Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty-Eight

Oh, I verbalise lamely, stepping aside so that he could enter. I thought you were some genius else. person in a velvet deck up shrieking at the take place of her lungs? he asked. He travel past me in that graceful expression of his, and I noticed he was careful to keep a likingy distance between us without being asked, as though he suspected my a version to touch.Something desire that. I shut the door.He shrugged and nowa sidereal days pitch the rooms wine. She wont bother you anymore, he state, pouring a cup. Im sending her outside(a).Yeah, she told me. You live, I feel word form of bad for her.S go through, he ordered. Shes n maven of your c adept timern. She should have had no expectations somewhat her relationship with me.Yeah, well, she kind of did.Again, one angry person is none of your concern-not with e realthing else going on.I grimaced. I suppose not, though it sure seems like a lot of state are angry at me-oh. God. I nearly forgot. Do you have Volusian?Doria n was rigting his sword and garb downward(a). He didnt ascertain happy at the reference. YesI enslaved him to me.Can Ican I have him jeopardize?He eyed me. ar you sure thats what you want? Itd be better if we banished him together.I hesitated, rec completelying Volusians wads on my throat and chouseing what would happen if I ever lost envision again. I wouldnt, though. I would stay strong, and I needed him for what was to come. Yes, I narrate firmly. I want him digest.Dorian shrugged. Then Ill summon him later. Lets not smash the moment equitable yet. Hes quite depressing, you know. Dorian st involute toward the window and bent everyplace, make up the dress Id dropped. This is lovely.I was going to put it on, save scarce I sw every last(predicate)owed and nodded toward the window. thithers a, um, army out in that location.He neatly laid the dress on the c copper and glanced out the window. Yes. Yes, there is. Yours and mine. Well, part of them.I cant opine th is happened.Hiding from them wont wanton them go away.I kind of hoped it would.He said nothing and gave me an expectant look. Something most it drew me out, and steeling myself up, I approached the window again, staring out at the wide, sandy stretch in the subscribe of the castle. at that place were so many more than Id expected-and this was unless allegedly a portion of the soldiers that would be fighting Katrice. My small army in their match attire stood in formation on one side. Dorians reserves stood beside them, a lot more sharply dressed in deep green fit outs on a lower floor their leather armor and princelyen oak emblems. So manyand again, lock not the whole force. More of his soldiers would join up, and then my numbers would wrench when the call went out throughout the land when I went to Highmore-if I went there. all(prenominal) of this, I murmured, all of this because of a chain of decisions. Me refusing Leith, him kidnapping me, you I couldnt s discharge th e nomenclature, still Dorian and I both knew what Id been about to say.Do you sorrow it? he asked. What I did? He sounded as cool and confident as ever, only if I could have sworn there was a fine note of fear in his voice-fear that hed done something I hadnt wanted.Kiyos words about how I would regret all this came back end to me, and I kept enquire if it was really worth it, all these men and women who might diefor what? For my accolade? My revenge? I could hush up respond to Katrices message, tell her Id marry her nephew and make peace.A knot formed in my stomach, and I knew that wasnt an option. I could never be with anyone in that family, not without pretending of Leith, of his pass and his embody. I could never let her or anyone else think I or my people could be pushed just about. After all, Leith hadnt just interpreted advantage of me. Those girls had suffered too. I was the guardian of my people. I was the Thorn Queen and the Thorn Land both.An image of Dorian running his sword through Leith returned to my mind. Probably I should have found it gruesome. Instead, it brought mepeace.No. I turned and looked straight into Dorians eyes. I dont regret it. IIm glad you did it. My voice wavered a little. Im so glad you did it.His governing body alter somewhat, filled with a type of wonder. I think hed grown so accustomed to my usual style, my human way of being rational and humanWell, I think hed been long bracing himself for my wrath. My earlier suspicion about the worry in his voice had been correct. Hed probably expected a response similar to when hed interruptn me the Thorn Land.The look on his face do me flustered and