Dangerous Games
Chapter 7
A Titillating Tea for Two
Guimel raised an eyebrow at the sight of her, a little surprised to see her astride her horse instead of properly side-saddled. That would prove to be a valuable little rumor to run around the court, should his father need to undermine the Duke. He hid a smirk, waiting for her to approach.
Hiroko's smile brightened as she neared him, pulling her horse to a stop before him, the animal beneath her letting out a whinny of obvious disapproval. She watched as the servant from before, with quick and concise steps, made his way back inside the house under her instruction to prepare the afternoon tea, before returning her attention to Guimel, eyes twinkling as she allowed herself the privilege of taking in his form.
"Lord Guilliame," she acknowledged him as she ran a hand down her horse's muscular neck, though her eyes never left the young lord's. "I am sorry for not being present to greet your arrival. I completely forgot the time. Do forgive me. It is nice to see you again."
Guimel smiled winningly. "The pleasure is truly mine, Lady Madeious." He looked over the horse, admiring the clean lines. "What a noble beast you have here! I see it enjoys your touch. Was it hard to tame?"
"Very much so!" she mused, absently fiddling with a lock of golden mane. "Arabs' are always hard to tame. Easy to break but I didn't want that. I love to see their characters and this one has a lot of it. It's taking time… but I think he's beginning to warm to me; he has a long way to go though. That is why you have caught me in quite an improper manor. I can't very well keep him in check riding side-saddle, though, can I. Father disapproves. But this is one of the few things he is willing to permit."
"This is your property, ne?" he asked softly. "Surely you should be allowed to do as you please." He looked over the horse again, letting his gaze linger slightly over the curve of her thigh that the folded-over dress outlined perfectly. "Arabs," he said. "I've never heard of that breed before. But I like this one's lines, although it seems a little small."
"That is how they are bred to be. Small but fast and very highly strung. I don't know if the latter is a good or bad thing but they love attention." She sat upright again, lightly taping her riding crop against the horse's rump, causing it to prance lightly back and forth in a stubborn action before allowing her to steer him so that his left flank was facing the lord. "As for being able to do what I like on my own land… you should know that such a thing is true for men, but not women." She slid her right foot from the stirrup, her hold on the reigns tightening as she raised herself from the saddle, sliding her right leg over the neck of the beast so that both legs were now facing leftward. She took a moment to rearrange her disturbed gown, the length of the skirts still resting over the horses rear, smoothing down the ruffled fabric before noting Guimel slowly approaching her.
He smiled softly, raising his arms up, his hands poised about her waist but waiting permission to actually touch her. She was very confident here, in her own home; she most likely would be, should he say, open to his advances.
She took note of his inviting action and nodded her head in permission, a moment later feeling his sturdy hold on her waist as he lowered her to the ground. She blushed slightly, murmuring her thanks before turning back to the gelding, pulling the reigns over its head and leading it back towards the stables.
"Do you ride much, lord?" she asked lightly, head turning slightly to take in his strapping form beside her.
"Hai," he said, smiling at her. He gazed about, taking in the rolling pastures and woods. "It must be wonderful to have all this land about you. Have you ridden far, my lady?"
"Accompanied, yes. Lord Terris and I do so regularly, as do myself and my brother. I take great pleasure in doing so. It gives you a taste of the type of freedom we spoke of last night."
"Lord Mustrum," he said softly, pausing as they reached the stables and a groom came out, waiting to take the horse's reins. "I hope you are not still irked by his conduct of last night. Although I find that you did nothing wrong, really."
Hiroko shook her head, turning back to him as he spoke, smiling brightly as she slid her hands from the confines of her riding gloves.
"I know he had my best interests at heart. But I am glad that you arrived when you did. Your intervention was appreciated. Now, shall we to tea?" she enquired, hands resting against the tops of her thighs. "Though I must insist that I change before we do so, if, that is, you do not mind. I did intend to do so before your arrival but I did forget the time. It would only take a moment. I'm sure if Terris or my brother is about they would accompany you during my absence…"
He bowed slightly. "Of course, my lady." He took her hand in his, his fingertips just brushing her thigh, smiling at her as he brought it to his lips. "Whatever you desire." He lightly kissed the back of her hand and let it go.
