“Only every night … and during most of the day. Each of those dreams started something like this.” She lifted onto her toes and planted another slow, sensual kiss on his lips.
He slipped his arms around her waist and savored the feel of her supple body pressed against his. Soon, he began to fear that he’d be driven mad by desire before he had the opportunity to carry out his master plan. Marshaling his will, he broke away from the kiss but held her close. “I want us to be together always,” he said. “I thought of nothing else the whole time we were apart.”
Her hazel eyes sparkled from within. The thought clearly delighted her.
“I am so hopelessly in love with you, Vaush. Seeing you now, I know that more than ever.”
She gave him a crooked smile that melted him like a warm fire on a cold winter’s night. “The moment I saw you across the field,” she said, closing her eyes dreamily. “I knew I’d sacrifice anything for the chance to be with you. I am yours, Comron Van Laven.”
Her words welled within his heart, and he fought the urge to give action to his desire. There would be time enough for that after the essentials. “Would you defy your father and all the world to be with me?”
“Yes, every last one of them,” she replied without hesitation, as she traced her finger along his strong jawline.
“Then you will help me break my betrothal.”
Her expression fell. “I thought it was already broken.” She reared back from him. “When you said you found a way to break it, I just assumed the deed would be done by the time we saw each other again.”
“It will be,” he quickly replied. “I can’t marry Spira if I’m already married to you.”
“Comron, what are you saying? I’m completely—” she paused as Comron went down on one knee. “Wait … w-what are you doing?”
He withdrew a small box from his jacket, opened it to reveal a spectacular ring that made Vaush gasp and clamp her hands over her mouth.
“Vaush … from the beginning of our journey together you have utterly delighted and amazed me. Ultimately, you have given me a love worth more than all the thrones and crowns in this world. I cast it all at your feet, everything that I possess, everything that I am I offer to you. I can think of no greater honor than to spend the rest of my life by your side as a loyal, loving husband, for as long as I draw breath. Will you accept my hand and become my wife?”
For a moment, he thought Vaush would cry, though whether from joy or anger he couldn’t tell.
“Comron, I don’t … I-I mean, yes, yes, of course! I want this more than anything, but our families, your position. We can’t just—”
“Do you love me, Vaush?” he asked in a sharp tone.
“You know I do or I wouldn’t be here.”
“Then dash all the rest of it because if we don’t marry now, my father will force me to go through with the marriage to Spira. Will you let that happen? Will you have another woman share my bed when it should be you?”
“No!” The fire in her hazel eyes pleased him. “Don’t say that, Comron.”
“Then marry me and take your rightful place at my side before the gods and men.”
“Comron, listen to me. My father will kill you if he finds out.”
“I’m not afraid of Larrs.” He bit off the words. “And I won’t let him hurt you either. As my wife, you will come under my protection.”
Upon hearing this, Vaush turned away from him. “Frithe’s gates, Comron. You’re speaking so calmly about this but it terrifies me.”
He rose to his feet. “The thought of not being with you is what terrifies me. My Father refused to release me from the betrothal contract so, short of me killing Spira, this is our only hope to be together.” He prayed this wouldn’t be the one time Vaush chose to compromise her values by conceding to become his mistress instead of his wife.
“You’d willingly risk your crown rather than let me go?”
“Letting you go is not an option,” he said incensed, knowing she failed to understand what he truly meant. “Either we marry this day or I’ll be forced to ….”
She looked sideways at him. “Forced to do what, Comron?”
He grew anxious for a moment, as he contemplated the unthinkable. But then he saw the look in her eyes that told him she was ready to take the leap with him, but just needed a little nudge.
“Vaush, we both know we’re destined to be together. From the moment you saved my life on that transport floor, you knew you were setting something into motion that was bigger than the both of us. This is the culmination of that moment.”
He moved in closer and stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. The pitch of his voice changed to a more a seductive tone. “And now, you will marry me, so that I can spend the rest of my life filling your days with joy and filling your nights with more pleasure than your body has ever known.”
Vaush’s eyes glimmered and she favored him with her best come-take-me grin. “That’s a pretty tall order, Lord Van Laven.” She placed her hand on his chest. “But do you really think the promise of your … bed is enough to make me forget about all the trouble we’ll bring down upon our heads?”
He pulled her closer so that there was no space between them. “When you are in my bed, I assure you, there will be no room to think of anything but what you’re feeling in that moment.”
She moaned and drew his face to hers, parting her lips to his as a sign of her complete surrender. As their passion rose, so did his confidence that his plan would work and that he could save Vaush and preserve Nethic.
“Shall I take that as a yes?” he breathed.
She threw her head back with light laughter. “Yes, yes, I will marry you.”
“Good, now gather your things and let’s go.”
“Go where, I thought we were staying on Patheis.”
“No, we can’t risk it,” he said, taking her by the hand and leading her back to her transport. “We’ll go somewhere they’d never think to look—Ketherton Sound.”
They ascended the entry ramp. “Ketherton Sound? I’ve never heard of the place.”
“Precisely,” he replied. “More importantly neither has Crausin or Larrs.”
