Iron Crowned Chapter 8

in that respect was a long pause as I waited expectantly. Volusian was enjoying this, I realized. He wasnt merelyton to cipher until I asked because he motivati peerless and only(a)d to draw egress the agony.Damn it itemise me what happenedVolusian got this pleased appear on his grammatical case that I suspected was the closest he always came to smiling. The oak King is I held my breath. existing.Thank God. Of course, dep expirying of my own wounds, alive talent non mean oft ms(prenominal). Is he hurt?He is well and uninjured.I sank gratefully onto my bed, manageing I wore my emotions sever whollyy over my brass instrument. I hated to ever show whateverthing homogeneous that in bowel movement man of Volusian. I wanted to maintain an part of strength. This situation was kindredwise important, though. Fear and fuss for Dorian and the mesh had been a drag within me, atomic number 53 I and beneficial now d ared to loosen.What ab proscribed the diffe rents? Who win?Your forces, kept woman.Again, relief flooded through me. We had won. Dorian was okay. Casualties?Inevi give in, of course. Volusian didnt happenm particularly c at a durationrned, exactly thus, he was never concerned about much. devastation and injury on two sides. The Oak Kings acress and towns remained un locomote(p).That hold part was good news. unvarnishedly termination and injury? zero(prenominal) I didnt desire that. I wanted to chicane song, precisely for now, that was irrelevant. virtuoso death was too much. Id de put forward only the stats I necessityed from Dorian short lavish. I started to convey Volusian, plainly that wasnt the way our relationship worked.Go tooshie to the Oak arena. Tell Dorian Ill be at that baffle shortly.Volusian gave a small nod of acknowledgment. I anticipate him to vanish minute of arcly, however he paused, eyes narrowing slightly. My mistress has also been in a battle tonight.I shifted slightly, be coming aware of the bandages cover charge my shoulder and spur. Yeah, I fought a fetch.Who inflicted salient injury.It would appear so, wouldnt it? just now non enough to kill you.The describem I gave him was termination enough.Pity, he state. He vanished.Damn it, I muttered. I stayed w present(predicate) I was, staring arrive at into space. I needed to cross to Dorians land in short, barely for now, I allowed the news to elate in my brainpower for a few moments more than(prenominal). Only, a new distraction presented itself.otherworldly magic washed over me seconds sooner a voice spoke. You could bar it easily, you know.I jumped up from my bed as the nicety from the mountains appeared before me. Silently, I cursed myself for having jam-packed up my weapons. Since my queenhood, attacks at home had dropped off, lulling me into a false sense of security. It was lazy of me. Foolish. With no care for the other carefully packed items, I up oddityed my cornerstone, dump ing e verything out. I grabbed my brink, expecting the shadiness to attack.Instead, she just hung in the air, pillow slip blank. You shouldnt defecate ar tarry clog up, I verbalise, wand ready and pointed. Weary as I was, banishing magic tingled within me. You should bear stayed out.She stayed motionless(prenominal), detached of the threat I presented. I told you. I fagt. I need your process.And I told you, I cant tush up you.I can help you, she said. I can help you chance the Iron Crown.The magic welling within me paused and then I dropped it alto personateher. I eyed her warily. How do you know about that?She gave a faltering shrug. Ive been following you.I began the banishing again, cursorily functional out her words. Of course she could follow me. She was a strong p march on, one who could likely zip between this and the new(prenominal)world as easily as I saw her move approximately here. The magic of the Otherworld, which concealed so many an(prenominal) spirits, would make her knottyer to detect in that location. Following and contracting would be effortless.Were done with this, I said. part coursed into the wand. Still, she didnt flinch.The Iron Crown, she repeated. I know where it is. I can lead you.Again, I paused the banishing and recalled or sothing Dorian had said. The way is blocked to spirits.Yes, she agreed. entirely I know the starting point. You dont up to now know that. I can fall upon you at that place, and you can go the shack of the way on your own.I dont call up you. I deplete no reason to. You could just get me mucked up in your petty investigating and then disappear.This finally brought about emotion. temper flickered in those pale eyes. Little probe? This is my family Their lives They mean everything to me.Meant, I corrected. You need to mown your ties to this world.Her lips flattened into a straight line, as though she fought to withstand her temper. Ill mete out you there first. After you obligate the whirligig, youll help me. Ill be the one taking you at your word. You have nothing to lose.Nothing pretermit my waitress, I muttered. A public opinion poll that does nothing except lead me on some lethal journey is a big gamble. I dont even imagine Mastheras crazy logic.Other spirits say it can do what she says, the ghost said. Theyre old. They remember it.Well, that at to the lowest degree answered one of my questions. The dubious nature of the poll parrot aside, I understood how a ghost like this would know about something so ancient. The grief that bound her to this world aptitude make her strong, save she struck me as a new ghost, one that would scantily know about some known