The Lord of the Clans (3 page)

Chapter Four

She hesitated. The idea of him running his eyes over her body, of his steely gaze caressing her breasts, made her ache with desire. Yet she didn’t want to be ruled by the low throb between her thighs.

“Is it an order?”

The cloth over his loins looked like a tent. The scar on his cheek paled, but she knew it wasn’t due to pain this time. Although keeping the mixture in place didn’t require much effort, his chest and arm muscles stiffened.

“Would you like it to be an order?”

“You know I’m a loyal subject.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

No, but the real question bore too many implications. Had circumstances been different, she might have agreed.

But he would always be the Lord of the Clans, the ruler who possessed the power of life and death over his people. She’d never be anything but a simple healer.
With any luck, an agreeable recollection buried in the back of his mind.
And Kelton was waiting for her return.

“My lord, I’d be grateful if you’d allow me to spend the rest of the night in one of your caves. I’ll be gone in the morning.”

Although his countenance didn’t change, she felt hit by a potent sensation of disappointment.
His or hers?

“As you wish, Ariana.
I’ll be happy to provide shelter for you. Now, you can put your shirt on. I won’t peek.”

He closed his eyes. Positive he wouldn’t try to cheat, she discarded the ruined garment before donning the new shirt. She watched him the whole time, but he stayed true to his word.

Once properly dressed, she noticed his weary features. Even though he desired her, a long day, a battle and a severe wound got the better of him. He looked tired at present, somehow vulnerable, and the realisation stirred a new feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to cuddle him.

He’d
lay
still as she would slide an arm under the nape of his neck, draw his face into the crook of her shoulder, and hold him until dawn.
Until the beginning of a new day shattered the illusions of the night.
Throughout the remaining darkest hours, he wouldn’t be a mighty ruler anymore, but a mere man taking comfort in the arms of a woman.

For the love of the Creators, what was she thinking and what brought this on? If she didn’t want to end up at the bottom of the long list of his used and forgotten conquests, she really needed to come back to reality.

Shaking her head to dispel the sweet aftertaste of her unexpected reverie, she pinched the back of her hand.

“Thank you for the privacy.”

He opened his eyes at the sound of her voice. Struck anew by the intensity of his gaze, she shivered. He was no mere man, but her lord.

“You’re welcome.”

Switching hands to hold the healing concoction against his thigh, he patted the empty spot beside him. Surely he didn’t mean for her to lie at his side? Not after she rejected his offer? The palms of her hands itched.

“I don’t understand.”

“You want shelter, you have my cavern. Could you blow out the candles on your way, please?”

Stunned by his boldness, mind blank, she did as she was told. A comfortable gloom fell over the cave. She let the fire smoulder, a thin column of smoke rising into a hole dug through the ceiling.

While the light dimmed and shadows lengthened, she approached his pallet with slow steps. He tapped the nearest fur.

“Come on, I won’t eat you.”

She wasn’t exactly concerned about being eaten. He didn’t appear about to jump on her, so she sat on the edge of the bed to remove her boots, lie down beside him, and bring a heavy pelt over her. He also covered himself, yet the distance between them remained the same.

“See? I’m not the big bad wolf.”

His comment made her smile. If she wasn’t careful, she might get addicted to his company. A wave of tiredness seeped into her bones. Her heavy eyelids drooped and then popped up when he broke the silence.

“Where are you going tomorrow?”

“To pay a visit to my aunt.
She’s ill.”

“Oh yes, the story of your sick aunt.
I guess it slipped my mind for a while. Blahort loved it though.”

His ironic tone wasn’t lost on her, and she wondered why everyone around here seemed so keen on doubting her motives.

“It isn’t a story. I have to get to her as soon as possible. By the way, I thought you believed me earlier.”

“I trusted you weren’t a spy, but a healer. Whether you’re a good one remains to be seen, given that I can’t feel my leg.”

While delivered with a soft tone, his words nevertheless hurt her. She sat up in bed, irritation stiffening her neck.

“I can revive your leg and make the pain come back anytime. Would you like that, my lord? All you have to do is ask.”

“Hey, don’t get your britches twisted, flower. I’m sure you’re a good healer, I was just teasing.”

Her resentment died out the second he called her flower. Resisting the urge to reach out to him, she feigned bitterness.

“Well, I don’t appreciate your sense of humour.”

“That’s what makes it all the more enjoyable.”

She shot him a dark glance. So close to his warm body, she couldn’t miss the sparkles of mirth lighting his eyes. He sighed.

“Where does your aunt live?”

“In a village called Frahern. She belonged to my tribe until she married an outsider and left with him.”

“I can’t say I’ve heard the name. How far is it?”

“I’m not sure. My shaman told me to go straight west, all the way to the border with the kingdom of Agravar.”

