Barda did the sensible thing and walked away when they didn't seem to be stopping. Or even slowing down.
Jasmine's lips felt so right, her tongue so moist. Inwardly he laughed at that. Usually he was the one who deepened their kisses. With her scantly clad body pressed closely against his, Lief knew he wouldn't be able to control himself. So he had to stop himself, stop them; before it went too far and they both regretted it in the morning. So he pushed her away, gently at first; then harder when she failed to respond.
"Lief what's wrong? Did I do something wrong? Isn't this what you want?" There was a new fragility in her voice and Lief knew he had to choose his words carefully.
"Jasmine it's not you." Not a good start. "Hell, its not me either." Easy, or you'll alienate her.
"I want nothing more then to do this, to express my love for you, but we aren't even engaged!"
Jasmine interrupted. "So it is… no sex before marriage?"
Lief snorted. "Hardly. I never paid attention to those old rules anyway. There is no rule, but it's what I am Jasmine. A king; King friggen Lief! I may not like it, but I can't risk getting you pregnant before we're engaged. It would cause, insecurity, made even worse because presently your father rules for me. I'm refusing you not as Lief the person, but Lief the king." Lief looked at her, begging her to understand. She'd never understood or dealt with politics, but they had never concerned her before. Never told her she couldn't do something she wanted. Lief sighed. 'Welcome to my world,' He thought dryly.
Finally Jasmine spoke. "How long Lief? How long must I wait for us to truly be together? Must I wait until my hair turns grey and my hands shrivel? All just for approval! Where is my Lief, the Lief that fought through dangers and only cared about himself and his two friends? He acted on feelings, not his precious crown."
Lief held up his hand. "Six months, a year. Once I get a hang of how to run the populace we can have a true life together. No more kissing when nobodies looking, no more sleeping in separate beds." Lief blushed when he thought about it but he knew it was true.
"And the politics? The approval?"
"Will be taken care of by the time. Jasmine I… you don't need words for my feelings. But I'm a king and the politics come with it." He stood up tall and proud and looked into her eyes. "It's all I can do to keep us together and avoid an uprising that the Shadowlord is waiting for. We have to stay together." There was nothing more to be said. He looked and her longingly, imagining what it would feel like to have those creamy legs wrapped around him. He shook himself, 'Time to dream later.'
Jasmine finally sighed, looking defeated. "I guess you're right Lief." She walked away slowly, back towards Lief. He let her go and turned as Barda came up behind him.
"What the hells up with her? She never backs down. N.E.V.E.R!"
Lief agreed. "She must be planning something."
Barda grinned. "Lief and Jasmine sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G!" Barda grasped his knees he was laughing so hard and it wasn't about the joke. It was Lief's expression and life in general. To think that the man who would soon lead a people was having woman problems! Barda's laughter finally died down. "Seriously, watch that girl Lief. She's either going to kill you or give you some bondage."
Lief blinked, "Bondage?" Did he mean Jasmine was going to tie him up? What purpose would that serve?
Barda hosed himself. He nearly had to sit down he was laughing so hard. "Sorry Lief, forgot you were an innocent son of a blacksmith. Ask your mother." Barda broke down into more laughter. "I don't know what look would be more priceless. The one if she doesn't know or the one if she knows." Barda finally had to sit down he was laughing so hard. After a minuet he put on a half serious face and looked up at Lief. "Don't worry Lief. Jasmine will probably try the former.