C. 14 A Way Out

Morning sunlight slowly penetrated my eyelids, rousing me awake though I didn't want to face the day just yet. Stretching my leg out, I pulled back when I touched something solid.

           "Mm, good morning." Nicolaus spoke softly. "I had a bath brought up for you and breakfast. I wasn't sure when you were going to be up."

           Stretching my toes to him, I reached above my head and arched my back. Feeling my spine pop in several places, I sighed loudly as sleep ebbed from my limbs. Breakfast sounded amazing and a bath would be even better. I thought of taking a tray of food to the bath with me and enjoying both at a time.

           Smooth hands on my calf made me jump and look down. Nicolaus was looking up at me from the hem of a nightgown that I didn't remember dressing in. My expression must have asked the question for me as he smirked.

           "I dressed you last night. You couldn't sleep properly with what you had on and you didn't want to wake up."

           Raising my eyebrows, I propped myself up on my elbows. The clothing was nearly see-through. It barely felt like anything was on my body and as I adjusted, he had removed the panties I had been wearing as well.

           "Oh don't look at me like that," he said easily, his fingertips gliding along my legs and tickling the backside of my knees. His nose pushed at the hem of the nightgown, though he didn't get very far.

           Watching him, half asleep and half interested in what he was planning, I smirked down at him. Turning my head to the side, I reached out and pushed a clump of black silk from his face. His almond eyes looked up at me with such intensity as I caressed his cheek that I froze in place for a moment, his hands continued to move up. The edge of my gown pulled up further as his knee slid between my knees. Leaning in to kiss me, I met his full lips with my own. Electricity coursed through my body, making me press against him further.

           Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I pulled him down with me into the mess of pillows. Already I could feel him growing against my thigh as he gripped my left leg and pulled it to his side. Taking his lead, I accompanied him and allowed his hand to trail from my knee to my ass. Every glide of his fingers, added pressure from his fingertips nearly sent my right leg around his waist.

           Pulling back, I gasped for breath, but this didn't deter Nicolaus. Sloppy wet kisses moved from my cheek to my neck. Pushing my head back into the pillows, I exposed my throat to him. Without warning, he latched onto my jugular and began pressing himself against me. Small thrusts between my legs drew my right leg up as my hand threaded through his hair as I tried to pull him free.

           Taking the warning, he released my throat just as spots began to form at the edges of my vision. He still nipped at my skin, pulling and pinching as his hand moved round my hip and inched its way to my core. Flinching away from him, he hushed me, bringing himself back to my lips and kissing gently as his fingers found my already slick wall. Inhaling sharply, I pulled back from him once again, pulling back on the fistful of hair I had.

           "What if someone comes in?"

           Huffing a laugh, Nicolaus ground his thumb into my swollen nub. Biting my lip hard, I threw my head back and fought the urge to push against him. I had cared for Alex but there was only so far a memory and masturbation could go.

           I felt the shoulder of my gown be pulled down, he flicked my erect nipple, sending a shudder through my body. A moment later, my breast was in his mouth as his finger danced along the entrance of my vagina. Pulling myself together, I managed to look at him again. The lust in his steely gaze made me pull his face to mine as I felt my core clench and my climax coming just from this little bit of foreplay.

           As though sensing it, without warning, Nicolaus slid two fingers all the way in. His thumb worked my nub as his fingers curled along my sweet spot. Pulling away from him, I tried to push him away. Pushing back on my shoulder, I sank my teeth into his as I tried to hold back my orgasm. It was seconds before I muffled a moan against him, my body convulsing under him.

           A small adjustment and his cock sprang forward. It was slick with precum and throbbed with excitement. Looking down at it, I whimpered. It was average length but was thick and, despite my orgasm, I didn't think it would go in without effort. Swallowing hard, I looked up at him, the same question coming to my eyes.

           "I will be quick."

He whispered, caressing my cheek as his cock poked at my entrance. Whimpering, I swallowed hard, pressing my palm against his muscular chest and torso. A second later, his cock slid in, making me wince and press against his stomach. Despite this, Nicolaus pressed forward until he couldn't anymore. Letting out a soft sigh, it let his cock adjust before pulling back and thrusting back in.

