Chapter Ten
"Come, come your majesty, we're going to be late," Alexandria clipped, his long strides equal to five of her own.
"I'm going as fast as this damn skirt will allow me," Ophelia muttered, bunching up the heavy fabric of her skirt.
"Just whip it off and run around the palace in your knickers," Paul jested and Alexandria came to a screeching halt in the middle of the corridor, turning to face Ophelia's appointed personal guard with a glare of contempt.
"Do not speak such filth about your queen you little cretin, it is bad enough that I have to tolerate you accompanying us during court but what I won't tolerate is such foul mouthed unhumorous jokes – do I make myself clear?" Alexandria hissed.
"Wow dude, someone needs to remove the stick from up your ass, clench any tighter and you'll give yourself splinters," Paul quipped and Ophelia punched his arm, releasing a strangled sound of amusement as she tried to keep a straight face.
"Alexandria is right Paul, you need to behave, we're going to court not a frat house," Ophelia arched her brow, her tone serious.
"My apologies your majesty," Paul conceded, linking his arms behind his back cordially.
"Right, let's move, we needed to be in the throne room a whole five minutes ago," Alexandria tittered, continuing his sprint down the corridor.
The moment her tutors back was turned Ophelia burst out in a fit of silent laughter, falling against Paul's side holding her ribs. "Now your majesty is that anyway to behave?" Paul mocked Alexandria's clipped accent and she snorted a giggle while straightening herself out.
"My apologies my good fellow, I merely had a small bout of hysteria," Ophelia grinned.
"You know back in the day it was said that doctors prescribed a good ole' fingerbang for women suffering with hysteria, I'll be sure to send word to the king," Paul winked and Ophelia burst out in a fit of giggles.
"I wouldn't object," Ophelia smirked earning a cackling laugh from her guard as the two of them jogged to catch up with Alexandria.
The three of them came to a stop outside the intricately carved mahogany doors of the throne room and Ophelia felt her heart start to race, her stomach churning like a washing machine on a spin cycle. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she fretted, brushing her bangs out of her eyes with trembling fingers.
"My lady you need to know the ins and outs of court and I feel you are more than capable of putting what I have taught you thus far into practice. You are merely here to observe, it is not upon you to field any questions or provide any answers. It's a good opportunity for you to get to know your subjects without being heavily involved," Alexandria stated with a kind smile.
"It's not that, that I'm worried about Alexandria, he's going to be in there…" she murmured, referring to Jareth, the haughty Goblin King.
"Don't worry your majesty, I'll be right beside you, plus Dwayne is always flanking the king and I know for a fact that David has requested members of the guard to be present while you are in court," Paul assured her, gently squeezing her shoulder.
"OK," Ophelia nodded, exhaling a nerve-steadying breathe as Paul pushed the doors open and Alexandria ushered her inside.
Much to her relief, the court precession hadn't started yet, the other royals were still to arrive and there was only the king himself and Dwayne in the throne room. Ophelia's eyes landed on the king and her heart gave a giddy flutter – he looked so handsome and regal. He was dressed in the usual black, leather pants and heavy military boots with a lavender silk shirt that brought out the gorgeous blue of his eyes and the blonde of his hair, the collar buttoned smartly. His onyx, ruby-set crown rested snug on his head, his hooded cloak draped over his broad shoulders while the kingdom's emblem hung from his neck.
David turned, his stoic expression transforming into a warm smile. He stepped down from the dais and met her half-way, taking her hand. "My queen," he drawled, kissing the back of her hand.
"My king," she curtsied, catching Dwayne's smirk over David's shoulder. David guided her around the sturdy wooden table set up in the middle of the room, leading her up onto the dais and gestured for her to take a seat in the throne beside his. The king lowered himself onto his throne, his back straight against the thrones rigid back with his hands rested casually on the padded armrests, one leg crossed over the opposite knee – God she was so attracted to him. Paul took his position on her left with Alexandria on her right while Dwayne flanked the king's right side.
"Guards," David barked and Blaize, Ezra, Caius and Riyadh filed into the throne room, each of them adorned with glossy, black regalia and crimson cloaks. Heavy, bejewelled swords hung from their hips along with what looked like some kind of dagger. The guards positioned themselves around the room, each of them stood poised and unmoving, their hands clasped by the buckles of their belt and their feet shoulder width apart. It was all very military but she supposed that's essentially how they'd been trained, it was their purpose, their duty. Ezra shot her a wink and she giggled, quickly straightening herself up when Alexandria gave her the stink eye.
A sharp rap sounded on the doors. "Enter," David called out and Marko stepped into the room with a bow.
"The other royals have arrived sire," he informed the king.
"Very well, let's get this circus over with," David groaned with a pout and Ophelia couldn't stifle her smile.
