Grim

  “Wray has granted Luuken’s petition.” He tells her softly and watches her eyes widen "In a little over a week we will leave for Tornian."

  “But that makes no sense Grim. If Wray granted the petition why would Luuken attack?” She gives him a confused look.

  “Because the girls would remain with me, even if you joined with another, so I would still be King.”

  “Because you agreed to accepted and protect them when no one else would, including Luuken.”

  “Yes. He would have to prove that I was unfit to care for my offspring and that has happened only once in all known history.”

  “A male killed his female?”

  “No…” Grim hesitates not wanting to explain further, not after what she’d experienced.

  “Grim…” She prompts.

  “He raped his own offspring Lisa.”

  “Dear god!”

  “His life was ended but his females were never the same.”

  “Of course not, how could they be. It is the worst kind for betrayal, the harming of one's own child.” Lisa's eyes fill with tears at the thought.

  “Some say it caused the Goddess to remove her blessing from all Tornian warriors. That it is what made our females became so few. It is her punishment, for abusing her gift.”

  “Maybe she’s decided you have suffered enough, for the sins of one.” She gives him a slight smile.

  “Perhaps.” Kissing the top of her head, he rises. "Now if you won't rest, you will eat."

  Thinking about what Grim's said, Lisa rises, pulling on her robe. She's not nearly as sore as she expected to be, looking in the cleansing room mirror. She's surprised to see her bruises getting lighter instead of darker. Harder's treatment seems to be working.

  "Amazing..." She whispers touching her cheek.

  "What is my Lisa?” Grim's image joins her in the mirror.

  "How my bruise is starting to fade already. On Earth, it would be getting darker. I'll have to thank Hadar."

  "He is a very skilled Healer. Had he not been on Luda when I was injured it's doubtful I would have survived." Lisa's eyes widen as they meet his in the mirror. Luda without Grim...she can't imagine it.

  "Then he's earned my eternal gratitude.” Turning in his arms, she stretches up. "For I can't imagine my life without you in it."

  "Nor mine without you my Lisa." Meeting her halfway, he captures her healed lips before lifting her against his chest, desire instantly flaring. Moaning Lisa sinks her fingers into his hair to deepen the kiss. At the sound Grim freezes, ripping his mouth from hers, his eyes full of stormy passion. "No... it is too soon." His voice is rough with denied desire.

  "Grim..." Wrapping her legs around his waist, Lisa refuses to release him when he tries to set her down.

  "It is too soon my Lisa." He groans as she rubs against his stiff shaft. "You need to heal."

  "No Grim, I need you." Golden eyes bore into grey. "Don't let what Luuken's done come between us Grim. Please. I need to feel your touch on my body. Your hands."

  "I will hurt you."

  "Never my love, never will you hurt me." Grim looks into his Lisa's pleading eyes and knows he can deny her nothing, especially himself.

  "We will go slowly." He says carefully sliding her robe down her arms taking her nightgown with it, revealing unmarred creamy breasts that jut up, pouting at him, begging for his mouth and he gives it.

  Lisa wraps her arms around Grim’s head, arching her back, offering more. “Yes Grim…that feels so good.” Grim growls as he consumes first one breast then the other, lost in the feel of his beautiful Lisa.

  Lisa’s lost in the wonderful sensations Grim’s mouth is creating, erasing the memory of Farber. This is her male, the only one that will ever touch her this way. She will kill the next male that tries. No one takes what is Grim’s and she is his.

  Knowing Grim will never allow her to fall she lets her hands flow down his chest, one pausing to tease his nipples while the other works on releasing him. She needs to feel him, all of him.

  Grim releases her nipple with a pop, groaning as Lisa’s hand grips his thick cock, stroking him.

  “Goddess Lisa…”

  “I need you Grim.” Shifting she places him at her slick entrance, slowly lowering herself, until she’s fully embedded all of him inside her, then just as slowly, she rises, her heavy lidded eyes never leaving his.

  “Goddess Lisa!” Grim snarls, as she nearly pulls completely out before repeating her sensual torture.

