Canes and Scales Page 6

  “We shall assure he is not disturbed.”

  “Thank you. Good night.” I informed the kitchen via the speaking tube to fetch the trolley. A few kitchen lads would appreciate the tasty leftovers. The staff certainly received enough food— well, aside from my hungry urges—but what we received did not compare to the delicious food the guests enjoyed.

  I entered the bedroom. Linden already lounged in the sumptuous bed, paging through the Pistal sonnet book. A small addition aside from his blade rested on his bedside table. My considerate Prince readied us for love.

  “Ah, come cuddle. I am in the mood for Sonnet 14. No matter what, continue reading to the end.”

  What an odd request. Sonnet 14 offered remarkably erotic imagery. I read each word slowly, taking the time to taste the special meaning. At least my father had assured I could read. Mother never excelled at the skill but she loved me to read to her. Lingering sadness drifted over me. I stumbled on a word, swallowed, then resumed my reading. Linden did not question me but his left arm embraced me closer.

  My reading faltered again. This time Linden caused the disturbance by leaning down and slowly licking a chest cane. Soon reading turned challenging. Linden’s rough, warm tongue traced across my canes. Pleasure darted through my flesh. His lips and tongue provided me divine torture, tracing my canes down to my leg before licking back up to nibble my chest.

  Effort slurred my reading. I had been told to read until the end. When did my tongue turn so thick and clumsy? I struggled. Simple words turned into low gasps. I turned the page and saw the final words blurring. Linden’s tongue licked my stiff flesh where no canes dwelled. I barely owned the sense to read the final sentence.

  Hoarse laughter blew against my yearning flesh. “Excellent control, young one.”

  Movement, swift and sudden, pressed me into the feathers. Scarred palms rubbed across my canes, down, until a pillow hiked me into the air. Linden slowly claimed me. I relaxed back and welcomed his skilled exploration. He moved with me, teasing me in wonderful splendor. I relaxed, enjoyed his prowess, waited for the correct second. I gathered my ability. My fingers gripped his straining arms and created instinctive patterns. There, yes, now! I released. Slight pain lanced around my neck. Begone. I knew how far I could push before I killed myself. This Halfling owned no desire to allow his Prince to love a sorry corpse. Time to prove my true magic to Linden.

  When my natural force erupted against his flesh, Linden gasped in amazement. He trembled. His cock claimed me with greater vigor. His knowing smile broke free. One word gasped from his tense lips. “Impressive.”

  Only for my Prince. The lovely moments swam past me. I drifted in sensual bliss, bound only to my Linden’s physical prowess. My fingers continued encouraging his delicious pleasure. His cock moved in knowing delight. Our lips met in glancing passion. Ahh, a sharp pain against my neck told me to cease my magical efforts. The nefarious Catch informed me any further magic insured sudden death. I cried out in final release. My magic faded away before the Catch killed me. Sex and death invigorated me.

  Seconds later Linden collapsed against me. His breathing sounded like he had just finished swimming across a vast ocean. His fingers curled in my hair. Lips roughly traced my face. “You offer me a great gift. You claim not to understand your powers, but I felt that dangerous control.”

  “Consider it a gift for your compassion toward a mere slave.”

  The expected silence followed until he murmured, “I accept the mighty gift even as I scold you for acting too daring.”

  “I might not fully understand my powers but I understand my limits. The Catch demands my understanding.”

  “I understand feeling enchanted.”

  “Then I am happy.” I snuggled closer to my Prince’s sweat damp body. Odd; now his scales felt almost the same as his skin, pliant and warm. Curious, yet mentioning the fact felt unwise. We relaxed, content in the moment.

  Linden’s low words breathed into my ear. “And here you thought to spell me. How foolish.”

  “I wanted you to want me.”

  “No spell urged me to make such a simple decision.” Linden licked my ear, and then he rose to perform his ablutions.

  My heart swelled in my chest.

  I swore I heard Mother laughing in delight.

