Here She Rules: The Chronicles of Erla: Book 1 (26 page)

Cassie had the strangest feeling in her gut (one she couldn’t quite identify), but she tried to dismiss it as Darien lowered himself down onto the grass and motioned for her to join him.
 

Cassie sat, and they spoke of inconsequential things for a long time. He was intelligent, well-informed, and had a good sense of humor. In another world, she could have loved and been happy with him, but here, in this world—in this reality—he was not what she wanted.
 

The moonlight caressed his ebony hair and shadowed his green eyes. He looked so much like a fallen angel in the moonlight that it made her catch her breath. She remembered what it was like to put her life in a man’s hands and to have him care for her, providing everything and fighting her battles, and it wasn’t until this moment that Cassie realized just how much she had changed. She was strong and in charge of her own life now. She made the decisions, and she cared for
them
: the beautiful men who belonged to her.
 

Here,
she
ruled!

It was bittersweet to look at the incredible man in front of her—knowing she would never again be the kind of woman he wanted and needed and knowing that that was why she couldn’t love him. She had adapted to a radically different culture and made a place for herself therein. Cassie would never again be submissive in a relationship, and that was what Darien would expect from any woman who would share his life.

Darien met her gaze as she smiled at him, and the uneasy feeling in her stomach lessened.
 

She understood that feeling now and knew that—all along—it was caused by her own internal conflict. It was just within these past few moments that she finally embraced the woman she had become, leaving all of her old doubts and prejudices behind her once and for all.
 

Her conflict with Darien, for the most part, stemmed from those unresolved issues of right and wrong; those were social mores dictated by a world of which she was no longer a part.

Cassie rose gracefully, and Darien joined her. She squeezed his hand and told him goodnight as she turned to walk towards her apartments, and she did not look back. Had she glanced back at him, she would have seen the wistful look which drifted across his handsome face.

Back in her chambers, her slaves sat waiting for her and she felt her good fortune fully just by looking at them.
 

Mika stood and approached her. She ran and jumped on him, wrapping her long legs around his waist and hugging him. His laughter was musical and enchanting as he held her close. He was enjoying the playful affection his Mistress was bestowing upon him, and his spirits soared. Since the royal visitors had arrived, they had been lonely for her company and the way she would talk with them, play with them, and love them. He buried his face in her neck as he held her and breathed in her sweet scent. Cassie unhooked her legs and threw herself amidst the others as they lay upon the floor cushions. She touched, kissed, and tickled them, thoroughly enjoying their company.
 

The sounds of their voices and laughter soothed her soul, and she knew this was where she belonged. They organized a counter attack and tickled and kissed her all over. Cassie howled and tried to wriggle away—delighted by their boldness. When they stopped, she had a wicked gleam in her eyes.

“Now . . . I will have to punish you for your insolence!” she cried and swatted every behind she could reach. They pouted and laughed, enjoying her play.
 

She flipped Aidan onto his back and got on top of him, pinning him to the floor. He was so gorgeous with his russet hair spread loose around him and his vivid emerald eyes bright with happiness. She leaned over and bit him on the chest, leaving a small mark, and Aidan gave a sort of groaning laugh and begged her forgiveness for his behavior.
 

The others laughed and wriggled when she gave them each the same treatment. Afterwards, they lay quietly together for a long time before she sent them all to bed with the exception of Mika, whose night it was to be with her.
 

She led him onto the balcony, and they leaned forward together looking at the moon. Cassie turned to him, put his arms around her, and led him in a slow dance with the wind and the beating of their hearts accompanying the tune Cassie hummed. Mika sighed blissfully and held her tightly to him. Her head was nestled against his neck, and they turned slowly, enjoying the night and each other’s nearness. From the darkness of the adjacent balcony, the lovers were observed by the Prince of Serlenn.
 

His covetous gaze scorched across the distance. Disbelief and pain cut through him at the notion that she would chose a slave over him. Without further thought, Nall swung around and entered his suite, closing the door on the oblivious couple as Cassie pulled back from Mika, took his hand, and walked towards her bed.

Cassie woke early the next morning, just as the sun was just barely lighting the sky, and for once, she was awake before Mika. She watched him sleeping peacefully next to her with one arm around her waist. His rich black hair was in disarray, and he looked youthful and beautiful as he slept. Cassie’s hands stole into his silky tresses, and her mouth found its way to his chest and grazed his nipples.

When she looked back at him, his eyes were open and looking at her hungrily. Losing herself in the seduction of those golden orbs, Cassie pulled him in close for a kiss.
 

She allowed herself the luxury of running her hands over every inch of his smooth flesh, tasting and touching until his breath sobbed out of his chest. She rolled over on top of him and gazed into his eyes. “I love you, Mistress, so much,” he sighed as he nuzzled her neck, seeking the spot he knew turned her on the most.
 

“Oh, Mika, I love you too, my angel.” She rose slightly and slid him inside of her in one graceful motion, and as she slid down his length, she watched his eyes go dark with passion.
 

She leaned in and kissed him, caressing him as she rode him. Mika moaned rising to meet her as she fully impaled herself on his hardness, crying out her pleasure. His skillful fingers found the key to her pleasure and worked it firmly in the way he knew would bring her to orgasm, and she moved faster. Soon, they were both crying out as they climaxed, and Cassie collapsed on top of him. Mika held her tightly, kissing her face and mouth. They lay entwined, dozing together for a while until they heard the others stir.
 

