TheRedKing (36 page)

Blaze smiled. “You have my thanks. Would an indelicate question
offend you?”

At that Hypatios laughed. “You ask because I’m such a
delicate man? What’s your question?”

“Do you find meat difficult to eat?”

“Depends on how tough it is.”

“That’s not what I—”

“I know what you mean. Can I talk to a cow then slit its
throat for dinner? I usually stay away from cattle. Dull but generally harmless
beasts. Bears are different. They relish the kill as much as any man.”

“Interesting.”

“We should rest while we can,” Hypatios said, stroking
Notus’s face once more before walking toward the fire. He lay down and sighed.
Though tired, his mind raced. Soon he would either face his death or be the new
King of Zaltana.

As Blaze approached, two warriors, their swords raised,
appeared behind him, their pale faces streaked with blood.

Hypatios jumped up, grasping his dagger.

Blaze spun, his hands poised to fight, then he relaxed and approached
the fire. “Are you still seeing them?”

“The white warrior sends them.”

“He knows that after all these centuries, his evil legacy will
end.”

“Either that or I’ll be killed and my body dragged through
the capital city. It’s the Zaltanian way of dealing with traitors.”

“Perhaps that will change when you have the throne.”

“I’ve spent my life thinking about the changes I’d make when
I had throne. Never once did I imagine I’d be challenging Hippolytos for it.”

“A flame still burns in the dark, no matter how faint.”

Hypatios shook his head. He was too preoccupied to attempt
to figure out what the Knight was saying.

Blaze tried again. “Your suffering, though unjust, will
ensure Zaltana’s salvation.”

“It’s not my suffering I care about.
She
deserved better.”

“Your mother. The strongest blade cannot sever a mother’s
love for her children.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“The similarities between us astound me.”

Hypatios laughed. “We’re nothing alike, aside from our
ability to talk to the dead.”

“I once held a grudge against my mother.”

“For what?” Hypatios had imagined a gentle, disgustingly
decent man like Blaze had a nearly perfect childhood—most likely the son of
righteous, kind-hearted people.

“She put me in a madhouse when I was a child.”

Hypatios glanced at him with interest. “Because of your
gifts?”

“Yes.”

“And your father?”

“A violent drunk, but I don’t consider him my father. Sir
Mahir rescued me and reared me as his own.”

“At least you were rescued,” Hypatios said bitterly.

“Is that not what Cosma did for you?”

“She shouldn’t have sacrificed so much.”

Not for a son of Hippolytos.

Knowing she had given up a loving husband as well as another
child made his gut clench. How then could he ever justify marrying for love,
should the woman he desired want him in return?

“She believed you were worth it,” Blaze said. “She was
right.”

“That’s yet to be seen.”

“Win or lose, it matters not in this instance. This is what
makes you worth it.” Blaze tapped a finger over Hypatios’s heart.

Raising his eyes to the heavens, Hypatios turned his back to
the Knight and closed his eyes.

How had he, of all people, ended up traveling with such a
pure-hearted, idealistic companion?

Sometime during the night, Hypatios drifted to sleep.

He and Blaze rose at dawn and continued their journey.

A few days later, they reached the Zaltanian base camp on
the border of Lortia. He summoned Leo, his second in command.

In his tent, Hypatios informed Leo of his plan to return
immediately to the capital city.

“I know how to finally end this war,” Hypatios said. “But I
must first speak to my father.”

“Of course, sir. Who is this?” Leo glanced at Blaze.

“He assisted me after the battle,” Hypatios said. “He will accompany
us to Zaltana so he can be properly rewarded.”

“Accompany us?”

Hypatios held Leo’s gaze. “In all of Zaltana, you’re the
only person I fully trust. I need you by my side for what I’m about to do. Are
you with me?”

“Always,” Leo replied without hesitation. “Do you intend to tell
me your plan, or should I follow blindly?”

“I’ll tell you on the way to the palace.”

“One more question, sir. How did you get your horse back?
I’m certain the Lortians claimed him during the battle.”

A wry smile flickered across Hypatios’s lips. “All in good
time. Once we’ve taken a short rest, we’ll leave for the palace.”

