Chapter Twenty-One
AN: THANK YOU again for sticking with me! Yes, Skeletor admitted his feelings and proposed. I think he's been lonely for a long time and has, subconsciously, already knew his true intent toward Ella. But being male, and standoffish, he didnt want to admit anything until he had confirmation his feelings would be reciprocated.
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"It is an outrage! A disgrace!" Ella fumed, pacing the room. Her tiny fists clenched at her side. Though she wore a dark blue gown, Skeletor could swear she burned hotter than a coal.
Skeletor stood motionless, arms crossed, watching his future wife on her rant. He had arrived only moments ago and instantly she started raging about injustice. He had yet to learn the exact reason why she was so riled up. He knew it would come to light eventually. He just has to be patient.
"Only a filthy, lowly beast!" Ella spat, whirling and marching back the direction she'd come. "No, not beast. That would be insulting to animals! Even a slime worm would be insulted!"
Skeletor inwardly smirked. Oh, she was beautiful when she was riled up. All that fire. That passion. It made him painfully hard. Rosiness brightened her cheeks and chest. He wondered if all of her was flushed so prettily.
A snap of his fingers and Ella's gown disappeared, leaving her naked and exposed.
Which was the wrong thing to do.
Ella spun, face burning red, her hair a halo of flame. "I come to you about rape and you believe I wish to be bedded?"
Had she still been considered a lowly slave, Skeletor may have corrected her backtalk. He paused, processing her words. "What? Someone touched you?"
"Have you not been listening?" Ella asked, her voice rising hysterically.
"Woman, I have not understood your meaning since I arrived," Skeletor said, moving toward his bride to be and capturing her by the shoulders. "Now, calm yourself and speak plainly."
Ella took a deep breath, willing her anger to subside. It was difficult but after a moment, she spoke. "Trap Jaw was giving me a tour of the castle. He heard a noise coming from Beast Man's room. He broke in and found the blonde slave girl you had sent to the Whip Master for calling me a whore. She was naked. Bruised. Bleeding. Shackled to the floor in Beast Man's room. Trap Jaw freed her and took her to the healer."
Ella waited a minute for his reply, but when none was forthcoming, she asked, "Does this news not disturb you? That this...this... savagery could happen under your protection?"
Skeletor gave a partial shrug. "Beast Man has claimed many slaves in similar fashion. Such a thing is below my notice."
Ella froze, staring unblinking into the face of her future husband. Could he really be so callous? Could he not see the terrible travesty that had been performed under his roof? Could he not see the dishonor in such action?
Skeletor could sense Ella grow distant. She remained stock still, but he could see her retreating, emotionally and mentally. Hoping to understand her attitude, he pressed, "Beast Man has always claimed slaves in such a manner. It's not like females would lie with him willingly."
Ella flinched as if slapped. "And that makes it acceptable?"
"What Beast Man does in his spare time is not my concern." Skeletor mentally frowned. Why was Ella so distraught over the slave who had called her a whore? A slave who had considered him vile and disgusting? Surely Ella wouldn't defend the other woman's honor?
"What goes on in your castle should concern you." Ella said, wiggling free of Skeletor's hold. She stepped back to put distance between them. "Those who dwell within these walls look to you for safety. Protection! If you allow that animal to have his way with any woman, your assurance of safety means nothing!"
It was Skeletor's turn to wince. He never really cared what his hulking minion got up to. But Ella had a point. He promised protection within his walls. And though Beast Man would never find a woman to willingly lie with him, he had violated a sacred trust. Albeit a very thin trust in Skeletor's opinion.
"Everyone relies upon you to keep them safe. What kind of message is sent when one of your most trusted men forces himself on a woman?" Ella bit back tears, wanting to remain strong in her stance. She could only imagine the torment the poor woman endured at the hands of the resident brute.
"Hardly one of my most trusted," Skeletor quipped, but his humor died instantly. He did not like seeing Ella so distraught.
"There was so much blood." Ella whispered, her eyes going distant. "To be shackled and robbed of one's virginity in such a manner... it is a horror I could not survive. I would rather take my life than allow such a thing."
Skeletor's arms immediately banded around her, holding her to his chest in a protective embrace. "You would do no such thing."