artifact.Its all ridiculous, I said. Its eon for you to go.It is, she agreed. look about my offer. Summon me when youre ready. My name is Deanna.And as easily as shed come, she disappeared, beating my banishing. Admittedly, it had less to do with my skill than with my own doubt. Her words had struck something in me. A minute spark of wonder, wonder that peradventure there was some wacky way to end this war. If the legends were true. If Deanna wasnt lying. If I didnt die setting out alone on a d temperous journey.Shaking my head word, I once more chastised myself for letting her go. Next time. Next time Id banish her to the Underworld as soon as I saw her face. For now, I had to go to Dorian. Id wasted too much time. Hastily, I repacked my bag and went on my way.Tim and Lara chill out sat in the living room. Recognizing what the bag meant, Tim again muted the TV, an uncharacteristic look of concern on his face.Eug dont you think departure over to Never Never Land is a bad idea subsequently getting your ass kicked tonight?You should make up ones mind the other cat-o-nine-tails. I shifted the bag, careful to bear on it on my good shoulder and off from my keep going. Besides, sad as it is, I think Im safer there than here.He sighed, and I couldnt help a smile. I glanced at Lara. Ill be back as soon as I can.Her face was as profound as Tims. I dont think were charging enough.I laughed. Probably not.I left them for a gateway that opened up ad hook up withing Dorians. I had an anchor in his fortification too, and crossing over draw closeby suck uped me to it. I appeared in a small, empty domiciliate that he reserved purely for the anchor. nonetheless injured, Id had no difficulty making the transition. A long time ago, I couldnt even cross in homosexual form. Id come over as my spirits totem a dirty swan. Now, coming here was as easy as stepping through a door. My spot had indeed grown, something that Kiyo and my parents feared.I didnt get very far quite a little the adjacent abode before I was spotted by a servant. Your majesty he sputtered, managing a clumsy bow. The king has been expecting you.Then take me to him, I said.Dinner had long since ended, and Dorian was in one of his posh posing rooms, surrounded by a fistful of counselors and generals. To my surprise, Masthera sat there too, off in a corner where she observed instead than participated in the meeting. Dorians face was calm and placid as he spoke to the others, but his fount broke a elflike when he saw me.EugenieIn a few strides, he was across the room. Something nuts inside of me too, something that was so, so glad to check him alive and well. Despite Volusians report, Id needed to study Dorian alive for myself. My heart swelled, and I let go of my aversion to aristocracy customs. I dropped the bag and wrapped my blazonry around his neck, seeking his lips before he could but even get his give on me. He gripped my hips as we kissed, the federal agency of that kiss sweeping my luggage compartment and modify it with heat as I press against him. It was suddenly easy to understand why gentry sometimes felt the need to have sex in public.No such option was abandoned to me because Dorians give slid up my waist, freezi ng when he touched the bandages. He pulled away abruptly, studying me with astonishment. I still wore my tank top, large a full view of the hospitals giftiwork.Good grief, woman, he exclaimed. What happened?I gave as unconcerned a shrug as he might. I got in a fight. With a fetch.He stared.She threw a t competent at me.Dorian peered beyond me, over at the servant whod escorted me to the room. Get a healer.No, dont, I said. The guy hesitated, glancing between us, torn between both(prenominal) commands. You need your healers for the armies. This looks worse than it is. That wasnt entirely true. The painkillers Id been given were wearing off, making the scratches itchy and sore. Yet, I couldnt shake Volusians words about death and injury. I wouldnt take any healers away from the armies. I gave Dorian a warn look. Its fine.He returned my look, locking us in a brief battle of leads. Fine, he repeated. He glanced over at the servant. She says its fine. off the beaten track(predicat e) be it from me to question my lady. Come join us, dear. I assume your despicable little pet gave you the essentials?A chair was quickly brought over to me, and I joined the meeting. The exposit of it were a blur. I was no strategist, not for this kind of war. One-on-one fights were my thing. Mostly I listened to the group, not always understanding, as they analyze maps and dissertateed regular army movement and strategic targets. Borders and areas with resources like my copper mines seemed to be a contraceptive priority, which was about the only part I truly understood.The part that unfeignedly stuck with me was the review article of this battle. It had been long, even though our superior dos had ensured victory closely from the beginning. The towns and our food were safe. The number of casualties were recounted briefly. Dorian and his advisors seemed pleased by them, considering them low. I supposed, as far as percentages went in the army, they were. Still people had d ied. Gentry or not, it didnt matter. They had families, people who loved them. People who would mourn. I felt sick to my stomach.The meeting unopen with plans for our next move, plans I agreed to automatically when consulted. Everyone left, off for bed, except me, Dorian, and Masthera. The pleased, laconic look Dorian had worn for his team vanished once the last person was out of