“What about the men? Should they pull back or remain here?”

“They should remain. If everything goes as planned, we’ll
return soon.”

* * * * *

On the journey back to Lortia, Delia had much to think. She
could scarcely believe Areus had reconciled with Hypatios and that they planned
to bring peace to the Western Continent.

“How can you trust him?” Delia asked.

“Weren’t you the one who wanted me to be more open-minded?”

“But he tried to kill you twice, Areus.”

“I told you what happened in the forest. Sir Blaze also
trusts him.”

“That’s something at least.”

“And I’m willing to wager my life that he has great
affection for Cosma. He wants Hippolytos to pay for what he did to her as much
as I do.”

“Do you think his plan will actually work? Can he truly
overthrow Hippolytos?”

“I wouldn’t want to be in his place for that one,” Cyril
admitted.

“It won’t be easy, but I believe he’ll succeed,” Areus said.
“If he doesn’t—”

“If he doesn’t, the war will never end,” Delia murmured.

If Hypatios failed, or if he was lying about wanting to
overthrow his father, then yes the battle would continue. How long could Areus
possibly hold out against Zaltana?

Delia couldn’t help worrying for him and for their entire
kingdom. Peace seemed like too much to ask for, yet was it possible?

When they finally neared the castle in Lortia, Delia felt
torn between happiness and apprehension. It felt wonderful to be home, but how
would the others receive her?

Her fears diminished when they were greeted happily by
Cosma, Alexa and Seth. The healer had recently returned from the border and was
as eager to see Echo as she was to see him. That night at dinner, the couple
announced their decision to marry within the week.

“After all that’s happened, we don’t want to wait any
longer,” Echo said.

Throughout the meal, there was much to discuss. Despite Seth
and Echo’s joyous announcement, an unspoken heaviness hung over the castle.

Over the following days they would anxiously await word from
Hypatios and Sir Blaze.

After dinner, Areus and Delia went to his chamber. Delia had
dismissed Echo, knowing her maid wanted to spend time with Seth. Truly Delia
didn’t require her services, as Areus had become adept at helping her disrobe.

A smile tugged at her lips when he closed the door behind
them and she hurled herself at him.

He chuckled, his back against the door and his arms sliding
around her as she stood on tiptoe and covered his face with kisses. At the
convent, the passion between them had been almost tangible, yet they hadn’t felt
it right to make love there.

Now that they were finally home, Delia could scarcely wait
to feel him buried deep inside her. Not only that, Katerina’s bawdy stories had
given Delia several ideas she longed to try with Areus.

“Delia.” He chuckled.

“Shh,” she whispered against his lips before kissing him
deeply.

Groaning, he closed his eyes and thrust his tongue into her
mouth. Hers met it, teasing and stroking.

When the kiss broke, Delia said, “I want you so much, my
love.”

“Oh Delia. You have no idea how much I want you.”

“Yes I do.” She sank to her knees and eagerly freed his cock
from his codpiece. Her heartbeat quickened as she stroked its silken hardness.
She moistened her lips before taking him into her mouth.

Another groan escaped him as she rolled her tongue over his
cock head, then sucked it so deep into her mouth that she felt it brush the
back of her throat. Areus grasped handfuls of her hair, massaging her head
while she licked and sucked. His hips rocked, though she knew he restrained his
movements to keep from hurting her.

Teasing him like this aroused Delia so much that her clit
and pussy ached. She felt dampness between her legs and she longed for him to
fuck her soundly.

His breathing ragged, he reached down to guide her away. His
smoldering green gaze held hers and he panted, “Any more and I’ll be spent
before we’ve truly begun.”

“We do have all night, sir.”

“I know and we’ll make good use of it, love.” He grasped her
beneath her arms and tugged her to her feet, turning so that her back pressed
against the door. He pulled up her dress and she held it while he slid his
palms over her inner thighs, his calloused hands caressing her soft skin. He
slid first one then two fingers inside her. While he explored her soaked pussy,
he held her gaze. Looking into his eyes while he touched her so intimately
aroused many wonderful emotions in her.

“I love you so much,” Areus said.

“Oh Areus. I love you, my darling.”

