Warrior’s Bride (PT 2)
“Is this your princess?” His question was asked softly, the women nodding as one, an almost humorous light coming to his eyes as he grabbed the kneeling woman by the arm and hoisted her none-too-gently to her feet. The others cried out, some screaming softly in shock, all looking terrified as he pulled a knife from a scabbard holding it to her throat, her eyes closing as she remained still, her whole body frozen in fear. “Now I ask you again… And if I do not get the right answer I will slit her throat and then work my way through you all… Is this woman your princess?”, his hand moving closer to her skin.
Carefully he watched the women react. One stiffened as other hands grasped her, holding her back, a smile rising to his lips as he released the woman in his hold. Moving forward he grabbed the other pulling her against himself, holding the knife to her throat instead. Instantly the maidens and the woman passing herself off as Tialla fell to their knees, begging for her release, Cadell once more sheathing the knife as he held the true princess firmly in his hold.
Looking at his men he indicated that they remove the rest. “Keep them under guard at all times.” The women quickly rounded up and pushed from the throne room as Tialla stood motionless. Once alone he released her and grasped the head dress pulling it free from her.
She was stunning, Cadell feeling the way his body stirred with desire, a smile on his lips. Her eyes held his, those aqua eyes – a colour he had never before seen – full of hatred and anger. “On your knees before your Master, Tialla of Leando”, he spoke softly, the anger in her expressive eyes blazing even brighter.
Tialla stood even taller, her body proudly stiff as she bit out haughtily, “Never. I will never kneel before a monster like you.” She expected his anger, but was surprised as he chuckled softly, dropping onto her throne, his eyes lazily trailing over her.
“Now that is the kind of attitude I would expect from a ruler”, his eyes laughing at her. “Next time you try and pass one of your maidens off as yourself, ensure that she has the right arrogance.”
She glared down at the man before her, every fibre in her being wanting to pull him from her throne, knowing only too well that she would never be able to move him. “You attacked my province with no warning or reason Cadell of Karok, explain yourself… What do you plan on doing to my people?”
His look became harder, one eyebrow raised in surprise at her defiance. “You should be more concerned with yourself Tialla”, his drawl soft and almost bored, his eyes fixed on her.
“I care little for myself Cadell, only for my people. So I ask again what are your plans? We are not without friends and they will not take well to your unprovoked attack.”
His lips curled into an arrogant smile. “I think not. If there is one thing I have learnt, it is that when you fall, you fall alone, and while I have you, your people will do as I tell them.” Rising, his eyes slid down her once more. “I am sure that I can find some position for you to fulfil in my household… Or bed”, his look openly admiring her as she gasped, shock filling her features, Cadell enjoying her discomfort. Turning, he made to lift the jug of water which had been delivered earlier, taken unaware at the speed in which she moved, grabbing one of the many knives he wore, holding the weapon before her as he flipped back round to face her.
“Drop it.” His tone demanded her instant obedience, Tialla shaking her head determinedly, anger crossing the darkest eyes she had ever seen in a man. “Do not anger me Tialla”, his voice bit out as she glared back at him.
“I will not allow you to hurt my people”, her voice determined as she sprang forward, the knife in her hand pushed towards him, Cadell realising her intent as he moved quickly, his hand grabbing hers, halting her hand his large one wrapped painfully around her wrist before flipping her around and hauling her hard against himself, his arms wrapped around her waist and chest, her bottom against his groin. He quickly plucked the knife from her fingers, returning it to the scabbard it came from holding her firmly as she struggled to release herself. “Put me down… How dare you touch me!”, she cried in outrage as her feet kicked out at his shin, he not making a sound as she squealed, the hard boot painful against her foot.
Finally she stilled, her chest rising and falling as she fought for breath, her body limp in his hold, his voice flint-hard. “Do not EVER do that again. Your life is no longer your own. It is mine. Understand that. And if you decide to ever pull a stunt like that again it will be your people who will pay the price. I will kill one hundred of them while you watch… Do you understand?”
With a defeated groan she nodded, helplessness filling her. “Let me go”, this time her voice softer as he continued to hold her tight to him. She felt as his head dropped to her throat, his nose sliding down the long milky delicate column, Tialla struggling to free herself once more as his hands held her firmly, his breath fanning the hairs in her ear as she shivered, his tone sensual.
“Oh yes. I definitely think your place will be in my bed. You have fire… I like that.”
Her eyes closed as a shudder moved through her body, her distaste for the man so obvious. “You will find me unresponsive Cadell”, surprised to once more hear his amused chuckle.
“Somehow I do not think a woman like you could ever be unresponsive Tialla.”
{Next installment 11th November}
