and smoothed back his hair. He wanted to get moving early, today they'd skirt around the edge of the plains. He felt it was safer than cutting across; the raiders were becoming too bold. She was quiet as they rode together. He always took the first shift of the day guarding her, and today was no different. He felt the pang of jealousy again when Kieran circled back to take his place. They laughed together and talked about plants, trees, and berries in the forest around them. She knew quite a few surprisingly. He felt himself wishing she would smile at him like that. By mid day they were squarely in raider territory and they rode in silence. Rayn stopped them several times and they sat and listened for a moment before continuing on. Leni felt nervous in her gut, something was going to happen today but she didn't know what. Around the time they normally stopped to camp, they pushed on. Rayn wanted to ride into the night; he said it was too dangerous to stop. Leni was very tired but her senses were on high alert. The full moon was nearing its peak in the sky, bathing them in the light. It was fairly easy to see in the dark with a moon that big. Rayn held up his hand and turned his head to listen. Everyone pulled up behind him, he made a circling motion with his finger and the men fanned out, pointing their horses away from her position. She was in a circle of warriors, they were protecting her. Her horse stood patiently, ears flicking about and eyes wide. Something was going on. She tried to stay calm but a moment later the air was pierced by a scream. She suddenly felt very closed in; they were surrounded on all sides by raiders, their swords sparkling in the moonlight. In a flash her warriors engaged them all. Her instincts kicked in. RUN She spurred her horse forward with her heels into the gap between Rayn and Kieran. As she tried to push through them she was pulled off her horse. It was happening so fast she couldn't tell what was going on. Rayn swung his sword down at the raider but he ducked away, dragging her with him. Kieran's horse reared behind her and she pulled away frantically to avoid the hooves, inadvertently pulling her captor straight into the path of them. He let go of her and she turned to run, only to be faced with another man reaching for her. Wren was barking and growling like she'd never heard him before. The swords rang out loudly as they clashed together. Rayn pushed forward towards the man who had grabbed Eleanor but he ducked into the undergrowth with her in tow. He grit his teeth and plunged in after her. He was not about to let her be taken from him again. He heard her screaming, she sounded like she was putting up a good fight. He left his men behind and gave chase but his large horse couldn't cut through the brush as fast as a single man. Her frantic screams were getting farther away. He chased her on foot, hacking wildly at anything that got in his way and as he came to a clearing there she was, being pulled along by a lean shaggy man. She kicked out at him and when he turned and backhanded her he saw Rayn approaching. The raider held her close to him, an arm across her throat and a dagger in his other hand. "Come any closer and she dies." he called out. Rayn's pace didn't slow. "I will gut her if you move another inch!" he pointed his knife at her stomach and she screamed, it chilled Rayn to the bone. "What will it take for you to give her back to me?" Rayn gripped his sword until his knuckles were white. The man buried his head in her hair and inhaled deeply. She writhed in his grip. "She is mine." He growled. She whimpered in his arms but didn't pull away. Her torn clothing revealed her stomach and the raider's knife was laying flush against her skin. She was terrified, it was radiating from her. He reached out with his mind, this time her power was so close to the surface he could sense it. He'd have to talk her through how to use it. "Concentrate," He commanded her "remember the hot spring?" Oh she remembered, and then it dawned on her what he wanted her to do. She tried to concentrate but the man's grip held her tightly. Her hands were pulling at the arm that was across her throat but he tightened it. He was trying to make her pass out. She started to choke and panic. "Focus!" Rayn bellowed at her, she'd be dead before he could close the gap between them if this didn't work. She pulled down on the man's arm, desperately trying to breathe. Her nails cut into his skin. "Little wretch!" he held her tighter and pressed the knife into her skin causing her to shriek in pain. Eleanor felt the power surge into her veins; it was like pure light and fire. She closed her eyes tightly and let it overtake her. Rayn watched in amazement. Her captor howled in pain and pushed her away. He continued screaming as Rayn ran the twenty paces to him. His clothes were burned away and his flesh was wrinkled and severely scorched. He held his hands to his head as more flesh burned away. The stench was foul. Rayn drove his sword home and the screams stopped. He wiped his sword in the tall grass and sheathed it. He turned to look for her and she almost knocked the wind out of him. She sobbed into his chest, he put his arms around her and held her. He stroked the back of her head, smoothing her hair down. He felt her hands clutching his shoulders, not letting him move. She took ragged breaths. "Let me look at you," he held her body away from his to check her wound. It was deeper than he thought and the blood was seeping out at a steady rate. She looked down at it and her legs gave out. Rayn scooped her up into his arms and turned back towards the forest. He had to find his men; she was losing too much blood too quickly. She clung to him like her life depended on it. "Press your hands over the wound, try to stop the bleeding." He gently commanded her. They were almost to the tree line when Wren appeared, followed closely by Kieran, Riley and two more of Rayn's troupe. He counted quickly and realized they'd lost a man. "Riley, she needs you!" he called out. He knelt down with Eleanor in his lap. She was trying to press her hands over her stomach but she cried out in pain, it hurt so much. Riley charged over to them. "Good Gods Rayn, what happened?" Nights in Rodan Ch. 03 "Just heal her, quickly!" he almost sounded desperate. Riley leaned in and whispered into her ear, she relaxed into Rayn's arms and her eyes closed. Healing could be painful; Riley had put her out so she wouldn't be uncomfortable. Gods love this man; his friend was such a gentle soul. He put his hands over hers and recited the incantations. The blood stopped seeping; Rayn blew out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He held her body close to his as she rested. He had never felt like this before, her raw power captivated him. In that moment covered with her blood he swore to himself he would never let another living soul do her any harm. King be damned. She'd never be more than an arm's reach from him if he had anything to say about it. Her dreams were hell that night. She smelled burnt flesh all around her. She ran and screamed but no one was there to help her. She saw Colin reaching for her but no matter how far she ran she was never any nearer to him. Her knees bit into the dirt hard but she didn't feel anything anymore. The fire swirled around her. Her heart was breaking a thousand times over, Colin couldn't reach her, he would never be able to save her. She screamed for him again and begged to die as the flames swallowed her. Rayn was visibly shaken by her fitful sleep. Kieran tried to convince him to rest while he watched over her but Rayn refused. Riley assured him she would be fine, but the wound would scar, he wrapped her stomach and re dressed her in a clean shirt but her skin was permanently damp with sweat. She cried out a name, over and over. It tore at Rayn's heart, he didn't know the man she was calling for but it wasn't him. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Wren lay nearby whining almost all night. Kieran shushed him but the giant hound wouldn't stop. After she finally stopped crying Rayn propped himself up against a fallen tree and let sleep take him as he held her. ** Leni woke very slowly, the light behind her eyelids was very bright and the air on her face was chill and crisp. Her chest felt very heavy, she wiggled and sharp pain shot through her abdomen. Her eyes flew open. Someone was confining her, the arms across her body held her tightly. It triggered an instant panic, she flailed trying to get free but the strong arms tightened even more around her. "You'll hurt yourself..." he warned. She elbowed him hard in the ribs. "Damnit Eleanor, calm down." She recognized the voice, the Prince! Oh gods, she'd just hit him again. "I'm sorry!" she almost sobbed. "Calm down, " he repeated it over and over in her ear, "just breathe." She stopped moving and started breathing. His calmness swept through her, regulating her breathing and soothing her nerves. She had spent the only energy she had fighting the man who was trying to keep her safe. Idiot, she chided herself. His crimson mantle was a nice blanket and fit both of them comfortably under it. She pulled her legs up under her and resituated herself on her side, but she never tried to get away. He put his hands over her arms and stroked them slowly. It was comforting but slightly erotic to her, she shivered as her body ached for his warmth. The guilt crept in and a she tried to push it away. "Are you cold?" his voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm fine Your Highness." She didn't move at all when she said it. He smiled at her formality, the entire time they'd been on the road his men had addressed him informally and she had never said his given name. "Who's Colin?" The sound of her late husband's name on his lips made her stiffen. "Are you asking or ordering me to tell you?" she wondered how forceful he'd press her for information. "What if it was an order?" "Then I'd have to tell you, wouldn't I?" she felt like hiding from him. "I want to know why you were saying his name." He wasn't in the mood for games. She pulled away far enough she could look him in the eyes. He looked exhausted. His normally dark features had even more of a shadow on them today. "He was my husband." Her words struck him like a knife in the chest. "Was?" he raised a brow at her. "Raiders attacked while he was hunting game, he died." She watched his eyes as she spoke. Of course she'd been married, how could he have been so stupid to assume any different? She was beautiful, spirited, and strong. All the things any man would want in a woman. He could tell she had loved her husband deeply, and still did. She saw the pain flicker in his eyes and the questions started blurring through her mind. Was she just another mission to him? What would his father do to her when they got back? Would the Prince protect her? "What's going to happen to me?" she needed to know, she might have to make an escape before they got back to the city. "I don't know." He wished he could give her a better answer. "I think you do." She was starting to get upset. He sighed, "I don't know what he wants from you other than to talk." "According to you I am the rightful ruler of Rodan, do invaders usually let monarchs keep their titles after the dust settles?" her eyes narrowed as she finished her rhetorical question. He wrapped his hands around her arms again reassuringly. "No, they don't." the answer made him feel powerless. "So I should expect you're to lead me to slaughter?" she was hissing mad now. The golden flecks in his eyes flashed. "I have saved your life twice now, and all I've got to show for it is a busted rib." Now he was getting angry. She turned to face him head on, kneeling between his thighs. Her wound was throbbing but she ignored it. Her tangled tresses tumbled down her shoulders and his mantle was still draped over her. "What am I supposed to do, thank you for saving me so your father can kill me later?" her words cut deep, she was angry with him. "Maybe I should have let you die out there instead?" he spat. "Maybe you should have, at least I'd be spared the humiliation of a public execution." She was asking for it now. "You think I'd let him do that?" He leaned in close to her face, willing her to understand him. "To protect your empire, yes." She turned to try and get up but he put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her so close her forehead almost rested against his. "I would never let him do that to you." He growled. "He's the King, he can do whatever he wants." Her voice was dark and forceful. She pulled away from him and this time he let her go. Her vision went spotty when she stood up but she managed to walk away without stumbling. She pulled the mantle around her and realized how angry she was at him. She flung it to the ground. She wanted to ask where everyone else was but she didn't want to ask him. They sat in silence shooting dirty looks at each other until Kieran, Riley, and the two other men came back with the horses. She noticed Riley's left arm was wrapped, he must have been wounded the night before. "Are you feeling well enough to ride?" Riley asked her as he checked the wound. It had closed over but the muscles were still very tender under the skin. She nodded and he continued, "I'm sorry I couldn't heal you completely, when I am wounded the magic doesn't work as well. You'll be better in a few days." He gestured to his arm as he spoke. "She can ride; we're getting her back as soon as possible." Rayn swung into his saddle. Kieran looked at Rayn and back at Eleanor, the electricity between them was impossible to ignore. Something happened while everyone was gone. He helped her onto a horse and handed her a piece of dried meat and his wineskin. "Chew on this and drink all of the water." He looked concerned. "Thank you, Kieran." She took the items from him. "She's fine, move out!" Rayn was pissed. Kieran got back on his horse and they set off for Rodan. Rayn kept a quick pace for the first couple of hours but eventually his anger cooled and he slowed down for the rest of them. By late afternoon Kieran noticed Leni could barely stay on her horse. "Rayn we need to stop." Kieran pulled his horse alongside Rayn's. "We're not stopping until we get back to the castle." He was being stubborn. "Look, I don't know what happened between you two but she's recovering from a serious injury and hasn't had proper food all day." He was irritated that Rayn's pride was getting the best of him. "Then you figure it out." Rayn wouldn't even look at him, he just rode ahead. "Damnit" Kieran cursed under his breath. He circled back to pull up beside Eleanor. He stopped her horse; she tried to right herself in the saddle but slumped over. He pulled her into his lap, if Rayn didn't want to listen to reason, fine but he wasn't about to make the woman pay for it. He wrapped an arm around her to steady her, she linked her arms around his chest and put her head on his shoulder. "Just rest," he told her quietly. Rayn was resolute; they were not stopping until they got back into the city. He was done trying to be nice to her. She brought him nothing but trouble, beautiful women always did. Let his father do what he wanted with her. He glanced back and saw Kieran scowling. He'd pulled Eleanor onto his lap and there she was, snuggled up to him like she wanted him all along. Rayn felt his temper rising, all of it over a damn woman. She wasn't cultured, didn't know how to control her reckless magic, and she was frustrating and irritating all the time! He resolved to be glad to be rid of her when they got back. He could have any woman he wanted, he was the Prince damnit, they practically begged for his attentions. GODS! All he wanted was to stop thinking about her. They rode all night and into the next day. The men were used to Rayn's temper. After a battle he could be very prickly if things had not gone well. Leni woke up sporadically, she rode her own horse for an hour or two at a time but exhaustion overtook her quickly and she had to ride with someone else. Rayn pushed all his feelings away and tried not to look at her pained face. Rodan was finally in sight, Rayn was thrilled. The gleaming white castle stood like a beacon at dusk and the torch light reflected off the walls making it glow. His mind was troubled as they neared the outer gates. He looked up at the stone archway as he passed under it, had it really been a week since he left? It felt like an eternity. As they neared the castle gates he became anxious, the pit of his stomach was in an uproar. He couldn't deny he was worried about Eleanor's fate. His father could be a hard man to deal with, even in good times. Maybe she was right, maybe he was leading her to slaughter. Whatever fate had in store for her, he was sure he couldn't change it. He would likely have to face losing her. They took her directly to the throne room. She could barely stand; she walked between Riley and Kieran, both of them supporting her; her skin was even more pale than usual, her brow was damp with perspiration, and her eyes were barely open. The King looked up from his papers as they entered and disappointment crossed his features. "I asked for you to bring her to me for questions, not half dead. How can I get information from her now?" he was very cross and spoke roughly to his son. Rayn answered firmly, "You sent me for her, and I brought her back. It wasn't easy." He wouldn't be talked down to in front of his men, friends or not. "Put her in the guest quarters and call the healers. I will speak to her in the morning; she's of no use right now." The King went back to considering his papers and dismissed them. Rayn conceded, she had been his responsibility and his alone. He dismissed his men to get some rest and took Eleanor up in his arms, feeling her weak body next to his made him feel like the most wretched person in the whole of the world, and rightfully so he supposed. He carried her to the guest quarters, Wren's nails clicked quietly behind him the whole way there. He sent her attendant for the healer, put her on the bed, and threw a log on the small fire. The room was cool, she needed warmth. He sank into the chair nearby wearily to wait and Wren lounged in front of the fire. Rayn watched Leni sleep and decided to make her more comfortable, he owed her that at least. He sighed and rose from the chair. Leni came to just enough to realize she was laying on something soft. Her clothes were being removed slowly, starting with her boots. Her vision was blurred, and when she tried to move nothing happened. She tried to command the person to stop touching her but her lips were so dry and cracked that only a faint groan came out. Her abdomen was burning and aching. She passed out again quickly, just as someone leaned over her and put their hands on her stomach. ****** I hope you enjoy Chapter 3, things are getting more interesting for our heroine! Please keep voting, PM-ing me, and leaving comments. They are taken into account when I edit and I am considering a re write and more plot twists in the future! Thank you all for reading, enjoy! -FP Nights in Rodan Ch. 04 She woke just after dawn; the first thing she saw was a stone ceiling. She sat up and was surprisingly not in any pain, her head didn't even hurt. She lifted the sheet and saw her smooth stomach marked by a scar, she pressed on it lightly and it felt as if she'd had it her whole life. She sighed with relief. Wren was sprawled on the foot of the bed as if he belonged there. She smiled at him, her loyal companion. The bed was a large four post style with a canopy; there were sheer white curtains all around her. She pulled one back and peered out at the room. There were large tapestries on the walls, beautiful mutely colored rugs on the floor, and comfortable chairs in front of a roaring fireplace. "Morning" a deep voice addressed her. She gasped and pulled the sheet around her almost naked body but one leg hung out of the side. She saw Prince Rayn in a chair by the fire. He looked like he had slept there all night, served him right for being such an ass, she thought. "Where are my clothes?" she asked. "I sent them to be cleaned." he stood and strode towards her purposefully. She looked up at him as he stood next to the bed. She felt nervous; he'd been so callous to her the last few days. He stood there quietly and she pulled the sheet around her torso even tighter, wrapping it around her back as if it were a robe. "I'll send for some proper clothing for you. You can't wear your traveling clothes to see the King." He was serious. "I'm sorry." She blurted out. "For what exactly?" he looked at her curiously as he spoke. "For never thanking you for saving my life, I really do appreciate it." Her voice was earnest. "I know." He responded tenderly. "Um, did you..." She pointed at herself and he smiled. "No, that was the healer. I only removed your boots." His smile grew and she noticed for the first time his face actually lighten. He looked even more attractive than usual. "You know, in Oneandra a woman isn't judged by her virtue." He stroked his hand up her bare leg and his smile became a little sinister. Just when she thought he was becoming nicer he pulled a stunt like that. She smacked his hand away; he feigned pain and smiled at her, "Easy little warrior." She sighed, damn him. Why was he so playful now? "I would like to bathe before I see the King." she changed the subject and he walked to the door, disengaging her. "I highly suggest you do." He said, before he opened the door. An attendant appeared, dressed in a simple shift and carrying a pile of clothes. Rayn gestured to the young woman and looked at Leni, "She will help you get ready." And just like that he was gone. Leni greeted the petite brown haired girl, her name was Mary, and asked where the bath was. Mary drew the warm water for her and told her she would lay out a