Chapter 17

The silence bothered Valda. She had been so excited to share with Maris what had just happened, but something was wrong. As the door closed behind her, Maris's steps circled next to her. A sigh filled the room, joined by the sound of someone sitting on the sofa.

Cerberus's welcoming chirps warmed her heart, but Maris's silence made her uneasy. Using the strings Maris had tied around the chamber, Valda walked to Maris then took a sharp turn to where the liquor table was. She poured herself a drink and decided if she should pour Maris a drink as well.

"How... was your talk with Captain Hurley?" Valda asked, slightly hesitant, walking back to the sofa, and accidentally bumping her boot with Maris's foot. After Valda waved her hand around, Maris ushered her to sit, trying not to spill her drink.

After a couple of minutes of silence, Maris told Valda about the details of the Sea Kingdom, things Valda already knew and had studied many times when she was younger. Valda listened attentively as Maris went over everything with contained excitement. Valda could pick up on the longing in Maris's voice, in her need to visit the Sea Kingdom, regardless of how destroyed it was.

Valda felt as if it was her duty to show Maris her home kingdom. It wasn't fair that the young woman's parents denied her a connection with who she was. As she listened to Maris, she remembered the last meeting she had with Arwin and how there were Skylians moving into the Sea Kingdom, buying off the destroyed houses and buildings from the Sealians and rebuilding.

In theory, it didn't sound so bad, but if there was going to be an exodus of Skylians, looking for cheap territory for their own gain, pushing Sealians off their very own land then… It wasn't good. Sealians were losing what belonged to them not only because of the hurricane, but because they didn't have the means to get it back.

"We haven't talked about Arwin's meeting."

The observation cut off Maris's recounting of the bridges connecting the islands. A tired sigh and a dip from the sofa signaled that she had stood up. Valda sat quietly, awaiting Maris's words on the matter, instead the receding steps took her by surprise.

"Maris?"

"How many people are still in the Sea Kingdom?" she asked.

"It is hard to tell."

"What about those in New Agenor? Are they allowed to move from here and back?"

"Yes, of course. They can use our ships and—"

"Why is taxation so high for the Sealians?"

Valda let out an exasperated groan before drinking what was left in her glass. "My mother set that taxation for the number of resources we used on them and the kingdom when the destruction happened. We are still spending a lot on them."

"And on the army, according to Arwin."

"I've already asked for a report to fix this. I will fix this, Maris. I know this is important."

"Yes, as the ability for people to be resilient." Maris sat back down next to Valda and took the glass away from her hand. "Which I am sure we are."

"We?"

"The Sealians," Maris clarified before touching Valda's forearm, letting the queen know she was close. "Do you think it is fair for us to pay such high taxes when we can barely get a decent job in Skylian land?"

Valda frowned. "I get that. But, you are working in Oberon Castle. Is that not decent enough?" Valda didn't want to sound harsh. She modulated her tone for that exact reason. Weeks ago, she wouldn't have cared how she sounded. But she truly wanted to know what Maris was thinking.

"What other Sealian other than me and Captain Hurley work for the Skylian crown?"

Valda squeezed her jaw and faced Maris.

"Valda, I've been jumping from job to job since my father died when I was twelve. When I got the job, it was a miracle if I was treated or paid fairly. I was lucky to find this job. Not everyone is as lucky as I am…" Maris paused and sighed. "If you can call me lucky."

"My mother blamed your people for my father's death. I think that sentiment rubbed off on some Skylians."

"That could explain a lot of things. But I think with a little help, and maybe someone to tell them what the correct road is, we could either go back to the Sea Kingdom or try to make a life here in New Agenor."

Valda leaned back on the sofa. For someone with no connection to her people, Maris seemed to understand what they were going through. What surprised her was that a simple conversation with Isen could make her so passionate about her people.

A sliver of jealousy settled in Valda's stomach before she rubbed her hand against her linen pants. "I see your conversation with Captain Hurley was deep."