"N'aaw look at you all gooey eyed," Paul whispered teasingly and Ophelia stuck out her tongue.
Someone cleared their throat and she glanced over to find David arching his brow disapprovingly. 'Best behaviour my queen, else pay the tithe,' David's voice crooned in her mind and it took all her strength not to jump right out of her seat. She was aware that vampires had the ability to communicate telepathically with each other from the stories she'd read but experiencing it first-hand was admittedly a little jarring. She stared over at him, her eye's wide with astonishment but he merely smirked, turning his attention to the throne room doors.
"You know King Travis of the Dwarf Kingdom-" Alexandria motioned to the olive-skinned royal sat closest to the dais, "-and the Goblin King," Alexandria uttered with an air of derision.
He motioned to a tall, lithe, black haired man slumped in the chair beside Jareth, his eyes obsidian black, his skin pale almost silvery. "That is King Fabian of the Unseelie Kingdom, he is classified as a dark fae; his whole kingdom is inhabited by dangerous, evil creatures. He rarely takes much interest in the rest of the Underworld. The rest of the fae are distrustful of him and he is currently without a queen. Beside King Travis are Queen Tatiana and King Erin of the Elf Kingdom."
Ophelia appraised the two royals curiously. The queen was very petite, her silver hair plaited neatly around her forehead; her facial features sharp yet undeniably beautiful with eyes the colour of violets. Her husband sported the same silver hair, cropped short and set in neat spikes. He was of lithe stature with pointed ears, sharp facial features and cobalt blue eyes. "Their daughter Princess Fiona has recently become engaged to King Denryx of the Centaur Kingdom," Alexandria explained, pointing out a broad, muscular male with shoulder length brown hair and caramel coloured eyes.
"That is King Drake of the Kingdom of Fire," Alexandria pointed out a brawny male with cat-like eyes and bronzed skin, his hair was coal black and tousled, his jaw adorned with a neatly trimmed short, boxed beard.
"Kingdom of Fire?" Ophelia whispered, puzzled.
"Dragons," Paul murmured and her eyes widened.
"But he doesn't look like a dragon," she frowned, cocking her head as she stared at the handsome male.
"Does King Denryx look like a Centaur?-" Alexandria chuckled, "-most fae and those in the Underworld have the ability to shapeshift, there is only really the dwarves, elves and immortals that maintain a permanent humanoid appearance," he clarified.
"Finally, you have King Solomon of the Demon Kingdom," Alexandria stated, gesturing to the male sat at the far end of the table and Ophelia swallowed, the guy was a truly intimidating sight. His skin was ethereally pale, the veins beneath twisting like thorny vines the colour of liquid obsidian. He sported a ducktail beard, his eyes the colour of smouldering embers. He was of athletic stature, slim but strong. However, the most striking part of his appearance were the two curled horns growing from the top of his head, surfacing from beneath his grease slicked onyx hair.
Ophelia couldn't quite believe that just a few feet away, her whole life's dreams and fantasies were proven real. Always lost in fantasy worlds of fiction, she never dared dream that one day those works of fiction would become her reality, nor did she ever for a second think she'd be an intricate part of it.
"Your majesty, if I might be so bold as to ask whether you have come to a decision about the land dispute between myself and Travis as of yet?" Jareth drawled, steeping his gloved hands beneath his chin, arching one angular eyebrow.
"Are you seriously still arguing over that damned piece of land?-" King Fabian scoffed, "-you really are pathetic Goblin King, is your worth really only measured by what you own?"
"Not that what he owns is worth very much, a shithole of a kingdom and a palace full of vile goblins with a fetish for chickens and getting pissed on Goblin Ale, forever passed out in a puddle of their own piss," King Drake smirked, flashing a set of pointed white teeth.
"What I am worth Fabian is a damn sight more than you, you priggish oaf-" Jareth sneered, "-and as for you Drake, I don't know how you have the audacity to insult my kingdom when yours is full of oversized bloody bats farting fireballs, setting themselves and everything around them on fire. Go blow smoke up one of your beloved basilisks arse and keep your snout out of my damn business."
"Enough!" David barked, growing tired of the incessant showcasing of masculinity and the room fell silent. "To answer your question Jareth, no, I have not come to a decision, I am still trawling through the history of both your kingdom's to ensure that my decision is fair, I refuse to cow to your strong-handed, bratty demands to hand it over purely on your whim. You should know by now that I am a fair and just ruler and I will not be bullied into losing my integrity for the sake of your pride nor your feelings on the matter, do I make myself clear Goblin King?"
"Crystal," Jareth sneered, his eyes drifting to Ophelia with a sinister smirk. David stiffened, his hands tightening on the arms of his throne. If that son of a bitch even so much as sniffs her, he'll behead him right here, right now.