dress on the bed. Leni thanked her and Mary disappeared out the door after assuring her that she would be back to help her dress herself. She rolled her eyes after the door closed, she'd been dressing herself all her life, it wasn't about to change now. Leni sank into the warm stone bath and sighed. It was the largest and nicest bath she remembered ever seeing. The stone pit was sunk into the floor and had three steps at one end, there was a ledge halfway down that encircled the entire pit for sitting and bathing. As she soaked she realized it was the first time in a week she had been completely alone. It felt liberating. She washed slowly, savoring the warm water. She fretted over Lukas, and cried when she realized she may never see him again. She quietly prayed to the gods for a merciful decision from the King. She combed her wet hair and was stepping out of the bath when the door opened again. She expected it to be Mary so she draped the fancy black dressing robe that had been left for her around her shoulders but didn't close it over her body. It was Rayn, and she cursed and turned away as she pulled the robe around her and tied it tightly, "Don't you knock?" When she turned around she noticed how different he looked, how princely he really was. He was clean shaven, revealing that strong square jaw she liked so much on him. He wore clean clothes and shiny black boots. Wren was at his feet, wiggling his nub of a tail and thrilled to see him. She secretly hated that her dog seemed to adore Rayn even though she didn't always like him. "I am here to escort you to the throne room." He raised his dark eyebrows at her. "Well I am not ready yet." She bowed her head low and looked for the slippers Mary left for her. "That's fine, but the King will be expecting you to curtsey" he was in a good mood seeing her like this, but her head snapped back up and she glared at him. Mary rushed into the room with a breakfast tray and sat it on the table by the fire. "I'll wait." Rayn assured Leni and then he took a seat by the fire. Mary brought her dress and underclothes into the bath and she dressed in there. Gods that man was exasperating! She didn't know why Mary insisted on so many layers under her dress but she didn't argue. The thing was too low cut for her taste but she knew she didn't have any other options. The fabric was deep navy with silver trim and it hugged her tall frame nicely. She tried not to dwell on how beautiful it was; she wanted to get this whole day over with. She lied to Rayn and told him she wasn't hungry but the look on his face told her that he didn't believe her. She sighed, ate a few bites and said she was done. She gave the meat to Wren and he gobbled it down eagerly. Seeing her cleaned up in a dress made a big impression on Rayn. He had steeled his nerves for today but when he saw her for the first time in the navy dress he almost let his emotions get the best of him. She was absolutely stunning; she really did look like a Princess. After it dried her hair was shining, her skin looked soft, and the dress showed off her elegant figure perfectly. He offered her his arm and she took it without complaint. She was ready to see what fate had in store for her. They got to the throne room she nervously curtsied to the King. Kieran was already there and she couldn't help but think he had never looked quite as tense as he did right now, it must be bad news. She noticed immediately that Rayn didn't resemble his father, except for the jaw line. King Grey Mollach had once been fair haired but now he was as his name suggested, grey. He stared at her for a long while before he finally spoke. "I have decided to spare your life," he declared, "but only if you renounce your birthright publicly, and marry Kieran Lichen." She couldn't hide the shock on her face. Marry....Kieran? She looked up at Rayn and he seemed just as shocked she was, and he looked downright angry. It took her a long time to answer, but she knew she had to accept the conditions if she wanted to keep herself and her son alive. "Whatever my King wishes will be done," her voice was strong and clear. "Good, now I want you to learn to control this wild magic you've been suppressing. I'm told you are very powerful although I have my doubts. After hearing a full report of your activities in the forest I would like to know for myself." He was condescending, now she knew where Rayn got it from, "I am a busy man, Kieran you are dismissed. Take your fiancée with you. I would like to speak to my son privately." She felt like a child who had just been slapped. The heavy doors closed with a thud behind them. She looked up at the sky and thanked the gods for letting her keep her head. "What on Earth did you tell him, Kieran?" she asked him, half angry and half grateful. "I told him you were too valuable to lose and he happened to agree. I don't know where he got the marriage idea from; he probably wants to make you an ally instead of an enemy. You should be glad for that." He seemed irritated. "I am glad. Thank you for convincing him to be so lenient." She put her hand on his arm, "will you walk me to my room, I'm not sure I could find it again." "Of course," his face cracked into a warm smile. She noticed for the first time how handsome he was. His closely cropped blonde hair suited his sharp features. His blue eyes twinkled when he smiled. She could live with this arrangement, and hoped he felt the same. She didn't love him and she wasn't very strongly attracted to him, but maybe in time that would change. She sighed absently. "Are you alright?" he was concerned. "Yes, it's just a lot to comprehend. Only a week ago I was living on my own in the city and now I'm here." She gestured to the castle around them. "I understand," he nodded in agreement. At least he was more agreeable than Rayn had ever been. They arrived at her chambers and she invited him in to sit with her. They considered each other in front of the fire while Wren napped lazily on the large rug in front of it. "Can you live with this?" he asked her earnestly, he didn't want her to feel trapped. "Yes, "she nodded and stared into the flames. "I have to warn you, I live in the barracks with the other soldiers and I don't have a household of my own because there was never a need. I will stay here with you until I make other arrangements for us. The King wants to keep you here until we are officially married. I think he might be a little afraid of you." He winked at her causing her to grin, "Riley and the scholar Ramsey are going to teach you to use your magic properly. They will be here in a little awhile." "That's going to be interesting. I hope they plan to do it outside, I'd hate to break anything." She was a little worried but Kieran leaned forward and affectionately stroked her wrist with his thumb. "You will be fine. They are both great teachers." His blue eyes searched hers before he continued, "I have to go take care of some things. I will see you this evening." He got up and turned to leave and she rose from her chair. He turned back towards her, froze for a moment and then kissed her forehead gently. She smiled, it was sweet and a little awkward but she guessed as time passed they would get more comfortable. She worried what he would say when she revealed her secret; would he be angry with her? Would he leave her vulnerable to the King's whims? She squelched the thought immediately, he was a good man and would never do that to her. He hadn't been gone for more than few minutes when her door burst open causing her to jump. Rayn was in a rage, he slammed the door behind him. "This is what you planned all along, isn't it, you worked this out with him ahead of time didn't you?" he jabbed his finger at her. "We didn't plan anything," she said defensively. "I have told you before," he pulled her out of the chair by her arm "you will address me properly." His voice was low and threatening, the golden flecks in his eyes flashed like they always did when he was angry with her. "I didn't plan anything, Your Highness," she hissed. He shoved her back down into her chair and ran his hand through his hair. "You can't act like nothing happened," he ground out. "I never asked for any of this to happen to me, I have no choice now. I have to do what your father says, Your Highness." She didn't care of he didn't like her tone. "You sarcastic little..." he started to raise his hand and then dropped it. He clenched his teeth and growled instead of finishing his sentence. He turned and paced the floor at the foot of the bed. "Please, I didn't mean for this to happen. I just wanted to go home," she didn't want to inflame his temper any more than it was already. He was being irriational. She got up from her seat and interrupted his pacing. She placed her hand on his arm, she could feel his anger and hurt rolling off of him. "I have no other choice, I know you know that." She said softly, she looked up at him, willing him to understand and hoping for him to forgive her. He turned around, walked a few steps away from her and pounded his fist on the table in frustration making her jump. "I'm sorry." She shook her head, almost in tears. He took several deep breaths and turned to look at her. The hurt was written all over his features. Her heart leapt; he had really cared for her. He strode purposefully to where she stood. He considered her for a moment, her beautiful face creased with worry. He had to do it, just one more time. He stroked her face gently and let his hand casually fall to the back of her neck. She looked up at him, her stormy blue eyes seared into his flesh so easily. He pulled her waist to him with his free hand and kissed her intensely. The fire in his gut roared, she clutched his shoulders just like she had that night in the forest when he'd almost lost her. He thought she would push him away but she pressed her whole body against his. Her smell overwhelmed him, sweet and fresh. He prodded her lips gently with his tongue. She acquiesced to him and let her head fall back and her mouth open slightly. He invaded her mouth with his and she moaned softly at his touch, driving him wild with desire. She let him kiss her long and hard, the way he wanted to. She raised her hands to his neck, and the feel of her soft hands on his skin was electric. She pulled back to take a breath and his lips met her temple softly. "We shouldn't," she whispered. "I know." He whispered and kissed her behind her ear gently. He felt her body trembling and he knew she felt everything just as strongly as he did. If he didn't leave now he was afraid he'd throw her onto the bed and rip the dress off her perfect body so he could slide between her soft thighs. He slid his hand farther into her hair and inhaled her scent; he'd probably never be this close to her again. It was a cruel tease. She was panting, her lips were flushed pink, and her cheeks were warm. "Just do one thing for me, I'll only ask it of you one time." He whispered to her ear. "What is it?" she whispered back. "Say my name." he commanded her. She nuzzled her face into his neck and kissed him there almost making him lose his mind. His erection pressed against her stomach as he groaned and pulled her hips into him. "Rayn, please." She kept kissing his neck making him wild, oh gods he was going to lose it. His control held on by a thread. He kissed her lips again, for the last time. She completely surrendered to him, if only she had done this sooner. He tore himself away from her embrace, even though every ounce of his body screamed not to. "Rayn..." she started to reach for him. "We can't." he cut her off, and he hated to do it. Her perfect mouth saying his name was too much for him to handle. He saw tears well up in her eyes, but to her credit she didn't let them escape. He swept past her and walked out the door, it was the hardest thing he'd ever done. After the door shut behind him Eleanor let the tears come. She threw herself down onto the bed and pounded it with her fist. It wasn't fair, her life was not her own anymore. She screamed into the pillow out of grief, guilt, and powerlessness. She stared into the fire and slowly her breathing became normal again. She straightened her dress and smoothed down her wild red waves. Ramsey and Riley would be here soon, and Riley would know if something was wrong, he was perceptive that way. She rinsed her face with warm water and patted it dry. She hoped the puffiness was gone when she heard a knock on the door. "Enter" she called out as she quickly arranged herself in a chair. Riley entered, smiled, and said, "Come with me, we're going to see the scholar." He walked her down the corridor and up a winding staircase to a large circular room, it was strewn with papers, parchments, scrolls and books all over several tables. The walls were lined with shelves where rows of neatly stacked books rested. She'd never seen anything like it. An older man with smooth silver hair and a pointed beard greeted them. His round spectacles perched on his wide nose like a crow. "Come, sit down child." He gestured to a chair at one of his tables; his blue eyes twinkled when she smiled at him politely. He took her hand in his and kissed the back gracefully. Her smile grew wider. "My name is Ramsey, and it is a pleasure to meet you." He said pleasantly as she sat down. "My name is Eleanor, and it is wonderful to meet you." she was genuinely surprised at how much she liked the man already. He set a small book in front of her. "I want you to read this; you may keep it in your chambers. It's time for you to learn the power behind your magic and how to control it." He smiled and sat down across from her. Riley seated himself on her left. They talked for over an hour. Ramsey explained how powerful her father had been and what long term intense emotion could do to a person with so much magical power. It was so strange hearing other people describe her father; she still didn't remember very much about him and even being in the castle hadn't jogged her memories yet. Riley's eyes were sad when she described her last memories of him. "Your father was powerful, and well respected. Many people in Oneandra thought we should leave Rodan be but, the plains raiders lost faith in him and the entire area became unstable. King Mollach felt they were a threat to Oneandra," He said. She listened to him carefully and noted how unsure he seemed while he was speaking, like he shouldn't have told her. He changed the subject quickly. "Rayn told me what happened in the hot spring when you were frightened, and what happened in the clearing with the raider who tried to take you. Ramsey and I think you have a type of rare offensive magic, which you used to protect yourself when you were in extreme distress. However, we haven't figured out how you can change the expression of it, or rather how you managed to throw Rayn back away from you but with the raider your skin burned him. That is what we have to teach you to control, which type of magic you use in each situation." He laid his hands out on the table. "Can you use magic, Ramsey?" she asked. "No my dear, I can only educate you in the method. That is why Riley is here." He sat back in his chair, relaxed. "You know that I am a healer already, although I have never perfected it. I learned out of necessity. It is not my strongest attribute." He went onto explain that each person could use different types of magic but there was usually one kind, maybe two in some cases that a person would naturally gravitate towards and be better at than any other types. "So what kind of magic are you really good at?" she was very curious now. "I am the best at telekinetic magic. I can make people do things, control them. In the same way Ryan used a spell to restrain you the first day you were with us, I can do that with my mind, I don't need a spell." He said slowly, she could tell he was waiting for her to react. She tried not to let it show, but that kind of power frightened her. He continued, "Don't worry it only works on people who do not have any magical inclinations, like Ramsey, for instance." Ramsey suddenly rose from the table and shut the door before sitting back down. He looked at her and said, "See?" before relaxing again and letting out a chortle. She almost jumped backwards out of her chair when she looked at Riley. His face was suddenly serious and his blue eyes were very focused. She realized he had been controlling Ramsey. "What type of magic is Rayn good at?" she was very curious now. "He's an empath, he can sense people's emotions, feelings, or thoughts, and sometimes influence them if they open their mind to it. He's especially good at reading emotions of others with magic power. It still works on people without it although not as well, it's more of a shadowed impression of what they are feeling." Ah, so that explained how he could calm her by putting his hand on her, and probably how he drove her absolutely out of her mind with desire when he kissed her. Nights in Rodan Ch. 04 "What about Kieran?" she wanted to know this one especially. "He's very good at conjuring, moving objects around. Ask him to show you sometime, it is very impressive." he smiled. "And the King?" this one she really wanted to know. "He's best at divination." Riley seemed to know a lot about this, but all the information was making her head spin. Attendants brought food to them for lunch and they ate and talked some more about how they were going to try and teach Leni to control her magic and the manifestation of it but they'd have to be careful. The day went by quickly, they were still talking when Kieran stopped by to take her to their room. Mary told him where to find her he said. Ramsey rose and went to another table to get some parchment, "I think you should have this," he handed a stiff piece of parchment to her with a drawing on it. She studied it for a moment, with Kieran looking over her shoulder at it. She read the inscription on the bottom. "My mother..." her voice cracked and she stood to hug Ramsey, "thank you. I've never seen her face before." Leni noticed the birthmark in the portrait and instinctively touched the spot where her shoulder joined her neck where hers was located. Ramsey held his hands out to her, "May I see?" he asked kindly. "Of course." She set the drawing down and pulled her hair to the side, the cut of the dress exposed the mark to the light. The three men looked at it carefully, "Thank you." Ramsey told her as he clasped her hands in his. She smiled. "Walk with me?" Kieran offered his arm and she nodded. They bid the others good evening and headed towards their quarters. Leni became more and more nervous as they approached the rooms. She hadn't shared a bed with another man since she lost Colin almost 2 years ago. How would Kieran act, what was he expecting? He must have felt her tensing up because he put his free hand over hers and looked at her meaningfully, "It's alright, relax." They ate dinner in relative silence. She was pensive, thinking about all the things Riley had told her today. Kieran broke her train of thought, "Are you alright?" he was concerned. She sighed in response and tried to relax. "Riley tells me you're quite adept at conjuring, "she tried to change the subject. As if to confirm the information the apple on the tray floated up in between them, as her eyes followed it she saw Kieran grinning wickedly. He snatched the apple out of the air and bit into it before leaning back in his chair. "Comes in handy when a woman needs to get out a corset in a hurry," He wagged his eyebrows suggestively, making her laugh, "don't worry, I wouldn't do that to you unless you asked." He took another bite of the apple. "I appreciate that, "she was still grinning. He really knew how to put her mind at ease. Mary cleared the tray and Kieran asked Leni if she was tired. "Not yet, if you are though we can lie down," she offered. "Do what you wish; I am not a man who orders his woman around. I was considering a bath." He winked at her and she smiled. Maybe this arrangement would work out alright for them, they did get along well. She heard the water running in the bathing room; she slipped off her shoes and curled her legs under her. She reached for the book Ramsey had given her and opened it. The portrait of her mother stared back at her. She was beautiful; her head was turned slightly away, giving the artist a better look at the birthmark. Leni recognized her mother's ears as her own and smiled. She remembered from Iny's stories that her mother had very dark hair and grey eyes. She tried to picture her mother laughing and smiling but she couldn't hear her voice, which wasn't surprising considering Leni had never known her. She closed the book, her mind already had too much information in it, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to retain any more if she started reading this late. She brushed her hair and dressed for bed. As she passed the bath she could see Kieran lounging in the large sunken pit, his head was resting on the white stone and the steam rose slowly from the water. His lean athletic body was something. He was about a head shorter than Rayn but still taller than Leni by a few inches. His eyes were closed and he seemed very content. Leni propped herself up with a pillow in bed and continued staring at her mother's portrait. She thought of her own son and it made her weepy, she missed him so much she thought her heart might break. Maybe it was time to send Iona a message. She would have to trust Kieran with the information; she wouldn't be able to hide it from him anymore especially since he was to be her husband. She blushed when he exited the bath wearing nothing but a dressing robe. He dropped it over a chair and climbed into bed next to her without a second thought. She forced herself not to oogle him, he was her friend and she had something very important to tell him. She put the drawing on the bedside table and looked down at him. "Lay with