"It was interesting. He told me a lot of things and… His mother died when he and his twin sister were making the trip here. He was just thirteen, can you just imagine how horrible and scary it must've been for children their age to make it here all alone?" Maris sighed and squeezed Valda's thigh. "He was kind enough to tell me so many things. He wanted to continue our conversation some other time."

Valda swallowed hard. Was Captain Hurley smitten with Maris? Did he, perhaps, think that she could be his mate? If Maris wasn't twenty-one yet, she wouldn't be able to identify who her soulmate was, but Captain Hurley was well into his thirties. He wasn't mated, and he was a very handsome man.

Could it be that Captain Hurley saw something in Maris?

"And you agreed?"

"Of course."

Valda nodded, covering Maris's hand on her thigh with her own. She was curious and knew that her rashness might not sit well with Maris at the moment, but she just needed to know.

"Do you like Captain Hurley?"

The sudden silence didn't sit well with Valda. But as she shifted to Maris, the young woman answered hesitantly. "He is a very charming man. It was like talking to an old friend."

Old friend.Valda stiffened. She raised an eyebrow and waved for Maris to continue.

"He made me feel like I never missed anything at all being raised here and all."

"Did you… feel attracted to him?"

Maris scoffed, pulling her hand away from Valda scooting over. "Valda, really?"

"I have my reasons. I remember what he looked like. That's why I am asking." Valda squared her shoulders and asked again. "Did you find him attractive?"

Maris stuttered and then huffed. "Yes, I did."

Valda took a deep breath just as Maris got closer. She squeezed her soft body to her hard one as Maris's small hands touched her thighs again. Maris rubbed soft circles onto her leg, not knowing what the simple caress was doing to Valda. She wanted Maris near, she wanted to feel her body and listen to her voice, and make sure that she wasn't lying.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"What is it?" Maris didn't sound angry, or annoyed, but rather comfortable and slightly curious.

Yet, Valda hesitated to ask her question. Maris didn't belong to her. At least not as she would like to, but that didn't diminish the burning need to know everything about her. If she was attracted to men, she wanted to know. "Have you ever slept with a man before?"

Maris tensed and her breath hitched. She moved against Valda, probably looking for a way to avoid answering altogether, but Valda would have none of it. Her answer, whether it was yes or no, didn't matter, and it wouldn't make her think less of Maris. She simply wanted to know because Valda was going to ruin her for anyone else. She would make sure Maris craved her touch alone.

After a quiet second, Maris answered with a quiet, "Yes."

"You've fucked men before?" Valda asked, cupping Maris's face. She felt Maris nod and a deep burning fire settled in Valda's lower stomach. Jealousy. She could never fuck her as a man could—

Wait.

Valda opened her eyes, her face turning to where she thought her closet was. Her upper lip twitched mischievously before squeezing Maris's jaw, earring a soft whimper.

"Did you enjoy it?" Valda asked, her voice so low it was almost a growl. Maris panted against her face, her hands held Valda's thick wrist, not to push her away, but to keep her in place. Valda had noticed that Maris enjoyed it when she was rough, and she was more than happy to oblige her needs.

"I did," Maris answered in a shuddering breath.

"Do you like being held down and filled to the brim?" Valda asked, her hands moving down Maris's back to her ass. She squeezed tightly. "Do you like feeling full?"

Valda's lips parted, she wanted to have one hand on Maris's head, pining her face to the silk sheets while the other gripped her waist as she plowed into her. Maris would be hers, and no one else.

"Maris?" Valda's deep thick voice broke the silence.

Her other hand cupped Maris's face, and she felt her nod once more. Valda hissed in a breath before capturing her lips in a scorching kiss. A bolt of lust seared through as she stood, grabbed Maris by the back of her knees, and pulled her enough to wrap her legs around her waist. Valda picked her up with ease. She imagined all the positions, all the scenarios she would be able to claim her, over and over again.

