The sun was only minutes from rising. Lying on her back in the forest, Lela took in a slow breath and locked hands with Eldrich who was resting next to her.
Since meeting Eldrich three weeks ago when he rescued her from a well and she helped transform him from a frog to a human… vampire again, she and him had embarked on a deliciously intoxicating adventure during which she had questioned her sanity more than once. Here she was living with a vampire in the middle of the forest away from the protection of her father, the King of Barmoth.
Oh, what her father must have thought when he realized she had left the castle and wasn’t coming back. She couldn’t help but think that maybe just maybe a part of him was relieved he was no longer burdened with caring for her. Bloody hell, not once had any of her father’s men come looking for her at Eldrich’s house, the first place she would have thought they’d have searched since that is where they found her the day after the golden ball pulled her into the well. Never mind. She belonged to Eldrich and him to her. That’s all that mattered.
“Will you stay with me?” he asked, his gaze on her.
“You need to sleep,” she said, kissing his forehead, then his nose and then his lips. “The sun will be up soon.”
He caressed her cheek. “Answer me.”
“I have answered you every day. Why do you continue to ask?” she said, her body tingling from his touch.
He slid his hand under her dress. “I need to hear you say it.”
“Yes, my sweet prince, I will stay with you,” she murmured.
“Forever?” he asked, swirling his fingers inside of her.
“Forever,” she whispered, circling her hips. If only the sun would never rise again.
Nipping her neck, he asked, “Do you want all of me inside of you?”
“The sun is beginning to rise.”
“Let it rise,” he said, unbuttoning his trousers.
“You’re so impatient,” she said.
Here was a seven-hundred-year-old vampire willing to let the sun burn him for her. He was hers. And she was more than in love with him. She was addicted to every part of him.
“Quickly, my love,” she said. “We only have a minute or two.”
“Sweet princess, you’re so delicious,” he said, tenderly entering her.
She moved her hands between her legs and touched herself, his cock brushing her fingers each time he powered into her.
“I need to drink from you. I can’t stand it,” he said, his fangs on her neck.
“Do not,” she said, hoping he would ignore her command. How she enjoyed making him suffer.
“You’re mine and I will take all of you,” he said, thrusting into her faster and deeper.
Feeling slight pain, she said, “Take all of me.”
And he did. Blessed Gods, her body ached for more. He was in her…drinking from her and yet, she wanted more…she needed more.
But she’d have to wait, curse the sun for keeping her apart from him, her compulsion, her everything and he was everything to her.
“Wait for me in the house, tonight,” he whispered into her ear.
Before she could answer, he disappeared.
Be safe, my love. Think of me in your sleep.
Enjoying the sun’s morning rays and feeling slightly woozy, Lela sauntered through the forest on her way to a place where berries were abundant and a river flowed with such speed she wondered if the sun had once threatened to deplete it and only leave behind dead fish and a scarred, dried floor.
Pressing her hand into her stomach, she tried to ignore hunger pangs. She had lost a fair amount of weight. A diet of berries and water was simply not enough nourishment; she needed milk, meat and bread. And Eldrich drinking from her every time they had sex, which was multiple times each night, left her buzzed, disoriented, and famished. But she couldn’t ask him to stop. Not being able to drink from her when he was having his way with her drove him absolutely mad, something that scared her and also thrilled her.
The few times he had not been able to take in her blood because she had not had enough to eat, he had confessed to wanting to hunt down another human, a woman right then and there, and bleed her right in front of Lela. In storybooks vampires were depicted as forceful and cruel beings. Blood and sex were intertwined and a vampire’s brutality came forth without remorse when it was denied either one.
But Eldrich wasn’t the only one who suffered when he couldn’t feed from her. Her orgasms were less intense. When she was with him, she became part of him and she needed to feel her very life leaving her body and into his in order to fully experience sexual ecstasy. And what’s more, he’d rush into her fiercely, causing her pain, real pain. Although she secretly admitted to liking it; she understood she was in danger. He was a strong and determined vampire who could easily lose his judgment during sex and yes, accidentally kill her.
She needed his sanity, tonight. It was her twenty-first birthday and he had promised to obey her every sexual wish. And what she wanted was for him to take her far into the forest away from the Kingdom of Barmoth where her father did not rule. She wanted Eldrich to devour her in a place unknown to her where she could forget everything…her childhood, the golden ball, the death of her mother, she wanted it all gone. She needed to escape. And in order to do so, she’d need to eat; she had no intention of prohibiting Eldrich from doing whatever he wanted to her. Her plan was to keep him inside of her all night. Blessed Gods, just thinking about him made her body vibrate. Smiling, she let the feeling run through her.
Yes, she’d gorge on fruit and prepare herself for him. Since he was an old vampire, he could go days without his fill of blood. And now that he was drinking from her, he needed even less blood.
Since they had been together, he had only hunted once. He had not shared the details of his hunt with her. Nor had she asked. Vampires only drank from humans. And when they drank for nourishment, they completely emptied their victims. The hair on her arms froze.
She pushed that knowledge to the darkest and most hidden space of her mind. She’d only focus on happiness and goodness and sexual diversions. Because if she were truthful, although she did love Eldrich, she also understood that her time with him was a distraction from her life. She was a princess, the only child of the King of Barmoth. And the time would come when she’d have to wear the crown and lead her people. She could never completely turn her back on the people of Barmoth.
As she carried on through the trees, she examined her surroundings, looking over her shoulder often and listening for any sounds. Ever since she had let a stupid golden ball cause her to fall into a well, she was more careful with her steps. But had it not been for the ball, she’d have never met Eldrich. She couldn’t help but laugh a little. He was a frog when he pulled her from the well after she agreed to give him whatever he desired! And what he had desired was her, a simple kiss that returned him to his true form. But that had not been enough for him; he had begged…demanded that she lie with him. And she had given herself to him that night and every night since. Yes, she admitted to the desperation and moment of weakness.