me," Kieran said, it was half question and half command. She did as he asked, slowly. She couldn't tell if he was up to something or not but she trusted him. As she settled in on her back, she gazed into his bright blue eyes. She felt him take her hand in his,"I want you to know that I will never force you to do something you are not comfortable with, but the King expects certain things from us, "he was whispering to her in the low light. "I trust you, Kieran and I need to confess something to you before you say anything else and you have to promise me you will not tell a soul." Her voice wavered. He propped himself up on his elbow and looked down at her, "I'll keep your secret," he assured her. She looked away and then back at him for one very long moment. "I have a son." She finally said it out loud. He blinked a few times, trying to absorb the information. "From your late husband I take it?" his brow furrowed. "Yes. Colin is, I mean was, his father. I was pregnant with Lukas when he died." She felt her emotions coming on strongly, she missed her baby. Kieran saw them too and put his arm over her, hugging her tightly. "I will keep your secret, "he repeated, "I will help you keep him safe." He buried his face into her hair as she hugged his neck. She sighed and cried happy tears, "Thank you." His fresh scent and damp skin assaulted her senses. She felt so relieved; she kissed his lightly stubbled cheek gently in gratitude. He leaned back and smiled down at her. "Your mind is too busy my beautiful friend; would you like me to help you relax?" She couldn't tell if he was serious or trying to rile her. "I'm not sure what you mean." She looked up at him quizzically. "Well I meant what I said before, the King is expecting us to behave a certain way," He raised an eyebrow, "we could practice." He felt her stiffen in response and added, "or I could just use magic and practice on you all by myself?" he grinned and earned himself a pinch on the soft underside of his bicep. "Ow!" "Jerk." She accused playfully. "Tease." He retorted. "You'll get used to it." She was sarcastic. "You're going to sass me now?" He pounced on her, kissing her neck upwards towards to her temple. It was awkward at first but she admitted to herself that she was enjoying it and allowed him to continue. She felt his lean body relaxing into her, he kissed her on her forehead and looked down at her face; he took in her stormy blue eyes, high cheekbones and full lips. She was a stunning woman, even though he preferred blondes he had to admit she was a beauty. She noticed his lightly tanned skin was glowing in the torchlight. She stroked her hands through his short blonde hair and he sighed and nuzzled into her neck again. She felt her body heating up at his touch, he was very gentle. As he kissed her neck and pulled her nightshirt aside to kiss her shoulder the guilt and her nervousness began to rise up in her stomach. She pushed it out but couldn't make it go away; it almost made her feel sick. How could she do this? Her inner voice answered, because you have to survive. Kieran continued exploring her neck and shoulder, taking his time and she felt his body harden against her. She stroked his short hair and closed her eyes. Colin's face came to her mind. No. She tried to replace his face with Kieran's and couldn't so she opened her eyes again, her breath quickened. Kieran moaned deeply against her neck and raised his head. He pressed his forehead against hers and dipped his mouth down to her perfect lips, he kissed her once quickly and his ocean blue eyes searched her face for signs of distress. There were none, so he kissed her again slower, exploring her soft full lips with his. She responded tentatively at first, and he pushed her a little farther. They may not have asked for this but they could make the best of it. He moved between her legs and ran his hand up her thigh, causing her breath to hitch in her throat. His fingers continued lightly over her hips and she shuddered. She dug her nails into his shoulder as his hands explored higher. Eleanor was breathing deeply and trying to stay calm but her nerves were on edge. "Kieran please, please stop." She felt suffocated and started panicking. He stopped in his tracks thankfully. He pulled back and looked into her eyes; he saw a mixture of fear, desire, and uneasiness. "I'm sorry." He sighed. "I just need some time." she said, he rolled off of her but held her closely and ran his hands gently over her back, trying to re assure her. "You can have anything you need; I won't force anything on you," he whispered. She was honest about feeling guilty, it made her so upset to think of Colin. The whole thing just spilled out of her, she couldn't stop talking. He tried to reassure her. She even revealed what had happened with the raiders that had captured her, and it made his blood boil thinking of them hurting her for no reason other than a good time. "I don't want to let them win by being fearful," she confided. "You lived and got away, you have already won," he told her as he stroked her back. She considered what he said carefully as he slowly fell asleep. She was awake and thinking for awhile before she started kissing him. He pulled her closer to his chest and she continued softly kissing his mouth, shoulders, and neck. He finally opened his eyes. "What are you doing?" he smiled at her. "I'm not letting my fear hold me back," she assured him. "Are you sure you want to?" She kissed him hard in response making his chest rumble. He covered her body with his and continued kissing her at her pace. She was good, and it wasn't very long at all until he was ready for her. Hopefully this time she was ready for him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up to him into a seated position, his cock hardening between them; he kept his eyes locked on hers and was pleasantly surprised to see them filled with desire. He slipped her gown over her head, he watched her slowly shake her tresses free which also made her breasts sway enticingly. He laid her down and met her mouth with his as her head hit the pillow. He felt her body responding to his, her hips rising to meet him, as he pressed his hard cock against her. He was driving her body wild but her mind was still struggling. She finally talked herself out of being guilty. She needed the physical release now, she was too far gone. She felt the silky smooth swollen tip of him press against her soft wetness. He growled in pleasure and slowly rubbed himself against her. She gasped softly and he almost lost control. She felt his chiseled muscles tense as he tried to hold back. She reached up for him and brought her lips against his again, more confidently now. He slid a hand into her hair and she tipped her head back, giving him access to her neck. He left a blazing trail of kisses down the middle of her chest. He noted her perfectly pink nipples were completely erect and he longed to suck them. "Gods woman, what are you doing to me?" he growled into her soft fleshy breast, nipping at the sensitive skin. She jumped back at the unexpected sharpness of his teeth. "Probably the same thing you're doing to me." She barely got the words out. "Good." He rumbled. She felt the tip of him teasing her and she almost pulled his hips against her. She was going out of her mind with the sensations. He wasn't too thick but she could tell he was long. "Kieran please, you're going to kill me if you make me wait any longer." Her breath caught in her throat. He raised his head to hers and kissed her hard "Then I won't make you wait any longer." He groaned as he slipped into her. Her head fell back and she moaned aloud. The sound of her moaning and the feel of her tightness wrapped around his shaft made him want to come so badly, he thrusted slowly at first, watching her full breasts rise and fall, and listened to her short shallow breathing. She was magnificent. Her late husband had been a lucky man. His thrusts became quicker and shorter; she wrapped her legs around his hips, allowing him deeper access to her. He watched, mesmerized by her breasts bouncing in time to his thrusts before catching a nipple in his mouth and making her cry out softly. She was out of her mind! She couldn't believe she was having sex with Kieran. She tried to turn off her mind and enjoy the pleasure he was bringing her but she only mostly succeeded. She was propped on her elbows with her legs wrapped around his hips and he was thrusting into her hard. She lowered herself to the bed and pulled him down. He groaned raggedly and she gasped as he thrusted particularly deeply. She was about to lose herself completely. She willed herself to let go and enjoy it. Her body was shuddering against his; he was thrusting wildly into her now. She bit his shoulder gently to keep from crying out and he growled as she spasmed and climaxed around him, she held onto him tightly. One, two, three more hard thrusts and she felt him swell and explode inside her. His body melted into hers and she finally relaxed completely, nothing was on her mind but how good it felt to release all of her pent up anxieties. He pulled out of her slowly, still hard. Kieran groaned and rose above her, "This might be the best arranged marriage ever." he said, causing her to laugh. He kissed her shoulder softly and rolled over, "Are you relaxed now?" "How could I not be?" she asked, playfully exasperated. "I am burning up." "Let me take care of that, "he said as a light breeze wafted over her body, making her shiver. "You can control the air?" she asked "Just direction and speed milady." Suddenly she noticed something strange, "Kieran, what is going on?" she was alarmed. "What?" he looked at her concerned as she held up her hands. It was the most remarkable thing; the tips of her fingers were glowing. "Release the power, it will make you sick if you try to hold it in," he assured her. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her hands. She felt a surge of power and heard a crackle. "Easy, killer!" Kieran warned her. Her eyes flew open, there were scorch marks on the stone ceiling but her fingers were normal again. "Well that was interesting." She said to the ceiling. Kieran sighed and put his hands behind his head, "I have that effect on lots of women." he said haughtily. She pinched him again. "Ow!" he rubbed his ribs where she'd gotten him. "Go to sleep, trouble." She commanded. "Not a problem," He pulled the blankets up around them," come here and lay against me." She rolled to his side and pressed herself against him. She decided she could live with this, but her subconscious had other ideas. Rayn invaded her mind, it was the fire dream again. She ran to him, screamed for him and he couldn't save her from the fire. She never got close enough to touch him. The panic overtook her body and she convulsed, it filled her with power, bright and burning strong. She felt like her skin would peel off but it didn't. She woke up underneath Kieran's solid body, his arms were around her holding her down. She panicked when she opened her eyes and he was repelled away from her and landed on the stone floor on the other side of the bed. He gasped in pain and groaned as he tried to sit up. Oh Gods! "You're trying to kill me," he said, clearly in pain. "I'm so sorry Kieran, what happened?" she desperately hoped she hadn't been saying Rayn's name in her sleep. She got out of bed and pulled the sheet with her. She tried to help him stand but he refused her hand and got up on his own before collapsing on the bed again. "You were thrashing in your sleep and screaming about a fire. I thought if I held you down you might relax. Clearly I was mistaken." He took several deep breaths and tried to get up again, but he reached for his hip and stopped. "I think you're going to have to call the healer. Tell Mary to find him." Kieran was as good as new by the time they met Ramsey and Riley out in the courtyard where the army practiced. He and Riley were both wearing armor, just in case. Leni thanked them sarcastically for their votes of confidence. "You shouldn't be able to do too much damage out here," Kieran gestured to the wide green lawn strewn with wooden targets. It was surrounded on all sides by three story viewing platforms. Riley explained it was how they taught the new men complicated tactical maneuvers and served as a gallery when they played war games to demonstrate their military prowess to the public. The King had closed the viewing areas for safety reasons but he watched from the top of a platform with one of his advisors. They bowed to him when they entered and he acknowledged them with a nod of his head. The sky was grey and cloudy, winter was almost upon them. "So how are we going to do this?" Leni asked, looking down at herself. She was wearing a padded vest over her linen shirt and her riding pants were tucked into her clean boots. "Well since you react most strongly when you are in emotional distress we thought we might hit you over the head until you attempt to kill one of us." Kieran shrugged. "You're so brilliant." she rolled her eyes at him. Ramsey stood behind her and coached her, he asked her to think about different situations and how they made her feel to see if she tapped into any sort of power. She remembered the dream, so they started there. "Close your eyes and focus, put yourself back in the dream." Ramsey's voice was soothing and it lulled her into a relaxing state. She remembered both dreams vividly and recounted them over and over in her head. When she couldn't reach Colin she became frustrated and angry. "Let the power wash over you, "Ramsey's voice broke through the fire. In her mind she whispered and asked Colin to help her but he couldn't hear her. She said it louder, and he still didn't react, so she screamed at him. The guilt followed soon after, she was screaming at her dead husband. She remembered making love to Kieran and she thought how Rayn would feel if he found out, he would be angry and hurt, she felt intense sadness. Almost the same sadness she felt when her father died. "Concentrate, "she heard a different voice. The power within her body intensified. The bottom of her feet tingled in anticipation. She imagined herself as a little girl, running to her father's dead body and shaking him, begging him to come back to her. He wouldn't wake up and she didn't understand why. She screamed and then was pulled away. She felt the tears streaming down her face and the sticky blood on her dress. She opened her mind to the pain, willing it to overtake her body. "Focus," the deep voice said. She opened her eyes and looked around; she felt the raw power surging through her. Kieran and Riley stood in defensive positions several paces away from her. Her hands felt different, she looked down and saw her fingertips glowing. She pointed her hands at a wooden target almost 40 paces away and felt something break within her; bolts of light shot out from her hands making the air crackle around her. It struck the the target and turned it to ash almost instantly. The magic stopped by itself and she looked up at the King. He nodded solemnly in approval. Nights in Rodan Ch. 04 "You did well child." Ramsey patted her on the shoulder. She wiped the tears from her face, "Let's go again." They continued most of the afternoon that same way. Once the powerful magic had been allowed to enter her body she tried not to shut it out, it was easier to use it than force it down. Once or twice Kieran and Riley ran at her with wooden swords above their heads as if they were going to attack her. The first time she expected them to stop if nothing happened, but they didn't and she ended up getting the wind knocked out of her. She was ready the second time when Riley got to her and lifted his sword she pushed him with such force he landed 10 paces away, flat on his back. He groaned and Kieran cheered. "I'm glad she's not aiming at me," Ramsey remarked heartily. The magic drained her quickly since she had not been using it for very long. She would have to build up endurance to use it more than once or twice a day. She stripped the vest off and was pulling it over her head when out of the corner of her eye she saw a tall dark figure standing in one of the archways around the field. She turned to look but he was gone, she swore it was Rayn. The King watched from above seriously and intently. "What do you think?" Ferinor asked the King, as his highest ranking advisor in military matters Ferinor had great influence. He was a shrewd man, he preferred to cut down his enemies rather than negotiate with them. "With proper training she could be exactly what we need to finally wipe the raiders off the plains for good." The King was deadly serious. "I don't think she will turn on her own people voluntarily, Your Highness," Ferinor said darkly. "Then we will make her." Mollach smiled slowly, the dark ideas in his head swirled. ****** Don't have me too much for the plot twist ;) it'll make it more fun in the end. And finally, some sex! Thank you all for waiting patiently for it. As always; comments, feedback, and ratings are greatly appreciated! CH 5 might take a little longer, it's pretty action packed. And thank you to raiguy for the suggested edits and helping me out. You're the best! -FP Nights in Rodan Ch. 05 Leni walked off the field with Kieran at her side. "What am I going to do with a wife who could kill me?" he playfully asked. "Never irritate me." she smiled wide as Kieran laughed. She thought of how he'd pleased her the night before and wondered if she should allow him to do it again. It was enjoyable but, it had no deeper meaning for her. She sighed and thought they would figure it out as they went along. The bath was drawn when they got back to their rooms. Rayn was hovering at the end of the hall waiting, looking very agitated. He beckoned Kieran to come and talk to him but he wouldn't look at Leni. He was being so secretive since they had been back in Rodan, she found herself instantly annoyed. She quickly undressed and slipped into the warm bath. A moment later she heard Rayn shouting, before she could go see what was wrong Kieran opened the door and then slammed it behind him. He was rubbing his jaw with one hand and his other was on his hip. She thought he looked angry. She heard him knock something over and then he stalked into the bathing room, stripped his clothes, and threw them forcefully to the ground. Leni had never seen him this irritated. "Everything alright?" she asked curiously as he stepped down to join her in the bath. "It's nothing. Rayn wants you to meet him in his quarters tomorrow morning. He is going to teach you how to block other people from accessing your mind." He sounded tense but he leaned back and closed his eyes. "I see..." her voice trailed off. She sat in silence for a moment and then started washing her hair absently. Kieran sighed, she thought if he wanted to talk about it he would say something but he didn't. She combed the tangles out of her hair as he washed himself quickly. "I'd like to send a note to Iona , can you deliver it tomorrow?" she asked. "It's better if you tell me, notes can be stolen and I have an excellent memory." He assured her. "Oh," she said quietly. Kieran watched her bathing in the pool. Rayn was such a fool for not asking his father to change his mind about the engagement. If he wanted her for himself he should have asked her to marry him! It wasn't Kieran's place to question the King's will. He noticed her biting the corner of her lower lip, she was thinking hard about something. He didn't have the guts to tell her she had been saying Rayn's name in her sleep and he didn't want to tell her Rayn had just punched him in the jaw because he found out about last night from reading her thoughts at the training grounds. She was surrounded by cowards, she deserved better from them. "We're friends, yes?" he asked her directly. She looked at him, confused, "Yes, of course we are." "Can you tell me the truth?" "Yes." She said slowly. "Do you enjoy my company?" he quizzed her. "I do." She was honest. "Did you enjoy what we did last night?" he raised an eyebrow. She smiled, "Yes, I did." He sighed and crossed the pool to be closer to her. "I know you want to make the best of the situation. Maybe someday we will be more than we are now." She took his hand, "I would be very happy if that happened, Kieran but I can't make any promises." She seemed sad. "I know." He said, his voice resigned, as he affectionately stroked some wet strands of her hair behind her shoulder. He kissed her benignly on the lips before getting out of the bath to go to bed. Maybe someday he would love her the way she deserved. Maybe they'd have an arrangement so many other nobleman had with their wives, discretionary affairs. He was disappointed at the thought; he'd never wanted a marriage like that. ** Rayn sat in his rooms staring at the crackling fire, with his fourth glass of brandy in his hand. He slowly opened and closed his other hand, he'd hurt his knuckles when he clocked Kieran and now they were throbbing. How could he; how could they? It was bad enough he sensed her feelings; but worse that he could see the images in her mind, images of them together and the pleasure Kieran had brought her. Rayn tried to convince his father to simply put her under house arrest in the guest quarters but the stubborn King refused to let her be unattached. Rayn became so frustrated that he threw his glass into the fire, the alcohol feeding the flames. He was so drunk now he could see her curved figure dancing in the flames, mocking him. His anger flared even more, he clenched his jaw and paced the floor for hours with another glass in hand. He finally fell into bed in a stupor, too drunk to feel the pain anymore. ** Kieran left before dawn to pass on Eleanor's message. He told her he thought it would be safer for them both if he didn't know where Iona and Lukas were living. She assured Kieran that her