"This princess will be my undoing..." I murmured, our journey continuing. My gaze softened as I watched her, the gentle rhythm of her breath causing strands of her burgundy hair to stir. "I despise the color of your hair, your eyes, Evermerian," I whispered, a strange contradiction in my tone. "Yet when I take you forcefully," I said, my hand mirroring the action, "it feels like the comforting embrace of my mother. And when I look into your eyes, it is as if I am staring into my own reflection." I tightened my hold, burying my face in the depths of her hair.
The chariot slowed, finally halting at our designated stop. Our journey between Ravenmarch and Evermere included several planned rests to resupply and attend to any needs or injuries within our vast traveling kingdom. This particular stop allowed me to oversee matters and ensure the well-being of our people. Many traveled with us, both familiar faces and strangers. I had ensured my most capable individuals remained with King Florian; he deserved my best after all he had done for me years ago. He had rescued me from the brutal Evermerian slave masters, taken me under his wing, and guided me to the rank of General within his elite forces, allowing me to bring him countless victories.
Gently, I laid Thalassa down and stepped out into the cool embrace of the night. A long night stretched ahead, filled with necessary tasks. The only soldier from Ravenmarch Kingdom accompanying me was Elrick, the same one who had seized Thalassa when I offered her bound hands to serve my men ale after our victory, the brutal slaughter of her kingdom's people and the devastation of her lands. Though a formidable warrior, Elrick's volatile nature was a constant concern; Florian had practically pleaded with me to bring him along. I spotted him on horseback nearby. "Elrick!" He approached, weary from the journey but alert, ready for any threat. "Bring me a horse. We need to begin our rounds and assign the men I will need at the ready."
Riding abreast, I surveyed the burgeoning encampment. Tents were going up haphazardly, wagons sat unsecured, and the mingling of soldiers, slaves, and servants amongst the carriages created utter chaos. The stark truth hit me: the Princess's presence had become a significant disruption. Order needed to be restored, and swiftly.
"Elrick," I called out, my voice firm, "ride to the vanguard and begin forming groups. Select capable leaders from our soldiers to instruct the majority. Any who are slaves are to be directed to the lower field for their encampment." I gestured towards the designated area. "I will begin at the rear and work my way forward, meeting you in the middle."
My gaze swept across the disorganized scene. "This month will be a trial," I announced, my voice carrying. "Observe closely for signs of vigilance, strength, strategic thinking, and the ability to endure hardship and follow commands. We require slave masters, slaves, soldiers, servants, and healers. By month's end, a select few will be granted titles of nobility."
He nodded. "Yes, my Ki-"
"I am no King yet," I interjected, my tone firm but not unkind. "The coronation is yet to come. For now, I remain a General."
"Yes, my General," he replied, a note of gratitude in his voice. "Thank you for looking favorably upon me." With a low murmur to his horse, he spurred it into a swift gallop and rode off.
Through shared battles, I had earned Elrick's respect. Though older, I had saved his life countless times and risen to High Commander before him. Watching him depart, I turned my horse in the opposite direction, towards the rear of the sprawling encampment.
Even at the back, tents were already being erected. "You," I addressed a group struggling with a particularly fine-looking tent, their eyes showing exhaustion. Their attire marked them as castle servants. "Everyone stop what you are doing and line up," I commanded as I dismounted.
They slowly ceased their activity and began to form a line. "Names and Kingdoms of birth. You first," I stated.
"Lorrina, Kingdom of Ravenmarch," the first replied. "Siomon, Kingdom of Ravenmarch," said the next. "Sorrine, Kingdom of Birelle," a woman followed.
I paused, my gaze fixed on her. "Sorrine, hmm... few remain from those lands. It's a desolate waste now. You are among the last. What is your age, and what skills do you possess?" I inquired.
"Medicine and herbs. I am sixty-five," she answered, her head bowed.
"Do you have any kin?" I asked.
"All were killed in the Great Reaping by King Gustus Enryhol and his men," she said quietly.
"Ah yes, the Great 'redeemed' king of Evermere, who has since met his defeat," I remarked with a grim mockery. "You will lead and assist in all matters pertaining to your expertise. Whatever you require, direct your requests to Elrick, my second. I expect daily reports until I deem you competent. Is that clear?"
"Yes, my lord," she replied.
"Next."
"Lanne of Evermere."
I froze, my stare intense. Lanne. I was in profound debt to this very traitor. "Lanne," I said, my voice laced with surprise, "I am astonished Florian has gifted me you."
She lowered her gaze, trembling slightly. "I-I served your Queen closely."
I studied her. Could I entrust Thalassa to her care? She had been by her side, loyal to a degree. "Very well, Evermerian," I conceded. "You will accompany me and oversee all the female servants within the castle. Attend to Thalassa and provide instructions for preparing the royal tents."
Leaning in, I whispered in her ear, ensuring no one else could hear. "Your treachery will not be spoken of by me. However, if I hear even a whisper of your involvement in Evermere's demise, your death will be slow and agonizing."
She shook her head vehemently. "Never a word, my lord. Thank you for showing favor upon your humble servant. Your Queen will be well cared for."
"Go," I commanded, and she hurried away.
Turning to the remaining individuals, I said, "The rest of you, set up camp over by that hill. Your assigned duties, along with any necessary supplies, will be given to you shortly. Move quickly."
