Drevakin

"Keep your guard up."

"I’m trying," Clara grits through her teeth as she tries to hold off my sword. "It's not like you're slow."

"And this is what you do not want to be," I retort, pulling back. "You will always be the smaller, and therefore, the weaker opponent. Your strength lies in your speed and your agility. Dodge the blows, don't block them. Use your footwork."

She pants as she wipes her brow, strands of hair have left her braid and are sticking to the sides of her face.

"I'm trying," she repeats with a huff.

I soften. She is trying.

"You are. And you are improving at a rapid pace." I sigh. "I know I'm being hard on you, but I don't know how much longer we can stay here or when you may have to defend yourself. The staff is a fine weapon, but what if you get disarmed? What if you don't have the staff nearby? If you have to pick up a sword? Knowing how someone fights with a sword will only help you defend yourself against them."

She nods, then moves to the side of the practice room and picks up her cup of water, taking a long drink. I try not to stare as her throat moves with her long swallows, tracking a trickle of sweat sliding down her neck to disappear under her shirt.

Unsuccessfully.

I've been trying not to stare the entire time we have been hiding here. It has been difficult, especially considering we spend the majority of our day together. I've been finding it more and more challenging as time passes.

I teach her more about the language, our culture, our food, and she tells me about Earth. Finding more facets of her I like and enjoy. I care about her even more. I can listen to her for hours as she tells me of her home planet. It is fascinating how different the Earth where she came from is from the Earth that Margot came from.

Hearing the two descriptions, I would never have thought they were the same place. The Earth of Margot's time has much more in common with how we live on Alva. Underground, without natural light. Though the wonders of technology both speak of are something I can only imagine. Also the out-of-control population during Margot's time is a far cry from where we stand.

Clara's Earth sounds pleasant. Better than Alva, above ground, with no monsters lurking in the dark. It testifies to the hurt she experienced that she would even consider leaving and going so far away from everything she knows. She doesn't talk about what it was and I haven't pushed the issue.

For all the time we spend together trapped in the Do’ana House Mansion, that is one area she has not spoken about, that she has walled off. Sometimes, she will begin a story and then cut off, a sadness coming over her. I want to know what caused such a deep wound. I want to take her pain and somehow make it better.

But I don't have the right to ask. She is not my Pari. Though I know, deep inside, that she may well be. I've been careful to not take that final step that would reveal the truth. I don't consummate our relationship because that would tie us together irrevocably.

Even if she is my Pari, what then? What kind of life can I offer her? I am the Prince of a Minor House, one who could not keep his people safe from the whims of a Major House.

And now...

Now I am in hiding, presumed dead, staying in another Prince's House while attempting to plan a future. That is not the life I want for Clara. How could I take that final step, make that ultimate commitment when I believe she would have a better life if she went back home to Earth?

Our bond would be permanent. Irrevocable.

If she is my Pari, the Paritella would form, creating that telepathic and empathic bond that is so beautiful and such a cornerstone of our society. The dream each of us, male and female, has for ourselves, for our families.

But even if it doesn't form, the first act of consummation is my only chance at the bond. And while the she could leave and go back home, I would tied to her, forever.

However, I am so drawn to her that despite all of these thoughts, it has been difficult to keep my hands to myself. I know she wonders, I catch her looking at me. There is not much else to keep my mind off of what I want, my cock hard with want at the most inopportune times.

Being forced to stay inside and out of sight limits our activities.

So, I train her in using weapons, considering it a good use of the time we have and needing something to occupy my mind. Since she is so strong and not a stranger to fighting, she took to the training well. She has progressed much further than most people would have this fast.

So much so, that I forget how new she is to the sword and push her too hard. As she puts the cup back down and walks over again, ready to practice more even though she's exhausted, I try to find a way to end off without sounding like I want her to rest. Another thing I have found out about Clara is that she is very stubborn. And she does not want to appear weak. We practice for longer in the mornings and if I end our session now because she is tired, she will make it a point to keep going.

"Clara! Drevakin!" Margot calls out, walking down the hall toward us.

She ducks her head inside, her adorable baby on her hip. As always, my eyes go to Elorshin's daughter first. She is a beacon of light, a symbol of hope for everyone. A new beginning for all of us.

The baby's dark curls form a halo around her head, perfectly framing her beautiful face. She has lighter blue skin than Elorshin's, combining his tone and Margot's, to create a unique shade. Her ears are more rounded than ours are, also a mix of her mother and father. But her eyes are all Elorshin's—large and a crystal clear green.

