The Perfect Prince (15 page)

 

Pia chuckled, sucking in a breath as she was again seared with the laser. Through gritted teeth, she said, “It’s nothing, Nadja, quit fretting. I should have been ready for it.

 

You’ve got some power in those legs of yours. Next time, we’ll just make sure we’re no where near the sword display.”

 

Nadja relaxed some, watching the medic closely for any errors. He was very competent and she sighed as his task was almost finished.

 

Pia closed her eyes waiting for the man to get done. Hearing the door slide up, her eyes popped back open. She moved to stand. The laser bumped and seared off course onto her undamaged skin. Pia grunted lightly. The medic huffed and turned the laser off.

 

“You have to sit still,” Tal ordered.

 

“Zoran,” Pia breathed, ignoring the man as her eyes went to the door.

 

Nadja glanced to the door in dismay to see the Captain of the Guards. She shivered in awe and fear of him.

 

Zoran was everything rumor made him out to be. He was a large man, with an overbearingly commanding face, broad shoulders, and a hard set to his passionless jaw.

 

He was terrifying.

 

Nadja shivered anew as the extremely large man looked at her and frowned in what Nadja could only take as displeasure. Then, stepping forward, he eyed Pia’s side.

 

His voice was harsh, as he commanded, “What happened?” Nadja took a step back. Zoran looked angry.

 

“It … it was an accident,” Nadja said to the big warrior, hoping to direct some of his ire from her injured friend. She trembled before the giant Prince as he looked menacingly at her like she was one of his soldiers. She got the impression she shouldn’t have spoken out of turn. Slowly, she glanced at Pia, feeling sorry for the woman.

 

Pia was staring at Zoran and Nadja suddenly felt like an intruder. Olek might be a large man, but Pia’s husband was monstrous. At least Olek smiled and had the most brilliant laughing eyes that danced in gaiety and mischief. Zoran looked as if he didn’t know how to smile, let alone laugh. It was no wonder Pia didn’t talk about her husband too much. He was absolutely fearsome. Weakly, Nadja started for the door, “Pia, I’ll see you later.”

 

“Thanks, Nadja,” she heard the woman answer. “Remember to practice!” Nadja didn’t look back, skirting around the warrior Prince as quickly as she could without touching him. To her immense relief, Zoran ignored her. Reaching the hallway, she had the strangest urge to run away. Pia’s husband scared her. Now that man truly looked like a beast.

 

* * * *

 

“What’s wrong?” Olek asked, as he wife came inside their home. He stood up from the table, closing the folder of drawings he had been doodling on. He’d been 
thinking about her, almost tempted to send a guard to search her out--only he was having a hard time coming up with a good enough excuse.

 

“I met your brother,” Nadja said. Her round blue eyes shone wide from her porcelain skin. She was still shaken from the evening’s events. Zoran had looked fit to kill. Pia was injured, and even though she claimed she was fine, Nadja felt horrible about it. Pia was her first and only female friend and she had almost ruined it. She didn’t see how she could forgive her.

 

“Oh?” Olek asked, wondering why she was so pale. Her hands trembled as she walked forward and stopped by the fountain. She swayed slightly on her feet, prompting him to question seriously, “Which one?”

 

“Zoran,” she answered, weakly. The word was a shaken whisper and her lips quivered delicately.

 

“What happened?” Olek came for her, unable to stop from gathering her into his arms. His eyes devoured her, searching her mindlessly for injury or a clue as to why she was upset. Her body trembled beneath his hands and to his amazement the reserved Nadja began to cry. He pulled her to his chest, his hand cupping the back of her head to his shoulder. “Nadja, what happened? What’s wrong?” If Zoran had done anything to her, he’d kill him!

 

“Pia and I were practicing. She was trying to show me how to defend myself and I accidentally kicked her in the ribs,” Nadja cried. Her breath gasped in between words as she panted to get her story out. “I thought she was ready for me, but she wasn’t. She fell on a thing with swords and got hurt. I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

 

“Is she going to be all right?” Olek asked in a rush, patting down her hair.

 

“Yes, the medic said that she’d be fine.” Nadja sniffed. Pulling back, her wet blue eyes studied him miserably. “But I think your brother wants to…. He looked really mad at me.” Olek frowned as she burrowed deeper into his chest. He wasn’t sure what to say to her. He’d never seen her this vulnerable, this willing to stay in the comfort of his arms.

 

His body stirred with hot desire. But, beyond the desire there was more. He wanted to keep her in his embrace, protect her. It was a strange feeling, a connection that stirred between them, pulling them together. He felt every nerve in his body drawing her closer, as if he could fold her inside his chest and keep her next to his heart.