"I'm not interested in Jareth's petty grievances, I would much rather know all about the beauty sat by your side your majesty, is this perhaps our new high queen?" King Solomon inquired and the room filled with the sound of multiple curious whispers.
David glanced over at Ophelia who was sat primly with a faint blush flushing her petal-soft alabaster cheeks. He smiled affectionately, turning back to his fellow monarchs. "Yes Solomon, this is Ophelia, the soon to be high queen."
"Why were we not invited to the engagement party?" Queen Tatiana scowled, clearly offended.
"There has not been an engagement party as yet Tatiana, I thought it more prudent that Ophelia become accustomed to life in the Underworld and that we grow to know one another before I start throwing around concepts such as marriage and coronations," David explained.
"Ah, so she is not yet betrothed? Interesting," Jareth smirked and Dwayne stiffened beside him. David glanced up at him in question but Dwayne avoided eye contact.
"Do shut up Goblin King, you're beginning to grate on my very last nerve," King Solomon rolled his eyes.
"Oh go back to hell where you crawled out from Solomon, perhaps on your way you'll locate your lost personality amongst the burning rubble of your kingdom, you insufferable dreck," Jareth hissed.
The next thing David knew, Jareth had been launched three feet in the air before slamming against the wall, a shower of crumbling rock raining down on his prostrate body. "Know to whom you speak you impetuous fool," King Solomon boomed and as quick as a flash, Jareth was on his feet, launching crystals at the Demon King as sparks of energy flew around the throne room.
"That is enough!-" David boomed, "-I will not tolerate such reckless behaviour in my palace. You not only put your fellow monarchs in danger but you are needlessly endangering my queen. Blaize, Riyadh please escort Jareth and Solomon to the palace gates and do not even think about teleporting Goblin King," David snapped, pointing his finger accusingly. "As for the rest of you, the court is dismissed, if you would all be so kind as to leave my palace, we will resume tomorrow, hopefully with behaviour befitting of kings and queens, not children throwing a tantrum," he barked, rising from his throne.
The room slowly started to empty and David exhaled a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Paul, Alexandria, please escort Ophelia to lunch and then continue with her lessons, I shall be taking lunch in my study, I need to speak to Dwayne in private – forgive me Ophelia," David gave his queen an apologetic smile.
"What did you wish to speak to me about?" Dwayne asked, picking at his sandwich.
"I saw how you reacted to what Jareth said about Ophelia not being betrothed, what do you know that I do not?" David probed, throwing back his tumbler of mead.
Dwayne sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Without a betrothal, if anything were to happen to the queen, it wouldn't be considered an act of treason or a crime against the crown. The queen can only be coronated after marriage and if there is no evidence of the marriage, then there is no proof that she is to become queen…"
David froze, the decanter of blood hovering over his glass. "Are you meaning to tell me that if that insufferable bastard were to harm Ophelia that he could get away with it?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Dwayne nodded with a grimace.
David set the decanter on his desk and buried his head in his hands. "I can't force her into marriage Dwayne, I don't want to ask her hand purely because I fear what may happen. I want to ask her hand when the time is right, when we've had more time to grow closer. Christ, we haven't even slept together yet – everything is going so well, I don't want to balls it all up with such a notion as marriage," David mumbled from behind his hands.
"And you won't have to David, we just need the answer to who owns that land, and this will all be over, Jareth cannot seek retribution for a judgement that is fair and evidential - if he did then it would be a crime against you, and he can be punished in that sense. He won't touch Ophelia David, she's grown to be beloved to those in this palace despite her not being here that long and I know for a fact, no one in these walls will allow anyone to hurt her," Dwayne assured him.
"I hope you're right Dwayne because I'm not sure if I can keep myself from falling apart if anything were to happen to her," David stated, dragging his hands down his face despairingly.
"David should have let Solomon kick Jareth's ass man," Paul enthused, drumming his fingers against the arm of the couch they were lounging on in the library.
"Hmmm…" Ophelia nodded distractedly, her focus primarily on the leather-bound tome she was scouring for the answer that would solve all the king's problems.
"Ugh. I hate this place," Paul pouted, eyeing the room with disdain.
"Why, does it mock your illiteracy you bumbling idiot?" Alexandria retorted, his eyes still trained on the scroll in his hands.
"Nah but my fists gonna mock your face in a minute you pretentious prick," Paul countered.
"Paul," Ophelia raised her head, shooting him a pleading look.
"He started it," Paul muttered under his breath with a pout and Ophelia shook her head in amusement, squeezing his wrist.
Ophelia turned her attention back to the yellowing page of the history of the underground.
'When war broke out between the Dwarf Kingdom and the neighbouring Goblin Kingdom, the land bordering the two dominions became inhospitable and the residing dwarves had to retreat deeper into their territory in search of more prosperous land. Though the land lays barren and uninhabitable, it still falls under the Kingdom of the Dwarves, and the desecration of the land is prohibited unless express permission is given from the residing king.'