  “You said slow Grim.” She tells him, her voice heavy with need and desire.

  “Fuck slow!” Grim whips, around pinning her against the wall but not before making sure his arms protect her from its rough texture. “Hang on to me!” He demands, as his hips thrust deeply, reaching that place only he can.

  Gripping his shoulders, Lisa holds on, as Grim drives into her, wiping away the memory of anyone else’s touch. Making her his and only his again. “God Grim! Don’t stop! Never stop!” The need tightening within her has her screaming into Grim’s chest as it snaps. Grim’s roar echo’s off the walls as he follows her one thrust later.

  “Praise the Goddess.” Lisa whispers sometime later when she can finally breathe again. Grim’s chest rumbles beneath her as he chuckles.

  “I believe I should be saying that.” Looking up at him, she sees his amusement and concern.

  “Well I needed to thank her too. For bringing you to me and I am fine.” Forcing her languid muscles to move, she stretches to kiss his lips.

  Leaning back, Lisa rubs her stomach, knowing there's no way she can take another bite. Looking to Grim, she sees he's watching her with a frown.

  "I'm fine, just full."

  "You need to eat more." He looks at her half eaten meal.

  "I'm sure I will when the girls get up. They're going to be unhappy that they missed you."

  "I’ll make sure I'm here for last meal." Grim rises to finish dressing. Remaining where she is, Lisa watches him enjoying the way he looks in his uniform. When he moves to pull on his royal sash, she frowns. Obviously, he's going to see Luuken, letting him know that he is King of Luda.

  "Grim?" She questions.

  "What my Lisa?" Turning he sees her frowning. "Are you in pain?" Quickly he's at her side.

  "No, I'm fine, honestly." She quickly reassures him. "Why would Luuken promise Farber he would be Captain of the King's Guard, the King of Luda's Guard? Is Luuken a royal? A brother to you somehow?"

  "Never!" He has to take a deep breath to calm at the very thought of it. "And Luuken could never be King of Luda, only a blood relative to the Emperor is allowed to be King."

  "Then, why would Farber believe him?" Finding she can't sit she paces. "Why would he risk it? Why would Baccuus and Focke, if there was never even a chance?" Grim frowns, thinking about what she's said and pales realizing there is one way, a way he'd never considered, he wonders if Wray has.

  "Grim?" Lisa notices his sudden stillness.

  "Do you remember the male I told you about? The one that raped his females."

  "Yes." Lisa replies knowing she's not going to like this.

  "He was Emperor Lucan Berto. For his crimes he was executed, his family striped of their right to rule the Tornian Empire. The Assembly of Lords convened and Wyck Vasteri of House Vasteri was chosen as Emperor, my ancestor."

  "Bertos and Luuken are descendants of Lucan Berto..."

  "Yes, Berto had two male and two female offspring."

  "So, there would be reason for some to believe they could promise these things. If this Assembly of Lords decided to make Bertos Emperor."

  "The Lords cannot remove the Emperor. Berto had a brother. It was feared that the evil that had infected the Emperor also affected the bloodline. Therefore, he was not allowed to ascend. The only other time the Lords would decide is if the Vasteri blood line were to end."

  "As in you and Wray dying with no offspring."

  "Yes..." Grim looks at Lisa sharply.

  "But Wra
y has two male offspring and a pregnant Empress."

  "Wray's youngest, Van was killed five years ago when his transport was swept off a bridge in a storm."

  "On Tornian?"

  "Yes, in the Etruria Region…Bertos’ Region.” Grim pauses gathering his thoughts. “Bertos was able to obtain a female five years ago, even though he already had Luuken. She's given him another male and remains with him." Grim watches Lisa closely. "It is Risa."

  "Risa!” Lisa can’t believe it. “That little bitch gets around doesn't she?” Pacing Lisa tries to pull her thoughts together. “You…the Empress…Van...she's around for all of them."

  "It would be unlikely she is involved my Lisa. Bertos yes, but not Risa."

  "Why? Because she's female?" Lisa challenges.