Completely giddy, she reached a mass of vines filled with round and plump berries. Lela grabbed a handful and swallowed them. She continued eating until her stomach did not pang anymore. Then she went down to the river and splashed water on her face. She planned on gorging on fruit and bathing in the river all day.
She undressed and sank into the river, letting the cold water refresh and cleanse her skin. She’d have to stay in the shallow end; the current was strong and she didn’t want to risk being swept away by it.
The golden ball came to her mind. Despite Eldrich’s assurance that she was safe and that his kind no longer had a claim on her blood now that he had hidden the ball in the sea, she could not deny her lingering fear. Lady Rema, her handmaiden, had told her the truth. And the truth was that the ball, which vampires considered their god, had followed her since birth never making itself known to her until that day…the day it called her in the forest.
Going underwater for a moment, she tried to shake off her fear. To no avail. Lady Rema had also told her that since the ball chose to present itself to her, vampires would come for her and drain her, believing that her blood could save them, make them human again. It was written in their sacred book that the ball would someday choose a human to follow and that that human’s blood would make them mortal again. Her poor mother had offered herself to them ten years earlier and in exchange they agreed to leave Lela alone. They had murdered her mother! And yet here she was in love with a vampire. Oh, mother, please forgive me. Eldrich is not like the rest of his kind. He truly loves me.
She tried to quiet her mind and only think of Eldrich and their love for each other. Eldrich come to me, stay inside of me, drink from me, take my soul, I’m yours, now and forever.
Touching her nipples with one hand and putting her other hand down below, she imagined Eldrich thrusting into her.
She murmured, “Sweet prince, sleep and dream of me.”
The sun’s rays on her face, her thoughts on Eldrich’s throbbing cock; she wished it was stroking her entire body. The sun came down harshly on her; sweat trickled down to her neck. Gasping and moaning, she continued masturbating; she felt she’d stop breathing if Eldrich spent one more second outside of her body. Chewing her lip, her insides burning she exploded.
“Eldrich, yes, Eldrich, yes, my prince!” she screamed.
Despite being a virgin when she met Eldrich, she was not naive and had discovered how to release her ever-increasing sexual tension some years earlier. She had even stumbled upon servants in the kitchen or in the halls and she was not ashamed to admit that she had not looked away, but rather watched with jealous curiosity. For goodness sake, she had even seen vegetables inserted into a woman’s…
She staggered onto the river’s bank and then collapsed. Shivering, she quickly dressed and then threw on her cloak. She’d rest for a little while and aim to catch up on her sleep since night time was no longer for sleeping, a thought that made her blush. Closing her eyes, she drifted into slumber. At this moment, she and Eldrich were one.
Ruffling leaves startled her. Opening her eyes, she jumped to her feet, ready to yell for help.
“Who’s there,” she asked.
“No one you know,” a man said, coming from behind a tree.
“I’ll scream,” she said, scanning the bank for a stick, a rock, anything with which she could defend herself.
“Have I threatened you?” he asked, advancing to her.
“You’re not wearing any clothes,” she said, bending down to pick up a stick.
Grinning he said, “I’m not going to hurt you. My goodness why would I want to do such a thing? Besides even if I did, I’m afraid that scrawny stick wouldn’t be much of a protector. I’m sorry if I’m too blunt.”
She glanced at the stick and was instantly embarrassed. And not just because of its size but because it reminded her of the night Eldrich had teased her with a stick, threatening to push it into her while on the roof of his house.
“You’re not correct about my attire,” he looked down at himself, “I’m sure I’m wearing trousers. Do you not see them?” he asked, with a wicked laugh.
Lela gave his trousers a glance, noticing the thickness between his legs. Flushing, she cleared her throat and centered her eyes on his bare chest. He had a cross necklace around his neck. Crosses were not permitted in the Kingdom of Barmoth. Her father despised the God of the Cross. The night her mother vanished, he had prayed to the God of the Cross and begged him for her safe return. His prayer went unanswered and days later he put forth a law prohibiting crosses. A death sentence awaited anyone caught with one. And here was this man displaying a cross without regard.
“Who are you?” she asked, her stare on the cross.
“Does this offend you?” he asked, pointing to his necklace.
Swallowing, she said, “Crosses are forbidden.”
Taking it off, he asked, “By whom?”
“You can’t be serious,” she said with a slight chuckle.
Letting it dangle from his hand he said, “I’m entirely serious. Now tell me, why do you believe them to be forbidden?”
She seemed destined to continue meeting strange men in the forest.
“Quit your ignorance. Why are you stalking me?”
“My, you’re a vain woman.”
“Then why are you out here?” she asked, frowning.
“Forgive me, I didn’t know the forest belonged to you,” he said with a smirk. Picking up a stone and tossing it into the river, he then said, “I’ve learned two things today. One, crosses are forbidden and two, you’re the owner of the forest.”
Blushing she said, “I should be on my way.” This strange man was not from Barmoth. But why was he here? Lela knew of other kingdoms but they were far, far away. And besides, no one dared enter Barmoth without first sending a letter requesting permission. And she could not imagine her father granting this man consent to come into Barmoth.
“I’m sorry I frightened you,” he said.
“No need to apologize,” she said.
“You’re not afraid, then?”
“I’m not.” She was lying.
“I’m glad. Very well, until we meet again,” he said and started to walk away.
“And why should we meet again?” she asked.
He did not answer.
“Wait,” she said. “Who are you?”
Stopping, he turned to face her and said, “I’m one of the fallen, and your laws do not apply to me.” Then two sprawling, white wings appeared on his back and he took flight.
“For goodness sake!” Lela exhaled.
