Royal Intrigue: Closed Thread

[The_gladiator]

She tilted her head into his touch almost like a cat leaning into the petting touch. He shivered as her lips left feather light kisses over his palm before encouraging him to twine his fingers in her curls. His other hand slid up the line of her neck and under the mass of hair, sliding into its depths. “Much different.” His voice was not much more than a breath, a whisper of sound. Indeed it was. He wasn’t being yelled at to hurry up, or kicked by his younger sister who didn’t want him to touch her. He slammed the door on those thoughts before they gained traction.

He leaned in almost as if he wanted to bury his face in the soft curls, yet he held back just letting his hands play, the one on the back of her head now as she was trailing kisses down his jaw, not quite holding her to him, but hinting that he might want to. It was definitely encouraging her to keep close. “Though I’ve seen many things I’ve not done them, you’ll have to show me the right way to do them,” his voice had a hint of teasing in it. In his visions of this moment he was always nervous shy and fumbled over himself. Yet in the actual moment that wasn’t how it felt. He instead had found a sense of wonder that this was happening, that a woman this beautiful was letting him touch her. He waited for the nerves to set in, and they might as soon as say her breasts came out or they went to a bed. There was something about being here in this place that always grounded him so much, the nature that fed his soul that bolstered his confidence in this moment. The nerves manifested in more subtle ways, moving slow, and watching her reactions. Yet, so far, she seemed to like what he was doing. “It’s so soft,” he breathed still referring to her curls.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa adored the feeling of Vallin running his hands through her hair, enjoying the feel of him close to her, and once again her mind queried if she was still doing this for herself or for him now but she dismissed the thought firmly, convinced they could both have what they needed, she could tread the fine line between them and politics again in the morning, for tonight she could just be herself.

"That sounds intriguing, perhaps I should show you what I know and you tell me if I'm skipping anything?" she murmured as she kissed him, in answer to what he'd seen.

As her lips kissed along to reach his ear and she heard his comment about her hair she laughed in a happy whisper, "Thank you, my lord. Feel free to touch as much as you desire."

"My ancestors used to dislike cutting their hair, believing part of your health or life would be caught within and if anyone should take it with evil intent they could injure you. To give even a strand needed extreme trust, a tradition which carries on to this day. Later I should ask you which is the softest piece, give it to you in a locket." she spoke gently as her hands worked over his body.

Maintaining her slow pace, relieved he seemed to be enjoying their attention to each other, she continued to run her fingers down Vallin until his tunic ended. She skimmed her fingers over the front of his hose softly, ghosting over his manhood, hoping to tease rather than possess him as it sounded Helena had desired.

"Tell me if you want me to stop" she added.

 

[The_gladiator]

“That would suggest great trust in me my lady,” he murmured. His hands continuing to twine through her hair. “I have always been a good student. You might find me a particularly avid learner with this particular subject.” He whispered sounding a bit breathless.

Then it happened, her touch slid over the outline of his manhood and he let out a hiss of pleasure. He didn’t know if she could see it but he could feel the heat in his cheeks. “Oh wow,” he breathed his face completing that journey to nuzzle her neck her hair falling against his face. His body jumped under his pants, immediately aware of her touch. It was clear her touch was very welcome.

 

[magellans_demon]

"Then I shall try and be a worthwhile teacher" she teased. "I look forward to such an attentive student."

As Vallin buried his face into her neck she hoped he couldn't hear how fast her heart was beating, if only at the beautiful sound of him uncoiling in front of her. The garden at night felt so romantic and feeling Vallin against her was threatening to make her lose her senses rather than him. She curled her free hand through his bound hair, stroking down his neck wondering if it drove him as wild as it did her.

She teased her fingers across him again, a little more firmly each time, running her hands up his thighs and across his stiffening length, stroking him through the fabric between them, occasionally stopping to untie his hose a little more.

"Is this anything you came across in your study?" she asked in a low voice.

 

[The_gladiator]

It wasn’t the touch on his neck or hair that was getting to Vallin. He enjoyed the intimacy of it, and still experienced the wonder of a gentle touch, it was still so new to him. There was a part of his mind that wanted to stiffen, put up walls encase she hurt him. However, he didn’t, he didn’t even want to he found. What was his undoing was her other hand. Gently stroking, exploring coaxing more and more small sounds from his lips.



“I uh… I can’t say that I ever saw this portion of the experience my queen,” he gulped already a bit breathless from just these touches. His breath tickled her neck as he spoke. He was right, her hair smelled as wonderful as he suspected. Rose hips and something else, slightly fruity. She was intoxicating and her touch had him almost trembling and she hadn’t even let her hand caress bare flesh yet.

 

[magellans_demon]

"Not my queen anymore, my Elisa" she whispered seductively into Vallin's ear, correcting him.

"I have a blank slate then, you can judge for yourself how good of a teacher I am."

She turned her head to nestle into his where it lay buried in her neck, softly nipping at his ear and leaving kisses along his hairline. Just his presence while he barely moving was setting her on fire, the feel of his breath against her skin and his quiet moans drew one from her own lips as she touched him further.

Completely unfastening his hose she tentatively slipped her hand inside the folds of material, brushing delicately along his shaft, the intimacy of both of her hands teasing and stroking different areas causing her to sigh in need against him.

"How does that feel? You feel beautiful to me"

 

[The_gladiator]

“Yes, you’re right. My Elisa,” just those words felt like they should be wrong, but she had said it was ok. “I will study well,” he whispered.



As good as it all felt to him through his clothing, when she opened his pants all together to let her fingers brush bare skin it was even better. This was definitely unlike when he touched it, far more intimate, her hand softer than his combined with the pure thrill of sharing this with someone else. “Elisa,” he whispered as he felt her guide him up and out of his pants, the warmth of her hand contrasting with the air. The air was not cold, but there was a decent breeze, only slightly mitigated by the hedge maze. He appeared long and thick and very hard in her small hand, a slight curve to his length. He was probably average for his people, but nothing to be ashamed of. He couldn’t say that he’d ever experienced this before, but he knew now that he would never forget this moment again.

 

[magellans_demon]

Hearing Vallin's voice whisper her name sounded wonderful and for a moment more all she could do was slide her hand around his warm stiff length while she closed her eyes, enjoying him. He felt like steel wrapped in velvet and she couldn't resist lighter teasing strokes giving way to caressing him more firmly as she built a leisurely rhythm around him.

In a moment she gently tugged on his tied-back hair until his eyes met hers again, the slightly unfocused look in his barely lit eyes sending a shiver through her before she pressed her lips to his in a passionate kiss.

"Then I will teach you there are more ways I can kiss you than one, more reasons to bend the knee than one" she breathed coyly as she gazed at him again.

Dropping to her knees, Elisa wrapped her fingers around the base of him and looked in pleasure for a moment at his manhood. Cautiously, giving him time to react if he was unhappy, which did not show in his hardness, she ran the tip of her tongue slowly up his shaft, flicking lightly over the head.

Sliding her lips around the tip of his hardness she drew him further into her mouth, her tongue slipping around him to lick around his head and dance over his length. The fingers of her free hand played gently over his balls, cupping them within her palm as she moved slowly, waiting for his reaction as his cock strained against her.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her touch slid the length of his shaft. She started slow, caresses more than anything. He found himself quite sensative and every touch brought little gasps from his lips, especially when her touches roamed up over the head and surrounding tip of his cock.

