The words on the page have blended together for the past twenty minutes. Sighing in defeat Junediai leans back. Details of the new Master's trail will have to wait until she can think straight. Gathering the report with a stack of other unread papers she locks them away in her desk drawer. Rubbing her eyes with the heel of her palms she tries to relax. The itching sensation starts up again scratching her wrist with irritation she frowns in disgust, after a moment she decides to take the damn Carnelian bracelet off throwing it on the desk.
For the past thirteen days her schedule became crutched with parties, dedications, and secret meetings. Needing her mind fully distracted with activities she hoped to collapse each night into a dreamless sleep. Instead she has had the most erotic dreams she ever had. Rationally she could chalk it up to the mating season; barking in mirthless laughter she rolls her eyes. Denial was a hard lesson she came to understand long ago. Her sudden need to couple like a mad rabbit is due to her new shadow, Liam Tal'kereth. She could describe him in two words, savagely gorgeous.
The way he moves with lethal grace and eyes that cut through you as if you were not there. Everything about his skin and hair are shades of dark caramel and chocolate. His wings are a stunning silvery white. Height six feet six inches, a solid weight 225 lbs., almond shaped eyes accented with the color of periwinkles. His build was not the typical dragon rider's tone and wiry. Possessing wide shoulders, strong arms, masterful hands and small waist complimented with thick legs. Thin lips framed with a sexy coppery goatee and shoulder length hair always tied with a single stolen ribbon from her. Walking into a room his very personality would command your attention. His manners are those of forgotten days gone by, his voice commands respect yet gentle to her. Last night dream torments her.
Sharing her breath he slowly masters her mouth. Pressing his body against hers he deepens the kiss. Accepting his tongue she sucks it then darts her own into his mouth. A deep groan fills the air her hands found their way underneath his shirt caressing his back and his chest teasing his nipples. Clothing melts away, his hands guides her to turn. Bracing against him they kneel. A top of pillows and cushions he slowly loves her. She shamelessly groans as he caresses her breasts and stomach. Brushing her hair over her shoulder he continues kissing down her back, his fingers slip inside her testing. Finding what he sought her body opens to him. Quickly her passion takes over clutching a cushion she screams. Panting she shifts on her back wanting to look into his eyes. Braced above her his eyes are fiercely demanding, taking her breath away. Lacing her fingers within his she arches against him whispering her plea. Their bodies become slick with passion, swallowing her shouts he releases growls of triumph.
Rubbing her neck with discomfort she shifts, pushing the memories of her dream to the side. The hair on the back of her neck begins to rise with recognition. Looking up at the library entrance a knock reverberates through the chamber. Standing she walks over to the fireplace,
"You may come in Tal'kereth."
Opening the door he finds himself within her territory. Though the room is dominated with masculine colors her feminine touch can be seen with various nick-knacks lying around. Delicate crystal lamps, a detailed globe, and traditional leather couches accented with colorful throws. Her family portrait hangs over the fireplace showing her large powerful family. The artist captured the importance of each family member with stern faces. But unlike many he has seen over the past week and half their eyes show warmth. Quickly taking in the room he notes her body language. Poised and ready she faces him with wariness.
Her face only shows a hint of makeup eyes dusted with dark shadow and lips glisten with gloss. Her hair partially swept away from her face trails down her back. Instead of showing her wealth in jewelry she wears simple stud earrings. Her green blouse is open at the neck revealing her single strand necklace. The charm made of pewter reveals her Guild Mastery, Jester. Her long brown skirt wraps snuggly around her waist hiding her shapely legs. Closing the door behind him his face is impassive revealing nothing of his thoughts.
Once she was the very bane of his existence now he understood his creator's woe. His implanted memories pale in comparison to the stunning woman before him. Breathing deeply to control his emotions the scent of her body oil mocks his efforts. Every pore in his body screams to posses her but he must be cautious. His very nature urges to claim her at any means necessary.
Near exhaustion and wary of his every move she stands before him more beautiful. She has yet to find out his activities. Achieving the impossible, he earned the rank of Guild Master Jester within six months. Encouraged by her brother he entered the discipline, immediately her father singled him out guessing his intentions. His reputation as a ruthless tracker proceeded him much to Master Clover delight giving his blessing on Liam's quarry. He was not above any form of trickery or immoral tactic but she deserves to be wooed. Treated as the rarest of creatures with respect and dignity. She has earned that from all Jesters and most enemies, he will treat her the same.