 

Feeling her tremble, Olek soothed, “Zoran has a temper but he’s a reasonable man. He won’t hurt you, Nadja. I’m sure he’s just worried. I would be if it happened to you.” Nadja pulled back to study him, her eyes wet. She didn’t look so sure. “You didn’t see his face, Olek.”

 

“I’ll tell you a secret. He always looks like that.” Nadja laughed through her anguish and hit him lightly on the chest. “You’re not funny.”

 

“Ah,” Olek murmured softly, brushing a tear back with his thumb. “It’ll be fine.

 

You’ll see. I’ll even talk to Zoran first thing tomorrow for you.” Nadja looked into the deep, liquid pools of his green eyes. They were so soft and giving. How could she resist them? She could tell he wanted to protect her. His hands stroked her gently and for the first time in her life, she felt as if nothing could reach her--

 

not even her father’s wrath.

 

“You’ll tell him I didn’t mean it?” she hesitated. Olek nodded.

 

Olek’s eyes dipped to her trembling lips. To his amazement, Nadja lifted on her toes and kissed him first. He groaned in surprise. Her hands wound up into his hair, pulling him closer. Her soft body pressed along his. Her lips were tentative, but she didn’t stop. Nadja couldn’t help herself. She felt his protective arms, smelled the passionately tempting scent of him. His lips moved beneath hers and it was all she could don’t to devour him with her body. With a moan, she forced him back towards the couch.

 

Olek’s knees hit the side and he was instantly pushed down. Before he knew what was happening, Nadja had straddled his hips with her thighs and was working her heated core onto his full arousal. She pulled back from her kiss, holding his face as she panted for air. Her eyes bore into him, pleading. He read her passion for him, but also saw her confusion. She didn’t know what to do next. It was a plea he couldn’t resist answering.

 

Olek took control. His hands ran up into her hair to free the silky brown locks before moving down to her hips. Fervently, he pulled her forward onto his clothed erection, grinding her hips to his. Nadja moaned, helping to rub herself along his extraordinarily thick length. Olek groaned into her as he thrust up to meet her. He could feel her getting wet for him. Her heated center dampened her clothes. He kissed her throat as her head tilted back and her hair fell over her shoulders. His fingers gripped into her, forcing her hips to crush harder against his.

 

“My sweet solarflower,” he growled against her flesh. He artfully swept her onto the couch so she lay beneath him, his hand cradling her head. His body worked into hers.

 

His hands were everywhere at once, on her stomach, curving to her hip, digging beneath her shirt to free her swelling breasts to the onslaught of his searching lips.

 

Nadja didn’t try to fight him. She was tried of fighting her body. She only wanted to feel him and the safety he provided her. When he touched her it was as if nothing could ever harm her again. She was safe.

 

“Tell me you want me,” Olek moaned hoarsely, desperately.

 

“Yes,” Nadja moaned and was rewarded with the press of him between her legs.

 

Her body arched. “I want you, Olek.”

 

Her hands were on his shirt, pulling it frantically over his head. He let her strip him of it. Her finger boldly found his muscular chest, gliding effortlessly over the solid bulges of his muscles. Olek reached for the drawstring tie on his pants, intent on freeing his throbbing member. Suddenly, he stopped. A groan left his parted lips and he nearly 
collapsed with his frustration. Someone was knocking on the door.

 

Taking a deep breath, he saw Nadja blink as her mind began to clear. She covered her chest from view and began to unwind her legs. A blush crept on her features. Olek grabbed her back and kissed her.

 

“Just leave it,” he said, ready to continue. “They’ll go away.”

 

“But,” Nadja began, having regained a bit of her sanity. “What if it’s about Pia?

 

What if she’s hurt worse than I thought?”

 

Olek saw she was about to panic. He climbed off her tempting body and, with a frustrated sigh, he yelled, “One moment!”

 

He grabbed his shirt, tugging it over his head. Nadja followed suit. Leaning over, his kissed her cheek and whispered the heated promise, “We’re not finished with this, solarflower.”

 

Nadja hesitated at the heated admission. Her arms trembled, now that she had time to stop and think about what she was doing. The old insecurities hit upon her hard.

 

Olek had been so passionate, so bold, and she became frightened she wouldn’t measure up to his expectations.