friend Grinley would know where they were hidden and even under pain of death he would never betray her. She only wanted to know if Lukas was alright and tell them she would come for them soon. She and Kieran talked over breakfast and had decided after things calmed down and they were married they would move back to Proteria and take her family with them. She hadn't lived there in many years so no one would know her now. They would visit Rodan occasionally, but always alone. Leni dressed in a hunter green dress with golden trim to go see Rayn, she was frustrated that all her dresses were too revealing. She asked Mary if there was a chance she might be able to wear something more conservative. Mary seemed confused, all Oneandran women of noble birth dressed this way she assured her. "But I am Rodanian," Leni told her. "The King had these made for you, miss." Mary didn't understand why anyone wouldn't want to dress this way. "Nevermind," Leni was a little irritated; she let Mary lace up the back of the dress but refused to wear a corset under it. She hated feeling bound. "Mary, will you show me where the Prince's rooms are?" she asked before Mary rushed out. The petite woman nodded, her loose brown curls bouncing around her round face. Eleanor paid attention this time so she would remember where things were. They passed the great hall and went up the wide staircase; Rayn's rooms were at the back of the castle overlooking a private courtyard. "Thank you Mary." She said quietly. The girl seemed surprised at her politeness. Leni hadn't seen anyone thanking their attendants since she had been here and found it more than a little rude. Mary didn't respond and went about her business. Oh well, Leni thought, at least she tried. She steeled her nerves and knocked. ** Rayn woke suddenly to the knocking. Damnit. He'd slept most of the morning, his head was pounding. He vowed never to drink that much over a woman again. There was the knock again. Curse it! "Enter." He called out gruffly. The sound of his voice echoed in the chamber and made his head pound even worse. Leni entered the room but didn't see Rayn. She noticed his rooms were much bigger and more elegant than her guest quarters; the walls were decorated with family tapestries and trophy game. The bedroom and bath were separate from the sitting room. "Your Highness?" she called, as she looked around. Rayn entered the sitting room in wrinkled clothing; he was bleary eyed like he had just woken up. Leni noticed the uncorked and empty bottles on the floor near the fire. He was definitely hung-over. "I can come back later," she offered. "No, you're here now. We can start." He snapped his fingers and two attendants appeared behind her in the doorway. One carried a tray of food and the other went into the bedroom. "Sit." Rayn gestured to the group of chairs in front of the stone fireplace. She took a seat and tried not to kick any bottles. As the attendant who brought the tray turned to leave Rayn commanded him, "Bring the healer to me." The tall slim man nodded, "Yes Your Highness," he said and disappeared. A couple of moments passed and the other attendant exited after picking up the empty bottles. "Should we wait until you are feeling better?" Leni asked. "I feel fine." He said curtly. "Alright, where are we starting?" She ignored his attitude. She actually felt prepared, because she had been reading the book Ramsey gave her and felt she understood the basic concepts of how this type of magic worked. "I'm going to teach you how to keep people from reading your thoughts and feelings. Now that you know how to use your offensive magic, you need to know how to protect your mind from those who might wish to influence it." He explained as he rubbed his head with his fingers. Leni grabbed an empty glass from the table next to her and poured some water into it, "Here," she held it out to him. He looked a little surprised but took it," Thank you," he said before taking a drink. "I want you to think about building a wall in your mind. Close your eyes and picture it, each stone sliding into place around your mind. Reinforce it, concentrate on it, commit that image to memory." He explained, "Now picture something in your mind, maybe something you don't usually share with others." She held the drawing of her mother in her mind and pictured the drawing coming to life, smiling at her, loving her like only her mother could. She felt the sadness of never knowing her. "I can feel your sadness." She heard Rayn's voice, "I am going to try and see what you are thinking. Remember your wall; concentrate on protecting your thoughts." She took a breath and nodded. Rayn took the chance to look at her while her eyes were closed. Her face was placid; the dress she was wearing complemented her hair perfectly. He shook his head, the less time he spent dwelling on her the better. He opened his mind and sensed her; it was easy with her so close. He felt the wall she had built and pushed. It took a moment but gave way. He saw what she was seeing; a raven haired woman with intense grey eyes and a hooked X birthmark. It must be her mother, he thought to himself. He felt the intense sadness that accompanied the image. Leni regretted never knowing her and wished she could tell her how she missed her influence. Rayn felt a familiar pang in his heart; his own mother, Morgana, died when he was 13. A knock at the door ripped them both out of the subconscious world. Leni's stormy blue eyes were bright and glittering when she opened them. "Enter." Rayn looked away from her. He asked the healer to mend his headache and then the man was gone again. Rayn finished his glass of water and started eating without another word. She hated the silent treatment he was giving her, how childish it was. She poured herself a glass of water to sip while he finished eating his breakfast, even though it was almost noon. "Your wall was a good effort but I pushed past it fairly easily. You must put it up with more intention. The power behind our magic is intention." He explained. She nodded and remembered the book saying something similar, "Try again," he suggested. She pictured her father this time. She saw the sword battle that took his life, something she had never remembered before now. She explored the memory and put up her wall. She definitely did not want Rayn to see this. She felt a light push on her mind and this time she pushed back. "Good," she heard Rayn saying. He pushed a little harder, but she held firm. "Very good." He said, and she felt him retreat. She sighed and opened her eyes; he was half smiling at her. "I'm going to go change my clothes and I want you to just wait here and think. I may try to push into your mind without warning and I want you to keep me out." He stood and walked away from her, untucking his shirt as he went. She sighed and finished her water, then snuck a piece of cheese off the breakfast tray. She smiled and wondered if Rayn would notice. "Of course I noticed," She heard Rayn's scolding voice in her head, "your wall isn't up." She pushed him out fairly easily but had a feeling he wasn't using the full force of his power on her. She glanced towards the bedroom and tried to wipe her mind clean of any thoughts at all. Rayn appeared in the doorway, clad only in pants and wiping his face dry with a cloth. His thick shoulders were her undoing. He stared back at her. She felt guilty seeing him this way, she wondered if Kieran would be upset knowing she was still attracted to Rayn. His mind pushed on hers again and she pushed back hard. She saw his eyebrows rise in surprise. "There's something you don't want me to know?" He said out loud to her. "Yes." She said firmly. "What could it be?" he walked closer to her and asked. "Nothing." She looked up at him, he dwarfed her when she was seated and it was very uncomfortable. She knew he couldn't sense that thought but he sat down across from her and leaned forward in his chair. His lightly scarred shoulders were begging to be touched. Her fingers itched and she closed her hands around her empty glass tighter. He stared her down, the golden flecks in his deep brown eyes shone brightly. She pushed back on him hard, and felt the full weight of his mind bear down on hers. She clenched her jaw tightly. The glass exploded into a million shards in her hands. She didn't have any cuts but there was a mess on the floor. "I'm sorry." She explained. "No no, it's alright. I wanted to see how far I could push you. You're stronger than I thought you would be so soon," he sounded amused. He pulled open the door and told the attendant to clean up. He walked back over to her and offered her his hand. When she took it, she felt like lightening ran down her arm and into his hand. He pulled back in surprise, inadvertently yanking her out of her chair. "Relax," he suggested. "Ray-" she corrected herself just in time, "Your Highness, I hope I didn't hurt you." She was quiet. "No, just surprised me." He massaged his hand with his other and the attendant left the room. He wondered how long they could stand there together, she was very close to him but the chair was behind her and she had nowhere else to escape him. She took his hand in hers and massaged the palm. "Better?" she asked as she looked up and noticed a scratch on his chest. It must have been from the shattered glass. He was still holding the cloth in his other hand. She reached for it and gently wiped the small trickle of blood but it required her to lean even closer to him. Rayn took a deep breath as she invaded his space and he swore her hand lingered; he grabbed it and held it against his heart before she could pull it away. She turned her head away from him and he kicked himself mentally. He wanted to have her, right now. "Don't." she told him. Her eyes rose to meet his, they were the most intense he had ever seen them. He pushed into her thoughts, not prepared for what he would see. His desire overtook her mind, she'd let her wall down. She tried to put it up quickly but it was too late. He saw the images of them tangled together in a lover's embrace. There were flashes of them bathed in golden morning light lying in bed; her head nestled in the crook of his arm. She tried to pull her hand away but he held on. He heard her say his name, wrap her arms around him, and kiss him fiercely. He saw all the erotic things she had ever imagined him doing to her. NO! She yanked her hand away from his, breaking the connection. She pushed past him for the door. How dare he push past her barriers, she was angry at herself for letting him in. "Eleanor, come here." He said it firmly and reached for her. "No! Stop trying Rayn, just....stop. You know we can't." she was angry and hurt. "Then why are you torturing me?" his voice was pained and it killed her to hear it, "Answer me," he commanded her. "No. I can't, there are things. There are things you can't know. You can't fix this." she shook her head and opened the door to leave. "Please, "he started to tell her that he would do whatever he could for her. But she was gone. He walked to the door and closed it behind her. He felt like punching something he was so frustrated. ** She spent the rest of the day in her room. Rayn knocked on her door but she refused to see him. She felt him push on her mind and she forced him out. She heard his voice in her mind, asking her to talk to him. He wondered what she was hiding. "Get out!" she shouted at the door. She felt him leave and emptiness filled all the space he left behind. She was convinced he would never forgive her if he found out what she was really hiding from him. By the time Kieran came back at dusk he found her curled in a chair, staring off into space. She didn't even hear him come in. Mary informed him that she had refused to eat. He put a hand on her shoulder gently making her almost jump out of her skin. "Are you alright?' he asked. She sighed and moved to him, putting her arms around his hard chest and laying her head against his shoulder. "Oh," he sounded surprised but put his arms around her anyway to reassure her. She was obviously upset and didn't want to talk about it, he had a suspicion she was upset by something Rayn had done or said. Kieran hoped his news would make her happy. "I have news for you my friend," he whispered into her ear. She pulled away and her eyes looked brighter. "Tell me," she had to know. "Your family is well but the little one misses you, he keeps saying your name. Your friend assured me they are safe and well hidden." he kept whispering, it was their one great secret. "Thank you," she started to cry. "he says my name now?" "Yes." Kieran smiled down at her warmly. She cried even harder, Gods she missed him so much. She longed to run her fingers through his soft hair and see his sweet little smile. She had never been apart from him before and it felt like she had been gone an eternity. Kieran tried to soothe her and hugged her close. He couldn't imagine the pain of a mother being separated from her child; it explained so much of the way she reacted to him and to Rayn also. She thanked him no less than ten more times before they went to bed together. Leni held Kieran's hand in her sleep and her nightmares did not return. For three weeks she had daily "lessons" outdoors with Riley and Ramsey. Kieran sometimes joined them but he had other duties with the soldiers that needed his attention. She avoided Rayn completely although she always felt him lurking when she was outside or walking in the castle. She could never tell if it was just his mental presence or if he was physically following her. She spent her free time reading in Ramsey's study. She discovered numerous records about her family and enjoyed pouring over them. There was so much she didn't know. It proved very educational for her not only to learn her family history but also the role of a monarch as a ruler and diplomat. Things with Kieran were awkward at times, they cared for each other the way friends did and even though they tried to be openly loving, Eleanor's heart just wasn't in it. She thought Kieran was disappointed and hurt but he assured her that it did not bother him. In truth he knew Rayn would most likely always be the man her heart wanted. It would be better and easier if they could distance themselves from him. Internally, Kieran mourned the loss of a man he considered his brother; a man who had become distant during their interactions, depressed even. Kieran hadn't seen him in such a dark mood in years. The mood consumed him and he refused to speak about it. It hurt Kieran to see Rayn and Eleanor longing for each other as much as they did. Eleanor hid it well, but he knew why she avoided Rayn; she was determined to be a wife Kieran would be proud of, not one people would whisper about. One night before Leni fell asleep, she turned over and asked Kieran, "Do you think I would be allowed to leave the castle?" He thought for a moment, "I am not sure if the King would allow it but I will ask, we would have to give him a good enough reason without revealing anything." Nights in Rodan Ch. 05 "Why hasn't he allowed us to get married yet? He was the one who pushed us both into this." She was starting to get suspicious. Kieran rolled over to look at her, "What are you saying exactly?" he asked. "I'm saying I don't trust him," she whispered. "Eleanor, you need to be careful. Being my fiancé doesn't afford you very much safety. If he feels you are a threat, he will kill you." he was very serious. "I know, but something doesn't feel right." She took his hand. He sighed and started to say something but didn't finish. "What Kieran, tell me?" she implored. "Go to sleep," he whispered to her, he rolled over and pulled her in close. She had to admit, she had really missed falling asleep with someone every night. They had not been intimate again but he was comforting to be with and that was enough for her right now. It took her almost an hour to finally fall asleep. Her thoughts were darting around her brain, making it impossible to relax. ** The next afternoon Rayn found her on the target field. She was considering practicing her magic by herself but he asked her to come with him and said he had something to show her. She asked him why but he wouldn't tell her, she was very hesitant to go with him since she had been avoiding him. He was insistent that she come with him. His face was cross but his voice was kind. "Just come with me, Eleanor, " his eyes pleaded and she acquiesced to his request. "Come Wren," she called after her dog, and followed Rayn to a place she'd never been before. When they arrived there were only a few people around. Some of them looked at her knowingly. She hadn't had any contact with anyone in the castle other than a handful of people, and she certainly hadn't met any other women. It never occurred to her she might be the subject of idle gossip. She was in the most beautiful and well kept barn she had ever seen. She marveled at each horse as she passed the mahogany stalls, the floor spotless, and the tack polished to high shine. These were elegant, refined, perfectly conditioned and maintained animals. She guessed for entertainment purposes or for parades. Rayn watched her closely as she greeted each horse who stuck its head out over the stall doors. She had a way about her; he had noticed in the forest how riding suited her naturally. Noblewomen would never be caught dead here, it wasn't "proper". He hoped maybe being here would give her a sense of purpose and help her not feel so alone. "They're perfect," she observed quietly as she stroked her hand down the face of a light grey horse. It nuzzled her hand and pockets, looking for food. She smiled at the animal in amusement. "I hoped you would enjoy seeing this," Rayn told her, he tried to remain stoic but his voice betrayed him. He loved seeing her like this, she was in her element. "I do, I love it," she turned to him smiling, "what am I supposed to do here?" she asked. It was all well and good to spend time in a place like this, but she was happiest with the wind whipping her face lightly as she rode at a furious pace across an open field. "I have arranged with the Schoolmaster for you to help exercise the horses. I told him you needed to get outside more often and you were gifted at this sort of thing," he shrugged. She hugged him tentatively and benignly, "Thank you. This is wonderful." She felt a small electric current pass between them as they touched and it seemed like it went right to her more intimate parts. Rayn put his arms around her, but did not engage her body. It was almost too difficult to hold back when he felt the tingle of her power wash over both of them. He forced his mind elsewhere to keep himself from being overcome by her enrapturing touch. A few days ago he'd attempted to bed a beautiful blonde from one of the lesser noble families but he couldn't go through with it. He got as far as inviting her to speak with him privately in his chambers, but ended up telling her he had other duties to attend and did not have time to see her. The gossip he overheard was incessant. The women were jealous that someone obviously had caught his attention and he was no longer the charming Prince he had been in the past. The women were even disappointed in Kieran's engagement. As far as they were concerned it was two less virile men to fawn over and be bedded by. Rayn disengaged from her hug and took her to see the Schoolmaster. They hit it off right away and when Rayn left them he felt confident she would be happier. She hardly seemed to notice he had left, she was too wrapped up in brushing one of the horses. He wondered if she was beginning to love Kieran and forget he even existed. The thought sent a sharp pain through his chest. ** The next afternoon the King visited Leni in Ramsey's study. She was alone and his presence was off putting. She was very uncomfortable, but rose and curtsied anyway. "How are you magic lessons going?" he asked, as she curtsied. "They are going well, Your Highness, although Riley may be a better judge of that than I am." She replied politely. "I am sure you are progressing very well," he assured her. She looked expectantly at him, she felt he had something on his mind he wasn't sharing. She remembered to keep her walls up in her mind. "I have been informed that raiders plan to take the city within the coming weeks. The men will be readying themselves for battle. I want you to join them." And there it was. "May I speak freely, Your Highness?" it was important to tread lightly with a king this powerful. "Go ahead." He responded, his cold blue eyes almost made her shiver. "What is it that you expect me to do?" she sounded meek, but it was better that way, maybe he would underestimate her. She remembered Kieran's words and did not want to come across as too powerful or confident. "I expect you to drive them out of my city." His voice rumbled and he advanced to where she stood against the table in a subtle but threatening gesture. Her anger flared. HIS city? No. It was her city. She was the rightful ruler, but she was very careful to hide those thoughts. "Yes, Your Highness." She'd play along, for now. She shrank back away from him and averted her eyes. She just wanted him to leave, he was making her even more uncomfortable but he advanced further until he was standing so close to her she could feel his body heat. "You look so much like your mother." He remarked, and stroked his wrinkled hand down her jawline and to her neck. She inhaled slowly and gripped the edge of the table until her knuckles were white. She refused to look up at him and willed herself to stay calm and collected. The last thing she needed was to lash out with magic and kill him, she'd definitely be executed for that. He stroked her again and let his fingers graze over her exposed breast making her shudder. Damn revealing dress, she thought to herself. How dare he touch her, she started to move but he blocked her path