Whimsy

Evernight Publishing www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2012 Thayer King

ISBN: 978-1-927368-39-8

Cover Artist: LF Designs Editor: JC Chute

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

WHIMSY Thayer King Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Whimsy Featherstone stood in line with the rest of the women, trembling and trying to hold back tears. She did not want to fall into hysterics as the woman with blonde hair had done. The guards had hauled the woman away so roughly, there was no doubt she was to be punished. Whimsy had been kidnapped by the Gogath while at the Colony 9 mall along with a group of other women. The Gogath were an ugly group of Colony 13 dwellers who occasionally enjoyed making life miserable for those around them. They were all big; it was nothing for a Gogath to be seven feet tall. And they were all ugly. Perhaps they wouldn’t be so ugly if they gave a care for hygiene, but to a one, they did not. They all had long filthy black hair, rotted teeth, and grime-streaked faces and hands. Their clothing was always made of things they had stolen, but never washed. To the Gogath, the clothing they wore was a trophy. One of them wore a vest to which he’d sewn a billowy white sleeve cut open at the wrist to fit over his thick forearm. It looked to be a woman’s sleeve. The front of the vest held hoops of gold and silver earrings. Another of the Gogath had tacked loops of hair down the entire front of his shirt. The back of his shirt had been a patchwork of different bits of cloth. Sure, the Gogath were a grumpy, thieving and unpleasant lot, but they’d done nothing of this caliber in a long time. They’d raided the mall, taking everyone unawares, and kidnapped women of every age, shape, and race in a short period of time. Those who had tried to stop them were brutally beaten and tossed aside. Sheer pandemonium ensued for several minutes, with everyone running and screaming as the Gogath had come pouring in from every entrance, waving crude

weapons. At first it was not obvious they were taking captives, but in the midst of the commotion the Gogath steadily pulled women from the fray. Whimsy had run just like everyone else, but was caught while stopping to help a man who’d been beaten trying to protect his daughter. Strong arms had lifted her body from the floor and tucked her under one malodorous arm like she was a sack of flour. Momentarily stunned, she’d done nothing. Before she could gather her wits or get a headache, she was passed off to another member of the troop. This one bound her hands with cuffs made of a soft cloth, but which proved to be surprisingly restrictive. The material did not give at all. After that, she was herded off with a group of likewise bound captives into the belly of a large waiting craft. The hovering ship was already more than half full with women. "Oh, blessed Myrna," Whimsy had whispered, speaking to the soft pink moon of her own Colony 7, "Will I ever see you again?" The craft had been swift. They were only on the ship for a few hours before they were docking and the women were herded off the ship into a building of arena-sized proportions. Other ships docked and spilled their contents. More women. All women. It was then that Whimsy realized they were to be sold. She vaguely recalled a news story about these auctions, but in the safe world of Colony 7, she had dismissed the stories as sensationalism. The place they were in now was probably a temporary facility, to be used only once or twice, but not so much that they would get caught in the illegal trade of women. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Her mind recoiled from the ugly truth. Despite her mental withdrawal, everything else seemed to be speeding up at an alarming rate. As the Gogath sorted their bounty, the older women were separated from the young. Those deemed too old would be ransomed or just dropped off on a nearby colony. Once the sorting was done the women were shuffled about again and separated into classes. Of the young, some would become servants and some would become pleasure slaves. Whimsy stiffened her spine when it was her turn to be sorted. She didn’t know what a Gogath’s tastes leaned to, but she hoped he found her extremely unappealing. Her sorter was perhaps eight feet tall, but he had all his teeth. His smell was fetid, his hands

and face caked with filth. When he raised his hand to touch her cheek, she flinched but didn’t pull away. She couldn’t. Another of the Gogath stood at her back, prodding her forward, ready to pull her aside once the decision about her class had been made. Her sorter smiled. Whimsy bit her lip, praying frantically. He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. "Pretty," he said at last. His eyes, a light shade of brown, dropped to her chest and then narrowed. Whimsy wore a pink zip-up sweater, zipped to the neck, over a simple tank top. When he reached for the zipper, she backed up. She was immediately shoved forward. "I’ll do it," she said. She grasped the small metal catch with the heels of her bound hands and quickly unzipped her sweater. The sorter took the edges of the sweater and spread them apart so he could look at her. His smile widened to a grin, and Whimsy felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. He said some words in his native language to the Gogath behind her and she was pulled away. Whimsy shivered as she sat in the belly of the ship. She had only to look around to know into which class she’d been sorted. All the women around her were beautiful. She wasn’t sure how she’d made the cut. There was nothing extraordinary about her features, in her opinion. Her long hair was black, her eyes were brown, and her skin was the color of cinnamon. She’d struggled for years to be as skinny as some of the other women here, but always consoled herself with the knowledge that she carried her hourglass figure well and had always had the same figure. No matter how much weight she put on, that didn’t seem to change. Her hips were well rounded, her waist was unbelievably small, and her breasts were more than a handful. Whimsy supposed it was the latter that had swung the sorting choice in her favor. Or rather, against her. This second journey was proving to be longer than their first. Some of the women were still crying, others like herself she supposed were in a state of shock and denial. Whimsy thought of her family and wondered if they knew she was missing. Were they already worrying about her? Did anyone know what had happened on Colony 9?

Exhausted from the day’s events, she fell into a troubled sleep on the floor. The Gogath had given them not so much as a blanket for comfort. She was awakened by more screaming. The Gogath had finally landed and were roughly hauling the women to their feet. Whimsy gained her feet with no time to spare as she saw one of them heading her way. Her hands were still bound, throwing off her stability and making her quickly scramble to stand in a less than graceful position. The Gogath propelled her towards the exit with a hard shove. She whipped her head around to glare at her assailant for the unnecessary roughness. She received a nearly toothless grin in return. The light outside was blinding after the long trip in the windowless belly of the Gogath ship. The building they were led into was a dome made of glass. It was very similar to the first one—large and open, but this one was teeming with men from other cultures. Once again, she was placed in a line with the other women. Whimsy shivered and kept her arms close to her body. Her sweater was taken before she was allowed to disembark. This room was cold. The men openly examined the women, which led to much screaming and crying on the women’s part and much laughter on the men’s. The entire spectacle was degrading, to both sexes. Anger simmered hotly inside of her, but Whimsy wasn’t stupid enough to raise a protest. After all, what could she do? Whimsy was not overly harassed. She thought it was because there was nothing special about her looks. Perhaps the sorter had been wrong––quite a few men did look at her, but their glances were quick and furtive. They didn’t linger. One man did try to feel her breasts, and Whimsy growled at him and given him such a glare the timid little thing had almost run away. She heard the Gogath behind her laugh. She’d turned to glare at him and found the same man who had sorted her before. “Keep this up and I will buy you for myself.” His eyes caressed her curves with heated interest. Whimsy’s eyes widened. He spoke her language far better than he’d let on earlier. She discounted his statement of wanting to purchase her. She didn’t think the Gogath race mated outside their kind. She hurriedly whipped back around anyway. “Keep what up?” she hissed.

“You are scaring off potential buyers with your glare and your posture.” “My posture?” “It is very royal.” “And if I am royalty?” “It does not matter here.” She could hear the shrug in his voice. He took a lock of her hair in his hands. She froze. “If you are not purchased, I will buy you for my own. I do not mind a royal bedmate.” Whimsy gritted her teeth and lowered her eyes. It seemed that no matter what, she would be purchased this day. For the first time, tears of frustration and fear ran down her cheeks. What would become of her? Would her family ever find her? Or would they forever wonder what had become of her? “This one, what color are her eyes?” asked a deep male voice in her language with only a hint of an accent. Her chin was grasped firmly and lifted to the light. Whimsy’s eyes snapped open. ‘This one’, indeed. Indignation dried her tears. “This one’s eyes are none of your concern,” she snapped, nearing the end of her tether. The man, tall and good-looking with long blonde hair and chocolate-brown eyes, smiled at her. An elderly woman at his side let out an outraged gasp at her comment. She was almost as tall as the man, a fact heightened by the way her graying hair was piled atop her head. She wore all black, the severity of which competed with that of her expression. “This one,” she said with venom, “needs discipline and punishment. Let us move along, Chaldor.” “This one––“ Whimsy’s angry flow of words was cut off by the Gogath. He gripped her shoulder, applying enough pressure to be just this side of painful. She shut her mouth and settled on a glare hot enough to sizzle. Chaldor shook his head at his companion, his eyes flickering over Whimsy with obvious approval. “Editha, she is perfect.” Editha cast a dismissive glance over her. “She is different,” she agreed with blatant hesitance. “But she is nothing compared to the two others.” Chaldor clearly disagreed. “How much?” “Chaldor, I suggest we move on and find better.”

“Editha, we do not have long to tarry––or have you forgotten?” At that, the older woman’s pale skin colored. “How much?” she repeated through tight lips. The Gogath uttered a sum that had the woman gasping again. “No. Chaldor, we will find another.” Chaldor stared hard at Whimsy. “No. We will take this one. He will enjoy her most of all.” Whimsy bit her lip and trembled. “No,” she whispered. This couldn’t be happening. Nothing like this ever happened to boring little Whimsical Featherstone, second child of King Raul Featherstone of Colony 7.

Chapter Two Lest she have any idea about running, The Gogath didn’t remove her cuffs as they delivered her to their waiting craft. It was a small craft with just enough room for their five passengers. Whimsy assumed this meant they would not have far to travel. “We shall never know what could have been,” Gadgor said, flashing incongruous white teeth in a dirty face as he handed her over into the care of Chaldor. Chaldor buckled her into a harness once he had her seated. “Made friends with your captors, did you?” “He’s only teasing. He is not truly interested.” He eyed her, dubious. “Do you doubt your appeal?” Whimsy shrugged. “Had I not purchased you for my friend, I would keep you for myself.” Her mouth dropped open. He smiled in response and moved on to harness the other two women purchased that day. The woman nearest her had exotic, slanted green eyes and a thick mane of whiteblonde hair. She was likewise cuffed. Her lids, swollen from crying, did nothing to distract from her incredible beauty. The third had hair the color of spun sugar, cut in short layers, and sultry blue eyes. She fluffed her locks with her free hands. Whimsy watched in amazement as the woman batted her lashes at Chaldor. “Why aren’t you cuffed?” Whimsy asked when he left them. “I’m from C15. This isn’t my first auction. Believe me, if you lived on C15, you’d be happy to be auctioned by the Gogath.” The small craft landed in the bay of what could only be termed as a palace. It was larger and grander than anything Whimsy had seen before. Her father’s palace was humble in comparison to this soaring edifice that seemed to scrape the clouds. They disembarked swiftly and were whisked through an entrance guarded by two burly men. Editha, Chaldor, and two guards escorted them through the palace, moving at such a clip that Whimsy doubted she would be able to find her way back out. They might as well have been leading her into a maze, the twists and turns were so convoluted.

Their small party stopped outside of two large doors. “Inside,” Editha ordered. “Do not think of escaping. The guards and I will remain here. Chaldor, go to him.” At her words, he gave a terse nod and excused himself. As soon as they were inside, each of them was surrounded by a group of servants. The room was lined with bathing pools on one side. Each pool was separated by a stone wall. A curtain could be used to further close off the area. The servants expertly divested them of their clothes and led them to separate bathing areas. Modesty made Whimsy prickly with the women who attempted to bathe her. “I can do it myself.” Of course she couldn’t really, since her hands were still bound. They ignored her and she suffered through their groping with grumbles, but became quite vocal when one of them suddenly thrust her hand over her mound. Whimsy shrieked and backed away, sloshing water over the sides of the bathing pool. Her displeasure was so obvious she was surprised when the woman followed and attempted the intimate touch again. She was still fighting the woman’s attentions when Editha came marching into the room, pulling aside the curtain that sectioned off her bathing area. The woman’s glare found Whimsy. “I should have known it would be you. Cause any more trouble and you will regret it.” She left the threat open, but didn’t really have to be specific. Editha’s eyes spoke volumes. Whimsy knew she didn’t like her, one little bit. That Chaldor had insisted on purchasing her hadn’t helped matters. Editha nodded to the servants. “Finish the cleansing. He awaits.” Whimsy glared at the servant, but this time noticed that the woman had applied a lotion to her hand before plunging it into the water. She smoothed it over Whimsy’s mound with expert strokes and then washed it away. With it went her hair. Whimsy gasped in outrage, but did not say more. Nor did she protest when the woman applied the same cream over the rest of her body, removing all of her body hair. They dried her after her bath and applied sweet-smelling oil to her skin. They brushed out Whimsy’s hair to its full length, complimenting her on its rich color and texture. It fell in thick shiny waves, almost to her waist.

Each of the women was given a gown: The woman from C15 was given a gold one. The woman with the silver hair was given a pink gown. Whimsy’s was black. Though the colors were different, they were each made the same: just a simple gown, essentially little more than a robe. It was sleeveless and held together by a clasp beneath her breasts. The material was particularly sheer. In the proper lighting, they would be as good as naked, as they’d been given no undergarments. “I don’t believe this,” Whimsy muttered as the women arranged her hair about her face. “This is not happening.” Editha inspected each of them, pausing as she looked over Whimsy. Whimsy saw a brief moment of surprise grace her stern features, but it was quickly hidden. “Come,” was all she said. Lest they decide not to follow, the guards were soon there to lead them forward. Whimsy bit her lip in a bid to hold hysteria at bay. Once more they were led to a set of wooden double doors, which were large and ornately carved. She had never seen the like. On either side of the hallway, there were benches set against the wall. Chaldor came out to meet them. “How is he?” Editha asked anxiously. Chaldor shook his head grimly. “The sooner this is done, the better.” He looked over the women, his gaze resting on Whimsy. “Which one first?” Editha pursed her lips, noting the direction of his gaze. She motioned to the guards to take the woman from C15. She watched as they led her through the doors. “Hopefully, that will be the end of this.” Chaldor nodded, but did not appear convinced. “We may as well get comfortable. It is going to be a long evening.” He waited until Editha was seated on one of the benches before sitting himself. The blonde sat, as did Whimsy, reluctantly. She was very uncomfortable in the thin gown. She felt bare and panicky. Smoothing the dress over her thighs, she attempted to put some distance between the material and her all too bare flesh. At the first of her cries, Whimsy’s head snapped up. Her head swung in the direction of the door. The cries escalated in volume. Then the screaming started. Whimsy stood. “H-he’s killing her,” she said.

Chaldor, eyes narrowed, asked, “Just where are you from?” She ignored his question. “We must do something.” She gasped as a rather loud moan issued from the room. She started towards the door. “Do not,” Chaldor said. “He claims her and would not appreciate the interruption.” At her blank expression, he continued. “The sounds you hear are of pleasure, I assure you.” Whimsy’s eyes widened. She shook her head. It was sinking in now. They’d bought her here to be claimed. They’d prettied her up to be raped by a stranger. He was raping Miss C15 right now, and Chaldor thought she’d enjoy it? “How could you think—“ But her words were interrupted by Miss C15 yelling. “Don’t stop! Yes, yes! Fuck me! Yes! Oh! Oh! Don’t stop! Ah! Fill my pussy! Yessssss!” She sat down in shock. Her face burned with embarrassment. How could the rest of them sit here and listen to what should have been a private moment? When it was over, the guards went in to extract her. One of the guards carried her gown in his fist. Another held Miss C15. She was naked and unconscious, covered in a fine sheen of sweat and her thighs were wet. Editha stood. “More,” growled a deep voice from inside the room. Whimsy cringed. Editha’s gaze passed over her for a second and then moved on to the silver blonde. Whimsy was suddenly fiercely happy that this woman hated her. At the same time, she felt like a coward. But what could she do to stop what was happening? What could she even do to save herself? She closed her eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks as the sounds of the blonde’s pleasure began. She covered her ears, but she could still hear the moans. They were sick and perverted to sit here and listen to this. All too soon the guards went in to remove the woman. She too was naked and unconscious, her thighs damp with her dew. Her body tensed as she heard the cry, “More.” “No,” she whispered as they came for her. She shook her head wildly. “I won’t do this. You cannot make me! I won’t, do you hear me? I am the daughter of––“ Editha’s slap stopped her cold. She’d never been struck before. Whimsy held her cheek in surprise.

“Stop this behavior this instant. You will not deny him. Do this and you will be released afterwards. Continue to resist and I will make you regret it every day for the remainder of your life.” Whimsy swallowed. She didn’t have much choice. She was damned no matter the outcome. There was no one to appeal to. Chaldor seemed nice, sympathetic even, but he had picked her for this particular duty. Telling them she was a princess now would hardly be believable. She nodded to show her acquiescence. The cuffs were removed and she allowed them to lead her forward. The doors were closed and locked behind her.

