Everything had changed.
The lines were no longer blurred.
If Raelee didn't feel like a whore before, there was certainly no mistaking it now.
The king had made her status clear.
It didn't stop her from reminiscing about their previous encounters.
Sometimes, before, she felt like his lover.
Like when she woke up in his arms after falling asleep on the other side of the bed. Or when he kissed her in their post coital bliss.
When he smiled at her, just because she walked into the room.
The glint in his eye when he knew she was enjoying herself.
The teasing and lascivious grins when he made her blush.
But now, he's… different.
The king was cold and callus.
Treating Raelee with nothing but disdain and derision.
Ever since the night at the pools, things had changed.
That happened two weeks ago.
She wasn't oblivious to the timing.
Raelee would never accuse the king of jealousy, but something had changed between them after that night.
He had become cruel, demeaning and took relish in every opportunity to make her feel worthless.
The only thing that hasn't changed was his need for her.
He's had her every night. Sometimes they went until dawn without a break, or at least she never got one.
Whenever he was too tired from his daily duties, he would command her to ride him or go down on him until he was ready for sleep.
And while she hated to admit it, she loved it when she was on top. She was able to control the speed and intensity. It allowed her to relax and not feel so dominated.
Another problem was that she hasn't been able to come since that night.
He never touched her unless it was to get her attention or to hurt her. He pinched her nipples so hard two nights ago, that she woke up with bruises.
The healers probably thought she was addicted to the herbal pain brew with all the recent requests she had made.
Her hips and inner thighs also held the evidence of his passions.
There was an imprint of his palm on her rear. She gained that when she almost fell asleep under him yesterday.
That was the just a hint of his change in character.
Even now, she was on all fours on his bed, panting at the king's brisk pace. The sweat beaded on her skin.
He was usually quite reserved with his sounds in bed, but now he was grunting like an animal.
He was using her for his carnal needs.
She fisted the fabric in an attempt to hold on.
A particularly powerful thrust nearly launched her off the edge.
He hauled her back with a snarl.
"Hold still." He said through gritted teeth.
"I." Thrust. "Am." Thrust. "Trying!" She scowled. She was sure her hips were bruised.
His hands were like vices as he pounded into her.
"Try harder." He groaned and increased his pace.
She could feel his nails digging into her flesh.
He was about to come.
Raelee stiffened in anticipation.
A few harsh thrusts later, he stilled and shouted out his release.
Raelee let out a sigh of relief. It was over for now.
He pumped into her slowly as he came down from his high.
She stayed still. She didn't want to incur his rath.
When he finally pulled out, she collapsed forward in a heap, her arms hanging off the side.
She heard him recline back against the pillows with a sigh.
The sound of pouring liquid alerted her to the fact he was having another glass of wine.
It had been some time since he offered her a drink.
Another thing that changed between them.
While she caught her breath, she braced herself for whatever the king had planned next.
It had been four hours since she came into his rooms.
As soon as he spotted her, he told her to disrobe and get on the bed.
She had only been off it once to get a glass of water and to use the bathroom.
Raelee almost missed the start of their bargain.
She used to love his eyes, they were so expressive and held vast amounts of wisdom… and lust. But now they only held contempt for her. She had tried to speak with him, to resolve whatever animosity existed between them. The king never let her speak for more than two sentences before he told her to be quiet and remove her uniform.
She didn't even bother to sleep beside him anymore. Just waited until he was fast asleep and sneaked out to her post to wait for Galion in the morning.
The king didn't seem to mind.
She closed her eyes in attempt to sneak in a quick nap.
She felt the tension leave her.
A tap on her leg woke her up.
"Raelee, I want you to ride me now."
"Of course." She panted but didn't move. She wanted to sleep. Her eyelids were getting heavy. She must have only been asleep for fifteen minutes.
"Now!" He demanded.
She pushed herself up and scrambled to straddle him.
Her knees settled either side of his thighs.
He was reclined on his pillows waiting for her get on with it.