Ella's expression was tortured when she gazed up into her future husband's face. Her voice was meek, cracked with emotion. "What if he had found me, alone and defenseless?"
"He would have known not to touch you," Skeletor said, lifting her arm that still bore his name. "You are mine and mine alone."
"Such claim did not stop Evil-Lyn," Ella answered. Her throat was constricted with fear over what might have been.
The very thought of Beast Man even touching Ella made Skeletor burn with indignation. "I will have word with Beast Man about his actions."
"Word?" Ella repeated. "He should be castrated for forcing himself upon a woman."
"I will remind him that now all those within these walls are under my protection and therefore, he must find another way to slake his lust."
Ella trembled, her memories haunting her once again. "The blood... that poor thing."
"Put it from your mind." Skeletor said, rubbing a soothing hand along Ella's spine. He hated seeing her so distressed.
"I can't," Ella whispered. Tears flowed fast, dripping onto her naked breasts. "What if it had been me?"
"It wouldn't have." Skeletor ignored his desire to calm Ella's distraught emotions. His libido certainly cooled upon thinking of Beast Man taking Ella against her will. Now that his brain had a moment to process Ella's argument, he could understand the reasoning behind her rage. He was definitely going to have word with Beast Man.
Ella absently touched her stomach, her vision distant. "What if we had a daughter?" Her eyes cleared, focusing upon Skeletor's face. "Would he force himself upon her too?"
Skeletor visibly stiffened. In a flash he was in motion, striding toward the door. He left without word.
Ella wrapped her arms around herself, shivering from the chill. Skeletor had forgotten to provide her with clothing before he left. Feeling filthy, Ella entered the bath, allowing the hot water to ease her spirit and mind. Her master would deal with the brute. She could only hope and pray he would never touch her in such a way.
The bath worked wonders on Ella. She wasn't sure when she nodded off, but instantly jolted awake from where her head rested on the edge when Skeletor's fingers touched her cheek.
"My Lord?" Ella asked, excited and intimidated by having her master braced over her, his knuckles caressing her tenderly. He stood over her, looming large and formidable, the water swirling low on his hips. Ella was suitably entranced, her heart fluttering from attraction and a hint of fear. By the Elders he was strong. Powerful. Dangerous. And oh so wonderfully masculine.
"I must ask for your forgiveness. Once again my ignorance and disinterest has caused suffering." Skeletor muttered. "I had not realized the severity of Beast Man's actions."
Ella captured his hand in both of hers, her eyes questioning.
"I spoke with the healer and was able to place her in an enchanted sleep that will help heal most of her external wounds," Skeletor said softly. The bruises upon the young woman's pale skin had turned his stomach. Though he may dabble with dark magic from time to time, he would never stoop so low as to force himself upon a woman. That was a level of evil even he wouldn't go. "Though there will be nothing I can do to repair her mind. I have ordered her under constant supervision until the healer can release her."
Ella let out a sigh of relief. She kissed his palms in gratitude. "Your compassion is most welcome." She nuzzled his hand, gazing adoringly into his face. "Thank you for helping her. I can not imagine what she has endured, nor the suffering that will haunt her in the coming weeks."
Skeletor sat down beside of Ella and pulled her into his lap. His arms encircled her as she laid her head on his shoulder. "I could not fathom the horror if it was you who was so ravished. Nor imagine a daughter violated. But rest assured, I have made sure this will not happen again. You have my solemn promise."
Ella lifted her head from her master's shoulder. "You had him castrated?"
Skeletor snorted. "No, but rest assure that will be the next punishment if he disobeys my orders again. I had him sent to the Whip Master and have assured all those who dwell within these walls that such things will not be tolerated. The punishment will be quite severe."
Ella threw her arms around her master's neck and cried. There was a small part of her that chastised the leniency, but for the most part, she knew her master had taken a huge step into protecting the women that lived within his walls. It was a victory. A triumph. And Ella couldn't stop crying in happiness and relief.
Skeletor rubbed Ella's back in comfort, allowing her to release all her grief. Elders knew she had much on her mind. Minutes turned into an hour. Ella's cries subsided into faint hiccups. She reveled in the feel of being held so secure, so tenderly. It made her fall all the more for the man who had stolen her heart.
