Note: Don Diego Montoya belongs to me. If you use him in fanart or fanfiction, please remember to give me proper credit as his creator. Thank you.
Shuriki tried not to care. She told herself to avoid Esteban and Isabel, but only ended up spending more time with both of them. Weeks went by as she gave her days to Isa whose inventions never failed to amaze and her evenings to Esteban who she had begun dreaming about almost every night.
The dreams were usually innocent, but there were times she'd have a dream about him that strayed to the more sensual side of things, and she'd wake to an aching in between her legs. More often than not Shuriki would just ignore the desire pulsing within her or she'd take care of it herself while he slept.
On the morning of Noche Buena, however, Shuriki woke so aroused nothing she did seemed to soothe the ache in her feminine core. This surprised her because she had gone to bed exhausted the night before after she, Esteban, Isa and their council had put the finishing touches on all their plans for the upcoming celebration.
It had been up to Shuriki to choose how the palace would be decorated. She had even been in charge of deciding which dishes would be on the menu. It was nerve-racking to say the least, but still part of her duty as queen to take part in the preparations. She'd ordered the palace be adorned with flowers, mostly poinsettia and the usual mistletoe above the doorways. Colored tinsel and ornate hand crafted ornaments forged by the finest glass makers in the city were hung up on the large Navidad tree they'd erected in the ballroom.
As for the menu, they'd dine on lechón, tamales, mixiote, sotanghon, pavo, pozole, hamonado, and a freshly brewed tsokolate along with several other main courses, side dishes and desserts. They'd also hold the parranda, break piñatas, and sing various villancicos before making their way into the palace chapel to attend la Missa del Gallo at midnight.
So much hard work and the only thing she had to show for it was a bout of arousal that only seemed to worsen whenever she tried to alleviate herself. Shuriki got so frustrated she began cursing under her breath which ended up waking Esteban who turned over and nearly gave her a heart attack.
"Damn it, Esteban! Stop scaring me like that!"
It wasn't so much his startling Shuriki that upset her. It was him catching her trying to pleasure herself. She could feel heat spread across her cheeks, the blush only providing evidence that she had been doing something she didn't want him to know about or see.
Esteban didn't retort that she was the one who had startled him with her soft curses. He'd woken ready to defend Shuriki against whatever danger or pain he'd assumed she was in only to discover his wife trying-and failing by the looks of it-to find a little relief from all the stress that had been weighing her down over the past few days.
Shuriki started to turn away from him, but he gently gripped her hip keeping her in place as he leaned in to kiss her neck and nibble at her earlobe. She refused to make eye contact with him no doubt because she was embarrassed.
Esteban tugged Shuriki's earlobe playfully making her breath hitch. "Let me help," he whispered. His hand slid from her hip to her inner thigh where he paused. "May I?" Esteban always asked permission before touching her in an intimate way.
Shuriki hesitated at first then nodded gasping the moment that he pressed his fingertips to the tiny, swollen bundle of nerves poking out from between her feminine folds. A low throaty moan bubbled its way up from her chest as he massaged her pearl in slow, clockwise motions.
Esteban liked to whisper sweet things to her when he touched her. The man insisted on being diligent and thorough and never rushed her to climax. He seemed to realize it took Shuriki longer than most to get where she needed to be to find gratification and he appeared to enjoy helping her get there. He always initiated intimate moments like these since Shuriki didn't know how to go about asking for his touch. She was, however, grateful that Esteban had some sixth sense when it came to her requiring his assistance with reaching carnal satisfaction.
She did find it a bit odd that he never asked her to reciprocate. Her past lovers had always been quick to take whatever physical pleasure she'd offered whether it was with her mouth, hands or the feminine sheath between her legs. They had put in the minimal effort required when it came to pleasuring her.
Esteban wasn't like them. He was generous, always going above and beyond just to ensure she'd been properly sated. He was a rare find.
Shuriki wasn't the only woman to have figured that out, unfortunately. Many women at court, mainly the unmarried noblemen's daughters, had been going out of their way to catch her husband's eye lately.
Shuriki had always been a jealous and possessive woman, so seeing all the pretty young girls trying their damnedest to gain his favor infuriated her. Esteban belonged to her. She wouldn't share him.
She arched her back and fisted the satin sheets as her climax washed over her. Just as it had every other time he'd touched her, her body released a trickle of warm wetness. Shuriki felt every muscle quiver as she sank down onto the pillows to relax and catch her breath.
"That worked out quite nicely."
Esteban chuckled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, mi corazón."
Shuriki sighed contently as he cuddled up to her. She wanted to sleep, but trying to do that with his semi-erect cock pressing against her backside was proving rather difficult.
"Esteban?"
"Hmm?"
"Why don't you ever ask me to pleasure you with my hands? You've taken care of my needs. It isn't fair for me to not do the same for you."