Ophelia's eyes widened and her stomach lurched. "I've found it, I've actually found it!" she squealed triumphantly.
"Found what?" Paul frowned, bored.
"The answer to who the land belongs to-" she grinned, "-it belongs to Travis!"
"Splendid news your Majesty-" Alexandria clapped his hands together with delight, "-I think this warrants an early end to our days lessons, I'm sure you are eager to inform the king of your discovery."
"Yes, thank you Alexandria," she beamed.
"My pleasure my lady, I shall see you in the morning," he smiled with a low bow before sauntering out of the room.
"Can you take me to David?" Ophelia turned to Paul, clutching the book to her chest.
"Phee I'll fucking fly you to David," Paul grinned, hopping to his feet.
"You can fly?" Ophelia gasped.
"Like a bird," Paul smirked, playfully flapping his arms.
"I think maybe we should just walk," Ophelia smiled, heading for the doors of the library.
"Buzzkill," Paul teased, prodding her ribs as he fell instep beside her.
"This is useless," David growled, launching the book on his desk across the room in a fit of frustration.
"Well it is now," Dwayne declared, eyeing the ripped parchment scattered across the floor.
"I'm not in the mood for your sarcastic jibes Dwayne, if you don't have anything of benefit to say then I suggest you keep your damn mouth shut," David snapped, slamming his fist against the desk.
"Punching a hole in your desk and launching books across the room are not going to help you find the answer that you need."
"What did I just say?" David hissed.
"That if I don't have anything of benefit to say then I should keep my mouth shut-" Dwayne drawled, "-but I'd say that my advice is of benefit to you-" Dwayne smirked, "-sire…"
David growled in anger, hurling half the contents of his desk at the door. A hard knock sounded on the door to the king's study, only serving to further fuel his irritation. "Go away," he barked, running his hand through his hair. However, regardless of his orders, the door to the study swung open and Paul stepped inside followed by Ophelia, her eyes surveying the carnage littering the floor.
"Bet you feel like an asshole now," Dwayne murmured under his breath and David slapped him upside his head with a snarl as he passed.
"Feeling a little frustrated sire?" Paul smiled knowingly and David fought back the urge to punch him.
"What can I do for you Ophelia?" he inquired, his eyes drifting to the book cradled in her arms.
"David, I found the answer," she beamed proudly, holding out the book.
"What do you mean?" David frowned.
"Read it," she stated, tapping her finger on the top paragraph of a yellowing page of parchment.
David's eyes skimmed over the neat cursive, his face lighting up in a triumphant grin. "It belongs to Travis."
"Yeah, it's part of the Dwarf Kingdom," Ophelia affirmed with a nod and a smile.
Overcome with relief, David tossed the book aside in favour of pulling Ophelia into his arms, embracing her tenderly. "You're amazing," he murmured, tilting her chin with his finger and softly nudged her lips, completely forgetting they weren't alone.
"Ahem," Paul cleared his throat and Ophelia smiled against his lips.
"Shut up," David warned him, kissing Ophelia's forehead before recovering the book and moving back to his desk. "I'll draft up the paperwork ready to be signed during court tomorrow," he mused, cursing himself when he realised all his pens were currently scattered across the floor.
Dwayne smirked up at him and David scowled. "Not a word," he cautioned.
Ophelia perched on the end of the bed, chewing her bottom lip between her teeth as she stared at the neatly fluffed pillows at the head of the bed, recalling the way she'd clawed at those very pillows only the other morning when David had made her body sing with pleasure she'd only known at the mercy of the king. She couldn't deny that she wanted more, she wanted all of him, she wanted to explore the feelings she harboured inside for the blue eyed king, each day finding herself falling harder. Seeing him earlier that morning dressed in his royal attire, perched regally in his throne oozing authority and the way his presence had commanded the room made her yearn for him to command her body, for him to rule every curve, every nerve, every inch of her flesh.
She exhaled a shaky breath. "Ellie," she called into the ether, smiling when her lady in waiting appeared in a flurry of cool air seconds later.
"Yes my lady?" Ellie smiled.
"Ellie, can I ask you something, woman to woman?" Ophelia inquired coyly.
"Of course, you can ask me anything that you wish Ophelia," Ellie smiled, lowering herself onto the vanity stool.
"The first time… what is it like?" she mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
"I'm sorry, the first time of what?" Ellie frowned.
"Sex," Ophelia stage-whispered, feeling the palms of her hand grow slick with sweat.
"Oh-" Ellie mused, her eyes widening in realisation moments later, "-oh," she grinned, clapping her hands excitedly.
"What are you so giddy about?" Ophelia laughed.
"You want to give the king your innocence," Ellie giggled girlishly.
"Is that what they call it down here?" Ophelia shook her head in amusement.