Chapter Three The room was dark. Whimsy stood with her back to the door. The opposing wall was covered in dark burgundy drapes. The only lightning was provided by candles placed at regular intervals around the room. It was warm, so very warm. She frowned at the unusual sensation. It was as though waves of heat rolled over her body. She stepped forward cautiously, squinting into the darkness. Candles were lit at the far corners of the room, but due to the size of the room, they proved inadequate lighting. She spotted the massive bed with its rumpled sheets trailing the floor almost immediately and looked away. Whimsy swallowed. She pressed a hand to her belly to quell the funny sensations the heat was causing. The sensation seemed to be increasing. There was also an unusual scent permeating the air. It was rich, thick and somehow disorienting. She felt drowsy and drugged. Whimsy shook her head. What was it? Was it a drug? Is that how he had gotten the two other women to submit without a fight? She took another hesitant step forward. A sloshing sound drew her attention to the right. In the shadows, almost tucked away in an alcove was a bathing pool. It was large and circular in shape. The water was dark. A large man stood in the middle of the pool. A very large man with a fierce scowl, Whimsy mentally amended. He soaped his body with slow precise movements. He was spectacularly built, tall and muscular. She’d never seen a man so large before. Yet, he was perfectly proportioned. His skin was a warm honeyed tone and his features were beautiful and sensual. Black hair fell from a center part in a thick wavy curtain to his strong shoulders. His dark eyes finally lifted to hers. They narrowed. His long fingers wrapped around his turgid shaft and a hiss escaped his lips. His eyes never left hers as he pumped his hand up and down his thick length. He was well endowed in this area, Whimsy noted. The clenching in her belly increased. Whimsy moaned. She turned and fled for the door. She knew it was locked. That wouldn’t stop her from trying to leave. She struggled with the knob, hoping the lock was weaker than it appeared. What she was going to do once she got on the other side, she never found out.

Giant wet hands slammed on either side of her head. She gave a small cry and whirled to face him. She hadn’t heard him move. He towered over her. This close, she could see that his eyes were a deep blue, the color of the night sky. He pressed in closer until her gown clung to his moist skin and then closer still until her back was flush against the door. The feel of his cock against her belly caused more of the curious clenching there. She inserted her hands between their bodies, pushing against his chest. His body was slick and he was strong. She couldn’t budge him an inch. He did nothing for the moment, merely smelled her neck, his lips hovering over her skin. Whimsy closed her eyes. An uncontrollable trembling seized her limbs. The heat was stronger now, as was the fragrance. It seemed to spread from him, pounding over her in waves. The feelings he was effortlessly evoking in her were more frightening than the physical threat he posed. “Delicious,” he finally voiced his verdict. His voice was sinfully deep, and thick with emotion. He tipped her chin back and kissed her. The touch was light and undemanding. Whimsy turned her head but he only followed. He tugged on her bottom lip with his teeth before running his tongue over it. With small pressure from his thumb, he opened her mouth for his further perusal. Whimsy moaned at his taste. Her nipples instantly hardened and her pussy flooded. He slanted his mouth over hers. With the deeper kiss, her blood roared in her ears. She kissed him back helplessly. He trailed kisses down her neck, homing in on a sensitive spot beneath her ear that had her gasping. “I-I won’t . . .,” she whispered, “allow you to take me . . . oh, don’t do that,” she ended in a shocked gasp as he thrust himself against her. “Why not? You want me.” “I don’t!” He smiled against her neck. “Then why are you encouraging me?” Whimsy dropped her hands to her sides. Without realizing it, she’d been stroking his shoulders and back. “I’m sorry.” “No need to be sorry. I liked it. Damn, but you are sweet.” He licked her. “Are you this sweet all over?” He ran his hands up her back and crushed her breasts to his chest. She whimpered at the contact.

“I won’t let you take me on the same bed, on the same sheets that you took those other women.” He laughed softly. “Like dessert, you want to be served on a different plate than the main course?” He nuzzled her ear. “Perhaps you even deserve it. The bedding can be replaced. I cannot wait the length of time it would take to replace the bed.” Whimsy could have kicked herself. What was she thinking? She couldn’t let him take her at all. But her body had other ideas. It was ready, willing, and all too eager to be taken. She didn’t know desire this strong could exist. Saying no to him was sapping her strength. Each of his touches, his kisses, weakened her resolve. He took her hand in his and led her to the bed. He removed a robe from the tangled sheets, slid it on and belted it. His erection was obvious beneath the silk. He was large. Whimsy looked away despite the fact that she had already seen him, and felt him pressed intimately against her body. He picked her up as though she weighed nothing and carried her to the doors, knocking in a series of quick raps. “Bring fresh bedding,” he ordered once the doors opened. He took her to a bench in a corner of the room and sat upon it, holding her in his lap. Editha oversaw the changes made by a bevy of servant girls. The changes were made in short order, but Whimsy could see the girls beginning to sweat from the warmth of the room. Editha, who alone seemed to be unaffected by the heat, cast a warning glance at her before exiting. All the while, he held her close, and Whimsy studied their linked fingers. His were thick and bronzed. Hers were slender and brown, only a shade darker than his skin. Once the changes were complete and they were alone, he dropped his forehead to hers with a groan. “Dessert, you know not what this gift to you has cost me.” She could guess. His erection was hot and hard against her hip. She could feel his heat through the silk of his robe and through her gown. She closed her eyes. Myrna, she couldn’t do this! This man was a stranger to her. And if she did this, her life would be forever changed. She would be a social outcast amongst her people, despite her royal parentage. She slid off his lap. “We need to talk.” He stood and removed his robe. “I need you.”

Whimsy trembled and took a cautious step backwards. His body was hard and all male. He was as tall as one of the Gogath but thicker of muscle. She’d never seen anyone built like him. He was a warrior. The men of her colony were thinkers. They solved conflicts with words, not fists. This far into colonial space, the men were probably little more than barbarians. His heat, his want, radiated from every pore. She could feel his want. It was beating at her persistently. Her eyes widened as he opened and closed his fists in an effort to control himself. The corresponding flexing of muscle held her momentarily spellbound. He advanced. She retreated. Whimsy wet her lips. “Listen, you’ve already had two women tonight. You need to learn the difference between need and sheer gluttony.” She glanced behind her. She was not so stupid as to back up and fall conveniently into his bed. But the only other option was running. She was shoeless, but in a gown. Whereas his limbs were unimpeded and decidedly longer, the flowing gown was sure to trip her. How long could she escape him? Long enough to convince him not to attempt bedding her? His hand shot out. She jumped back but not before he’d achieved his goal. Her gown sprang open, parting to reveal her body to his gaze. He growled. She realized that the smart thing to do would probably be to fling the gown aside and run, but modesty wouldn’t let her. She struggled to pull the edges together. “So beautiful,” he groaned, touching her cheek and then burying his hand into the shining waves of her hair. His hand moved lower, stroking her neck and then her collarbone. He used the backs of his fingers to trace the black edge of the gown down to the swell of her breast. This man was dangerous. She wanted him to touch her, had to resist the urge to lean into his touch. That thought scared her enough that she moved out of arm’s reach. He smiled and followed, this time overtaking her. He pulled her flush against his body, so shocking her that she released the edges of her gown. Skin to skin, she shivered. His deep groan only made it feel better. He rubbed his chest against hers, widening the gaping edges of material and teasing her nipples at the same time. His cock burned her belly like an iron brand. He backed her up until the backs of her thighs hit the bed, then lifted her and crawled on after her. Whimsy wet her lips. Myrna,

his heat was making it impossible to concentrate. She scooted away from him, careful to keep her legs tightly closed. He watched her, his eyes flickering over her body. He made no attempt to hide the hunger in his gaze. She rolled, thinking to escape on the other side of the bed. He caught her foot and effortlessly pulled her back. He kept at it until she was spread before him. He tugged her into a seated position and removed the remnants of her gown. Whimsy was beginning to feel like he was toying with her, letting her glimpse freedom only to snatch it away. She was his prey. He arranged her body to his liking, draping her legs over his so that she was open to him. He ran warm hands over her arms, her back, her buttocks and her thighs. She bit her lip to hold back a moan. He smiled and kissed the corner of her mouth. He ran his tongue over her lips, pressing it to the seam until she opened to him. His taste flooded her senses again. Whimsy moaned. She slid her fingers into his hair with the intentions of forcing him away. His flavor made her head swim. The heat was unbearable. Her belly contracted pleasurably. With a whimper, she sucked his tongue in wanton abandon. The kiss was hungry and had her eager for more. His mouth slanted over hers to deepen the kiss and he pressed her tight against his chest. She didn’t realize he was moving until the cool bedding touched her back. Still he kissed her, fitting his body to hers until their pelvises were aligned. Each thrust of his tongue was accompanied by a forceful thrust of his hips into the cradle of hers. He trailed kisses down her neck, licking and sucking his way down to her breasts. He cupped her breasts and raked his chest with her pouting nipples. She automatically arched for more. He moved down her body. At the first touch of his tongue to her breast, she cried out. He taunted her nipple with his tongue, lashing it with licks before finally settling in to suckle. Whimsy couldn’t catch her breath. Each tug on her nipple made her gasp, made the curious clenching in her belly and her pussy so sharp that her hips arched. He switched to her other breast. She hungrily thrust the nipple into his heated mouth, moaning as he suckled. He kissed her belly, stabbing his tongue into her belly button. He continued his downward descent until he was between her thighs. He inhaled, a look of ecstasy

soothing his features. He feathered his tongue over the seam of her nether lips, now completely hairless thanks to her earlier bathing experience. “Delicious, Dessert,” he groaned. “All this cream just for me.” He caressed her with the back of a finger. The touch as well as his tongue was gentle and teasing. Yet they both had her gasping. Her fingers tightened in his hair. Whimsy shook her head in an attempt to clear it. Her body felt languid. More than anything, she wanted to lay there and let the pleasure go on and on. He licked her more firmly this time. She arched convulsively. Myrna! She inhaled deeply. She had to make him stop. “Please,” she whispered and could not say more. He misunderstood her. He continued, and soon he was teasing her clit. She didn’t want to, tried not to, and was immediately ashamed that she did, but she couldn’t hold in the scream of pleasure. She thought she would die when he began to suck. Her hips arched of their own accord. She began to plead with him. Whether she was asking him to stop or begging him not to, she wasn’t sure. Whimsy didn’t know half of what she said. She was on the threshold of her orgasm when he rose above her and fitted himself to her. He pushed in slowly. She gasped at the unaccustomed pleasure-pain sensation. Whimsy rolled her hips for more. He gritted his teeth and held her still. “So small,” he moaned. “Do not want to hurt you.” He pulled back and eased forward cautiously. She wanted all of him. She panted as he claimed her for his own. She had no will, no mind of her own. She was a puppet on a string and he her master. He caged her in with his big, hard body and she felt feminine and dainty. She’d never felt dainty. The heat of him, the smell of him made her want impossible things. Is this what had happened to the other women? Was this why she’d heard them begging him to take them? Had she been drugged? The thought sobered her. What was she thinking to have let things get this far out of hand? She was not raised to believe in giving her body to a man who cared nothing for her. She didn’t even know his name. Shame consumed her. Whimsy clenched her teeth in determination. She was not going to be screaming in ecstasy as he deflowered her. He’d recently fucked two women on this very bed. She was not going to be the third. She didn’t know what Editha would do to her for her defiance, but she could not go through with this.

Whimsy gripped his hips. She knew it was little defense as he was already partially buried in her pussy, but thank Myrna, she’d stopped him in time. “Stop!” “I will not hurt you. I will be gentle.” “No. I can’t do this. I’m betrothed.” His eyes narrowed. “What does this mean?” She was momentarily sidetracked. “Your people don’t have betrothals? It means––“ She cut off with a gasp as he pushed forward, stretching her. “Please, stop!” Her nails dug into his hips. “Please. I can’t.” His eyes locked with hers. “You want me. Your heat is scalding me.” Whimsy squirmed. She couldn’t deny it. “I can’t.” His growl was brutal and sent shivers down her spine. “I need you.” Tears filled her eyes. “Please, don’t do this to me.” His eyes searched hers. “Please,” she whispered. For a long tense moment, he simply stared at her, his jaw working, the muscles in his arms bunching. Then he rolled off her abruptly. “Get out,” he said, his deep voice strained. Whimsy was paralyzed with shock. She inhaled slowly. She turned her head to look at him. “T-thank you.” “Get out before I change my mind.” She rolled quickly. She grabbed the gown. She didn’t bother putting it on, merely hugged it to her chest. She ran to the door. It had been locked again after the bedding was changed. She pounded on the door. She ran into Chaldor as the door opened. He folded his arms around her, his face filled with concern. She swallowed, dashing away her tears. No one questioned her. They closed the doors behind her and led her away. Whimsy’s heart was in her throat. For the moment, she knew they thought that she’d gone through with it. She’d come out naked. They’d probably heard her screaming as he kissed her. Chaldor kept shooting her sympathetic glances. What punishment would she receive when they found out that she hadn’t submitted to him?

Chapter Four She was taken back to the bathing chamber and allowed to bathe before being led to another chamber with several beds. The other two women were already asleep. Whimsy fell gratefully into one of the beds. She was so tired. She felt physically and emotionally drained. So much had happened in such a short time. She fell into a deep dreamless sleep. Whimsy woke to the sound of whispers. She took time for a leisurely stretch. It was no telling how long it would be before she would enjoy the comforts of a real bed again. If Editha had her way, she’d be spending her nights on the dingy floor of a dungeon. “Hi. You’re up,” said Ms. C15. “My name is Maga and this,” she said gesturing at the silvery blonde, “is Ama. What’s your name?” “My name is Whimsy.” She sat up and immediately suffered a moment of embarrassment, realizing that the last time she’d seen these women they were naked and being carried out of a stranger’s bedroom. She’d heard their cries of pleasure as a stranger claimed them. They had been forced to endure, while she’d been spared. Guilt made tears spring to her eyes. Ama was immediately at her side. “Don’t cry. Everything will be all right.” Whimsy shook her head. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t help either of you.” Maga scoffed. “Help me what? Help me miss the best sex of my life?” Whimsy stared. “You’re kidding.” Maga grinned. “Nope. I have never begged a man to take me before. With him, I couldn’t stop.” She fanned herself. “In the end, it was just too much. I passed out.” “I thought…” Whimsy broke off and blushed, recalling how naïve she had been. She had yet to begin her formal education on the duties of a wife’s more intimate duties, but she had been given the basics. She was told that it would be pleasurable to share her body with her husband, but she had been given no idea as to how pleasurable. “What?” Maga asked.

Ama smiled. “She thought he was hurting you when you first started screaming. She was ready to march in there and do battle. I was a little on edge myself, or I would have laughed my head off.” Maga’s eyes widened and then narrowed shrewdly. “Where are you from?” “C7.” “You were a virgin,” Maga exclaimed. “How do you know that?” Ama asked. “All the women on C7 are virgins. The only women who aren’t virgins are claimed by husbands. They never leave the colony once they’re claimed. I know the Gogath would never venture that deep into civilization so that means they nabbed her somewhere else.” Whimsy grumbled as Maga stared at her as though she was some sort of mythical creature. “I am a virgin. It was a near thing,” she said recalling the brief moment when he’d begun to penetrate her, “but he let me go. And for your information, there are women on C7 who are neither claimed nor virgins.” Maga rolled her eyes. “Yes, the social pariahs. I visited C7. You come from a judgmental, pseudo-pious, hypocritical lot. Next to C15, it’s the worse colony in the system.” Whimsy’s mouth dropped open in indignation. “How can you say that? Just because we have morals and values…“ Maga snorted. “Morals and values. How about compassion and decency? I visited C7 once. Your people treated me worse than dirt once they found out that I wasn’t a virgin nor claimed. I couldn’t wait to leave.” Whimsy lowered her gaze, knowing that Maga had a point. C7 was high on morality, but unforgiving of those who strayed from the path. She’d come so close last night. Shivers of shock racked her. She buried her face in her hands. She reminded herself that she still had her hymen. She could go home. Ama wrapped an arm around her. “You can tell us. You don’t have to be embarrassed.” “Tell you what?” “How it was if he took you. We won’t judge.” Whimsy shook her head. She realized Ama was trying to give her an out in case she was lying about still being a virgin. There would be no point in proclaiming her virginity if it weren’t true. Once she returned to C7, she would be sent to a med center to verify her

continued chastity after such an extended un-chaperoned absence. “No. He didn’t. H-he was on top of me, about to, but I pleaded with him to let me go.” “I thought that’s what I would do. But when I was there in his arms, all I could do was beg him not to stop. If he hadn’t taken me, I probably would have tried to rape him.” Ama grinned. “Do you think we were drugged?” Whimsy could not help but ask. Maga sat down on the end of the bed. “If we were, they need to market it.” She shook her head. “No, I think he just has that kind of magnetism.” Whimsy frowned, her mind abuzz with questions. None of this made any sense. “Then why are they buying women for him? And why release us after only one night?” Maga shrugged. “I wish I could answer your questions, but like you, I don’t know where we are. The farther you get out into the colonies, the less communicative the society. On C15, they don’t like any outsiders because they don’t want people to know what goes on there. Wherever we are, they aren’t advertising for tourists.” The lock on their doors turned. The three women turned as one as the doors opened and Editha entered with two guards following in her wake. Editha’s gaze settled on Whimsy, her expression one of satisfaction.