“What?”

He straightened up in spite of his sleeping leg. All trace of fun gone from his face, he shook his head in a negative gesture.

“You can’t go there. The border is crawling with soldiers from Borgom and Agravar. They’ll capture you in a heartbeat.”

“In that case, I’ll have to be extra careful.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re just a girl.”

His solicitude ignited her anger. She was so tired of always being treated like a weak kitten, simply because she had been born a woman. In the Four Kingdoms, only men were considered worthwhile and the unfairness of it revolted her. Slight contractions knotted her belly.

“I’m not helpless or stupid. I can fight better than most men, and I also have no intention to go as far as the border with Agravar. Why do you think my shaman selected me for this task?”

“From what you said about him, I assumed he was a wise man. Now I understand he’s a fool.”

“You have no right to insult my shaman.”

“On the contrary, I have all the rights. Not only will I speak my mind, but I forbid you to go there.”

“You can’t!”

“I can, and you will obey me.”

Brow furrowed, he regarded her like a spoiled, featherbrained princess child. She cringed when his features turned to stone.

Not a muscle in his body twitched. The tone of his voice suddenly as cold and hard as his silver gaze, he indicated the spot around her wrists where the metal rings had left a reddish tinge.

“Do you not remember the first cave you were brought into? The chains can be used on you again, and I won’t lose a wink of sleep over it.”

Air departed her lungs. Shock numbed her. He wasn’t making fun of her now, and she wondered whether the wounded man whose company she gradually came to enjoy had ever existed.

In his place, eyes flashing, a commanding ruler caused her insides to flutter with growing alarm. She took a deep breath, the tips of her fingers rubbing the straw mattress.

“My aunt will die if I don’t heal her.”

“If I let you go, you’ll both die.”

“You don’t know that. I might get lucky.”

“Don’t you see what goes on around you? The Four Kingdoms were at war for over a year before Palance and Moonstill decided to form an alliance against the territories of Borgom and Agravar.”

His explanation sounded familiar. She rarely listened to talk of war, but maybe her shaman had discussed the matter before her departure and she’d registered parts of his discourse. Still, she didn’t view herself as an expert on strategic manoeuvres, so she let him continue.

“There was a truce a few months ago, but don’t think for an instant that the soldiers guarding the borders are cute farm boys. They still kill and fight every day. As it happens, the village of Frahern is rather close.”

“So? I don’t mean to make their acquaintance.”

The strain tightening his features loosened. He either figured she wouldn’t see her plan through, or he pictured her waving at hordes of barbaric soldiers, and the idea entertained him.

“Just out of curiosity, tell me something. Your shaman instructed you to ride due west toward Agravar, didn’t he?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“So you left your settlement and followed the Longrocks Mountains. Eventually, you ended up here.”

“That’s what happened.”

“I thought so. Given that our mountains range is to the north, at which point exactly did you intend to veer west?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it when the implication contained in his question hit home. Hadn’t she been riding west for the past three days? Could it be possible that she followed the wrong course?

Glad he wasn’t able to see her toes curling with
embarrassment,
she swallowed, and then stuttered a little.

“I might have gone...astray from the original plan...somehow, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t—”

“Save it, Ariana. You have no sense of direction whatsoever.”

“Are you saying this because I can’t find my way out of your tunnels?”

She left him speechless this time, but not for long. He laughed and ruffled her hair with light fingers.

“What am I going to do with you?”

His tone sounded softer, although she didn’t do an astounding job of arguing her case.

“Does it mean I have your permission to leave?”

“No.”

He rolled onto his side without another word. Gathering the conversation was
over,
she watched his bare back, the long muscles she longed to stroke with the palm of her hand.

She’d never been torn between frustration and desire before. He puzzled her a lot more than she cared to admit, and she had no idea how to fall asleep with such conflicted emotions coursing through her.

He obviously didn’t have the same problem. Yet as she tried to slow down her frenzied heartbeats, he let out a deep sigh.

“I’ll provide a guide for you in the morning.”

She crossed her fingers over her stomach and, unwilling to say anything that might change his mind, smiled at the ceiling.

From what she could tell, his main concern would always be to protect his people. So the stories about him must be true. He was the fierce defender of the tribes, the Lord of the Clans who would die for them.

Something pulled her out of her slumber. She didn’t remember falling asleep, yet a tingling heat coming from her hand woke her.

She opened her eyes partway, exhaustion clinging to her more forcefully than a heavy cloak. Thanks to ambers glowing in the dying fire, she could still make out the outline of his motionless body.

He slept on his side, whereas she had moved during the night. Her breasts and belly were pressed against his strong back, the whole length of her legs touching his. Somehow, she had slung her free arm over his hip and the reason for the warmth along her fingers made her gasp.