  "Well…yes…she would only be concerned with what she can get from her next male."

  "You mean if he could get her back to Tornio, right? That's what you said all your females want…to be Empress."

  "Yes..."

  "And who better to know who is becoming powerful then someone who lived in Tornio, whose father was the Captain of the Emperor's Guard."

  "It's been fifteen years since my attack my Lisa."

  "An attack you weren’t meant to survive.” Lisa reminds him. “What happened to Risa after it?"

  "She returned to Tornio and claiming no fit male had been presented, petitioned Wray to assume responsibility for her until one could. The Empress agreed."

  "Whoa! Whoa!” Lisa gives Grim a totally confused look. "What are you talking about?"

  "A female can put off her first joining if she doesn't feel the males presented are fit." He holds up a hand cutting Lisa off. "But only if her father allows it."

  "Risa's father was dead."

  "Yes, in that case, she may request protection from another male as long as he is already joined and his female is agreeable. Few females are."

  "But the Empress was."

  “Yes, she thought fondly of Risa and allowed her to stay.”

  “That fondness may have cost her, her life Grim.”

  Grim turns walking to a window and looks out at over Luda thinking about what Lisa has suggested. It goes against everything he knows. Yes, their females could be conniving, using one male against another but to do this, for it to be going on for so long.

  If it were Bertos…Bertos he can see waiting…plotting…building the support he would need, if House Vasteri were wiped out. Turning he sees Lisa has been watching him with concerned eyes, concern for him. She is not like their females in anyway but still seems to understand how their mind works.

  “You think Risa has been involved all along.”

  “Yes.”

  “Explain to me why.”

  “She was in Tornio and wanted to stay there, yet when her father died she petitioned to join with you early instead of requesting Wray’s protection then…why? What difference would that time make, unless it made a difference to someone else…say Bertos. She could have met him at Tornio couldn’t she? If what I’ve been given is correct Bertos was Lord of Etruria, even then.”

  “Yes he was.”

  “If you would have been killed, the Lords would have chosen Luda’s next King right?”

  “Yes, but he would have only served until Van was able to replace him.”

  “And Van died.” She says quietly.

  “Yes...”

  “The warriors who ambushed you…did you ever discover why?”

  "None survived long enough to be questioned."

  "They were from Luda?"

  "No, they seemed to be a group of random warriors. No connection was ever made between them."

  "They had no ties to House Bertos? No younger brothers training there?" Grim raises an eyebrow at the suggestion, it had never occurred to him. "I do not know if Alger ever looked into that possibility. You think Risa set up the meeting so Bertos could have me killed, becoming King."

  "And she would still get Luda, one step closer to Tornio."

  "Yet she didn't join with him." Grim reminds her.

  "You didn't die.” She points out grateful for the fact. “Bertos failed. You said yourself how your females don't like to be disappointed. What I don't understand is why she didn't just join with you in the first place? It's the same position." She looks at him with questioning eyes, who wouldn’t want Grim?

  "Because I don't want to be Emperor, would do nothing to make it so. I only planned to be King until Van came of age. I would then become his advisor."

  "And Risa knew this." She now understands Risa’s reasoning.

  "It was readily known that there was no rivalry between Wray and myself, I would only become Emperor if there was no other choice."

  "So after Bertos failed her, she decided to take a more direct route. She assumed Wray would want another Empress."

  "If you are right my Lisa, then Empress Kim is in a great deal of danger."

  "As are Wray and Tora."

  "I need to contact Wray and tell him what has happened here, of our suspicions." He looks down into understanding eyes.

  "Of course you must, he is your brother." Stepping into his arms she slides her hands up his chest, enjoying the feel of his muscles flexing at her touch, going up on her toes she captures his lips. "Go do what needs done Grim. We’ll deal with the rest later.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The chatter of little voices greets Lisa as she steps into the living area.

  “Good morning my babies.” Kneeling, she wraps her arms around their precious bodies, as they fly into her arms.

  “Mommy!” They yell.