Chapter Five Four hours. That is all he had been able to sleep last night. Four hours last night, and six the night before. Months since he’d slept more than that. He could almost deal with the sleep deprivation if not for the damned heat and the need that never ended. Gaedrian closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. He lay prone on his bed, much as he had all night, willing himself to sleep. After the last woman had fled, he had bathed again and climbed into bed wet, hoping the moisture would cool his skin, cool his arousal. That was marginally successful for all too brief a time. He needed to fuck. Even more than that, he needed to come. The pain in his cock was driving him insane. His entire world for the last month was centered around his cock and fucking. Gaedrian clenched his teeth in mental and physical anguish. There were times when he accepted this as his fate as the ruler of C21, but others when he railed against his mother for giving him the chemical injection to begin the mating heat without his knowledge. All rulers of C21 for the last two centuries were administered the chemical injection commonly known as fate in their seventeenth year. Fate caused a hormonal change that made the body secrete sex pheromones. In men, it also caused hyper-sexuality, but without the benefit of release. Sexual release could only be achieved when the body found the perfect matching pheromones. Thus, the theory was that fate helped a ruler to find his perfect mate. In a colony continually troubled by civil unrest, stability within the ruling house was a must. There was no antidote to fate. The body worked it out of the system naturally when a mate was found. The longer fate remained in the system, the stronger the effects. Due to fighting amongst the colonies during his seventeenth year, Gaedrian had not been given the injection. He had been off fighting with his father. It seemed that he was a natural born fighter and leader. Men followed him without question, knowing that he would not ask more of them than he would of himself. When his father was killed in battle, his succession to the thrown was smooth, though he’d been barely out of his teens at the time. Keeping C21 from tearing itself apart and keeping other colonies at bay had

comprised his early years as a ruler. Many had thought them vulnerable because of his tender years. They had found they were wrong. As time passed, Gaedrian forgot about fate on some level. His mother would occasionally mention it, but there were always other duties, other responsibilities. He was the only single ruler C21 had ever recorded. And then one night seven months ago, he had gone to bed exhausted but could not sleep. He had felt more aroused than was normal. He had never allowed his body to approach that point of need. He had mistresses to guarantee that. Since he had gone to bed alone, he struggled through the night, finally snoozing with some difficulty, thinking to contact one of his mistresses for the next night. Gaedrian had done that and the next night he had given the lusty Kativa a fuck marathon to end all marathons. By the end of it, she was begging him to stop, crying out and climaxing at the same time. He finally did stop when she passed out. At the end of it, his cock was as hard as ever. He had not climaxed once all night. Frustrated, he had slept from his physical exertions alone. Through the course of the following weeks, he had fucked his way through all his mistresses before his mother finally confessed to what she had done. She had convinced his doctor to give him an injection of fate at his last physical. She had somehow convinced the man that it was what Gaedrian wanted. Any other woman and Gaedrian might have thought she felt guilty. After all, his pheromones were not just taking a toll on him, but affected every woman he came into contact with. Within minutes of his walking into a room, every woman there began to sweat. If he lingered, they began to twist in their seats, pressing their thighs together, suppressing moans. Breasts grew firm and nipples hardened. During dinner with an advisor, the man’s daughter had actually climaxed at the table. Gaedrian could see she had fought it, had seen her biting her lip and twisting in discomfort. He had tried to rush the dinner along, but her father had been particularly verbose that night, regaling him with tales of his days as his father’s advisor. The poor girl had eventually had an orgasm with a muffled scream over dessert. Grabbing the table and panting, she had thrown Gaedrian such a hungry look, he was afraid she was going to attempt to mount him right there at the table. After that incident, his mother had had no choice but to confess what she

had done and Gaedrian had made the decision to confine himself to his chambers. But his mother had not wasted time on remorse. In one breath she was confessing and in the next she was ordering him around, arranging his life. Editha was tired of his wasting time. She had long wanted heirs to ensure their family’s continued rule. She had wanted to begin the mating hunt immediately. It was quite a risk she had taken. No one knew for sure what the affects of taking fate were for a man at his age. Prior to his injection, it had only been used on teens. He was now nearing his thirtieth year. There was no certainty it would have worked at all. Editha was lucky. It had worked like a charm. Gaedrian was in heat. But at first, he had refused to participate in the hunt. He was annoyed that his mother had gone behind his back when all she had needed to do was voice her concerns to him. He ignored the fact that she had spoken to him about heirs time and time again. But he had not known that she was this serious, this concerned about the future. When they had brought the first of the volunteers to his chambers, he had intended to reject her. They had locked her in with him, making it impossible for him to resist. She had pleaded with him until he had taken her, as much for her sake as his own. He could not recall what the girl looked like now. He did remember her screams though, as orgasm after orgasm rolled over her. She had been in shock. He had been in shock, too. He literally could not stop himself from ramming into her. After she blacked out, he had barely managed to force himself to stop. Month after month, it had gotten worse. He had gone from bedding one woman a night to two, and then to three. It was the only way to ensure that he would not overuse them. Gaedrian wondered how they managed to keep finding volunteers. Traditionally, it was considered an honor to be accepted as a volunteer. He knew the women would all be rewarded and would be forever after treated as minor royalty. He felt like he had fucked every woman on C21, though he hoped that was not true. He had long since buried the guilt at the excess. Damned pheromones. He wished they would pick someone already. No one had ever suffered the effects of fate as long as he. It was not intended for the mating hunt to continue this long. He could no longer perform his duties.

Gaedrian wrapped his fingers around his cock and squeezed. He groaned and arched his hips. Desperately, he tried to make himself come. He had tried before. And failed. He swore softly under his breath as he pumped his fist up and down over his swollen flesh. He thought back over last night’s volunteers. They were all lovely, as usual. The first was blatantly sexy. He had done nothing more than look at her and she had been ready. The second had seemed timid initially, but had ended up begging him. The third had smelled and tasted so good, he could have eaten her for hours, but he had wanted to be inside her when she climaxed. That she’d changed her mind about volunteering surprised him. After all, it was an admirable duty. That she’d been able to change her mind in the midst of all the pheromones flooding his system and clogging the air around them amazed him. In all the months since this began, no woman had denied him. Mentally she had backed out, but physically, he knew she wanted him. Gaedrian groaned at the remembered taste of her. Her pubic hair had been permanently removed, as was tradition, and when he’d looked at her, he had seen her moisture. He ran his thumb over the moist head of his cock and shuddered. The clasp of her pussy had been so tight. His cock had only gotten a taste of her and it wanted more. But he had looked into her dark eyes and seen the fear that he would not stop. He felt on edge. Not taking her, ripping himself from her warm aroused body, had been the hardest part of this so far. A shudder of longing racked his body as he thought of her, of her smell, of her full lips. He moved his hand at a frantic pace. Months ago, he would have considered it beneath him to try to relieve himself this way. Now, he knew no shame. He arched his hips, imaging that he was plunging into her tight pussy. He groaned. He was so close. He could feel the impending explosion working its way up his spine. The sudden knock at the door had him swearing. He was tempted to ignore it, roll over, and pump himself into the fresh linens the servants had dressed the bed with last night for Dessert. Her fragrance lingered. Perhaps that was the reason he could not stop thinking about her. He would order the sheets changed again to maintain his sanity.

At a second knock, this one sounding slightly impatient, Gaedrian sighed and climbed out of bed. He found his robe and slid into it before opening the door. “Chaldor.” He greeted his friend with a nod and backed up to allow him entrance. “How are you?” “Fine. How are you? Did you sleep well?” Gaedrian ignored his friend’s probing glance. “As well as can be expected.” “How many hours?” Gaedrian gritted his teeth. “Chaldor, you grow worse than Mother.” They were beginning to make him feel like a child. It was bad enough that he could not perform any of his duties, but the two of them constantly monitoring him made him feel as though he were a science experiment. “How many?” he persisted. “Four.” “Only four? But you had three women last night.” Gaedrian could see the concerned look on his friend’s face. Chaldor thought his condition was worsening. The less he slept, the more women they brought him. “Actually, I only had the first two. I let the last one go.” “What? You cannot do that.” Chaldor shoved his hands in his hair in agitation. He ignored the fact that his friend was ordering him around. “Chaldor, she changed her mind. I know it goes against tradition and that to let people believe that she had given herself for the good of her home would be a deception…“ His friend had begun pacing, pausing only to glare back at him. “Gaedrian, suppose she is the one? Tradition states you must—“ “I know, believe me, I know. I am to fuck every woman who volunteers herself up as some noble sacrifice until I find my one true companion. Mother has drilled the honor and duty spiel into my head every day. Somehow it is supposed to make this better and fix what she did to me.” “Have you thought of the girl? What of her? She is no doubt still suffering the effects of being in your presence.” Gaedrian clenched his jaw. “She can find satisfaction anywhere, whereas I can find none,” he stated coldly. But it angered

him to think of another claiming the sweet pussy that he had tasted and almost fucked. “You are not thinking reasonably.” Chaldor touched the communications link in his ear. “Number 3 must be returned immediately.” Gaedrian knew he spoke with someone in charge of the women’s care. He heaved a great sigh and sat down on the edge of his bed. He recalled a time when his word had commanded respect. Now they did nothing but ignore him. His wishes and thoughts on the matter would be ignored. Still he recalled the look on Dessert’s face. He could not take her last night and he doubted that he ever could as long as she resisted. “Chaldor, leave it be, I beg you. She changed her mind.” “She cannot change her mind, just as you…“ He broke off as he received a message through his link. He swore. “They have been released.” He touched his link again. “Get her back here. If you have to turn the ship around, I want her back here now!” “Ship? Why would she be on a ship?” Chaldor would not meet his eyes. “It is nothing. Do not concern yourself. I should be going.” Gaedrian’s spine stiffened. It was not like Chaldor to be evasive. “Damnation, Chaldor, tell me, what is going on? Is it not bad enough that I am the only ruler in our history to have to hand over his responsibilities to another due to uncontrollable lust? Must you and Mother treat me like I am a child as well?” Chaldor looked thoroughly ashamed and apprehensive. “I am sorry.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “We were short on volunteers. Many of the people do not know that you are still under the influences of fate. They await your choice of mate any day now.” “That does not explain––“ “Try to understand. We could not bear for you to suffer through the night without some relief. So we made a trip to one of the Gogath’s flesh bazaars.” “What?” His friend closed his eyes against his rage. Chaldor knew how he detested the Gogath’s habit of kidnapping for profit. “This is why she changed her mind. She never volunteered.” His eyes widened. “None of them did. You let me fuck unwilling women?” “They sounded willing enough. Including Number 3.”

“You know it is the damned pheromones.” He paused. “When you say ‘we’…?“ “I meant your mother and me.” “You took my mother to a flesh bazaar?” The idea would be laughable if it were not for the fact that he was still furious with the both of them. “The women must be returned.” “Number 1 has decided to stay with us. Number 2 is being returned to her home colony.” Gaedrian gritted his teeth. He gripped the edge of the mattress until his knuckles whitened in an effort to keep himself from getting up and punching his good friend in the face. “She must be returned also.” “Not until…“ “You would have me rape her then?” he erupted. “She was not willing.” “You do not desire her?” “Of course I do.” Just the thought of her had him hard enough to drive his cock through the wall. “But…“ “She did not grow wet for you?” Gaedrian growled. “Of course she did.” “Then how is it rape?” Gaedrian shook his head at his friend’s logic. “She did not wish to be fucked. How many times can I say it?” “Your welfare comes before her wishes.” “I can just as easily take my frustrations out on another as on her. She need not suffer.” “I suggest you help her change her mind. Once your mother finds out, she will be furious.” “Chaldor, tell me you know this is wrong.” He could not have been mistaken about his friend’s manner for so long. Chaldor closed his eyes. “I am sorry. I was concerned about her. I picked her, you know. Under any other circumstances, I would not countenance any of this.” He shook his head. “But my first concern is your welfare. Look at it this way, the sooner you…” “Rape her,” Gaedrian supplied roughly. “There is a difference. You can make her willingly submit.” “Chaldor…“

“Let us not argue. The sooner you satisfy the requirements of tradition,” he said briskly as though he feared interruption again, “the sooner she can be released.” “Damnation!” Chaldor left him alone. He had nothing harder than a pillow at hand to throw. He had broken every breakable item in his rooms long ago. Gaedrian threw a pillow at the door anyway and swore again. That had not been satisfying at all. He needed to hear something break.

Chapter Six Whimsy couldn’t believe they were letting the women go. At the look on Editha’s face, she had been sure she was about to begin a life of servitude. Perhaps Editha’s own personal servant, waiting on her hand and foot. That would have been torture! Instead she found herself with Ama waiting to board a cruiser that would take them wherever they wanted to go. Maga had elected to stay and explore this colony as she had many others. Whimsy got the feeling that Maga was in search of a home. Whimsy already had a home on C7 and that is where she aimed to return. Though reactions over this unfortunate episode were likely to vary, she longed for the comfort of home under their gentle moon. Serri might call off their engagement, she realized. He was perfectly within his right. Part of her felt panicky at the thought of him abandoning her. After the blow this would be to her reputation, her father might not be able to find her another husband. She would have to settle for whatever man would accept her hand in marriage. Whimsy didn’t like the idea of settling, but she was sensible and she hoped practical enough to not bemoan what she couldn’t change. As for her mother and her siblings, as long as she was proven to be pure, they would not question her. Her father was the unknown quotient. She would probably not be allowed outside their palace walls again until her wedding day. She felt a flutter in her lower belly, not an entirely unpleasant sensation. She pressed a hand to her stomach. She’d been feeling it in increasing degrees all morning. “Are you nervous about flying?” Ama asked. “After the trip here, no. I’m just anxious to get going,” she said with a smile. They had been waiting for some time now for their pilot. Whimsy couldn’t wait to leave. Whereas their arrival had been secretive and cloaked in darkness, their departure was in full daylight. People milled about going in and out of the large doors to the palace that seemed to remain open. Many people had turned to turn and stare at them. It was the damned gowns, Whimsy thought. They seemed to have some significance to these people. One look at them and they

bowed their heads deferentially. It was most disconcerting to realize that people were honoring you for bedding a complete stranger. A shiver raced up her spine and her nipples peaked. Whimsy cursed mentally. She couldn’t think of him. Wouldn’t think of his hands on her body, and oh, Myrna, his mouth on her body. His hard body on her body. That fluttering in her belly increased. Her woman’s center clenched and she felt moisture between her thighs. What was wrong with her? “Here he comes,” said their guard, thankfully interrupting her thoughts. They’d sent one man to guard the two of them this time. He wasn’t even the largest of the guards she had seen. Their pilot ordered them all to board. Ama climbed in first, Whimsy right after her. Their guard suddenly clamped onto her wrist, halting her progress. Startled, she turned to him. He was frowning and touching the piece in his ear, his eyes locked on her. “It seems there has been a change in plans. You will be staying.” Whimsy’s eyes widened with alarm. She’d been found out. Before she could think better of it, she twisted her arm out of his hold and sprinted away. He might have been taller, faster, and fitter, but she had the advantage of being smaller. His broad shoulders would hamper him in this crush. She flitted through the crowds, dashing between people quickly. She could hear shouts behind her. Whether it was due to the guard following her or her own rude behavior, she wasn’t sure. “Myrna, help me,” she panted as she ran. Where was she to go? She didn’t know any of these people. Her only hope was to hide. If she could only escape this one guard… She glanced behind her. There were so many people between her and her pursuer that she could not see him. She needed to blend in with the crowd. The stupid gown, though black, was very different from the garb of the other women here. The material was finer and the cut was far more revealing. She whipped back around and immediately slammed into the hard wall of a stranger’s back. “Sorry,” she muttered even as he was turning to her with a glare. Her eyes widened. “Serri?” Relief and disbelief flooded her all at once. A sob tore from her throat and she threw her arms around his neck. “Serri, how did you know where to find me?”