"What do you call it?"
"Virginity."
"Oh, well we use that too," Ellie shrugged.
"Does it hurt? The first time I mean…" Ophelia asked. Some of her friends had claimed it was painful while others just said that it stung a little.
"I would say that it is initially a little uncomfortable but once you get past the initial act of losing your virginity, then depending on the actions of your partner, it can be quite pleasurable."
"What do you mean by the actions of your partner?"
"I mean whether he is rough, or tender, whether he is aiming to please you and not just himself," Ellie clarified.
"Oh, I see," Ophelia nodded.
"The king, does he know that you're ready to take this step?"
"No, it's not something you talk about really is it? It's more something you do…"
"So do you plan on doing it tonight?" Ellie smirked impishly.
"Maybe-" Ophelia replied nervously, "-you don't think it's too soon?"
"For me it's never too soon for sex, but then again, I would most likely be labelled as a woman of loose morals in the Overworld," Ellie giggled, and Ophelia grinned.
Ophelia smoothed the pristine ivory silk camisole over her thighs, twirling her body in the mirror so that she could see the back. The dress came to rest mid-thigh with both the bodice and straps made up of intricately woven lace before giving way to the silk skirt. Though the camisole was clearly designed for use in the bedroom, there could be no accusation of it looking cheap. Ophelia fluffed her billowing curls over her shoulders, erasing a smudge of black kohl that had bled from between her lashes. Her skin felt silky smooth after a rather luxurious bath full of honey and almond scented bubbles, the sweet perfume of the bath milk still coating her skin.
"Ophelia?" the king's deep, husky voice called out from the next room as she heard the door click shut and her stomach gave a nervous flutter. Giving herself one last once over in the mirror, she padded out of the bathroom into the bedroom, finding the king pouring himself a glass of blood, his heavy boots kicked off by the door.
"Hey, did you get all your paperwork finished?" she smiled, feigning confidence as she stepped through the archway into the sitting room.
"Yes I-" David turned, his words getting caught in his throat when he noticed her rather revealing attire. He swallowed, lowering the glass from his lips as he continued to stare.
"You what?" Ophelia probed, perching on the arm of the couch.
"Sorry?" David frowned, draining the contents of his glass before joining her at the couch.
"You were going to say something…"
"Yet I have no idea what it was," David shook his head, puzzled and Ophelia giggled. "Ophelia you look-" he exhaled slowly, "-breath-taking..."
Ophelia felt her cheeks heat as she toyed with the buttons on his shirt, feeling something hard press against her lower abdomen. "I wanted to look nice for you..." she murmured, looking up at him from beneath her lashes.
"I sincerely appreciate the thought," David smiled, capturing her lips in a slow lingering kiss and she hummed a content sigh. "May I ask what's the occasion?"
A ripple of nervous excitement ran full circuit around her body as she slid her hands over his chest towards his shoulders with a soft sigh. "I want you David, I want all of you-" she paused, "-and I want you to have all of me too," she swallowed. "I want you to know that it is, was and will always be you, my king..."
The kings eyes softened yet at the same time the tell-tale darkness of desire tinged his beautiful blue irises. "Are you sure Ophelia?" he murmured, brushing a stray curl behind her ear, his fingers grazing her cheek.
"I've never been so sure of anything," she whispered as her heart begun to race when David's hands moved to rest on the small of her back.
"My queen, I want you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life," he breathed against the outer shell of her ear, his breath hot against her skin and she shuddered. He gently took her hand as he lead her across the room, the soft glow of the flickering sconces casting his handsome face in shadow.
They were half-way across the room when David caught her off guard with a fierce, hungry kiss. The way he took control called to the side of her she hadn't known existed before she met him, the side of her that longed to be taken in a strong pair of arms and ravished until she couldn't see, let along think straight. His tongue felt so good in her mouth, the feel of his lips smoothing against her mouth in slow, teasing motions turning her legs to jelly.
She hadn't realised they were moving again until the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed and without overthinking it, while David was clearly distracted, she turned their bodies, gently pushing him down onto the bed. He stared up at her in silent question, regarding her with hungry curiosity. She could still feel the ghost of his hardness flush against her apex and lower belly despite the fact there was now tangible space between them. His body seemed relaxed, yet the straining bulge pressing against the zipper of his pants told a different story and her skin flushed hot, her lungs seeming to tighten, leaving her short of breath.
She was nervous, giddy, anxious and perhaps a little excited as she slowly moved her hand to the skirt of her dress, hooking her fingers around the silken fabric. The king's stare was unwavering, his sharp, crystal blue eyes watching her every movement, each twitch of her fingers, each sweeping arch of her arms, much like a predator tracking its prey. The cool air hit her bare chest making her sensitive buds stiffen as her breasts gently bounced against her chest, free from the constraints of her clothes.