"Face the other way." He commanded before she could sheath him.
He looked bored at her confused face.
"I want your back to me. Get on with it."
She nodded and positioned herself to face the foot of the bed. She grasped his hard member and lined up with her entrance.
When she slid down, she moaned at the new position. It was similar to when he took her in the council chambers.
The contours of his cock felt amazing.
It was easier too because she didn't have to face him. Without his judgemental eyes finding fault with everything she did.
Raelee began bouncing on his cock and took great strides to enjoy herself.
She never knew how she survived all that time without sex and the heights it could take her.
Her pace quickened as she used his thighs for support.
He groaned beneath her.
She focused on the fireplace and the clock on the mantlepiece.
Just focusing on the hands and the silent ticks allowed her to block out the groaning king behind her.
The coil behind her naval tightened. She wanted to come.
One of her hands moved to her clit as subtly as she could manage. She didn't want him to know. He wouldn't be too happy with her.
But she had never been this desperate for release.
She moaned as her walls began to tighten, she hadn't felt this close in two weeks.
Just a few more thrusts and she could come.
Raelee raised and lowered herself with purpose.
And just when she thought she was about to feel release, the king halted her movements.
She let out a pained groan as her climax edged away.
His hands felt like vices on her hips.
"Turn around."
Please no.
"I'm happy where I am." She raised herself up and resumed her bouncing before he could speak again. He groaned at her movements, seemingly enjoying himself, but he gripped her hips tightly again, forcing her to stop.
He sat up so he was flush against her.
"Do not disobey me. Last warning." He said in her ear. There was a distinctive edge to his voice.
He lifted her up, so she had no choice but to comply and turn around.
She faced him, not bothering to hide the hurt in her eyes.
He wore a blank expression.
"Are you okay?" She was enjoying herself just there. He told her to give in to what she was feeling their first night together. She was taking his advice.
He scoffed at her.
"I do not have to explain myself you." His anger was apparent. "Just get on with it, like a good little whore." He laid back down to watch her.
Raelee took a deep breath.
So far, she has managed to hide her anguish until she's in her room. She didn't want anyone to see her crying.
The king would only gripe at her and anyone else who happened upon her in that state would question why she was upset.
And there was no adequate way to explain her feelings.
She did as he commanded and sank back onto his cock. She resumed trying to pleasure him by circling her hips and increasing her speed in response to his groans.
His hips raised to meet hers and hit a special spot inside. She almost cried out.
She closed her eyes to focus on the natural rhythm of her body.
The tightening began again.
She moaned, still feeling her unfished climax peaking over the horizon. Her eyes stayed closed, trying to get lost in the pleasure.
She leant forward and used his arms to brace herself.
Just a little longer-
He stopped her again.
Please no.
"You are here for me, not your own enjoyment!" He thundered.
Her blood boiled.
"Fine, just finish then!" She yelled back.
Raelee cried out when his hand wound up in her hair.
His fingers dug into her scalp.
"Do not speak to me like that, I am your king!"
Raelee's heart rumbled in her chest.
"I don't know what you want me to do!" She felt tears beginning to mist her eyes. The pressure from the last two weeks was starting to boil over. She felt exhausted, sore and used.
And she really needed to come.
"You are here to please me, and you have yet to do so."
He was sat up against her.
His cock twitched. It was almost like he was enjoying this.
He was so angry lately. And while he still maintained the façade of the calm, collected, frequently ill-tempered king to all in the Greenwood, when they were alone, he was like a dam ready to burst.
"You are impossible to please!"
His eyes widened for a moment, before returning to his narrowed stare.
"Enough excuses! Do what you are here for, or I will have to find someone competent to replace you!"
Her heart stopped when he spoke. How dare he threaten their bargain.
How dare he put her through all of this only to jeopardize her future.
This humiliation wouldn't be for nothing.
Now, with a renewed sense of determination, she placed her hands on his shoulders, matching the grip he had on her hips,
She resumed bouncing on the king, trying to curb any pleasure she may feel. She was angry and wanted to hold onto the feeling.
