More Than Chains To Bind Page 14

  "And your father."

  "I can't imagine how worried he's been since we were taken."

  I stood, surprised at how much easier my back felt, and moved toward him. "Liander, can we forget about that for now? The future is too much of a quandary. I'd much rather think about us."

  Liander grinned. "Is that why you're standing in front of me stark naked? You trying to tell me something?"

  I laughed. I hadn't even realized I had no clothes on. All I could think about was that I loved him so much. "Well, not with words."

  He wrapped me in his embrace, this time not worrying about my back. I hugged him back and then we kissed. I'd never tire of kissing him, of the way he tasted, of how soft his lips were, how mobile. We parted, and Liander said, "Let me lock the door."

  It struck me I was going to get my hands on the body I'd craved for so long. Anticipation sent a tingle racing up my spine and, as he came back to me, I made a grab for Liander and tossed him onto the cot, throwing myself down alongside a laughing prince.

  "Oh, if you knew how long I've waited for you to be like this," Liander said huskily.

  "Like what?" I asked, my gaze drifting over his body.

  "So desperate for me, you can hardly keep your hands off me," he answered hoarsely, as I proceeded to push his tunic up and touch his skin.

  I placed my hand flat on his chest, feeling his heart beating strongly under my palm. Liander reached up, putting a hand behind my neck and pulling my face down until he was so close I could feel his breath on my lips.

  "Kiss me, Hollis," he murmured. "I want to feel those lips again. Each time only makes me crave more."

  I sucked in a breath at the passion in Liander's voice--in my soon-to-be-lover's voice. It was going to happen at last and a deep peace settled over me. Then all thought slipped away. Liander's hands slid up and down my spine. His touch was careful, light, but still his caresses sent tendrils of heat through me wherever he touched. At last, his hands cupped the globes of my ass. I sighed into his mouth when Liander brushed awkwardly along my crease.

  I heard footsteps in the corridor outside. I lifted my head. How could I have so easily forgotten where we were?

  "What is it?" Liander murmured.

  "Someone in the corridor. I just realized the captain's gear is in here. There's no knowing when he might want to enter for something. We may not have much time."

  Liander rolled off the bed and stripped in the blink of an eye. He smiled as he lay down facing me. He pressed his pelvis into mine, our hard cocks touching for the first time, and I gasped at the fire shooting along every single nerve ending.

  "Oh Lords, this is just..."

  "Perfect?" Liander murmured against my neck before he licked from my ear to where my neck met my shoulder, then bit gently into the tender skin.

  I wanted to feel more of the wonderful sensations flooding me so I arched my neck to allow him more access. At the same time, I needed to touch him. I slid my hand along his flank, digging nails into Liander's golden skin. He gasped out at the momentary sting in his hip before continuing to lick and nip at my neck.

  My hand continued on its journey until I felt the weight and heat of his cock in my hand. Liander moaned and surged against my hand. Smiling, I rolled closer and took both of our cocks in my fist. The feeling was awesome.

  Liander groaned, squirming in my grasp. He leaned down to nip at one of my nipples and it was my turn to gasp. Such a sensation, it flowed down my body right into my groin. I tightened my hold on our cocks and moved my hand up and down, using the few drops of pre-come already leaking from each of us to lubricate my movements. I stared at Liander as I rubbed the heads of our cocks together before gliding my hand along the shafts and repeating the motion. The sensation was delicious. Liander's eyes drifted closed.

  Knowing I couldn't last much longer and not wanting to risk shouting out at the moment of climax, I murmured Liander's name in his ear. When he opened his eyes to look at me, I captured his mouth, my tongue sliding inside.

  Liander returned the kiss with fervor as he gripped me to him, holding me firmly as he undulated against me in rhythm to the movements of my hand. I was soaring, then Liander slid his hand lower to caress my ass, and I shivered as his finger played with my entrance. I moaned into his mouth as Liander continued to stroke me, circling my opening.