“Whimsy?” he said, obviously in shock himself. His arms closed around her loosely. She sniffed, laughing through her tears. “How long have you been looking for me?” “Whimsy…“ “It doesn’t matter. We’ve got to leave now! There’s someone––“ “Unhand her, sir,” said a hard male voice. Whimsy turned. It was the guard. An infuriated guard but there was still only the one. Whimsy swallowed. “Let me go,” she whispered. “We can pay you.” If anything, that made him angrier. “You will come with me.” He gripped her upper arm and pulled her to his side. “No!” Whimsy tried frantically to get free. The guard’s grip tightened. She sensed that he did not want her to get away again. She’d probably humiliated him before by escaping. “Serri, help me!” Serri’s handsome brown eyes widened. He was taller than Whimsy but his height was nothing in comparison with the behemoth men of this colony. He was clearly alarmed and afraid. “Sir…um, what has…what has she done?” “That is none of your concern.” “I haven’t done anything! Serri, please!” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she was being dragged away from her only hope of getting off this planet. She was causing a scene. Everyone within hearing had stopped to watch the spectacle. Serri took a halting step. “Whimsy, perhaps you should go with him for now?” Her eyes widened and she dug her heals in to halt the guard’s progress. “No! You don’t know what they’ll do to me! Serri, please, you have to help me now!” “That is quite enough,” the guard said. He hefted her onto his shoulder and strode purposefully toward the palace. Whimsy lifted her head to look back at Serri. She reached out to him, but he just stood there looking confused and embarrassed. A woman with lush red hair came forward to stand at his side and stare after her. He wasn’t going to help her, she realized. She was so angry that she kicked and flailed at the guard, uncaring that if she did manage to take him down she would most assuredly land on her head.

The guard bounced her on his shoulder, effectively knocking the wind out of her. When she was able to look up, she could no longer see Serri through the crowd. Inside the palace, he placed her on her feet. A second and a third guard came to his aid. Her arms were seized and she was once again ushered through a maze of hallways. She wiped her tears on her shoulders because they wouldn’t allow her to lift her hands. She was taken back to his room. She wasn’t surprised to find Editha and Chaldor awaiting her before the double doors. Neither looked pleased. “You can’t make me do this,” she said in defiance, with more bravado than she felt. Editha gestured to one of the guards. “Remove the torque and bring her forward.” Whimsy didn’t resist as they removed the jewelry from her neck. She hadn’t intended to keep the heavy silver piece anyway. Each of the women had been given one as a reward for giving up their bodies to a stranger. It wasn’t a payment she could accept. Editha held the torque in one hand and gave Whimsy a dismissive glance. “Chaldor, you will handle this person as it is through no fault but your own that she is here. When he is done with her, have her sent to my chambers where I will explain her new duties to her.” She swept out of the room with all the regality of a queen. She turned to the only person who had shown her any sympathy in this palace. “Chaldor, I won’t do this.” He would not meet her gaze. “You have no choice. You will not be allowed to leave this room until you have served him.” Tears filled her eyes. “That will never happen.” “This is for your own well being, as well as his.” **** Serri watched in confusion as his future bride was hauled away like a sack of potatoes by a burly guard. What was she even doing here? King Raul would never have given her permission to be so far from home. Even with an escort, C21 was no place for a proper lady. Why this colony was full of immoral loose women who thought nothing of giving up their virginity. He’d been here several times for trade and had never met a virtuous woman. “Did you know that woman?” Ambrosia asked, reminding him of her presence.

“No.” Serri shook his head. What had Whimsy expected him to do? Be pummeled to death by that enormous oaf? No, this is a battle she would have to settle on her own. He stroked Ambrosia’s vibrant red hair. It was dyed. He knew because the hair between her legs was a drab brown. Still, he liked the sight of his shaft disappearing in her creamy pale body. They had taken a respite from fucking to come to the market for fresh fruit. Now, he was eager to forget his troublesome betrothed and turn to more pleasurable pursuits. “Come,” he said to Ambrosia. “Let’s return to your home.” He wrapped an arm about her tiny waist, took their purchase from her, and led her away. He would tackle the issue of Whimsy later. Much later, he thought, his hand curving over Ambrosia’s bottom.

Chapter Seven The room was brightly lit this time, and the drapes were drawn back to reveal a stunning view of their city. Gaedrian stood looking out the window, wearing the same robe he’d worn last night. He didn’t turn at the sound of the door opening and closing. Whimsy opened and closed her hands to try to calm herself. She was furious with him. The silence between them stretched out until she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Why did you let me go if you were only going to send for me again?” She hated that her voice quivered and she was afraid she was going to start crying again. He sighed deeply and turned. The robe draped over his body lovingly like a second skin. His body was heavily aroused. Whimsy caught her breath, shocked at the instant throbbing that began in her pussy. She bit her lip to keep in a moan. “Dessert, I regret that this has to happen. I did not want this.” She turned from him. She couldn’t really believe him when his body belied his words. “I did not know that you had not volunteered for this service.” Whimsy choked. “You thought I volunteered to be defiled by you? You have some ego.” He arched a brow. “Believe it or not, it happens. You are the first to object.” She bit her lip. “That’s because the women are drugged.” He moved closer. “You have not been drugged. It is I who received an injection.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Let’s just say I believe you, that you didn’t know I was bought and forced to come here, and that you’re sorry. Will you let me go?” He gritted his teeth. “I cannot.” “Then you can stuff your apologies,” she snapped. “Dessert, please.” “Stop calling me that! My name is Whimsy.” He nodded. “Whimsy,” he murmured. He was close enough to touch her now. He reached out and fingered her curls. “It is a lovely name for a beautiful woman. But I will always think of you as my Dessert. How can I not? Your skin is caramel, your nipples milk

chocolate, and the cream of your pussy…” He broke off with a deep growl that had her nipples peaking. “One taste and I am addicted.” Part of her was shocked. No one had ever spoken to her so frankly, used such language. Certainly, not Serri. What shocked her even more is the way his words affected her. She wanted to throw herself at him and beg him to kiss her the way he had last night. The thought of his strong body over hers, claiming her made her feel weak and shaky. “I need to sit down,” she whispered. He clasped her shoulders from behind. “Whimsy, the sooner you give in to the need, the sooner you will be free.” He rubbed his erection against her backside. “Give in for both of us.” His hands snaked up to cup her breasts. His breath was hot on her neck. He kissed her there, bit her, and licked her skin. He thrust himself against her and groaned. “I want to be inside you again, to bury my cock all the way inside. To feel your tight pussy.” Whimsy wrenched herself away from him with a groan. She covered her ears. “Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!” She whipped around to face him. “How do I even know you’re remembering my body and not one of the other two women you were with last night?!” “You are like no other,” he whispered roughly. “You say that now because you want what you didn’t have. Because there are no other women lined up outside your door right now. Well, I wasn’t offering my body last night, and I’m not offering it tonight!” He growled. “I need you.” “I don’t even know your name,” she wailed suddenly. He’d taken liberties with her that she never dreamed anyone but Serri would have. Her body wanted his fiercely. His heat, his smell caused her vagina to clench and ache to be filled. That he was the sexiest man she’d ever seen wasn’t helping matters. And she didn’t know his name. Shame flooded her but did not douse her arousal. Not while he was so close. “My name is Gaedrian.” He removed his robe. “Myrna,” she whispered and retreated until her back hit the wall. She held her hands out in front of her as he approached. “Whimsy, I swore to myself that I would leave you untouched because of the way you came to me.” He ignored her hands. He crowded her, his hands pressing into the wall on either side of her head. “And if you say no, I will not force you.” He sniffed her much

as he had last night and pressed his crotch to hers. At his thrust, she cried out. The gown was no barrier against his rampant erection. “But I want you so much and I will do anything to make you give yourself to me.” He dropped his mouth to her neck, raining nibbling kisses up to her ear before taking the lobe in his hot mouth and sucking. “No, please,” she whispered, weakly. She pressed her hands against his chest. She meant to shove him off but ended up caressing him instead. His skin was like hot satin over steel. He slid a hand between their bodies, nudged aside the folds of her gown and touched her moist heat. “You want me,” he said gruffly. He skimmed a finger between her folds before bringing it up to his mouth. He closed his eyes and groaned as he savored her essence. Arousal hit her belly hard. She had to get away from him or she’d be on her back with his cock buried inside her in minutes. “I-I can’t. Let me go.” “Let me kiss you and I will release you.” At that point she would have promised him anything. “Yes, yes, kiss me.” She plunged her hands into his hair and pulled his face down to hers. She immediately thrust her tongue into his mouth, craving his taste. He seemed somewhat surprised. Then he groaned and relaxed into her, sucking her tongue, crushing her to him. She reveled in the feel of her aroused nipples pressing into the hard wall of his chest. The kiss went on and on with him slanting his mouth over hers. He broke away at last. She still clung to him. A smile tilted his sensual lips. “When I said I wanted a kiss, I guess I should have been more specific. Not that that was not very, very…nice.” She shook her head, dazed. “W-what did you mean?” “I want to kiss you,” he insinuated a hand between their bodies again until he could cup her mound, “here.” His smile widened. “And you agreed.” She gasped. “I did no such thing!” He laughed. “You agreed.” He slid down her body and parted the gown more fully to reveal her hips. “You are not going to go back on your word, are you?” She sputtered. “You know I didn’t know what you meant!”

“No, actually, I thought I was quite clear until you grabbed me.” He ran his tongue over the seam of her lips, teasing himself and her with what was to come. “Part your legs.” The more aroused he became the deeper his voice became, Whimsy noted. He placed a hand between her legs to widen the gap when she didn’t immediately comply. His strong desire for her compounded her own for him. It was just one kiss, she thought. It’s not as though he hadn’t kissed her there before, she reasoned. Surely, it would be okay. She cried out at the first touch of his tongue. He parted her lips with his fingers and taunted her clit with teasing flicks of his tongue before settling in for a more leisurely lick. She buried her hands in his hair. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” She moaned and swiveled her hips against his mouth as he began to suck. He groaned against her and she whimpered. “So damned good,” he growled. “Unfasten your gown. Put your legs over my shoulders.” With trembling fingers, she undid her gown. She lifted her legs over his shoulders, bracing herself with her back against the wall. Gaedrian tilted her hips forward and plunged his tongue up her pussy. Whimsy cried out in shock. He wasn’t done with her yet. He cupped her breasts, thumbing and tugging her nipples. Her pussy clenched with each tug. She could feel her cream gushing freely. She realized dimly that he was tongue fucking her and this was entirely inappropriate. Her hips jerked convulsively, driving his tongue deeper and deeper into her cunt. Her skin began to tingle. She could feel her face heating. “Gaedrian, what are you doing to me?” Her body was tightening and preparing itself, though for what she knew not. She threw her head back, her eyes rolling into the back of her head, her toes curling. “Gaedrian, I…. Sorry. Didn’t know you were occupied.” Whimsy froze in shock. Her eyes flew open. They weren’t alone. A young man stood near the windows, close to where Gaedrian had stood when she’d first entered the room. Gaedrian gave a fierce growl and reluctantly relinquished his hold on her nipples. Whimsy immediately fastened her gown. Gaedrian’s tongue slid from her pussy but flattened on her clit before leaving her altogether. She gasped and swiftly slid her legs from his shoulders. Her face colored

with embarrassment. She turned and righted her gown. Gaedrian seemed to have no qualms about showing his body. “Your timing could be better,” he muttered. Whimsy bit her lip. He was still terribly aroused. She wanted to wrap her hands around his thick erection and plunge it into her body. The thought shocked her so much that she moved away from him and sat down on one of the benches lining the walls. What was wrong with her? She pressed a shaky hand to her face. She’d let him tongue fuck her. She’d ridden his tongue like some hussy with no morals, with no idea of right and wrong. She was shaming her family with her behavior. When she returned home, she would have to admit to what she’d done. “I didn’t expect you to have company during the daylight hours.” “Then you had not heard. I released her last night, but Chaldor thought it more appropriate that we fulfill the tradition.” Whimsy watched as he slowly shrugged on his robe. She wanted to lick his taut stomach. She wanted to kiss him as he had kissed her. She colored still more as she realized that his mouth was still wet with her juices. As she watched, he licked his full lips clean. The man had the sexiest mouth she’d ever seen. He grinned when he caught her staring. “Dark, I would introduce you to Whimsy. Whimsy, this is Dark. He is here…under my guardianship.” She sensed that there was more to that story, but at the moment she had bigger worries. She glanced over at Dark and wondered how much he’d seen. And where had he come from? She hadn’t heard the door open. And at any rate, he was on the other side of the room. He stepped forward out of the shadows and she could barely contain a gasp. She locked eyes with the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. His jet-black curls were glossy and perfectly coifed. His lashes were long and thick and the perfect frame for his startlingly silver eyes. His features were perfect: a straight nose, high cheekbones, a full sensual mouth––and yet, he was not in the least feminine. His jaw was firm and determined. The man was the epitome of masculine beauty. He was not as tall or as wide as Gaedrian, but she sensed that he had not finished growing yet. He appeared very young, perhaps no more than seventeen.

Yet he scared her in a way the Gogath had not. His pale eyes were cold and emotionless. Reptile eyes, she thought, and shivered. He inclined his head to her in greeting. She returned his nod then looked away. It was difficult to hold his direct unblinking gaze. “Gaedrian, may I have a private word with you? It will only take a moment. I don’t want to pull you away from your other pursuits for too long.” “She is not allowed to leave the chamber. We will speak in the hall. Chaldor may still be there.” “Fantastic,” she heard Dark say with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. Once they were gone, Whimsy took a deep breath. She stood and arranged the gown to be as concealing as possible. She was tired. She needed time to think, but it didn’t seem as though she were likely to get it. She’d gotten a brief reprieve with the appearance of Dark, but she knew that Gaedrian would soon be renewing his efforts to seduce her. She didn’t know how long she could resist him. The door opened and Gaedrian returned alone. He took off his robe and threw it onto the nearest bench. “Dark says it was lovely to meet you.” She colored. That was one meeting she’d rather not recall. She didn’t know if she’d ever overcome the embarrassment. She looked up at Gaedrian as he came to tower over her. “Was he real?” Gaedrian’s compressed his lips. “Real enough.” He paused. “Do not forget you are here to fuck me and not a child.” She gasped. “I’m not here to-to-to...” “Fuck me?” he supplied dryly. “Or anyone else!” she added, indignant. “I merely asked because he seemed too––“ “Handsome to be real?” Gaedrian crossed his arms over his massive chest. Whimsy frowned. “Yes, but that’s not what I was going to say. I was going to say that he seemed too cold and emotionless. Especially for someone his age.” He shrugged. “It is the nature of his people.” She shivered. “He gives me the creeps.” Gaedrian’s eyes flicked over her, amusement kindling in their depths. “He is harmless enough.”

She suddenly realized that he’d been jealous over her. She couldn’t recall Serri ever doubting her devotion. Of course, he had no reason to. No man would touch her knowing that she’d been betrothed to him since the age of fourteen. “You were jealous,” she whispered, oddly hoping that he would confirm her thoughts. “I do not share,” he said simply. “Best you keep that in mind.” She frowned. “Macho jerk.” He moved closer until his cock touched the front of her gown. She immediately retreated. “A macho jerk you want to fuck.” He ran the back of a finger down her cheek. “Where were we before the interruption?” He easily undid the clasp of her gown. “Oh, yes, you were riding my tongue.” Whimsy held the edges of the gown together over her breasts. “You said you’d let me go after the kiss.” “And I did. Sooner than I wanted to, but I did.” “But—“ “Did you think I meant that I would not try to hold you again? I only agreed to let you go for that moment.” “C-could you please give me some time?” He growled, a low rumbling sound that vibrated in his chest. “How much time?” “A couple of days?” “Think again.” He glanced out the window. The light was beginning to wane. “Dinner will be served soon. You have until nightfall.” “That’s not enough time.” “Make it enough.” She worried her lower lip and turned from him. She didn’t know how many men Serri had with him. Their only hope was diplomacy. Their people were not fighters. They weren’t built on the same scale as Gaedrian or his guards. She could only pray they would listen to reason and release her when Serri came for her. She glanced out the window. And he had better come soon.