Emotions back under control and feeling elated that no other would succumb to Beast Man's sexual urges, she got off her master's lap and walked to the opposite side of the bathing pool to grab his favorite soap and a cloth. When she approached, Skeletor held up a hand.
"You no longer perform such menial tasks."
Ella smiled, loading up the cloth and touching it to his shoulder. "I enjoy bathing my future husband."
"Far be it from me to deny you happiness." Skeletor smirked and reclined, allowing Ella to soap him up. Though he didn't expect her to fulfill her servant duties any longer, he did revel in the attention. It wasn't long until her nimble fingers found his sex and began stroking him into hardness.
"Does my king require assistance?" Ella asked huskily.
"He requires his queen," Skeletor responded just as hoarsely.
Ella climbed onto Skeletor's lap. Grasping his erection in one hand, she lined up their bodies and sank onto the rock hard flesh. Her eyes fluttered in pleasure as he bumped the entrance to her womb.
Slowly they moved as one. Ella rose and fell, riding her master with increasing fervor. Every inch made her quake. Her thighs quivered as she raced to her peak. A panting cry and the first burst of euphoria crested and crashed.
Skeletor's fingers dug into Ella's hips as he slammed into her with all the force and desperation of a storm. Her inner walls massaged him with a firm grip. With a strangle shout he thrust hard and deep, swelling and exploding within her.
Ella screamed in pleasure, shuddering hard as the powerful jets painted her womb. Boneless she laid on her future husband, basking in their shared afterglow. After a moment, she placed a tender kiss to his throat. "My love?"
"Yes, my dear?" Skeletor caressed her thighs lovingly, hoping to stay in the moment forever.
"May I be so bold as to request a wardrobe?" Ella asked, rising so she could look him in the face.
Skeletor cupped her breasts and pinched her nipples, causing her to gasp and clench around him. Oh! He liked that! Information filed away for later use, he continued to massage her breasts. "And why would I do such a thing?" He gave her nipples another tweak, earning a hearty squeeze on his flaccid member that was still sheltered inside her. "When I prefer to see you naked?"
Ella moaned, covering his hands with her own. "Because when you left earlier, you had already removed my gown. I was cold and had nothing to wear."
Skeletor made a thoughtful noise while he kneaded the small mounds in his palms. They grew heavy and full with his attention. He didn't like the idea of Ella being cold because of his own shortsightedness. She would need clothing for when they attended their official duties as rulers of the kingdom, but he was reluctant to concede to a wardrobe. He enjoyed dressing her every day. The joy and delight she showed never failed to inflate his ego. He loved spoiling her so. If she had her own wardrobe, he would miss the pleasure of her surprise and adulation when adorned with finery.
A suitable compromise presented itself.
"I will concede to a wardrobe under one stipulation." He said, pausing in his ministrations to ensure he had her full attention. Her eyes were half lidded and clouded with lust, but he held all her focus. "As you enjoying bathing me, I enjoy dressing you. In the mornings, you will allow me to dress you as I see fit. If I am called away, then you may chose something on your own."
Ella had loved every gown her master had conjured for her since her arrival. Agreeing to his terms was easy. She gave a single nod in acceptance.
A knock came at the door.
Skeletor sighed, hoping it wasn't an emergency and he would have to leave the bath. "Enter."
The serving maid entered the room. She noticed the couple in the pool but didn't offer an expression. She placed the food on the dining table and took her exit.
"It appears as if time has slipped away from us." Skeletor released Ella's breasts. They bounced a little as he shifted beneath her. "We should eat, for I desire to take you again before you become befuddled with thoughts of clothing."
Ella blushed, biting her lower lip. She winced when he pulled out and together they exited the bath. A snap of his fingers and both were dry and wrapped in matching rich dark purple robes.
Dishes prepared, they talked in easy conversation. Skeletor reported his treasury had received a princely sum from a nearby noble, who was in desperate need of magical intervention. Skeletor had honored the bargain earlier than afternoon and had returned to Snake Mountain to celebrate his achievement when he found Ella in such distress.
"Have you given any thought to our wedding?" Skeletor asked. He had finished eating and was reclined in his chair.
Ella swallowed her last bite, guilt creasing her features. "I am sorry, my love, but my thoughts have been preoccupied."