  I was fast approaching climax and from the way Liander was moaning and how his fingers tightened on me, I guessed he was, too. We were as close as we could be without one being inside the other and, knowing how much we both wanted and needed penetration, it seemed right that we both came almost simultaneously, coating each other in hot semen.

  I collapsed onto Liander, who was gasping for breath, and I rolled off him, but kept an arm across him. I think we both needed the contact.

  "Oh, Lords, Hollis...I...oh!" Liander gasped, rolling closer and resting his head on my shoulder.

  "I know, love, I know," I whispered, tightening my hold.

  We lay still and quiet, savoring what we'd just shared. I heard movement outside again. I didn't want to, but it was necessary. "I'm sorry, Liander. I'd like nothing better than to stay here like this, but we ought to get dressed."

  "Fuck!" Liander grumbled, lifting his head to meet my gaze.

  "We will, when the time is right," I said. "Come on, we better get up."

  * * * *

  We stood side by side on the deck as the ship pulled into Pergoria harbor. I could almost feel Liander's excitement at putting a foot on home soil again. While I shared his joy, part of me wished we'd never been rescued and we had made our way to some distant shore in our small boat. I wanted more time alone with my lover and I feared I'd lose that now we were safely home.

  Though Liander had stated his determination to pursue a relationship with me--about which I couldn't have been happier--I couldn't help but wonder if it would be so simple when facing his father. The king's powers were limitless, and who knew what he might do if he was strongly opposed to Liander's wishes. I admit to not being sure of King Morus' feelings about joinings between same-sex couples. It was not illegal, of course. It happened quite regularly, but still not everyone approved of the practice. I couldn't remember an incident that had brought the king's personal feelings on the subject to the fore and I didn't relish being the cause of finding out.

  "Look!" Liander said. "There is a company of soldiers gathering on the dock."

  Gathering hastily from what I could see. "I imagine the captain's flying message flags denoting a royal presence on board."

  "Oh, of course. I hadn't even thought of that. I expected to disembark and watch you haggle over hiring a couple of horses." Liander grinned at me and made me smile.

  "I'm very good at haggling," I said with a touch of pride, and he laughed. Then his expression changed.

  "Everything will be different now," he said quietly.

  "I know."

  He grasped my wrist. "Not between us...I didn't mean that, Hollis. I meant it has been oddly freeing to be myself. Even before we were captured, I was relaxed and happy among the villagers. It was good. And here on board ship, Captain Dolato has kept the crew working hard and more or less ignoring us, so I've not had folks bowing and scraping to me. Now I have to be Prince Liander again. The soldiers will only enforce the perception. I almost wish we could've escaped into obscurity somewhere."

  "You could've been reading my mind," I said softly.

  He released me, straightened his shoulders, and said, "I can act the part, as will you as my Guardian, but it will only be an act. Inside, I'm simply Liander, who loves you body and soul. Nothing will ever change that, Hollis, nothing and nobody."

  "Yes, my Prince." I chose to believe him; it was my dearest wish. I knew he meant every word, but would he stand against his father if it came to it?

  The ship had docked while we spoke, and I watched as the captain approached. "Your Highness, if you'd like to go ashore now, your escort is awaiting."

  "Thank you,
Captain Dolato. I will never forget your kindness to us and I will make sure my father is fully aware of your actions in rescuing us from great danger."

  The captain bowed deeply. "I am grateful, Your Highness." He turned to me. "It was a great pleasure to meet you, Guardian. Might I add you are an honor to the title."

  "Well said, Captain," Liander stated, shaking the captain's hand.

  "Thank you, Dolato," I said, giving him a slight bow in thanks.

  He led us to the gangplank, and I walked a pace behind Liander as he disembarked. The moment his foot touched Teslan soil, the commander of the waiting guard stepped forward. He saluted and dropped to one knee.

  "Allow me to welcome you home, Your Highness. Your plight has caused much distress in the kingdom."

  "Thank you. Commander?"