 

Olek strode determinately to the door, walking around the fountain, eager to send whoever it was away. Nadja righted her clothes. Still on the couch, she used the fountain as a blockade between her and the door until she felt she could properly receive their guest. “Draea Anwealda,” a servant acknowledged. Olek frowned, recognizing him instantly as his father’s man. He glanced over his shoulder to where Nadja still sat. Her cheeks and neck were flushed. “The King bids you to join him immediately in his office. 
Prince Zoran is back from his mission and has reported. The King wishes to discuss his findings with you. Furthermore, he said to tell you there is a problem with the trade agreement and he wishes to go over the final preparations for tomorrow’s event.” Olek swallowed. Stiffly, he nodded. “Inform my father I’ll be right there.”

 

“Very good, my lord,” said the servant, doing as he was told.

 

Olek turned. Nadja was already standing. Her clothes were smooth and her eyes were again guarded. Never had he cursed his position as much as he did in that moment.

 

“Nadja,” he began hoarsely, feeling the need to explain.

 

“Go,” she told him calmly. “I was just a little emotional. I’m fine now. Your kingdom needs you.”

 

“But.…” His eyes roamed desperately over her. His body strained horribly. He didn’t want to leave her.

 

“I know, you have to go to work,” she answered. Olek flinched. She was calm--

 

too calm. What happened to the fiery passion of just moments ago? He wanted it back.

 

Her voice was mild, as she urged, “Duty is duty. Now, go. The King is waiting.” He detected a sour note to her words. He hesitated, torn between staying and leaving. Knowing she was right, he growled and stalked out of the house. What else could 
he do? Nadja watched him go. As soon as the door slid shut behind him, she let loose a ragged breath of tortured air and fell back onto the couch. She couldn’t move to save her life. Her body sung with the tumultuous fire of his touch. But, as she had time to cool her thoughts, she grew frightened by the passion in him. His eyes had been so determined, so possessive. After what she did to Pia, she had been so vulnerable, his arms so comforting.

 

Nadja never acted rashly, never just leapt before thinking. This time, she just leapt into his arms, no debate, no considering the consequences. She shivered, her thoughts were thoroughly confused.

 

To Olek’s misfortune and bodily frustration, his father’s need of him lasted well into the night. Zoran had nothing of relevance to report. He had followed a suspected Var spy into the swamps, but had to turn back without completely tracking the man down if he was to make it to the coronation on time.

 

The Lithor Republic returned a communication much more quickly than they had expected. It was nearly one hundred pages long and with it came a ten page request that basically asked to set up an official meeting between two of their dignitaries. By the time they were finished drafting a response to the smaller document, the King decided to put the ceremony’s final preparations off until the morning.

 

Olek was in an unpleasant mood by the time he got back home. His head throbbed terribly from having to decipher the Lithorian mess. He deposited the hundred page communication on his desk, none to eager to sift through it.

 

Nadja was asleep. He looked at her for a long time, lying on his couch with a blanket and pillow. He wondered why she chose to sleep there instead of the bed where she had been staying. There wasn’t room for two of them and he had no wish to wake her so late. His body aching, his head throbbing, he left her as he went to bed.

 

The next morning he awoke late. Nadja was already gone. He assumed she was checking in on Zoran’s wife.

 

His dreams had been haunted by her kiss, overshadowed by the duties he faced and the attendance of the Var at the festivities. The Prince would not have admitted it, but the Var threat to the royal Princesses was in the back of his mind, though he had no proof of their conspiring.

 

Dressing quickly, he had no choice but to go back to the royal office to prepare for the night’s ceremony. The sooner he could get it done, the sooner he could be back home with his Nadja. A smiled found his lips. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too averse to picking up where they had left off.

 

* * * *

 

Nadja’s fingers trembled in nervous excitement, despite herself. She’d been to celebrations, balls, parties, and numerous other royal events before. She’d even been the guest of honor along with her father at many of those functions, giving joint speeches with him, shaking hands, and smiling pretty for the crowds. So tonight should have been no different--but it was.

Nadja smiled in nervous anticipation, taking twice as long with her hair to make 
sure it was perfectly upswept. She put on makeup and perfume. Looking at her bare throat and ears, she wished she hadn’t been so rash getting rid of all her jewelry. A diamond necklace would have gone perfectly with the gown.

 

She’d spent most of the day with Pia, helping the woman get ready. Pia was fine, moving around as if nothing had happened. The woman really didn’t hold a grudge and Nadja was glad, though she still felt guilty. To her relief, Zoran had been gone while she was there.

 

Finishing her makeup, Nadja practiced smiling into the mirror before going to get her gown. She pulled the light robe around her as she walked. Olek was still gone. She knew he was more than likely with his father.

 

Her gown was divided into two layers. The first was a softened, cream-colored, faille silk that overlaid a tight corset bodice on the top with non-existent sleeves. It pushed her breasts up, but not too much. The cream skirt then flared out from the hips in a light sweeping affect that glided beautifully when she walked.