Her skin tingled slightly at the sensation of his lips against her hand, returning it to her lap, not unaware of his touch against her thigh but dismissing it a moment later.
"Shall we then..?" she prompted gently. "The tea shall no doubt be waiting for us by the time we arrive unless, that is, Naolin has not beaten us to it already. Unscrupulous nave that he is!" she chuckled teasingly, fingers lacing together as she took a small step forward, towards the house.
"It will be a pleasure to be able to meet your brother beyond the mere formalities of a party," he replied as they approached the chateaux, hiding a snarl of disappointment. But of course she would be chaperoned, despite the freedom her father gave her. He felt a flush of pleasure at the thought of having her here, in her father's home, but knew how impossible that would be. Such a great fantasy, though - he quelled a sigh. He looked at her as they mounted the stairs to the front entrance, admiring the clean profile despite the disarray her hair was in from riding. Hopefully there would be a way to get rid of Naolin or any other chaperone; then he could see just how bold she really felt like being today.
At the entrance she was met by her personal maid, two lower maids standing submissively behind her, and Hiroko smiled politely at her, murmuring to the elder women some light instructions before drawing away, her attention returned to Guimel.
Apparently Naolin is awaiting us within," she commented sweetly as they neared the desired chamber, the grand door immediately opened by the same servant as before. "I'll make the proper introductions and then I shall take my leave of you."
Guimel smiled. "Arigato, my lady."
"Brother!" she piped affectionately, noting a long leg stretched out in front of the fire place, though the height of the chair Naolin currently sat in shrouded her view of the rest of his body. "I do hope you have left us something to drink!" She watched as he inclined his head from around the side of the chair, an eyebrow raised in curiosity, his gaze running over herself and then the lord beside her.
"Nice to see your choice of clothing has improved since our last meeting, sister." Came the smug reprisal and Hiroko blushed brightly, trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
"Brother, may I introduce Lord Guimel Guilliame." Her brother nodded in response, his expression calm and collected as it always seemed to be while he was with company.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, sir," he replied shortly, his eyes wandering back to Hiroko, and her lips thinned at the slight hint of curtness she detected in his tone. He still didn't trust her, despite his words that morning.
"Please make yourself comfortable!" she murmured, masking her displeasure at Naolin's tone, turning back to Guimel. "Please excuse me while I go and change. I'll be back with you promptly."
Guimel bowed slightly. "My lady," he said softly, then waited until she had left before turning back to Naolin.
"A pleasure, my lord," he said, nodding his head. "May I sit down?"
"What ever pleases you most, sir," came the calm retort as Naolin raised his cup to his lips, talking a small sip, turning his chair slightly so that he could clearly see the younger man before him. His eyes never strayed from the blond youth once, eyes holding a composed coolness as he kept a calculating gaze on him.
"Arigato, my lord," Guimel replied and took a chair opposite of him, keeping an open, honest look on his face. Hai, Naolin was definitely onto the game. And why not? He played it himself, for a few years now. And of course Mustrum would have told him everything he knew of last night. Damn. Naolin was an old hand at this, but he was usually too absorbed in the wooing as opposed to the observing of other people. So perhaps he didn't know Guimel's own level of playing. He picked up a tea-filled cup from the tray set on a nearby table, not adding anything to the liquid. Tea was hard enough to drink without cloying sugar or cream. He took a swallow, hiding a grimace.
"I saw you at the party last night, Lord Madeious," he said as he put the cup down onto its saucer. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"It was quite pleasing, I must admit. How did your own night fair, lord?"
Guimel smiled softly. "I had the greatest pleasure in meeting your fair sister. What good fortune!"
"If you say so," he replied bluntly, his free hand lightly tapping the arm of his chair. Smooth, very smooth, Naolin thought coolly, quelling a sneer of distaste.