  Linden

  Deepening

  Mmm. Intense flavor filled my mouth. How savory. I murmured under my breath. “You, young one, are a definite show off. Last week critical old Adolph raved about your surprising vintner’s skills and today I taste a luscious blueberry beyond compare.”

  The smiling Alasdaire shrugged lightly. His fingers stroked a leaf. “Here I listen to the plants. These plants tell me they need a precise amount of sun, food and water, so I make sure they receive the correct light. Like I said, the grapes, although plucked from the vine, boast their sun-warmed charms. I hear their call and mix accordingly.”

  Another blueberry entered my mouth. “Delicious. I have enjoyed them for breakfast, but I swear they taste even finer out here plucked from the plant.” I leaned down and kissed his smiling lips. “Equally delicious.”

  “Take care, my Prince.”

  “I’d rather take you.”

  Soft laughter teased me. “How fine, although this is a slightly public area. Come, I know somewhere remote and secure.”

  I cocked my head in curiosity. “Lead on, Alasdaire”

  I followed my Elf away from the tidy greenhouses. What a splendid day. The sun graced us, riding high and proud above the flowering fields surrounding the greenhouses. The nearby fields supplied the smell of fresh-cut hay, the scent heady and lush. Even the bees busy in the flowers appeared light and cheerful. Such a clean day told me grace and goodness still controlled my land. My insane brother did not corrupt everything. Silly thoughts, yes, but they encouraged me to smile. Watching my graceful Elf walk before me also pulled my mood toward lightness. The Elven part of Alasdaire enchanted me, so I now regarded him as my Elf. My choice rejected his Father’s cruel taint.

  A narrow path entered the forest’s shadowy edges, and then the trail met a swift stream. The path descended along a jagged rock face until the stone formed steps alongside a lively waterfall. I did not recognize this pretty area. Did my elemental Elf transform the actual landscape for us? Tall cypress trees and elder hemlocks stood in brooding triumph, while their branches shaded emerald ferns and a profusion of dainty blue blossoms. What a special place, almost cavernous in its dim coolness. A worn marble bench perched alongside the small pool created by the tumbling waterfall. Time for me to rest my bones.

  My Elf stared into the erect branches. He cried out in amazement. “Linden, there, see? The red flash and yellow wings? How rare to see a Loresa Jay this far South. It’s so noble. Look at the incredible tail feathers. See, they match my arm’s length. Linden?” Alasdaire turned from pointing into the verdant greenery. Sarcasm flowed free. “Hmph, I see you do not care to view the rare sight.”

  “I do care, but you have dragged me hither and yon across the estate’s bounty. I feel ready to try my hand at plowing. Imagine a Prince picking cherries! This old man needs a rest.” I peered into the trees. The yellow flash guided me. “Yes, it is a majestic beast.”

  “Old man.” Alasdaire sat beside me and kissed my cheek. “I don’t believe an old man made me scream in pleasure last night.”

  “Then I feel properly hurt since surely you cheated on me by sneaking into another’s bed.” I frowned in high insult. “Is this the case, young one?”

  Alasdaire stared into the dappled branches. His pointer finger stroked his cheek cane. “Hmm, let me think. My, perhaps I left the suite and strayed into young Sir Halbert’s room. Last night he flirted shamelessly with me.”

  “Indeed he did, the bold pup.”

  “Since I am a mere bed slave, the dashing young Sir feels he owns the right to....”

  My fierce kiss ended Alasdaire’s mocking words. “Since I am older and mightier in rank I own the ri
ght to order him away from you.”

  “So you wish to act the royal bully. How cliché.”

  “You certainly wish to act insolent toward me.” I kissed him again. “And I hope you continue acting so impertinent toward me. I swear your sass revitalizes me.”

  “I swear something in the summer air affects your regal mind. You arrived here as a troubled, war-weary Prince and now you let this lowly slave tease you. You are lucky I am discreet or the entire manor might realize what a tender, kind man lurks under the legendary warrior exterior. Imagine, no one will fear you or respect you.”