He returned her kiss, unable to do much more than moan. His hand clutched at her back. He had lost track of exploring her as she had drawn him to distraction and he was completely lost in these new sensations.

He felt the pressure beginning to build. He took long slow deep breaths for a second and the immediacy of it slid away for the moment as he worked to control himself. He couldn’t let this end so quickly, and therefore he instinctively found himself reaching for his training. His mentors had assured him that discipline would be useful one day. However he somehow was fairly certain that this was not what they had had in mind.

However, what ever hard won control he had found evaporated as this beautiful raven haired goddess, his brother’s wife, the queen of all people dropped to her knees and proceeded to begin to pleasure him in a whole new way. Vallin quickly found that the stories though hyped up and favorites of sailors and farm hands alike paled in comparison to the real thing. Though inexperienced, Vallin was not prudish, he knew lovers did such things with one another—men talked after all. He just never imagined that his first experience with it would be from Elisa.

He seemed to reach out for support, one hand twining in the soft waterfall of curles. The other found a branch over his head from one of the few trees in the maze, using it to steady himself as his knees threatened to grow weak at the pleasure. His touch in her hair was gentle. It was almost like he didn’t know if he should pull her closer, pull her away, or just let it happen. For the moment he seemed intent on letting it happen. “Mother’s breath that is…wow.” It was pleasure indeed that made someone like Vallin use the mother’s name in an oath like that. Despite the oath the would be king didn’t have anything better to describe her actions than wow.

 

[magellans_demon]

Feeling Vallin's fingers interweave through her hair, Elisa slowed by a mere fraction, part of her expecting to feel him coil his palm harder through her curls, tug at her and try to take over, it would hardly be unusual after all, but his touch was light even as he had to brace himself against the branch above him.

As he murmured his oath in pure desire she sighed in pleasure against him, almost on the edge of a soft laugh, feeling the vibration of her slight sound run through his skin.

Hearing Vallin coming apart further was intoxicating to her, especially watching him try to control himself, his consideration to her despite his growing sensations, yet still struggling due only to her attentions to him. She felt as though she had him almost exactly in the palm of her hands and longed to both continue to pleasure him almost indefinitely but also taste and watch him cum for her soon.

She tilted her face to look towards his, allowing her to accommodate him further into her mouth, almost reaching her throat. Sliding one hand around the inside of his thigh to both steady herself against him and stroke him further she kept the base of his manhood wrapped in her fingers, guiding him in and out between her lips. Most men would desire and insist on a greater and greater speed, she'd heard enough giggled chatter when women were huddled behind closed doors to know her experience was not unusual there, but she continued to take it slowly, wanting to tease him until she took him over the peak of his need.

Feeling him harden further against her she let her tongue glide against him almost painfully slowly until only his tip remained between her lips and her eyes could meet his. Swirling the tip of her tongue across the head of his cock for long moments she watched his jaw tighten, heat rising irresistibly between her own hips at the sight of him. After taunting him with the briefest touch of her lips as long as she dared she slipped him deep within her mouth again, building a rhythm she hoped would cause him to come undone.

 

[The_gladiator]

He could honestly say he’d never felt quite like this before. He had explored and taken care of his needs himself, but this was exceedingly different. “Elisa,” he whispered. That one word, just her name full of so much emotion.

Her slow pace was driving him wild, yet it seemed to be just what he needed. “Yes,” he breathed, feeling his control slipping. He knew it wouldn’t be long. His control was good, but she was better.

He gasped as his hips started to move unconsciously seeking just the right rhythm just the right places as his body began to focus on his impending orgasm. “Please,” he whispered, not even asking for anything specific, though likely for her not to stop.

His head threw back and his eyes closed as he felt the rush of his orgasm wash over him. He Came silently, though with lots of body language that suggested his great pleasure and enjoyment with what she was doing. The most noise he made was a low whisper of OH…

 

[magellans_demon]

The way Vallin breathed her name was exquisite, almost like a prayer, with no sense of demand or sharp edge. She already knew she wanted to hear that repeatedly if she had the chance, unsure how one word could sound so beautiful.

Feeling him thrust between her lips, helping to continue a rhythm as she moved her tongue around him, stroking in time at the base of him, she tightened her lips around his shaft, sensing him coming close to release. As he pulsed and came within her she keenly swallowed the ropes of cum unleashed. She continued to suck him gently for a few moments before letting go, slipping her hand around his manhood as he softened, both a teasing and protecting gesture, pulling his clothing back around him and tying his pants loosely to secure them.

Licking her lips, running her tongue over her teeth to taste the leftover of him, she raised herself to her feet and took his arms in her hands, guiding them to wrap around the curves of her hips before sliding her hands across his cheeks tenderly. Leaving weightless kisses along the corners of his mouth as he caught his breath, she threaded her fingers through the back of his hair, pressing her cheek against his as her body moulded against him, her heart racing beneath her breasts as they crushed next to him again. Her emotions swirled between satisfaction at the effect she'd had on him, desire as she already pictured taking him to her bed, and deeply wanting more of the same intimacy she felt now, stunned at how close she felt to him in such a short space of time.

"My lord" she whispered warmly in his ear, lost for any other words for long moments.

She struggled to regain just half of her normal composure with him so near to her, after such an intimate act, but managed to slow her breathing, settle herself enough to continue speaking.

"You are a wonderful student" she teased, before flicking her eyes across the maze to the deep blue-black sky.

"Such a heavenly night, thank you for spending it here with me." she sighed, rubbing her thumb mindlessly across the back of his neck.

 

[The_gladiator]

There was a thought in the back of his mind that he should stop her. Did partners catch such in their mouth? The answer he quickly learned as she showed no signs of stopping was indeed, yes, they did. He panted even as she slid her hand over him wiping away any last drops and slipping him back into his pants. He was glad he hadn’t broken the tree limb he had gripped onto because he felt like he might have as it took the majority of his weight for those seconds he came. In that moment he learned a very valuable lesson. He resolved to never engage in such behaviors in places he felt unsafe. For he felt that one of his enemies could have walked up to him and stabbed him and he would have just let it happen. Vallin, who rarely let deeper genuine emotions show on his face, was smiling and his eyes were closed.

He willingly let her guide his arms around her as he pulled her close. He did not crush her to him, but after such he felt far more comfortable holding her close. His own rapid heartbeat echoed hers as he let his face dip to rest in the hollow at the side of her neck as he caught his breath. He trusted her in that moment to make sure he was safe. Rational Vallin would have hesitated to do such, not sure if she could be trusted. Not necessarily not to hurt him, but would she defend him from others. However, in the moment his instinct said he could trust her and so he let her see that second of vulnerability.

“Vallin,” he murmured when she called him my lord. “When we’re alone, it would please me if you would use the name my friends do. As to my being a good student. Isn’t the knowledge learned by the pupil only as good as the teacher. Therefore, I would say you are quite the instructor.” He laid a kiss to the side of her neck. “I would like to learn about the woman’s body, to make you enjoy this night as much as you did for me. Though I feel like such things might be better explored in a bed.”