"I don't want you to think you have to. I know what you've been through and why the idea of having to use your hands or mouth to please me would make you uncomfortable."
"It did once..." Shuriki admitted. "Not so much anymore."
She turned over to meet and hold his gaze before shifting hers downward to the now fully formed erection resting against her belly.
Arousal had turned the greyish-brown skin to a reddish-purple. Esteban blushed as she stared at the long, thick shaft that curved slightly upwards with its smooth, spotless texture and pronounced head. He secretly prayed his member would be to Shuriki's liking. He only wanted to please her not intimidate or disappoint her. He'd unintentionally frightened her last time. He didn't want to do that this time.
Esteban felt like a hungry jaquin. Shuriki was like a skittish veloz ciervos. He stayed quiet and still and tried his best not to make any sudden moves as she slowly began to reach for his cock.
Armando unwittingly chose that moment to knock on the door.
"Your Majesties?"
Shuriki retracted her hand and Esteban bit down hard on his lip. Obscenities wouldn't help the situation. If anything they'd only cause her to regress.
Esteban took a deep breath and counted backward from ten before swiveling his head toward the door. "Si, Armando?"
"The guests are going to start arriving soon," the steward explained. "You asked that I remind you an hour beforehand."
"Si. Gracias, Armando. La reina and I will be ready. You may go."
The steward did as he was told his footsteps becoming fainter and fainter the further he moved down the hall. Esteban turned to see Shuriki look away. He could tell by her blush she was embarrassed, maybe even ashamed, that anyone had come close to catching them taking part in such an intimate act as the one she'd almost initiated.
Esteban leaned in and kissed her cheek. "You must never do that."
"Do what?" she asked.
"Feel embarrassment or shame for the things we do when we're together, especially in the privacy of our own home. We're married. I see no reason for us to refrain when it comes to being with one another. There's nothing wrong with intimacy. It's not unhealthy or unclean to show affection despite what some peope would have you believe."
"I know," Shuriki replied, "I just don't like the idea of other people seeing us do...that."
Esteban quirked an eyebrow. "That?"
"You know what I mean. Don't play coy, Esteban."
"I believe the word you are looking for is called 'love making'."
"The word I'm looking for I can't say."
"Oh?"
"It's indecent."
"Who says?"
"Anyone who bothers to practice proper decorum or ettiquete."
"Such formalities don't exist in the bedroom. I want you to say it."
Shuriki frowned. "Say what?"
"The word you claim is so unspeakable."
Shuriki wrinked her nose. "What? No!"
"Why not? It's just the two of us. No one else will hear. You know I won't tell anyone. The things we say and do inside this room stay between us."
"I'm not saying that word. It's uncouth."
"Then I'll say it."
Shuriki's eyes widened. "Don't you dare!"
Esteban smirked. "Don't what?"
"Say that vulgar word!"
"Sex?"
Shuriki smacked his arm. "Esteban!"
"There's nothing wrong with that word, though what you and I have is far deeper than a mere physical connection."
"Is that so?"
Esteban pulled her into his lap and nuzzled her neck. "Si."
Shuriki couldn't keep herself from laughing when he began to nip, kiss and suckle at her pulse. "Stop that!"
Esteban grinned. "And why would I do that?"
"Your mustachio," she giggled. "It tickles!"
Esteban wiggled his eyebrows. "Does it?"
She gave him another swat on the arm. "Yes!"
Esteban playfully pinned her down on the bed and peppered her face with a barrage of kisses.
He was careful when he playing around with her. It was crucial that he not put too much of his own weight on her. He kept a loose grip on her wrists so she could free herself if and when she wanted. Esteban didn't want her having another episode like the one where she'd elbowed him in the ribs because she thought he had taken advantage of her when he'd stayed in her room to watch over her after he'd had Fiero give her the pain relief potion for her menses.
Shuriki didn't protest or complain when he left a long trail of kisses down the front of her body.
"If I didn't know better, Esteban, I'd think you were trying to seduce me."
"Am I not succeeding?" he teased.
"It'll take more than soft hands, warm kisses and sweet whispers to whoo me, boy."
Esteban narrowed his eyes at her. "Niño? You are mistaken, querida. I'm a man."
"I've been around a lot longer than you have," she countered.
"We're almost the same age due to the fountain of youth," he reminded her.
"Magic water aside, I'm still older than you," she replied.
"Well, I've always had an attraction to much older women, so..."
Esteban chuckled softly when she kicked him in the shoulder.
"Bite your tongue, boy, or better yet, put that smart mouth of yours to use for the advancement of your kingdom?"
"I'd rather put my mouth on you," he purred.
Shuriki didn't even have a chance to protest. One moment he was leaning down, the next Esteban's mouth was between her legs. His mustachio, as it turned out, was good for tickling much more than just her pulse.
XXX
"What can you tell me about Ash Delgado?"