Chapter Eight Gaedrian watched Whimsy pick over her dinner. He should feel guilty for pressuring her. Damned if he did though. Her very resistance brought out his dormant predatory nature. The more she fought the attraction between them, the more he wanted her. And she was fighting it. He saw the way she watched his lips and his hands as he ate. Her own hands were balled into tight fists most of the time. He deliberately taunted her. After the servants had brought in the meal, he had immediately stripped out of his robe despite the fact that he usually ate clothed. Her eyes kept darting apprehensively towards the windows as it grew darker and darker outside. Her breathing was coming in shallow pants. Her nipples were peaked. The pheromones were doing their work. The servants knocked before entering to remove the table and the remains of their dinner. Gaedrian reluctantly put his robe back on before allowing them to enter. The drapes were drawn over the floor to ceiling windows and candles were lit to give the room a romantic atmosphere. It was so dark at this point that little could be seen. Whimsy stood so that they could remove her dining chair. She would not meet his gaze. Once the last servant had left the room, he flung his robe aside. She immediately backed away from him. “Whimsy,” he whispered, reaching for her and pulling her body flush to his. She trembled. “P-please, Gaedrian, don’t do this to me.” He pushed her hair back from her beautiful face. Tears were filling her dark brown eyes. One tear slid down her cheek. He traced it with his tongue. “Whimsy, you do not know how desperately I need you.” He placed small kisses over her face before settling his mouth over hers. She gave a murmur of distress before opening her lips to him. Her fingers slid into his hair. Her moans filled his ears. He lifted her and took her over to the bed. She did not seem to notice when he removed her gown so intent was she on drinking from his mouth. He plunged his tongue deep and she arched her hips wantonly off the mattress. He growled and automatically thrust back despite the fact that he was not yet sheathed in her warmth. He cupped her firm breasts, holding them so that the hard nipples raked his chest. “Part your legs,” he ordered. “Wrap them

around me,” he said once she complied. He slid his length between her lips so that his cock rubbed against her straining clit. Then he thrust hard, riding her so that she was crying out with each undulation of his hips. Her heat was scalding him. He gritted his teeth. Once she neared orgasm, he stopped. He dropped his head to her shoulder. “Tell me you want me, Whimsy. Ask me to fuck your sweet pussy.” Her nails dug into his back and she pumped her hips against his erection reflexively. He gripped her hips so that she could not move, could not tempt him to take her. He could not take her without her permission. He needed her to ask for his cock. She was shaking her head. “I can’t. You’ll destroy me.” He knew his size was intimidating, but he had yet to encounter this type of fear. “I would not hurt you.” “You don’t understand. I can’t.” Gaedrian growled. Her eyes flew open and filled with those damned tears again. “Whimsy, you hurt both of us with this refusal.” She bit her lip. “I know,” she whispered. She was shaking as he moved off her. He did not understand her. Why would she choose to suffer? Perhaps if he had some blood left in his brain he could figure out the puzzle that was Whimsy. He sat on the side of the bed, his head in his hands. His cock stared angrily back at him, throbbing painfully enough to remind him that he had not had pussy since last night. Whimsy’s presence only made the ache more acute. He could smell her arousal between her legs and on himself. The taste of her essence on his tongue was still fresh in his memory. He growled and Whimsy jumped. He stalked off to the sunken tub. At this time of night the water was cool. He swam to the deepest part and completely submerged himself. He stayed down for as long as he could before resurfacing. Whimsy watched him from the bed. She had covered herself in the bedding. Her gown remained in a tangle on the floor. She had no clothing other than the gown and it served as poor protection against him. He had removed far too many of the gossamer-thin dresses. He turned away from her, splashing water over his chest and into his face. He floated on his back once again cursing fate. Whimsy ached. She could barely sleep. Tears of frustration ran onto her pillow. She clenched her hands into fists. She wanted,

needed him so desperately. She still couldn’t understand it. She’d never felt anything in Serri’s presence, or any other man’s for that matter, but with Gaedrian she was fighting to control herself. She had been so close to giving in to him and begging him to take her. She shivered as she recalled the feel of his cock between her legs. Her only hope was that Serri would rescue her. She needed to believe that he would come for her. It was from that thought that she drew enough strength to resist Gaedrian. It was almost dawn when he climbed into bed with her, his body cold and wet from the water. He was still for a moment. Suddenly he groaned and grabbed her from behind. He pulled her into his arms. His cock was hard and thick against her bottom. He kissed her neck and she stiffened. She didn’t have it in her to resist him again tonight. “Relax,” he whispered. “I only want to hold you.” **** Ambrosia sighed and rested her head on his chest. Serri tried to get comfortable. He would have to leave soon. If he wasn’t home in a few days, his mother would be suspicious. He had already stayed longer than he had intended. Ambrosia ran her fingers over his pectorals, toying with the hair there. “The woman in the market knew your name. Are you sure you did not know her?” “I’m sure. She was being dragged away by guards. I don’t know any criminals.” Ambrosia’s smooth white brow wrinkled. “I doubt she was a criminal. She wore the Torque of Honor and was dressed in a gown of giving.” Serri tried to hide his irritation. He had no idea what a Torque of Honor was or a gown of giving. She forgot that he didn’t know their ways. “What does any of that mean?” “She has been greatly honored by being one of the chosen women who have given of their bodies to appease our King Gaedrian. He is on a fate quest to select his bride.” Serri felt anger overtake him. “Do you mean she let him fuck her?” Ambrosia flinched at his tone. “W-why yes. It is a great honor.” Serri looked at her in disgust. She was nothing more than a stupid whore. He supposed she would consider it an honor. Now his

bride, his princess, was also a whore. It would be better to let her family think she had died than to inform them of her disgrace. The shame would kill them.

Chapter Nine The next morning the servants who had prepped her for her first visit with Gaedrian came to give her a bath. Whimsy thought they would leave and go to the same bathing area that she had used in the past. However, they led her to the pool Gaedrian used. Gaedrian watched as she was lowered into the water, his eyes hot with desire. She was so focused on him that she didn’t protest as they assisted her with her bath. They bathed her with brisk movements. Whimsy thought nothing of it until she heard one of the women moan. She turned her head to catch the all of the women staring at Gaedrian with varying expressions of rapture. Whimsy shot him a glare, but he didn’t even seem to notice the women’s reactions to him. He only had eyes for her. At the moment his attention was targeted on her nipples. Pure devilry made her run her hands up her ribcage in a pretense of bathing herself, ending by cupping her breasts as though she were offering them to him. Gaedrian wet his lips and groaned. But he didn’t stop there. He stood and left his position on the bench in front of the windows. At the edge of the pool, he spared a glance for the servants. “Get out,” he ordered. They immediately retreated. The door had barely closed behind the last woman before he was dropping his robe and slipping into the water with her. Whimsy retreated and floundered in the water. He caught her easily before she could go under. “Gaedrian, don’t.” “You wanted this.” “I didn’t.” He growled. “Do not push me too far, Dessert. I would taste your chocolate.” He bent his head and captured a nipple. She moaned and speared his hair with her fingers. His hot mouth tugging her nipple was a torment that at once satisfied the ache in her breasts but increased the clenching in her womb. She didn’t even try to stop him when he moved to her other breast, wrapping his tongue around her nipple before settling in to suckle. He slipped his hand between her thighs to cup her mound. He had just touched her clit when a knock sounded at the door. Gaedrian growled and cursed against her breast. His arms closed around her convulsively. He released her slowly and climbed

out of the pool. His hard body glistened with water as he tugged on his robe. She should have been glad of the interruption. Perversely, she wasn’t. Her body was keyed up with sexual energy. She climbed out of the bathing pool and dried herself with jerky movements before putting on the fresh gown the servants had left for her. Once she was dressed, Gaedrian opened the door. His greeting to his friend Chaldor was a mere grunt. Chaldor’s gaze flew to her. His look was nothing short of accusatory. Whimsy stiffened but held her head high. She was no one’s whore. She liked Chaldor as he was one of the few people to show her any kindness since this entire ordeal began. It was ironic that he was the one who responsible for her immediate situation. She supposed it could have been worse. She could have been bought by a man who thought nothing of taking her against her will. “Perhaps we should speak outside?” Chaldor asked with a pointed look in her direction. Gaedrian waved a hand. “It matters not.” “There are continuing problems with Merrill and his men,” he finally said to Gaedrian. “Again?” Gaedrian sat on the bed, his brooding gaze still on Whimsy. “Talks did not go well?” “They will accept nothing but the land or war.” Gaedrian sighed as though very tired. “Dark,” he said at last. The boy stepped out of the shadows when his name was called. Whimsy gasped and nearly fell off her bench. She had wondered how he had gotten into the chamber before without her noticing him. There was only one entrance. She had surreptitiously searched the room for possible exits and found none. Now she knew: The boy was magic. Dark spared her a quick glance before turning to Gaedrian. “You requested my presence?” Chaldor’s eyes widened. “You cannot be serious.” “Why can I not? We have tried talks, bargaining, and punishment. Merrill will not be happy until there is war and I will not have it. Too many would die.” “Gaedrian, do you not fear that this would cause more trouble with his relatives, friends, and sympathizers?”

Gaedrian arched a brow. “Are there any of those after all he has done?” he asked with a note of doubt. “I think not. Dark, handle it.” Dark gave a brisk nod, took one step backwards and disappeared. “What is he?” Whimsy gasped. “He is a prince of Dark Sphere,” Gaedrian answered casually. “D-Dark Sphere,” she stuttered. “But that planet and all its inhabitants were destroyed.” “Not destroyed,” Gaedrian said absently. “It disappeared.” If Dark was a prince of Dark Sphere, then surely she was very far from home. “W-what colony is this?” “C21,” Gaedrian answered. “Unlike many colonies, we are fortunate enough that we are an actual planet. We have natural soil with which to grow our crops and an actual star to light our days.” C21. She’d expected to find she was far from home, yet it was still disconcerting to have her suspicions confirmed. Myrna, her people rarely ventured this deep into space. Earth was now a barren planet, struggling to overcome centuries of human abuse. The colonies, most manmade satellites like her own, were created to sustain life. Everyone knew the farther you were from Earth, or the colony of origin, the more barbaric the peoples. She asked the first question that popped into her mind. “Y-you’re not cannibals, are you?” Gaedrian and Chaldor roared with laughter. She glared at them. “Well, that’s the rumor.” Gaedrian finally simmered down to a sexy grin. “Oh, I want to eat you, as you well know. You seemed to enjoy it. As did I.” Her face flushed. “Well, at least there has been some progress between the two of you.” Gaedrian gave him an annoyed look. “We would progress much fairer without so many interruptions.” Blond brows rose. “Point taken.” He gave Whimsy a nod before exiting. Gaedrian started for her. She backed away and put her hands up. “Wait. I have some questions. I’ve been in the dark too long. I’d like to know what’s going on around here. Why was I brought here? I mean, surely there are enough women here to satisfy your, um, appetites.”

“Dessert, you know that I disapprove of the way you came to me. I was not consulted.” He mouth twisted in displeasure. “It is my understanding that there were no more volunteers.” She made a frustrated sound. “I know that much. What I want to know is why are women offering up their bodies to you? Is this the custom of your people?” “Forgive me. It is easy to forget that you are not familiar with our ways.” He seated himself on the bed. “Our land has long known unrest. To mitigate this, we have needed strong rulers with a united family. In the past, rulers in unhappy unions soon saw their kingdoms crumble around them. And then fate was discovered.” “You’ve mentioned fate before. What does it have to do with this?” “Fate is a root. It was originally called by another name but then it was discovered that the use of its essence in an injection had miraculous effects. It causes the pheromones of males to become potent so that any woman in his presence is incapable of resisting him.” His eyes flickered over her face. “Usually.” Her mouth fell open. Finally she understood why she had been so unnaturally wanton in his presence. She recalled his words, saying that he had been drugged. But the drug had affected her also. “You mean I’m not really attracted to you.” His lips curved into a sinful smile. “No. Fate can only enhance my pheromones. It cannot create desire where there is none. You want me, my Dessert, as much as I want you.” She longed to ask him more but before she could there was a knock at the door. Servants brought in breakfast after Gaedrian gave them permission to enter. Editha followed. She smiled at Gaedrian. “I decided to share the morning meal with you today, my son.” “Son,” Whimsy gasped. “You’re his mother!” Editha gave her a disapproving glare. Her lips flattened to a hard line, making her mouth a mere slash of red in an otherwise pale face. “You are still here.” There was no surprise in her voice. Her words were a threat, a reminder to Whimsy of punishment to come. Her eyes flew Gaedrian but he did not detect the malice in his mother’s phrasing. He greeted his mother with a kiss to the cheek. “To what do we owe this honor?” “I have missed you.”

“You are checking up on me,” he stated. “Let us be seated so that the servers might take their leave of us.” Whimsy looked at the girls. They were beginning to suffer. Their brows were dotted with perspiration. They were fidgeting and tugging at their uniforms. For once, she understood. And since Editha was his mother, she was immune to his scent. Gaedrian seated first his mother and then her. The servers presented them with their meals and were quickly dismissed. “So how are you, my son?” “As well as can be expected.” At this Editha shot her another tight-lipped glare. Did they all expect her to sacrifice her life for a few moments of his carnal pleasure? “Well, if you would have done with this one, we could continue on our quest.” Apparently so, Whimsy thought wearily, toying with her food. At the sight of Editha, her appetite had taken a nosedive. The other woman continued, “We have quite a few promising prospects in the waiting.” Gaedrian arched an eyebrow. “Really?” Was he interested in the other women? She felt the sudden violent urge to kick him. She gave the sausage on her plate an unnecessarily vicious stab. Gaedrian coughed. “Excuse me,” he said, covering his mouth with his napkin, coughing again. “Gaedrian, are you coming down with a cold?” “No.” He averted his face as the spasm continued. Growing concerned, Whimsy stood and crossed to him. “Are you okay? Do you need water?” She placed her hand on his back. “No,” he said again and she caught sight of his face behind the linen cloth. He was laughing. She placed her hands on her hips. “And what is so funny?” “You are. You were jealous.” She shoved at one of his ridiculously wide shoulders. “I was not.” Myrna, she had been so jealous. The thought of him with other women made her angrier than she had ever been. And the hurt. It felt like a vice was closing over her chest. “You should have seen your face.” “And why should I be jealous? You can’t meet any of them until you ‘dispense’ of me, remember?” At that, he sobered. “Then I should be happy to never meet any of them.”

“Oh, Gaedrian,” she whispered, sliding her fingers into the thick waves of his hair. She would have kissed him if Editha hadn’t interrupted. “Gaedrian! What is the meaning of this? I do not understand why you have not done your duty. This is disgraceful. You are a good ruler, but in this matter, you have been nothing but remiss.” At his mother’s rebuke, he pulled her fingers from his hair and kissed each of her hands before setting her aside. “Mother, need I remind you who is responsible for my present condition? Or for Whimsy’s presence here?” Editha sat straighter. “My only concern, as always, is for you.” “I hear that so often these days as I am told what to do.” His mother sniffed and stood. “I see you are in no mood for civilized company today. I shall take my leave.” At the door she hesitated. Her hand on the knob, she turned to them. “It would be best for both of you to end this swiftly so that we might all go on with our lives.” Whimsy took her seat again. This was becoming too much to absorb. Editha was Gaedrian’s mother. His mother spoke of his duty and called him a ruler. He’d mentioned the ruling family when explaining fate to her. The opulence around her indicated that he was an important person, and she’d thought perhaps he was member of a royal family. “Gaedrian, who exactly are you? What is your title?” “I am King Gaedrian IV, ruler of this planet. We call it Spectra, but others know it as C21.” “If you’re the king, then you can let me go.” “Even I cannot defy tradition. There would be hell, and worse still, Mother, to pay.”