In all her years of roaming the forest, she had never witnessed a single extraordinary event and in the last few weeks she had encountered a golden ball, a frog who then became a vampire, and now she had just seen a man calling himself one of the fallen, whatever bloody hell that meant, spread wings and fly, yes, fly away right in front of her. Oh, and let’s not forget that the golden ball had chosen her to be the savior of all vampires and that had it not been for Eldrich, she’d most likely be dead. Just another day in the forest! Perhaps she should return to the castle and lock herself in the servants’ quarters for all eternity. Her curiosity for what else she had yet to experience prevented her from doing so. That and that it was her birthday and she’d not let a stupid flying, fallen person ruin her day.
She decided to keep this particular incident from Eldrich. She had no idea how he would react. Better to keep it a secret. Oh and to the forest, please refrain from sending anymore odd and ridiculous things my way. She bowed and then took a peek at the sun. She must have slept all day! It was already low in the sky. She darted to the fruit vines. If she was going to indulge in sickenly passionate sex with Eldrich, she needed more nourishment. She gulped down fistfuls of berries and then raced home.
Eldrich had asked her to wait for him in the house. If the sun set before she got home, her birthday night would be off to a horrible start. As much as she adored the sun, it seemed lately they were in constant friction with each other. Let me get home before you set, you chubby monster.
There, just a hundred feet from her was Eldrich’s house. Focusing on it, she increased her pace, a little part of her found this race with the sun electrifying. Reaching the steps, she took a second to glance at her nemesis. Ha! I won.
She flung the doors open and made for the house’s main living area. Standing in front of the fireplace, she inhaled and exhaled, pushing up her bosom, tightening her stomach muscles and straightening her back.
Darkness arrived. She hadn’t had enough time to light the sconces. She couldn’t see anything. In the next moment, someone grabbed her arm, spun her around and pressed her to a wall.
The candles on the chandelier, which hung from the ceiling, suddenly shone golden shadows into the room. Ah, yes, lit by magic.
“Straddle the wall,” Eldrich said.
Her birthday night was about to begin. In shadows, she did as he said.
“Now undress for me and then spread your legs.”
And she did.
He got down on his knees and placed his head under her…sweet Gods, he slid his tongue into her and moved it in ways that made her cry out his name. “Eldrich, oh, Eldrich, I thought about you all day,” she said, gasping for air.
Licking and sucking her, he moved her legs wider apart and then bit into her inner things.
She held onto the wall for all her life.
When he’d had his way, he stood and said, “Turn around and look at me.”
He was standing in front of her, holding his enlarged cock.
She breathed in and rubbed her face, her heart pounding.
“Tell me what you want me to do,” he said, masturbating himself.
“What do you want to do to me?” she asked.
“No!” he said.
“Have I offended you?” she asked, placing her hand on his chest.
He tilted his head to one side. “Love of mine, you will never offend me. I want to please you in every way, especially today. Did you think I forgot about your birthday? Ask anything of me,” he said, kissing her.
Oh, how she loved this creature. This beautiful creature with whom she wanted to stay until she took her last breath.
She shifted down on him and moved his hands. Then she captured him in her mouth, sucking and taking him in deeply.
“Princess, love,” Eldrich said. “I want to enter you.”
She stood and straddled the wall again, raising her buttocks to him.
“Let me enter you,” he said.
“Drink first,” she said, moving her hair to one side.
“I’ll go mad if you refuse me much longer.”
“It’s my birthday and you will do as I say,” she said, taking his hand and putting it between her inner thighs.
He inserted his fingers into her.
“Drink, my love,” she said, whimpering and swiveling her hips as he swirled his fingers inside of her.
“Let me enter you. Do you understand what I’m capable of if you make me suffer too long?” He nipped her neck and pressed his cock on her.
She was certainly testing their boundaries. And she didn’t care. She wanted more of him…she wanted all of him.
“Beg me,” she said.
“I beg you…dear sweetness of mine, I beg you. What do you desire?”
“Take me deep into the forest. That is what I want.”
He lifted her in his arms and in the next moment, he was transporting her through the woods, moving quickly, his speed amazing her. She felt as if they were flying.
“Go far, my love. And when you have left the Kingdom of Barmoth, set me down and have your way with me.”
They came to a stop and he put her down.
“Prince of mine.” She lied on the ground, fondled her breasts, pinching her nipples and whispering his name. She then flipped on her stomach, elevated her lower half, holding herself up with her elbows she broadened her legs for him.
“Bloody hell,” he said, pressing his stiffness against her.
“Oh Eldrich, you’re not…”
“Yes, let me.”
“I wasn’t going to stop you,” she said, her head down.
“Ask me for it,” he said, slapping her.
“You’re cruel,” she said.
“Tell me you want it,” he said, hitting her again.
The slight pain she was feeling from his striking her on her buttocks warmed her entire body. She’d never allow him to take it too far, that much she knew about herself. But she also knew that right at this moment, she desired more. And she had no intention of stopping him from entering her from…bloody hell.
“Oh yes, I want it,” she whispered.
“Louder.”
“I want it!” she yelled.
He dipped his fangs into her neck and then he started going into her, unhurried and oh so carefully. What she was feeling was absolutely without a doubt maddening bliss. She had once seen one of the male servants do this to a woman while another man did the same to him, all three of them grunting and crying out with delight. She’d gone to bed that night aroused and ready to explode. And now here she was and it was more intense than she imagined.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked, gently thrusting into her. “Am I hurting you?”
“Keep going,” she said, clasping down on her lower lip.
“Even in my sleep, I dream of you, your lips, your breasts, your skin, your touch…it makes me go crazy,” he said.
“I want more of you,” she said.
“And you will have all that you want,” he said.
“Oh, Eldrich, I can’t stand it.”
“Are you enjoying what I’m doing to you? I don’t want to hurt you.”
She licked and chewed her lips and arched her back and erupted.
He then liberated himself on the small of her back.
“You killed me,” she whispered, turning on her back.
He fell next to her and pulled her to his chest. Tenderly stroking her nipples, he asked, “What else will you have me do to you?”
“Cradle me,” she said. “I want to rest in your arms.”
“Is that all you want?”
“For now, only for now,” she said.