 

The top layer was more of a high-collared jacket of dark green. She’d been told that green was Prince Olek’s royal color and she would be wearing it in some form at most royal functions, whether it was a gown or a simple sash. The jacket met at her waist with silver miniature dragon clips. The overskirt flowed, though it was heavier than the cream. Slipping into green dress slippers, she sighed, feeling every inch a Princess.

 

“You look … lovely,” Olek said in awe from the bedroom door. His gaze roamed hungrily over her.

 

Nadja turned, not having heard Olek walk in. She smiled, brushing down her skirt.

 

“You don’t think it’s too much?”

 

“It’s perfect,” he murmured, unable to stop himself from going to her. He began to reach for her waist. Nadja darted out of his embrace. Olek started in surprise, confused.

 

“I spent three hours on this hair. You are not going to ruin it,” she said, seriously.

 

Her hands lifted to make sure he stayed back.

 

Olek couldn’t help his easy smile. He took a step for her again, teasing her as he pretended to reach for her.

 

“Oh, stay back,” Nadja cried. Her face fell in worry. “I mean it!” Olek laughed. “Agreed, but only if you give me one kiss.” Nadja eyed him suspiciously.

 

“Just one,” he urged, taking a step forward. He lifted his hands to the side. “I won’t even touch you. See, I’ll keep my hands right here.” Nadja, still watching him carefully, eased forward. His mouth stuck out expectantly and she pecked him on the cheek.

 

Olek’s hands instantly found her waist, pulling her to him. “You call that a kiss?” Nadja struggled against his hold, though the power in his arms did excite her. She swatted at his hands, trying to get free. “Olek, come on, let go.”

 

“Fine, but I want a rain check. Promise to kiss me later and I’ll let you go for now,” Olek said. His eyes dipped down to her cleavage with untold promises. Nadja knew that he would be expecting more this night than just a kiss.

 

Weakly she nodded. “Now let me go. I’ve got to go check on my hair and make sure you didn’t shake it loose.”

 

Olek grinned. Her hair hadn’t moved. Murmuring into her creamy white throat, he asked, “What if I promised not to touch your hair? Would you at least let me see the rest of this dress?”

 

Nadja was confused. She looked down, trying to see what he meant. “This is the whole dress.”

 

Olek’s hand shifted to undo one of the dragon clasps and his hand dipped beneath the jacket at her waist. Leaning forward, he nuzzled her neck playfully. “I want to see under here.”

 

Nadja swallowed.

 

“And under here,” Olek huskily continued, his hand trailing down the underskirt to her buttocks and thigh. He could feel she was naked beneath the gown. “Let me see what you’re wearing underneath this skirt. Will you take it off for me?” Nadja nearly swooned to feel his lips assaulting her neck. Passion readily flooded into her limb. She moaned.

 

“You smell so good,” he murmured. “You feel so good.” Olek’s fingers moved back to undo the second and third clasps, completely freeing the top layer. He groaned to see the tight bodice clinging to her flesh. He saw her nipples tightening under the gown, responding to his assault.

 

Suddenly, she swatted as his searching hands. Olek chuckled, surprised he’d gotten as far as he had.

 

“We’re going to be late,” Nadja said, though in truth she had no idea when the event was to start.

 

“Ah, solarflower,” Olek moaned. Teasing, he added, “I won’t take too long.” Her face scrunched up, not completely understanding, but not liking the idea of a fast whatever-it-was he was planning.

 

“Is that a no?” Olek asked, stroking her buttocks one last time and giving it a hard squeeze before letting go.

 

“Get dressed,” Nadja ordered. Then, looking at the bed, she said, “Your clothes are right there.”

 

Olek turned to follow her nod. He smiled. She’d picked and laid out one of his formal tunics for him. Leaning forward, he smacked her loudly on the lips and let her go.

 

Nadja was almost sorry to feel his protective arms leave her.

 

“Do you want to help me get dressed?” he asked mischievously.

 

“I have to go fix this mess you made of me,” she scolded, walking from the room.

 

Olek smiled after her like a fool. Then, sighing, he went about making himself 
presentable.

 

* * * *

 

Nadja looked around the main common hall. The red stone floor was swept clean.

It had steep, arched ceilings with the center dome for light. It was larger than the one in her home. Banners of the family crest lined the walls, one for each color of the family lines--green for Olek, red for Zoran, purple for the King and Queen, black and blue-gray for each of the other Princes. Each banner had the embroidered silver symbol of the dragon.Lines of tables reached across the floor for dining, filled with villagers and attended to by servants who carted out endless pitchers of various drinks and set them out on the tables. Their murmuring voices could be heard all around the hall.