Today, Margot has dressed her in a warm brown dress with matching leggings and tiny stockings to keep her little feet warm. She laughs as she sees Clara, who has fast become one of her most favorite people. And the feeling is mutual. As soon as she raises her plump hands, Clara runs over with a smile spreading across her face. She brings the baby’s small weight up to her chest and snuggles close.

Seeing Clara with the baby, I know she would be a wonderful mother. And then I cannot help wishing things were different. She would love our babies so much. Just as I would. I look over to find Margot staring back at me, a knowing look on her face. I look away again, embarrassed at being caught yearning for something I should not.

Thankfully, she says nothing about it.

"Come. I have food ready. You both need to relax a little. Plus, I would enjoy the company," Margot says.

"Of course," I murmur, setting the dulled practice sword aside. "A break would be nice."

Clara looks over at me, but she does not comment on the early end to the training, the baby too distracting. We follow Margot out of the practice room and to one of the sitting rooms, where she has an array of food set out, beautifully prepared.

"It looks delicious, Margot. My thanks," I say as we sit.

"Yes, thank you. You did not have to," Clara says.

Margot smiles. "I wanted to talk and figured food is bait," she says, though I know that's not true.

Margot has a good heart. As we eat, Margot and Clara immediately fall into English. The sound and cadence are still foreign, but I enjoy listening to their conversations. I have even picked up a few words here and there. But mostly, I enjoy seeing Clara's face light up when she speaks her native tongue. Perhaps I should attempt to learn more.

"Perhaps I can practice with you too," Margot says.

I blink, interrupted from my thoughts and confused how she would know what I was thinking.

"Practice?" I ask.

"How to fight with a sword," she says. "Elorshin has taught me the basics, but it is not like I have had much of a chance to hone my skills," she says, smiling down at the baby.

"Of course," I agree. "Perhaps we can begin tomorrow?"

"That sounds wonderful! Everyone around here is so much bigger, I feel like I need at least some skill set just in case."

That is true. I have been large my whole life. It's something I take for granted, knowing I will be at least as strong as my opponent. But Margot is even smaller than Clara. It is a significant disadvantage in any kind of physical altercation.

"I know what you mean," Clara agrees. "Actually, you might learn how to use a staff to decrease the gap we have in reach. And jiu-jitsu might be something to learn too. The sword has its good points and I want to learn how to use one, but the larger opponent still has the advantage."

"I would love to learn how to use a staff! And jiu-jitsu?" Margot is smiling from ear to ear, her face glowing with excitement. "That would be awesome!"

But before Clara can continue that branch of the conversation, the baby fusses, not quite crying yet.

"Sorry, the Princess needs her nap," Margot says with a sigh, standing up and rocking the baby. "I will come look for you after I put her down."

"Sure," Clara says, making a face at the baby.

The baby bares her gums in a happy smile.

"Sure, give her the smile!" Margot laughs as she walks out.

Clara chuckles as she raises her cup to drink.

"Jiu-jitsu?" I repeat, forming the word carefully, curious. "What is that? Is it a weapon?"

Clara smiles. "No. It is a fighting... technique that smaller people can use to defend against larger fighters. Would you like to see?"

"Yes," I agree right away, intrigued.

She grins. "Great, let's go back to the practice room."

As soon as we began, I regret my decision to ask for a demonstration. Jiu-jitsu involves a lot of close contact, especially once on the ground.

Clara is wearing men's clothes, donning trousers and a loose shirt. Initially, it was for our practices, but she wears them all the time now. I understand the need for mobility. I also like how she looks in them as they show her shape more than dresses do. In fact, they have been quite distracting. Especially when she bends over to pick something up.

The problem I am encountering at the moment is that the trousers mean there are not yards of thick fabric between us when her limbs wrap around mine.

"Try again," she says.

I attempt to pin her again. She pulls on one arm, sweeps a leg, and somehow I am underneath her again.

"I believe you have won once again. Perhaps we should move back to the sword?" I ask, trying not to sound desperate.

"Come on Drevakin," she teases, adjusting herself so she is resting on top of me. "Don't tell me you're a sore loser."

Her smile freezes as she tries to move again and encounters my rock hard cock. She meets my eyes, hers wide.

"I apologize," I murmur. "It's the close quarters."

And that I have wanted to have her naked and underneath me almost since the first time I set my eyes on her. But I do not believe saying so will improve the situation. She licks her lips, wiggling on top of me. My cock jumps as she brushes against it.