Cassie sat up and swung her legs off the bed, standing and stretching. She felt fabulous and didn’t attempt to quash the smile on her face.
 

Having an incredibly sexy man tend to your every desire did that for a woman!

She pulled a dark green set of clothes out of the chest and headed for the bath, followed closely by Mika. She greeted her other men with a smile as their eyes lingered on her naked flesh. Mika held the bathing room door open for her and then hurried to run her bath.
 

Cassie set her clothes down on a stool and watched as a naked Mika bent over. She flushed with remembered pleasure, and as she walked into the tub, she squeezed his backside, making him smile happily.
 

They bathed together quickly, and then Mika helped her to dry and dress. His fingers ran over her nipples brazenly as he fastened the snug vest over her breasts. Cassie leaned over and took one tight male nipple into her mouth, sucking strongly and nipping gently as it hardened in her mouth. Mika groaned in response, and Cassie laughed as she walked from the room.
 

In the lounge, she found the men had placed her breakfast on a low table and surrounded it with cushions. Cassie sat, and as if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Taylyn moved quickly to open it, and Nera swept into the room with a smile, running a caressing hand over Taylyn’s chest before seating herself across from Cassie.

Cassie’s slaves jumped to see to the Queen’s comfort.

“Good morning, Cassandra,” Nera said around a bite of a muffin.

“Good morning, Your Highness. How are you?” Cassie took a big bite of hers and washed it down with cold milk.

“Sore as hell, but sated,” she replied, grinning at Cassie suggestively.

“You are going to wear that thing out!” Cassie laughed.

“The King is a magnificent lover, but I tire of him already. Perhaps we can get this accord worked out and send them on their way? You won’t be missing our other two royal guests too much I hope? Even if you are inclined to do so, you must get over it because
you
stay with
me
!” Nera wagged her eyebrows at Cassie, who just shook her head and said, “Have no fear, my friend. I will remain here until you kick me out!”

“Then, we shall grow old and die together, rocking in our chairs at the Centre!” Nera replied.
 

Cassie and Nera chatted for a while, and then Cassie broached the subject of Darien and told her friend all that had occurred. Nera laughed outright and told her not to worry because he would get over it.
 

“Cassandra, you are not the kind of woman who would be happy being subservient to a man like Darien or even Nall for that matter. I approve of the way you’ve handled the situation, and besides, I could not relinquish you—even for love.”

“Nera, you will be happy to know I am very much in love with my slaves and wouldn’t ever consider giving them up!”

“Excellent. Now, think of me, my friend, as I sit through countless tedious hours while these foolish men work out their peace.” Nera sighed as she rose to her feet, graciously accepting Garen’s aid in rising.
 

She kissed his cheek and told Cassie how fortunate she was to have such beautiful, pleasing slaves, which made Garen blush and smile happily. Cassie escorted her out, wished her well, and laughed at Nera’s threats to make Cassie join them at the treaty table.

After Nera left, Cassie was full of energy and decided a ride was just what she needed to burn it off. She asked her men if any of them rode, and they all replied that they could not. She vowed to rectify that as soon as possible, and, to that end, she strode out to visit the head groom. Speaking with the woman was slightly frustrating. She had never taught a man to ride before, and she didn’t see the point in doing so now.
 

The woman was astounded that Cassie would do so much for mere slaves, but Cassie patiently explained that the horses were her own just like the slaves were, and only then was the woman satisfied to teach the men to ride as the Queen’s Commander had asked.
 

Once Cassie had finally settled it, she sent a nearby slave to fetch her men. When they arrived, she turned them over to the grooms for their first lesson. She told them that they were to come every day until they were proficient enough to join her. Cassie then left a large purse of coins with the head groom for her to purchase suitable mounts for each man.
 

Cassie waved to them as she walked from the area, deciding to walk into the village and do some shopping at the marketplace. It was a far cry from the malls she was accustomed to, but it had a fun bazaar-like atmosphere. Musicians played and vendors hawked goods ranging from clothing to sweets.
 

She had reached the cobbled streets of the outskirts of the village when she heard the distinctive sound of a strap striking something solid followed by a muffled cry of pain. Cassie picked up her pace, and rounding a corner, she saw a tall, stout woman with burly arms repeatedly raising and lowering a leather strap on a huddled, sobbing man. The woman didn’t seem to tire as she beat the poor slave cringing at her feet. Cuts formed on his back where his clothing had been torn by the strap flailing his body.

Cassie approached and shouted, “Stop!”
 

The woman paused and looked at Cassie with a frown.

 
“Mind your business,” she grunted and resumed her abuse of the man.

“Woman, I demand you cease in the name of the Queen!” Cassie shouted.
 

The woman ceased and straightened up, moving towards Cassie menacingly.
 

“This worthless piece of offal has knocked over the last pail of my milk. The clumsy idiot has cost me greatly, and he will pay with his blood!” the woman boomed. “Who are you to question my use of my own slave anyway? Be gone!” She raised her hand menacingly at Cassie.

Cassie saw red and growled out, “I am the Lady Cassandra, Head of the Queen’s Defenders and Commander of the Army of Erla. I advise you to listen to what I tell you now: if you raise your hand to me or to this slave ever again, it will be the last thing you ever do.” As she spoke, Cassie sized up her opponent and readied herself for battle.

The woman’s jaw dropped open in surprise, for she had not recognized Cassie in her civilian clothing.
 

The woman dropped her arms to her side, the strap falling to the ground while the slave continued to sob and whimper, still covering his head.