No one else would have her. No one else would be allowed to even breathe near her. If Isen even dared, she would have no remorse if she ended his life.

Valda moved confidently through the chamber, until her knees touched the wooden platform of the bed. Carefully, she settled Maris on the bed, kissing her fervently as her hands explored the curves of her waist and ass. With apprehension, she pulled away, chuckling at Maris's subtle whine.

"I have to look for something," Valda whispered against her mouth. "Be a good girl and undress for me, Seashell."

"W-what? What are you going to look for?"

"Trust me, you will enjoy it," Valda said, sealing her promise with a deep kiss. She pulled away from Maris, whose hands still clung to her, only releasing when she climbed off the bed and made her way to the closet.She was so thankful for the strings.

Maris issued an annoyed grunt and fabric shuffled. Valda hoped she was able to find a specific box. Valda silently thanked Kayden for his obsession with sex and the fact that he had this magical cock lying around. Or did he create it just for her? Either way, Valda was going to use it, and she hoped Maris would want to use it.

As she moved about the closet, searching the numerous wooden drawers, Valda wondered if the box was even in the room. She had given direct instructions for the gift to be put in her room, but with all that had happened, Valda hadn't taken a moment to look for it. Growing impatient, she fell to her knees and opened the last drawer, finding what she was looking for.

Touching the lid, Valda made out the symbol of Harmonia. She removed the metal latch from the box and opened it. One hand trailed over the phallic object and a wide grin spread over her face.

Valda stood, placed the box on top of the drawers and removed her clothing. Her heated skin welcomed the cold breeze with goosebumps. Naked, she felt the cock in her hands and tried to understand how to wear it. Kayden had told her it had been blessed by Aphrodite herself. She knew that was a lie, but still…

She would feel everything if she wore it. She would be able to feel all of Maris.

Touching her way through, Valda found the side she was supposed to place inside of her. Spreading her legs, Valda felt her opening, making sure she was wet enough for the toy to fit through without any problem. Her early thoughts of taking Maris had done the trick. Leaning against the closet frame, Valda's jaw slacked in a silent groan.

She squeezed her eyes shut and shuddered. What sort of witchcraft was this? Valda's hand trembled, her fingers circling on the base of the cock. She felt it. She felt her hand, the warmth and softness of her skin on the base. Squeezing the length, she pumped the head and her knees almost buckled with the shocking sensation running through her.

Valda's mouth parted as she released a broken moan. Oh, she needed to use this on Maris. She needed to feel her. Taking mouthfuls of air, she returned to her bed, where an exasperated and desperate Maris waited for her.

Her hand moved about until it bumped into Maris who was standing by the bed. The younger woman pressed against her, and she could feel Maris's ass to the underside of the cock. Valda groaned, holding Maris steady by the waist as she pressed her nose to the back of her head, inhaling her alluring scent.

Maris clutched to her nape, her other hand moved behind her to touch Valda's cock. Her hands were silky soft, and Valda had to bite her lower lip to keep herself from moaning.

"What is this?" Maris asked. Her voice was low, a whisper.

The queen growled, needing to push her against the bed and be done with it. But she wanted to enjoy this as much as she wanted to please Maris. It didn't matter if she had her release as long as Maris did. She would do anything to have the younger woman melt in her arms.

With uneven breaths, Valda wrapped her arms around Maris's torso. "A gift," she managed to say.

"From whom may I ask?"

Valda shuddered, tracing soft, delicate circles over Maris's hip bone. "Kayden."

"Why am I not surprised? Do your maids enjoy it?" Maris tried to turn to face her, but Valda held her in place and shook her face against the back of her head in a silent plea for her to stay as she was.

"I haven't used it on anyone," Valda said, breathless and struggling to stay in control. "You would be the first." The only... Pressing an open-mouth kiss to Maris's exposed shoulder, she fought the need to sink her teeth into supple flesh. "You should feel tremendously special." She moved wavy hair away from Maris's neck to bury her nose there.