Lela and Eldrich held each other in silence. The stillness of the dark forest comforted her. She wondered where they were, to what kingdom had they crossed? Her teachers had taught her about the different known kingdoms of the world. Some scholars believed that there were undiscovered kingdoms, hidden and too far for any human to reach. They claimed that the witches of Barmoth knew where they were and that they traveled there often in search of new ingredients for their potions and spells.
Lela wondered if the witch who had cursed Eldrich, turning him into a frog because he would not lie with her, had gone to another kingdom to learn how to cast a spell on a vampire. Everything she had read in books about vampires stated that they were near-immune to a witch’s spell.
Lela didn’t know whether or not undiscovered kingdoms existed. Her teachers taught her that there were only thirty kingdoms. She had memorized each one.
A screeching sound interrupted her thoughts.
“Keep quiet,” Eldrich said, coming to his feet.
“What do you think made that sound?” she whispered, ignoring him.
“Don’t move,” he said, sniffing the air.
She had never seen him do that.
“Let’s go,” she said.
“It’s too late. Whoever is out there knows we’re here.”
“Is it another vampire?”
“I’d already know it.”
“What then?”
“I’m not picking up its scent. Stay behind me.”
“I’m scared,” she said.
“I won’t let anyone harm you.”
She buried her face in his back.
“Make yourself known!” he said.
A man and a woman holding torches walked toward them.
“Apologies,” the woman said. “I tend to get carried away when…” She giggled.
She had long golden hair that came down to her ankles.
“Yes, please accept our apologies,” the man said, extending a hand to Eldrich.
It was the flying man. Feeling instant heat on her cheeks, Lela lowered her stare.
Eldrich said, “We didn’t know anyone else was around here. It is we who should apologize to you.” Then he placed his hand in Lela’s and said, “We should go.”
“Oh, no, please stay,” the woman said. “We never have visitors and well, as much as we do entertain ourselves,” she winked at the flying man, “we’d love it if you joined us for dinner. I have a stew cooking.”
Lela was tempted to shout a fast, yes, we’d love to! She couldn’t decline a stew, for goodness sake. Her mouth salivated.
Eldrich sensed her eagerness and answered, “We kindly accept.”
“Hooray!” the woman yelled. “Come, follow us.”
She removed her cloak and offered it to Lela.
Blessed Gods, she had forgotten she was naked and so was Eldrich and what’s more they hadn’t brought any clothes with them. My goodness, she felt utterly foolish.
“Thank you,” Lela said, wrapping the cloak around her body. “I’m quite humiliated.”
“Don’t be, you’re pretty. Now, if you were an ugly distorted hag, well, by all means you’d be right to be embarrassed,” the woman said.
The man unbuttoned his long cape, leaving him wearing nothing but the same trousers he had on when he intruded on Lela earlier in the day. He then handed the cape to Eldrich.
“Many thanks,” Eldrich said.
“Well, let’s be on our way,” the woman said and began walking ahead of Lela and Eldrich.
The man stayed at Lela’s side. Lela hoped he wouldn’t mention their earlier meeting.
“I’m Lela and this is Eldrich,” she said.
Eldrich gave the man a nod.
“My name is Xavier,” the man said.
The woman turned her head and said, “I’m called Zel. And what Xavier didn’t mention because he’s being shy is that he’s the prince of our kingdom.”
“Forgive our intrusion into your kingdom,” Lela said, her cheeks flushed.
“May we know your kingdom’s name?” Eldrich asked, squeezing Lela’s hand, a sign she took to mean he didn’t entirely trust these strangers.
Zel came to a stop and turned to face them. “Why this is the Kingdom of the Lost,” she bowed, “welcome, we’re thrilled you’re here.”
Lela quickly ran the names of all the kingdoms through her mind and no, she had never heard of the Kingdom of the Lost.
“Stop being dramatic,” Xavier said, blowing her a kiss. “She tends to get carried away, sometimes.”
“A trait you adore,” she said, winking.
He took her hand and resumed walking.
Lela and Eldrich let them walk ahead a few steps before pacing forward.
Eldrich leaned into Lela’s ear, “I don’t trust them. Something is off about them. Once you’ve eaten, we’ll take our leave.”
“We can go, now,” she whispered.
“No, love, you need to eat and besides we have already accepted their invitation.”
“Once you get to know us, you’ll like us,” Zel said.
“Don’t worry, she can’t hear your whispers or read your thoughts,” Xavier said. “Aside from being dramatic, she’s also a bit insecure and can’t stand anyone not liking her.” He kissed Zel on her forehead and said, “Right, my love?”
Giggling, she shoved him. Puckering her lips, she said, “Kiss me.”
And he did.
“They’re distracted,” Lela said. “With your speed-”
“Hush… she may not be able to hear us but something tells me he can,” Eldrich said in a whisper.
Just then, Xavier stopped kissing Zel and winked at Eldrich and Lela.
“Come, up head is our home,” Xavier said, pointing to a tall, circular structure which resembled the prison towers of Barmoth.
Their home was a prison tower!
Lela bit off a nail and then another.
Reaching the tower, Eldrich said, “If we may ask, is it custom for a prince to live in a tower in your kingdom?”
Xavier laughed. “Of course not. I don’t reside here all the time. This is actually Zel’s home, but since I’m here often I guess I think of it as mine as well.”
“Is she your prisoner?” Lela asked, instantly regretting her question.
Zel burst into laughter. “Why yes, of course. He’s the prince of the Lost and I’m his eternal prisoner.” She licked his bare chest and bit down on the cross hanging from the chain around his neck.
“Later, love, later,” Xavier said. Then he opened the door to the tower. “The stew smells delicious. I’m starving.”
Zel followed him inside and waved Eldrich and Lela over. “Hurry up,” she said.
Once they were all inside, she shut the door and said, “It’s a long way up.”
Eldrich gave Lela a nudge forward to the spiral staircase. Upon placing her hand on the rail, she realized the staircase was made of golden hair.