For a moment the room is filled with tension. She breaks the silence with a soft voice "So you now have a mastery, Tal'kereth."
Inwardly he clenches, seems her spies are working well. Her pale hazel eyes show no merriment.
"The real reason you were permitted to act as my lover was because you tried and succeeded the impossible. I must say I am impressed. You managed to win over the hearts of the Elder Masters."
She didn't mention his warning to the Elders.
"Warn your sons and lock them up tight the Herald is mine."
Some snickered in response then each read between the lines. Send no more suitors. Bowing he left without dismissal.
"Milady, I did not mean to keep you in the dark but I was instructed to do so."
Waving away his response. Pausing she chooses her words carefully.
"The Elders have influence in many levels of this government and the people of this world. However, understand young master, they do not influence everything. With that said, good luck on your journey may the combined strength and wisdom of Laria and Loki keep you."
Stepping aside she turns her back to him facing the fireplace. "
Your Jester hat is on my desk, the rest of your accessories are being made as I speak."
Dismissing him she hugs herself closing her eyes.
Her thoughts are closed to him but he can guess
"Another lie."
At the sound of the door click her shoulders sag. Looking into the flames for answer she whispers.
"They're getting better. Too bad I really started to like him."
She felt protected with him; beyond her family she didn't feel that often. Rubbing her temples scolding herself she needs to be more careful and watchful.
"At least this time he had backbone. I really need to teach those nosy old betties a lesson."
Unfurling her ebony wings she stretches, her hands settle on the back of the couch facing the fireplace. For long moments leaning on the couch she stares into the fire trying to push him and his delicious body out of her mind. They have sampled passion twice each time she regretted it. He never mentioned nor gave hints to any one keeping her transgressions secret. Her hormones running at full tilt plague her rational.
"Milady, I am here of my own accord."
Twisting in alarm she bumps into him. Holding her forearms he saves her from falling over.
Looking up in surprise she doesn't move. His arms slide around her waist in response her lips part, his eyes trail down to them. Her breath catches in her throat for a moment. His eyes are like her dream. Sensing her shift he yearns to posses her but she deserves more than just a coupling. Reluctantly releasing her he steps back. Suppressing a shudder his warmth leaves her.
"I have no house to dictate my actions or give me sanctuary. Our guild has only just recently accepted me because I was able to dazzle them."
Pulling herself together she regards him suspiciously.
"What do you want Tal'kereth? If you are able to achieve Mastery in one of the most difficult disciplines within all the guilds then you have talent and cunning of the highest rank. To ensnare a princess is rather common and fruitless."
Grimacing he looks to the side. What should he say to her? Suppressing a smile he regards her with a question.
"Do you love your brother milady?"
She pales "What does that have to due with?"
Her temper flares dangerously.
"Choose your words carefully Tal'kereth, you could easily find yourself more than just alone."
This wasn't going the way he wanted.
"I was hand picked by your brother not the Elders to be your suitor. He decided you are worth more alive than dead. Working yourself into constant exhaustion, hiding in your diplomatic ventures and venting your frustrations during training. He feels he found the perfect solution to your problem."
Her eyes flashes with controlled anger then demurely smiles his eyes narrow with suspicion.
"You know nothing of me except what is told to you."
Settling down in an overstuff chair next to the fire she regards him with mock interest.
"You were hand picked to entertain me. Guard me, I would even go as far to say create a healthy distraction."
Sighing she leans back.
"In one word you were pimped."
Frowning he questions "What does this word mean, pimped"?
Crossing her legs she explains the word. His own anger flickers, his voice become laced with steel.
"I am a simple man and may not be worthy of your standing. But I am a man and you will respect me as such."
Folding her hands to hide her trembling she lazy observe him as if he is an exotic object.
"You are a simple rider who has saved my life. And I thank you however; you will not be placed as a buffer. You do not know the politics or the complexities of this government. I will not be handled as a porcelain doll or lead by the collar. Even if my brother thinks he is protecting me. You are now a Guild Master and have all the perks and woes of the Jesters. Be thankful for that house or no house you will be protected."
He noticed her trembling; her façade is well rehearsed to perfection. Her quickening breath and tactic to lead the conversation to another subject told him otherwise. She was nervous around him; he struck a cord with her. As well he should, she has decided he is not to be her guard. Well she wouldn't be able to rid of him so easily.
"Have you thought if you are carrying my child?"