"Unless you don't want me to use it on you. I can make do with my mouth and fingers, Seashell." She groaned, pressing herself even closer to Maris, wanting her to feel the length and thickness of the toy. "But I would love nothing more than to feel you clamp around this."

Valda huffed, as the hand clutching Maris's waist slipped down to between her legs, cupping the mound between Maris's thick thighs.

"Oh, my little Seashell." One long finger slipped through wet folds. "You want this, don't you?"

Her answer was a broken cry as Maris spread her legs wider. Valda took her time to toy with her clit, rubbing soft and teasing circles around it as her lips traced the curve of Maris's ear. The younger woman rocked her hips in a silent plea.

Valda inhaled sharply, lifting fingers coated with Maris's wetness to her mouth for a taste. Maris gasped in surprise, grabbing her hand.

"Valda."

Maris sounded like she was on the very edge of her own orgasm. That wouldn't do. Valda wanted to take her time, tease her, and spread her apart before taking her, but at the same time she just wanted to feel Maris wrapped around her. Grip possessive, Valda grabbed Maris's waist and bent her over the bed, pressing her face to the soft bed sheets.

"Don't you dare move," Valda warned, releasing Maris's thick mane before sliding her hand down her back and ass. As she got on her knees, Valda spread Maris's thighs apart before dipping her tongue into her drenched pussy. She circled the sensitive nub before she drew it into her mouth, sucking it softly at first.

Maris's gasp was music to Valda's ears, and she wanted to hear more, she wanted to fill the room with her moans and cries.

"Tell me you want it, Maris," Valda whispered, stopping her ministrations to wait for an answer. Instead, she heard Maris's lustful whimpers. "I can always use my tongue, fill my mouth with your cunt. I can fuck you with my tongue until you come."

Valda waited for an answer, what she received were grunts and nonsense mumbling coming from Maris. A hand reached to clutch Valda's hair and pulled her in. But that wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to hear Maris say that she wanted the cock.

"Now, now. Use your words."

A low and frustrated moan escaped Maris, making Valda smirk with pride. Knowing Maris couldn't form a coherent sentence filled her chest with gratification.

"P-please."

"Please what, Seashell?" Valda asked, her hand finding Maris's wet cunt again. Standing, Valda moved behind Maris, the head of the cock pressing against her pussy. And then it was her turn to gasp. She bit her lower lip at how good Maris's warmth felt.

Maris gripped the hand over her ass. "Please, fuck me with your cock."

Valda's breath hitched before releasing a long moan. Her blunt nails dug into the soft skin of Maris's ass and hip as she positioned herself at Maris' opening.

Shuddering in a breath, Valda spread Maris's folds, pressing the head to her clit."Fuck, Seashell…"

"Valda, please." Maris reached to touch the cock, positioning it back in her opening.

At first, Valda went slow, coating the tip with Maris's slickness and shuddering in delight at her lover's silkiness. The sweet torture wasn't only for herself, but for Maris as well. The younger woman whimpered, raising her ass to take her in. She couldn't help but lean and give open-mouth kisses to the salty skin of the young woman's back. Valda thrusted forward, just enough for the head to slip in.

Maris was perfect, hot and wet and silky and…

Gods. Valda leaned back, pressing her hips until she bottomed out against Maris's ass.

"Fuck, you feel so good."

Maris stiffened under Valda, her labored breathing coming up short as she tried to talk. "You can feel me?"

Valda chuckled, her fingers dragging through the underside of Maris's hair. She clutched the blue mane and turned her lover's head to the side. "I can feel everything." Releasing Maris, Valda's grip returned to her waist, as she pulled her hips back, until the head was at her opening and pumped right in.

Maris squeezed her for dear life. She could only guess how the burning stretch would feel for her. Sweet and delicious. Panting, Valda pumped into Maris, leaning over her.

"Valda," she cried, arching her back and giving Valda better leverage.

