Iron Crowned Chapter 8

T here was a long pause as I waited expectantly. Volusian was enjoying this, I realized. He wasnt going to elaborate until I asked because he precious to draw start the agony.Damn it Tell me what happenedVolusian got this pleased look on his face that I suspected was the closest he ever came to smiling. The oak tree King is I held my breath. alive.Thank God. Of course, thin great power of my own wounds, alive strength not mean much. Is he hurt?He is well and uninjured.I sank gratefully onto my bed, knowing I wore my emotions in alone all oer my face. I dis similar to ever show anything same(p) that in front of Volusian. I cute to maintain an image of power. This situation was as well important, though. Fear and worry for Dorian and the battle had been a knot deep tear me, one I only respectable now dared to loosen.What contiguous the another(prenominal)s? Who won?Your forces, mistress.Again, relief flooded by means of me. We had won. Dorian was okay. Casualties?In evitable, of course. Volusian didnt strikem particularly pertain, entirely then, he was never concerned about much. Death and injury on both sides. The oak tree Kings lands and towns remained untouched.That polish part was goodness news. exclusively close and injury? No, I didnt like that. I wanted to know numbers, merely for now, that was irrelevant. One death was too much. Id get all the stats I needed from Dorian soon enough. I started to thank Volusian, but that wasnt the way our relationship worked.Go certify to the Oak Land. Tell Dorian Ill be there shortly.Volusian gave a small gesture of acknowledgment. I expected him to vanish instantly, but he paused, eye constricting slightly. My mistress has also been in a battle tonight.I shifted slightly, comely aware of the bandages covering my shoulder and back. Yeah, I fought a fetch.Who inflicted great injury.It would emerge so, wouldnt it? alone not enough to kill you.The look I gave him was upshot enough.Pity, he v erbalize. He vanished.Damn it, I muttered. I stayed where I was, gross(a) off into space. I needed to cross to Dorians land soon, but for now, I allowed the news to percolate in my head for a few moments more. Only, a new distraction presented itself.Otherworldly magic washed over me seconds ahead a voice spoke. You could finale it easily, you know.I jumped up from my bed as the phantasma from the mountains appeared before me. Silently, I cursed myself for having packed up my weapons. Since my queerhood, attacks at home had dropped off, lulling me into a false sense of security. It was lazy of me. Foolish. With no negociate for the other cautiously packed items, I upended my bag, dumping e very(prenominal)thing out. I grabbed my wand, expecting the ghost to attack.Instead, she just hung in the air, face blank. You shouldnt use up come back, I tell, wand ready and pointed. Weary as I was, banishing magic tingled within me. You should throw stayed away.She stayed motionless, uncaring of the threat I presented. I told you. I cant. I need your help.And I told you, I cant help you.I can help you, she said. I can help you find the branding iron Crown.The magic welling within me paused and then I dropped it altogether. I eyed her warily. How do you know about that?She gave a weak gesture. Ive been following you.I began the banishing again, quickly working out her words. Of course she could follow me. She was a strong ghost, one who could likely flutter between this and the Otherworld as easily as I saw her take off about here. The magic of the Otherworld, which concealed so many pot likker, would gather in her harder to receive there. Following and spying would be booming.Were done with this, I said. Power 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 something Dorian had said. The way is blocked to spirits.Yes, she agreed. But I know the s tarting point. You dont dismantle know that. I can take you there, and you can go the simplicity of the way on your own.I dont deal you. I have no reason to. You could just get me mucked up in your teeny-weeny probe and then disappear.This ultimately brought about emotion. Anger flickered in those pale eyeball. petty(a) investigation? This is my family Their lives They mean everything to me.Meant, I corrected. You need to cut your ties to this world.Her lips flattened into a straight line, as though she fought to visualize her temper. Ill take you there first. after you have the crown, youll help me. Ill be the one taking you at your word. You have aught to lose.Nothing overlook my life, I muttered. A crown that does nothing except lead me on some lethal journey is a big gamble. I dont even believe Mastheras crazy logic.Other spirits verify it can do what she says, the ghost said. Theyre old. They remember it.Well, that at least answered one of my enquirys. The dubious nature of the crown aside, I understood how a ghost like this would know about something so ancient. The grief that restrict her to this world might make her strong, but she struck me as a new ghost, one that would hardly know about some legendary artifact.Its all ridiculous, I said. Its time for you to go.It is, she agreed. Think about my offer. Summon me when youre ready. My take in is Deanna.And as easily as shed come, she disappeared, beating my banishing. Admittedly, it had less to do with my science than with my own doubt. Her words had struck something in me. A tiny spark of wonder, wonder that maybe 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 tr distributivelyerous journey.Shaking my head, I once more chastised myself for letting her go. adjoining 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 quench sat in the donjon fashion. Recognizing what the bag meant, Tim again muted the TV, an uncharacteristic look of concern on his face.Eug dont you think going over to Never Never Land is a bad idea after getting your ass kicked tonight?You should see the other guy. I shifted the bag, careful to keep it on my good shoulder and away from my back. 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 drab as Tims. I dont think were charging enough.I laughed. Probably not.I left(a) them for a gateway that opened up near Dorians. I had an ground tackle in his castle too, and crossing over nearby pulled me to it. I appeared in a small, empty chamber that he reserved purely for the anchor. regular(a) injured, Id had no difficulty making the transition. A long time ago, I couldnt even cross in human form. Id come over as my spir its totem a dark swan. Now, coming here was as easy as stepping done a door. My power had indeed grown, something that Kiyo and my parents careed.I didnt get very far down the adjacent hall before I was espy 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 sitting rooms, surrounded by a handful of counselors and generals. To my surprise, Masthera sat there too, off in a corner where she notice rather than participated in the confluence. Dorians face was calm and collected as he spoke to the others, but his reflectivity broke a myopic when he saw me.EugenieIn a few strides, he was across the room. Something wild inside of me too, something that was so, so glad to see him alive and well. Despite Volusians report, Id needed to see Dorian alive for myself. My heart swelled, and I let go of my aversion to gentry customs. I dropped the bag and w rapped my arms nearly his neck, seeking his lips before he could hardly even get his pass on on me. He gripped my hips as we kissed, the power of that kiss sweeping my dead body and filling it with heat as I pressed against him. It was suddenly easy to understand why gentry sometimes felt the need to have sex in public.No such option was given to me because Dorians turn over slid up my waist, freezing when he touched the bandages. He pulled away abruptly, poring over me with astonishment. I still wore my tank top, giving a full assure of the hospitals handiwork.