Vaush tapped in the security code and they entered the transport. “How long will we be there?”
“Just a couple of days. I’ve already arranged for a magistrate to be present to officiate at the ceremony.”
She turned to look at him. “So confident were you that I’d accept your proposal?”
“Not confident, just hopeful,” he replied. “Now please hurry, love. Just a few items will do.”
Vaush quickly packed her things into a cylinder-shaped blue valise. “I suppose whatever I’ve forgotten we can acquire while there.”
“You’ll be fine. Now let’s go.”
CHAPTER 32
As Comron’s interplanetary transport sped toward Ketherton Sound, Vaush reclined in the co-pilot’s seat and let her eyes linger upon him. Even now as he read the monitors with his expression stern and resolute, Vaush found him to be disturbingly irresistible. So much so, it was quite the effort to refrain from hopping into his lap and having him there in the cockpit.
But she remained seated and spoke in an unaffected manner. “So, we’re really going to do this?”
His eyes remained fixed upon the monitors. “Yes, unless you can come up with a better idea.”
She raised a finely plucked brow. “If one of my acquaintances told me they were going to get married after spending only five days with their future spouse, I’d declare them certifiably mad.”
“Those weren’t just any five days.” He glanced at her. “We lived a lifetime in them and learned things about each other that would have taken years to discover.”
She nodded. “And now Houses Van Laven and Bastionli are to be joined in holy matrimony. Can you think of a more unholy alliance?”
His jaw twitched with distaste.
“Wait,” she said, pointing at him. “I saw that
look. Are you certain you wish to marry me, Lord Van Laven?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Even more than I wish the crown of Nethic.”
She appraised him thoughtfully. “Who would have guessed that the wolf of Nethic possessed the heart of a romantic? I am utterly amazed by you. And I eagerly look forward to you fulfilling that rather … provocative promise of yours.”
That drew a sensuous smile across his lips. “As am I, my love.”
“That look …,” she sighed. “I believe I’d do anything you asked me to right now.” There was a small ache in her heart as she considered the risks associated with falling so hard for a man with Comron’s scandalous reputation. There had been so many women.
“I fell so quickly and deeply for you. I pray I never regret it.”
He appeared offended by the implication. “I vow to be exclusively devoted to you in every possible way. I will never give you any cause for regret.”
She thought it strange that he knew exactly what she needed to hear to soothe her in that moment. “Comron Van Laven … I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I don’t want to … not ever.”
He turned away from the monitors and faced her. “You haven’t said it yet.”
She looked curiously at him. “Said what?”
“That you love me. I want to hear the words from your lips.”
When she gazed into those marvelous green eyes, the Nethicaen words flowed easily from her mouth, “Je se nuseo, kir fenein, Erch Comron Van Laven.”
His eyes lit up in delight. “You’ve been practicing; your inflection was perfect.”
“I wanted to surprise you.” Blushing, she lowered her eyes and looked at the stunning ring upon her finger. “This is absolutely breathtaking.” She held her hand aloft admiring it.
“It’s one of the finest pieces from our crown jewels,” he explained. “Duke Rhaeghor had it crafted for his beloved queen-wife nearly two centuries ago, the value of which is incalculable.”
“Comron,” she said alarmed by the disclosure. “It’s a priceless state treasure. I can’t accept something of such value. It belongs to Nethic.”
“I’m the Crown Prince of Nethic, which makes it mine to give to whomever I please. And it pleases me immeasurably to give it to my beautiful bride.”
She thought of the rich lore that surrounded this legendary ring and the love that Nethicaens bore their esteemed Duke Rhaegor. There’d be open revolt if they discovered that it resided on the hand of House Bastionli. The weight of it was too heavy to bear.
“Really, Comron. Something less would do.”
“No,” he said firmly. “I want to give you the very best that I have to offer, to represent the depths of my feelings for you. To reject it is to reject my love.”
Only then did she truly understand its value to him and how she’d offended him by objecting to it. “Then I accept it in the spirit in which it was given, and I will cherish it all of my days.”
CHAPTER 33
The grand old stone manor stood as a solitary figure on the high cliffs of Ketherton Sound. Below, the waves crashed upon the gray shimmering sand, breaking against jagged rocks along the bleak shoreline. The manor had been built nearly a century ago by a retired sea captain who had planned to bring his family to Ketherton Sound only to lose them on the voyage over.
How tragic, Vaush thought as she peered out the window at the dreary overcast sky. To the east, the moors dominated the landscape, the heath spreading out across the craggy surfaces. It was every bit a remote and isolated location, a place time had forgotten and where souls escaped when they wished to be hidden from the world.
As promised, the town magistrate was present at their arrival. The modest wedding ceremony was witnessed by the house staff, all grim characters as stark as the host environment. After giving strict instructions to the servants, Comron whisked Vaush up the stone staircase to the master chambers where they spent the night consummating their marriage.