She was holding his cock in her hand.
His hard cock.

Chapter Five

His rigid flesh radiated heat, and so did her flushed cheeks. Her hand felt like an independent limb intent on stroking and squeezing the thick shaft that lengthened by the second. As if a blaze ravaged her body, her nipples itched to be rubbed, and the place between her thighs yearned to be fondled.

She caught the flow of his regular breathing, in spite of the cacophonous thuds of her heart. Oh, dear Creators, what had gotten into her to grab his manhood? Sleep certainly wasn’t a valid excuse, and she’d better release the erect matter at hand before it roused him.

Inch by inch, she loosened her grip. Her fingers twitched from maintaining the same position. She ceased breathing. Then she flexed her hand a little, hovered over his hip, and drew her arm toward her. When she felt certain he remained fast asleep, she unglued herself from his back and rolled away.

Sweat dampened her brow. Wetness ran out of her fluttering pussy. Wild with desire, her pulse competed with the furious rise and fall of her chest. What had she done? He might have woken up to find her fingers coiled around his
erection,
and what then? She’d have died of shame.

Near darkness reigned over the cave. The fire gave off its last sparks while she willed herself to cool down.

She wouldn’t have succeeded after a full night’s rest, but she thought only a short moment had elapsed since she’d fallen asleep, and a deep weariness settled in her limbs. Listening to his steady respiration, picturing a peaceful meadow in the countryside, she closed her eyes.

She woke up with a start. When only silence welcomed her into a new day, she prayed and fervently wished for the indecent scene to be a dream but already knew that wasn’t the case.

Last night, in a state of semi consciousness, she had been about to jerk off the Lord of the Clans. Who did that? Which woman, in her right mind, would perform an act so shameful, offensive, and unworthy of such a mighty man? Apparently, she almost did.

Even without looking beside her, she perceived he’d already deserted the pallet. His warmth was gone, leaving a vague coldness in its wake. Lit candles diffused enough light for her to spot the bucket of water sitting in front of the fire.
Very thoughtful of him.

She cleaned up before putting her clothes back on. Once refreshed, she appeased her hunger with bread, cheese, and fruit. The food filled her stomach and helped take her mind off last night. Sex with a mate wouldn’t have troubled her, but masturbating one of the most powerful men in the Four Kingdoms reached a whole new level.

Where was he? Already outside and busy doing whatever he did with his time? A sensation of restlessness got her on her feet. She sheathed her swords, fastened the double sling across her back, and pulled the entrance curtain open. Lit with candles every ten feet or so, the tunnel in front of his chamber stretched both ways. Right or left?

The previous evening she’d followed the beautiful tribeswoman without paying too much attention. She’d better turn left and retrace her steps, if memory served. Although that might only lead her back to the cave with the chains, she didn’t have a whole lot of other options.

The first tunnel opened onto another one with empty caves on both sides. They all looked like the Lord of the Clans’ chamber, but without anyone inside. If the tribe people were all outside, what time could it be? She started chewing her lip when the main tunnel branched off in three different directions.

She didn’t recall this place at all. What should she do now? Walk back and wait for him in his cave?

The reasonable thought didn’t appeal to her at all. She’d have to confess her total inability to locate the exit, and he wouldn’t waste an occasion to make fun of her. While she contemplated the dilemma, the light sound of approaching feet caused her to turn round.

The same tribeswoman came up to her. What was her name again?
Coreen?
Her flawless face glowed in the candlelight. With her hair impeccably braided, she seemed ready to go to the king’s ball.

How did she manage to look so perfect in the morning? Didn’t she sleep? Or maybe she belonged to the race of people who never tossed and turned in their pallets. Well, it was much better than belonging to the category of women who rubbed their ruler’s cock while they were asleep.

The girl gave her the slanted bow reserved for healers, then turned back the way she had come. So much for getting her bearings right! She followed her lead with a shrug, but tried to pay attention this time. Who knew how long she’d stay here in spite of his promise to provide a guide for her?

They exited the tunnels in a matter of minutes without her recognising a single place. A bright sun shone outside. The Longrocks Mountains glittered in their glory, the last layers of snow melting off the highest peaks. The early spring air smelled fresh and crisp.

People busied themselves out here. Men chopped wood for the fire, took care of the cattle, and planted
nearby ploughed
fields. Beside large furnaces, blacksmiths forged weapons and repaired horseshoes. Women tended gardens, washed linen, milked the dairy stock, and processed the milk into butter and cheese, all the while supervising their children.

The life of the clan spread out in front of her made her smile. It felt like being at home, except for the size of the place, as this tribe numbered many more members than her own. She glanced at the blue sky and realised the sun entered its higher course. She really had overslept.