The hatred in her eyes matched the fury in his.
Her hips pounded harshly against his.
He grunted at her movements. His hips raised to meet hers.
Neither blinking.
In sync.
Finally, with a harsh thrust, he grunted out his release.
He brought her tighter against him. An almost hug.
They stayed locked in their carnal embrace. Their breaths mixed as the smell of sweat permeated the air.
The king leant back, and his eyes strayed to her mouth for a moment. She thought he was going to kiss her, before his eyes trailed down to her heaving chest.
That was most obvious change.
He never kissed her anymore.
She wasn't brave enough to try. Nor was she brave enough to ask why.
With an internal huff and palms flat against his shoulders, she pushed him back with an 'oof'.
She couldn't climb off him fast enough.
Raelee's prone body collapsed beside him.
They both laid back in silence. Their harsh breaths were the only sound that filled the room.
Her eyes traced the patterns on the canopy ceiling. Something mundane to help calm her heartbeat.
She knew an argument was coming. She didn't want her fiery temper to make things worse.
If that were possible.
"If you ever address me in such a way again, I will make sure that you regret it." His cold voice sent shivers down her spine.
She had seen the king be cruel and dismissive throughout the years, but this was something else. It was like he was going out of his way to hurt her.
She turned over onto her side to face him.
His face held no furrows or frowns. No emotion whatsoever.
She hated this.
Hated what this had become.
The timer for their bargain wouldn't run out for another four moons.
If she wanted to survive physically and emotionally, she knew she would have to compromise. Even if that meant apologising for something she wasn't sure was her fault.
"I'm sorry if I did something to anger you." Raelee hoped to clear the air. Hopefully, they could go back to what their bargain was before.
The king scoffed at her.
"You barely register on my mind outside of these rooms."
His words were so cold, so dismissive that she flinched in response.
She swallowed back the tears that were threatening to break free. She had to leave. Nothing was worth this.
"I will see you at our next meeting." She got up and began dressing.
"I have not dismissed you." The sun hadn't risen, but dawn was nearing.
"I must get to my post; Galion will be here soon." He didn't seem moved by her reasoning. "Don't you have a council meeting in the morning?" She tried not to sound too optimistic.
"I do indeed." The king looked like he had just remembered. She had heard of it because her Father mentioned it at their family dinner yesterday.
"My king." She bowed and reached for the door.
"Wait." He called out.
Her fist clenched around the handle.
"Yes?" She gritted out.
"You will be accompanying me on a journey in five days' time." He called before she could leave.
Her brows furrowed at his announcement.
"I am?" She hadn't heard of any trips on the horizon.
"Yes, pack all your weapons and uniforms as you will be my night attendant."
"Where will we be journeying?"
"Erebor."
Xxx
Raelee's mind was still reeling after yesterday's conversation.
Travelling to Erebor was an honour.
To travel with the king as one of his selected attendants was a great opportunity.
But even with all the jealousy and side glances thrown her way, Raelee knew the truth.
It was cold in the mountains, and she would act as his bedwarmer.
"Do you think your aim is that rusty?" Calel asked.
"I haven't been outside the halls in almost two moons." She aimed her arrow at the target. "Best to be prepared."
"It must be a treat to go on one last adventure before you retire." He smiled jovially as she hit her target.
"Yes…it was a wonderful surprise." She didn't know Calel that well, but when she saw his name on the attendants list, she sought him out in the training grounds. He too, was taking the opportunity to hone his skills.
"And your father was okay with this?" He asked as she retrieved her arrow.
"He didn't mention it when I last saw him."
"That's odd. Your father usually is the one to draw up the lists." He took his position to shoot the target.
"You're right." She frowned as he pointed that out to her.
"From what I heard, the king asked Tauriel to select the members." She turned to Adrien. The elf was teaching her son some basic sword skills beside them.
"Tauriel? But why would she put forward Orion?"