Xavier started climbing; Zel followed and then Lela.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Eldrich hushed into Lela’s ear.
Up the golden staircase they went. Eldrich could have been at the top in a second and Xavier, well, she knew he could fly. Yet, neither one of them was willing to expose their skills.
As Lela continued to ascend, she recognized that her life was about to change again. And she was terrified.
Breathless and feeling pain on each side of her stomach, Lela finally made it to the top of the staircase. She was the only one out of breath and in pain.
“Come sit down before you faint,” Zel said, taking her hand and leading her to a chair.
Lela was sure she was going to vomit.
“Breathe,” Eldrich said, his hand on her shoulder.
Xavier disappeared into another room and three seconds later reappeared holding a cup. He brought it to her lips and said, “Sip slowly.”
She couldn’t resist swallowing the cup’s contents all at once which caused her to cough and gag.
“You disobeyed,” Zel said. “Does she always do things as she wants and not as she’s told?” she asked Eldrich.
“She’s not a child,” Eldrich said.
He was not amused and Lela worried he would lose his judgment and attack Zel and Xavier. Without knowing where they really were or what these two creatures were capable of, Xavier could fly and she guessed he was also strong and Zel, well the long haul up the stairs didn’t affect her in the least bit, there was a possibility that Zel and Xavier could overtake and really harm Eldrich.
“I feel better. My, the stew smells wonderful,” Lela said, trying to lighten the situation.
“Oh, yes, the stew,” Zel said, dashing off.
Xavier pulled up a chair next to Lela. “Where are the two of you from?”
“Barmoth,” Lela said.
“That’s a ways from here. A long way, indeed. How did you get here?” Xavier asked.
“We’ve been traveling for days,” Eldrich said.
“Yet, you have nothing with you, and you were naked when we found you.”
“That’s because we left our things in the camp we set up not too far from where you found us,” Lela said.
Xavier put his hands on the back of his neck and reclined in his chair. “I don’t believe a word you’re saying. But, your business is your own. I won’t press any further.”
“We’re grateful,” Eldrich said.
“Let’s move to the table,” Xavier said, standing and dragging the chair to a round table.
Lela scanned the room. The walls and floor were painted red. The whole room was red, including the drapes on the single window and all the furniture.
“Is Zel really your prisoner?” Lela asked Xavier. She absolutely had to know.
“Love, our host has asked us to take a seat at his meal table. Let’s not pester him with questions.”
“It’s all right. I’m not offended.” Xavier put his elbows on the table and rubbed his chin.
Lela and Eldrich joined him at the table.
“I apologize for my persistent curiosity,” Lela said.
“Although she enjoys pretending she is, Zel is not my prisoner,” he lowered his head, “but, she is a prisoner. I hope to someday free her.”
“What do you mean?” Lela asked.
He raised his stare. “A few short months ago, I came across this tower. I’m the prince of this land, yet I had never in all my travels seen this tower. One morning I quite literally bumped into it, almost lost consciousness. It appeared out of nowhere. Just when I had regained myself, golden hair dropped to the ground in front of me. I looked up to discover that the hair was coming from a window at the very top of the tower.”
“Time to eat!” Zel said, striding into the room carrying a large, red pot.
She put the pot in the center of the table and then said to Xavier, “Will you help me with the bowls and spoons?”
“Please excuse us,” Xavier said and followed Zel out of the room.
Now alone, Eldrich leaned into Lela. “Everything about this place is odd. Have you noticed that everything is red?”
“How could I not? And whose prisoner is she? And that story he’s telling.”
“I went too far. I shouldn’t have gone so far from Barmoth,” Eldrich said, sighing.
“It’s not your fault,” Lela said.
“I suspect they want something from us. And the way he looks at you as if he’s familiar with you.”
She implored her face not to give anything away to Eldrich. She should have told him about her encounter with Xavier. Her confessing now would only anger him. And what’s more, he would probably think she kept it from him because she had indulged with Xavier. She was doomed.
Xavier and Zel returned carrying bowls and spoons which not surprisingly were also red.
After filling each bowl with some of the stew, Zel said, “I hope everyone likes it.”
Eldrich brought a spoonful to his lips. “Please forgive me,” he said, putting the spoon down. “I’m not very hungry.”
Lela’s heart sank. “I told you not to eat all of that bread,” she said, chuckling. “He stuffed himself with bread not even two hours ago,” she said to Zel.
“What about you, Lela?” Xavier asked. “Did you also eat too much bread?” he asked, grinning.
She swallowed down two spoonfuls and then said, “I’m starving.” She was not lying. Although the stew was not the least bit tasty, she was glad to be eating something other than fruit.
Lifting her bowl, Zel said, “Well, here’s to more stew for the rest of us!”
Xavier stared at Eldrich who was fidgeting in his seat. Human food, particularly aromatic cooked food, disgusted vampires and Lela was sure Eldrich was doing all he could not to vomit.
“We need your help,” Xavier said.
Lela swallowed a last spoonful and wiped her mouth, her eyes on both Xavier and Eldrich.
“We desperately need your help,” Zel said.
“In what way?” Eldrich asked.
Xavier glanced at Lela. “Meeting you on the river bank was not an accident,” he said to her. “I sought you out.”
Lela coughed. She did not dare look at Eldrich. She could feel his eyes on her.
“You know him?” Eldrich asked.
She nodded.
“Look at me,” he said.
Coughing and silently pleading with the Gods to take her, she timidly moved her stare to him.
His eyes near-bleeding, he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Did you lie with him?” he asked, tears coming down his face.
He was breaking her heart.
“No, I would never…” she tried to take his hand but he brushed it away.
“You kept it from me. What am I supposed to think?”
“She did not lie with me,” Xavier said. “I swear it.”
Eldrich exposed his fangs. Zel screamed. Xavier stood, spreading his wings. Yes, Lela had been right. Her life was about to change again.