causing her to run straight into his solid chest. He was an impressive man, but not in the way Rayn was. As far as she was concerned they were nothing alike. "Look at me." He roughly commanded. She steeled herself and lifted her eyes, slightly narrowing them. His icy stare didn't faze her but deep down she felt fear creeping in "I have the power to make you do whatever I want. If you refuse my request Rayn will surely be able to control your mind." He leaned in farther and she pulled away automatically. It broke her heart, Rayn would betray her if he was asked. Mollach locked his arm around her waist and lowered his head to bury it into her thick wavy hair and inhaled her scent. She struggled to keep her breathing even but she was trembling. "It's such a shame I'm going to end up destroying you, I would love nothing more than to claim you," he whispered into her ear. What he did next shocked her; he ran his tongue down her neck making her hair stand on end. She raised her hands and pushed him away, hard. He was lucky she had her magic under control. She could have killed him where he stood but she knew it would surely mean death for herself. He smiled slyly, and undressed her with his eyes before he finally left. She breathed deeply and tried to calm down for a few minutes before she set off to find Rayn, she felt sick. The longer she thought, the more her blood boiled. She rubbed her neck where the King had tasted her and shuddered again. She stopped Rayn's attendant in the corridor and inquired where she would find him. She was told he had just returned to his quarters after morning drills. She thanked the man, and he seemed surprised. What was it with people around here not being polite? She thought as she headed in the right direction. She had finally figured out her way around the castle. She still got turned around occasionally but it never took her very long to figure out how to find her way back. Well now she was turned around. Ugh! She tried to calm down so she could think but she was too angry. As she finally neared the great hall she heard voices. She ducked behind a statue around the corner, it sounded like the King. She didn't know who he was talking to. "...do you think she will cooperate?" the voice asked. It was so familiar to her, something from a dream. "I expect her to, one way or another," the King replied, "even if Rayn has to force her. I will make her turn on her people. These Rodanians are nothing but rats, the raiders have terrorized the plains for far too long. It's only fitting one of their own will cause their demise. I am almost glad the assassins failed in the forest." Leni almost lost it. The King had sent the men in the forest to kill her?! She waited until the two men passed her and peered around the corner. She saw the back of the dark haired man who was talking to the King and experienced a sudden flash of recognition. She knew the voice, she knew who he was! She almost ran back to her quarters, hoping beyond hope that Kieran would be there. He wasn't so she sent Mary to find him. She paced the room for almost an hour and finally he arrived looking very worried. "Mary said you needed me, are you alright?" he put his hand on her arm and searched her face. "No, I'm not alright. Come sit down, I'll explain everything." They sat down and the whole story tumbled out, well almost. She didn't tell him about recognizing the man with the King, just that she had seen him. Kieran told her it was probably a man named Ferinor. He couldn't believe that his own King wanted to completely wipe out the Rodanians and that he'd disrespected her by touching her uninvited. He also argued with her over Rayn's involvement. He didn't believe that Rayn would hurt her to make her comply but she was beyond certain that Rayn would choose his crown over protecting her. "Come with me." She almost dragged him to Rayn's quarters with her. She knew there was only one way to prove she had been telling the truth. Rayn was just leaving and she forcefully pushed him backwards into his room. He was shocked and angry at her, "What are you doing?" he asked abrasively. "I want you to read my thoughts, and see my memories, " she told him, "now." "You avoid me for weeks, get engaged, sleep with my best friend, and then start demanding me to do things for you? No." he pushed her hands off of him. "Rayn, it's important." Kieran assured him. "No." he refused. Leni felt her anger growing, she opened herself to it. Her hands started to glow, she showed them to Rayn, "Do it now." She told him. It shocked both the men, Kieran tried to calm her and Rayn tried to avoid her simultaneously. "Rayn, I will only ask this one more time. Read my memories, or so help me..." her voice trailed off. She pushed the anger out of her mind and felt her magic recede. It made her want to retch. Kieran had been right about that. "Fine, but it better not be about you two." He pointed at them. "It's not, now just do it." Kieran assured him. "You need to see this too Kieran; can you do that?" she asked Rayn, but expected he could. "Put your hand on my shoulder," he said, as he turned to Kieran. Kieran did as he asked and Rayn grabbed both of Leni's hands. She backed her mind up to earlier when the King had found her in the study. She replayed their conversation in her mind and then the one she overheard. Rayn dropped her hands as soon as it was over, as if her skin was covered in bugs and he didn't want to touch her. "How could you let him do this to me!" she spat, the rage was burning brighter now after hearing the King command her to kill her own people for the second time. Rayn sank into his chair, "I didn't know." He was enraged his father had touched her but he tried not to let it show in front of Kieran. "That's horse shit and you know it!" she accused him, oh Gods she could punch him right now she was so mad. "No, " he said forcefully, "I didn't know!" "You're going to let him use me as a weapon! You were going to help him control me." she accused, she started to lunge towards him but Kieran grabbed her and held her back. "Easy." Kieran told her. "I didn't believe he would take it so far." Rayn sighed and shook his head. "Why does he hate me Rayn; why does he hate my people?" she was almost crying. The King was going to kill them all. "They killed my mother." He said quietly. "What?" she couldn't believe what she heard. "When I was 13, my mother died. We were on a trip to Rodan from our home in Dria. As we crossed the plains a band of raiders attacked and they killed her. My father has never been the same." He explained. "But that doesn't give him the right!" she was almost screaming now. "No, no it doesn't." Rayn agreed. She thought it might be the only thing they had ever agreed on. "What should we do?" Kieran asked. "She's an asset Kieran, he will keep her alive so he can use her to his advantage. He may try to use you to get to her if she won't cooperate. Are you two..." he gestured to both of them. "We're two friends trying to survive," She assured him. Kieran turned to her and took her hand. "Whatever he does to me, even if he kills me, do not let him use you. Do you hear me?" he was dead serious,"let him think we're in love, as long as he can keep using me against you I will stay alive. Do you understand?" "Yes." She hoped she would never have to make that choice. "Kieran, " Rayn started to address him but was interrupted by guards entering the room followed by the King. Leni felt her body tingling and her anger and fear taking over. She clenched her hands, neither man was wearing his sword. Damn them both! "I knew you'd go running to your lover," Mollach smiled. She swore his chest almost puffed with pride, "arrest him," he ordered. Leni jumped in front of Rayn as the guards seized Kieran. She was surprised he didn't fight. "No!" she lunged forward but Rayn caught her arm. "Calm her down!" Mollach growled at his son. "And lock him up." He ordered. Leni felt the calm flow through her, she stopped struggling but her temper was raging. Kieran and Rayn exchanged a look as Kieran was ushered out the door. "I'm breaking your engagement my dear, " Mollach informed her. Gods he was evil! "You are forbidden to see him; I'm keeping him in the dungeon, you have until the raiders arrive to decide to cooperate with me or your lover will be executed. You are hereby put under house arrest and will not leave these quarters until I release you. The Crown Prince himself will be keeping an eye on you." with that he spun on his heel and left. Leni yanked her arm away from Rayn and turned the full force of her wrath on him, "So this was your grand plan? You let your father use me as a weapon, torture your best friend, and destroy my people so you can have me in your quarters as your little pet!? You are an arrogant selfish prick!" "You should watch what you say to me." he growled at her, he was fuming. How dare she accuse him of setting them up, he was furious. He reached out to grab her. "Don't touch me!" she roared and turned around to leave and then kicked herself when she opened the door and realized she couldn't. There were two guards just outside and even though she tried to walk out the door she couldn't. Her body felt like it was being held back. "What is this?" she pointed to the floor. It was a circle with ancient Druid symbols inside she didn't recognize and her name scrawled around the border in the old language; she looked at the guards but they didn't speak. Rayn came up behind her to look. "It's a binding spell meant to keep you from leaving, and apparently it's working" he sounded disappointed, he pulled her away from the door and closed it. "We will figure this out. I don't want Kieran hurt any more than you do." he assured her. He paced the floor for over an hour, and Leni sat in a chair with her legs under her feeling very vulnerable. What if they tortured her secret out of Kieran, she doubted they'd be able to break him but it still worried her. And she really didn't want him to be in pain because of her. Rayn was very upset, and once her anger passed she decided they'd have to be allies if she was going to keep anyone safe. She turned to study him; his face was creased with worry. "We are going to have to be very careful," he said, "but we will get him out of there. I need you to be on high alert at all times. Do not ever let your guard down on your mind." She nodded. He noticed how worried she looked, and despite her assurance that she and Kieran were friends, he felt jealous she trusted and cared for Kieran. He wanted her to care for him like that; she never would have yelled at Kieran the way she yelled at him. No one had screamed at him like she did, ever. That was part of being raised as a Prince, people didn't disrespect you. He had a mind to turn her over his knee and teach her a lesson, but the rational part of him knew that wouldn't help the situation. They needed a solution. "We just need to think about this carefully." He told Leni. "My mind is too tired to come up with anything right now," she did sound tired, he noticed. He sent his attendant to get her things from her room. Leni felt very awkward and nervous about staying with Rayn. She refused his offer to sleep in his bed because she didn't trust herself to be too close to him. She pushed two chairs together in the sitting room instead, as if he might try to take advantage of her. He'd had plenty of chances that he hadn't taken she told herself. She'd never felt so at war with her own emotions before, it was exhausting. Ignoring him had been easier but that was no longer an option. Damn him. Rayn couldn't sleep knowing she was in the next room. She was infuriating; one minute she was a hell cat ready to rip him apart and the next she was gentle and trying to be his ally. There had to be something she wasn't telling him. He wondered if Kieran knew. He would have to ask him tomorrow if he could get down to the dungeons without being seen. If he was ever going to gain her trust he wasn't going to try and read her thoughts. Rayn got up to check on his prisoner. She looked so peaceful sleeping in the chair, and uncomfortable. He shook his head and smiled, she was so defiant. He had to admit, he admired her. She was an orphan, now a widow, and yet had somehow survived and even thrived in her life. She was capable of taking care of herself most of the time and still had a gentle softness about her, at least when she wasn't angry. His father had no idea who he was dealing with. Rayn knew she'd fight with every ounce of energy she had. He watched her sleep for a little while longer and then added a log to the fire before going back to bed, alone. Eleanor felt him watching her, but she kept her eyes closed and her walls up. She hated keeping him out, he'd done so much for her already. She regretted avoiding him and she wished she could just tell him everything, it would be so much easier, but she couldn't risk it. She never really slept that night, and when the morning finally dawned she felt sick and exhausted. Nights in Rodan Ch. 05 Rayn noticed immediately she wasn't herself the next morning. She looked ill, but he convinced her to eat something. She moved slowly, didn't say very much, and when she did her voice was quiet. "I'm going to try and check on Kieran and am going to be swamped with my father's preparations. Until I figure out what his plan is I have to play along." He told her. "I understand." her voice was weak and her eyes heavy. "Try to rest while I am gone." He suggested. "I have things to-" she started to say. "Rest." He put his hand over hers and she sighed. She was probably going to argue with him and he wasn't going to let her. If she couldn't protect her mind she would be an easy target. He scooped her up in his arms and she gasped and started to wiggle away but stopped. She was just too tired to fight him. He laid her in his bed, where she belonged, and leaned over her. "Please rest." He whispered quietly. "Alright." She tried to look up at him, but she could barely keep her eyes open. He pulled the blankets over her and watched her nestle into the pillow. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. The corner of her mouth turned upward in a half smile. He sighed; she was finally letting him take care of her. He almost stroked her hair again but decided he should go. The bed was glorious, it smelled of him and that made her smile. Leni finally relaxed even though none of her worries abated. She was dead to the world for hours and the sun was setting when Rayn returned and sat down on the bed next to her, waking her up. "Feeling better?" he asked, his eyes watched her beautiful body as she stretched. "Yes, much better." She gazed up at him sleepily. "Good." His face relaxed and he layed down next to her on top of the blankets. "What did you find out?" she turned over towards him and asked. "They roughed Kieran up but it's nothing he can't handle, I didn't get to ask him anything specific, we were being watched." His face darkened. "And the preparations?" she was hopeful. "My father is still preparing to deploy troops to the plains, they should be ready in a few days." He noticed her face looked more worried as he spoke. "What are you hiding?" he asked, he wanted to give her a chance. "It's nothing." She shook her head and got out of bed. He sighed and followed her into the bath. "Why won't you let me help you?" he asked her. Knowing that she was deliberately keeping him out was infuriating to him. "I'm going to bathe." She ignored his question and walked behind the changing screen. He went back into the bedroom and ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He wondered if she would berate him if he joined her in the bath, it wasn't like they hadn't bathed together before, although now it seemed like an eternity ago. He decided the risk was worth it. He wasn't prepared when he saw her in the steaming water; her long hair was piled gracefully on top of her head, some loose waves had escaped and were sticking to her neck and back. Her beautiful porcelain skin was damp, she moaned softly as she sank further into the water and he had an overwhelming desire to be close to her. Eventually he would wear her down and she would trust him, he had to try. Seeing her like this lit a fire in his loins. She had almost fallen asleep in the bath when she heard and felt Rayn step into it. She considered leaving but couldn't, the water was so warm and felt lovely. She opened her eyes and realized he was next to her relaxing like she was. His large muscular chest was rising and falling in a rhythm. "You just can't leave me alone can you?" she said as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes again. She was tired of fighting him all the time. "I have to keep an eye on you." He said, without opening his eyes. They sat together for a few minutes before Rayn reached for her hand under the water. She almost pulled away but felt his thumb on the back of her hand, gently massaging it. "Eleanor, you don't really believe I would hurt you do you?" his dark eyes were on her. She stared into them for a few moments before answering. "No. I was just shocked; I didn't know what to do." She shook her head, more of her hair fell into the water. His father was a monster; he was probably just as hurt by him as she was. "We will figure this out, together," he pulled her closer and whispered to her. It tickled her ear, causing her to shudder. "I wish you wouldn't pull away from me," he whispered, before stroking her hair, making it fall around her shoulders. She sat quietly, staring down at the water, "look at me Eleanor." She felt herself tremble at his deep voice. She looked at him, but was afraid of losing herself in his eyes. She drew in a ragged breath as he stroked his fingers down her jawline. He gently kissed her cheek and when she didn't fight him or pull away he gathered her in his arms and sat her on his lap with her legs off to one side; she laid against his chest listening to his heartbeat; it was quickening. She felt his steady breathing and his skin was warm against hers. She was acutely aware of just how close and how very naked they both were. She ran her fingers over the finely sculpted muscles in his shoulders and down his sternum. She traced every scar and ridge of muscle. She felt his body harden against her hip. He tipped her chin back, and kissed her slowly. Her touch was driving him wild. He was trying very hard not to fill her mind with his feelings of desire but it was incredibly difficult with her this close. She was so perfect; he wanted nothing more than to possess her for himself. He put both of his hands around the back of her neck and ran them up into her hair; he liked the feeling of control but didn't want to frighten her. She was usually so stubborn but this time she let him touch her. He'd wanted to kiss her again like this, he had dreamt of it every night. He tore his lips away from hers slowly and reluctantly. She opened her eyes and he looked into them, they were deep pools of desire. "Let me give you everything you deserve, Princess." His perfect lips formed the words but her mind was still reeling from their kiss. She was tired of holding back, he wanted her and she wanted him. Damn the rest, it was time to let go of the past. She would always love Colin but he wouldn't want her to be lonely and miserable. Most of the time Rayn drove her crazy but she wanted him, all of him. She'd never felt anything close to it with Kieran. "Kiss me again," she requested softly. He smiled and kissed her just as she asked. She pressed herself against him willingly, surrendering to him and then she started to float away and he tried to hold her. "Just wait," she told him. She slid her legs around him and straddled his lap before resuming their kiss. His hands followed the curve of her back, down her tapered waist. He followed the gentle flare of her hips down to her perfectly round butt. He was going to have to get her out of the water soon, it was cooling down. She slowly pumped her hips against him, making his eyes roll back in pleasure. Her soft, ample breasts were pressed against his chest. He could feel every part of her, and he was dying to please her. "You'll be the death of me." He told her, pulling away from her kisses. "Better to die this way than any other." She told him, grinning wickedly. "Yes, much better," he said. As he pressed his lips to her neck, he felt goosebumps forming on her skin," Are you cold?" His voice was husky with desire. "I will be soon." She assured him as she laid her head against him. She took the stairs out of the water first, allowing him to see everything he'd desired for the last month. His eyes ate up her tall hourglass figure. Her legs were shapely, muscular, and Gods that butt, it was perfectly round and jiggled just slightly as she walked. He was mesmerized watching her; she pulled the dressing robe around her body to keep the chill out and looked at him expectantly. "Did you change your mind?" she asked him, her light eyebrows drew closer together in concern. "Never, I just enjoyed the view." He smiled up at her and she returned a radiant smile he'd only ever dreamed she'd flash at him. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms as she headed for the warmer bedroom. He got out of the bath and donned his own robe but didn't bother to tie it. He added a few logs to the fire and joined her under the blankets in bed. As she snuggled down into the layers her damp hair clung to the pillow. She looked up at him with bedroom eyes. He was hooked on her, completely and hopelessly. He wanted more than her body, he wanted everything and he was willing to risk his throne and his life to give it to her. He wanted to tell her but he knew she wasn't ready to hear it. So he pulled her close and kissed her until she pushed him away. "I need to breathe you know." She giggled. He'd never heard her laugh like that before and he smiled. She could bask in that smile all day; it lit up the gold in his eyes and made him irresistible. She took his face in her hands and ran them down his neck and across his shoulders, pushing back the robe as she went until he was naked again. She kissed his collarbone and neck, making him groan. She delighted in his strong body and loved feeling so small next to him. She stroked her hands down his chest to his hard stomach, making his breath catch. He was alternately stroking his hands over her exposed skin and kissing her softly. "I didn't think you'd be so gentle," she told him. "And why not?" he asked. "You're so commanding and in control most of the time." She responded, and kissed his neck again. "How do you know I'm not just waiting until you are comfortable?" he said. It was driving him crazy letting her take her time. She looked up at him with a devilish gleam in her eyes, "What if I am comfortable?" she grabbed his hard member firmly making him inhale sharply and clench his jaw. "Are you saying you are?" he barely got the words out. "No." she ducked under the blanket and nuzzled against his neatly shaved groin. Oh Gods she was going to drive him over the edge. He knew she was pushing him to see how much control he was willing to give her. He had barely kept himself in check, and then she licked him from base to tip of his throbbing cock. His entire body stiffened. She licked him again. Her mouth was warm and wet and it was going to give him a heart condition if she kept it up. She was surprised to see he was so large, it made her nervous. Her body responded instantly when she saw it. She stroked her hand up and down on it firmly, his arching hips encouraging her. She thought he was going to come unglued when she licked him but his large hands gripped the sheets tightly. She covered him with her mouth and he groaned as she sucked his manhood. She massaged the large vein on the underside with her tongue; she was able to take most of him into her mouth despite his impressive size. She felt him fold the blankets back and watch her working him over with her wet mouth. Her body tingled and she felt an increasing wetness between her legs, before realizing she could only tease him for so long. Watching her lick and suck his huge cock was driving Rayn wild. She looked up at him as she slid her mouth up and down on him. She let the swollen tip go with a satisfying pop before dropping her mouth back down almost to the base of his shaft. She was testing him alright and he was almost to his breaking point. He'd wanted her for so long. He took her face in his hands as she rose up to suck his swollen purplish head and brought her back down as far as she could go. She relaxed and let his cock stroke her throat. She watched him with her wide innocent eyes. He couldn't take it anymore, he needed to control her. He bounced her head up and down on his cock for a moment before she pulled out of his grip. He had started to sweat and breathe quickly; he had to have her, now. She untied her robe and started to crawl up his body, he put his hands inside the robe on her warm pale skin and pushed it away as she rose up to kiss him. He tasted himself on her lips and it only further inflamed his desire. He cupped her lush breasts, and felt her press them into his hands. He stroked her round puckered nipples gently with his thumbs making her break the kiss, arch her back into him, and moan softly. He'd had enough of her teasing, he needed to feel her wet sex wrapped around him. He stroked her hips and guided her to him; she reached between her legs and took hold of him, guiding him to her. He knew he was probably too thick for her and would have to go slowly. She rubbed the head of him against her slick wetness, driving them both wild. He felt her soft wet pussy slide over his head, as she whimpered in pleasure and sat up away from him, poised over him on her knees with just the tip of him piercing her wet flesh. She slowly spread her thighs and sank down onto him, feeling it fill her totally, completely. She had to stretch a little to accommodate him, and it still wasn't quite all the way in. Rayn breathed through his nose, fiercely determined not to ravage her; watching his cock slide into her had been the sexiest thing he'd ever seen. He took in her perfect body perched on top of him, impaled by him. She rocked her hips gently and let her head fall back slowly; the ends of her hair brushed against his thighs. She rocked back and forth until the entirety of him was buried inside her and she moaned softly. He put his hands on her hips and guided her movements until she grabbed his wrists and pinned them above his head. He easily overpowered her, flipped her on her back, and never had to withdraw from her. She stared up at him in surprise and he kissed her quickly. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he rocked into her gently, teasing her the way she'd teased him. She whimpered in pleasure and ran her fingers through his thick dark hair. "Say my name," he commanded in her ear. She silently clenched her teeth in defiance. "Don't toy with me, princess." He threatened, he thrust into her hard, making her cry out and grab his hips, pulling them against her. "Don't stop Rayn, please don't stop." She cried breathlessly. That was what he had been waiting for, she was ready. He increased the pace, hearing his skin slap against her and feeling her pussy tighten around him was exactly what he wanted. She'd driven herself wild teasing him. He felt her open her mind to him and he shared his thoughts freely. Their shared desire and passion pushed them both closer to the edge. She clung to him, desperately seeking release. Her body bucked under him and he drove as deeply as he could. He was pumping himself furiously into her sweet tightness. He laid his head against her neck and unleashed his pent up tension. He fucked her as hard as he could, and she raked her nails down his back while crying out his name. "Rayn, please." she was begging him as she pulled his hips into her, crushing her clit against him and making her gasp for air. She'd never felt so incredible, so desired and needed before. She was going to come all over his cock, but she held back until she felt him swell even more just before he burst inside her. Her body was electrified with powerful magic; it flowed through them both, heightening their senses. Rayn had never felt anything so strongly or desperately before. She climaxed and cried out his name again; the feel of her pussy gripping his cock, pulling him even deeper, if it was even possible, pushed him over the edge. He growled and bit down on her shoulder making her shriek and writhe in pleasure. He collapsed gently onto her, spent, and panting like she was. His heart was pounding against hers. She shuddered and her pussy tightened around his cock, massaging him. He wanted more of her already but it had been months since he'd had a woman and his body needed to recover. She traced lazy circles on his back with her finger tips. She enjoyed being covered by his large body; she felt protected and needed. She kissed his neck and nibbled his earlobe. He groaned and withdrew his softening cock from her. She whimpered in disappointment. She loved the feeling of him filling her. She rubbed her shoulder where he'd bitten her; he had not broken the skin, but it would bruise. "You hurt me, my Prince." She scolded him. "You drove me to it with your teasing." His words were muffled as he nuzzled his face against her neck. As his large body relaxed on her she struggled to breathe, he rolled off of her pulling her against his chest. He held her for awhile, until she was almost asleep. He was surprised at her thoughts, she'd opened herself to him earlier and they'd never broken the connection. He saw a child, a boy. He was sandy haired and blue eyed, she held him close and kissed his face. He called her mama and Rayn felt an overwhelming love radiate from her. She had a child; this was the secret she was hiding from him. The realization hit him like kick to the stomach, he looked at her pale naked body wrapped in his arms and couldn't find it in himself to be angry. She was fiercely protecting her child, as any mother should. He did know she'd be angry if she found out he'd read her dreams, he couldn't tell her and shatter the trust he'd just repaired. He would have to wait for her to tell him on her own. He willed himself to break the connection and she woke when he did. "Is something wrong?" she asked him earnestly. "No princess, just watching you sleep." He stroked her hair and she snuggled closer. He reached down and pulled the blankets up over them. She went back to sleep quickly and he followed her example. She hadn't slept so soundly in weeks. She woke up pressed against Rayn's stomach; she'd snuggled down that far in bed in her sleep. She moaned softly and held him closer to her. His face broke into a sleepy grin. "What are you trying to do to me?" he asked sleepily as his body responded to her touch instantly. "Nothing." She replied nonchalantly. She wiggled down farther until her soft breasts pressed against his hardened cock. He groaned in response, deciding feeling her breasts rub against him was the perfect way to wake up. "That...is not nothing." He said as he pulled back the blanket to look at her. Her hair was a mess and her eyes shone brightly as she looked up at him. He saw his cock between her lush breasts, the glistening head barely poking through. He rocked his hips against her and her full lips parted in a sly grin. She had never looked sexier. "Come here." He beckoned her but she shook her head. She put her mouth on him and sucked his swollen tip, making his chest rumble. "Are you like this every morning?" he asked as he ran his hands through her hair and pulled her wet mouth off his cock. "Only with you, Prince," she smiled and went back to sucking. He rocked his hips against her pushing more of his shaft into her mouth, realizing it felt like heaven. He could let her do this all day. He needed to get things done but he couldn't bring himself to make her stop pleasuring him. He laid there enjoying it for a few minutes. She was very good and it wasn't long before he felt ready to burst. "I said come here." He pulled her perfect mouth off his throbbing cock again and she pouted but crawled up to him. "Yes?" she asked expectantly. He stroked her hair back over her shoulder and ran his fingers down her arm. She trembled slightly. "Why do you do that when I touch you?" he frowned in concern. "I don't know, maybe because you're completely impossible and somehow I still want you." She raised an eyebrow and taunted him. He flashed his perfect smile. She put her leg over his hips and straddled him. She wrapped her hand around his throbbing wet cock and rubbed it against her own wetness. Nights in Rodan Ch. 05 "Oh Gods Eleanor, please-" he started to say until she sank down on him, making him groan. It was a little easier for her to accommodate his impressive size this time but she was still incredibly tight. She sighed as he buried himself inside her. He guided her hips slowly over him, until she increased the pace. Her head fell back and her lips parted in a small sound of acquiescence. He let her ride him at her own pace and used his hands to tease her large perky breasts and rub her clit. Her eyes rolled back as she gyrated against him. She couldn't get enough of him, even like this she wanted more. She wanted him to control her like she knew he could. "Rayn, please," she lay against him and whimpered into his neck. "Tell me," he rumbled. "Take me." She told him, and she didn't have to wait; he was ready. He pushed her off him and pinned her facedown on the bed in a practiced but gentle motion, finally gaining access to her perfect ass. He leaned forward over her, "Tell me if it's too much for you, princess," He used her pet name to reassure her but she took it as a challenge. He pinned her arms behind her as he slowly teased her naked flared pussy lips with his cock. She struggled against him, desperately wanting him inside her again. The more she fought the more he withheld from her and it made him grin. He wouldn't be able to hold out for long though, he wanted to possess her, now. She quieted under him figuring out his game. His chest was heaving from the effort of holding back. He finally thrust into her roughly and growled in pleasure, making her squeal into the sheets. His beautiful strong woman giving him all the control he desired, it was enough to make him cum instantly. He thrust slowly into her at first before picking up the pace as she strained away from him but didn't ask him to stop. He gained a sense of sinister satisfaction from seeing her like this. He was enjoying his view of her ass raised up against him and being smacked by his hips. His free hand massaged the back of her neck and shoulder before he entwined it into her hair and gently raised her head. He leaned forward and kissed her neck, nipping the skin playfully and making her yelp. Gods he was enjoying this almost too much; he hoped she came for him soon because he couldn't stand it much longer. "Rayn," she cried his name breathlessly. The angle in which he had entered her made it easy for him to stroke her in the most perfect way, driving her close to the edge easily. He felt her body tighten around him and he knew she was very close. He thrust furiously into her and lifted her torso off the bed slightly with his one arm that was restraining both of hers, she shrieked. "Rayn, please!" she begged. She was so close, and then a moment later it happened. Her body shuddered against his and he relinquished her arms as she collapsed facedown into the bed as he thrust once more, finding his own release in waves as she bucked against him involuntarily. She was perfect. He laid against her back, kissed her shoulders, and stroked her arms lovingly. She sighed, whispering," Rayn, that was incredible." She had never been treated like that in bed; it excited and thrilled her unlike anything she'd ever experienced. He responded by kissing her neck and holding her even closer. He'd never been so generous with a lover before, but she was different. He rolled away so she could turn over. After almost an hour passed she said, "Let's stay here all day," as she made herself comfortable against his chest. "We have a lot to do today, I want nothing more than to stay in bed with you but we can't." he explained. "I can't leave the room, or did you forget that part already?" she told him. "I did not forget, I arranged for Ramsey to come here and bring you lots of things to read. You need to be ready for whatever happens." He almost sounded like he was lecturing her. "And what are you going to do today?" she asked as she stroked his bare chest. "I am going to work on more plans with my father. At least if I know what he's doing I can help you escape." He explained. "Escape?" "That's the plan." "I see, what about you?" she rolled over and put her head on his shoulder. "You will have to go without me." He sighed. She was silent and he knew that wasn't good. He held her closer and hoped she would feel reassured. She pulled away from him and got up to put on her dressing gown. "I wish it didn't have to be this way but I don't see another way." He explained. "So, you just sleep with me and then I have to leave, seems like a great deal for you." Her voice was like ice. "I'm trying to keep you safe. I had hoped you would understand." He rose also and put his arms around her. "I understand perfectly," she walked away, obviously hurt. He might as well kill her himself, she thought. All that trust for what? For them to be separated for Gods knew how long? It wasn't right. She cared for him and she didn't want to be separated from him, not now. Not after being alone for so long. "Are you going to let me help you or are you going to fight me the entire time?" he was getting irritated with her. "I just wish you'd told me your plans sooner." She sat down in the chair in front of the fire place. It was nothing but embers now. She was breaking his heart but he had no other choice. He needed to keep her alive, now more than ever, now that he knew her secret. Couldn't she see he was protecting her? She was so incredibly frustrating. He got dressed in silence and breakfast was delivered. She didn't move, she didn't speak, and she didn't even look at him. His frustration almost turned to anger. He sat down to eat and she moved quickly to sit on his lap; she curled her legs up and put her arms around his neck. He was surprised by her affection, since she was angry and hurt. "I hate the thought of being away from you and not knowing if you are alright." She whispered to him. He wrapped his arms around her, she was so much more vulnerable than she let on in the beginning. "I can protect you, I have power," she added. His frustration evaporated, he couldn't deny she did have power but she could still be manipulated. "The King is dangerous, if he so desired he could force you to do his bidding, he's my father but his throne is more important to him than I am. He will use me against you if he has to just like he's trying to do with Kieran. Except he doesn't know you care for me and that is our only advantage right now," he explained. He looked down into her blue grey eyes and kissed her pouting lips. "Whatever we do now will mean life or death for one or both of us. If anyone visits this room or if you are allowed to leave for some reason you must act like you are a prisoner and you are absolutely miserable. It is imperative you do this, he has to believe it. Unfortunately it also means I have to treat you as a prisoner." "I can do it." Her blue eyes were defiant, this was the Eleanor he knew. She could do this for him, for herself, and most importantly for her son. He left after breakfast to tend to his duties; she dressed, brushed her hair, and hoped Ramsey wouldn't take too long. She was bored and needed something to keep her mind busy. She looked through some of Rayn's books on a shelf in the corner of the bedchamber but nothing piqued her interest. She stepped back and was about to go to the sitting room when something about the tapestry caught her eye. It seemed so familiar. It was a large map of Rodan and part of Oneandra before they were one empire. The sage background was so familiar; she ran her hand down the edge that was trimmed in delicate golden thread. The memory hit her like a ton of bricks; she was much smaller then: a child. She drew back and gasped. This was her room as a child, and almost as suddenly a realization came over her: the passageway! She didn't remember where it led and she wondered if Rayn knew about it. She guessed not since he hadn't mentioned it as an escape route. She became excited and slipped behind the tapestry into the small alcove. She dropped to a knee and felt along the wall with her eyes closed. She felt the familiar seam and pressed, the wall opened slightly. She sat and considered if she should explore it or not and she heard a knock on the door. She shut the passage quickly and rushed to the sitting room. "Enter." Ramsey entered, his face grave with concern and his arms full of papers, books, and scrolls. She helped him carry his materials to the table. "My child, how are you?" he clasped her hands and searched her face. "I am alright, Ramsey." She assured him with a smile. "Our Prince is not treating you badly is he?" he questioned. "Not too terribly," she sighed and sat down at the table," what did you bring me today?" "Ah, these are all the treaties your father signed. I have not looked at them all but I thought they might be useful in finding an old ally perhaps." The old man's eyes twinkled. She knew he was up to something. "Are you staying Ramsey?" she asked; it was going to be a long day if she was alone. "Alas, I cannot my dear." He covered one of her hands with his in reassurance. "Well thank you for the documents, I hope I find something useful." She smiled slowly, she didn't want to let on anything even though she trusted him. "Try and have a good day child," he said as he walked toward the door. "I will, thank you." She watched him shut the door and then sank into a chair. What the heck did he expect her to do, she felt like he was giving her a hint. When Rayn returned in the evening he found her reading over all the treaties looking for clues. So far she had not come up with anything and she was very frustrated. "Have dinner with me, relax." He cleared away the papers from one end of the table so they could eat together. She sighed. After they finished she told him she had something to show him and took him to the bedroom. His mind was clearly on something else. She waved off his advances. "This is important," she slid behind the tapestry and he raised an eyebrow, she showed him the passageway and he was shocked. "In all my years, how did I never find it?" he peered into the dark. "Probably because you weren't looking for it." She was excited. "This could be your way out," he looked back at her," do you remember where it goes?" "Come sit down, I have a story to tell you," she said as she sat on the edge of the bed and patted it. She told him what she remembered from the night her father died and how she recognized the man's voice in his chamber after all this time. He listened intently but couldn't believe what he was hearing. He couldn't believe she was remembering this much after so long. "I think being in this place; seeing things I saw as a child helped me remember." She looked down and took his hand. "I'm glad you remember, even if it is painful. At least now you know your own past." He squeezed her hand gently. "I still don't remember everything." She said, disappointed. "It's enough." Rayn told her. *** The week passed slowly, she read more of the treaties and found nothing. She wondered if there were more. She was bored, and she missed going outside even though the snow had started falling on the