  "Newon, Your Highness." The man rose and glanced at me. "Guardian?"

  "Yes, Commander Newon."

  "This is wonderful. When news of the message flag reached me, I could hardly hope it would be the safe return of Your Highness and his Guardian." As he spoke, he raised a hand, and I saw a mounted soldier at the rear of the guard ride off at high speed. "However, I ordered a rider to be prepared to carry a message to the palace in case my hopes weren't in vain."

  "Did you not think it best to ask His Highness' wishes first?" I said sharply.

  The Commander flushed, and I knew I was being unreasonable, but this added evidence of the end of our idyll was unwelcome.

  "I...I... "

  "It's all right, Commander. My Guardian is sometime too rigid in his formality," Liander interjected.

  I struggled not to laugh. Only Liander could've lightened my mood at that moment with such a ridiculous statement.

  "Have you had time yet to prepare for our journey to Teslor?" Liander continued.

  "I was unsure if you would prefer to ride on horseback or in a carriage, Your Highness, so I have arranged for both to be brought. Ah, here is the carriage now."

  "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, but I'd prefer to ride."

  The commander waved to another soldier who came forward bringing two other horses with him. There was no going back now.

  * * * *

  Hollis was unusually quiet, though I was pretty sure why. He was worrying again. I didn't seem to be able to convince him I meant precisely what I'd said. I guess only time would show him the truth.

  We were moving steadily toward the capital, and I knew Father would be waiting for me. I prayed he wouldn't put up any objection to my partnership with Hollis. I loved him very much, but if he decreed I would have to choose between my family or Hollis...

  I thought about my mother. She would be horrified if Father banished me, but there would be nothing I could do. I think, though, she would understand my feelings for Hollis. My mother was a firm believer in love. She had been the one to insist my brothers find wives to love, not merely princesses to marry and, thank the Lords of Creation, they had both been lucky enough to please both my mother's wishes and my father's hopes.

  We crossed the bridge over the river, and I knew that around the next bend, we would be able to see Teslor, with its high walls and magnificent carved gate. I glanced at Hollis riding beside me, but his attention seemed elsewhere.

  "Hollis?"

  "Yes, Your Highness."

  "Don't do that. You're my Guardian, but first and foremost, you're my friend, and you always have been." I smiled. "That is still true, even now."

  Hollis smiled, and I was relieved to see it. "Yes, it is. I'm sorry I'm-- "

  "In a foul mood?"

  "Not so much foul as distracted," he said.

  I raised an eyebrow to let him know I didn't believe it was anything so straightforward.

  He edged his mount closer to mine and said in a low voice, "I don't doubt you, believe me, Liander. I trust you with everything I am. I just don't know how your father will react, and I hate going into battle without all the facts."

  "Going into battle?" I almost laughed, but his expression was serious.

  "Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, but it's how I feel."

  "So, you'd fight for me? In an arena, like the Diolis intended?" I grinned, hoping to make him relax, but if anything he looked even more intense.

  "In a heartbeat," he said.

  I decided perhaps I should leave well enough alone and kept silent. Then, as if to contradict my decision, a sound made itself known, a susurration which grew as we rode on. I frowned, trying to place the odd noise when Hollis spoke.

  "The messenger must have made good time."

  "What?" Then I heard it. Cheering and whoops of pleasure. I walked my horse to the side so I could see past the guard riding in front, and I was humbled by what I saw. The royal flag was flying high, snapping in the breeze. The walls of the city were ringed with people waving their arms or bits of material; even the gate was thrown wide open and thronged with people. People were calling my name. I felt both embarrassed and very touched.

  "I guess they're pleased to see you," Hollis teased. I turned to him just in time to hear him mutter, "Oh, damn!"

  "Now what?"

  "Have a look," he said, indicating with his chin toward the town.

  I stared and thought for a moment I was seeing things, but no, I wasn't. The crowds by the gate were dividing to make room for a large, open carriage to move sedately through. Sitting inside, waving regally to the populace as they passed, were my mother and father. They had never before come out to greet anyone. They always waited to receive everyone in the throne room. I was being highly honored and my heart swelled to know how much they cared.