“You’re a vampire,” Xavier said.
“And you’re an angel, which explains why I couldn’t detect your scent. Despite your shameful past, your creator still protects you from us.”
“I’m not to blame for what my ancestors did,” Xavier said.
“Yet, you’re cast out from the Heavens, nonetheless,” Eldrich said. “I should drain you right here and now.” He took a step forward.
Xavier didn’t budge. “And you think I will let you kill me? Try and we shall see who wins.”
Eldrich laughed. “Ah yes, I had forgotten how vain and overly confident fallen angels are. It’s been two hundred years since I’ve come across one. And how appropriate that you preside over a place named the Kingdom of the Lost. Is this where all fallen angels sought refuge after the war with my kind?”
Lela didn’t know what to do. She had never heard of angels, fallen or otherwise. They weren’t even mentioned in storybooks. Not only did they exist but they had been in a war with vampires. Her head was spinning and her stomach ached. At this moment, she was sure she was the dumbest girl in all the kingdoms. Truly, what was she doing? She was a princess for blessed Gods’ sake and instead of helping her father take care of the people of Barmoth, she had run away to live with a vampire and was now in a tower in a land unknown to her and what’s more, an angel was asking her for help. Just another day in the forest!
“Please, hear us out,” Zel said, moving between Xavier and Eldrich.
Eldrich retracted his fangs. “Speak,” he said.
“I’m imprisoned in this tower for all eternity, only able to leave it at night. And even then, I’m not allowed to venture too far. A witch took me from my parents when I was born and has kept me prisoner my entire life.” She sighed.
“You poor thing,” Lela said. Oh the pain Zel’s parents must have felt when their infant daughter was ripped from them and Zel…Lela couldn’t imagine a worse life.
“She caught my father stealing spices from her garden. My mother craved spices when I was in her belly and the witch’s garden had an abundance of unique spices. When the witch caught my father stealing, she cursed him and told him he would have to give up his unborn child or refuse and watch both my mother and me die.” She wrapped her arms around Xavier’s waist. “I have lived in this once roaming, invisible tower all my life. I thought I would remain alone forever until,” she looked up at Xavier, “he found the tower. For an unexplained reason, the tower stopped moving and became visible that day. I believe in my heart that my parents somehow found a way to help me…to make the tower appear and stop wandering aimlessly. When I sensed someone outside that day, I let down my hair. I had to know who it was that had found the tower.” She gathered her hair and then let it go. It fell past her ankles, carpeting the length of the room.
Lela held her hand to her mouth. Eldrich did not move or say a word.
Xavier kissed the top of Zel’s head and said, “Tell them the rest.”
“Xavier used my hair to climb to my window.”
“Why didn’t you fly?” Lela asked.
“The hair was so beautiful and golden. I was drawn to it, captivated.”
“When the witch found Xavier with me, she pushed him out of the window, thinking that he would fall to his death. And when he didn’t fall and instead flew, she tried to cast a spell which would make the castle invisible again. No spell she cast worked. Xavier confronted the witch and knowing she was somewhat defeated and now in the Kingdom of the Lost where her spells were not as powerful she consented to letting me out at night. However, if I wander too far, her spell brings me back. Despicable, evil hag won’t let me go.” Zela covered her face with her hands and sobbed.
“What does your predicament have to do with us?” Eldrich asked, harshly.
“The same witch who cursed you, cursed Zel,” Xavier said.
“You know about me?” Eldrich said, exposing his fangs again.
“Settle yourself,” Xavier said. “I only know because the witch told me. She’s a wretched soul. She will let Zel go only if,” he looked at Lela, “if she lies with me.”
“No!” Eldrich said.
“You can’t be serious,” Lela said, nearly bursting into laughter.
“We’re not lying to you. We need your help,” Zel said, sniffling.
“The witch wants to hurt you,” Xavier said to Eldrich. “I’m sorry we’re asking this of you. I love Zel with every part of me. And I cannot save her alone. Please help us.”
Lela approached Eldrich. “Let’s go right now.”
Tears in his eyes, Eldrich said, “I love you.”
“Do you believe me?” Lela needed to know that Eldrich trusted her and that he did not believe she had lied with Xavier.
“You have chosen him. I can see it in your eyes. How long have you loved him? You tricked me into bringing you here. He is the reason you asked me to take you deep into the forest away from Barmoth.”
She moved in closer to him. “I love you. Your distrust is making my heart ache,” Lela said.
“You have broken mine,” he said, his brow wrinkled.
“Please believe me. I knew nothing of Xavier before today. I’m in love with you and only you.”
Eldrich looked at Xavier. “If you hurt her, I will kill you.” Then he dashed to the window and jumped from it.
Lela ran to the window and screamed, “Eldrich!”
He was gone.
“Will you help us?” Zel asked.
Lela turned and pounced over to Zel, ready to strangle her.
“This is all so ridiculous. You can’t honestly expect me to do what you’re asking of me. The man I love just abandoned me,” she said, glaring at Zel.
Then she walked to the staircase and grasped the handrail. She’d not stay in this place for one more second even if it meant she’d wander the forest alone forever.
“If you don’t lie with me tonight, Zel will die,” Xavier said.
Lela let go of the handrail.
“It’s true,” Zel said. “The witch has given us until tonight. That is why Xavier sought you out earlier today. He has been watching you for days.”
“So you were stalking me,” Lela said, still standing near the staircase.
“Yes, I’m sorry. Today on the bank, I was going to tell you the truth and ask for your help, but I couldn’t do it. You seemed so happy and carefree.”
“We couldn’t burden you with our concerns,” Zel said.
“Oh, right, sure I understand,” Lela said, laughing. “But now you have no problem burdening me. And what’s more, why is everything bloody red in this place?”
“Red is the witch’s favorite color,” Zel said. “She insists that everything be red.”