  “How true. Keep my secret safe, eh?” We both laughed. The flashily-plumaged jay swooped low enough for me to see its entire length. “There, you see, I commanded the jay to come closer so I could enjoy the sight. How’s that for royal power?”

  “I tremble in awe of your royal bird-summoning skill. You could almost be part Elf.”

  “I am not beautiful enough for the honor.”

  “Nonsense.” Alasdaire kissed me hard enough to click our teeth together. His lips nuzzled over my face until he shifted away to stretch out on my lap. He rolled his shoulders and pressed his back into my chest. My arms embraced him close. Mmm, his ear tasted sweet. “Sweet Linden, let’s stay here forever. Command the jay to fetch us food and drink. Order the forest animals to bring silks and drapery for a tent, yes, bring pillows for our bed. The animals can guard us and keep the prying nobles at bay. Make it happen for us. Create your own kingdom right here so we can escape the world.”

  What a fanciful notion. My face pressed into the black mass threatening to suffocate me. I breathed in spices and Alasdaire’s mysterious scent. Alasdaire’s shoulders nuzzled into my chest like a kitten finding a favorite spot to rest. Our fingers touched, teased, and then wove into a lazy knot. “I, the powerful Prince Linden, declare this sacred land to be Alasdairean. The fox we saw earlier is our clever protector keeping others at bay. We will live here until time decides we bore it so it leaves us in peace.”

  “Perfect. Let time ignore us. Time is my enemy since soon it takes you away from me.” Smooth fingers tightened against my roughness.

  “Nothing urges me away from here. I can’t remember the last time I felt so content and relaxed. And although I call myself old I swear loving you urges life into my body. I want to remain and love you forever.”

  “Then I feel pleased. Stay here forever and I shall feel glory.” Alasdaire twisted to nibble at my lips. Our chests pressed close. I massaged his shoulders until we indulged in slow, sweet kisses. What happened between us? Yes, this bold creature tried spelling me into desire, but I fell into the condition without his effort. The past three weeks told me I needed him in a deep, nurturing manner. No clear understanding answered the why of my tangled emotion. I accepted. I accepted without reservation. Did my years of studying other races open me to this profound sensation?

  Perhaps.

  Only the trees, birds, and perhaps the wary fox watched as we relaxed on the bench. I felt content to let my fingers explore Alasdaire’s hair. “Ah, tonight is the grand music recital featuring the automaton band. It’s quite a novel sight, yet creepy in a way. There’s something odd about watching a tangle of gears and wires formed into human shapes playing music which requires a soul. Still, I suppose any musical instrument is a machine for a task, eh? It is a fascinating spectacle. My cousin certainly enjoys sparing no expense for his guests.

  My Elf’s body stiffened against mine. “It sounds intriguing, although I will not be able to see the performance.”

  I sputtered in surprise. “Why not? You will accompany me, so do you plan to shut your eyes all evening long?”

  A slight smile answered my query. “Remember, tonight’s festivities attract a sizable crowd. Local nobles who do not usually consume Lord Keith’s generosity will attend the unusual recital. Anders already took great delight in informing me I must stay in my room or in your suite, that is if you allow me to remain there alone. The old prig acts like I plan to set deadly traps for you the second you leave the chamber. I cannot attend tonight’s festivities.”

  My fingers tipped up Alasdaire’s chin and gently tapped his dark skin. “Wait, let me think here. I am a Prince of the realm and Anders is head butler at my cousin’s country manor. Who commands higher rank?”

  A rueful smile appeared. “Sour Anders knows the answer. Part of the agreement my Father made with Lord Keith included that he never see me again. In truth I do not want to see him again. I shall miss your company, but it suits me not to see that cruel monster.”

  The thought of being ordered about by a butler and arrogant Leo prickled my pride. “Let’s review the social situation. Leo flaunts his superior rank, so he will expect to sit far forward in the ballroom as fits his status. One of my guards will secure two seats for us at the back left side, so you can see the display. Jenkins will escort you to and from the suite. Agreed?”