city. She was falling for Rayn more every day, his smile, his warmth. She was falling in love with him. There was a day coming when she would have to leave him, for her own safety. She tried not to think of it but it came over her in waves. One minute she was happy to see him, the next she was imagining losing him like she'd lost Colin. It was ecstasy and hell at the same time, and it was tearing her apart. She felt so isolated; she didn't even have Kieran to talk to. Riley never came to see her, Rayn had told him to stay away. He didn't want his father assuming Riley was helping her. After 10 days she broke down. "Rayn I can't do this anymore." She pleaded with him. "Be patient, the time will come," he told her. He knew she needed out. She explored the passageway but was never able to get outside, there were too many guards lurking around the castle. Ramsey brought her more treaties as he found them, but most were useless. Rayn noticed she was becoming more and more distant. He made love to her but sometimes he felt she wasn't there. He sat with her in the bath after a month of confinement and worried over her. She was withdrawn; an empty shell of the bright, feisty woman he cared so deeply for. Her eyes were shadowed and sunken; her whole face seemed to have aged and she rarely smiled anymore. It was killing him to keep her locked up, she thrived on freedom. Her body ached, she had an almost constant headache, and the last few nights she couldn't sleep. He resolved to help her sleep better tonight. The raiders were getting closer to the city; they'd be here in a few days which meant they were running out of time to figure out how to get Kieran out of the dungeon. Rayn had watched her deteriorate before his eyes and it just broke him, this is how her father had lost his power, crushed by the weight of grief and longing. Rayn wouldn't let her travel the same path. "Eleanor," he stroked her face with his fingers," you're breaking my heart." "Your father is breaking my spirit." Her voice was flat and she stared into empty space, the steaming water rose around her shoulders and face. Her hair curled even more than usual from the humidity. He bathed her gently, washing her hair for her and massaging her shoulders and neck. She moaned softly when his fingers found the knots. It rejuvenated her somewhat. She grinned at him and kissed him slowly and sensually. "Thank you." She said, "I will have to repay your kindness." "You owe me nothing my princess," he assured her. He carried her to bed; he hoped that tonight he could hold her attention and make her feel alive again. He started slowly, at first she resisted but he convinced her that she would feel better afterwards and she gave in. She lay on her stomach as he continued the massage; she moaned softly from time to time as she started to relax. She loved the feeling of his hands on her skin, they were slightly rough but the sensation was erotic. She was a little thinner now than before; lack of exercise and depression started to take a toll on her muscular figure. Rayn didn't care; he thought she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, even now. His hands firmly massaged her rib cage and she jumped when he found a ticklish spot but it did not deter him. He ran his strong hands over her again, cupping her hips and then her butt making the heat pool between her thighs. "Mmm, I know where this is going." She taunted, her voice muffled by the pillow. "I'll go anywhere you want," he assured her. His erection was starting to get a little distracting. He just couldn't help it, they were naked and she was perfection; he would have her tonight, all of her. She turned over to face him; her damp waves were stuck to her skin. He continued his massage over her luscious breasts. The feel of him touching her made her lower back and groin tingle. She took hold of his straining cock and stroked it gently. He stifled a quiet moan in response; she knew just how to drive him wild. He rubbed her round pink nipples softly with his thumbs until they were hard, it only took a second. She bit her lower lip and arched her back towards him, her pussy was aching for him now. He massaged her hips, gently pressing on the insides of her hip bones with his thumbs in circular motions; she almost rose off the bed in response. "Do I have your attention now?" he playfully asked. She didn't speak but she sat up and took his cock in her mouth. His head fell back and he basked in the feeling of her tongue lathing against his swollen head and shaft. She was impossibly good at pleasing him this way; every time she did it he swore it was better than the last. He looked down at her and watched her full lips suck his huge cock in and out. He had no idea how she fit most of him into her mouth but he enjoyed it. He longed for this. He put a hand around her chin and stroked her face as she suckled, he loved feeling himself slide in and out of her wet mouth. He moaned in pleasure and his hand moved to the back of her head. He pulled her mouth almost all the way down to the base and she took it all in, he felt the head sliding into her throat and he almost climaxed it felt so damn good. He slowly thrust a few more times just as deeply before she pulled back and let his cock go. It was raging hard now, straining for release. He covered her mouth with his possessively and kissed her until she was breathless. He laid her back down on the bed and she pulled him down with her so she could straddle him. She rubbed her wetness up and down his cock while kissing his neck. The sensation drove him wild with desire. She opened her mind to him and they connected like lightening, she felt the crackle of power flow through her and into him. He shuddered from it and pinned her easily underneath him so he had free access to lick and suck each nipple. She raked her fingers through his hair and begged him to keep going. He continued down to her stomach, he slid his fingers gently over her clit and slit. She bucked against him and inhaled sharply. "Rayn, are you trying to kill me?" she moaned huskily. He didn't answer except to move farther down and slowly lick her between her silky outer lips, she almost screamed. Gods he loved the taste of her. He loved the way she arched her body toward the ceiling and whimpered for more of him. He licked her again more firmly this time. Her wet sex was almost more than he could handle. She was sweet and sultry. He traced his tongue around her clit without touching it several times until she was almost screaming his name. She was getting impatient with him. In response he sucked her clit into his mouth and lapped at it with his tongue. He was consistent for several minutes, sucking and licking her clit. He slid two fingers inside her and felt she was more than ready for him. He stroked her slowly and watched her body writhe against his touch until he felt her climax into his mouth. He licked every drop of her while she squirmed and jerked. "Rayn! Stop!" she was half laughing and half shuddering. "I'm not done with you yet princess," the words rumbled from his chest. He flipped her over on her stomach and spread her legs. He rubbed his hard cock against her wet softness. She was very relaxed now. He wet himself with her juices and plunged his thickness into her. She squealed in delight and gripped the sheets. He loved watching her plump butt slap against his thighs, it wasn't long before he felt himself nearing release. He laid over her, supporting himself with one arm as he pulled her head back with his free hand to kiss her neck; he thrust furiously into her. She came again for him, her pussy contracted and softened but stayed nice and tight around his swollen member. She moaned his name and he exploded into her. He thrust himself into her several more times as he emptied his seed. It was earth shattering. He continued stroking his cock in and out gently, making her shiver and quake. He finally withdrew and collapsed on the bed beside her. "Rayn, that was incredible," she was still gasping for air but she turned to him and he held her. "I wanted you to feel better," he assured her, caressing her arm and shoulder. "I feel much better," she smiled and kissed him. After she fell asleep in his arms Rayn spent some time considering her as she lay there. He'd never met anyone like her and he finally admitted something to himself that he'd been avoiding since he was young, he had found a woman he couldn't live without. She was meant to be his, he could feel it in his bones. He needed her. He fell asleep with the intention of telling his father that he was giving up his birthright. He didn't want to rule anything; she ruled his heart and that was what mattered. He'd spent the better part of his adulthood searching for a woman who would challenge him the way she did and he couldn't let her go now. He'd take care of her and raise her son as his own. He loved her. He whispered the words into her ear as she slept. Nights in Rodan Ch. 05 She slept better that night than the past week. In the morning she was ready to tackle the treaties again. Rayn left hurriedly after he received a note. She asked him what it was about but he said he didn't know yet. She heard a lot of movement in the corridor but thought maybe the men were running a drill. They had one several days prior. Leni started her very last stack of papers. She was almost halfway through when she found something. It was shocking; she read it slowly and very carefully to make sure she did not miss anything. She finished reading it and put it down, she called for Mary. She needed to send Rayn a note, right now. Mary entered, trembling. "What's wrong?" Leni was immediately worried. "The raiders have tried to breach the castle walls, the Prince rode out to meet them in battle." Her words tumbled out and Leni's heart almost stopped. "Bring Ramsey to me, now," her voice took on a commanding tone. She needed to know what to do with the information she held in her hands. She changed out of her dress and into a more suitable outfit. She chose her riding outfit and strapped a dagger to her thigh. Leni paced while she waited. Everything was happening so fast now. The door opened but it wasn't Ramsey. It was the traitor from her memory. "What do you want?" she asked him roughly. "The King has summoned you for battle." Ferinor's words cut like ice. She stood frozen, this was it. If she went with him the King would force her to kill her own people. Her palms started sweating and the bottom of her feet tingled. "You'll have to make me, traitor." She growled at him. "How did you know," his smile was sinister. His long dark hair fell around his face and his green eyes glinted as he strode towards her. She thought he looked like pure evil. She tried to run past him for the door and he caught her around the waist and pulled her against him. She felt sickened. His hands had killed her father and now those same hands were on her. She twisted away but he held on. Ferinor was stronger than his slender physique let on. "My Princess, you grew up so beautifully." He held her with one arm and stroked her face with his free hand. It made her stomach turn. She couldn't reach her dagger. She clenched her fist and drove it at his face but he blocked the blow easily. "You think you can fight me? A pretty thing like you, beat me? I slayed your father girl, you think I couldn't break you too?" he snarled in her ear as she pushed away from him. He twisted her arm behind her and forced her against the wall making her gasp in pain. He ground his hips against her ass, pinning her. No! She remembered Rayn's coaching. She closed her eyes and focused. She saw her memory more clearly now. She saw Ferinor kill her father, remembered her small voice begging her father to come back to her. She opened her mind to the rage and it burst forth. He screamed as she felt his weight lifted away from her back and her arm released. The crunch of his body hitting the opposite wall was accompanied by an angry growl. "You will pay for what you did to him!" she whirled around to face him. He stood slowly and with difficulty, balancing himself on the stones behind him. He recited an incantation and one of the heavy chairs facing the fireplace was flung towards her, she ducked it as it crashed against the wall behind her. She let her internal power take over her body completely. Her hands glowed and she shot lightening at Ferinor. He dodged it and drew his sword. She'd left a scorch mark on the wall where he had been standing a half a second earlier. He advanced towards her with his sword raised. She tried to push him back but he did not retreat this time. He was resisting her somehow. She started to panic and the intention behind her magic skyrocketed forcing him back, his feet slid on the floor as he braced himself against her onslaught. She prayed her new skills would hold out against him. The air around them crackled and popped. It was like standing in a thunderstorm without any rain. Suddenly Eleanor's hands gave out, forcing her to the ground; she took a knee and panted from the effort. Ferinor charged her and pinned her against the floor with his sword at her neck. She only had one really good burst left; she had to make it count. His blade was so close, she knew the only reason he hadn't killed her yet was because King Mollach still wanted to use her. She kicked at him but it didn't do any good. "You're all out of magic Princess," he snarled, his breath stinging her cheek. Eleanor narrowed her eyes and looked directly into him willing her magic to pass through his body. She managed to resist the urge to grab the sword and push it away from her and instead put her hands over his. His skin started sizzling almost instantly. It burned away under her touch making him shriek and scramble backwards away from her on the floor, dropping his sword in the process. She drew her dagger and rolled to her side to catch her breath before trying to pick herself up off the floor. She was about to take a step when he started screaming the ancient Druid language at her but she didn't let him finish. She rushed him with a battle cry on her lips as he shrank back from her. Eleanor put a hand on his face while he continued scrambling away and trying to stand, but screaming in agony as he tried to use a hand to balance himself. More skin scorched and burnt before her eyes; he screamed in terror, and she plunged her dagger into his gut. She felt the blood seep over the hilt and over her hand and wrist. She withdrew the dagger and watched him crumple to the floor, screaming in pain and clutching his wounds. She backed away and stood behind the table, his blood dripping from her hand. She was panting and internally panicking at what she'd done. He went quiet rather quickly, succumbing to his wounds; his body layed in a crumpled heap of half burnt flesh against the wall. Leni grabbed the treaty from the table and ran into the bedroom where she swiped the portrait of her mother from the bedside table. She quickly opened the passageway and slipped through, closing it behind her. The gravity of what she'd done hit her and she felt her way along the wall. She vomited once, and wiped her mouth with her sleeve before continuing on. She had to get out, but she couldn't leave without Rayn. She came to a staircase and knew instinctively where it went. This was her way out. When she got to the top and saw the paper thin sliver of light from the other side she knew where she was. These had been her father's rooms and probably Mollach's quarters. She crouched down and listened carefully. She heard nothing for several minutes and decided it was safe. She made it out into the corridor and went straight for Ramsey's study. The castle seemed oddly empty. She got to the study and it was empty. She sighed in frustration. She would go to the dungeon next; maybe she could get Kieran out and he could help her figure out what to do. The only problem was she had no idea where the dungeon was. She folded her treaty and tucked it under her shirt and started flipping though the papers in the study frantically. She might be able to find some sort of map that would help her. Ramsey showed up several minutes later, looking shell shocked and disturbed. "Ramsey! I need you to take me to Kieran," she rushed toward the door. "Did you kill Ferinor?" he asked. "He tried to kill me," she paused, "I had to. Please, we need to go now. I need to find Kieran." She moved towards the door. "I can't go with you child. But I will tell you how to find him," he sank down in a chair, absorbing what he had seen, obviously shaken. ** Rayn sat on his black warhorse at the castle gates ready to direct the next wave of attack. The raiders were surprisingly well prepared; they'd slowly snuck into the city one or two at a time over the past months, bringing with them supplies for battle, even enough wood to build the two medium sized catapults that were now blasting away at the stone wall. They were more organized than expected but he was confident his men would prevail. He just hoped he could stop them before they breached the gates. He waited just inside the gate, they closed it after the cavalry had advanced, to make it easier for the archers to pick off any raider who broke through. A catapult pummeled the wall, threatening to break it wide open. The crack of guns pierced the air and the clashing of swords made the anxious horses prance in place, their breath curling upwards in wisps in the cold air. "Hold the line!" he cried. The cavalry outside the gates were being pushed back, if he didn't open the gate they'd all be massacred. At the rate they were launching boulders and flaming tar the wall was going to come down soon anyway. Rayn's hands were sweating but he held the reins confidently. His mind was on winning this battle and hoping his Eleanor would find a way to escape. He said a silent prayer and gave the order, "Open the gates!" Rayn breathed a small sigh of relief when he saw Riley barreling through the opening on his grey horse spattered with blood and dirt. "Cavalry fall back!" Riley cried out as he led his men back into the safety of the massive group. Fighting in such a cramped area would put a damper on their maneuverability. Rayn drew his sword and prepared for the onslaught. They tried to close the gate again but the wall was too damaged, it broke open after another boulder from a catapult found its mark. "Hold the line!" Rayn bellowed one last time. He watched them pour over the wall like water on rock and raised his voice in his usual battle cry, "For the Empire!" His men surged forward as arrows split the air. The Raiders had few guns but the men who did knew how to use them. The man on Rayn's flank went down almost immediately and Riley took his place. They exchanged a knowing look, Rayn had hoped to avoid a confrontation such as this. "Together, Brother!" Riley cried, and they each engaged the enemy. ******* As usual, thank you for reading! Comments, ratings, and PM's are appreciated. Thank you everyone who reaches out to me and tells me what they think, regardless of good or bad. Also, HUGE thanks to raiguy for being a great editor and plot detangler. ;) It's a pretty big chapter this time, lots of action and *gasp* more sex! I know you have all been waiting very patiently, and I am grateful. Enjoy! -FP Nights in Rodan Ch. 06 Leni raced down the empty corridors and stairs; the dungeon was buried deep in the bowels of the castle. The walls went from white to a dingy grey as she descended the last staircase. It was dark, wet, and cold. Kieran must be miserable she thought. She listened and heard a guard coming towards her. She didn't want to kill anyone, but she had nowhere to hide. She concentrated on her hands, and when he rounded the corner, she pushed him he flew back into the wall and sank down to the floor unconscious. She checked him and made sure he was still breathing before moving on. There was a long row of cells and she didn't have time to check them all. "Kieran?" she whispered, but heard nothing. She repeated his name louder. "Who's there?" he demanded. She ran towards his voice, to the last cell on the block. "Thank the gods it's you, do you have the key?" Kieran said, seeing Leni. His dirty hand reached out for it but she cursed. "I don't, but I do have an idea." She told him. She held the padlock in her hand and replayed the events in her mind when Ferinor was in her chamber but she was able to temper her anger. She squeezed the lock and the metal melted slightly making the lock pop open. "You're getting really good." Kieran told her, grinning from ear to ear. "The raiders are trying to take the castle, we have to find Rayn." She tugged his arm towards the stairs. "I kind of need a sword." He said sarcastically," I can't exactly go charging into battle without one." "You can have the one off that guard over there." She pointed, noticing his jaw drop as she did so. "You intentionally knocked out a guard?" he asked her in shock. "Just get the sword!" she almost yelled at him. This was not the time for his sarcasm. They went back the way she'd come. She noticed how filthy his clothes were, and his feet were bare. She felt awful. She had been the reason he was treated badly. "Come on, let's get you out of here," Kieran said, heading for the courtyard. "I'm not leaving until I find Rayn," she was determined. Kieran grabbed her arm," I promised him I would get you out. You will listen to me." "Or what, you'll overpower me?" she asked derisively, before heading the other direction as she pulled away from him. "Stop it! Just do what I say for once," he said, his voice showing he was very irritated. Leni went along with what he wanted, but they didn't get very far. As they were about to make a run for it across the open courtyard, a stream of warriors on horseback flooded in followed closely by an army of raiders. A horse's shrill whinny pierced the air, men cried out in pain or to each