Feverish kisses came now as he tried to hurry. My whimpers only added to his excitement as he began to thrust harder. Sliding further down under him, I arched my hips up, wrapping my legs around his waist and meeting his thrusts. I could feel his balls slapping against my ass. This only added in another orgasm ripping through my body.

Nicolaus gasped, grabbed the backs of my knees and shoved himself back. Lifting my hips to him, his thrusts were short and quick. I felt him swell and before I had a chance to push him away or protest, I felt the warmth fill my core. A satisfactory smile came to his face as he leaned down, once again caressing my cheek before applying a kiss to my breathless lips.

Unable to help myself, I giggled. Pulling my face into the curve of his neck, I took a deep breath. He was sweaty. I stuck to him. I felt him flop out and laughed even harder. Nervous laughter was all it was. I didn't think he would do it and yet I didn't make a great effort to stop him.

"Oh, trinket, what's that all about?"

Palming my face, I shook my head. I felt him roll off of me and get up from the bed. I could hear the faint splashing of water, then from nowhere, warmth on my thighs. Jolting up, I looked at Nicolaus in confusion. He smiled easily at me as he continued to clean up the mess between my legs.

For no reason, I grabbed his face in my hands and kissed him deeply. Coming to my knees to meet him on the bed, I didn't break the hold as I ran my hands along his shoulders. Smiling against him, I felt his hands slide to my hips and then to my ass. Gripping it in his hands, he pulled back and pressed something round against my lips.

Without looking, I parted my teeth and pinched his fingers between my teeth. He growled before I let him go and was welcomed with the juicy burst from a grape. Nicolaus popped one in his mouth before gesturing for us to get up from bed. The moment my feet hit the floor, he pulled the gown off.

Cupping my breasts in his hands, Nicolaus leaned forward and bit each nipple so it was hard. Watching my breasts swell with excitement as I felt my core stir once again. It was bad enough that I had let him go as far as he did, but now he would be aiming for it whenever he wanted. Though if they were quick like that-

"So you know, that is only until we are married." Nicolaus whispered against my skin as he walked behind me and led me to the still steaming bath. "Once we can be uninterrupted, we will have some fun, trinket."

Shuddering, I tried to hide the excitement that made my lips curl naughtily. I know that I wanted something quick, but I wasn't opposed to him taking his time either.

Twenty minutes later, as I was relaxing in the growing cold of my bath, there was a knock at the door. Nicolaus had left a short time before and I was left on my own. Groaning lightly, the knock came again, causing me to spring up. I had half a mind to answer it naked but thought against it. Drying myself quickly, I pulled on a plush robe and padded to the door.

Opening it, I half hoped it was Eryn. Wet or not, I would have hugged her as tight as I could and then forbid her from leaving ever again. To my disappointment, however, a man instead stood in front of me. His clothing was pale gray, matched with a high silver and white collar and the appearance of a quill sewn into his sleeve.

"My lady," he spoke quickly as he bowed low and extended his hand. "A message for you from Captain Ayon."

I took the letter, the small wax seal was intact. Something that looked like a claw and the letter 'A' presented itself. Frowning in interest, I opened the seal after thanking the page and closing the door. Bending the note to break the seal, it was a quick message hardly needed for a piece of parchment.

           My lady,

                       Mid morning I will meet you at the stables. Pack accordingly.

Capt. Ayon

       There was nothing more to it. A simple note that could have been delivered by voice yet he still had written it down and sent someone. Rolling my eyes, I turned the parchment over in my hand. There was nothing more. Not surprising, as the man himself seemed to be simple and direct. Tossing the letter in the warm flames, I watched as the letter burned completely before turning to the trunks of clothing I had brought from home. I knew that there would be proper attire there and wasted no time in getting myself ready.