Guimel let his smile grow warm. "I do, my lord," he replied. "Lady Madeious must one of the most charming, spirited young ladies I've ever encountered." He took another drink of tea, then carefully set the cup and saucer down onto the tray and leaned forward slightly, putting a look of earnestness on his face. "I am quite honored that she seems to enjoy my company."
"My sister is like that with most. She is too trusting for her own good, I feel sometimes." He followed the lord's actions, placing his cup quietly onto the tray before looking up him. "She is too innocent to see the dangers apparent in people. Don't you think, Lord Guilliame? How one showing such sincerity has only one thing in mind concerning such an innocent creature."
Guimel hid a sneer. Everyone has to grow up, baka, he thought as he stared seriously into Naolin's eyes. "Innocence should be protected, my lord," he said quietly. "Especially when it's contained in such a lovely person."
"Then you should understand my concerns for Hiroko's welfare. Both myself and Lord Terris know of you. Your reputation precedes you, sir." His eyes glittered knowingly, a small smirk curving the corners of his lips as he gazed across to the opposite chair. "I am not willing to cast a blind eye upon such matters as many would. I'm sure her prospective husband will appreciate my wariness! And I highly doubt you are going to be him, wouldn't you agree."
Fuck, Guimel inwardly snarled, settling his features into soft disappointment. But perhaps he could throw him off the scent, if only a little. "I could never aspire to that honor, my lord," he said, taking up his teacup and staring down into it. "I can only be grateful for the attention she bestows upon me."
"I don't see why not. She is neither above you nor below you in station. The pairing itself would cause no problems. But that is beside the point. I merely wish to emphasize that there is no point trying to fool me, sir! Carry on with this charade, but if you chose to do so, take heed. I will not allow you to…" He stopped as he heard the sound of the door opening a second time, a small smile curving his now serious features as the sound of rustling fabric came to his ears a moment before his dear sister entered.
Guimel stood, frowning slightly, inwardly smirking as he heard Hiroko stop just in the room. "If you don't want me here, Lord Madeious," he said, staring down at Naolin, "Then I will leave."
His discipline slipped as he sneered at Guimel, his features twisting. Bad form to speak so outright when he knew of his sister's presence.
"Although I have the power to, doing so will only perturb Hiroko. And I believe your leaving would help little. Do as you wish." He stood, walking to Hiroko to smooth back a stray strand of hair from her now kept hair. "Pretty…" he murmured, smiling slightly, his finger moving to trace her cheek before pulling away. "I have matters to take care of. Under normal circumstances I would not leave your side but I have matters that I must see to. If you have any needs there are the servants outside, and I believe Terris wishes to spend some time with you before tonight. It seems dinner is not soon enough." He turned, nodding his head at Guimel, muttering the lord's name as he did so before exiting the room, the previous frown returning to his face.
Guimel bowed slightly to Naolin's departing back, then he put down his cup and saucer and turned towards the young woman.
"I'm afraid your brother does not think much of me," he said with soft regret. "Perhaps I should go."
"My brother does not think much of many people. He is slow to warm to individuals of any manor. It is his loss. He and Terris are far to cautious by half." She paused, making her way over to sit down on the sofa beside the seat previously occupied by Naolin. She stared down at the red of her overskirt, not yet looking up at Guimel. "What did he say? I hope he want rude to you. If he was I do apologize for his behavior."
Guimel looked at her for a moment, admiring her form against the intricate brocade of the sofa, thinking that the space was a little small but would work just fine... He blinked and turned away, towards the tea set.
"He was expressing his concern for your well-being," he said, taking up a full cup of tea and turning back towards her. "He seems to think that my intentions towards you are not honorable. Would you care for anything in your tea?"
She shook her head gently in response.
"No thank you. Just as it is." She sighed, fingers coming up to massage her temples. "Both he and Terris are to overprotective and stubborn. Do forgive me for saying so but its true. I do believe they would think the whole of Gaea's male popularity was out to take advantage of me. Besides, be your intentions honorable or not it should be my decision not theirs as to what I wish to happen. If they could but trust me a little. I'm always proper and dutiful, as should a lady of Zaibach but its just not enough. Sometimes I wish…"
He brought her the cup and saucer, settling down beside her on the sofa as he handed them to her.