  * * * *

  I saw Liander's expression and understood how much he was affected by the approach of his parents. It was unprecedented and very telling.

  Commander Newon was already riding ahead to greet the king and queen, and the guard was dividing to line the road, leaving Liander and I to ride through them to meet the coach. I glanced at Liander and noted his suddenly stiff posture.

  "Liander, relax."

  He glanced at me and gave me a half-hearted smile. "I feel anything but relaxed."

  "Forget for once they're royalty and just remember they're your parents."

  He nodded and sat back in the saddle. He was trying, but he was still tense. I found myself moving closer. It was automatic and I couldn't regret it.

  As we approached the open coach, a servant stepped forward, opened the door and let down some steps. King Morus stepped down, leading the queen down himself. Commander Newon knelt before him and addressed the king, though we couldn't hear his words. The man soon got to his feet again and stood to one side. Liander and I dismounted and walked toward them and were almost at the carriage when King Morus strode forward and embraced Liander.

  The crowd roared, and I saw tears in Queen Sporia's eyes. The king released Liander, allowing the queen to gather him to her breast. The king approached me, and I began to drop to one knee, but he stopped me and gripped my hand.

  "I knew it was right to ask you to be Guardian to one of my sons. I will forever be grateful you accepted."

  "You are too kind, Your Majesty, I did no more than-- "

  "Don't believe him, Father," Liander interrupted. "If it weren't for his bravery and perseverance, I would still be a prisoner in Dioland."

  "He is too generous, sire. Our escape would not have been possible without His Highness' strength of character."

  King Morus smiled. "It sounds as if you both have quite the story to tell. Come, let us return to the palace and we can hear it in comfort."

  It wasn't far to the palace, but it took us longer than usual because of the crowds lining the way, vocal in their appreciation for the return of their prince.

  "This is rather overwhelming," Liander said looking around.

  "The sudden news of your return swept the city like wildfire," King Morus said.

  Liander and I were sitting opposite his parents and the king reached out to grasp his son's wrist. "When w
e heard of the raid and your capture...well, I'm sure you can imagine how horrified the whole country was. We'd about given up hope of even knowing what had happened to you, let alone ever getting you back home."

  "I'm sorry, Father. I suppose I was too self-obsessed to think properly about how everyone back home was suffering."

  I didn't like to hear Liander apologizing for looking out for himself in such a traumatic situation, but I kept my mouth shut.

  "Lords, son, there's no need to apologize. I only wanted you to understand how much you were missed and how happy everyone is to have you home." The king glanced at me. "To have both of you home, Hollis."

  "Thank you, sire."

  The coach pulled up at the palace and it wasn't long before we were settled in a comfortable sitting room, just the four of us.

  "I've got the kitchens preparing a welcome home feast for this evening," Queen Sporia said. "A message has been sent to your brothers informing them of your safe return and asking them to attend with their families. I know they'll be thrilled with the news."

  Liander glanced at me, and I could see this was becoming too much for him. He had never been very happy with the lavish affairs that went with being a member of the ruling family, and being at the centre of attention was the last thing he would want. I also knew he would stuff his own feelings deep inside, smile and do his duty. Lords, I wanted to hug him right then.

  The king began to ask questions about our captivity and when he learned we had been slaves trained to fight he was furious. The queen was upset and excused herself on the pretense she needed to check on the menus for the evening's feast.

  The king asked his son if it might not have been better to admit his true identity to his captors to avoid such rough treatment. Liander's reaction was immediate and rather brusque, and if the king's reaction was any indication, it was the first time Liander had snapped back at his father, who had the grace to look ill at ease.

  "Sire, if I may," I said. "While I'm eternally grateful to have helped get Liander to safety, I carry a lot of guilt about the other villagers trapped with us and still languishing as slaves of the Diolis."