Triple checking my bag, I threw in another set of riding cloths and a jacket. I knew that we had to be back by sundown but the weather always seemed to be cooler when the sun began to dip. Even if it was still early afternoon, I had found myself becoming cold as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. I had managed to find some of my personal bags, happy with the old riding cloak. The fabric was soft black wool, the lining dark red satin. One of the only things that my father had kept was my mother. He gifted it to me on my sixteenth birthday. I folded it neatly and put it in my bag neatly on top.

I heard three sharp knocks and, in my hurry to the door, tripped over my own feet. Catching myself against the door, I pulled it open and expected to see the page. I was amazed to see that Ayon stood on the other side. Nodding a greeting, I stepped back and allowed him entry to my room. 

"When you are ready my lady," Ayon stated, his hand resting on the sword at his side. "Do you want to have breakfast before we head out?"

I held up a small leather sack and pulled out an apple before presenting it to him. I had saved some of my breakfast from earlier, fruit and cheese mostly, but I also snuck in half a loaf of soft bread. "I have this so I'm fine."

Shoving this in the bag of things I needed, I slung it over my shoulder before triple checking that I had everything I needed before turning fully to the door. Something gleamed and caught my eye from the vanity. Turning to this, I bit my lip hard as I couldn't help but stare at the ornate thing that was presented on a velvet box. It was a crown, a tiara really, that I knew wasn't openly stated for me to wear but this seemed to be a statement.

"You don't have to wear it. If the king hasn't said anything about it yet, it will help you remain inconspicuous as you venture out for the first time." Ayon offered easily, his hand resting on his sword as he shrugged and added. "It would also keep anyone from trying to kidnap you right away. A pretty princess, for what some would say, is an undeserving prince."

Shaking my head, I turned to him in awe. "Is there nothing you can't say without recourse?"

"I can say a lot when I know it is my men that are posted and watching you." Ayon glanced behind him, clearly these were the ones standing out there now. "They will be loyal to you as they are me, should you need anything, ask them."

"Rather not, thanks though." I snipped the words on purpose. "Can we get going already?"

Ayon bowed at the waist, extending one large arm out toward the door. "After you, my lady."

"Do you have a preference for where you would like to go?"

"Not a clue, but I'll figure it out by the time we get down there." I brushed past him, the subtle smell of pine filling my nose as I walked down the hallway.

Swallowing hard, I tried to keep my composure in check. Ryan and Nicolaus were the only ones I really knew here. The feeling of him prying for answers from Ryan made the excitement I had left with fade. Ayon was no doubt to report everything we had done on our outings just as I had been requested. This made my stomach go cold. I had been brought up in the same manner and I wasn't sure what would be reported and what wouldn't. The gut wrenching feeling of not wanting to leave was almost enough to stop me, but I pushed forward. Nicolaus was climbing the stairs as we were leaving, his eyes going wide as he saw us.

Holding out his arms, he grabbed my face and pressed a hard kiss on my lips. This knocked the wind from my lungs because of the sudden unexpected embrace. Moaning lightly as his hand slid to my neck before pulling away breathless. Blinking up at him, I licked my lips, I steadied myself.

"Hi?" I scoffed a laugh as he looked down at me.

"I thought I was going to miss you before you left." Nicolaus gave a reassuring smile, "You are all set for today. I can still cancel my meetings with the lords, I am just there to oversee everything. You are sure you don't want me to come along?"

"Yes, I'm sure." I nodded, placing my hand on his. "Go do what you need to. When you are king you won't be able to abandon your tasks."

"Well, I can at least walk you down there." His eyes darkened as they flicked over my shoulder to Ayon.

Sliding my hand into his, I could barely keep a normal pace as I hurried along the hallway. Stopping at each turn to try and remember where I had to go. The stables were near the lake, so remembering the route from before wasn't too difficult.

Nicolaus was always at my side, while Ayon hung back and followed us in silence. Leading the way to the wrought iron gate, it was pulled open by one of the grooms. He lowered his head as we passed. The gate loomed over our heads. The gate didn't make sense with the tick iron, there were guards posted day and night to make sure there were none taken.