Skeletor figured as much. Ella was a kind, gentle soul. Having to witness someone brutally assaulted would weigh heavily on her mind. His heart beat hard in his chest upon hearing her words of endearment. For so long he had hoped to hear such things. But being robbed of his identity and being the most feared sorcerer in Eternia, he had resigned himself to the fact he would be forever alone.
But now, he wasn't. He found someone to see past the scarring. Ignore the rumors, most of which were not true. Someone to care for him and give herself wholly to him.
"What ever you desire, it shall be done," Skeletor said, so captured by this unassuming woman, he would move the moon and the stars to make her happy.
"What would you like?" Ella turned the question back onto Skeletor. "It will be your wedding as well."
Skeletor offered a partial shrug. "As long as you are there to bind yourself to me, I do not care for the venue or witnesses."
"So you would not be disappointed if I want only a small ceremony?" Ella asked. She wasn't looking forward to a long preparation and the hassle of guest lists, food, and seating arrangements. "I don't need a fancy dress or a million flowers or be surrounded by everyone from the village." She grasped his hand, giving it a squeeze. "I only need you."
"Is there a day or a time you would prefer this or shall we make it official now?" Skeletor asked. In truth, he wanted a simple affair too, though he somehow didn't think it would be fair to Ella.
The rumor was that brides did the planning and preparation for their big day. It was a ritual of sorts. Everything had to be perfect according to their mental picture or the day would be ruined.
Ella considered for a moment. She was due to begin bleeding again soon and she didn't want to ruin her honeymoon with cramps and stained sheets. Spring was also fast approaching. Her first wedding was in the fall, with faded leaves and a bite of winter. She didn't want her second marriage to be as brittle.
"Would three weeks be acceptable?" She asked, hoping for amicable weather. The days were already growing longer and the sun brighter. Snake Mountain was further south than her previous home, where the snows would still be deep and troublesome. Ella decided she preferred the southern clime.
"Three weeks it is," Skeletor said with a nod. There was a knock at the door. "Enter."
The elderly maid shuffled inside, bowing graciously to the lord and master of Snake Mountain. She collected the dishes and left, the door swinging shut behind her.
Skeletor rose and held out his hand. Ella took it daintily, her smile coy. He lead her to the bed, where he slipped her robe from her shoulders. "There is one thing I do request of the ceremony."
"Oh, my love?" Ella asked, returning the favor of removing his robe. His erection sprang free, bobbing between them. She took it in hand, giving the wide head a squeeze.
Skeletor groaned, rewarding her efforts with thick pearly drops. "I wish to marry you before all in the kingdom. I want the world to know the love and beauty I have at my side. I want every eye in the kingdom on you when I place my ring upon your finger and crown upon your head. You will be claimed for all the world to see."
Ella wanted to cry at his sentiment but she dared not. It wasn't often someone spouted such declarations. Especially someone like the Lord of Snake Mountain. She didn't want to ruin the moment or put him off of speaking such things again.
And if she was honest with herself, the idea of marrying him in front of an audience did appeal to her. She also wanted the world to witness her vows as she bound herself to the man she loved.
"Enough talk." Deftly Skeletor swept her off her feet and tossed her onto the bed.
Ella squealed and giggled, bouncing on the plush surface. She marveled at her future husband. His poise, as a king and as a man. His strength, physical and magical. And the wonderfully thick and hard thing that had claimed her body the moment it opened her up to a world of pleasure and was once again ready to plunder her depths.
Trying to appear as sultry as she felt, Ella opened her legs. Seduction was never her strong suit. Jacel never paid attention to her attempts to lure him into bed and the few times he had taken her, he had been fast and unemotional. Whereas Skeletor lacked facial features, he had been far more emotional, attentive to her needs to achieve a more fulfilling climax.
That was another thing that differed. Jacel had never given her an orgasm. She had craved such a thing for all of her short married life but always she was left unsatisfied and frustrated.
Not any longer.
Hoping to give her lover a good show, she parted the moist petals, exposing the hardened nub that throbbed in time with her heart beat. Her fingers circled her entrance already slick with arousal.
Skeletor took a deep inhale, the powerful scent of her musk making him harder. With a growl he pounced on Ella, earning a laugh that turned into a throaty moan. He didn't stop until she came undone.
Four times, by his smug reckoning.