"What do you wish, Hiroko?" he asked softly.
"Nothing, Guimel." She murmured, accepting the tea. "It's nothing. Do not disconcert yourself with such nonsense."
"Your thoughts are of great value to me," he replied. "Tell me what you wish."
Hiroko fiddled with the lacing at the top of her bodice, staring down at it intently.
"Fanciful thoughts…" she murmured, a slight flush to her skin, as she placed her tea and saucer down onto the tray before them. "Like my Arab back in the stables; wanting so badly to break free of my control and rebel, just waiting for the chance and yet not daring to in fear of the consequences."
He leaned forward, just a little. "Wouldn't it be wonderful to indulge in our desires, no matter the consequences?" he said softly, looking at her bare shoulder just centimeters from his mouth, keeping himself from dipping his chin towards the smooth skin.
"Why dwell on such thoughts though. However much I may wish to throw caution to the wind I can't… can I?"
"And if you could?" he asked softly, almost in her ear, admiring the dark strands curling slightly around it.
"I can't…" she barely whispered. "But if I could… I don't know what I'd do."
"Would you go bathing in a stream in the moonlight?" he asked with a slight grin. "Short-sheet Naolin's bed? Laugh out loud during a state dinner?"
"None of those are under question. It is my dealings with men which are, though pulling such a prank on Naolin is tempting." She pulled back slightly, staring up into his deep eyes and smiled.
Guimel laughed.
"Then you should do it! Life is too short; our youth is spent too confined, ne?" He got up, then knelt at her feet, lightly placing his hands on her knee. "How does this make you feel? Trepidations? Afraid? Excited?"
Her eyebrows rose gently and she lightly shrugged her shoulders.
"Such a touch makes me feel little really. I'm not unknown to such a touch, though it is only done in an affectionate manor. How do you think I should react to it? How would you react to it?"
"Touching you this way brings strange thoughts to my mind," he said seriously, finding her words very interesting, actually. She was either very naive or... what? He was finding it hard to keep his hands settled on her knee; he restrained himself from moving one of them farther up. "Would that I could throw all thoughts of consequences away!"
"And still you refrain from doing so, as most gentlemen would. Yet you speak of 'throwing caution to the wind. Life is short…' You do contradict yourself to much Guimel."
He raised his eyebrows. "You speak highly of propriety, my lady," he replied. "What would you have me do? What would you like to do?"
She started for a moment, confusion crossing her features as she stared down at him. What would she have him do… she didn't know. How should she? She didn't answer, merely remained staring at him, eyes searching his own.
Guimel smiled softly, then reached up and took her face in his hands.
"How does this make you feel?" he asked, caressing her cheek.
"Nice…" she murmured, leaning ever so slightly into it. It reminded her of Terris' touch, private moments when they were alone. She blinked, realizing her eyes had fallen closed and turned slightly, a small smile curving her lips. "In fact it's very pleasant."
Guimel's own face went serious. This was going extremely well, but he'd known young ladies who had been quite willing until they realized just how far he'd wanted to go. Ah, the early conquests, he thought grimly, those had been hard lessons to learn! He listened intently, but there was only the crackle of the fire in the hearth; the door to this room was open but the hard wood floor would betray anyone approaching. In any case, she had chosen to sit at a spot not immediately visible to the opening; almost as if she'd wanted to be hidden. He hid a smirk as he gently turned her face back to his.
"I could make it pleasanter, if you so wish," he said quietly.
"How do you mean?" she asked innocently. "Pleasanter, in what way?" Her head drooped, drawing her eyes away from Guimel's. Perhaps Naolin had been correct in his assumption of how completely unknowing she was to men and their advances. For whatever lord Guimel was suggesting she was quite unsure of it.
Guimel let go of her, then got to his feet and took her hands, drawing her to hers.
"Do you trust me, Hiroko?" he asked softly.
