Scars and Burns (No Light Without the Dark #1)

16. Aeron

16

Aeron

W e stand looking directly at the castle of the Middle Kingdom. They rest easy not knowing we are about to attack.

I am ready. Ready for the little flower to quilt and take the first life that will grant me the title of son and heir again. She may have stunned me before. Not taking her life on the original raid of her village. Though her unique features halted me. Making me second guess myself, but not this time. This time, I will look directly into her eyes and watch the light fade. Her body will grow cold matching the chill that has always been in her eyes.

We ceased our raids along the borders for a few years now. Allowing them to believe that the marriage alliance that will soon come between Princess Saphrina and Prince Proteus has us worried.

The men are restless. Ready to fight. Wanting to kill. Looking forward to the spoils of women to fill their need after a good fight.

I too, occasionally indulged.

Some of them are scared. Attempting to scurry away. I choose not to pursue those females. I am feared everywhere else I go. I’ve seen it everyday since I can remember. Seen it in the hearts and souls of the people I kill. I see it in the prisoners we take back to the Shadowlands. Unsure of what their fates entail. I see it on their faces when they are pulled from their cells for our training regiment. I see it in the new soldiers I train. Knowing my ruthlessness comes from my Father. Sustaining physical and mental injuries after every sparring match.

I do not wish to see it in my bed as well.

I gravitate to the more willing. There are always plenty. Young females wanting to be ridden hard. Hearing the tales of the Shadowland knights. We may be skilled on the battlefield. Ruthless and unrelenting. But we are not mindless barbarians. Most of us have a different female each night. Learning each and every curl. The way around a woman’s mind and body is a complex system. And I’ve learned every trick there is.

The women of the Middle Kingdom are the most beautiful in the three realms. Typically with golden hair and shades of green eyes. Soft and complying. I look forward to tasting the sweet riches that await me.

I think of the indulgences to be had after this night. Starting out nice and slow. I let them have their pleasure until it is time for my fun. Trailing my mouth and hands along their bodies. Lingering my fingers and lips over their center until they can’t resist. Never fully bringing them release. Enraptured in the need to be filled. I relish in their begging. The same way my victims beg for their lives before my blade releases them to death. They are no different. Begging for me to bring them their release.

And I do.

Hard and unforgiving. What starts out as soft moans turn to screams of pleasure. Meeting their climax every time. Doesn’t matter which position I take them. They all end the same way. On their knees. Wanting more.

Though I never grant it to them. My rules of fucking are clear. Never pleasure the same woman twice and never kiss them on the lips. They may get the wrong impression. Explore every inch but not there. It tends to lead to emotions, more so from them, that I do not have time for. Do not have room for it in my life if I am going to succeed .

Suddenly, my thoughts drift back to the little flower. Being a lady and a mixed blooded bastard I am sure she’s known no man. Having to stay as pure as possible if she ever wants to wed. Her chances would be slim as it is. Regardless, of the status she has been given by the King.

It would be wrong for her to not experience such pleasure before the light fades from her eyes forever. I smile to myself. Maybe I’ll be the one to give it to her. Giving her release, that of life and death.

Pulled from my thoughts. My Father approaches, saying, “She is in the room lit above the Queen’s garden.” He points his blade in that direction and my eyes follow. “She is to be your only kill tonight.”

Shocked, I whip my head towards him. Ready to object. But then I see the look on his face. A look of warning. Telling me with his eyes that this night must go as planned. Everything that is to come of the three realms will be sealed on this night. Knowing the consequences if his standards and expectations are not met. I simply nod my head.

He lowers his blade and says, “It’s time.”