 

Frowning, Nadja realized no one had thought of decorations. There were table cloths and a vase of flowers on the royal table, but the walls were bare and only goblets and pitchers graced the lower tables.

 

Trust men to throw such a party, she thought wearily. She’d just have to offer in a hand next time. At least there were musicians setting up in the corner. That was something.

 

Glancing at Olek, her heart fluttered. He was seated next to her, on the left. On her right was the King. He had smiled at her politely and welcomed her. But, beyond that, he didn’t speak to her and kept turned to his wife.

 

Pia was next to the Queen, looking uncomfortable. Zoran was by her side, looking as forbidding as ever in his red oriental style tunic. Next to him was Prince Yusef. Nadja had never seen him before. He was much darker than the rest of the family and looked as unhappy as Zoran. The seat next to him was empty.

 

The Princes, the King, and the Queen all wore silver crowns atop their heads as a symbol of their sovereignty. Queen Mede’s was smaller in size, thought of the same plain design. Nadja glanced at Olek’s.

 

“Where’s your other brother at?” Nadja asked curiously, leaning into Olek.

 

“He’ll be here in a moment. His wife has to come in and end her slavery first,” he answered. For a moment, he was lost in the blue depths of her eyes. Those eyes hardened in dismay.

 

“Your brother made his wife a slave?” she hissed in disbelief.

 

“She did it to herself,” Olek defended, wondering why she was getting so heated up.

 

Nadja’s mouth pressed into a thin line. It was just like these men to blame the woman! Suddenly, the hall grew very quiet and her attention turned forward.

 

Morrigan Blake drew to the center of the room, her head down-turned in a way that made Nadja want to scream. The woman looked absolutely subdued. Where was the 

spunky, sarcastic Rigan she’d known on the ship? Where was the woman, who always looked proudly to the distance, as if she were overrun with thoughts and ideas?

 

“Queen Mede, King Llyr,” Morrigan said giving the royal couple a curtsey. Her voice wavered and she swallowed. Nadja’s frowned deepened, urgently wanting to go to the woman’s rescue. What sort of a man would make his wife humiliate herself like this in public? She shot a glare at Olek, wishing he would help the poor woman. Morrigan continued, “I come to you as a humble slave, begging for your royal pardon. I have restored my honor and wish to seek your blessing.” Nadja lifted her jaw. Her lips pressed harshly, turning white.

 

“Prince Olek?” the Queen asked.

 

Nadja glanced at her husband. He had something to do with this? He allowed this to happen? Maybe he wasn’t the man she thought he was. Maybe she didn’t know him at all. He never told her about his work. What if his work included enslaving women or selling children? She really had no clue. Just as soon as she could, she was going to raid his office and find out what he was up to once and for all.

 

“Yea,” Olek answered boldly. She turned her eyes forward, waiting quietly as the Queen named her sons and husband, getting the same answers.

 

“And I say ‘yea’. She has spoken well,” Queen Mede allowed when she had finished. “We have agreed. It is up to you, my son. Will this slave receive her pardon, Prince Ualan?”

 

Nadja couldn’t listen to anymore as Prince Ualan made his way down to his wife.

 

Turning her head to Olek, she whispered, “How could you have allowed this to happen?” Olek frowned, not understanding. “I didn’t allow anything.”

 

“But, you’re taking part in it!”

 

Olek blinked, not understanding what he had done. Ualan’s wife enslaved herself by her own will. Not even Ualan had any say in it.

 

“Yea,” Ualan announced. “I shall pardon my wife. She has proven herself very worthy of her title and of my family’s honor.

 

“Arrogant wretch,” Nadja mumbled under her breath, watching as Ualan led his wife to the table.

 

“What?” Olek asked, leaning in to hear her better.

 

“Nothing,” Nadja grumbled. When Morrigan looked up at her, she could tell the woman was upset. She looked ready to kill. Nadja smiled at that, glad to see the woman’s spirits hadn’t been completely broken.

 

“It is glad I am that all my sons have found brides. We are a house blessed,” the King announced when Ualan and Morrigan were seated. “Preosts, crown the Princesses.” Nadja felt a crown being placed over her hair and automatically reached up to help the Preost ease it on her head without messing up her upsweep. She didn’t turn around to look at the man as he spoke Qurilixian words she didn’t understand. She glanced around, happy and very much relieved to see there weren’t any cameras in the hall taking her
picture.She felt Olek affectionately take her hand and stiffened. He glanced at her, smiling kindly. For a moment, his gaze almost drew her in, but she looked away before she let it.