Coreen led her to the stables, past dozens of black, brown and white horses. At the back of the structure two mounts had been saddled and set apart. She hurried to her horse as soon as she spotted him. He nickered when she stroked his muzzle with tender fingers.

“Hey, you.
I’m so glad you’re fine.”

The clan warriors had taken the horse after they captured her the previous night. She'd meant to ask about her animal, but the torture session prevented her from inquiring.

Then the Lord of the Clans had invaded her field of vision and she’d forgotten altogether. Where was he now?

The tribeswoman got on the mare and signalled her to do the same. She was clearly taking her to their ruler, but why didn’t she speak? Crazy as it sounded, only two alternatives came to mind.

Either Coreen had made a vow of silence, or she just couldn’t stand the sight of her. In that light, a new possibility arose. She assumed the gorgeous woman to be a servant, but what if her duty involved more? What if she was the Lord’s mate? Now, that would make some sort of sense.

Without any way to confirm her suspicion, pondering the issue seemed pointless. Yet the mental picture gnawed at her mind while she pretended to secure the saddle. How could he be boorish enough to take a newcomer into his bed when his mate worked in his very chamber?

Brushing off the revolting thought, she checked her saddlebags. Her plants, potions, change of clothes, and necessaries appeared untouched. The bags she carried on horseback didn’t contain any spy devices, and Blahort’s smartest move should have been to take a look into her belongings instead of torturing her with a knife. Did the Lord of the Clans have them searched? He certainly had been eager to acknowledge she wasn’t there to uncover royal secrets.

She put on her dark cloak and jumped astride her horse as the tribeswoman waited for her. Although determined to get to her aunt as soon as possible, she wanted to see her lord first.

They trotted most of the way. After a while, it became evident Coreen avoided all main roads, marked out paths, and populated areas. They rode through forests most of the time, or strips of woodland. Whenever they had to cross open country, she rushed the horses into a mad gallop.

Hours passed. The glare of the sun made her eyes water. She had to admit her error of judgement as her butt contracted with each bump of the saddle. The ride appeared endless because the tribeswoman wasn’t taking her to their lord. In fact, she was the guide he’d promised to provide.

They were riding toward the village of Frahern when, at last, the realisation turned her stomach into a weighty mass. He hadn’t seen fit to see her off or to say goodbye.

She gritted her teeth, tired beyond disenchantment. If Coreen endured such a long ride without complaining, she could do it too. Meanwhile, the bright sun slowly dipped down.

She didn’t care about the coming night or the fact that she still had a chance to treat her aunt before the worst happened. Now that the real reason of the tribeswoman’s presence sank in, she couldn’t shake off her disappointment. More than that, she missed him.

She missed the tingling sensation of his gray gaze over her, the mocking lilt of his voice when he teased her and, to her dismay, she longed for the feel of his hard body against hers. They had crossed paths, yet she probably wouldn’t see him again. And it hurt.

Somehow the contemplation of her loss eased the long journey. They reached the edge of a forest by dusk, tree shadows lengthening in their path. For the first time since they set off, the tribeswoman followed a beaten path.

Pretty soon, she made out the hard outlines of houses, the familiar sight of white smoke rising from chimneys. As Coreen directed her horse toward the outskirts of the town, she came abreast with her.

“What’s this place? Are we stopping here?”

The tribeswoman didn’t even cast
her a
glance. Hands on the reins, she pushed her mount toward the cobbled street leading into the settlement. What was it with this woman? By the Mighty Gods, she must really hate her to behave in such an incommunicative, discourteous manner.

Despite her companion’s stubborn retreat into silence, her spirits lifted with each stride that brought them closer to the centre of the quite large town. It meant, with any luck, that she’d soon be able to get off the horse, stretch her legs, and massage her sore butt.

True enough, Coreen led them to large stables where they stalled their mounts alongside stallions, mares, and mules. She handed a coin to the two stable boys who fussed over her. They assured her the horses would be fed, groomed, and kept warm all night. With a nod, she then headed straight to the front door of a well-lit tavern across the street.

When the tribeswoman pushed the door open, the smell of pipe smoke assaulted her nose. Men turned round at their entrance. Although the main room was packed, the hubbub dulled to bawdy whispers as they looked them over. Some patrons nodded their appreciation, while others raised their pints of ale and gave them large grins.

Unfazed by the male crowd’s attitude, Coreen ignored the innkeeper behind his counter and strode to the bottom of a flight of stairs. She climbed after her guide, and followed her onto the first landing. They walked along a corridor where big trophies jutted out of the walls.

Coreen knocked on a brown door at the back of the hallway before stepping aside to let her in. A little confused by the tribeswoman’s suddenly tactful manners, she lingered for a second,
then
crossed the threshold.

“Where were you? You should have been here before me. Please don’t tell me you also managed to get Coreen lost?”