Chapter Ten Gaedrian sat and pulled his fingers roughly through his hair. Sweat covered his body and that of Whimsy. She lay on her back, tears forming in her lovely eyes. She panted, making her beautiful breasts bounce. Her nipples were hard and wet from his mouth. Her cleft was awash with desire, so much so that her thighs were wet with her dew. Yet once again, she had denied him. He feared they were at an impasse. It had been a week and he had made no progress with her. He had never seen a stronger will than hers. He took her to the brink of orgasm again and again without letting her tip over. Her hunger had to be as great as his, but she would not let him sate her with his body. “Please,” she whispered. “Let me go. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” He growled. “I cannot.” “Is it possible to die of want?” “If it were so, I would have died long ago.” “I’d like a bath.” “You bathed after dinner.” “I-I’d like another.” He shrugged. “Shall I call the servants?” “I can do it myself.” For a long while, she did not move. When she did, she whimpered. And then she began to cry, deep sobs that shook her entire frame. Gaedrian felt his heart seize. He pulled her into his arms and she cried harder. “What is it, Dessert?” She buried her face in the column of his throat. Her whisper was barely audible. “I ache so much for you.” He closed his eyes. Sympathy for her welled within him. She was so strong and proud. He knew the confession had cost her greatly. He laid her on her side facing away from him and wrapped himself around her. She stiffened. “Please, no more.” “No more, I promise. I seek only to ease you.” He cupped her breast in one hand and slid the other between her thighs. He did not waste time on preliminaries. He knew they would not be appreciated. He thrust two fingers deeply into her pussy. The heel of his palm

placed pressure upon her swollen clit. She cried out and arched her back. He pushed his hips forward so that she could feel his erection against the plump curves of her bottom. He squeezed and tugged her nipple with his other hand. Her sheath was incredibly tight. He could not help but wish it was his cock buried in her hot little pussy. He circled his hips, thrusting his body even closer to hers and forcing her to ride his fingers. She threw her head back, giving him access to her neck. He kissed and sucked her skin there as the clenching spasms of her orgasm began. She moaned his name over and over. He could feel her walls closing over his pumping digits, attempting to draw him deeper. He pressed upwards and stilled his fingers within her until it was over. When she relaxed, he dropped kisses along her neck and shoulder. “So lovely.” Reluctantly, he withdrew his fingers from her heat. “Feel better?” She was silent. Gaedrian turned her so that he could see her face. She was biting her lip and her eyes were troubled. “Please. I-I need more.” “Oh, Dessert,” he groaned and rolled onto his back. He pulled her astride him, parting her legs so that his cock slid between her folds. He gripped her hips, guiding her movements so that her clit stroked over his erection. “Ride me,” he ordered. She hesitated, her full lower lip captured by her straight white teeth. “Listen,” he said, brushing her hair away from her cheek so that he could see her face, “I cannot trust myself to do this. I would take you. So you must ride me.” “I have never––” “No man has ever let you dominate?” She paused then shook her head. He chuckled. “But you are so naturally commanding.” “I am not.” “I will not argue with you.” Of late, she had dictated his days and nights. He pulled her down for a kiss, sliding his tongue in her mouth. She responded, moaning and shifting on his lap. He scooted up the bed so that his back was against the headboard. She kissed him voraciously, her fingers twisting in his hair. He groaned. His cock throbbed with each plunge of her tongue. She was certainly a fast learner. He broke the kiss and repositioned her hips. “Have you ever ridden a horse?”

“N-no. Our colony is a manmade station. We have synthetic grass and our hydroponic crops do very well, but we do not have enough to support much livestock. Do you have horses?” “A few. I will take you riding one day, but first, it seems you will learn to ride me.” She made a soft noise that let him know she was as eager as he. He took hold of her hips and pulled her down as he thrust up. His Whimsy gasped. He set a quick pace that forced her to clutch at his shoulders for support. He wanted to slow down but his body would not let him. Her beautiful breasts bounced and jiggled in front of him like enticing fruit. Her honey coated his shaft, making the glide of her pussy on him hot and wet. He could almost pretend that he was buried deep inside her slick chamber. He bent to lick her tight nipples. Cupping her breasts, he feasted on her. Whimsy’s cries grew louder with each tug of his mouth. She was fucking herself against him with tight corkscrew movements. He wrapped his arms around her. “Yes, Dessert, fuck me. The feel of you moving over me is ecstasy. Imagine how much better this would feel were my cock buried to the hilt in your slick little pussy, filling you endlessly. The thought of your heat is with me day and night.” He slid a hand between their bodies to stroke her clit. She cried his name and collapsed against him. Her breathing was harsh. “Oh, Gaedrian,” she moaned. As her body went limp, he knew she slept. She had been having difficulty finding sleep the last three nights. The arousal gnawed at her as much as it did at him. He caressed her hair and held her close. Even if he could not find rest or completion for himself, he would take comfort in holding his lady.

Chapter Eleven Whimsy stretched. Last night was the first full night’s sleep she’d had in many days. The hunger she felt for Gaedrian was still there, but it was muted to a manageable level. It made her hot with embarrassment to think of how she’d asked him for more. A different kind of heat suffused her when she thought of the way he had penetrated her with his thick fingers. Surely, her father and a diplomatic group were on their way by now. They’d probably arrive within a day or two. All she had to do was resist Gaedrian for a few more days. She stretched and rolled over. Gaedrian lay in bed next to her. His eyes were closed, but she knew he was awake. His features were tense, his fists clenched. Beneath the sheet, his erection was clearly visible. She recalled the feel of it against her bottom last night. It had been hot and hard and had felt so right. “Do not.” She looked at his face again. His gaze was focused on her. “Do not what?” “Do not look at me with such longing on your face.” “I wasn’t––“ “Your breathing has gone shallow and your nipples are peaked. You want me.” Whimsy didn’t bother to deny it. She rolled out of bed. Her gown was on the floor where he’d tossed it while attempting seduction. She picked it up and pulled it on, fastening it briskly. “I will arrange for you to have a tour of the castle today.” She turned to him in surprise. “Really? Why? I thought I wouldn’t be allowed to leave this room until…“ “We both could use some time apart, even if it is for only a few hours. There will be objections to breaking tradition. This is but a small deviation.” She bit her lip. “I-I’d like the tour.” He arched one jet black brow. “You sound less than enthusiastic.” Whimsy shook her head. She was hesitant to say why. He rolled out of bed and strolled over to her. He cupped her shoulders in his big hands. She averted her gaze so as not to see his nudity. She

had observed that he knew no shame of his body, rarely covering up when it was only the two of them. But then he had no reason to be coy. . He was beautiful. He chucked her chin so that her gaze met his deep blue one. His soft smile made her stomach clench. “Dessert, I do not wish to be without you. But you need to be away from me for a while.” He smoothed the hair back from her forehead and kissed her lips lightly. He groaned and then kissed her again before putting distance between their bodies. “And for my peace of mind, I need some separation from you. I want to be able to continue heeding your wishes when you ask me to stop loving you, a task which becomes more difficult each day.” “I will bathe.” She glanced down at the gown. “Um, do you have something a bit more concealing that I can wear?” “The gown you wear is a mark of honor. No one will touch you.” He paused. “But perhaps for your comfort, we could provide you with a cloak.” When the servants arrived to assist her with her bath, he requested that she be brought a cloak. It was only as she was donning the covering that Gaedrian announced Dark would be escorting her, as unfortunately, he could not join her due to the unsettling effects of his scent on women. “Dark gives me the creeps,” she objected with a shiver. “He is but a child.” “His eyes are like ice. And I don’t just mean the color.” “He is loyal. And he will keep you safe.” “Do you think you could at least get him to use the door like a normal person?” Gaedrian’s castle was a blend of the opulent splendor of a palace, with oversized yet comfortable furniture and decorative baroque touches, combined with all the modern conveniences. Whimsy’s home on C7 had been all modern clean lines, glass and steel. Compared to this place her home was cold as ice. Gaedrian’s home was earthy and warm. She peeked out of the corner of her eye at her tour guide. Dark would fit in well on C7. “I wouldn’t.” She whipped her head around to look at him. “Excuse me?” He held the door to the outside open for her. Guards at the door watched them both suspiciously. She noted that their expressions held distain for Dark. He didn’t appear to notice.

She turned to question him again about what he meant but stopped with a gasp. The garden was the most beautiful place she had ever been. Flowers of all types and colors bloomed around her in curved rows. She’d never seen anything like it. They simply did not have the space for such luxury as this at home. Stone benches, statues and water fountains were interspersed amongst the shrubbery, making the garden a spot to linger and enjoy. Whimsy wished Gaedrian could be here to experience this with her. She wondered where Chaldor was. Even though he would have put pressure on her to give in to Gaedrian, he would have made a better tour guide. Dark had merely led her from room to room, offering little commentary and the briefest of responses to her questions. Currently, he stood, appearing bored by their fragrant surroundings. His icy eyes met hers and he raised one sinfully arched brow. In the sunlight, his eyes appeared practically colorless. She shivered involuntarily. And then she remembered. “You used a contraction before!” She’d noticed that Gaedrian and the others did not and wondered about it. She hadn’t brought it up, because it would have been rude to dissect their pattern of speech. “Here, it is considered vulgar by the royal family to use contractions. They call it common. On my home planet, it was not.” “What did you mean when you said you wouldn’t?” “I wouldn’t fit in on C7. I’m not a virgin.” “But you’re a child!” “Twenty-one.” She sputtered. She was only twenty-four. “How did you know what I was thinking?” “I read your thoughts.” “Be serious.” “I’m not exactly given to making jests.” She stared at him and unconsciously backed up a step. He was at once the most beautiful man she’d ever seen and the most terrifying. “I’m sworn to protect you,” he reminded her. His voice was flat and devoid of any emotion. “You read minds.” “Among other things.” “The way you enter rooms…”

“I can enter any room where there is a shadow.” She covered her mouth to hold in a gasp. Myrna, what was he? “Gaedrian explained. I am a prince of Dark Sphere. We’re hated, feared, reviled. Guess it’s a good thing that I’m the last one, huh?” “Your home planet…?“ “Don’t you have something else you’d rather ask me about?” She realized how rude she had been, asking him such personal questions. His tone was suddenly so knowing that she allowed him to change the subject. But Whimsy remained curious about him and his home world. “Such as?” “Your future.” “You can tell the future?” At his nod, she asked, “And do you know my future?” “I can access it.” His silver eyes left hers for a moment. “But knowing the future…can be dangerous.” Though tempted to know her future, she decided to heed his advice. If Dark called it dangerous, then it truly must be. He didn’t seem to fear anything or anyone. Whimsy sat on one of the benches to soak in the sun. It was another novelty for her. C7 was lit by a man-powered solar substitute. On the positive side, they had twelve hours of sunlight each day year round. Again, she longed for Gaedrian’s company. She wanted to share this warmth with him. “Would it be possible to take some of these flowers to Gaedrian?” “Yes.” “I need a basket, or a––“ She broke off with a strangled gasp as a wicker basket appeared in his hands. “One of the other things,” he said humbly, handing her the basket. She snapped her mouth shut and accepted his magically produced gift. Inside was a pair of shears to cut the flowers. There were so many from which to choose. “Does Gaedrian have a favorite?” “He’s a man,” he said, stating the obvious. She narrowed her eyes at him and he continued, “I’m sure he will appreciate the gesture no matter which ones you pick. This was one of his favorite spots before his condition set in. He requested that I end the tour here.”

Her heart squeezed with appreciation for Gaedrian’s thoughtfulness. “I wish things were different,” she whispered. “You are very strong-willed,” he observed. “None has ever resisted the temptation of fate this long.” “I can’t give in. I’m betrothed. I know you don’t know what that means.” “I am also betrothed.” “Then you can explain it to Gaedrian,” she said excitedly. “I told him and he didn’t seem to understand.” “It doesn’t matter here. Tradition is a powerful thing here on Spectra. It’s how they keep order.” Whimsy gave a frustrated sigh. Someone should have come for her by now. It had been too long. Maybe Serri had never made it home? Myrna, what if something had happened to him? “You love him.” “Serri? Not really, but we are friends.” “No. Gaedrian.” She started to deny it and Dark arched a perfect brow. Myrna, could she be in love with him? He was kind to her. He made her feel desired and attractive in a way she never had before. His will was as strong as hers. He was noble and honorable. She trusted him. She was attracted to him. Even now, while not in the presence of his pheromones, her body thrummed at the thought of being with him. Whimsy cut stems for a bouquet quickly, mixing orange blossoms with blue. Once her basket was full, she stood. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Twelve She caught her breath as she reentered Gaedrian’s chambers. The wall of pure sexual heat that hit her was staggering. Her eyes met those of Gaedrian and her knees went weak. She tightened her hand on the basket handle. It was true. She loved him. He smiled and held his arms open to her. She dropped the flowers and ran to him. His lips covered hers, his tongue thrusting deep. She moaned, her hands clenching into fists at the base of his spine. She didn’t object as he backed them to the bed. He lifted her and placed her on the mattress, easily removing her gown and cloak. Their separation had been brief, but to Whimsy it seemed like forever since he had touched her this way. He squeezed her breasts in his large palms, his thumbs flicking her tight nipples. She kissed him back, sucking his tongue. He groaned into her mouth before pulling back to follow his hands down her body. He licked each of her nipples and suckled on them. Each tug of his lips on the sensitive tips made her pussy clench and gush with hot liquid. He slid his hand between her thighs and she parted them eagerly for him. His fingers skimmed her moist nether lips. Gaedrian growled against her bosom as he circled her wet clit. “Have to taste you,” he said, making his way still further south. “I missed you so much,” he murmured before kissing her pussy, his tongue swirling around her clit. He sucked, and she arched with an animalistic cry as the pleasure singed her nerve endings. He forced her thighs farther apart and cupped her bottom as he plunged his tongue deep into her cunt. “Myrna!” She gripped his thick hair, making no attempt to stop him from tongue fucking her pussy. Her heart beat a rapid tattoo inside her chest. She twisted and arched beneath him. She half expected him to stop, but he didn’t. He continued until her body closed around him in the clenching waves of her orgasm. When he lifted his head, a smile graced his sexy lips. Dear God, she loved him. She embraced him as he made his way back up her body. His cock was hard and pulsing against her belly. He separated her legs so that her thigh was over his hip and his hot erection nestled between her folds. Her body throbbed for him and she wanted to sacrifice all

for just one moment of having him inside her body. Tears burned the back of her eyes. Even if Serri never came for her and she didn’t become a social pariah on C7, what would happen to her once she had given herself to Gaedrian? Would he move on to other women? His mother had others chosen to take her place already. And she had stupidly fallen in love with him. She would be crushed to have to stay here, serving his mother while he slept with other women nightly. Would he even remember her? Gaedrian kissed her shoulder. “Did you enjoy your tour, Dessert?” Whimsy swallowed to alleviate the tightness in her throat. “Yes. I brought you flowers.” “Mm.” He buried his face in her neck. One large hand spanned her back. He pressed her closer. She bit her lip to keep from begging him to fuck her. “Still afraid of Dark?” She laughed softly. “Probably more so. He never smiles.” Gaedrian shifted so their eyes met. His deep blue gaze was deadly serious. “If he ever smiles at you, run. There are many men whose last sight was a smile upon that boy’s lips.” As the days passed, it became more and more difficult for Whimsy to deny Gaedrian. He was ever patient with her, no longer withholding pleasure from her. Nor did he press her to accept him into her body, though she knew he wanted her. His features were often tight with passion. She wished there were something she could do to ease his suffering without sacrificing herself in the process. Whimsy woke one night to the sound of his labored breathing. She knew he didn’t sleep well. She turned to him to find his teeth clenched tight. “Gaedrian?” She reached out to him and he flinched from her touch. “Dessert,” he gritted out, “Maybe you should leave me for a while.” Alarmed, she sat up in bed. “What’s wrong? Should I call for a doctor?” He gave a short bark of laughter. “No.” He shifted and she noticed that his hands were wrapped around his cock. She wet her lips. He groaned. “I am in pain. Your scent is driving me wild. Leave me. Tell them that you have given yourself to me and that I need more. They will send me one of the new volunteers.”