Still, walking into the stables was like being cut off from the rest of the world. Above us there was a thick mesh like cover keeping birds and other animals out while still allowing natural light and fresh air to move freely. Studying the mesh, I could see the spikes that stood like rusted-covered, jagged claws along the ticker portions of the grate. The spikes were spread no more than two feet apart, sharp spines protruded from them, so if anyone was unfortunate enough to land on one there was a lesser chance of getting free. While I knew it was only rust, the image of dried blood presented itself, making me wonder if anyone had tried to get in from above.

Whistling sharply, Wraith lifted his head, shoving it out of a stall just ahead of us. When he saw me, the door to his stall began to shake as he kicked it impatiently. Smiling deeply at myself, I jogged over to his pen and opened the gate. I grabbed hold of his reins and scratched behind his ear as he tried to bite my braid.

"Ready to stretch those legs?" Wraith snorted, bobbing his head in agreement.

"It's as though he can understand you. How strange," Ayon commented as he pulled a massive draft horse from one of the enclosures, leading it to the far set of doors.

           I followed him, the various sounds of horses echoing off the walls as the others were left behind. Just outside of the stables I climbed on Wraith's back. Patting his neck, I looked at the scene in front of me. The mid-morning sun was bright, the sky cloudless. As he stomped the ground, Wraith snorted loudly as Nicolaus rested his hand on my thigh and the other held the reins.

"Try to keep yourself out of trouble." Nicolaus glanced at Ayon, the man sat patiently on his mount. "Listen to Ayon, most of what he says shouldn't be taken lightly."

Ayon's back was to us but I still took him in. He was a massive man sitting on an equally massive stallion. That alone would look intimidating in my mind. Still it was strange how the king had let him loose so easily. Gesturing with my chin in his direction, I felt the heat rise on my leg as Nicolaus gripped my inner thigh.

"I am still curious as to why your father allowed him to leave if he is so important."

Nicolaus shrugged an answer, his knuckles going white on the reins . "Just worry about getting back to me in one piece."

"Well, if he is as good as everyone seems to let on, you should have nothing to worry about."

"We're ready when you are my lady," Ayon sounded off, clearly wanting to get moving.

Patting Wraith's neck gently, I gestured for Ayon to lead the way out. As we left, I caught something behind Nicolaus' stare.I couldn't place what it was, though pining and regret crossed my mind as I tried to ignore it, following Ayon out. Ryan rode silently behind me. As we made our way past the stables and a handful of guards, Wraith started to skip. His desire to run was almost overwhelming as we approached another gate. This one had small bells that chimed overhead. The hollow sound of hooves on wood soon echoed in my ears. We were brought to a stop as the clattering died down. I couldn't help but look around Ayon.

A large gate was closed and blocking our exit. Two soldiers stood on either side of it, one raised his head and addressed Ayon as he would an old friend before shouting an order to an invisible recipient. A moment later, the heavy wood and steel doors were pulled apart, allowing just enough of a gap for us to pass. The moment we were through, the gates were slammed shut behind us.

"Ayon!" A female voice called from the turret just outside of the gate, "Come back in one piece all right?"

Ayon lifted his hand in acknowledgement, still leading the way along the side of the castle. A trail had been paved to allow horses and wagons to come and go easily as it served as a private rode. The air was sweet as we made our way along , our quiet journey was welcome after two days of being trapped inside.

     Ayon turned broadside in his saddle, his face was full of apology. "We will go to the village first, my lady. While they will not know who you are, at least not right away, your people need to know your face."

I looked at the line of trees before turning back to him. He had a point, like it or not, I needed to be seen even on my own. Though for him to call it a village seemed like a long shot. The place had seemed congested and cramped. Though we had gone through the center of it all. "Please call me Nyx. My lady is so formal sounding out here."

"It is your title, the king would expect it when we are away from the castle."

"When we are at court where the king or his people could overhear you, that is fine. But out here. Nyx will do just fine, captain." Ayon stared at me for a moment. I stared back defiantly with no lack of amusement.