"What a thing to say…" she said soundly in response. "I have no reason not to. And if I did not, I doubt I would have invited you here. Why, do I have reason not to?"
Of course you do, he thought sardonically. You've just met me and already I've done more to you than any proper lady should have done. Terror stabbed him - did he just say that out loud? But she was now looking at him, waiting for an answer, those deep blue eyes looking directly into his own. Such pretty eyes; he could lose himself in there, he thought as he slipped one arm about her waist and slowly drew her up against him. You are so dangerous, he thought as he tilted her face up slightly with his free hand, relishing the heat of her body.
"Guimel?" she enquired gently, stopping her body's response to stiffen and staring at him expectantly. "Do I have reason to trust you? I'll take you at your word."
He smiled softly.
"Of course you can trust me." He pressed his lips lightly to hers.
Her eyes opened wide at the sensation of his lips on hers, slight panic spreading through her. Surely she should have known this to be his intentions, his actions… words. What should she do? This wasn't proper! But… 'You can trust me' such a gentleness in his tone and so she remained still, yet not letting her eyes fall, merely staring at Guimel's closed eyelids.
He felt her stiffen slightly: the usual reaction. But she didn't draw away from him, which was encouraging. He broke the kiss and opened his eyes; inwardly smiling a little at the alarmed look in her own. He loosened his hold on her, smiling gently.
"Not very proper, ne?" he whispered conspiratorially.
"I would have to agree, lord! You show a great deal of impropriety with such an action." She replied plainly, her tongue absentmindedly lightly tracing her lower lip. "But perhaps I show just as much, allowing you to do so?!"
"Perhaps," he said, then bent his head and kissed her neck, savoring the sweet taste of her skin. He'd have to be careful, as always, but this girl, this dangerous girl was so enticing to him!
She gasped out lightly, her neck subconsciously moving to the side in an inviting action as a shiver ran through her body. The tender touch sent her nerves tingling with a pleasant sensation. How could anything so enjoyable be wrong? Her eyes, once again closed, flew open as she felt her body arch a little, sighing gently. What was wrong with her? She should have been pulling away, indignant shock on her face and yet…
He could forget everything now, just continue on, the response of her body against him spurring him to have her, to take her now, but that would be incredibly stupid. What was wrong with him? He hadn't felt this uncontrolled since his first conquest, some young noblewoman from the Northern Province who had been very amused at his attentions. But she had also been very experienced: Robert had been steered him to the perfect first time. This was different, however: he was the experienced one now, and had to do this right, or the game would be lost. He brushed his lips against her skin once again, then lifted his head and looked into her eyes.
"Kiss me," he said softly.
She stared at him, a light tremble running through her body as she felt her pulse quickening before casting her gaze across to the door at the other side of the room. Dare she. What if someone saw, what if Naolin came back, or god forbid Terris. God help her. So much temptation! All her life she prayed to god to lead her from temptation, to lead her away from such things yet all around her there was nothing but temptation, more so now than ever. It was so wrong – she knew that! But it in his words, touch; merely the look in his eyes… Finally she complied to his words, ignoring her minds warning and hesitantly brushed her lips with his.
Guimel slid his hand softly about her neck to the back of her head, deepening the kiss but not trying to get her to open her mouth, triumph flooding through him.
His ears caught the sound of approaching steps; he inwardly cursed as he immediately let go of her suddenly-stiffened body. She was looking almost panicked; he smiled warmly and winked at her.
"Shhhhh," he said softly, then stepped back a few paces and turned to face the door.
Her breath caught in the back of her throat, her chest heaving heavily as the steps became louder. What if someone had seen? What had she been thinking? Immediately she made her way over to the fireplace, her hopes that the heat of the flames may disguise the flush against her cheeks.
"Oh I see I have already missed tea!" came the voice from the doorway. "How unfortunate!" Terris, she should have known. As if he would leave her unaccompanied for long.
"Have you and father finished for the day?" she enquired, turning slightly from the hearth. "I thought your business would take most of the day."