Ophelia glanced over at David and found him staring at her hungrily, the fire of desire burning in his eyes. His back ramrod straight, his fists furled around the edge of the mattress like he was seeking to steady himself. With a surge of silent confidence, Ophelia brought her hand to the waistband of her knickers, working the lacey fabric over her hips and thighs until they slid the rest of the way to the floor leaving her completely bare. David exhaled sharply as she stepped from the puddle of fabric pooled at her feet, nudging it aside with the tips of her toes.
Ophelia stepped between David's legs, tugging lightly at the sleeve of his shirt. "Your turn," she smirked, biting her bottom lip.
David rose to his feet as Emelia sat back on her heels in the middle of the bed, her eyes tracking his every move. She licked her swollen lips as he whipped off his shirt, tossing the wad of silk to the floor before he turned his attention to the waistband of his pants. Her breath caught in her throat as he unhooked the brass button, tugging down the zipper to expose the toned landscape of his hips, her eyes following the dusting of dark blonde pubic hair that ran in a straight line from his navel down the length of his abdomen.
"Would her majesty like me to go slower?" he smirked and Ophelia giggled, shaking her head as her bottom lip once again found its way between her teeth when he stepped out of his pants, leaving himself exposed.
God he was the epitome of the perfect specimen of a man…
David wordlessly positioned himself in front of her on the bed seeming to be waiting for her to make the next move and though she did enjoy the way he took control, she also appreciated how he seemed to be letting her take the lead for now, no matter how brief the switch in roles may be - and knowing how her king relished in taking control, she knew it would be long before she was once again at his mercy. She sidled closer until she was kneeling between his thighs, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders, her breasts pressed flush against his chest. She lowered her head, kissing the width of his chest, feeling his muscles quiver with each gentle flutter of her lips. She trailed hot, wet open mouthed kisses down the length of his neck, sucking the exposed flesh of his throat earning a throaty groan.
"Allow me the pleasure of your touch your majesty," she whispered into the crook of his neck, her lips seeking his mouth.
A full body shudder ran full circuit throughout her body when David's hands enclosed around her waist, the pads of his thumbs grazing the sensitive strip of skin beneath each of her breasts. She felt so fragile and delicate in his hands. She was by no means a waif of a woman but she couldn't help but feel completely encompassed by him, his powerful presence rendering her putty in his hands, the dizzying feeling close to euphoric. His kisses were gentle yet impassioned, leaving her lips scorched as his hands explored her body, sliding down her back to cup her rear. David groaned, pulling her into him, his hardness pressing against her aching mound in the most delicious way.
David slowly pushed her onto her back, the heat of his mouth moving from her lips to her neck then on towards her chest and her back arched when his mouth covered her breast, his warm wet tongue teasing her peaked bud in lazy circles leaving her skin flushed and hot. He released her breast with a resounding wet pop before trailing his tongue across her sternum, his lips grazing her ribs and the sensitive strip of flesh beneath her breast before he once again covered her with the heat of his mouth.
Ophelia exhaled a shaky breath as David moved lower, his eyes trained on the spot that ached with need between her thighs. She was so turned on that she could feel her own wetness trickle down the crease of her thighs. A strangled moan tumbled from between her lips and she palmed the sheets when his mouth teased her aching mound with delicious wet, open mouthed kisses, his tongue stroking her engorged bundle of nerves in torturously slow, purposeful motions. She gasped as liquid pearls of pleasure burst low in her stomach when he slid one finger between her slick folds, teasingly drawing it back before another finger joined the first, slipping back into her wet heat.
Ophelia's back arched, finding herself unable to stifle the stream of pleasured moans escaping her. He made her feel so damn good, she wanted more. David fluttered lingering kisses to her hips, kissing his way up her body until they finally met her mouth. She could taste herself on his lips, the act as close to erotic as she imagined it to be. He settled his hands either side of her head, resting his weight on one arm while he reached out with the other, the pad of his thumb tracing the arch of her brow, the line of her jaw and the bridge of her nose, his blue eyes soft.
"Your beauty is truly breath-taking," he murmured and she felt her cheeks heat. He stroked her flushed skin fondly, catching her off guard by the tenderness behind the action. "I want you so fiercely Ophelia," he exhaled an unsteady breath, his throat working as the tip of his cock nudged her tight entrance, sending shivers racing the length of her spine.
"I'm for you only David," Ophelia whispered, combing her fingers through his platinum blonde hair. She frowned when David's eyes flickered, his expression changing to one slightly off like he was in some kind of discomfort. "Are you OK?" she asked worriedly, cupping his jaw.
"I'm fine starlight," he assured her with a gorgeous smile, capturing her lips in a seductively passionate kiss as he slowly entered her, growing still when her body tensed in reaction to the sudden discomfort.