That set off alarm bells in Raelee's mind. Orion was a capable warrior, but he had a rebellious streak. It was no secret that Tauriel disliked him.
He often went rogue and didn't follow Tauriel's orders when Raelee used to be on the patrols.
"Well, if I was in Tauriel's position and there was a chance to have a break from that oaf, I would jump at the opportunity." He had probably hit the nail on the head with that theory.
"Well, there's no way Orion would misbehave on this journey." Raelee agreed.
"I would still rather we didn't have to put up with him. You especially."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"He wants to be made captain. Which means he needs more face time with the king, and we both know that the person attending to him will be you. He might try to usurp your position."
"He's welcome to try." She laughed.
"What do you mean by that?" He raised a brow at her.
Adrien and her son gave her an odd look too as they packed up their weapons and made to leave.
Damn, what did she mean by that? In the back of her mind, the image of Orion pushing her aside to take over her duties, and then being faced with an amorous king was very amusing.
She could almost picture their shocked faces.
But then she could also picture the king's ire.
That was not something she wished to see more of.
"If he thinks sitting in a chair all night constitutes face time with his majesty, he has another thing coming."
"I suppose." He agreed.
"Well, at least it's not a long trip."
"What's not a long trip?" A voice called.
Both of them turned to see Daron heading towards them.
He greeted Adrien's son with a pat on the head as they passed on their way out.
"We've been selected to join the king on his journey to Erebor." Calel informed him.
"Oh." He frowned at her. "I hadn't heard from your father about any journey."
"Tauriel picked the attendants." She shrugged.
Daron nodded in thought.
"So, it's you two and who else?"
"Fandriel and Orion."
He frowned at that.
"Well, I can understand the three others, but why you Raelee?"
Raelee plastered on a false smile to hide the hurt. He didn't think she was good enough, as usual.
"I would assume it's because of my role at his night guard. It will be more or less the same duties."
"I thought we had agreed that you would remain in the Greenwood?"
"You and my father agreed. I had no choice." She reminded him.
"We're just looking out for you." His hand settled on her waist and brought her against him.
Daron tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
It sent a shiver down her spine.
"Well, don't you two look very cosy." Calel grinned.
Raelee laughed awkwardly.
Daron was acting more attentive out in public ever since their ill-fated dinner.
They didn't want the others to know about the pools. Daron was just as embarrassed as she had been.
Their escapades had been kept quiet as far as she knew.
Just herself, Daron and the king knew about it.
Her father would collapse in a fit of rage if he found out what had occurred. Especially since the king happened upon them.
Daron never brought it up, but in their informal gatherings and chance meetings, he relished in every opportunity to touch her and press a kiss on her cheeks.
Once, he caught her by surprise in a secret alcove and planted a smouldering kiss on her lips.
For a moment, she thought it was the king.
It was fleeting, but she couldn't supress the subtle disappointment.
She quickly schooled her features and returned the kiss with as much muster as she could manage.
Thankfully, Tauriel called for Daron before it got more heated.
"I think she may finally be coming around to me." Daron laughed and brought her closer.
When his hand moved down to her hip, she hissed. Her bruising was still quite tender.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, just need to stretch my legs." She lied.
"Let me know and I'll be there to help you. I know some exercises that can limber you up." He winked at her.
She coughed at the suggestion.
"Aren't you on patrol soon?" Calel asked.
"I was just on my way when I overheard you." He adjusted his bow on his back.
Before she could say goodbye, he kissed her lips. It was quick, but still provoked a startled gasp from her.
"I will see you tomorrow." He nodded at the pair and exited the area.
Raelee hid her face to stop the blush from spreading. It was one thing to kiss her out of sight of others, but to do it in front of a colleague was beyond mortifying.
"That's odd." Calel commented.
"The kissing is new." She agreed.
"No, I meant he's heading in the wrong direction. The gate's the other way."
Raelee frowned at his observation but didn't let it burden her mind.
"Shall we practice hand to hand combat?" She needed to be on top of her game for the trip.
Who knows what could happen?