"It will. We decided to take a moment's break. I thought I'd come and see how you were faring. Naolin mentioned you had company this afternoon. I thought it rude not to come and greet them." He turned, his eyes falling on Guimel, cryptically running his gaze over him, eyebrow raised a little as if trying to gather an understand of what had already transpired before his arrival.
Ah, the knight, come to rescue his damsel, Guimel thought, hiding a smirk as he bowed.
"My lord," he said respectfully, "I'm honored."
He nodded his head at the lord before turning his attention back to Hiroko.
"What have you and father been discussing? Naolin seemed to think it was none of my concern. But surely that means it has something to do with me?!"
"Perhaps. But he is right. Don't worry yourself over it. You are not the only topic of discussion. Others too are under debate." And he inclined his head back on the direction of Guimel.
Guimel inwardly scowled: he knew what that meant. Time to back off and let things simmer for a while. But he had two more days after this, so it wasn't a big deal. Unless the girl talked, the noblemen really had nothing but rumors to go on. He felt a rise of anger: that condescending attitude of his! And who was Terris kidding: he only wanted Hiroko for himself. Hypocrite. Guimel suddenly thought of her, keeping his eyes on the nobleman: the beautiful eyes, the sweet skin, the boldness that was carrying her far beyond any recovery of propriety. She is going to be so good, he thought smugly, and, oh, how you are going to rue that holier-than-thou attitude, Terris! But that was in the future. He walked over to the tea tray and picked up his cup and saucer. "You're not too late at all for tea, my lord," he said with a friendly smile. "Can you stay for awhile?"
"Although I would like that, as I said before I still have things to discuss with Lord Corin. You will be at dinner?" he prompted, smiling brightly at Hiroko. She nodded her head, turning away from the fire, sure that her blush had lessened enough.
"Yes I look forward to it. Tell father not to work to hard. He spends to long in his study."
"Good day, Lord Guilliame."
Guimel nodded his head. "Lord Mustrum." He watched the nobleman leave, then turned towards Hiroko, smiling gently.
"Would you still like to stay for tea?" he asked.
"Personally I have never been one for tea." She replied meekly, light blush returning and her gaze dropped to the floor. "I merely suggested it as it was the first thing I could think of last night. Off course there are other things to do. Interruptions seem to be the bane of my life. Perhaps we could go somewhere else? I'm sure father would not mind. It's not as if I would not be unaccompanied."
He set down his cup and saucer and approached her, stopping about a meter away.
"That is so, my lady," he said softly, "but I think that would not be wise. Both your brother and Lord Mustrum have a high distrust in me. They would not approve of us going off somewhere alone, ne?"
She released a long sigh, her thumb tracing her lower lip thoughtfully.
"They distrust everyone around me. I can't win. I enjoy your company, however unusual our time together may be. I wish they would just accept that. Naolin has made it clear that whatever happens is my decision."
If they had any idea how bold you were, they would be keeping you under lock and key, he thought as he smiled slightly. He glanced out the large windows that were set in the wall to his left.
"The time grows late, unfortunately. There are many things I still must do today." His smile saddened. "I hate to leave you! You give a most interesting tea, my lady."
"I understand completely, Lord Guimel." She replied, moving away from the hearth to make her way back over to his side. "Your time is precious. I hope I have not taken up too much of it?"
He took her in his arms, once again enjoying the feel of her body against his.
"All too little of it, my lady," he said softly. "I look forward to our next meeting. Somewhere without distractions, perhaps?"
"I look forward to it." She replied sweetly, in a quiet tone, blush growing a little at the pressure of his body pressed against hers. It was a very pleasant feeling! "I am at your disposal. When, were… whatever is convenient to you."
He smiled.
"I will ride out here tomorrow, mid-morning. If you can get away, I'll be a hundred meters past your estate gate, around the bend. Then we can do anything we wish." His fingers brushed one softly blushing cheek, then curved around to end up under her chin. "Until then, Hiroko," he said softly and tilted her face up, kissing her, lightly running his tongue along her lip. He broke the kiss and turned about, walking out of the room and to the entrance, inwardly smiling, his mouth slightly tingling from the soft touch of her lips.
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