This is torture. A kind I simultaneously want to stop and continue.

"Perhaps we should finish this session," I suggest, making my voice firm, attempting to slide out from under her.

"What if I don't want to stop?"

There is no mistaking she means what she says. I let out a breath even as my body urges me to accept what she is offering.

"I do not think you understand the enormity of what—"

"You mean the Paritella?" Clara interrupts. "I have read about it. And I have spoken to Margot about it." She takes a deep breath and lets it out again as she settles her weight heavily on top of me. "It sounds beautiful."

I swallow. This is not what I expected to hear.

"Yes, it is beautiful," I agree. "But it is also irrevocable. It would bind me to you, forever. What if you decide you want to leave? To go back to Earth?"

"I will not," she says, her face sincere. "There is nothing there for me."

"I have nothing to offer you here," I retort, though I am running out of the strength to argue with her on top of me, ready and willing.

She shakes her head.

"You have you to offer me," she whispers, dropping her head to lay a light kiss on my lips. "But I know that... that the Paritella might not happen. There is a chance... perhaps I am not your Pari." She looks away. "I understand if you don’t want to chance it and bind yourself to me."

Growling, I close my hands over her hips and flip us so she is under me. I dislike that she is doubting herself. And just like that, the fear of her not being my Pari is gone. It is Clara I want.

"I don't care if you are not my Pari," I mutter. "I want you even without the Paritella. If it does not occur, I will still want you. Understand?" I demand.

She smiles shakily. "Yes."

I nod. "But I have to ask once again, are you certain?"

"Yes." She cups my face. "I have never been more certain."

My control breaks. No, it shatters. Shatters into so many pieces I know I can never regain it even if I wanted to. With a broken sound, I lean down and set my mouth on hers, groaning as the taste of her floods my senses.

The taste of Clara. The taste of the female who is mine. It has been too long since the last time. But then I stop, breaking the kiss.

"What?" she gasps as I stand, sweeping her up in my arms.

"We will do this in a proper bed," I explain, my voice hoarse with pent up desire. "With a closed door between us and the rest of this House," I say, striding down the hall toward my bedchamber.

Though perhaps striding is not quite the correct word. My cock is not happy about being so tightly confined as I move.

"Oh. Well, fine. That sounds nice," Clara agrees with a small laugh, wrapping her arms around my neck.

I reach the bedchamber and enter, closing the door with my foot before setting Clara down on the bed.

"Your clothes," I mutter. "You do not require them any longer."

I strip her. She helps and in moments, she is naked. And what a sight she is. I step back to full admire her form. Her smooth, golden skin shines, the roundness of her breasts delectable, the curve of her waist, her hips...

Luscious.

"You are... exquisite," I mutter, taking a step toward her.

"Not yet," she interrupts before I can touch her. "Your clothes too," she demands, her eyes sliding down my body in appreciation.

I rip off my clothes with a lot less care than I took with hers. And that is all the patience I have. I cover her body with mine, setting my mouth upon hers as I mold her curves with my hands, wanting to touch all of her at once.

The kiss is reckless abandon and desperation as I pour all of my pent up desire into her, all of my hopes and anxieties. She meets me kiss for kiss, her lushly feminine body rubbing against mine in need.

When I reach between her legs, I know how much she wants me.

With a groan, I take my mouth off her and kiss my way down her neck to her breasts, sucking on them until she is writhing under me, her nails digging into my scalp.

I love how my Clara is losing control.

Reaching down, I take a firm hold on each of her knees and push them up and wide, baring her most private area. Meeting her eyes, I lean down and set my mouth on her, directly over the center of her desire.

She cries out as I lick, not teasing her at all, but pushing her toward an orgasm as quick as possible. Now that I have her, I do not want to wait. She bucks underneath me as I do not relent on the suction and the licks, giving her no quarter. And then pushing more.

She cries out in mere moments as her body clenches in ecstasy, her wetness overflowing. I keep up the stimulation until she falls limp under me, letting out a sigh. Now she is ready.

I give her a light kiss before sitting up and widening her legs with my own, aiming my painfully hard cock at her ready entrance. I have been waiting forever for this moment. Clara's eyes are at half mast as they meet mine.

They widen slightly as I push in, the fit tight. I will make this work.

Starting with a series of shallow thrusts, I slowly make room for myself in Clara as her head tosses from side to side on the pillow, her chest rising and falling with her breaths, her nipples standing out in hard points as her body gives way to my inexorable invasion.