  My thoughtful Alasdaire rubbed his chin against my fingers. A yearning little sigh signaled acceptance. “I do fancy seeing the automatons. They sound intriguing. All right, you clever man, I agree to be smuggled in and out like contraband.”

  “Grand.” I licked Alasdaire’s warm nose. “Now shall we resume making time forget about our existence?” I leaned back and shut my eyes. Alasdaire relaxed against me. The pine-tinged breeze teased his hair against my lips. My hands roamed up and down his back, indulging in massages and pets. Despite the marble’s hard surface under me, I felt marvelously tranquil.

  Faint laughter drifted to us. I moaned in dismay. “Powers on High, they’ve discovered our hideaway. The fox failed in chasing them away.”

  Alasdaire sat up and shook back his hair. I swung my legs to the ground, adjusted my wrinkled vest and stared to my right. Six laughing nobles picked their way down the stone stairs. The casually-clad young ladies pretended to experience difficulty with the stairs, much to the delight of their helpful swains. I vaguely recognized the smiling young faces but no names came to mind. I started to rise. “Quick, let’s travel deeper into the forest so we…”

  A solemn headshake answered me. “No. Do you see that elder pine twisted from a lighting strike? My freedom ends there. If I walk past this bench the Catch warns me. I make sure I know my limits. It’s why I come here. I challenge my death.”

  Profound sadness hoarsened my voice. I sank back to the marble. “Then let them pass.”

  I endured the surprised greetings showered on me by the group. I also endured the appraising glances cast over the mere slave sitting alongside me. One unwise noble almost sneered in contempt, until my royal glare defeated his disrespect. The party moved along, finally leaving us alone. But the spell had been disrupted. Time turned toward us and tapped the earth into motion.

  My fingers massaged Alasdaire’s shoulders. “Time for lunch. Shall we eat in the suite?”

  “I cannot think of a finer place to be, my dear Prince.”

  The automaton tuner fussed with his stoic quintet. During the final rehearsal, his gear-laden violinist sounded out of tune, much to the merriment of the far-into-their drink-nobles. How could a construct of gears and metal hit sour notes? I knew metal rolls scored with notes ran the music, so how did it fail? My curiosity forced me to watch the tuning process at close range. Ah, certain delicate gears shifted from their required position. Master Luntra spent time explaining how the system worked. Fascinating. I retreated from my examination and let the man perform his technical magic.

  I saw Leo already seated with bottle at hand on the ballroom’s far right. There was no need to engage him in conversation; in fact, during the boisterous buffet dinner, we deliberately avoided each other. Rumors regarding my kind treatment of his son probably reached his ear. My old lover looked terrible. Age had not refrained from carving his florid face with crevasses and lines. Bitterness ruled his demeanor. Sad. His far younger wife sat chatting with brightly clad women. I pitied her.

  Tonight the noble crowd staged quite a fashion
show. Younger women wore the scandalous new corset-inspired bodices, the material snug and designed to display their breasts in an outrageous fashion. The dominant style among the young dandies embraced pseudo-military garb festooned with buttons and snaps. All quite amusing. My nod to current fashion included my tall leather boots and black leather and cotton vest. I felt quite dapper.

  Jenkins and Colm stood by two end seats and a small table three back from the supposedly prestigious tables. Certain nobles granted my muscular guards a fair amount of attention. My guards looked fashionable due to their function.

  The beleaguered Master Luntra finally clapped his hands. A bell chimed. “My good ladies and gentlemen, the performance will begin in five minutes. Thank you for your patience.”

  I raised my glass to my guards. Jenkins inclined his head. Colm adopted a more aggressive position in protecting my oasis. I wanted Alasdaire to enjoy the performance so I decided to move him up in the pecking order. The thought of my splendid Elf sitting above other preening nobles suited my mood.