confused. I turned back to the window and admitted, scarce IIm scared. I dont want to wage a war. I certainly dont know how to.Dorian came to stand beside me, still careful to maintain a polisher between us. Its in your blood, he said. push King was the greatest tactician in centuries.Im not him. I dont want to be like him. A unpleasant voice spoke in my head But you called yourself surprise Queen, check to Kiyo.You can inherit his genius without his cruelty, said Dorian.I suppose, but stillI still dont know what to do. Will you help me?We turned to look at each other, and again, his face seemed to be lit from within. Of course. Youre not the only one Katrice is after. Im the one who killed the poor bastard, remember? The light faded from his face a bit at the reference to Leith. He leaned toward me, eyes intense. Id do it a thousand times over, if I could. War or not.That intensity in voice, that fierceness-it sent a shiver down my spine. You only say that because we havent gone to war yet. You dont know whats going to happen.Ah, Eugenie. I know. We lead be victorious, you and me. Were the strongest monarchs in this human being. Katrice knows this but is blinded by her grief and rage. You and I leave alone lead this army, and we will conquer the Rowan Land. Well split it between us, addin g on to our own kingdomsand from there, we can go anywhere. We could rule half this world together-all of this world-you and me. ground after kingdom would fall to usI stared him, almost caught up in his vision. The apprehension Id been holding began to lift as I imagined us destroying her forces and me summoning up storms that made the world tremble. I laughed uneasily, alarmed at the way my thoughts had gone. One kingdoms enough, I said, the human part of me bringing me back to earth.You say that now, but I tell you, its in your blood. He looked down at me intently, and those rapture-filled eyes seemed to be every shade of green and gold in the world. I fell into them. I felt beautiful in them. Like a goddess. Eugenie, youre going to be a warrior queen the likes of which no one has ever seen. Your name will live on when Storm Kings has faded to dust. You will lead your armies on- authorful, fearless, and beautiful. Katrices war is but a skirmish youll notion out underneath your boot.I had a disorienting moment then, recalling a vision Id had in the Underworld. My soul had been seeking Kiyos, but it was Dorian Id seen in a dream-like state, with the two of us standing on a fall out front armies, both of us radiant and majestic. Thered been a baby in my arms and a crown on my head.Id never told anyone about that. It had been a test, not a vision of the future. Trying to keep things light with Dorian, I asked, And where will you be in all of this? Somehow I dont think youll be lurking in the shadows.My sweet Eugenie, he said, back to his flippant, gallant self, there you go, always suspecting ulterior motives. He straightened up, affecting a dignified air. I, of course, shall be by your side.I laughed. Dorian would always be Dorian. Sharing in that glory and power, no doubt.A little, certainly. His mirth vanished, and he grew serious once more. But also there to keep you safe. Whatever battles you engage in, whether you choose to conquer this world or simpl y go back to exorcising ghostswhat happened with Leith will never, never happen again. Not while I live. I cast it. I will always keep you safe. He travel prior but was still careful not to touch me. The vehemence in his voice was so strong, however, that it was practically tangible. Always.My smile was gone. I studied him for a long time and realize I believed him. Kiyo had failed me. Dorian would not.And I complete then that Id been an idiot to keep trying to push Dorian away. Did I entirely trust his motives? No. I did trust him to protect me, though. Id realized just before my capture that I love both him and Kiyo, loved them just as my blood and soul were also split in two. The two halves of my nature would always war with each other. And even off now, I didnt need the cautious human half that would rationally seek peace. I needed the part of me that wasnt afraid to unleash all the power I had, to charge forward with no informalityraints. I needed Dorian right now. It was his love that was going to allow me to be strong and unafraid of what was to come.Slowly, hesitantly, I reached out and caught hold of his hand. It was monumental. I think he knew it was, too. I hadnt been adequate to(p) to stand anyone except my mother touching me these last couple of weeks. I certainly hadnt been able to handle any man doing it. His eyes widened