Page 19 of The Princess and The Warrior

Just when I thought I couldn’t climax again, he began describing what he saw in great, lewd detail, driving me over the edge yet again.

Trax had become insatiable, and I loved every single minute of it.

Naturally, I had plenty of time to tend my herb garden, drink tea while reading, and enjoy our quiet life away from the bustle of royal life and the constant activities and gossip. If only we could stay precisely how we were forever.

I knew that we would be called back at some point, but after only about five months away, the weekly carriage came in the morning to inform us that our presence was requested at the castle for a meeting with my parents.

There was a note from my sister Maggera, informing me that her third child was due in a few weeks. I would need to return to the castle to be available for the godmother ceremony. Since I’d already gone through that for her first two daughters, I was actually excited.

My smile faded as I noticed that Trax had received a note that made him scowl. “Is anything wrong?” I asked.

He shook his head, walking outside to the back step where he kept some of his tools. While I roamed around the house preparing things, he sat still, sharpening his axe, then his knife, then his sword.

When I peeked out at him, his shoulders were far too high, his body on edge. I’d never seen Trax angry, but that didn’t seem to be it, exactly. He was...tense...as if preparing for some sort of fight.

Two hours later, I had packed some clothing and prepared the house for us to be away for a while. “Trax, we need to go.”

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He nodded, grabbing a few things absentmindedly, then helping me into the carriage.

As soon as we were on our way, I whispered in his ear, “Would it be exciting if I jumped in your lap like I did on the way here?”

Trax turned to me with a sad smile, shaking his head. “I think I need a little nap before we get there,” he said, leaning against the wall of the carriage. I snuggled against his shoulder, holding his hand and remaining quiet.

It was painful not to know what was in that note that had obviously upset him, but I wasn’t sure how much I should pry.

Perhaps he was simply disappointed that we were being torn away from our perfect little life. It was a nuisance, but we could likely return.

It occured to me that he wasn’t accustomed to obeying the whims of the King so directly. It could be a manly thing that women didn’t quite grasp... a stronger man being forced to bow before another man simply because he wore the crown.

Now certainly wasn’t the time to ask. His fingers drummed on the seat, displaying his inability to sleep.

The rhythmic gait of the horses and the rumble of the wheels lulled me into a stupor as I stared out the window of the rolling green hills, and then I drifted off.

14

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Trax

I was grateful to my old friend Bryson for sending me a letter warning me of what might be awaiting us at the castle.

As always, the palace elders did not keep the supposed confidentiality of the consummation chamber, and were spreading rumors. Some said that I must not be virile, since I did not take my new wife roughly enough for their tastes. Others were saying that I might not have taken her at all.

According to one of the throne room pages, the King and Queen had been eagerly discussing Althea’s pregnancy, and looking forward to another heir.

Since we’d only been having sex for the past two and a half months, she might not be with child yet, and there was no way to fake it. They would likely have the palace physician check her, so we couldn’t puff her dress out, or stuff it with a pillow.

If the King decided I was not a suitable husband, he could simply change his mind. As always, my thoughts went to Althea first. As much as I would rather not be killed or thrown in the dungeon as a personal preference, I needed to remain at her side to protect her.

I felt feverish from the frustration of it all. I detested the sensation of fear.

Althea’s soft breathing told me she was napping, as I held her against me, stroking her side gently. If she were taken from me, I’d miss her so much I doubt I’d ever be able to breathe again.

I didn’t even want to think about it, but although I loved her dearly, she might be better off with a refined, elegant man who could share her love of art, and who wasn’t a clumsy oaf with royal protocol. There was no way to gauge if I was truly the right man for her.

If I were executed, at least it would be over quickly. If I were thrown in the dungeon, I would do nothing but worry about her happiness until the end of my days.

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