"Relax starlight, I don't wish to hurt you," he whispered, kissing the underside of her jaw while his hand grazed her waist, the sensation of his fingers tickling her bare skin having the desired effect as she felt her body slowly start to relax. David drew her into a slow, lazy kiss and she was soon distracted by the glorious weight of his hot wet tongue in her mouth, the weight of his body blanketing her in a shroud of safety. As her muscles started to loosen, David snapped his hips forward, breaking past her virginal barrier with one forceful thrust and Ophelia cried out as a flare of burning, stinging heat erupted between her legs, leaving her momentarily breathless.
"I'm sorry sweetheart," David murmured, showering her face and neck with soft, tender kisses.
Ophelia exhaled a shaky breath, feeling her body stretch to accommodate his size. He teased her breasts with his tongue until her back was once again arching, the stinging heat between her thighs almost forgotten. He purposefully rolled his hips and the discomfort heightened momentarily before it was forgotten completely, replaced by bursts of liquid fire low in her stomach. Ophelia clung to David's shoulders feeling the muscle beneath the surface tense with every slow, purposeful roll of his hips. He buried his face against the crook of her neck, lazily sucking and kissing her sensitive skin as he continued to rhythmically roll his hips, leaving Ophelia not knowing which way was up and which way was down.
An intense pressure started to build low in her stomach and she panted, trying to catch her breath as the pressure mounted with each delicious roll of his hips. "Oh God… David…" Ophelia moaned breathlessly as the pressure reached its peak and she tumbled over the edge into the abyss, her body bursting in a fit of liquid fire, her muscles trembling, leaving behind a glorious ache.
David's strokes quickened, his breath hot against her skin as he gave one last forceful thrust, his fingers furling around the sheets as he groaned against her shoulder, his whole body shaking as he too reached his peak. Ophelia sweetly kissed his temple , tenderly combing her fingers through his hair as his rapid shallow breaths started to even out.
She felt him pull out of her aching heat and she instantly felt empty. She grimaced when the sensation of something warm and wet trickled down her thighs, leaving her skin damp and sticky, immediately dismissing the less than pleasurable feelings when David drew her against his chest, her head cradled in the crook of his arm. Ophelia pressed a kiss to the warm skin beneath her lips, smiling when his hold on her waist tightened.
David drew the blankets over their naked bodies, kissing her bare shoulder before she felt him rest his head against the pillows. "I wish to keep you forever Ophelia," he mumbled as his fingers tickled her arm.
"I'm not going anywhere David," she assured him.
Honestly she couldn't think of anywhere else she'd rather be, she was in too deep, there was no going back.
David leant against the iron rail bordering the balcony as he looked out over his kingdom, exhaling a cloud of bitter, grey smoke. He glanced over his shoulder and an affectionate smile tugged at the corner of his mouth when his eyes landed on the beautiful woman in his bed, her chocolate brown curls cascading over the pillows, her mouth set in a sweet smile as her chest slowly rose and fell as she slept. The king's chest flooded with warmth and he knew that he was feeling the first whispers of love and rather than feeling like he wanted to leap off the balcony and run for the hills, he was determined to face the daunting emotions head on. He knew that Ophelia was his one shot at happiness and if he ruined it by letting his demons take over, he'd never forgive himself.
The sound of a crying child disturbed the peace and the king frowned, extinguishing his cigarette in the stained, Pyrex ashtray he'd pilfered from one of the bars back in Santa Carla and made his way through his chambers, the sound of the weeping child growing louder the nearer he drew to his chamber doors. Glancing back at the bedroom finding Ophelia undisturbed, he stepped out into the corridor, following the sound of the heart-wrenching sobs to the flight of stone steps leading down from the royal wing of the palace. David's frown deepened when he found the orphan boy Jeremiah huddled on one of the stone steps, his body trembling from the weight of his tears.
How did he get all the way across the palace unnoticed? He'd be having words with his so-called guard come morning.
"Jeremiah?" David spoke softly, conscious that he may scare the child if he didn't practice caution. Jeremiah jumped, startled, looking up at the king with haunted grey eyes. "What are you doing all the way up here on your own?"
"I had a bad dream-" he sobbed, "-I got lost," his breath hitched as he exhaled a shaky breath. "Am I in trouble?" he whispered timidly.
"No, of course not child, why would you be in trouble?"
"I shouldn't be walking on my own," he sniffled, wiping his leaking eyes with the back of his hand.
"I agree that it is dangerous for you to be wandering around on your own but you're in no trouble, don't worry-" David assured him, "-come," he instructed, holding out his hand. Jeremiah timidly took the king's hand and followed him back to his chambers, his innocent eyes bright with wonder as he took in his new surroundings.