slenderly at my contact, and I realized he was holding his breath, afraid for me.I held his hand, looking at its warmth and the long, smooth fingers. There was so ofttimes power in connecting with another person, in having physical c doze offness. With just as much care as Id used to touch it, I moved his hand to rest on my hip and stepped forward. Dorian swallowed, and for the first time since Id cognise him, he looked timid.Eugenie-I pressed a finger to his lips and then stood on tiptoe to kiss him. His babble opened instantly to mine, warm and eager. I pushed myself closer to him, but when I put his other arm alm ost me, he pulled back slightly. I could feel and see the desire all over him, but he shook his head.No, noits too soon.Im the one who says when its too soon. I kissed him again, big(p)er, and was surprised at how quickly the lust burned through my body. Despite what Id just said, I had believed until this moment that I would never want another man. But being near Dorian, feeling that electricity and power crackle between usit brought forth all the old desire Id been fighting new-fangledly, the desire that had nearly made me give in to him in that little village, back when Id still been committed to KiyoBut I had no such commitments now.He returned my kiss with equal intensity, his detention running along my hips. The passion was seizing him, he was starting to lose himself in it. Then, like before, some reasonable part of him slapped him to attention one more time. I think the world would have been shocked to know the Oak King had such a conscience. He broke away again, but this time, I didnt let him speak.Do you want my most recent time to be with him? I demanded. Do you want Leith to be the computer memory I carry with me of the last time I had sex?My fingers moved to the buttons of my short-sleeved cotton shirt and unfastened them all. Catching hold of his hands, I brought them toward my chest, ventilation the shirt apart and making him touch my breasts. Id gone braless today, and his hands felt warm where they stroked my bare skin. convey this my memory, I said huskily, with a bit more command in my voice than Id intended. Make it good. Make this be what I think of when I think of sex. Finish what you started that day.His hands no longer needed my urging. He cupped my breasts, fingers dancing more or less my nipples. At the same time, he pushed me toward the bed, laying me out on my back. His mouth crushed me with its kiss, and then his lips moved down my neck and to my breasts, taking one of my nipples in his mouth. He sucked gently at first, tongue darting back and forth, but then his lips grew more urgent. His teeth nipped at me while his hands dextrously slid my jeans off. After they were on the floor, he sit up a moment, analyse me and all the bare skin before him.Not having him touch me was agony, and I reached up, unfastening the bejeweled belt and his pants. He backed off the bed, standing up so that he could push his pants down the rest of the way. His shirt came off next, and then he stood there naked before me for my inspection, the perfect, stain god hed been once before. Looking over the leanness of his muscles, how strong and rocky he was, I felt my own body respond urgently. Id complained to Kiyo before about foreplay, but right now, I wanted none with Dorian-though I had no doubt he would have given me hours of it, armies be damned.Dont wait, I begged him as I pushed my panties down over my hips. Dont wait.He caught hold of the panties and pulled them the rest of the way. I thought hed join me on the bed, bu t instead he remained standing. He caught hold of my ankles and pulled me toward him until my ass just rest on the beds edge. tranquillise holding my ankles, he brought my legs up so they were nearly straight in the air, almost leaning on his shoulders. Then he leaned forward and pushed into me, moaning at the warmth and wetness he found there.I threw my hands over my head, bowing my body up and watching as he thrust back and forth. His eyes were on me too, taking in every part of me. There was something special about sex in the daylight, particularly with him standing over me like that so we could both fully see each other. There was no hiding. Everything was exposed. Vulnerable. Its easy to feel insecure in such moments, but I didnt, not with the way he looked at me, not with just lust-but with awe and adoration too.He buried himself in me over and over, hard and forceful without being painful. It was such a lifetime away from what had interpreted place at Arts house that I real ized nothing there could even be considered sex. Having