As he spoke, he lifted his head to meet her gaze with his, “If you wish no one to know you have partnered with one such as me, I might suggest the guest rooms that Sir Raffin put me up in in the North tower. It reduces the risk that your reputation will suffer from associating with me and less likelihood that we are interrupted.” He said these things in a tone that was not joking, but quite matter of fact, like he was discussing the weather. His hands stroked her back softly as he spoke. It was obvious from his expression that he desired her, that he wanted this time with her, yet he did not want his pleasure to sully her reputation.

~~~

It was not clearly visible behind the mask he wore but the face of Alexander contorted with pleasure as he slowly drove himself deeper into the woman before him. Her dresses were hiked up around her waist as he treated her not like the lady, she was but like she was some common whore whose dignity he saw as beneath him. If the woman minded being treated such it was not evident as she eagerly thrust her hips back to meet his driving cock, her eager whimpers filling the small space. She wasn’t the young lord’s first partner this night and if he got his way wouldn’t be his last either. She clung to the table in the store room as Alexander took her. It was a small room with extra tables and chairs, most likely where many of such in the ballroom were stored between functions. For now, it was where the lordling held court so to speak.

He was just getting into it, balls deep within her womanly depths when the door burst open. He didn’t even bother to stop as the head of his guards poked his head in, politely pretending not to see what was transpiring. “My lord, your grace the queen mother wishes to see you immediately.”

“Can’t you see I am occupied Jamison; I will find her when I am finished.”

“I recognize that my lord,” this time the title sounded more strained but the queen mother was quite firm.

“Really—what did she say?” Alexander asked as he began to pick up his pace, left hand holding her down over the table.

Jamison ran his hand through his short cropped black hair and sighed, knowing Alexander wouldn’t like what he was going to say. “She told me to Tell you to get your cock out of whatever whore you’re sticking it in and come to her at once or she will come find you herself and quote I’m positive his skill as a lover is not enough to impress me and I had no desire to see that unquote so you should be a good son and do as she said.” Jamison paused here, “Begging your pardon my lady. I am sure the queen mother meant no offense.” A blatant lie, but the captain was used to trying to soothe over the insults Alexander or his mother left in their wake.

“Fine whatever.” Alexander sighed. “This one is looser than I prefer anyway. Shamelessly he pulled out and wiping himself off on her dress shoved himself back into his breaches. He didn’t even bother to flip down her dress as he turned and walked away, leaving Jamison and the lady behind.

Stepping into the room the captain closed the door with a soft click. Alexander was in no danger in this place and could find his mother without his help. He gently helped the woman stand and straightened the Doe mask she wore. “Please forgive the royal family my lady, as you know this is a trying time for the family. I do hope you can find another partner and enjoy the festivities.” No one could say that Jamison didn’t try. She didn’t say a word just kept slipping fingers up under the mask of the deer to delicately wipe at her eyes.

Unsure what else to say or do he opened the door for her and let her go. Giving her time to walk away with what was left of her dignity he followed to seek out his lord once again.

 

[magellans_demon]

When Vallin spoke about continuing the night, a flush coloured Elisa's cheeks as she bit her lip, thinking of how much the night had already excited her while he had barely touched her compared to what could come. Keeping any sort of sanity was going to be virtually impossible with what he was talking about for later. She was having to use enough self control merely at the feel of his lips along her neck, his hands running along her back, she didn't possess anywhere near enough to keep from unravelling if she was in bed with him but this was a heady thought enticing her, this was no reason to stop.

As he met her gaze to speak about taking precautions against damaging her reputation she regretted the way his face returned to a serious countenance, much preferring the moments where she'd seen him relax, his smile lighting up his face and highlighting the features most people didn't get the chance to look past the scars to see.

The way he'd responded to her this evening gave more proof, if needed, to the idea that the rumours were merely that, which made it more sadly profound that not only had he accepted them against him but was now also trying to shield her from the effects. He wouldn't have deserved such extreme ridicule even if his tastes did tend that way but if not it was more of an outrage.

"Vallin" she breathed, as if experimenting with the name. "I would be honoured to teach whatever I know that you would wish to learn. I would absolutely prefer not to be interrupted, that much is true, but as for harming my reputation..." she held his gaze intently with a slight frown.

"Before this next week is through you will be king - and unless you think Alexander would be more capable for the role there is no good alternative. The people are now used to a king who decides for them what his reputation will be, regardless of what they think of him or his actions. How many hours rest do you suppose Jefferson ever lost concerning himself with how others judged him?"

She almost winced using Jefferson's name, in the midst of such an intimate moment, but if it might convince Vallin he needed to set the pace from now on, hopefully with her at his ear, rather than define himself by others' actions and treatment any longer then it would be worth it.

"Also, I have seen nothing to convince me you ever deserved a portion of your current reputation but now is the time to step away from it, all that matters is what kind of a king you will be. If a good one, I would be content to have my reputation associated with yours, and if a bad one I will have greater issues to lose sleep over." she smiled briefly before returning to a serious expression.

"Besides, do you not think my reputation would be brought more into question liaising with my husband's brother before I have even buried him than who that might actually be?"

She lowered her eyes from his, which would have been a wise gesture of shame to evoke his sympathy if she'd needed to fake it, but she could feel the genuine weight of wondering whether he would in fact consider the timing at some point and judge her on it. Alexander clearly wouldn't have minded in the least but, if she was reading him right, she was already gathering that Vallin's moral compass led somewhere very different to his family's. Then there was the matter of her much more deeply hidden guilt about her new widow status.

Looking back to his eyes she felt he would be honest enough to make it worth asking the question,

"I care fairly little for castle gossip beyond entertainment, you'd be more than welcome to my quarters, but I hope you will not think less of me when tomorrow comes Vallin?"

~~~

Stalking back towards the ballroom Alexander was already distracted thinking about who he should next press to take care of his needs. He found his mother hovering impatiently underneath the arched entrance waiting for him. His gait was already growing a little more of a swagger as the day went on as he felt his importance increase and the confidence of feeling sure he would soon be head of his family, let alone the kingdom, did nothing to harm this.

"What is it that needs to interrupt my night so urgently mother?" he called as he approached her, stopping with his hands resting on his hips as he reached her.

"Alexander, my dear, you need to turn your attention to more than the ladies of the court for your own good. Elisa has ordered that you are to take tonight's vigil for your brother, I had already arranged that it should be Vallin but she barely waits until my poor boy is cold to undermine me."

"Then you already have my blessing to tell her no, what a waste of time." he scowled, "I already found a cunt on a platter for Vallin and he still could not manage to bed it so why waste two men's nights instead of one if he is not going to use his?"

"I do not like it either, and please watch your tongue with me Alexander, but she is still the queen for the moment and we must tolerate that for now where we can. You need to charm her rather than start disagreements, after all if Vallin has already managed to befriend her it should be no effort for you - we do not need to start a civil war for the sake of a few days waiting." she argued.

"Well if you hadn't blocked my way I would have been able to fuck her into submission now wouldn't I mother?" he queried coldly, enjoying her discomfort as always at the basest language he chose to offer.

