Sixteen

 

Uman dropped the ruby to the table in front of his mother’s face, and she stared at it with glee.

“You did well, my son!” Zelbikan wheezed, scooping it up in her claws.

“The girl escaped.”

“I know. My runes told me.”

“She will not escape again. I swear it, Mother.”

“I know this, too, from the runes. I will have the pleasure of slitting her throat myself as I take her place as Empress of Nandala. The honor Thakur should have given me.”

Uman nodded. He didn’t tell his mother that when the time came, he planned to take Graciella for himself, make her Vyrkune, and name her his empress so they could rule the continent together forever.

§

Yavi awoke with a start at the sound of a light tap on the door. He extracted his arm from around Graciella, rose from the bed, and donned his robe. When he opened the door a sliver, Eliv was there with a tray laden with flatbread and bowls of rice porridge topped with cinnamon, dried fruits, and pumpkin seeds. There was also tea and fresh apricot halves. Yavi nodded his thanks as he took it from the young monk. He closed the door, and set the tray on the small table near the bed.

Graciella rolled over to face him, stretching her arms high over her head, causing one sweetly rounded breast to appear above the sheets. His groin throbbed to life at seeing her pink nipple, and he cleared his throat. “Are you hungry, Sheir-zin?”

She smiled. “Starved.”

He was just thinking the same thing, only not for food. He picked up the small table, being careful not to topple the food, and moved it closer to the side of the bed. “Here is some late breakfast.”

She sat up, glancing around the room for a clock. “What time is it? How long did we sleep?”

“I’m not sure.” He strode around the bed to open the window shutters as well as to avoid leering at her naked torso. He studied the position of the sunlight over the canyon. “It looks to be about one or two in the afternoon.”

When he looked back, she had pulled the sheet over her chest and tucked it into her armpits to scoot closer to the table. From this angle, he was treated to a view of her beautiful bare backside. Tonight couldn’t come fast enough for his wayward body. He prayed Volkan would agree to the hasty marriage ceremony. He pushed down on his cock through his robe, returned to the far side of the bed, and pulled up the chair to join her at the table.

He broke off a piece of flatbread and spread it with butter. “You are beautiful when you wake up in the morning.”

“I am?” she asked with her mouth full of porridge.

He chuckled, gazing at her long, dark hair in disarray, her rosy cheeks, her bewitching pale-hazel eyes. “Yes. I’m not accustomed to staring at such a desirable sight first thing in the morning. It’s affecting my appetite.”

She smiled primly. “Well, you’d better eat well today.”

“Why’s that?”

“So you’ll have plenty of strength later tonight.” She popped an apricot half into her mouth.

He laughed at that even as his erection strained upward under his robe. He sipped the tea, trying to ignore his body. “I’ll do my best to feed my strength, then. Speaking of which, the monks don’t eat or serve meat.”

“They don’t?”

“No. They don’t believe in eating the flesh of any sentient being. So we’ll have to do without roasted meat for our wedding dinner.”

“I don’t mind that. I like other foods just as well.” She chewed another bite of apricot. “These apricots are so juicy and sweet. Where do they get fresh fruit?”

“They have a well-kept orchard up here that never died out from the curse.”

“Oh. Well. If only we could spread the blessings that surround this monastery to all of Nandala, there would be no problem with growing food.”

He picked up a spoon, gazing at her lovely face. “We. I like the sound of that.”

She smiled. “Me too.”

§

Graciella smoothed down the front of her borrowed monk’s robe as she waited anxiously outside Master Volkan’s study.

Yavi squeezed her hand, smiling down at her before knocking on the door.

Master Volkan opened it. His kind gray eyes lit up when he saw her. “Graciella, welcome.”

“Thank you.” She beamed. “I am so happy to see you again, Master Volkan. Thank you for inviting me for a chat.”

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Yavi inclined his head to the elderly monk.

Volkan motioned her to come inside his study, then closed the door behind them. He indicated a bench across from a low table, then seated himself on the other side of the table as she sat down to join him.

He folded his hands. “Well, my dear. Yavi has asked me to perform a marriage ceremony for the two of you this evening, but I wanted to speak to you alone before I agree.”

She nodded. “Yes, Sir. I am pleased to have the opportunity to answer for myself on this matter.”

He chuckled. “You have the light of optimism in your eyes, child. When you are in the room, everything brightens. Darkness fades, and difficulties seem easier to overcome.”

She smiled, warmed by his praise.