I almost reach my end just from that image alone.

Reaching between us, I find the nub at the top of her cleft and rub it gently until she relaxes around me. Then, with one last thrust, I seat myself fully inside. Her hands come down to cup my backside, her short nails digging into the flesh.

It's exquisite.

Kissing her mouth, the side of her neck, kneading her luscious curves, giving her time to relax and adjust inside her, all the while stimulating her with my fingers too. I do not move until she tells me to.

"Now," she gasps. "Why are you still? Move already!"

"Yes, of course," I say politely.

She laughs but then moans as I slowly pull out. And then push back in, watching her face. She squeezes her eyes shut, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink.

It takes time, but she slowly relaxes enough I can thrust faster and harder than I thought I would be able to when I first pushed in. And I want to thrust fast and hard.

Clara urges me on with her breathy moans and the way she grips my body with her hands and legs, every inch of her tells me she wants more.

And more. Her eyes open as she demands more.

I soon pump into her hard enough that the bed creaks underneath us, my eyes locked with hers. The contact is intimate. But I want to be as intimate as possible. And I only want even more.

I grind against her with every thrust as she approaches climax once again, wanting to wait until she does.

I grit my teeth as my edge approaches fast, my testicles drawing up in preparation. Following my instinct, I nuzzle her shoulder, knowing I need one thing more. I bite down, my fangs piercing the soft, smooth skin.

Clara cries out under me, hands gripping my flanks as she clenches down on my cock, milking me with her rhythmic pulses. I meet my end in a rush. The orgasm overtakes me, tackling my body in a hot wave as I release inside Clara, as deep as I can go.

It goes on longer than I even knew it could.

I moan, hoarse, as I slide my teeth from her shoulder and slide my torso to the side so I am not crushing her, my body weak after that intense release. But she wants me on top of her.

"I am too heavy to be on top of you," I murmur.

"But I want you on top," she insists, smoothing her hands down my back.

It makes her feel safe, content.

"It makes you feel safe?" I ask, pulling myself up onto my elbows so I can see her face.

She frowns at me. "I did not say that."

I frown back. "So it does not make you feel safe?"

"No, it does," she admits as her eyes track down.

I get an image of me, the muscles of my arms and shoulders visible as I hold myself up. A sensation of being full, invaded in a delicious way, comes over me. My cock twitches inside Clara in response.

I wonder...

My heart beats faster as I look into Clara's worried eyes.

"You are... happy?" she asks.

"Can you feel it?" I ask, not able to stop the smile that wants to spread across my face.

Her eyes clear.

"Am I your... Pari?" she asks, hesitating.

Laughing, I cup her face in my hands and kiss her with renewed enthusiasm. Her happiness, her joy combines with mine in a wonderful way. Breaking the kiss, I'm unable to stop grinning.

"Yes. Yes, you are my Pari. And I am yours."

I laugh, unable to contain my elation. Clara grins back and I sense her enjoyment of my utter delight.

I roll us over so she is on top and I can hold her and cradle her.

My Pari.

Mine.

How could I be so fortunate?

"Drevakin?" Clara murmurs, rubbing her face against my chest.

"Hmm?"

It is her turn to prop herself up on her elbows so she can see me.

"Rathorin was not a good match for me."

I frown, not liking the thought of him intruding on this moment.

"No, he was not," I agree, my arms tightening around her.

"But you are." She sighs, kissing my forehead before leaning back to meet my eyes. "I remembered where I heard of House Lo'ara before." She takes a breath and lets it out in a sigh. "I matched with two Princes when I went to Celestial Mates. The Prince of House Ti'ana and... the Prince of House Lo'ara."

I frown. "You matched... with me?"

She nods, her face serious.

"Not only that, you were a better match for me. But Celestial Mates said multiple matches means the Prince from the Major House receives the match."

That is...

My mouth tightens as I absorb what she has just told me.

"I wish I could say it is not possible, but the Major Houses often seem to know no shame," I say, shaking my head.

None of this would be a problem if the Major Houses did not once again attempt to exert control where they should not. Clara nods as she lowers herself back onto my chest.

"You are right," she mutters, snuggling in.

As I lie still, my future held in my arms, I wonder if the Major Houses realize that they are on the verge of creating an untenable situation. We of the Minor Houses have become somewhat accustomed to having less and being treated unfairly. But outright threats to our safety?

And now jeopardizing our possible futures with our Paris? It is a dangerous game they play.

And I do not know how much longer they can play it.