Even as a younger boy he'd enjoyed the ability to offend, relishing any feeling of power he could gain such as breaking the rules of decency others felt bound to, shouting any crude insults he'd overheard out at his mother and nursemaids, watching the shock on their faces. At first he'd blamed his oldest brother for teaching him such words, plucking a second pleasure at seeing the imprint of his mothers' fingers over Jefferson's cheek.

He'd quickly learnt the error of his ways however as, when caught alone, he'd found himself with Jefferson's hands around his neck, his face pressed into the horse trough as he struggled for air. Vallin's had been a much more successful name to use though, surprising Alexander with how willing his brother was to take a beating, he cruelly wondered at times just how many punishments he was in debt there. Maybe when he ruled he'd make Vallin head of his army, that would be an immense honour, more than enough to pay back any debt owed. Vallin could spend much of his time away from the palace where Alexander didn't have to see him, have as many men as he wished under him and could continue to take injuries for his younger brother until it killed him. Alexander prided himself that he was becoming quite the strategist.

"If you didn't want her giving orders you should have stood aside so I could keep her mouth busy elsewhere, perhaps bear that in mind in future." he continued. "When I am king I do not expect to take orders from my mother any longer, or any woman come to that."

"Where is the queen anyway? I will tell her straight I have better ways to spend my evening than standing by a corpse.."

"Alexander!" his mother interrupted, "That is your beloved king and brother, it is still a sacred duty to be bidding farewell to..."

"The sooner the better" he snorted, "and he would agree. When Vallin gives over the crown in favour of me you will see a great king then, I will put both father's and Jefferson's legacies to shame. If I have to start by putting both of their bitches in their place then so be it." he stated boldly, his smaller head now completely bypassing his brain to bravely direct his speech.

"Excuse me mother, I shall speak to Elisa and then perhaps I can resume my night."

 

[The_gladiator]

“Alexander be a good king? Don’t even joke about that.” He sighed, “As to Jefferson, clearly that self-centered self-righteous prick cared only about his own opinion. As to how I will think of you in the morning.” He merely shrugged, “Why would I begrudge a beautiful woman from partaking in the festival?” He spoke like someone raised on the custom. It was no more foreign to him than breathing. This was just what people did once or twice a year. However, it was clear from that that he assumed that was all she wished for. He had never even considered that she might want more after tonight, for that was just not on his mind at this time, so colored by the festival were his perceptions.