“No.” Her refusal was automatic. A knife to the chest would have been less painful than the thought of him being intimate with another. She loved him. He was hers. He pressed his head deeper into his pillow. “Dessert, please. I have held off as long as I am capable of doing. I need to fuck.” She swallowed. She couldn’t stand seeing him this way. He hadn’t let her suffer despite the fact that what he was going through had to be much worse than anything she had experienced, and he had been living with this for far longer than she. For him to beg told her how desperate he was. She reached out her hands and turned his face to hers. “Then fuck me.” **** Gaedrian gritted his teeth. He was delirious. He had to be. He could have sworn that his Dessert had just offered herself to him. Impossible. She would never. In the past few days, he had learned to live off her pleasure, fucking her with his tongue and his fingers numerous times. Listening to her cry out his name in ecstasy had been sweet torture. He wanted her and no other, but if he did not receive some modicum of relief, and soon, he would be driven insane. “Leave me, Dessert. I can no longer trust myself with you.” His breath left him in a hiss as she ran her hands over his chest and abdomen before covering his hands on his cock. He grabbed her hands. “I can only find satisfaction between your thighs. Are you now willing to allow me that pleasure?” “Yes.” Whimsy’s voice was shaky, as if she was afraid. She should be. He turned to her with a growl. “Why now, Whimsy? I do not wish for your pity.” “This isn’t about pity. I want you.” Gaedrian already knew she wanted him, but to hear her say it played havoc with his control. “I cannot take you. Not like this. I am little more than a rutting animal. I do not wish to hurt you.” “You won’t.” Before he could say more, she climbed on top of him. She pushed his hands over his head, which was laughable, as her strength was no match for him. She fused her mouth to his. He did not resist her kisses. Whimsy was the sweetest woman he had ever tasted. Gaedrian groaned as she slid her tongue between his lips and

straddled him. As her moist center touched him, his hips bucked involuntarily and he knew this would not work. The way he was feeling, he would be unable to stop himself from fucking her even after she passed out. It had been much too long for him. He should have found a way to have her released when it became clear that she would not give in to their mutual desire. He rolled over with a growl, pinning her beneath him. “You do not want me to take you this way.” Gaedrian took one of her small hands and wrapped it around his erection. Her fingers did not meet around the thickness of his flesh. Whimsy gasped but did not let go. “Feel me. I would force my way inside your tender pussy and fuck you without mercy. I will not withdraw even if you plead with me. I would be unable to. I would plow your belly all night and into the morning. Is this what you want? To be roughly fucked for hours?” In response, she angled her body so he was at her entrance. The hot kiss of her pussy scalded his dick. His eyes rolled in the back of his head. She arched, working him inside of her body. Her channel was tight. He had stretched her but little with his fingers and his tongue. Whimsy grasped his ears to bring his mouth back to hers and continued to work her hips upward, fucking the head of his cock. He groaned. Her wet, slippery pussy was heaven to his engorged dick. Gaedrian prayed for the strength to keep his most brutal lust at bay. He braced himself on his elbows. “Open your legs wider,” he ground out against her neck. She whimpered and gasped as he penetrated her one inch at a time. She was soaked with her desire for him, but her muscles were tight. They sucked at him and fought him, making him growl like an animal as he fucked her. Gaedrian had barely buried half his length when he felt the barrier. He knew what it meant and was shocked. The people of his planet were very sexual creatures. Finding a virgin of Whimsy’s age was impossible. Part of him wished to halt, to talk to her about this new discovery. But lust rode him hard. With a growl, he pulled back and reentered her with enough force to rip through the thin tissue. He sank, balls deep, into her warmth. The pleasure was so intense he could have exploded in that second. It was as if bands of electricity sheathed his cock, crisscrossing his rod and swiftly encompassing the

rest of his body. His groan was deep and heartfelt. He had never felt anything so right as possessing this woman. Whimsy’s nails dug into his back. He paused, his forehead dropping to hers. He tried to focus on her face to see if he had hurt her, but the hot suction of her body was overwhelming. Her lips were moving, but Gaedrian could not hear her over the blood thundering in his ears. He wanted to be gentle but found he could not. His hips slammed into the cradle of hers again and again. Her cries filled the room as he fucked her up and down the mattress. He took her with all the power in his body. Still, somehow, it was not enough. He hooked her knees over his elbows, hitting her cervix with each movement. Each plunge into her moist heat pushed him closer and closer to the edge of his orgasm. Finally, after all these many months, it was happening. The climax was so powerful that it ripped up his spine and down his legs even as he continued to bury his length inside Whimsy. Every cell in his body was electrified and alive and celebrating. His skin tingled with it. Gaedrian simply could not stop his hips, could not stop fucking her. “I am sorry. So sorry,” Gaedrian gasped into her neck as his cock continued to pulse, filling her endlessly with his seed. **** Her legs wouldn’t stop trembling. Her hands were shaky. Whimsy still wasn’t quite sure what had just happened. It had hurt at first. His cock had stretched her in a way that his fingers had not. She’d feared it would split her apart. And Gaedrian had not given her much time to adjust before possessing her fully. But the sounds he had made while he had taken her, the rough deep growls, the scent and the feel of him had made it impossible for her to remain impassive. She’d loved the sensation of him sliding into her pussy, the force of his possession driving her up the bed. The orgasm he had given her with his body was the strongest and most satisfying of any she’d had yet. She ran her hands through his thick raven curls. He mumbled something that she couldn’t understand. “What?” He pulled back so that their eyes met. His usually midnightblue eyes were practically black with desire. “More. I said more.”

She stiffened. He was already calling for another woman. “Gaedrian, please, I––“ “I am sorry if I hurt you. I will try to be gentle, to go slow, but I need more of you.” He left her sheath only to surge deeply within her again. Hard. Whimsy gasped. She was sensitive, but more than happy to accommodate him. Fortunately, this time she was wet from his orgasm and hers. She wrapped her legs around his hips and held on as he filled her pussy again and again.

Chapter Thirteen “Come along now, miss.” A strong tug pulled at Whimsy’s upper arm. Her body was limp and rung out. She didn’t resist. A hard muscled arm tightened possessively around her waist. “No,” said Gaedrian’s deep voice, still husky with sleep. “Leave her.” “But, my liege, your mother insists that she be taken to her new quarters. We were told that you had fulfilled your obligations where this one is concerned.” “Leave her.” There was a sharp intake of breath. Whimsy’s eyes opened in time to catch the surprise on the guard’s face before he could hide it. She frowned, wondering at the cause. Surely they were used to Gaedrian keeping women in his bed. After all, he’d bedded two women the night she met him. Whatever the cause for his surprise, Whimsy did not give it much thought. She was mentally and physically exhausted after the night she’d just experienced. She buried her face in a pillow and allowed sleep to claim her once more. When next she woke, the drapes were open and sunlight was pouring into the room. Whimsy was in bed alone. Where was Gaedrian? She ran her hands over her face. After last night, she would be an outcast in her own kingdom. She’d shamed herself and her family with her behavior. She shuddered to think of her father’s reaction should she ever see him again. Perhaps it was for the best no one knew what had become of her. She waited for the horror and fear of her thoughts to sink in, but nothing happened. Despite the consequences, she did not regret giving herself to Gaedrian. To not know the sensation of being completely his would have been far worse. The memory of his cock stretching her, completing her, made her heart beat faster. Whimsy sat up to take in her current extravagant surroundings. Surely, she thought, she couldn’t expect to continue being treated to such luxury. The candles from the night before had been doused, and Gaedrian’s robe was draped across the end of the bed.

Whimsy bit her lip. She was alone, but that didn’t mean there weren’t guards stationed outside the door. She slid out of bed and pulled on the robe. It pooled around her feet and completely enveloped her hands. Tugging back the sleeves impatiently, she looked around the room. Her clothes were nowhere to be seen. Despite the lack of clothing, she realized, this might be her last opportunity for escape. The thought of leaving Gaedrian behind tore at her heart, but she had to be realistic. Now that he’d had her, Gaedrian would be ready to move on. Editha would see to it. Whimsy knew she couldn’t stay here and watch that happen. It would hurt too much. She wasn’t sure she could find her way out of the castle. When Dark had given her a tour, he had not taken her out of the castle other than to visit the gardens. Whimsy wasn’t even certain that she could fly one of their aircraft. But she had to try, for she didn’t feel comfortable resting her future in Editha’s hands. She almost gave up before she reached the door. Her thighs were sore, as was her woman’s core. Her entire body was a mass of unaccustomed aches. He’d ridden her hard last night. Whimsy shook her head to dispel the images this thought gave rise to. No time for reminiscing. Barefoot, she made her way to the door. Locked. It never occurred to her that it would be locked. She was trapped. She gave the doors an experimental shove. They were as solid as they appeared. She would have to trust that Gaedrian would save her from too harsh a punishment. Whimsy hoped she wasn’t being foolish by doing so. He’d never treated her with anything but kindness. Frustrated, she banged her head against the door. She would have to stay and wait for another opportunity to escape. In the meantime, she needed to bathe to rid herself of the soreness from Gaedrian’s loving. Whimsy trailed her fingers in the water of the bathing pool and found it to be surprisingly warm this morning. Fresh flowers floated on the surface. She must have been dead to the world for the servants to have come in and done this without waking her. Whimsy slipped out of the robe and slowly descended the steps that led into the pool. At the last minute she thought of her hair. She tugged it upwards and wrapped it into a bun. Whimsy was submerged to her neck when the door opened. Gaedrian looked to the bed, scowled at seeing it empty, but upon

finding her in the pool his expression softened. He was dressed in all black, and the color played up the dark hue of his long curls. He looked the same, but something was different. She couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Whimsy held her breath as he neared her. Would he take her again? Her body pulsed at the thought, despite the fact that she was in no shape to accept him so soon. “Please hurry with your bath. I would introduce you to my people.” Whimsy stilled. Who was he introducing her to? Was this when she learned her new duties? “I have nothing to wear.” He waved that aside. “Clothing will be provided for you.” She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What are you introducing me as? Your whore?” He frowned. “What is a whore?” “You don’t know?” “Obviously not or I would not have asked.” He shook his head. “You may inform me later. We have more pressing matters to attend to. Do not worry about clothing.” She scrubbed her arms vigorously. “Why not just give me back my clothes?” “They were discarded. They are no longer fitting for your status. Do you require assistance with your bath?” “No.” She ducked farther under the water, though she didn’t know why she should be shy with him. He’d seen, touched, and tasted practically every inch of her. When she finished she was hesitant to exit with him still watching her. Perhaps it was because this was the first time that he was completely clothed while she was bare. “Turn around. Please,” she added. He smothered a grin but did so. She dashed out of the water as swiftly as her aching limbs would allow and tugged on the robe. She did feel better after soaking in the warm water. Her aches weren’t screaming for attention quite so loudly. At home, she would have bathed in water left out in the healing rays of Myrna. None knew how the moon’s rays had the powers to heal. Scientists had been researching it since the Myrna’s gifts were discovered, but as yet no answers had been found. Gaedrian turned back to her once she was covered. He ran a hand down her cheek. His other hand fumbled with her hasty bun,

undoing it. “So lovely,” he murmured as he leaned in and kissed her neck. Whimsy moaned, easily falling under his spell once more. She’d missed waking in his arms. The door opened as Editha entered without knocking. “You wanted to see me.” She stopped upon seeing Whimsy in his room. Her mouth tightened to a thin line. “I specifically recall ordering you removed.” “And I said she could stay.” Editha spared a momentary glare for Whimsy before turning back to him. “Son, you requested my presence and I assumed it was in reference to the volunteers.” “In a way, it is. You may dismiss them.” Editha glanced at him and then at Whimsy. Her eyes widened in horror. “No.” “Yes.” Editha fainted. “Damn,” Gaedrian muttered. His “people,” it seemed, turned out to be half the kingdom. Whimsy had objected when servants had rushed in en masse to do her hair and dress her. She hadn’t been so fussed over since the first time they prepared her to meet Gaedrian. Now she was glad they had made such an effort. They’d piled her mass of curls upon her head and found a violet gown that suited her voluptuous figure and butterscotch skin. When she entered the meeting hall filled to the brim with people, she would have turned back if Gaedrian hadn’t been at her side. He held her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. A long oval table took up most of the room. Men and women of advanced years sat at the table. At one end was a large empty chair with a much taller back than all the others. She assumed it to be Gaedrian’s. At the other end sat Editha in a matching chair. She appeared resigned. Men and women of varying ages stood around the room. Whimsy spotted Chaldor lounging near the back. His grin stretched from ear to ear. Dark was not present. Gaedrian stood beside his chair. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Everyone grew quiet. “Friends, this has been a long time in coming. It is with great pleasure, that I introduce you to my fate, Gaedriana.” At his pronouncement, there were several gasps. Stunned applause followed.

She was confused and then embarrassed as he took her in his arms and kissed her in front of everyone. On C7, public displays were discouraged and punished by law if judged to be excessive. He kept the kiss light but her body was still so aware of his that Whimsy was immediately aroused. People formed a line and took turns congratulating them. There was little chance for her to ask Gaedrian why they were being congratulated. Chaldor greeted her with an enthusiastic hug. “I knew you would be the one,” he said. “The one what?” she whispered. “The one fate chose.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “That clears up absolutely nothing.” She wanted to stomp her foot in frustration as he was jostled away by more well-wishers before she could get any further answers. She turned to Gaedrian but he was engaged in conversation with a couple. Suddenly it struck her that this room was filled with men and women, and that the latter were not reacting to him. While she continued to feel the pull of her attraction to him, it was not the clawing aggressive hunger she’d experienced in the past. It was that difference she had noticed in him this morning. He had been cured. But how? Editha cleared her throat, gaining Whimsy’s attention. “It is my hope that not only can we come to terms with one another, but that we can become friends. I want you to know that all I did to you was out of love for my son. You will understand when you have children one day. It evokes a fierce protectiveness in a mother.” Editha hugged her. Whimsy was too stunned to respond. When they were finally seated, Whimsy was given the spot vacated by Editha. Strangers were to her left and her right. Everyone treated her graciously. Whimsy’s mind raced to piece together what was going on. Subsequently, she didn’t speak much during the dinner. She listened to those around her for clues, adding them to what she already knew. “Gaedrian,” she said softly once the doors to his room closed behind them, “please tell me that I’m wrong in thinking that all those people tonight know what we did.” “What we did?”

“Don’t smile at me that way! You know what I’m talking about.” He removed his shirt. She refused to be distracted and did not lower her eyes below his neck. “Do they know?” “Yes.” “And they were congratulating us about it?” She was incredulous. Could their worlds be any more different? “Yes.” “Why?” “I explained fate to you. You are my fate.” “How can you know that? From what I heard, you had a chain of women come through here.” “But you are the only one to appease my desire. Until you, I could not find pleasure. I could not be sated.” “All those women and I was the only one to…please you?” “Yes,” he said, his full lips curling once more. He began undoing his pants. “You please me greatly.” She swallowed at his tone and his words. “Does this mean I can go home now?” “No,” he said with a sudden scowl. “This means you belong to me now and forever.” “Oh.” Her heart thumped with excitement. “And you belong to me?” He nodded. “Yes.” “No more women?” “No more women.” His pants dropped and with them so did her gaze. He was impressively aroused. She wet her lips. Heat unfurled low in her belly and liquid desire pooled between her thighs. Her breath came in short little pants. Whimsy was suddenly as hungry for him as she’d ever been. Without realizing it, she’d crossed the distance between them. “Gaedrian.” Her voice was barely above a whisper but it was full of want. “Dessert,” he said, taking her in his arms and covering her mouth with his own. His kiss was deep but slow and gentle. He kissed her neck fervently. She moaned and arched into the heat of his mouth when he nibbled her hardened nipples through her gown. He undressed her slowly. She hadn’t been given panties, so once the dress was gone, she was bare. Gaedrian ran his finger over the back of her moist nether lips and groaned. “I regret my rough treatment of you

last night.” She hissed as his finger slid over her clit with a teasing light touch. “So wet, so slippery,” he groaned. “My pussy,” he said and plunged a finger inside without warning. She cried out and gripped his bulging biceps. He kissed her again, his tongue taking her mouth in the same rhythm with which his finger invaded her pussy. Whimsy melted in his arms. She was on the verge of an orgasm when he stopped kissing her. “I plan to treat my pussy much better tonight,” he said against her mouth. She could only whimper in response. If he treated her much better, she’d expire from it. He lifted her and carried her to the bed, arranging her with her legs wide open. He mounted her, his cock nestling at her portal. He balanced his weight on his elbows. “So beautiful, Dessert. Beyond description,” he murmured, his eyes scanning her face, neck and full bosom. He rained soft kisses over her forehead, nose, cheeks, and lips. Gaedrian sucked her lower lip into his mouth and gave it a tiny nip before moving on to her neck and ears. His seduction was slow and sweet, yet she found her passion burning along at a much faster pace. Whimsy arched her hips into his to feel his cock, soothing herself with the knowledge that he would enter her soon. Gaedrian cupped her breasts, suckling one while taunting the other with his thumb and forefinger. She buried her fingers in his hair. He switched breasts before breaking away to lick his way down her belly. His tongue delved into her belly button before he kissed her inner thighs. He circled her clit with his tongue. He groaned before taking the sensitive bud in his mouth for a thorough sucking. “Gaedrian!” She writhed beneath him. Her cunt convulsed as he inserted two fingers. “Please, I want you. Want to feel you inside me again.” He settled over her with a growl. She swiftly wrapped her legs around his waist, opening her thighs wide for him. He entered her leisurely. She was whimpering and practically begging him before he was fully seated. Her nails dug into his shoulders. When he moved, it was a subtle slide of his erection in her throbbing channel. He repeated it again and again, barely pulling out of her. She needed more. “Oh, please, please,” she pleaded on the verge of tears, “Please, harder.” Gaedrian withdrew slightly more and then filled her again. It wasn’t enough. Whimsy gripped his buttocks when next he moved

and tried to force him to thrust harder and faster. “Please!” she burst out again. “I am being gentle,” he said between clenched teeth. “Even if it kills me.” “Gentle is killing me,” she gasped. The feel of his large cock stretching her was keeping her on the edge, but his leisurely pace was torture. “I hurt you last night. I will not repeat that.” “It was my first time. Yes, I’m still a little sensitive, but I enjoyed, no, loved last night with you. Now, please, please, take me.” His next thrust was hard and deep. Each plunge was more powerful than the last. “Oh, yes,” she panted. “Yes!” His thick cock tunneled through her tight tissues, igniting sparks within her pussy. She threw her head back on the pillow as Gaedrian braced himself on his palms and fucked her to her pleasure. The intense sensations spread from her belly to the rest of her body, causing her toes to curl and her back to arch. She cried out his name as she reached her peak. Her climax strengthened as he swelled and exploded inside her. He stiffened, buried his deepest within her, growling low in his throat. Whimsy wrapped her legs around his waist and enjoyed every second of it. Finally, he rolled over so that she was on top, his hand stroking her back. She sighed and fell asleep in his arms.