other. Eleanor looked frantically for Rayn but didn't see him. "Get inside!" Kieran said, as he pushed Leni back into the castle, and waded into the fray with his sword raised. Leni was suddenly terrified and she froze. Kieran cut down two raiders and was engaging a third when he turned back and saw her standing there alone. "Run Leni!" he screamed as he swung his sword and toppled another one. Her fear rose up inside her. She wanted to run and she didn't want to kill anybody, but she closed her eyes and concentrated carefully, building a force in her mind and sending it outward. She opened her eyes to see a raider running at her full speed. She gasped and put her hands up as if to push him. The force was so strong it knocked over everyone within 50 paces of her. The rest of the fighting lulled and everyone looked at her. She was suddenly very afraid of all the focus on her. Run! She turned and ran but she didn't know where to go. Her only exit had been cut off so she did the only thing that seemed like a decent idea. She headed for Rayn's chambers; she would just have to hide in the passageway until it was over even though that seemed cowardly and she'd rather be helping, but she didn't know which side to help! She was rounding the corner toward the throne room when King Mollach himself took her by surprise. She shrieked and threw her hands up again throwing him back against the opposite wall but he recovered quickly. She pulled her dagger and he drew his sword. She hadn't been taught how to fight like this so she just prayed she could escape somehow. She waited for him to engage her; she didn't want to make the first move. He lunged at her and swung his sword in a low arc. She jumped over it as it passed close to her legs and stepped into arms reach so he couldn't use it on her again, a trick she'd learned from Riley. She pushed more magic into her hands with her mind and managed to pin him against the wall but it didn't last. Her magic was waning quickly; she'd spent so much energy already. Grey was bigger than she was, almost as big as Rayn she noticed. His armor glistened, his sword was sharp. She was no match for a seasoned warrior like him. He raised his sword and she tried to duck under his arm but he was faking. He grabbed her throat with his large hand. She tried to stab him with her dagger but he twisted it out of her hand and threw it aside with little effort. "You thought you could run from me?" he growled in her face, his hot breath caressing her skin. His fingers pressed into her windpipe and made her vision blur. He was so strong. She tried to focus but she couldn't. Oh Gods it couldn't end like this! She kicked at him and tried to break his grip but he forced her against a stone statue of a knight in the corridor. "You will lose your life protecting these filthy rats?" he spat. She tried to scream again but she could barely breathe. She clawed at his hands as the sounds of a battle echoed farther down the corridor. Lukas' face entered her mind, tears ran down her face. He'd grow up an orphan, just like she had. She tried to force the magic through her veins but the little that she felt pass through her went unnoticed by her assailant. Eleanor felt Grey Mollach's grip go slack as her eyes rolled back, her head hit the floor hard and she blacked out. ** She woke up hearing voices, many voices. The wounded were laid out on the floor around her, some moaned, several were bleeding, but many were simply resting. If the fighting was over, why hadn't someone come for her? Where were they? She panicked and got up to look around. She steadied herself on the wall and walked into the throne room. She was shocked at the sight of it. The King was slumped on this throne; an arrow stuck out of his left shoulder; that must have been why he had dropped her. His throat had been slashed; the large wound had poured blood down the front of his shiny armor but it had dried already. She covered her mouth and almost retched on the floor. If they'd done this to the King, what had they done to Rayn? A man approached her that she didn't recognize. He was definitely Rodanian, with tanned skin and blazing green eyes. He was very striking for a middle aged man; he was in good physical shape. His clothes were a little bloodied and dirty but he was clean shaven. He was a raider. "Who are you?" he demanded of her, firmly. "My name is Eleanor, I was a prisoner of the King," she said, thinking maybe she could win his favor and he might help her. "I'm Kien, are you wounded?' he asked, his hard stare as he surveyed her. She rubbed her neck instinctively. "No," it didn't hurt that badly but she did have a headache, "where is the Prince?" she asked, dying to know. "In the dungeon, wounded in battle." His eyes narrowed. "I need to see him, immediately." She told him. "He is to be tried for crimes against Rodan." He said, turning to walk away. "No, you don't understand. He tried to stop his father." She pleaded her case. He stopped and turned very slowly towards her, he thought for a moment. "The King was my enemy just as much as yours. Please let me explain, let me show you. I'm Rodanian like you, I want to help." She pleaded with Kien and noticed most of the other Rodanians in the room were listening to the exchange. Leni walked over to the table behind Kien and pulled out the papers she had hidden earlier. She laid out the portrait first and let him read it, before he passed it around the table and slowly each man read what was on it. "What does this have to do with anything?" he asked when it finally got all the way around. "I am the daughter of King Domnall Cormack," she said, leveling her most serious gaze on him. He smiled wide and laughed. Leni unbuttoned the top two buttons of her linen shirt and pulled it down over her shoulder; she swept her dirty tangled hair to the side and turned around. "Look at the birthmark. I am his daughter," she announced. The men took turns looking at it and considering the portrait of her mother. She turned back around and what she saw shocked her. Every man in her immediate vicinity had taken a knee and held their right fist over their heart in a gesture of solidarity. The rest of the room eventually followed. It was very disconcerting for Leni, but she accepted it with grace. "Please rise," She told them. "My humblest apologies," Kien said, his tone making it sound like he was almost groveling; it was a complete turn around in attitude. "It's alright. I would like to see Prince Rayn now," She said persistently. "I will take you to him," Kein said. Leni grabbed the papers and brought them with her. She started off in the direction of the dungeons with Kien and she couldn't help but wonder where Kieran, Ramsey and Riley were too. She was worried about everyone; her hands started sweating when she went down the last staircase into the dungeon. She started imagining all the awful injuries Rayn probably had and wondered if he would be able to recover; it made her eyes well up but she held back and tried to convince herself he was alive and that meant he would be ok. Kien gestured to the third cell on the right, and she looked through the small barred window to see Rayn lying in a heap on the floor. He had been stripped of his armor and she could see he had a nasty head wound. She turned to Kien, saying, "Open it." He hesitated. "Now." She commanded. The door was barely cracked and she pushed past him, "I need to have a private conversation, leave the door open and wait for me by the staircase," she said, not bothering to turn to address him. He nodded and retreated from the doorway. She checked to make sure he was standing where she told him to; she didn't want him to overhear. She looked at Rayn again; he was covered with battlefield grime. She lifted his head. "Rayn," she said, shaking him gently, "Rayn come back to me, please," She begged him in a whisper. He groaned slowly. "Rayn please. Oh Gods, please Rayn wake up," She said, her voice cracking as she was crying now. "Wake up," She said, wiping his face off with the hem of her shirt. He had a large gash on his forehead, probably from a sword. It was deep and it needed serious attention. There was another wound on the back of his head, another serious blow. She checked the rest of him over; he had many nicks and scrapes and possibly a sprained or broken wrist. He felt feverish which told her he probably already had an infection from his wounds not being cleaned. Her tears fell on his face and he winced. She wiped his face again gently and whispered his name over and over. She tried to pull him into an upright position but his dead weight was too much for her. Instead she knelt and cradled his head against her chest. She stroked his hair back and spoke softly to him," Don't leave me, I need you. I love you Rayn, I can't lose you now." She took his hand in hers and whispered, "Hold my hand if you can hear me." At first she felt nothing and her heart was shattered. She cried over him and held him as best she could. She rubbed his back. He was so clammy. She finally felt him weakly squeeze her hand. His lips were moving but she couldn't hear anything. She tossed her hair back over her shoulder and dried her tears. "Kien!" she called to him. "Yes, milady?" he asked, arriving in the doorway in a second. "Move him to his quarters and call a healer," she commanded, her voice urgent. "But-" "Do it, now. This is non negotiable," She tossed the order over her shoulder. She'd seen Rayn use his position to boss people around before, now it was her turn. "Yes, milady," he responded begrudgingly. She gently laid Rayn's head back down on his filthy pad of blankets. If they could be called that, it was really a pile of old rags. She'd never seen him look so helpless, she hated it. Kien turned to leave and she stopped him. "I want to know who else is down here," she said, before starting to look in each cell. All of them were empty except for one other and it was not who she expected. "Ramsey?" she asked. The elderly man was looking rather worn. "Open the door," she again commanded. Kien did not argue this time but he did not look happy. "Thank you for helping me, Kien," She added for good measure. The poor man was probably very used to being in charge and was now being bossed around by some unknown Princess. She helped Ramsey up the stairs and back to the throne room with her. He sank into a chair, and was clearly disturbed by the sight of his dead King on the throne. "This man is a scholar, not a warrior. There is no reason for him to be mistreated in any way," she told the Rodanians. She leaned down to Ramsey and whispered, "What should I have them do with the King?" "He deserves a funeral pyre. He might have been a miserable man but he was a good King," he said, looking over his spectacles at her. "Consider it done, my friend," She assured him. "Kein, I want the King removed. He should be put with the dead until a proper funeral pyre can be built. The Oneandrans should be allowed to pay their respects to him; it will go a long way with them if you allow it," She said. Even if he refused, she would order it to be done. She saw him thinking it over. "You make a good point. We will do as you ask, Your Highness," he said, before nodding and motioning his men to do it. "Make sure the Prince is taken to his quarters and healed as best as possible as well," she reminded him. She did not want Rayn to think she had forgotten him. "I am going to survey the casualties and I will be back in a little while," she announced to Kien and Ramsey. She patted Ramsey's hand in assurance; she hoped he wasn't too nervous to be alone with the men who had overthrown the castle. She walked the halls of the castle looking for her friends. She didn't find either of them and was starting to get upset and wonder if maybe they were dead. "Where are the dead?" she asked a disarmed guard. "In the courtyard, miss" he responded politely. The sight of it shocked her. Some of the bodies were so mangled she couldn't decide if they were or were not her friends. She was very upset by the entire scene. There were half bodies, bodies without limbs, bodies with their insides pouring outside. It was enough to make her sneak off to the side wall and vomit into the grass. She cried and prayed she'd find her friends. As she looked up across the courtyard, she saw Kieran. His leg was injured and he had a bad limp. He was directing people and identifying bodies. Thank the gods! "Kieran!" she called for him. He looked up, and when he saw her his face lit up. She couldn't get to him fast enough. She threw her arms around him and almost knocked him over. "I am so happy you're alive," she said into his shoulder. "I am happy to see you are alright also. They carted Rayn off the battlefield and I haven't seen him since," he said, his face showing concern. "He's in bad shape but I took care of it. He should be set up in his room now and the healer will be there soon to help him recover. I am going to check on him as soon as we find Riley," she explained. Kieran sighed. "Come with me," his usually bright eyes darkened. She steeled herself for the worst. He took her to a corner of the courtyard and knelt with difficulty. He uncovered Riley's face from under a sheet. She gasped and her hands flew over her mouth. He'd been badly beaten, his face was swollen and he had a cut over his eye. His eyes were closed and he looked peaceful. She started to lift the blanket and Kieran stopped her. "Don't," he shook his head, "You don't want to see it." She nodded and knelt with him. She cried softly and held Kieran's hand. He was visibly upset but didn't cry. His jaw clenched and unclenched as they just stayed there for awhile, saying prayers for Riley and comforting each other. She eventually told him what happened in the throne room. "Good," he said, nodding," I guess I have to be nice to you now." She might have elbowed him if he wasn't already injured. "I need to go check on Rayn," she said, standing and offered him her arm. He took it and stood up stiffly, "you need to see a healer." "They did the best they could for me; other people need it more," he said, draping his arm around her shoulders and giving her a light squeeze, "I'm glad you were unharmed, I was very worried about you." "I'm glad you are alright too," she said as she looked down at Riley's body one last time and then covered his face again with the sheet. She would make sure he got a proper warrior's funeral with all the other men too. They were all someone's son, brother, father, or friend. She started crying again and Kieran supported her with his good side. She needed to know if Lukas was okay but how would she ever find him now? The city was surely in chaos. "We will get through this," he reassured her. "Are you alright here, do you need to rest? You do need to rest you know," She told him in her best motherly voice. "Yes, I am alright for now. Go check on Rayn, he needs you," he gestured for her to get back inside. It was very cold and the snow had started falling. When she got to Rayn's quarters the healer was still there. "How is he?" she asked the woman attending him. "There was some extensive damage to his skull, and I have healed most of the internal wounds, but he will need some time to finish recovering." she explained. "Thank you. When will he be awake?" she asked, almost afraid to know the answer. "All we can do now is wait." The plump blonde woman said, giving Leni a sympathetic look and some ointment for the smaller cuts and scrapes before leaving. She looked at Rayn and decided to get him cleaned up. The healer had cleaned his wounds but he was still filthy from the battlefield. Leni ran some warm water in the bath and brought a small basin of it back into the bedroom with her. She slowly and carefully wiped his face and neck clean, then cut away his shirt and continued the slow process of bathing him, refilling her basin every time she finished cleaning one of his limbs. She knew the contours of his body well and felt better when she was doing something to help him. She found a clean shirt for him and re dressed him then cut off his trousers and cleaned his legs. He had lots of cuts and scrapes that she put ointment on before sliding one leg at a time into some clean sleeping pants. When she finally finished her task she was exhausted. It was very late into night now so she changed into a clean nightshirt herself and crawled into bed next to him. He hadn't moved yet but his breathing was steady. The gash on his forehead was closed up and his left wrist was wrapped. She'd forgotten to ask if it had been broken or not. She sighed and took his good hand in hers and massaged it lovingly and curled up close to him. She kissed his face several times. Oh how she wished he was awake and could tell her how he felt. Finally sleep took her away and she whispered another "I love you" in the quiet darkness. Leni woke up and her stomach was in an uproar. She remembered eating breakfast the day before, but the commotion had started before lunch and she hadn't eaten for the rest of the day. She wondered if there would be an attendant outside the door or not. She didn't know where the castle kitchens were or she'd just go make something herself. Nights in Rodan Ch. 06 She looked at Rayn and noticed his color was much better; he looked normal, like he might wake up any second. She had to stay in case he did but she was so hungry. She slipped out of bed quickly and checked the corridor. Surprisingly Mary was bustling her direction. "Mary, I am so glad you are alright!" she exclaimed. The girl was shocked when Leni hugged her. "What can I do for you milady?" she said slowly, still stunned. "Breakfast would be lovely," she told her. Mary nodded and said she would be back shortly. She stepped back inside and peeked in on Rayn. He was still sound asleep so she crawled back into the warm bed with him. She was determined to be there when he woke up. She stroked his hair back and he softly groaned. She got very excited but he didn't stir again. Mary came in with breakfast and sat it on the table. She popped her head in and asked if there was anything else but Leni told her no and she left. Leni sighed and decided Rayn probably wasn't going to wake up for awhile longer so she had better eat while she had a chance. She put her dressing gown over her long nightshirt and tied it and brought the breakfast tray into the bedroom and ate next to the bed. There was a soft knock as she finished. She walked into the sitting room to see who it was. "Enter." It was Kien and another man, "Trenton," he said. They bowed low to her, which still struck her as odd. "We've come to discuss your intentions," Kien said. She didn't think conducting business in her nightgown appropriate so she asked them to wait while she dressed quickly in the bathing room. She chose a simple merlot dress for the day. She braided her hair loosely and tied it with a piece of leather. Some of her shorter hair fell around her face framing it nicely. Good enough for now, she thought. She faced Kien and Trenton properly this time, "What intentions are you referring to?" she asked them directly. "Do you intend to take up your rightful position as Queen?" Kien's question was abrupt. "I hadn't thought about it yet. There are things I need to take care of first." She looked down at her hands for a moment. She needed to find Iny and Lukas. Not knowing where they were or how they were was driving her crazy. "We understand you were forced into an engagement, do you still wish to be married to the man?" the other man, Trenton, asked. "No, we were only going along with what the King wanted for my safety; I don't wish to be married to him." "Do you plan to try the Prince for his crimes?" Trenton asked roughly. "No, I do not. He has helped me and saved my life multiple times, I think that is payment enough for any of his wrong doings. I hope you agree," She said, as she stared him down across the table. "We can be amenable to that," Kien assured her. "Good. Is that all the business we have to discuss?" Leni asked. She felt so in charge, and she kind of liked the thrill. "For now, I realize you need some time to absorb all of this. We will keep things running smoothly until you are ready to assume your role as Queen. We've waited a long time for a Rodanian to take back the throne; a few more days will not matter," Kein said, smilong warmly. "Kien, did you know my father?" she was curious. "Yes I did, I worked with him for a few years. I fled the city with many other Rodanians the night that Mollach attacked," he said. "What did you do for him, what was your job?" she asked, realizing she might need him for something important. "I helped manage the finances, I was a very young apprentice then," he said, smiling fondly. "Would you be willing to work with Mollach's financial advisors?" she asked. She was surprised she was falling into the role of diplomat very easily. "I would, but most of them have gone into hiding in the city, we need a way to prove we mean them no harm if we have any hope of them cooperating with us," he explained. "I have a possible solution but I need to talk it over with the Prince first. He's not awake yet, as his wounds were extensive. If you need anything in the meantime talk to Kieran Lichen. Any of the Oneandrans should be able to point him out to you. He's my liason," Leni explained. "I will do that milady." Kien nodded. "Thank you, I will check in with you tomorrow," she said as she stood up, adjourning their little meeting. "One more thing," he said, remembering it before leaving, "you have visitors in the throne room." ****** Sorry this one took so long. I had computer issues, real life issues etc. I finally found time on vacation to read the edited version (thank you Raiguy!!) and post. Enjoy! Please leave comments, ratings, email/PM me feedback. I always enjoy hearing from my readers. Thank you again for being so patient! Off to work on Chapter 7!