“It is an honor and pleasure to be with you my lady Elisa.” Here he looked away a bit shyly, “A lot of pleasure.” He added in a quieter voice. “So, whose quarters should we retire, too? Clearly there is merit to either option? Debating my reputation will not result in my honoring your body as you did mine.”

~~~

It was only the firmest of self-control that kept the queen mother from lashing out at her impudent son. Did he not know what she was doing for him. She had given her all to this kingdom, to her boys and they were all letting her down. First her perfect boy had gotten himself killed playing at being a soldier, the second was a fucking faggot and not worthy to rule, and the youngest was—not what she had hoped. However, she did not slap the ungrateful sot, rather just watched him walk off. Not for the first time she wished that she could have just ruled after her beloved Luther’s death. She was certain that she would have been far better a ruler than any of his sons. Queen Seraphina, it had a certain ring to it. However, it was not to be, and as close as queen mother sounded to queen, the title couldn’t have been more different.

Taking a deep breath behind her mask she knew her night’s work was not done. Alexander, though imperfect could still be molded she knew it. There was no hope for Valentine, she was sure of it. Even if Alexander thought he could win allies with his cock, Seraphina, this woman most just called Queen Mother, knew he needed real allies, with swords and respect.

It did not take her long to find Lord Thurston where he stood with several of his fellow knights. Everyone was masked here, but certain people were just so obvious. Like the windbag in a stag mask could be anyone other than Thurston. He was even speaking as she approached.

“After what happened earlier today, I am pleased to see nothing has happened tonight.”

Seraphina could recognize the voice of Barnabas under his horned owl’s mask. “Did you dig up anything on where Sir Valentine might have learned to fight like that. Surely it cannot be as Sir Raffin suggested.”

“Do you mean do I think he was trained by the bloodrights/?” Thruston shrugged, “I highly doubt it but you’re welcome to ask the queen mother, she’s right behind you.

Barnabas whirled and bowed quickly. “Forgive me Queen Mother, I did not realize you were there.”

“How would you have known, after all, is this not a mascaraed?”

“Oh, yes, right,” Barnabas sounded a bit put off by that unsure how to answer.

“You look lovely as always my queen mother,” Thurston said also bowing.

“You once called me Seraphina Thurston. We are old friends.”

“As my lady says, I once did.” Thurston sounded a bit suspicious, “But why do you bring that up now? You have rarely gone by it since Jefferson appointed you to Queen Mother.”

“King Jefferson,” She corrected out of habit.

“As you say queen mother.”

“I just wondered if we were still friends Thurston, and Barnabas,”

The knight sensed the trap, yet didn’t quite know how to avoid it. “I would say that if it would please you to still call me friend then you may do so?”

Seraphina laid a hand on his arm. His free arm was around the waist of his wife. Idly she noticed the complimentary doe shaped mask the shorter woman wore. “You will back my son to be king, won’t you?”

Thurston cleared his throat, resisting the urge to shrug off her touch. It wasn’t that he found it unpleasant, but what ever connection they may have shared was long ago before King Luther’s death and Jefferson’s rule. “Valentine will make a fine king my lady, I am sure you are quite proud.”

“That was not the son I was referring to.”

“But my queen mother.”

“Seraphina,” she offered.

“My lady Seraphina, Valentine is the rightful king. Even if I was as big of a fan of Alexander as Leanna my wife is, he is still not the rightful king.” Leanna seemed to flinch at the referral to her connection to Alexander, yet none in the group really seemed to notice.

“A smart man might be careful to be sure he was on the right side of history Thurston,” Seraphina said her tone growing harder.

“As you say queen mother. I will be sure to choose wisely. Now if you’ll excuse me, I promised Leanna a turn before my duties draws me away from her again.”

Watching him go the queen mother sighed. That hadn’t gone as she expected. As far as she knew Thurston bore no love for Valentine, why was he refusing to back Alexander? Also, what was that she had overheard when she walked up. Who would remotely think that her monks would have trained her wimp of a son?

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa was surprised when Vallin only answered her question with reference to the festival. She wondered immediately if he was gently warning her off, making it clear that this night could mean nothing more than the result of the midsummer ball but as he looked slightly shy she thought it was equally likely he just didn't expect anything more, that it hadn't entered his head. Still, they could start with tonight and she would have to worry about the following days when they dawned. To be fair she had no-one but herself to blame if, after she'd started worshipping his cock, now his next move with that was all he was thinking about.

His shy honesty about wanting to continue the night broke a smile over her lips, the sound of his gentle earnestness, showing how much he wanted to go on without demanding as most men she knew would, sending sparks through her.

"We should go to my rooms then, if you do not mind either way, I think my stature will survive. I hope they gave you comfortable quarters but I can guarantee you a soft sleep after your long hours this way. I have entertained more than enough interruptions today." she replied.

Picking up their masks from where she'd dropped them earlier, dusting them off on her skirts as a precaution even though the grass had not collected dew yet, Elisa reached up to gently slide the falcon mask over Vallin's eyes, taking the chance to run her fingers down the back of his neck as she finished. She replaced her swan mask over her own face, satisfied that even with her hair now loose they were respectable again.

"I look forward to continuing the night as well, as long as you can get us back there" she smiled.

Entwining her arm with his, trusting him to guide them out of the maze, she started walking with Vallin, happy to be able to merely enjoy each others' company for the time being rather than discuss politics, other people or the past.

Coming to the end of the gardens Elisa saw a slimmer man in a hawk mask walking along the terrace outside the ballroom, scanning the garden, his features illuminated well by the light from the interior while they at least would still be covered by the shadows for a few more moments and gave a tired sigh. If she'd actually placed a bet on Alexander having been ready to challenge her as soon as they returned she wouldn't have been risking her money.

Slipping a gold band from her index finger which bore a dainty coat of arms she discreetly slid it into Vallin's palm, her fingers on his, closing his hand around it.

"Take this and go up and wait in my rooms, they'll let you in with that unless your reputation is so poor now they think you've attacked me for it." she chuckled. "Even then I think Piers would trip over his own sword in haste to vouch for you. I'll deal with Alexander and join you soon. Much as I don't want to forbid you speaking to your own family I can do without a pissing contest over who should have the best toy."

To push the point she withdrew her arm from his and walked ahead towards the younger lord.

"Someone said they saw you walk out here." Alexander demanded as she reached the stone steps. He was slightly out of breath and riled at having to track her down rather than being able to have her brought to him.

"I expected to find you having taken to your bed and nearly gave your guards a sound beating thinking they lied about not having seen you. What were you doing out here this late?"

Elisa needed to distract herself from laughing at his vast overestimation of his current power in the castle and was confident he lacked anywhere near enough cunning to suspect the truth used in place of a lie so smiled and answered. "Naturally I was knelt in the gardens pleasuring your brother, where else would I be?"

He looked far from amused at the supposed joke. "If you were plotting about the future coronation with Vallin you would do well to stay on my good side, it is easy to see I will make the best king and my brother cannot be foolish enough to ignore that. We cannot crown a king who quite literally cannot show his face twice over thanks to both his features and character. He of course will want to see his beloved brother and kingdom succeed where he has no chance." he declared smugly.

Her teeth ran along the edge of her tongue as they clenched at his speech. She longed to spar with Alexander verbally further, bring him down and prove she could knock him back, remind him she was still in power for the time being, but knew this would only be a short lived pleasure, there was nothing to be gained in the long term from irritating him or giving him more reason to fight her on everything to show his strength. All the usual platitudes ran through her mind, that you could catch more flies with honey than vinegar, that you should divide and conquer, all easy sayings but still with many grains of truth inside.

The fact that Alexander was here on his own without his mother hanging onto his arm gave her the chance to keep him on her side without interference and there was evidently no love lost between him and Vallin, if she could keep on good terms with both of them she could avoiding losing any more than she had to. If she had to be pleasant to Alexander to achieve this she should rein in her natural dislike of him.

"I will pray nightly that the man who will be fit to be king is crowned then, I take it you have no objection to my putting my faith in the gods?" she asked meekly.

He looked wary at this response and stared hard at her, seeming to want to say more but wasn't sure how to so she took the chance to press the pleasant approach, placing her hand on top of his.

"Think of it as the next king then" she appealed to him. "Vallin has already spent one night awake for his knighting and will be exhausted for another night of vigil. Would you rather the people see the brother they already dislike asleep on his watch and think the royal family cannot even keep up a respectful face for one night, or see the more popular one looking at his best ready to represent the kingdom and show how much he loved his departed brother?"

Alexander contorted his mouth into what she thought was supposed to be an expression of deep consideration. At least there was one brother who was almost exactly as gullible as he was arrogant.

"Fine" he ground out unwillingly. "It must be one of us, it would be unseemly to ask a woman to do what I am not prepared to and I would be a much better representative than the prince of faggots. I see the wisdom of your thinking but next time discuss your ideas with me so I can give my approval instead of sending orders as though I am a common knight. We will need to work closely after all as the kingdom becomes used to the change, perhaps if you prove yourself truly invaluable to me there may be a position as the king's mistress as a reward, you could make up for the loss of my night tonight after all."

Elisa forced an incredulous smile and nodded her head as if in deep respect, taking a long breath, having no trust over any words she could instantly reply to that with.

"Yes my lord" she answered briefly.

"We can speak again then about the future, my mother seems to think I will need further support, you can help with that..."

"Excuse me then to rest in anticipation my lord and allow you to prepare," she broke in before he could make too many demands or she started laughing, "I have had enough refreshment from the night air and will indeed return to my quarters now. Good luck for your night."

Walking quickly along the edge of the ballroom Elisa successfully managed to avoid anyone stopping her or trying to speak to her as she slipped out of the far door to reach the stairs. The guards were, fittingly, a little more aware than most of the half drunken guests, Barnabas silently pointing her out to the nearest sentinel who, seeing she had no longer had Sir Valentine beside her, followed her without invitation with a fellow of his own. Elisa heard the clatter of the two men behind her but it was nothing new, as long as they were not expecting to come in the bedroom for the rest of the night.

 

[The_gladiator]

Vallin enjoyed their moments together. The feel of her soft hands on is skin as she delicately returned his mask to his eyes. He offered her a smile that though brief was genuine. Wordlessly he led her out of the maze. It was not an uncomfortable silence, just peaceful. For now, he did not feel the need to fill the air with meaningless words. He was glad to see she did not feel the incessant need to prattle that many court women did.

When she gave her instructions about his brother he lifted an eyebrow behind his mask. He took the ring, but hesitated. He hung back as she asked, but he watched and listened. He was not willing to let her completely out of his site despite what she ordered. It wasn’t that he distrusted his brother to the extent he thought her life in danger, but he wanted to see how she dealt with the prick. There was the brother part of him that hoped Alexander got what was coming to him.

Vallin had helped his brother gain everything he had including his social adulthood. Alexander never missed an opportunity to rub in Vallin’s face that he was knighted and seen socially as an adult at a younger and earlier time than Vallin. He didn’t know how many political concessions Jefferson had had to make to have someone let Alexander serve as their squire long enough for him to be knighted. Jefferson, at Vallin’s urging had encouraged knight after knight to take Alexander on, under the guise of gaining ever new knowledge. The truth was that he was insufferable and though everyone wanted him at first, they kept pawning him off on others. Vallin had never given up though, finally Begging lord Bartle to just knight him that the king would be ever so grateful. Alexander knew none of it and probably wouldn’t have even cared if he had. All he did was mock his older brother.

Vallin flinched as she used the truth against Alexander. Predictably his brother assumed she was joking. There was a sting to that, but he could also appreciate the masterwork that Elisa was weaving. However, as things continued Vallin slipped away, it was growing harder not to speak out against Alexander. He truly loved his brother, but it made it difficult at times. Vallin wasn’t quite sure how one could hate someone so much that they’d spent their life loving and helping to flourish.

He faded into the shadows. He was good at that. Bypassing the ball room, he wended his way through the castle. He was surprised that aside from the knights and palace guard there was more than one telltale red robe visible. Someone had invited the monks. Had his mother actually been foolish enough to do that, Thurston? Had they shown up on their own? As he passed one, the hooded head dipped. Soft words filtered out from under the hood. Vallin inclined his head in respect after flinching at the words. In the tongue of the Mother Church the hooded monk had whispered We come for you little brother.” Many would have been afraid hearing such words from such dangerous lips, yet the only filled Vallin with pleasure and pride. He had earned that, and no one would be able to deny it soon.