  "How are you this wonderful morning?"

  "We're good mommy. Do you like my new coverings mommy?" Miki steps away, so Lisa can see her beautiful blue dress."

  "It beautiful Miki and your favorite color too."

  "Padma made me lots of beautiful coverings mommy. Do you want to see?"

  "I would love too.” Over an hour later, the girls have tried on, woo, awed, and giggled over each outfit. The joy in their eyes easily seen, replacing the fear from the day before.

  “Thank you Padma, for everything.” She finds her eyes filling with tears. “You also Gossamer."

  "It was no trouble my Queen." Gossamer gives her a slight bow.

  "Would you like to see what I brought for you my Queen?" Padma sees she's still wearing her Earth coverings and they would not due for the Queen.

  "Yes I would, very much, if you have the time. There's something I’d like to discuss with you. If that's alright with you Gossamer.” She looks to him for his permission. “I know you've been away from Dagan longer than planned." She frowns slightly. "You were able to get word to him, weren't you? He's alright?" The concern in the Queen's voice is unmistakable and moves Gossamer, for her to care about his youngest…

  "He is fine my Queen, Gahan is with him." He assures her.

  "Oh that's good." She turns her attention to Padma. "Let's go into my chambers and I'll look at the coverings"

  "Majesty." Gossamer interrupts her. "With your permission, I will return later to collect Padma."

  "That would be fine with me as long as Padma is agreeable." Lisa looks to her.

  "It would be fine majesty." Padma agrees.

  "Could you deliver a message to Gahan for me Gossamer?" Lisa looks to him.

  "Of course majesty."

  "Tell him I'm sorry but I will need the Court Medallions for both Guard in six days. I realize the cases will not be ready and that's fine."

  "I...yes my Queen I will let him know immediately."

  “Mommy?”

  “Yes Carly?” Lisa looks to her oldest.

  “Can Miki and I go see Cook? He said he would be baking more cookies today.”

  “You only just had breakfast.”

  “I know but its cookies...please…” Lisa looks to Kirk.

  “I will contact the Guard and Cook, Majesty. They will be safe.”

  “Thank you Kirk. Girls, you’ll listen
to Kirk, do you understand?”

  “Yes mommy.” They happily chorus.

  Lisa can't believe what Padma’s gotten done in such a short time. There are dresses, pants, and shirts that she requested, along with shoes and even a cloak that Padma explained was for when the nights cooled.

  "Did you even sleep Padma?" Lisa can't keep the awe out of her voice, as she turns in the mirror, admiring the long dress she has on causing Padma to chuckle.

  "Of course I did but I didn't do all this myself, Gossamer is very skilled and Dagan helps in the stringing of the beads, he is very exacting."

  "Which is needed in making coverings, I once tried to make coverings for Carly but it looked hideous."

  "It can be difficult, my Queen." Padma tells her.

  "Padma." Lisa gives her an exasperated look. "Would you please call me Lisa, at least when we're alone? I would like to think we are friends."

  "I...alright...Lisa."

  "Thank you." Turning Lisa moves to the window seat, picking up a book, she flips through its pages until she finds the one she wants, and then shows it to Padma. “Have you ever seen anything like this?”

  Slowly walking over, Padma takes the book from her, and frowns. It is a visual of an ancient King and Queen of Luda, the King in his full court uniform, black coverings broken only by his medals displayed on the purple sash, crossing his massive chest. The black crest of the Raptor perched on top, letting all know he is the King of Luda.

  As striking as the King is, it is his Queen that pulls the eye. For she is a great deal smaller than the King but only in size. The power she radiates is undeniable, as is the feeling she has for her King. It is evident by the look in her eye, in the way she leans ever so slightly into him, in the way the King's arm curves protectively around her, his hand at her waist.

  She wears a gown of the deepest purple that conforms to her body, showing the beauty of her curves. Against the pale skin of her chest, hangs the King’s crest suspended by a charoite-encrusted chain, announcing that she is the Queen of Luda and they are one.

  “I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s amazing and beautiful and sad…”