"Yes," Valda murmured, her lips caressing Maris's back, the pressure unfolding on her lower stomach as she slid in and out. "You are perfect. You are so perfect for me." She pulled back and thrust in harder. "This is where I belong, is it not? Making you scream? Deep inside of you?"

Maris's long hair brushed against Valda's callused knuckles as her grip tightened. "Yes. Please," Maris whimpered, moving her hips to meet Valda's slow thrusts, begging her to move faster.

"Gods, yes." Valda shuddered, her pace quickening, the sound of their hips slapping together filling the large chamber. Releasing her hips, Valda caressed Maris's arched back, finding the spots that made the younger woman shiver until they moved to her neck. Tall frame looming over her, she pulled Maris's face to hers, tilting her chin as high as she could. "Give me your mouth, Seashell. I want to swallow your screams when you come."

Valda muffled the loud noises with her mouth. She kissed her deeply, her tongue dragging against Maris's as she continued thrusting with an unforgiving rhythm.

Maris was at her mercy, and the fact that she relinquished such control spoke volumes. A silent gasp escaped Maris, which Valda drowned with the stroke of her tongue.

"Valda, please!" Maris cried out, as Valda kissed her forehead.

"I love it when you scream my name," Valda said, her fingertips brushing over Maris's neck. "Let the entire castle know that I am the one taking you."

"Don't stop, please, Valda," Maris whimpered, "Don't ever stop."

Valda hovered over her, her hand moving back to her waist as she slid down, pressing hot, wet kisses to Maris's back, branding her with each stroke. She shook her head, strands of short hair tickling her lover's shoulders as she pulled Maris, pressing her chest to her back.

"I won't stop." She panted, sending Maris's walls fluttering. Her lover was close, but she was far from done. "Not even the Gods will keep me away from you."She then stopped moving altogether, slipping out suddenly.

Before Maris could utter a word of disappointment, Valda turned her around and picked her up. Her legs automatically encircled the queen's waist. Valda held the base of her cock, and without warning, pushed inside Maris again.

The surprised gasp that escaped from Maris's lips made Valda shudder with want. She held onto Maris's thighs and ass as firmly as she could before she started a new rhythm.

"Hold on to me."

Maris clung to Valda for dear life as she rammed into her. Their chests pressed together as if they could only breathe each other's breath. Valda's brow stitched in pure concentration, holding Maris close as she angled herself to thrust into her. She wanted to know what got Maris off. She wanted to make her come. She wanted to ruin Maris for anyone else that even dared lay eyes on her.

With a possessive growl, Valda released Maris's thigh and clutched the back of her neck, and claimed her mouth in another burning kiss. Maris clung to her shoulders as her entire body stiffened and she clamped around Valda's cock.

Valda's jaw slacked, her eyes squeezing shut as Maris's pussy sucked her in. Her rhythm faltered before both her hands moved to Maris's ass, pressing tighter, wanting them both to ride the waves of their orgasms for as long as they possibly could. Her own orgasm followed suit, unable to control herself or the pleasure of having Maris's hot wetness wash over her cock.

"Fuuuck!"

Without much of a warning, Valda fell back on the bed, her strong arms holding Maris as if she was the most important thing in her entire existence, and she could only shudder as the thought raced in her mind. It was too much for Valda's heart to handle, and she closed her eyes tightly. Maris slumped over Valda, still holding onto her as if fearing she might drop her. But Valda held her tenderly. She would never hurt her, not on purpose.

"You are perfect," Valda whispered, callused hands holding Maris close to her body. "Gods, you are perfect…" She needed Maris to understand. "I would give up my throne to have a second-long glimpse of your face as you come…"

Maris shook her head against her shoulder. With open palms, she pushed herself up, sitting on Valda's lap with her cock still perfectly snug inside. "You don't mean that," she said, out of breath, thoroughly fucked and loved.