~~~

Barnabas watched Thurston lead his wife in her Doe mask out onto the floor. He stood awkwardly with the queen mother for a few seconds as he scanned the room. Noticing queen Elisa, he gestured for guards to accompany her wherever she was headed. Seraphina didn’t notice Elisa, but as far as Barnabas was concerned, that was probably a good thing. The less drama the better.

“So, Barnabas, what was the question that Lord Thurston wanted you to ask me?”

Barnabas cleared his throat. “Oh, right,” he said stalling pretending to be remembering. “It’s just… you know that Sir Valentine cut down a bunch of highly trained men today, right?” he started.

“I heard some stories and rumors, exaggerated all, I am sure.”

“I was their queen mother, they were not as you say, exaggerated. I have only seen such efficiency in killing from your own monks.” It was probably inaccurate to suggest she had full control over the monks, for though attached to the church and serving the mother, the blood Right Monks stood apart. However, flattery and inflating the lady’s ego probably wouldn’t hurt anything.

“Are you insinuating that my son was trained by my Monks?”

“That does appear to be the question my queen Mother. So, was he?”

“Why would they have anything to do with him. Furthermore, do not bring up those…monks,” she almost spat this last word, “Everyone knows it was the blunted ax of that damned Monk that caved in the ribs of our beloved king Jefferson.”

“It was a fair fight my queen.”

“Don’t speak to me of fair when my son is dead.”

Barnabas sighed, “So he was not trained by them then?” He asked trying to get a straight answer.

“Of course not. To even suggest that is preposterous. He cannot fight.”

Barnabas did not tell Seraphina that she was in denial, but it was difficult. Quietly he excused himself to answer the hand signal of one of his men leaving the queen mother fuming to anyone who would listen from the group that had been present about how silly she found him. However, Barnabas wished he was still stuck arguing with the queen, that was easier than realizing that someone must have spoken the name of the monks too many times, surely there was no other explanation for why they were here, in the palace. He certainly hadn’t summoned them. Had anyone even summoned them, or did they fancy playing politics and influencing the succession as well? All he was left to wonder which of his superiors should e alert frst of their presence. Hopefully they werenot here t kill anyone, with the liquor flowing freely he didn't trust hs men against such a group. He migt not if they were sober, come to think of it, though.

Following his encounter with the hooded Monk Vallin headed up through the palace to return to Elisa’s quarters. He showed the ring to Piers who had fallen into step with him as he grew closer to her quarters. The young guard assured him he would get him access to her sitting room at the least.

A few short moments Later Vallin stood in the room. He reflected on all that had already happened that day and alone for the moment let his shoulders slump as he sat down not on one of the comfortable chairs but at the Piano, his fingers silently running over the keys, like he longed to play it but did not dare without permission.

 

[magellans_demon]

Walking back to her room Elisa glanced through one of the arches facing across the courtyard and almost paused in her step as her heart was momentarily gripped with ice at the sight of a red robe. The monks were here? Why? Most importantly for her, regardless of their presence, did they plan still to act to help her, keep her secret for her or were they here as a threat, to expose her?

Now was hardly the time to raise suspicion by investigating in the night, that was something else she would need to deal with in the morning, she forced herself to keep walking and focus on the night ahead. She gave instructions to the guards at the door when she arrived that there were to be no disturbances unless absolutely necessary, even from maids and the like, reassuring them that she could call for anything she needed. Her two new shadows left as easily as they'd joined, having monitored her as far as they'd needed to but she smiled to see Piers also at attention at the door as well, she hadn't considered it earlier but he was proving useful now as a visible sign for Vallin, hovering like a faithful watchdog, making it clear he had made it inside as requested.

"Thank you Piers" she addressed him with a smile. "Go to bed, you cannot guard for all the hours the gods send, I do not intend to let Sir Valentine out of my sight until the morning. Enjoy the night, I am told there is plenty of wine, cake and most vitally maids gathered in the kitchen, you have worked enough for today."

Slipping into the room she was surprised to see Vallin sat silently at the piano rather than relaxing and felt slightly hesitant, stilted in her reactions, as they were not regular lovers and did not have that comfortable history, but this was not the time to be shy if she was hoping to carry on well with the rest of the night. If she was too forward perhaps he would dislike that but if she held back it would achieve nothing. Instead she boldly crossed to him after closing the door behind her, before her surprise or inaction gave him the impression he shouldn't be there. She laid her hands lightly on his shoulders to reassure that he was welcome to stay, bending to lay her lips next to his ear as her fingers traced down his arms.

"Play if you wish. You play so delightfully and it would be strange indeed if I was happy for you to touch me but not this instrument." she whispered with a smile.

Discarding her mask onto a nearby table, she poured two goblets of wine, standing one on top of the piano for him and carried the other with her, drinking half quickly to calm her abruptly disturbed nerves before deliberately slowing herself.

"Give me a few moments and I shall be ready for your next lesson" she teased. Butterflies twitched in her stomach, despite her outward flirting, as she prepared for the night but she had to keep control of her nerves.

Moving into the bedroom she was pleased to see the bed freshly made as usual and proceeded to light more candles across the room to bathe the whole space in a soft glow. It seemed to have been the right choice to use her own quarters, this room was deliberately hers by design, decorated for her comfort rather than to impress. This would be the first time in many years at least that a man had lain in here which gave her a strange amusement.

For once she wouldn't be laid on her back trying to keep her eyes from the obnoxiously large painting Jefferson kept on his own bedroom wall of the two of them, the one that others thought was so romantic, proved what a devoted husband he was despite any faults he had. More like trying to keep his property locked in place under his hand but no-one else seemed to see that. Oh gods, if Vallin wanted the rooms when he was king it would have to be moved to the long portrait gallery with all the Penrose ancestors, she'd never be free of the sight of it then.

Still, she'd heartlessly kept her bedroom free of him, not even displaying any portraits of her family so she didn't have to be under their constant watch. Instead soft tapestries and landscapes of her favourite places littered the walls and feminine furnishings made the room comfortable, the focal point a large four poster bed draped with curtains.

Moving into the bathroom set off the bedroom she removed all of her jewellery and pressed a cool damp cloth against her cheeks, freshening herself, placing all thoughts of the evening, especially Jefferson, Alexander, Seraphina and the monks from her mind.

Returning to Vallin, taking one of his hands in both of hers she guided him from the sitting room into her bedroom, locking the door behind them to ensure their privacy.

"Sit down, make yourself comfortable" she invited, indicating the bed.

"You wanted to learn about a woman's body?" she swallowed, unlacing the front of her dress, slowly allowing the curves of her breasts to show as the material dropped away from where it had been tightly bound against her.