Several hours later, the morning light poured through windows, casting its glow upon Vaush’s face. Comron watched her. She lay asleep, naked and utterly spent, her hair tussled in a seductive mess. True to his word, he’d pleasured her masterfully and relentlessly until she could endure no more. That she hadn’t objected to his aggressive and domineering style gave him hope that he could eventually adapt her to all his needs, as he had every intention of honoring his vow of fidelity and, in turn, she would learn to satisfy her husband’s needs.
“You’re a Van Laven now, my love,” he whispered. Larrs would burst an organ when he found out, but not for the reasons Vaush imagined. All the years of Larrs’ ingenious planning and scheming were being summarily crushed by Comron. The heir to the imperial throne had aligned herself with House Van Laven against Bastionli. It was a true masterstroke!
His sense of triumph was short-lived when he considered the next step in his plan—confronting Crausin in order to enlist his aid in delivering Vaush to Novoxos. His gut wrenched at the prospect. His only sliver of hope was that Crausin’s desire to see Nethic advance by light-years would quench his inexplicable need to control and dominate Comron toward his will.
Damn it, Crausin will never agree to this!
He groaned aloud and Vaush stirred a moment before drifting back to sleep.
Their only other option was to make a run for Novoxos on their own. He almost laughed at the ludicrous odds of them reaching Novoxos with the combined forces of Thalonius, Recaban, and Crausin rabidly hunting them. It would be nothing short of a suicide run.
No, in order to save Vaush and Nethic, his plan had to succeed. The sooner he confronted Crausin the better. Growing restless with these thoughts, Comron rose naked from the bed and padded over toward the bathing room for a shower.
CHAPTER 34
Vaush awakened to an empty bed and the sound of running water. She blinked under the morning light and stretched her arms above her head. Thinking a shower sounded like an excellent idea, she sat up in the bed and felt a dull ache all over her body. She remembered how demanding and insatiable Comron’s needs had been last night. He’d kept her suspended in a heightened state of arousal, breathless and always on the cusp of going over the edge, and then plunging over it only to start the sensual marathon all over again.
Toward the end, it wasn’t just amorous passion she felt from him, there was something else, more like … rage. It simultaneously frightened her and heightened her own passions. After one particularly vigorous session, she could have sworn that he looked at her with utter scorn, as if he wished her harm. But she knew that could not be, for she also remembered the tender moments they shared, where he repeatedly declared his abiding love for her, his beloved wife.
She was certain that it was just the reality setting in. The reality that he would likely lose his title and throne, the reality that ending the betrothal would result in an avalanche of negative publicity and inquiry into his private affairs. Would the price they paid for their love ultimately be their undoing?
The thought robbed her of her spirit and she collapsed back into the bed. Just then, the water shut off and shortly thereafter Comron appeared, drying off with a plush beige towel.
“Ah, you’re awake,” he said, wrapping the towel around his waist as he crossed the room to her side. “Good morning, wife.” He leaned in for a kiss.
“Well … it is now.”
“Did you sleep well?” he asked, brushing back her tussled hair.
She stretched lazily, testing sore muscles. “Never better,” she replied and then perked up at the distinct aroma. “Is that suyan calleis I smell?”
“Yes, and breakfast will be ready soon.”
“Excellent,” she said, bounding out of the bed. “A quick bath and I’ll be right along.”
Dressed in a fluffy bathrobe, Vaush joined Comron in the sunroom off the master chamber. She examined the spread on the table. “Honey cakes, drogna sausage, khana eggs, and teaberry tarts. Darling, you’ll spoil me fat,” she laugh
ed.
A diffident smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I was starving after last night. I thought you might be as well.”
She eyed him as she sat down. “Sir, I do believe that you’re blushing.” She smirked, taking a bite of a teaberry tart. “It becomes you.”
“You become me,” he replied, his eyes full of earnest.
“Oh, no.” She waved a finger at him. “You stop looking at me like that or I’ll have you right here in the middle of the teaberry tarts.” They both laughed. “Then where would we be?” she said, tossing her dark coils back, her voice filling the air with laughter.
He watched her and delighted at the spectacle. “You do my heart good, Vaush Van Laven.” When her laughter abated and silence followed, he said, “Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for.”
“I’m sorry, darling, but it will take some time getting used to hearing that name associated with my own.”
“That name? You say it as if it dishonors you.”
“Comron, remember that on Ti-Laros, a person is required to spit or worse at the mention of your name.”
He winced at her words.
“Come now,” she chuckled. “I can only imagine what Nethicaens say and do at the mention of Bastionli.”
He preferred a generous bite of khana eggs to answering her challenge. It was hardly a laughing matter. If his plan was to succeed, Vaush had to embrace all things Nethicaen and reject Ti-Laros. From there his silence degraded into brooding. With so much at stake, Vaush’s unwavering allegiance had to be the one thing he could count on.
“Comron, where are you?”
He looked at her unaware he’d become so lost in thought.
She cocked her head to the side. “You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you?”
“Of course I have. You were saying something about … some village … somewhere.” His shoulders sagged in surrender. “I’m sorry, really I am. It’s just that I have a great deal on my mind at the moment.”
“I’d hoped I would be the only thing on your mind at the moment.” She sank back in her chair pouting. “But you’d obviously rather be somewhere else.”