As the hours of the night deepened, the sprawling mass of our company began to coalesce into a semblance of order. Those appointed as leaders, alongside the soldiers, issued sharp commands, and tents sprang up in designated encampments, each marked by distinct colored flags. Servants clustered under white flags bearing two stripes, while my soldiers rallied beneath stark black banners. A grey flag, bisected by a single white line, denoted the encampments of slaves and their masters.
I had segregated the Evermerians, assigning them the relentless task of tending to the needs of the soldiers and everyone else throughout the night. They required no rest, I mused with a touch of sarcasm, for were they not the invincible remnants of a fallen kingdom?
Under the watchful eyes of their masters, the weary Evermerians diligently erected tents and distributed food and water. I returned to my royal tent to find Thalassa already nestled in her bed, with Lanne quietly tucking her in.
"Has she been washed?" I asked Lanne.
"I did not want to wake her," she murmured in response.
"Ready a basin," I instructed, beginning to unfasten my clothes. Lanne quickly exited the tent as I finished removing my garments and boots. I had forgone armor for the comfort of the carriage, a calculated risk. However, my sword remained ever within reach.
Standing naked, I gazed upon my blade. My eyes closed, and I rested my head against the hilt. "Valorik..." The familiar deep rumble of its voice echoed in my mind, ancient and potent, a sound that once brought me to my knees. But I had long since grown accustomed to its immense power when I held or wielded it.
"Descklaethhawkva," I breathed his name softly, a whisper in the quiet of the tent. "My Bloodlust... why do you choose this moment to speak?" Bitterness laced my words. "You have been silent for so long, even when I cried out, begging for your counsel."
"The time has come to finally grant me favor," the voice rasped, deep and resonant.
"Have I not been trying?" I retorted, anger rising. "I have taken the Princess, twice now, planting my seed deep within her. It was not my desire, but you forced my hand! Or rather, the Oracle did, which was likely your doing!"
A dark chuckle echoed in my mind. "You did not want it? Oh, Valorik, you grow more and more like me. It is utterly divine how easily you now lie."
A low growl rumbled in my chest. Just then, the tent flap opened, and a basin was placed inside, followed by a group of maidservants carrying buckets of water. I stood before them, unashamed and expectant, their gazes carefully avoiding mine. My sword remained silent once more.
As the maidservants filled the basin, I issued further instructions. "Leave the washcloth and cleansing bar. Lanne, send for Sorrine. Have her bring me the calming and soothing balm." She bowed and directed the others to their tasks. Good, she was settling into her role effectively.
I noticed Thalassa stir quietly and began to remove her dress, suspecting she was already awake. My theory was confirmed when I finally stripped her bare. I crouched by the bed, still naked myself. Grasping one of her breasts, I began to suckle her nipple while maintaining eye contact. She remained surprisingly still, but I detected a subtle shift in her expression. Moving to her other breast, I gently bit it. Was she biting the inside of her mouth? Hmm, she wanted to play this game.
"Wake, Princess, time for a bath." Still no movement. I spread her legs and swirled my tongue. Finally, a jerk of her legs. This time, I would persist. I continued the same firm, rhythmic motion of my tongue on her sensitive nub, with no intention of stopping.
Without warning, she arched forward, a loud moan escaping her lips as a stream of her fluids sprayed across me. Her eyes were wide, her body trembling. I continued until she pushed my face away, squirming to the side. "No! Ah!"
"Finally awake?" I said, rising and moving to the basin. "You dirtied me. Come and clean this off," I instructed.
Shakily, she approached the basin and sat beside me. "I... I didn't mean it, I swear. I'm sorr-"
"You reached your peak, Princess. It was inevitable," I said dismissively. "I wouldn't apologize so readily. Tonight, we must join again. An heir must be conceived, and I must ensure it happens soon," I informed her.
"General, please, my flesh is tender," she pleaded.
"Turn around," I instructed. She obeyed immediately. Spreading her legs, I began to touch her intimately with my fingers. "Do you feel pain here?" I asked, gently rubbing. She rested her head on my shoulder and shook her head. "Then what about when I do this?" I inserted one finger, then two, thrusting gently. She nodded, a strained expression on her face. "Yes, it's sore... inside," she whispered as I continued.
"One day," I said to her. "I will grant you one day of rest, then we continue." I withdrew my fingers. "Wash me," I commanded, turning around. I closed my eyes as I felt her hands on my body, scrubbing my back, then my shoulders and arms. She moved lower, cleaning my legs, carefully avoiding my cock. "Do not be afraid of what is yours, Princess."
"Oh... okay," she responded, her voice soft, and began to stroke me, cleaning my body with the cleansing bar and cloth. "Do not tempt me, Princess," I said darkly, and she immediately ceased her ministrations. "I'm sorry, I do not know what to do." I finished washing myself, cleaning my hair and face, and ensured she was clean as well. We finally stepped out of the basin, which remained where it was. "Guard," I called out. They entered. "Send for servants to remove this." As they arrived, Sorrine finally appeared and presented me with the balm. Once everyone had departed, I instructed Thalassa to lie back down.
"Lie down and open your legs," I instructed. Though her expression was tired, she nodded and complied, her gaze meeting mine as I crouched low. I took a generous amount of the cooling balm and gently applied it to her. She winced slightly, but as I blew softly on the area, her face relaxed. "That... feels... good," she murmured quietly. I stood, put the balm away, and located her sleeping gown, tossing it to her. Then, I found my own attire and began to dress. "Good," I said, "because tomorrow we will continue our union, and I need you fully prepared for it."