Dorian in me felt good and right. My body was brimming with need, and he felt like fire where he moved between my thighs. That heat intensified within me, and I felt a spark of aching pleasure grow stronger and stronger, fueled with each thrust. I cried out, feeling my body on the verge of orgasm, and when it came, it was like an explosion of me, of the worldpure ecstasy and elation bursting from between my thighs to the tips of my fingers and toes.He set my legs back flat on the bed and then lay on top of me, never breaking stride. If anything, he pumped more forcefully, nearing his own climax. That splendid hair rained down on my face, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, tangling my fingers in the silken strands. His own arms wrapped around my body, shape me like a cocoon as his hips moved harder and harder.Then, he exclaimed loudly, words that had no real form, and pressed his face against my neck as he came, his body spilling into mine. I held him close as he breathed intemperately against my neck, his heart racing. Minutes passed, and his body finally calmed, though I proceed to hold him. Finally, without breaking from my embrace, he lifted his head and brushed the hair from my face.I told you, Eugenie. I told you the world would be reborn when we were together. It will be reborn, and we will conquer it all.I brushed his lips with my fingers. Dont get carried away. Were just settling a grudge here.The look in his eyes told me he believed a lot more would come of that, but he wisely said nothing. Rolling over, he settled beside me on the covers, and we both lay there, our fingers interlaced.I suppose, I said at last, I should go communion to all those people out there, seeing as theyre going to attempt their lives for my honor.Its more than just your honor, he said. Its the lands too. You are the land, and when they see you, they will lief fight for you.I sat up, my eyes falling on the silk dress. I guess Ive got to play the part. Too bad theres no crown.Dorian sat up as well. Isnt there?He walked over to the table hed set his sword and cloak upon when entering. Id been too distraught to notice at the time, but there was a small cloth-wrapped wad there too. He brought it over to me, and I found myself holding my breath. I suddenly knew what it was, and I was afraid.Whats abuse? he asked when he held it out to me and I didnt take it.II had a dream.I couldnt explain that vision from the Underworld to him, that one where wed stood on the hill together. When we had, Id accepted Storm Kings crown-or, well, a feminine version of it-and thats when Id found myself looking down upon all those soldiers waiting to fight for me.What kind of dream?Its hard to explain.Not waiting for me, Dorian unwrapped the bundle himself. My heart lurched as I braced myself to see it again, an elaborate black market of platinum, laden with diamonds and amethystsBut it wasnt.The crown he held wa s gold and very, very delicate. I hesitantly took it and studied the fine details of it. There were little roses incised into it-roses with lots of thorns. Tiny emeralds-nothing too overwhelming-were scattered amongst the golden leaves. It didnt resemble Storm Kings crown at all.This is Girards work, I said with certainty.It is, Dorian agreed, running a finger down my bare arm. He seemed relieved that I had taken the crown. You arent the only one who can commission projects.But he whole kit and caboodle for Katrice.Not anymore. Remember that day you met him? I told you then he was an opportunist. Hes rolled the dice and decided were the side to align with-which, of course, we are. Hell come in very handy for weapons, I think.My eyes were still on the crown and its beauty. I couldnt explain how relieved I was that it was nothing like the crown from the vision. Hesitantly, I lifted it and rested it on top of my head. I looked to Dorian for confirmation. What do you think?He smiled, reaching out to straighten it and arrange my hair slightly. Go see for yourself.Climbing out of bed, I walked over to the untrimmed mirror and surveyed myself. I was still naked, all that pale skin secern with the red of my hair and the glitter of the crown. My hair didnt have the blond that Jasmines did, but it had the occasional gold highlight, and the crown made those locks gleam as they rested just past my shoulders. The emeralds were subtle, not gaudy, but vivid enough to boost set off my hair and eyes.So what do you think? Dorian asked.I glanced over at him, still sprawled on the bed and watching me with amusement. I turned back to the mirror, studying my naked, crowned self. I smiled.I think it looks good on me.