“Never lose that gift, Graciella. It will strengthen Yavi, help him to face the challenges to come.”

She swallowed. “Yes, Sir. Does that mean…you approve of our wedding?”

“Do you love him?”

“Yes.”

“You answer quickly. But do you know what it means to love Yavi of the Zulfikars? To join yourself to this man as his wife?”

“I think so.” She faltered. “Not really, I suppose. I only know I’ve loved him madly from the first time I met him, just before I turned fourteen.”

“Yavi’s destiny is and always has been to rule as the supreme Emperor of Nandala. As his wife, you would be named empress of our land.”

“Yes. I can only hope to become worthy of that title.”

“You would outrank your elder sister, and alongside Yavi, you would assume the primary burden of governing this troubled nation.” His expression grew somber. “It is not an easy task.”

“Sir, I haven’t had an easy life. And I don’t expect one. Nor am I looking to climb in rank or grab power. I only want to love and care for Yavi.”

He stroked his long beard, studying her.

“Yavi needs me, I feel, Sir.”

“Yes, he does. In that, you are correct.”

“And as far as power struggles between me and Jiandra, I would never allow that to become an issue, and she wouldn’t either. She’s my best friend, my surrogate mother, and my closest confidant. We have never been jealous, bickering, fighting sisters.”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes wrinkling. “You speak truly. I have sensed that about your relationship with her.”

Graciella hesitated. “If you say I shouldn’t marry him, or if you think I’m not ready, I will wait, Sir. I’ll respect your opinion.”

He shook his head. “It isn’t that. Not at all. I believe you and Yavi are meant to be together, and that you will bring him joy and strength as well as help him rule prosperously. I think Yavi as well as his nation are lost without you, my sweet daughter.”

Her heart surged at his predictions as well as his use of the term daughter.

“My only concern is for your happiness,” he continued. “I would spare you the challenges ahead, but even if I advise Yavi to send you back to Villeleia out of harm’s way, our blight would reach you there eventually. Uman will not stop at Nandala. He plans to invade your land as well.”

“Then we must stop him here, now.”

“Yes.”

“Give us your blessing, then. Father,” she urged softly. “I love Yavi and I will stand by him no matter what. I believe that is my happiness.”

“Then I am satisfied, daughter.” Volkan reached across the table and grasped her hand in his warm fingers. “Come, stand here in front of me,” he said, rising.

She stepped around the table to face him.

He folded her hands together inside his hands in prayer, then closed his eyes and murmured something in Nandalan. “May Tejeshwar bless and strengthen you,” he said in Villeleian.

Graciella felt a surge of warmth and confidence wash over her at his prayer, of a kind she’d never felt before.

“May you be protected and safe,” he continued. “May your husband achieve victory, and may you rule at his side with wisdom, joy, and love.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “May it be so.”

He smiled and released her hands. “Go, my daughter. Soak in the pools today, rest. Tonight you marry, and tomorrow your husband goes to battle. Rest so that you may enjoy this moment of joy and comfort to its fullest.”

“Thank you, father.”

He walked her to the door. “I never had a daughter,” he confessed.

“My father was killed when I was seven.”

“It seems we are a match, then.” He smiled.

Graciella turned to hug his neck. “Thank you.”

He patted her back. “Now go. Do as I say. Take plenty of rest today.”

“I will.”

He opened the door, and she hurried down the stairs of the tower to find Yavi.

§

Yavi saw her emerge from the archway at the foot of the tower and stepped forward to take her hands in his. He rubbed the backs of her soft hands with his thumbs, staring down at her lovely face. “What did he say?”

“He gave me his blessing to marry you.”

Relief washed over him, and he bent his head to kiss her sweet lips. They still tasted of honey and apricots, which only heightened his desire to make love to her again.

“And he called me daughter.”

“No surprise there.” He grinned. “I could see he felt bonded with you from the moment we brought you here.”

“We have to take care of him in his old age, Yavi. I’m claiming him as father. I want to visit him here often.”

“Done. Agreed.” He caressed her rounded cheek, then kissed her lips again.

“I didn’t ask him about the bride oil, though. Did you?”

“Yes. He said he could send a monk to purchase it in Parvata as a wedding gift to us.”

She stretched up to hug his neck, pressing herself against him. He encircled her waist with his arms, pulling her up higher to taste her lips more fully, caressing her back.

“Ahem.” Yajna’s voice came from behind them.