 

[The_gladiator]

Vallin sat at the piano thoughts swirling through his head. Had it really only been that morning that he was knighted? So much had happened and changed. This was the first moment to himself in the quiet that he had had. He still wore the mask. Even here, even now, though alone, he still hid himself when he could. He grew tired of having to, yet the habit was well ingrained that it was almost part of his persona now.

His mind drifted to the monk he had seen. He knew that the most negative connotation of the monk’s words had been true, for if the monks wanted you dead, you did not survive long. However, he wasn’t sure exactly what they intended in the palace. The monk had said they came for him, but in what way. Were they here to be sure that he was not attacked again? If so, why would they be here now, it wasn’t like they had stopped the abuse his brother had heaped on him before. He sighed he didn’t know but he was willing to be patient, to wait it out.

That laid to rest, he found himself wondering about the night ahead with Elisa. He was still unsure why she had chosen him, and yet it made some sense. They were both united by the loss of Jefferson. They might be the only two in existence that were pleased at his death. Vallin hadn’t had a hand in his death, but he did not mourn the bastard.

His thoughts were interrupted by Elisa’s presence slipping through the doorway. Before he could rise, she had come to him her touch signaling that he was welcome to be there at her piano. Permission given he let his fingers move, playing a soft ballad. It was known as the shy maid’s ride. It told a story of a woman who everyone saw as a shy maiden and all the encounters she had along the way. The lyrics told of each encounter’s attempt to corrupt and change her, and though at the end of it she was no longer shy, honestly almost a temptress, she kept her innocent love of life. Nothing they could do to her would keep her from loving life and all it’s pleasures.

He didn’t know if Elisa knew the melody, but it made him smile, especially in the company of such a woman as Elisa, who he had just seen outsmart his brother, or presumably so since he hadn’t heard the ruckus from here.

He smiled at the glass of wine, but did not stop playing as she wandered into the rooms. It was not long before she took his hand to guide him to join her. The timing was perfect as he had just ended the piece. He snagged the wineglass with his free hand off the piano top taking a sip as he let her lead him through the sitting room and in to the bed.

He gently sat the goblet on a table before perching on the end of the bed. His eyes watched her as she began to unlace her gown. He reached up and lifted off his mask so she could see his blue eyes, she should see his enjoyment of what he saw. He unconsciously leaned forward to get a better look as slowly the inner curves of her breasts became visible, milky swells that he felt the urge to press his face between, they just looked so soft.

He wondered if it was wrong to stare, yet she had invited him here, and was undressing for him, so he suspected that this was right. She was the vision of an angel to him. Her soft dark curls spreading out over the pale skin of her shoulders, just kissing the tops of her breasts as they came into view. He was mesmerized by the casual way she flicked her head and the curls slid away to give him an unobstructed view of her breasts as the dress slid away, his eyes taking in her beauty.

To keep from staring too long Vallin reached to pull off his boots and looked away from her beauty briefly to concentrate on a knotted lace, however he quickly let his gaze find her again. “The mother blessed you with a shape I find pleasing,” he spoke finally. It sounded awkward and stilted to even him, but it was a start. It wasn’t like he had a lot of examples to go on that weren’t the ribald talk of sailors.

 

[magellans_demon]

Gratified to see Vallin keenly watch her as she started to undress, Elisa couldn't take her eyes away from his, the intensity of his stare entrancing her, she'd never had the pleasure of someone looking at her as if she was the only woman in the world the way he was in that moment, an expression more of wonder than grasping hunger. She was well used to her beauty being a double edged sword of charm and curse, some in the palace seeing her as no more than an ornament worth little more than her body but this felt new.

She allowed the song he'd played to still echo through her mind, the soft melody helping her to keep any trace of serenity she could, as music always did for her, before she was carried away by the force of the moment. She couldn't put her finger on what the tune had been, she felt as though she might have heard it before but could not recall, it was pleasurable nonetheless.

Elisa smiled at Vallin's direct compliment, obviously meant judging by his unique choice of words rather than being easy flattering words trotted out for the sake of it.

"I'm glad you like what you see, I hope to please you." she said happily.

She slid her legs between his, kneeling gently on the edge of the bed between his thighs to bring herself closer to him, her open dress bunching around her full hips. Taking his hands in hers she rest his fingers against her sides, torn between wanting his touch and her hesitance to guide him directly to her breasts, adjusting to the intimacy. Pleasing a man was a fairly easy task, even though it had felt so much more special with Vallin, but letting herself be quite so vulnerable, allowing her body to be honoured as he'd so beautifully stated, was a different matter.

Her chest heaved a little more, her full breasts rising and falling as her breath quickened at the sensation of him caressing her again.

"Touch me wherever you wish to," she breathed keeping her gaze on him.

She laid her own hands onto his legs to still herself, her fingers tracing small circles against the fabric, the move keeping her arms by her sides to leave her torso a bare invitation to him.

"Tell me what things you have seen, what more I can show you..." she teased softly.

 

[The_gladiator]

Vallin watched her come closer and then she was there, kneeling on the edge of the bed before him. Her skin felt delicate and soft under his touch. He hesitated at first but when she encouraged him to touch her, he let his hands roam. He touched her softly, like the treasure she was. He had seen someone play with a woman’s breasts once before. Had seen a man play with her breasts in fact, once. He didn’t know why the guards had let him pass into that particular garden to seek audience with his brother if they knew what Jefferson was doing with his queen. Reflecting on it, they probably thought it was funny and would have been quite pleased if Jefferson had discovered him and given him the beating, they most likely were dying to see.

As it was, he had not been caught. Though he had seen things. He could not see anything clearly from where he stood, but he could still remember the spread of those familiar curls cascading out over the white linen of the sheet they’d covered the grass with. Jefferson had been at her breasts, mauling and biting at them. His body had blocked her body from view but the sight had appalled Vallin. Not the thought of playing with a woman’s breasts, but the rough way he had treated what Vallin saw as a gift. He had sworn that day if he ever got the chance he would do better, be gentler.

Keeping that in mind he slid his hands up to cup her breasts from below, long fingers sliding over and around the flesh, his thumbs naturally sliding over the tight peaks of her nipples. He watched her expression for a reaction. He wanted to put his mouth on them. When Jefferson had done that to her, she had moaned. He wanted to hear those noises for himself. He wanted to give her more pleasure than his stupid brother ever had. If he was as selfish of a lover as he was in general then he had to have been hideous in bed. Vallin held no illusions about his talent, but he was willing to learn. “I want to lick your pussy.” This clearly had to be in response to her inquiry about what she could show him. “The books I’ve read suggest that it gives women great pleasure. Yet, all the lords have said they refuse to belittle themselves like that. It has to be enjoyable if all the lords refuse to do it since clearly, they wouldn’t know true joy if it bit them in the arse.” While he spoke, he let his eyes meet hers his thumbs continue to pet over her nipples, “So can you teach me to do that? I want to give you more pleasure than any other lord has.”

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa let out a longing sigh, her eyes closing for a little longer than usual as Vallin's nimble fingers spread over her breasts, his touch so gentle but so sensual.
As he answered her question regarding what to teach him, she looked at him in shock, not of disapproval but her eyes widening at the sudden teasing of that deep, secret, raw need inside her and the honesty and openness of his request.

