FOREVER KNIGHTS: #16 To Keep Her

Wilhelm Castle, Dread Country

MARDICHI

Mardichi returned to Dread Castle. Eager to get back to Zuriena.

Has she missed me? But finding her within the walls, he was not met with the happy greeting he’d hoped to.

He remembered all those evenings he’d gone out hunting and returned with deer or driters, to bubbling stew over a fire. Warming the whole of the cottage scenting it with spices from her herb garden.

Revealing gowns draping her taut figure.

The memories churned his insides. Making his body harden in response to visions of her turning from the fire, time and time again. Always glinting over the dainty gold circlet winding her crown. Accompanying low cut gowns in purples or deep greens the shade of her eyes. Laced loosely down the front to reveal deep cleavage and a tiny pert belly button. Delicate shoulders exposed since she knew he favored them.

He’d stomp off his boots and cross the cottage to drop warm kisses along her neck and over the crest of those beautiful shoulders.

Making her giggle softly as her head dropped back. “Hello wife.”

She was as irresistible to me as a meal to one starved. He’d hungered for her every moment. When other women approached them he was nearly brutal in his rejections. Quick to point out his broad circlet. Elaborating it was a Paladine one, in-case any confusion still remained.

I was always faithful to her.

And he believed she’d been faithful to him. Until she left me.

He recalled those glimpses into Brotus’ mind. Felt his contempt for her. How he fought the desire to take her roughly to pretend kindness.

He’s evil. Mardichi thought.

He rounded a corridor and spotted her burnished hair glistening in the lights of the torches. Framing a face deeply lost in thought. Dark lashes brushing her cheeks as she watched her step.

Hearing his boots she glanced up and her gorgeous eyes widened at the sight of him. She slowed and took a step backward. Turning to head down the corridor.

“Ye’re not escaping me, Wife. I’ll follow you through every chamber of this blasted castle!”

“I’ve no desire to speak to ye.”

“You’re lying.”

“I am not.” She tossed over her shoulder.

“You’re talking like me.” A sure sign she’s lying.

“Stop running from me.” He sped up his step. “Slow down.”

“No!”

“Act like a mature woman rather then some wee girl running from a villain.”

“Ye are a villain. Of the first water!”

“You don’t think that.” He retorted.

“Zuriena!”

“No.” She reached her chamber and swung the door closed.

He stopped it with his palm. Striding in as it ricocheted against the wall. “Woman!” He warned.

She backed up. Shaking her head. Eyes tightly closed as she tried not to look at him. “I will not talk to you.” She tightened her lips as she backed from him.

He followed her retreating step. Backing her up until her rear hit the edge of the giant bed. Covered in a gold brocade coverlet.

Without stopping he caught her under the arms and tossed her up on the bed which was level with his thighs.

Tossing up her skirts he caught her bare thighs and drug her to the edge of the bed, parallel his hips.

Gasping her eyes shot open as she felt his body make contact with hers. “Don’t you dare!”

“Ah. Now ye wish to talk to me do ye?” He grinned down at her. Tilting his head to the side. Expression triumphant. “And blessed be, ye look at me as well!”

“Do. Not.” She enunciated.

“Do? Or not?” He lifted a brow.

“Don’t.”

“What? Resist the desires to feel my wife?”

“I’m not your wife. I don’t wear the circlet.” She gestured upward.

His eyes narrowed and fury curled his lip. He glanced to the side and caught sight of it on the expansive dressing stand. Next to a pretty blue jewelry box.

“Who gave you that?” He demanded.

“The king.” She retorted.

“Taking gifts from the king now, are ye?” His voice rose.

“Would you rather I refused to accept them and insult him?”

“Aye.”