"Well, for starters, that's not her real name. She was born Valeria Perez," Diego Montoya replied, handing Shuriki a stack of papers he'd gathered after looking into Ash's past. "Her Padres were Catalina Perez and José Moreno. They lived in a small town close to the border between Avalor and Paraiso. The padre made shoes. The madre worked as a midwife."
"How did such a poor girl from a tiny village end up practicing dark magic?"
"A malvago showed up one day and destroyed the entire town. Many adults were killed, the children orphaned."
"That explains the mice," Shuriki remarked.
Diego raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
"Nothing."
She'd expected the story Ash had told them when she'd first arrived at the palace had either been a complete lie or altered at the very least. Ash didn't act the part of an animal lover and no one Shuriki knew would've been that bent out of shape over a pair of pet mice. Zopilote must've murdered Ash's parents right in front of her. The child had likely pushed what happened to the back of her mind and concocted a far less traumatizing scenario in order to cope with losing her family.
"So Ash hunts down the man who murdered her parents, but rather than get revenge, she decides it's better to become his apprentice?"
Diego nodded.
"I knew she was insane," Shuriki muttered.
The malvaga's story hit a little too close to home. It made Shuriki think of all the things she'd said and done and what she'd put Esteban through. He and Ash had a lot in common. If they ever realized that, it could mean trouble for Shuriki, and not just her. Avalor had already seen one despot on its throne. The kingdom didn't need another tyrant queen.
"Thank you, Diego. I'll just keep these for the royal history archives."
Shuriki stood up to leave only for Montoya to grab her arm. "We aren't done just yet, mi reina. There's still some time before the parranda gets under way and I'd like muy mucho to spend it with you. Alone. Getting...reacquainted." Diego didn't see Shuriki's face, how her expression turned from indifference to discomfort and disgust when he came up behind her and pulled her into a tight embrace. She had to fight the urge to cringe as the noblemam buried his face in her hair to inhale the mild, sweet aroma of her perfume. "Surely you haven't called me back to court for a task as simple as spying on a malvaga?"
Shuriki closed her eyes and took a deep breath silently willing herself to remain calm and to not tense up or recoil at his touch. "Of course not. I brought you here to spy on all the Delgados. The royal malvago and Doña Paloma as well."
"Even if they joined their power the malvagos will never match your magic. Victor and his hija aren't clever enough to scheme their way out of a paper bag and Doña Paloma is more about money than power. You know that as well as I do."
"What I know," Shuriki said shoving him away, "is that to underestimate an enemy-any enemy-is a quick way to get yourself deposed. Doña Hortensia Paloma is Magister of the trading guild. Her wealth and influence make her a audible threat to Avalor's monarchy. Ash and Fiero are lethal when it comes to their knowledge of the dark arts. Carla might be young, but she possesses the potential to become a dangerous adversary due to her own ambitions. Do you think it truly matters that her father has all the cleverness of a fat tabby? Victor doesn't have to be a genius to wield a blade or poison a rival. They're all deadly and each is an obstacle I fully intend to remove to take back my throne. You can help me."
Diego folded his arms and leaned against his desk. "Why should I?"
"Assist me in this and I'll raise your station to that of chancellor."
"Not king consort?"
"I'm not the marrying type, Diego. You know that."
"Yet you call that fop your esposo."
"Not for much longer, I assure you."
"What of Esteban, Isabel and Duke Cristóbal? Are they obstacles in need of moving as well? Or have you grown fond of them in these last few months? My spies tell me you and Flores have been sharing more than meals. You've been in his bed."
Shuriki rested her hands on her hips and smirked. "Does the fact that I sleep in Esteban's room irk you so? Really, Diego. You're a handsome man, but petty jealously doesn't suit you. I don't give a damn about Esteban. I need him to let down his guard. He is not going to do that unless he thinks I can be trusted. I will dispose of him when I'm ready. Until then you keep a close eye on Fiero, the Delgado family, Doña Paloma, and anyone else who could get in my way. I'll put an end to the king and his cousins myself." Montoya tried reaching for her again but Shuriki shook him off. "I have to go. The parranda begins in less than an hour and I'm not properly bathed or dressed."
"You need to wash. I can smell him on you and it's revolting," Montoya told her.
Shuriki paused in the doorway then turned back to glare at Diego. "Say whatever you like about Esteban. At least he wears nice cologne. You smell of stale cigar smoke and cheap wine with a hint of harlot. I suppose that is simply what happens when a man frequents far too many brothels. What's the matter, pretty boy? Angry that you have to pay up for the pleasure of a woman's company while Esteban doesn't?"
She waited for Montoya to say something rude if only out of spite, but he just scowled and turned his back to her. A stupid move on his part. Only a fool would turn his back on somebody known for stabbing people in theirs. Thinking she'd put Diego back in his place, Shuriki sashayed out of the room unaware of what exactly was to come.