His joke about what the lords knew about pleasure brought a chuckle from her stunned face. It was true to be fair, both in relation to their general short sighted selfish attitudes and their disdain for anything that did not please them.

"Yes" she gasped, awed at his request and struggling to reply as his touch distracted her. "If you wish to…that would be… I will teach you what I know".

Slowly she rose again, already missing his touch on her skin, his warm but tender caress.

"Lay on the bed" she asked softly, not an order but almost a plea, as if he was about to change his mind or all this would end soon somehow.

She moved to her side of the bed and pulled all the covers back to leave it open to him. Apprehensively sliding the rest of her dress and all of her undergarments down over her hips, guiding them to the floor before laying them over a nearby chair, she stepped out of the slippers she'd worn for the ball and stood unclothed.

Laying onto the bed herself she settled onto the pillows and nervously stretched naked in front of him, meeting his eyes as hundreds of doubts and hopes swirled in her mind.

"Give me your hand" she whispered.

Threading her fingers through his, she guided his hand between her legs, spreading her knees apart, moving with him to show his fingers where to stroke between her folds. Her breath hitched, her body feeling so coiled already with anticipation that even the smallest touch in such an area sent shocks through her. Achingly slowly she slid his fingers to circle the entrance to her pussy, and his thumb to rest over her hardening nub, letting go of her hold to allow him to explore if he wished, or to stop which she hoped he was not about to.

She struggled to find the words, to speak about this moment, but he'd asked her to teach him, not merely to thrust his face between her legs with lashings of criticism until he found the correct movement, as was most men's answer to teaching sex as far as she understood. As she'd already tried to explain to him that day, she only usually had her words to try and gain what she wanted, so was used to using these, although she had to admit actions were proving to be wonderful right now.

"Although women only have a sheath for a cock so are seen by many as only fit for that purpose, I can promise you there is no less pleasure in my body than yours. In addition, under your thumb is what they call the clitoris that gives extreme joy.” she spoke with a small shake to her usually calm voice.

Blushing she added, "Like playing an instrument, once you know the keys there are many combinations you could choose, you must listen to the sounds and decide what melody is most pleasing. Only, with a woman I cannot promise you any two instruments will respond alike, which seems very unfair to the student" she laughed, trying to steady herself while her senses threatened to overwhelm her already.

She’d obviously hoped the night would be mutually enjoyable but the combination of Vallin’s eyes, now the colour of an ocean during a storm, gently piercing into her, while his fingers touched her so softly as he waited to pleasure her was so much more than she’d braced herself for.

"I cannot instruct you precisely, I have little enough experience in this myself but you… you may kiss, lick, suck, or touch anything you would wish to. I.. I’m not sure if you will know but pleasure can look and sound remarkably like pain, however if I do not ask you to stop you can be sure it is not unpleasant.”

Elisa felt she’d said far too much, had he even wanted such a formal lesson when his comments and requests were so heartfelt, but she couldn’t master her nerves, although the sensations starting to flood through her were doing their best to make her forget everything except him.

 

[The_gladiator]

There weren’t words that he could bring to mind to describe touching her. However he did not want to stop. He was surprised at her willingness to teach him. The idea that someone would treat him so gently and kindly was so foreign to him. However as he took in her lesson and her admission that she had not much experience with this he realized that he might be giving her a gift himself.

His fingers stroked over her sex, exploring the folds as she had guided him to do. It was wet and warm and very intriguing. He wanted her pleasure. At her invitation to lick or suck anything he wanted he leaned up on his elboow until he hovered over her breast. “I have heard the moans of a woman,” he didn’t say it had been her, “I wish to try this,” and he lowered his mouth to lap over her nipple. He rolled his eyes up to watch her face as he tasted her breast.

The peak puckered under his tongue and he drew it into his mouth moaning a little at the feel in his mouth. There was such a primal feeling to it. It was not really a throw back to childhood, but it made him feel powerful that he could offer her pleasure.

His fingers danced through her pussy, fingertips circling her opening, one slender finger probing the opening as his thumb continued to rub over her clitoris.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa didn’t have to consider for a second whether Vallin’s latest suggestion should be heeded or not, there was no question at all as his lips encircled her nipple. It would have taken a greater presence of mind than she currently had not to let the delighted moan escape her mouth. The sound came low and longing, a small smile playing across her lips despite her nerves as she caught his eye.

It seemed a little ridiculous, when they’d spent more time getting to know each other that day than in the months or even years beforehand, but she already felt more comfortable with him than many she knew.

Jefferson had never even cared to wonder if he could learn anything about successful pleasure for someone else, absolutely sure of himself that if you wanted something bigger and better you had to do it faster or harder, and of course you had to put yourself first in everything. Vallin’s tender attention to her breast, his agile fingers working around her core were setting her nerves on fire with a speed the other lords would indeed have thought was impossible if they had any clue. Although it seemed a little too soon to start judging, if he was serious about giving her more pleasure than any other lord had, she should sympathise with the rest of the nobility as they seemed in clear danger of being outmatched.

She relaxed her head to the side, her eyes closing as he continued to stroke between her legs, her body arching a little to meet his touches.

“Gods… Vallin…”

Her careful speeches from only minutes before were lost as everything suddenly reduced to what she could feel and how much more he was making her yearn to feel.

She moaned again, more passionately now as his fingers drifted over her, forgetting to question herself about how she must sound almost begging for his touch as soon as he’d started. Had she even been this wanton as a virginal maid? But then she hadn’t known what she was missing besides from her own fingers, she hadn’t had something to compare this level of attention to and find it so much better.

“You feel…wondrous” was all she could find to try and let him know how this felt.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her pleasure was obvious as she made noises and used words that reminded him of how he had felt when she was pleasing him. He smiled around her breast. He pulled back slowly withdrawing his fingers from her pussy. Curiously he lifted his fingers to his lips and methodically licked them clean. His expression was curious. Though it was evident he was not put off by what he tasted.



He took her words about lick and suck anywhere he liked to heart as he moved to kneel between her legs, beginning to run his hands up her legs. Slowly he let his fingertips slide up her legs almost reaching her center and then trailing back down. He did not have a concept of teasing but an outsider would tell him that was what he was doing.



He lifted her right ankle to his lips slowly kissing the path up her leg. He paid attention to her reactions, lingering wherever she reacted. When his kisses met the crease where her leg met her hip. When he reached that place, he moved to the left leg and did the same, repeating his previous actions, knowing from the first leg that the back of her knee and her inner thigh were particularly of interest to her.



When he had finished with both legs, he was left with the curl covered mound of her sex. They were soft against his face as he kissed her there. He learned quickly that he could get more reactions if he used his hands to spread her folds open. He tentatively slid his tongue up the length of her inner folds. He tasted her a flavor more fully and found he was intrigued by her noises. If her words from earlier were to be believed, she was enjoying what he was doing.



Finally, his meandering path of licking and tasting took him to her clitoris, where he lapped at it gently. If it was her pleasure center, he decided it should get plenty of attention. His eyes looked up at her and then fluttered closed in enjoyment as he focused on the reactions of her body.