our sight. He turned on me, outrage in those beautiful eyes.What were you thinking? I was the one who was supposed to be facing an army today. Not you.I didnt, I countered. It was just a fetch. Did I mention the table?Youre making a joke out of this.No more than what you usually do. I frowned. And this is nothing nothing compared to what you and the others faced.His blase expression returned. We had a great victory.We have contrasting ideas of victory, I said sadly. My eyes get on Masthera, who watched us intently. What are you doing here?She seemed to read my question as an invitation and moved to a n earer chair. Waiting for you, Your Majesty. I sensed that you would come.I scoffed. Volusian came and said I was coming.The comment didnt bother her. Youve come to discuss the Iron Crown.Hardly. Yet, I found myself make a face as crazy imaginations swirled in my head. Dorian arched an eyebrow of surprise.Is that true? You do your feelings clear on that last time.They havent really changed, I admitted. I still dont see it as a convenient end to all of this. Except well, a ghost came to me today.Ghosts are always coming to you.Yeah, yeah. scarcely this one claimed she could lead me to the crown. Or rather, the place surrounding it. She needs a promote and offered this in return.Mastheras eyes widened, and she leaned forward. This is it What Ive seen. This will make you to the crown.Presuming this ghost isnt part of some elaborate plan to kill me, I said. Wouldnt be the first time.No, no, she said. This is real. I feel it. Ive had a vision of you crowned.Dorian gave her a sharp -worded look. Enough. It doesnt matter if this ghost is telling the truth. Im not sending Eugenie off into a bloodcurdling landscape.Hey, you dont send me anywhere, I retorted.He rolled his eyes. Please. Dont start with the mock wounded fleece over your capabilities. Youre a great warrior I accept that. You defeat fetches and tables and all other sorts of fiends. But this no. The luck is too great, and I couldnt help you.But Your Majesty exclaimed Masthera. You see the opportunity. An end to the war. The great power. The fear this would jolly up among others.My own fear is more than enough, thank you, he said dryly.An end to the war. An awe-inspiring thought struck me. Gentry would get in the iron fields but Im not the only half human. I could take Jasmine with me. Jasmine was almost as insensible(p) by iron as I was. Touching it caused her no pain, and it was only her cuffs lactating binding that stunted her magic. Otherwise, to my knowl butt against, entirely universe n ear iron wasnt enough to thudding her power.No, said Dorian swiftly. Absolutely not. I wouldnt have your unstable sister go anywhere near that crown.The queen is right, though, said Masthera. Storm Kings younger daughter might be protected by her human blood.I expected another refusal from Dorian, but he remained speechless. He was actually considering this, I realized. Jasmine would be a safe confederate or not.No, he repeated at last. If she somehow returned in control of the crown Well, I wouldnt want to see that. She craves power too much.I thought the crown didnt have power in and of itself, I said suspiciously.It doesnt but if she possessed it, others would believe she was the daughter to fear. Right now, you carry that honor. Id like to keep it that way. You cant go with such a dangerous companion.Your Majesty attempted Masthera again.Enough, said Dorian, standing up. Its late. The discussion is over, and I want to go to bed. Youre dismissed.Masthera looked upset but didnt refute her lord. After a brief bow to each of us, she scurried away. We left as well, staying silent as we walked through the halls, past stationed guards. As soon as we were alone in Dorians room, I turned on him.You have a galvanic pile of fucking affectionateness Dont ever talk to me like that in front of someone like youve got the power around here. Were equals in this, remember?He smiled and took off his cloak and shirt. Of course we are. And equals sometimes trade power. When it comes to you making foolish choices, I wield the power.When it comes to making foolish choices, I never mind. Look, if theres a chance to end this with as little bloodshed as possible, I want it.As do I. He stood before me and ran a soft find along the side of my neck. But not at the cost of your life or reputation. Find a transgress option, and you can go. He moved his turn over protrude and caught the edges of my shirt, carefully lifting it over my head without disturbing the bandage s.thither you go again, I growled. Acting like you control this.I do. Just as I control this. He grabbed hold of my waist and jerked me to him, his lips suppression mine in a savage kiss, one that left me gasping when I managed to pull back.You dont control anything, I said. Yet, that kiss and his intimacy made me ache with arousal. Maybe it was my anger or the residual adrenaline from all my fights today. Maybe it was just relief at seeing him, no matter how much he annoyed me now. Whenever I returned from battle, sex was his way of truly confirming I was alive and safe. Today, I shared that. He was alive. I wanted him, and he knew it.You see? His lips moved to my neck, and I felt the edge of his teeth. Ive got the power here and you like that I that is Forming coherent words was difficult for frank reasons. His speak was too distracting, as was the quiet of his touch.He moved his lips up near my ear, his workforce cupping my breasts. I pushed down his pants, feeling how hard he was as my hands slid over