“Of course, why didn’t I think of that? Ah yes, the witch…the evil hag who would like to see me and Eldrich broken apart forever. I shall have to meet this witch one day so I can hit her right in her disgusting face,” Lela said, sighing and falling into a chair.
“Careful with your words. She’s never very far,” Zel said.
“Zel and I decided to spend one last night together…to let whatever was going to happen, happen. We resigned ourselves. And then, there you were standing in front of me. I thought it had to be fate. Perhaps my creator had sent you to us,” Xavier said.
“So you invited me over for stew, how gracious and wonderful of you,” Lela said.
“Look, I don’t blame you for not wanting to help us. But we need to know your answer,” Zel said.
“Will you lie with me tonight?” Xavier asked Lela.
For goodness sake, a few weeks ago a frog had asked her the same question. She was beginning to think she was going to spend the rest of her life lying with strange men to help break some witch’s curse.
She stared at them; they looked so lost and sad and pathetic, holding hands, tears in their eyes, she couldn’t say no. She believed they were telling her the truth. Forgive me, Eldrich.
“Come morning, you will take me home to Eldrich,” she said to Xavier. “And you and Zel will never cross paths with us again.”
“Understood,” Xavier said.
“Thank you!” Zel said, darting to the staircase. “I’ll sleep outside tonight.” She disappeared down the steps.
“We have a room with a bed. Or if you’d rather we stay here,” Xavier said, his voice shaking.
“I’d rather we not do this at all but since I agreed, I prefer a bed,” she said, her thoughts on Eldrich. Sharp pain went through her heart and she wondered if he would ever forgive her.
Xavier led her through a narrow hall and into a small room lit with candles. In the center of the room was a round bed.
“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to,” Xavier said, unbuttoning his trousers.
“You’re going directly to it,” she said.
He blushed. “I’m sorry, I admit to being nervous.”
“Let’s get it over with,” Lela said, removing the cloak Zel had given her.
She was now completely naked. He took off his trousers; she looked away.
“May I kiss you?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
His lips touched hers. They were warm and soft, unlike Eldrich’s lips which were firm and rather cold.
Xavier kissed her as if she were a dying flower which he was tenderly trying to bring back to life. Continuing to kiss her, he placed his hand between her legs and began to caress her; slowly he moved his fingers inside of her. He then took her hand and placed it on his cock. She grasped it and moved her hand up and down on it, slow at first and then faster.
He pulled his lips away.
She thought her knees were going to give out.
He shifted lower on her body and began to blow air between her inner thighs, nipping and tugging at her.
She ran her fingers through his silky hair. Forgive me, Eldrich.
Turning her so that her buttocks were in his face, he ran his fingers up and down her… and then stretched her legs. May I rot in the darkest place of all the Kingdoms for allowing myself to feel pleasure with this man. May I rot for wanting him inside of me.
“Don’t feel guilty,” he said.
Could he read her thoughts? Not possible, but then she hadn’t even known angels existed until today and therefore had no idea what skills they possessed.
In the next second, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. Then he placed her on her side and pressed his cock against her. Eldrich’s cock, she confessed, was not the size of Xavier’s.
“May I enter you,” Xavier asked.
Sweet Gods! She wanted his huge, firm cock in every way.
His wings expanded.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “When I’m aroused, I can’t hold back my wings.”
Closing her eyes, she said, “Enter me.”
He slid his cock in and she swore she felt it in her throat. She couldn’t resist making loud sounds. Noises she had never made with Eldrich.
Before she could hold her tongue, she said, “Don’t ever leave my body.”
He answered by driving deeper into her.
“What else do you desire from me?” he asked. “I will do anything you want.”
“I want you to do what you will. Surprise me, scare me…”
He jumped off the bed.
“No, please come back,” she cried. “I want you… need you inside of me.”
Smiling at her, he said, “I won’t be long.”
Lying on her back, she touched her every part. She felt she was drowning and she didn’t care. She could not explain her feelings, her desire for this stranger, this angel with whom she only had one night. A single night of exhilarating enjoyment before she would have to come to her senses and face Eldrich, the man to whom she had given her heart, the man she loved.
Xavier returned holding a squash! Lela had seen servants entertain themselves with oh so many different things including vegetables. Lela couldn’t help chuckling. Yes, she’d play along.
“I want you up against me,” he said.
She lifted her buttocks, holding herself up with her elbows. He came behind her and began teasing her with the squash, rubbing it between her legs. This was madness!
Then he pushed in the squash just a little and she screamed.
“Am I hurting you?” he asked.
“No,” she managed to say.
He moved the tip of the squash into her and she had the most intense orgasm she had ever had. Bloody hell, she was having sex with a vegetable!
He set the squash on the bed.
Collapsing on the bed, she said, “I’m humiliated.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was afraid you wouldn’t.”
The sight of his sprawling wings aroused her even more.
He plunged into her and she wrapped her legs high around his back.
“Call out my name,” he whispered.
“I can’t,” she said.
“We have only this night,” he said, his cock rocking her.
She was ashamed for liking what he was doing to her. She more than liked it. She wanted more.
“Xavier,” she said.
“Again,” he said, escalating his movements.
“Oh Xavier, I’ve never felt such intense pleasure.” He was ripping into her, causing her to have multiple orgasms.
He finally pulled out of her and released his fluid on her stomach. She took in a long breath.
“If you want, I can sleep in another room,” he said, retracting his wings.
“Please stay with me. I don’t want to be alone,” she said, feeling the oncoming of tears. She didn’t think she could ever face Eldrich again.
Xavier lied next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“I’ll stay with you all night.”
She closed her eyes and let sleep take her.
Morning came and Lela sat at the table, sipping broth. Zel and Xavier stood on the other side of the table staring at her.
“You can have more,” Zel said with a smile.
“Yes, yes, we have plenty,” Xavier said.
For goodness sake, the situation couldn’t have been more uncomfortable. No matter, Zel was alive and free to live her life with Xavier outside of this dreadful tower.