Valda wanted nothing more than to see her, with disheveled hair, drops of sweat on her skin, a goddess.

"You don't know what I am capable of, Seashell."

Maris released a sigh, her hips jerking forward, enough to stir Valda's arousal once more. Maris's silkiness gripped her cock and she shuddered with desire. She lifted her enough to ease her cock out and back in. A low groan emanated from Valda as Maris's hands clamped around her face. Soft, plump lips slotted against hers, prying her mouth open and welcoming a warm tongue.

Valda hooked her arms behind Maris, imprisoning the younger woman to her.

"What was that all about, Your Highness?"

Valda opened her eyes, hoping that by some miracle she would be able to see Maris just as she had seen her cat moments ago. "What do you mean?"

Maris chuckled and bumped her nose against Valda's sharp jaw. "The gift?"

Valda pulled the younger woman closer. "I just wanted to let you know. You won't need a man to satisfy your needs. You have all you need with me."

"Oh? Is that jealousy I hear? Were you concerned that my attention would fall on Captain Hurley instead of you?"

Valda shrugged teasingly. "You are my assistant. You have nothing to assist him with."

"He might need help tying his hair."

"Well, I guess a new uniform reform is due. I will start with the haircut style. Buzz cut, everyone."

Maris laughed loudly while Valda pressed her hand to her chest. Her heart beat erratically. Maris's laughter ebbed, and for some reason, Valda could tell that she was studying her features. Maris pried her hand away and softly brushed her fingertips over the ridges of scars on Valda's arm. The queen sucked in a breath, tensing at the sudden caress.

Just as quickly, Maris pulled her hand away. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have."

Valda shook her head. "No. No, it's quite all right. It just took me by surprise, that's all." Valda eased Maris from her, her cock sliding out of her warmth. She missed it already, but it was still early, and maybe they could fuck again if Maris wished to. Holding Maris close, she pushed herself up the bed until she laid her head on one of her many pillows.

"How did this happen?" Maris asked, her hand grazing the skin below a scar on her upper thigh.

Valda grunted as she got comfortable enough; her hand dropped from Maris's shoulder to lay on the bed. "It's all blurry. I don't really remember."

"Try?" Maris whispered, a silent plea to learn more about Valda.

Valda exhaled harshly, pressing her head against the pillows, her eyes closed as she tried her hardest to remember. The cold slice of a sword penetrated her memory, followed by her piercing screams and bright tinge of blood. "Sword wound."

"How old were you?"

Valda raised an eyebrow. "Seventeen."

Maris nodded. "And this one? This one looks… big." She ran her fingers from Valda's toned abdominal to her back.

"Another sword, twenty."

"And this?" She touched Valda's eyebrow.

"Edge of a table, three."

Maris snorted, and Valda grinned. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have laughed."

"That's fine. I like listening to you laugh," Valda said. "It is incredibly calming."

"Good to know. I like it when you are calm."

"And when I am not?"

"Then I don't like you," Maris said as a matter-of-factly. She folded her hands on Valda's chest and rested her chin there.

"What about you? Do you have any scars?" Valda asked.

"Oh! Of course! I got plenty. Give me your hand."

Valda frowned and held her hand out for Maris.

The younger woman took the large hand and pressed Valda's fingertips to the bottom of her chin. "You feel that?"

Valda frowned and rubbed her fingers over a small crescent-shaped line. "Yes?"

"Floor, four years old."

Valda snickered. "Who won?"

"The floor put up a great battle, yet I was victorious." Maris tried her hardest to sound serious, but failed miserably as Valda cupped her chin.

"I don't doubt you," Valda said, touching the scar with her thumb once more. "You are strong."

"Am I?" Maris asked, sighing and leaning into Valda's caress until she pressed her lips to her palm.

"More than you may think." Valda's chest rumbled as she closed her eyes and snuggled closer to her lover. The weight and tiredness of the day fell on her like a brick. Maris's warm body lulled her into a content state as she fell asleep.