He withdrew his fingers from her pussy and gently rubbed her
clit while covering her mouth in another penetrating kiss. He pushed her dress
up even higher, bent his knees and filled her with his rock-hard cock.

Grasping her bottom, he lifted her, holding her against the
door while he claimed her with possessive thrusts.

Moaning and panting, Delia wrapped her legs around his lean
waist. She clung to him, her fingers gripping his hard shoulders. She caressed
his neck and grasped his head as he kissed her.

“Oh Areus!” she gasped. The delicious friction of his
thrusting cock hurled her into a powerful orgasm.

He stilled, except for his ragged breathing and quivering
muscles as he struggled to keep his own climax at bay.

When she finished, he gently lowered her to the ground,
withdrawing his thick cock from her.

He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed where
he placed her on her back and kissed her long and deep. Closing her eyes, Delia
grasped handfuls of his thick red curls.

When he finally broke the kiss, he rolled her onto her stomach
and unfastened the buttons on the back of her dress. His hands trembled a bit
and they weren’t as nimble as usual. Delia knew how close he must be, how much he
must want the sweet release she had just experienced.

Once he’d finished with the buttons, she quickly removed the
dress and shift beneath.

His gaze never leaving her, Areus rose and quickly shed his
clothes.

Delia opened her arms to him and he joined her, settling
between her spread legs and kissing her again, a hand braced on either side of her
head.

“Please, Areus,” she murmured.

“My beautiful Delia.” He brushed his cheek against hers,
then kissed her again, filling her once more with his cock.

Over and over he thrust, speeding and slowing his motions to
keep them both hovering on the edge.

She climaxed twice more before he closed his eyes and arched
his neck, thrusting wildly, unable to hold back a moment longer.

“I love you, Areus,” she said, caressing every part of him
she could reach.

“Delia,” he rasped. “Oh Delia.”

He came hard, his powerful body straining into her before he
collapsed beside her. Delia rolled toward him. Her eyes closed, she rested her
cheek against his hot, damp chest and listened to his beloved heartbeat slow to
normal.

A faint smile touched her lips. She was finally home.

* * * * *

Hypatios and his two companions arrived at the palace in
late morning. The guards bowed to him, allowing him to pass without question.

Flanked by Blaze and Leo, Hypatios marched to his father’s
meeting room where the king was in discussions with his six advisors.

The guard at the door looked surprised to see Hypatios, but
entered to announce him.

“I told you we weren’t to be disturbed,” Hippolytos roared,
then paused, his gaze fixed on Hypatios who strode inside.

Two of Hippolytos’s personal guards stood behind him. They
tensed upon seeing Hypatios, apparently sensing danger.

“So you’re alive. Again,” Hippolytos said with a curl of his
lip. “I hope this time you’ve brought Areus’s head on a pike, as promised.”

“It seems I lied about that. A trait I inherited from you.”

Hippolytos’s brow furrowed and anger flashed across his face.
“What kind of nonsense is this?”

“You’re unfit to rule Zaltana. As your marked successor, I
contest your rule. It’s an old custom, but one that is still officially permitted.
Stand down or face my challenge.”

Hippolytos laughed. “You’re insane. Guards, arrest him and
his companions.”

“Forgive me, sire,” said Perticus, one of the advisors, “but
he is correct that it is his right to challenge you. The law states that a marked
successor may contest the rule of the current king. It is an ancient rule, one
forgotten by most, but it still exists.”

“No longer,” Hippolytos growled. “As of this moment, I
strike it from existence.”

“Forgive me again, sir, but that’s quite impossible at this
time. Once invoked, the challenge cannot be ignored.”

Hippolytos paled a bit and glanced at his other advisors.
“Is that true?”

“He said it before witnesses,” a second advisor replied.
“Unless we ignore it—”

“We won’t,” Perticus stated.

The king glared at him. “You do realize that you’ve just
secured your own execution?”

“Only if he loses the challenge,” Leo said.

“You’re all as mad as he is!” Hippolytos roared, jabbing a
finger in Hypatios’s direction. “I’m far more fit to rule than this pathetic
excuse for a warrior, this mad dog!”