“We’re eternally grateful. If you ever need anything from us, we’ll be there,” Zel said.
What Lela needed was to go home to Eldrich.
“I wish you nothing but joy,” Lela said. And she meant it.
Zel kissed Xavier on the cheek, her eyes sparkling.
“Are you ready to go?” Xavier asked Lela.
“No, but I will go just the same.”
“You will have the day to gather your thoughts,” Zel said. “And when the sun goes down, you and Eldrich will be together and all will be well, I’m sure of it.”
“I hope so.” Lela knew that all would not be well between her and Eldrich and that she had probably lost him forever.
Zel went to the window and flung open the shutters. “Oh, it’s a glorious day. The air smells wonderful!”
“May I pick you up?” Xavier asked.
“Go ahead,” Lela said, standing.
He scooped her up and walked to the window.
“I shall return to you soon,” he said to Zel.
Zel clapped and grinned as if she was a little girl having just been given a doll.
Lela was jealous of Xavier and Zel. They were in love and free.
In the next second, Xavier went out the window with her in his arms. Down they fell.
“We’ll die,” she yelled.
“Hold on tight,” he said.
Down, down they continued to fall.
And just when she thought they would surely hit the ground, he spread his wings and flew high into the air.
“Did you mean to scare me?” she asked.
“Maybe a little,” he said.
“You’re a funny, funny man.”
“I may never see you again. I wanted to give you one more thrill.” He winked.
She flushed and said nothing more.
Moments later, they were back in Barmoth. She looked down at the familiar forest and could see the riverbank on which she had first met Xavier.
“Leave me in the place we met,” she said.
He nodded and descended.
Once they were standing on the ground, he took her hand and placed it on the cross on his chest.
“I’m not ashamed of it,” he said.
“What will you and Zel do now?” she asked.
“I’m going to marry her. She will become the princess of the Kingdom of the Lost. And I will love her for all eternity.”
His words crushed her. Not because she wished he meant them for her but because her thoughts were on Eldrich.
“He will forgive you,” he said, kissing her hand.
Tears streamed down her face. “I don’t think he will.”
“Have faith in your love.”
“Thank you for bringing me home.”
“Thank you for saving her…for helping me,” he said.
“Goodbye,” she said.
“Until we meet again,” he said and took flight.
Lela closed the door behind her and slid to the floor. She wanted to find Eldrich’s resting place and wake him even if it meant risking her life. She wanted to hug him, kiss him, and tell him she loved him and that she needed his forgiveness.
If he refused her, she’d go back to her father with a shattered heart. There were so many things she didn’t know about the world and despite what she had learned in the past few weeks, she felt like an infant learning how to walk. No matter, she knew she loved Eldrich with all her soul. And she couldn’t stand the thought of him rejecting her.
She lit a few sconces around the house and then sat down on the steps. The sun set and she remained on the steps, her throat threatening to close, sweat trickling down her upper back.
“What are you doing here?” Eldrich asked.
Lela looked at him and started immediately crying. “Forgive me.”
“You shouldn’t have come here,” he said, his eyes cold and empty.
“Do you still love me?” she asked.
He turned her from her.
“If you tell me you no longer love me, I will leave and never bother you again.”
The seconds passed. Please tell me you love me. Hate me for what I did. But tell me you love me.
“Do you know how painful it was to know you were with him…letting him touch you, kiss you, my heart is broken.”
“Zel was going to die if I didn’t lie with him,” Lela said, putting her hand on his back. “Imagine how you’d feel if I died.”
He stepped forward. “You should have let her die!”
“You can’t mean that.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
“Eldrich, please, I love you.”
“Answer me. You owe me the truth.”
“I thought of you.”
“I hunted last night,” he said, facing her. “I killed last night.”
“I don’t want to hear this.”
“And do you think I care what you want? I no longer care about you.”
“I’ll leave,” she said, making for the door.
He grabbed her hand and brought her close to him. “I still love you. Damn my soul, I love you.”
“Forgive me,” she said, throwing her arms around him.
“I can’t be without you,” he said, kissing her.
She kissed him back, forcefully.
“Don’t ever leave me again,” she said.
“I didn’t leave you.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Do you really think I would ever abandon you? I waited outside until the sun began to rise. I had to make sure you were all right.”
A thought came to Lela’s mind. He must have run into Zel. No, no, they couldn’t have!
“I talked to Zel,” he said.
She was going to most definitely faint.
“She told me everything.”
“Did you-”
“Of course not. I’m yours, and only yours.”
Blood returned to her brain.
“If you had…I’d have no right to confront you about it.”
“But I didn’t. I hate that you spent the night away from me with another man. I hate it…but I know why you did it.”
“Let’s never speak of it,” she said.
“Will you stay with me?” he asked.
“Forever,” she said. She didn’t know if they would ever truly get past this but she prayed they would.
He picked her up and carried her up the stairs. “I shall erase all memory of him.”
“Yes, my love, I beg you.”
He threw her on the bed and took off his clothes.
She removed the cloak Zel had let her have.
He came down on her and wasted no time thrusting into her.
“To whom do you belong?” he asked.
“Only to you,” she said.
As he plunged harder into her, all thoughts of her night with Xavier drifted to the back of her mind. Yes, she had enjoyed her time with him but she did not love him. The man she loved was inside of her and oh, how she had missed him. Sweet prince of mine, my love, my everything, take all of me.
Eldrich brought his fangs to her neck and she cried out, “Drink from me, do it.”
In ecstasy, one thought from the night before broke through to the forefront of her mind. She was embarrassed but could not deny that yes, it was on her mind. The squash.
“I know about it,” he whispered into her ear.
She had actually said the word out loud! Sweet Gods.
“I’m sorry.”
He laughed. “We can try other vegetables if you want, just not squash,” he said.
She laughed. “Oh Eldrich, I adore you.”
She knew all was well and they were in love and free. And there were many other vegetables with which they could play.