David lead Jeremiah to the couch and pulled him up onto his lap, his chest aching when the boy-child curled up against his chest, his thumb retreating between his lips. The king sighed, stroking the young child's hair. "You know dreams can't hurt you, don't you Jeremiah?" David crooned.
"The wolves, they hurt my mommy and daddy," he murmured, silent tears trickling down his cheeks and David's chest ached with compassion.
"But the wolves can't hurt you child, I am the king, I won't allow anyone to hurt you," David countered.
"Are you and the queen my new mommy and daddy?" Jeremiah asked, staring up at him with naïve eyes.
David was a little stunned by the question, unable to think of how he could answer without upsetting the child any further. "My servants will take care of you Jeremiah - did Dwayne not explain this to you?"
Jeremiah nodded. "Yes but I like you and the queen."
David smiled. "We like you too Jeremiah, now come, it's late, too late for a young boy like you to be awake."
"I can't sleep," Jeremiah sniffled, rubbing his tired eyes.
"Would you like me to sing to you? Whenever I couldn't sleep, my mother used to sing to me and I'd always have the sweetest dreams, maybe if I sing for you, it will chase your bad dreams away, what do you say?" David smiled, stroking the boys hair in a paternal manner. Jeremiah nodded, nestling into his chest and David wrapped one arm around his small frame, continuing to stroke his mop of mousy brown hair with the other.
"Lullay, lullow, lullay, lully… beway, bewy, lullay, lullow, lullay, lully, baw me bairne sleep softly now," the king crooned, softly rocking the boy in his arms. "I saw a sweet and seemly sight, a blissful burd, a blossom bright, that morning made and mirth among. Lullay, lullow, lullay, lully, beway, bewy, lullay, lullow, lullay, lully, baw me bairne sleep softly now…" David glanced down at the boy to find him lulled into a peaceful sleep, his thumb caught loosely between his lips.
"I think my ovaries just exploded," Ophelia's melodious voice broke the quiet calm of the room and David raised his head to find her stood in the archway, her naked curves draped in the silk sheets from his bed and a smile of adulation lighting her beautiful face.
David chuckled. "He had a bad dream and got lost, I heard him crying, I was just trying to soothe him-" he explained, "-did I disturb you?"
"No, I woke up and heard you out here-" she smiled, padding over to the couch, "-poor thing, he's so small," Ophelia smiled sadly, stroking Jeremiah's bare calf.
"He's so innocent-" David sighed, brushing a lock of hair from his eyes, "-he asked if we were going to be his new mother and father…"
"Oh, that sweet little baby," Ophelia whispered, holding her hand to her heart. "What did you tell him?"
"I told him the servants would take care of him… what else could I say? I can't lie to him, it wouldn't be right."
"What if it wasn't a lie?" Ophelia countered, glancing down at the child with soft eyes.
"What do you mean?" David frowned, confused.
"What if we adopt him or however it works down here? I know what it's like to be an orphan that nobody wants, or nobody cares enough about… I don't want him to feel like no one loves him…"
"Ophelia, we're not even engaged to be wed, we've literally just consummated our relationship and you want us to have a child together?" David replied, flabbergasted.
"Does it really matter what order we do things in? Nothing about our relationship is conventional David. I don't care about what's considered normal, I care about what feels right, and giving that boy stability and the love that he obviously needs and craves, feels right."
David regarded the women beside him, the ache of affection in his chest growing stronger. How could he argue with such a statement? Children were one of his weaknesses and this particular child seemed to have burrowed himself beneath his skin. Furthermore, his parents had adopted Dwayne when David was still learning to walk and he'd always seen Dwayne as a brother, it hadn't mattered to him that they didn't share the same blood.
"OK, we'll discuss it further tomorrow, but now, he needs to go back to the servants quarters and his own bed," David stated, calling for his adviser.
"Are you going to take him?" Ophelia asked.
"No, I've called for Dwayne to come and take him."
"But you didn't…. ah…" Ophelia tapped her temple and David chuckled with a nod of affirmation.
A light knock sounded on the chamber doors a few minutes later. "Enter," David called while much to his amusement, Ophelia scuttled into the bedroom. Dwayne stepped into the room, his hair and clothes dishevelled. "Sorry did I disturb you?" David smirked.
"Yes-" Dwayne grinned, "-something wrong?"
"I found Jeremiah sobbing in the halls, he apparently had a bad dream and got lost but I suppose it's no wonder with every man and his brother partaking in one big orgy with the palace concubines on the other side of the palace," David quirked his brow, rising to his feet.
"Not every man," Dwayne grinned wickedly, and David scoffed. "Anyway, it would seem like your night hasn't been exactly innocent-" Dwayne scented the air "–you finally consummated, huh?" he winked.
"Get out you plebeian," David instructed and Dwayne barked a laugh.
"Night Ophelia," Dwayne hollered.
"Night," his queen squeaked a reply and David couldn't help but laugh.