Yavi set her down and took her hand, turning to face his pest of a brother. “Can’t you see you’re interrupting?”

Jiandra came up behind Yajna and hit his arm. “Yes, husband. Stop annoying your brother.”

Yajna slid his arm around his wife’s shoulders and addressed Yavi. “Do you mind telling us what you are doing out here making love to my sister-in-law after having a secret meeting with Master Volkan?”

Yavi glanced down at Graciella’s face, then at Jiandra. “I’ve asked him to perform the rites for me to marry Graciella tonight. I hope you agree, Jiandra.”

She smiled broadly. “If that is my sister’s wish, then of course I agree.”

Graciella squeezed his arm. “It is definitely my wish, sister, and you know it.”

Yavi hugged Graciella in to his side, kissing her temple.

“Congratulations, brother.” Yajna extended a hand to him.

Yavi grasped his brother’s wrist, and Yajna returned the gesture.

Jiandra hugged Graciella. “I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too.”

Jiandra released her and grasped Yavi’s hand. “I am happy for you, Yavi.”

Yavi brought her hands to his lips briefly. “Thank you, my sister.”

“Treat my sister well.”

“That will always be my first priority.” Yavi smiled and placed an arm around Graciella’s shoulders. His sweet bride smiled up at him, melting his heart. He stared at her luminous eyes for a moment before looking at Yajna and Jiandra. “The wedding is at eight o’clock this evening, and you are both invited.”

“You’ll be our only guests, besides Rafe,” Graciella added. “I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I want him to be there too, if he is able.”

“Let’s inquire if we may see Rafe this afternoon,” Jiandra suggested. “We’ll invite him then.”

Yavi kissed Graciella, unable to resist her ripe pink lips any longer. “It looks like we’re all set, my love,” he said to her softly. “I am eager to become your husband.”

She reached up to grasp his neck and pull him down for another kiss, then whispered in his ear, her lips brushing the rim of it. “I’m eager to get that oil.”

His cock sprang to life, and he swallowed. “Excuse us, please,” he said to Yajna and Jiandra. “We need to go make preparations.”

He didn’t miss Yajna’s raised eyebrow as he led his beauty away. And he didn’t care one whit, either.

§

Graciella giggled as Yavi opened the door to their room and scooped her up to carry her quickly inside, then closed and locked it behind him. He strode with her toward the rumpled bed.

“I’m practicing carrying you to bed for later tonight,” he said, silver eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Yes, you need lots of practice.”

He growled and nuzzled her neck before laying her on top of the blankets, then sat on the mattress beside her. He tried to roll closer, then muttered an oath, reaching down to adjust the skirt flaps of the robe. “Confounded garment. How do the monks live with these robes tangled around their legs all the time?”

She laughed. “I think they probably don’t get in bed with a woman while wearing them.”

“Good point.” He leaned over her, bracing his forearms on either side of her face.

She grinned up at his handsome face and reached up to stroke his cheek. He dipped his head to kiss her lips, sweeping his tongue over and between them. Graciella reveled in the feel of his firm, sexy lips, hugging his neck.

He broke off the kiss to nuzzle her neck again, tugging at the tie at her waist.

“Yavi, I should admit that Volkan told me to rest today. He said we’d be going to battle tomorrow.”

“I will be going to battle tomorrow. You’re staying here.”

She frowned. “I want to go with you, help you.”

“The best help you can give me is to stay safe and protected here at the monastery.”

“What if Uman’s people find me here? You said you’d never let me out of your sight again.”

He fell silent.

“And what if you get killed and I never see you again? I’ll wish I had every last moment I could with you.”

“Don’t talk like that,” he ordered softly, his voice rough. He caressed her cheek. “Tejeshwar willing, I will come back to you, victorious.”

Tears stung her eyes as she stared up at his face.

“Be strong for me, Graciella,” he urged. “Seeing you suffer is torture for me.”

She nodded mutely.

“Sweet, precious one.” He kissed her lips. “I love you so much.”

“Then take me with you.”

“Let’s talk about it in the morning. Today is for rest, for joy. For love.”

“Okay.”

He patted her midriff, leaving her robe tied. “Perhaps I’d better let you nap.”

“Stay and nap with me. Don’t leave.”

“All right.” He settled his head onto the pillow, facing her, and wrapped a powerful arm around her waist. “We’ll see if I can sleep with this stiff cock under my skirt.”

Graciella felt a surge of arousal at that image. She grinned and turned toward him. “Is it stiff? Can I see?”