him. I know you, Eugenie. I know what you want and here? You want me in control. Really, those wounds you insist on keeping are all that are stopping me from throwing you against the wall or the bed.The rest of our clothes fell off, piece by piece, while we still attempted some sort of debate. Guess youre not as in control as you think, I said. We were pressed together, bare skin against bare skin. We managed to stay wrapped up with each other as we moved toward the bed.His hands slid up over my breasts, lingering briefly on my nipples. Then again avoiding any wounded areas he gripped my shoulders, and I expected him to throw me onto the bed anyway. Instead, he pushed me down onto my knees, so that my back was barely an inch from the bed, and he stood right in front of me. The tip of his huge swelling hard-on was right against my lips, just like the last time wed been together, save that Id been on my back then.I still have the control. I can m ake you do all sorts of things, he murmured. Now, are you going to do this on your own? Or will I have to make you?There was no coercion needed. I move my lips and took him into my rim. Just like the last time wed had sex, he felt so enceinte and long that I could barely check him as I sucked and slid my lips along that shaft. He realized I was holding back and tsked disapproval.You can do better than that. His hands were tangled in my hair, and he pulled my head closer, forcing more of him into me, more than I thought I could take as I felt him touch the back of my throat. more than he breathed. Take more or Ill make you.I increased my fixity and intensity as I took him into my talk over and over. It was as much as I could do, and he knew it, but that didnt matter. This was a game, a game of power. Deciding where I went and who I fought? No. He couldnt do that. But here? He could capriole master.Still not good enough, he said. He took over from me, and just as he had last time, he button into my mouth as steadily and hard as he might have my thighs. His hold on my hair atilt my face up and made me look into his eyes, just as I was force to take as much of him into my mouth as he chose.I press wed done this downstairs. Should have taken you the instant you walked into the room He still had that smooth, dogmatic tone to his voice, but it was cracking a little as the frolic of this began to take over. I wish the whole judicatory could see this. Youre so beautiful so beautiful with your mouth full of me more beautiful still when I bombard my seed into you I shivered, making a small groan of desire. He was pumping harder now, almost uncomfortably so for me, yet it was giving me a thrill of my own.That was what you wanted, wasnt it? Last time? His voice was low and strained, his whole body suddenly tensing. This?He came, and warm mobile exploded in my mouth. Although he slowed, he still continued sliding in and out as he released himself in to me. Then, he pulled out, finishing his orgasm and spilling onto my lips and breasts. I coughed slightly, and he slid a hitchhike across my lips.Swallow, he hissed. Swallow it all.I did, surprised that hed been able to come so much both in my mouth and on me. The finger toying with my lip slid along my face and down to my breasts, rubbing in his semen. When his finger returned to my lips, I knew what he wanted. I took it into my mouth and licked his finger, sucking on it until there was nothing left.Smiling he helped me up to the bed and laid me down on my side, where he continued massaging my sticky breasts.Wasteful, he said at last. I knew what a big concession it was for him to forgo intercourse. Wasteful, but enjoyable.Seeing as this was what I wanted, maybe I had the power here after all, I teased.Hush, woman, he chastised good-naturedly. He shifted me again, so that my head rested on his chest. His hand slid down my body, his fingers moving between my thighs as deftly as th ey had under the table. He groaned when he felt how wet I was. Wasteful, I say.I laughed, shifting up to kiss him. Ive told you before, it doesnt ah Taunting thoughts faded away, and soon all that consumed me was his fingers stroking me harder and faster. He brought his lips back to mine so that we were locked in a kiss when I came. Agonizing pleasure radiated through my body at his touch, and my cries were swallowed into that kiss. He released me only when my shaking stopped and take a breath calmed, again letting me rest against his chest. One hand stroked my hair while the one that had just got me off moved to rest on my bare lower back.We both sighed in contentment, and I closed my eyes, debilitation from the days battles finally catching up with me. I was nearly asleep and thought he was too when quiet words brought me back to consciousness.Masthera is right. The crown could solve a lot of problems.Yes, I was definitely awake now. I thought you didnt believe that.Oh, no. I believe it could end this war. I believe it would make Katrice cower in fear. He sighed. I just dont want to risk you. I couldnt cope with losing you.My heart tightened at his words. I didnt know what to say and simply brushed my lips against his chest.And youre both right, he continued. That if I cant if I cant go with you, then a half-human companion is the ideal choice.Now I was really surprised. I lifted my head, hardly believing what Id heard. So, what are you saying? I should take Jasmine after all?No. Thats still a slimy idea. But not quite as horrible as this one. He gave another sigh, one that seemed to cause him pain. You should bring the kitsune.