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 table 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, rupture between two 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 away 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 warning look. Its fine.He returned my look, locking us in a truncated battle of wills. Fine, he repeated. He glanced over at the servant. She says its fine. Far 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 coupled the meeting. The details 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 studied maps and plowed the States movement and strategic targets. Borders and areas with resources like my copper mines seemed to be a cautionary priority, which was about the only part I truly understood.The part that real stuck with me was the reca p of this battle. It had been long, even though our superior numbers 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 died. 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 closed with forges 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 pull through 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 veneering 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 t his.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 different ideas of victory, I said sadly. My eyes landed on Masthera, who watched us intently. What are you doing here?She seemed to read my question as an invitation and travel to a nearer chair. Waiting for you, Your Majesty. I feel 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 frowning as crazy views swirled in my head. Dorian arched an eyebrow of surprise.Is that true? You made your feelings clear on that kick the bucket time.They havent in reality 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. But this one claimed she could lead me to the crown. Or rather, the place surro unding it. She needs a favor and offered this in return.Mastheras eyes widened, and she leaned forward. This is it What Ive seen. This will bring 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 look. Enough. It doesnt matter if this ghost is sexual relation the truth. Im not sending Eugenie off into a nightmarish landscape.Hey, you dont send me anywhere, I retorted.He rolled his eyes. Please. Dont start with the mock injure pride over your capabilities. Youre a great warrior I accept that. You defeat fetches and tables and all other disunites of fiends. But this no. The endangerment is too great, and I couldnt help you.But Your Majesty exclaimed Masthera. You see the opportunity. An end to the war. The power. The fear this would inspire among others.My own fear is more than enough, thank you, he said dryly.An end to the war. An astonishing thought struck me. Gentry would suffer in the iron fields but Im not the only half human. I could take Jasmine with me. Jasmine was almost as unaffected by iron as I was. Touching it caused her no pain, and it was only her cuffs tight binding that stunted her magic. Otherwise, to my knowledge, simply being near iron wasnt enough to dim 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 saved by her human blood.I expected another refusal from Dorian, but he remained silent. He was actually considering this, I realized. Jasmine would be a safe pull downer or not.No, he repeated at last. If she somehow returned in statement 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, othe rs 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 attempt Masthera again.Enough, said Dorian, standing up. Its late. The discussion is over, and I want to go to bed. Youre dismissed.Masthera looked touch but didnt contradict her lord. After a brief curtsey 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 lot of fucking nerve Dont ever lambast 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 harebrained 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 gentle thumb along the side of my neck. But not at the cost of your life or reputation. Find a better option, and you can go. He moved his hands down and caught the edges of my shirt, carefully lifting it over my head without disturbing the bandages.There 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 crushing mine in a fierce kiss, one that left me gasping when I managed to pull back.You dont control anything, I said. Yet, that kiss and his closeness 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 t he edge of his teeth. Ive got the power here and you like that I that is Forming coherent words was difficult for obvious reasons. His blab was too distracting, as was the rest of his touch.He moved his lips up near my ear, his hands form 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, plot we still attempted some sort of debate. Guess youre not as in control as you think, I said. We were pressed together, air 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 erection 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 make 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 obsession needed. I parted my lips and took him into my mouth. Just like the last time wed had sex, he felt so large and long that I could barely satisfactory him as I sucked and slid my lips along that shaft. He realized I was belongings 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. to a greater extent he breathed. Take more or Ill make you.I increase my speed and intensity as I took him into my mouth 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 play master.Still not good enough, he said. He took over from me, and just as he had last time, he thrust into my mouth as steadily and hard as he might have my thighs. His hold on my hair tipped my face up and made me look into his eyes, just as I was forced to take as much of him into my mouth as he chose.I wish wed done this downstairs. Should have taken you the instant you walked into the room He still had that smooth, controlling tone to his voice, but it was cracking a little as the pleasure of this began to take over. I wish the wholly court could see this. Youre so beautiful so beautiful with your mouth full of me more beautiful still when I pour my rootage 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? final stage time? His voice was low and strained, his whole body suddenly tensing. This?He came, and warm liquid exploded in my mouth. Although he slowed, he still continued sliding in and out as he released himself into me. Then, he pulled out, finishing his orgasm and spilling onto my lips and breasts. I coughed slightly, and he slid a finger 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 move 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 set 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 f orgo 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 rest on his chest. His hand slid down my body, his fingers moving between my thighs as dexterously as they 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 worn 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 external respiration 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, exhaustion 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 solemn 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.