“You really do want to torture me, don’t you?” he complained, grimacing.

She felt along his hip, searching for the opening of the robe. Finding it, she slipped her hand inside the flap and burrowed through the fabric until she encountered his hard thigh muscle. He tensed and reached down to grasp her hand. She thought he was going to drag her hand away from its objective, but instead, he guided her to it.

“Mmm,” he groaned as she encircled his shaft with her fingers. He leaned forward to kiss her jaw, untying his belt and spreading his robe apart to give her more access. Graciella stared at the hard ripples and muscular planes of his chest and abdomen, at the bulging sinews of his thighs. He covered her hand with his, making her stroke him up and down. She eagerly followed his lead, loving the sight and the feel of his masculine arousal. She found moisture seeping from his flaring tip and used it to make her palms glide over his skin more smoothly. She pushed her hands down to the base, gripping him there before sliding back up. She kissed his lips, sucking the lower one into her mouth while stroking him a little harder.

He shuddered and pushed his pelvis into her hands, eyes squeezed shut. “Graciella,” he choked. “You do that so well.”

She smiled and pressed another kiss to his lips as she stroked him, enjoying his body’s reactions. She moved back to gaze at him again, at the hard lines and planes of his muscular chest, abdomen, and pelvis, the taut muscles arrowing down to his hard, swollen cock. Her own body was responding in kind, tingling and moist. She desperately wanted to feel him inside her.

He pressed his head back into the pillow, eyes shut and body tense as she continued to stroke him up and down. Soon he reached over the side of the bed to grab a towel they’d left there from last night, holding it near his hip.

“Keep going, Sheir-zin,” he begged huskily.

She did, and just as a stream shot forth from him, he covered himself and her hands with the towel. Seeing and feeling the warm liquid aroused her even more, so when he finished cleaning himself and her hands and reached for the ties on her robe, she raised no protest at all.

“I know I should let you rest.” He tore at the ties, spread her robe open, and stared down at her body. “But how am I supposed to lie still and sleep next to this?”

“Yavi, please.” She tugged his arm toward her waist. “Do something.”

He grinned, positioning himself on his knees between her legs. “Oh, I’ll do something.” He hovered above her and dipped his head to taste her breasts. Her nipples were sensitive from that morning’s lovemaking, and they strained as tight as little pebbles as he licked and sucked at them. Eventually he trailed kisses lower, over her belly, and still lower, to kiss her and make love to her with his mouth like he’d done that morning. She writhed and moaned beneath him, disbelieving that he could give her so much pleasure, climaxing quickly as he ravished her with his lips and tongue.

“That was too fast,” he chided. “You have to hold back, let me build it higher and stronger before you let go.”

Graciella’s heart was pounding, and she was panting a little. “Honestly, I don’t think I could handle it much stronger than that.”

“Yes, you can,” he chuckled, nuzzling her neck. “I promise you that you can. I want you to enter another realm completely when I take you to climax.”

She thought about that. “Okay. This morning I entered that realm, I think.”

“Yes. It was breathtaking to watch.”

She giggled self-consciously. “You really just want to…watch me, enjoying this?”

He stared at her lips, traced the line of her chin with his fingers. “Yes. Is that so hard to believe?”

“Well, sort of. I thought men were more or less in it to satisfy their own needs, in general.”

“My need is to know that I have thoroughly pleasured you.”

Her mouth went a little dry as she stared up at his sexy face. “Oh.”

He grinned at her mischievously. “Hold back this time.”

“What?”

He moved back down to kiss her belly.

“Yavi! You should rest.”

He licked her sensitive spot, then covered it with his warm mouth, sucking gently. She squealed, arching under him. “How am I supposed to—oh, Gods.”

Soon she entered that world of pure ecstasy, of loss of contact with anything in the world other than his touch, his presence, his heart.

He seemed satisfied, and then, finally, they napped.

§

Uman stood at the front of the sanctuary and surveyed his hideous, glorious army. Their ranks had grown to 250 Vyrkune, more than enough undefeatable, flesh-hungry beasts to rip Darpan to shreds. His mother’s runes had revealed that the Zulfikars had not returned to Darpan, but had gone into hiding like the cowards they were. It was the perfect time to take the city and the palace.

“My brothers!” Uman cried, raising his arms. “There will be plenty of fresh meat tonight!”

They cheered, their hoarse growls echoing loudly off the fortress walls.