Chapter Fourteen “And the search continues for Princess Whimsical Featherstone. King Raul implores anyone with any knowledge of her possible whereabouts to come forward. The reward had been doubled as of yesterday. We spoke with a representative for the royal family earlier today…” Serri turned off the flat panel screen built into the wall. He was certain he had done the right thing by not revealing Whimsy’s location. Her parents grieved, but he had saved them from the shame that would have ensued had they known the truth. His mother Amarelle arrived home with his younger brother Dari and her assistant Charm in tow. He stood to kiss her cheek, well aware that no matter what he did, he was on her shit list these days. She blamed him for Whimsy’s disappearance. If he had been more of a suitor, she would not have gone wandering off. He should have had better control over her. It didn’t matter that he and Whimsy had been little more than friendly acquaintances. The betrothal didn’t require them to spend time with each other and he had always felt uncomfortable around her. She was too damned smart and opinionated for a woman. She reminded him of his mother in that sense. “I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip.” She sniffed. “I would have enjoyed it more if I were receiving the respect that I am due.” She handed her purse and hat to Charm before settling herself on the sofa. Serri didn’t ask what she meant by that comment. His late father Serran Timmons had been an advisor to the king as was his father before him. Their family had long been in the service of the Featherstones. Their father had indebted King Raul to him by saving heir to the throne Prince True when he choked during his a dinner given for his seventh birthday. In his gratitude the King had betrothed his eldest daughter Whimsical to Serran’s eldest son. But now their hopes of having ties to the royal family were gone. And with Serran long dead, they had no one in the employ of the palace. His mother had always been able to count on invites to the best parties and receiving preferential treatment at stores and restaurants due to their status. But their status had plummeted with the disappearance of Whimsy.

She wasn’t the only one feeling the cold shoulder. Many of his friends weren’t returning his calls. He wasn’t being invited to events as he once was. But he was coping and he wished his mother would, too. They were plenty wealthy. They lived comfortably. As he saw it, she had nothing to complain about. Dari smirked at him before sitting in the spot he had vacated. Bastard had been their mother’s favorite since the day he was born. He was even more so now. If the youngest of King Raul’s daughters Princess Veracity weren’t already betrothed, he was sure his mother would have been pressing a pairing between her and Dari. Suddenly the screen popped back on. It could only mean a very important news event. Had they somehow found Whimsy? Had she made her way back home? She was sullied goods at this point. They could no longer expect him to marry her. She would be an outcast, royalty or not. He sat stiffly as he awaited the announcer appear. The breaking news banner ran and then a stony faced reporter filled the screen. “It has just been confirmed that Prince True was involved in a fatal cruiser crash during an unauthorized race outside of C9. Prince True was helming the vehicle when he lost control of it in a particularly sharp turn and collided with the cruiser of a friend. Both died instantly. The royal family has issued no statement at this time. Here is a reenactment of the accident.” Amarelle used the remote to snap off the footage. She was literally shaking. “Young fool!” Serri couldn’t agree more. What would have provoked him to do something so stupid? Why had his father allowed it? This was a double blow to the Featherstones. “Do you realize what this means?” His mother’s dark gaze bored into him. At his continued silence, she grew impatient. She stood and slapped him on the back of his head. “Think. Whimsy will be the heiress. You could be king. All you have to do is find her.” His eyes widened. She was right. Fortunately, he knew exactly where to look. He could count on King Raul for manpower and funding to rescue Whimsy. But he had to plan carefully, and finesse the old man just right. One poorly chosen phrase and his dreams could crumble around him. King Serri. He liked the sound of it. The crown was as good as his.

Chapter Fifteen Gaedrian woke her with a kiss. She naturally arched into his touch. He groaned. “You make it so difficult to leave you. I have many matters that I need to attend to. It may be quite late before I see you again. If you need to leave, you may summon Dark to be your guard.” “Do I need a guard? I’m not going anywhere.” It was true. She’d made her decision. Her place was by Gaedrian’s side. “You might want to go out to shop or to see more of the castle. I do not wish you to become lost or hurt. You are still as yet unaware of many of our customs and ways. He will protect you from any unpleasantness.” She stretched. “I’ll bathe and then I’ll seek him out. Where does he stay?” “You may summon him by calling his name. I have already asked him to become your guard.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’d rather he not just pop up in front of me.” He kissed her. “You grow accustomed to it.” “I’d rather not.” He sighed and gave her directions to find his rooms within the castle. “I wish I could linger for your bath. It is my favorite part of the day. Unfortunately, I have been unavailable for such a long time that I am much in need.” He brushed her hair back from her face with the back of his hand and kissed her again. “Tonight, will you bathe for me again? I will be your bath attendant.” She laughed at the idea and agreed. She was brought clothing and jewelry by servants. They offered to help her bathe but she insisted she could handle it on her own. She accepted their assistance in getting dressed because she didn’t want to do anything to embarrass Gaedrian before he formally proposed to her. From what she understood, because fate had chosen her, she would be his wife and rule at his side. They had not discussed any plans as yet, but when they did, she would also request that they visit her parents so that he might meet her family. There might be some difficulty gaining her parents’ approval due to her betrothal to

Serri. Whimsy was certain Serri would agree to let her out of that arrangement, as the two of them were not a love match. Since she was no longer a virgin, he would be under no obligation to marry her. Indeed, he would be insulted if it were even suggested that he honor the arrangement. One of the servants volunteered to take her to Dark’s rooms. Whimsy had barely knocked when he opened the door bare-chested. He was surprisingly muscular. Through the open doorway, the rustling of sheets could be heard. Peeking around him, she could see one woman in his bed, naked except for a sheet hastily pulled up over her chest and another scantily-clad woman lounging on a couch near the window. Whimsy’s mouth dropped open and her gaze swung back to Dark. His expression was inscrutable. He merely arched a brow in question. “Um, good morning. I wanted to go shopping, and Gaedrian said I should…that you were to be my guard.” “You could have summoned me.” He stepped out into the hall. For a brief moment, a pale blue glow surrounded him. When it disappeared, Whimsy saw he was wearing a black shirt. “Believe me, next time I will. Aren’t you a little young to be...um…” “Things are different here, Gaedriana.” She wrinkled her brow at the name. She’d never asked Gaedrian about introducing her as Gaedriana. It was not unheard of for kings to rename their spouses as a show of possession, but she’d never really thought of Gaedrian as being so vain to want to do so. “I know that.” “There is no shame in enjoying sex.” But he was so cold. Could he really enjoy making love like other humans? The thought occurred to her before she could stop it. Too late she recalled that he could read minds. “I enjoy it,” he affirmed. She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to––“ “Let’s go to the market before you turn any redder.” The market was amazing, with a dizzying variety of foods, clothing and jewelry available. She only wished she had thought to ask Gaedrian how she was to pay for any goods she wished to purchase.

As she looked about, Whimsy became aware that people seemed to be in awe of her. Many kept their distance, however, after a glance in Dark’s direction. He was but one boy, but Whimsy could see he had not exaggerated when he’d told her he was feared. Being bathed by Gaedrian was the most sensual experience of her life. He disrobed and slid into the water with her. She didn’t think she’d ever grow tired of his big, beautiful body. Gaedrian picked a rose scented soap and used his hands to lather her up. He started at her shoulders and worked his way down her arms. She laughed as he lathered her armpits, his fingers wiggling a mad tattoo on the sensitive flesh there. He continued until she begged him to stop. He kissed her briefly before washing her sides. He pulled her into his embrace and washed her back and buttocks. She moaned as her nipples grazed his chest. She braced herself by gripping his thick forearms as his palms swept down the backs of her thighs and up again. She tensed when he neared the damp heat of her womanhood, but he didn’t touch her there. She bit her lip in growing frustration. The grin upon his full lips was positively wicked and knowing. He kissed her again before turning her so she faced away from him. He placed her palms on the pool’s cool stone edge and used his cupped hands to pour water over her outstretched arms and her back. Next he soaped her abdomen, one of his digits dipping into her belly button. His large hands encompassed her entire waist. The top of his pointer fingers skimmed the lower half of her breasts repeatedly. Impatience had her practically twisting in his hands before he finally lifted the passion-swollen globes. Still, he didn’t touch the tingling peaks. “Please, Gaedrian,” she whispered. She wiggled and could feel his rigid erection against her bottom. “What was that?” “Please touch me.” “Touch you where?” She wasn’t afraid to ask. “Touch my nipples.” She arched her back to press herself more fully into his grasp. He complied immediately, but kept his contact light and teasing. Whimsy tried to push herself into his hands, but he pulled back. Her breasts bounced

as she shimmied to create the most friction. “Pinch my nipples. Tug them, please.” She gasped as he did so. She didn’t miss his groan. Gaedrian molded his front to her back. Apparently he’d had enough of toying with her. He rocked against her while his hands, slick with soap and water, parted her thighs. Her cleft was hot and wet, and welcomed his fingers easily. He teased the bud of her desire before thrusting inside her. “Oh, yes,” she gasped. She wrapped her hand over his and undulated her hips into his hand. Gaedrian rained kisses over her ears, neck and shoulders. “You have no idea how good you feel to me.” His erection jumped behind her. She had some idea. Whimsy rubbed herself purposefully into that thick bar. With a growl, he withdrew his fingers and shifted her back for his penetration. The broad head of his penis pushed at her entrance. She moaned as he took his time entering her, stretching her sheath one inch at a time. They both groaned when he was fully seated. Her muscles seized over him involuntarily. Gaedrian growled, pulled back and slammed home again. “I want to be gentle with you,” he whispered into her neck, his voice deep and thick with passion. His hands closed over her hips, holding her still for another hard thrust. She cried out as he glided over that sensitive spot inside her pussy. “But your pussy is so fucking perfect. I never want to pull out, but I feel like I will explode every second I am inside you.” She reached back and filled her hands with his hair. “Please, Gaedrian. I need you.” She spread her legs wider to give him better access. Whimsy knew in that second she had finally broken whatever control he had been exerting over his lust, because he surged into her savagely. The water churned around them as he forged deeper with each thrust. The pleasure was so intense she couldn’t think beyond it, beyond this moment of his cock possessing her pussy. She loved it and wanted it to go on forever, but it was over all too soon. Gaedrian pressed one finger against her clit. “Come for me,” he growled. “Squeeze my cock with your sweet pussy.” It was an order she couldn’t disobey. Her climax tightened her belly and spread outward until her toes were curling. Whimsy’s scream was followed by Gaedrian’s bellow. He swelled within her, shooting hot cum deep inside her walls.

Chapter Sixteen Whimsy was hopelessly lost. She’d wanted to spend some time in the gardens again but had become distracted when she’d come upon a library. Thinking it would be nice to have reading material while in the garden, she’d lingered longer than originally intended. She found a book on Spectra history that seemed interesting. While history had never been her favorite topic, she felt it might help her understand the people’s customs. After leaving the library she found she could not find her way to the garden. Nor could she find her way back to their rooms. Gaedrian was still occupied with his royal responsibilities. He’d promised that the two of them would go away to be alone as soon as it was possible. With a frustrated sigh she did what she should have done to begin with, “Dark, please help me.” “How might I assist you?” She whipped around. He’d appeared behind her. Whimsy clutched her chest. “You could have popped up in front of me.” He shrugged. “You were expecting me. What difference does it make?” She decided not to argue with him. Arguing with him was futile. He always believed himself to be right. And while she came away from their confrontations ruffled, he didn’t seem in the least perturbed. “Dark, I’m lost. I was trying to find my way to the gardens.” “Follow me.” “I’m sorry if I disturbed you.” His pale eyes flicked over her face for a second before he replied. “You didn’t.” She followed him to the gardens. She had been embarrassingly close when she’d given up and called him for help. Whimsy settled herself on a bench in the sun and studied the rich brown leather cover of the book she’d chosen. Dark hovered nearby. “You can leave me,” she said. “It is my duty to protect you when Gaedrian is not by your side.” “Is it really so dangerous here?”

“I’m not only protecting you from others but from yourself.” She decided to ignore the insulting nature of his comment. She was older than he. “Suppose I was in trouble and there were two or more assailants, how would you protect me?” “I would handle it,” he said with absolute confidence. “That’s pretty vague.” His eyes locked with hers. The gray of his irises appeared flinty. A winter wasteland held more warmth. “I would handle it,” he repeated. “But how?” “You don’t want to know.” “You would kill them?” Dark was silent, but he did not look away. “Read your book,” he said at last. Whimsy wet her suddenly dry lips. She recalled the time Gaedrian had summoned Dark and Chaldor had seemed upset about the decision. “When Gaedrian asked you to handle––“ “Yes,” he answered shortly. “I hadn’t finished my question.” “You were going to ask me if I killed those men. There was no other solution.” “How many?” He shrugged his shoulders. “No more than seventeen or so.” She was appalled that he could kill so many men on his own. That he could do it and seem to have no remorse for his actions also shocked her. It saddened her to think that Gaedrian would order a child to commit murder for him. “Gaedriana, you truly are a novelty here. You still don’t understand me and what I am.” She took a deep breath. “I’d like some time alone. I’ll summon you if I can’t find my way back to my chambers. Thank you for helping me earlier.” He nodded and disappeared. She covered her mouth with her hand. Things were so different here. She loved Gaedrian, but she was beginning to have her doubts that she could adjust to his way of life. On C7, her father would have found a peaceful resolution to any conflict. Barring that, violators of their laws were jailed or exiled.

Gaedrian had yet to formally propose and for the first time, she was wondering if she should accept. Would she be an appropriate mate for a ruler of such a different world? She was so deep in thought that it was some time before she noticed the rustling coming from the tall box hedges to her left. The garden was a part of the castle, and therefore safe. However, there were no guards posted on this side due to the steep terrain. Beyond the hedges, the ground dropped off dramatically. Thinking it was probably a lost animal, Whimsy sighed and rose. She didn’t know much about the local fauna and didn’t want to risk an injury. She was turning away as a man’s head and then shoulders popped between two of the large green shrubs. Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to summon Dark, when suddenly the man spoke. “Princess Whimsical! Thank Myrna, we found you!” Whimsy had immediately recognized the burgundy and gold uniform as the man burst through the greenery. Emri, she later learned was the envoy’s name, led her to the royal guard cruiser sent by her father. Small and swift, the carriage hovered just beyond Gaedrian’s castle home. Emri and another guard helped her navigate the treacherously steep terrain. Once they arrived at the cruiser, she was handed up to another guard. They were vigilant in making sure they were not followed. Upon boarding the vessel the first thing Whimsy noticed was the sleek steel and glass styling of the interior. It was the décor that could be found throughout C7. The sight made her homesick. Suddenly, she was enveloped in strong masculine arms. She withdrew, disliking the touch of any man other than Gaedrian, and found herself eye to eye with Serri. “Serri,” she gasped in surprise. “What took…” He covered her mouth in a kiss that was far more passionate than any he had ever given her. His usual greeting was a kiss to her hand or a kiss on her cheek. She practically gagged. She shoved at his chest. She’d previously thought of Serri as having a nice figure, but compared to Gaedrian, he was practically anemic. He released her but held her hands tightly. “Oh, Whimsy, please forgive me for being so forward. We thought we’d never find you.”

She frowned at him. If he’d come for her directly, finding her should not have been an issue. She opened her mouth to say so when he spoke again. “It couldn’t have happened in a timelier manner. You’re gravely needed at home. Prince True was killed in an accident.” The breath left her lungs. “What? No.” She shook her head vehemently. “It’s not possible.” “Whimsy, you know how reckless he could be. He was racing and he lost control of his cruiser.” She didn’t want to believe it, but she knew it was true. Her brother was full of life and fun. And yes, he sometimes liked to live dangerously. As a child, their father had often scolded True for his rash actions, but everyone knew that he was proud of his son’s bravery. Her parents had to be devastated. Her sister Veracity was young and would be of no help. More than likely she was moping around unintentionally drawing attention to herself. She was most concerned about her mother. Queen Faith would take everything onto her shoulders. While King Raul would have to face the people and behave as though all were normal, he would not do so at home. There he would rely heavily upon the strength and compassion of his wife. Faith would take care of him and the overly dramatic Veracity. “Your family needs you now more than ever.” Serri’s words echoed her thoughts. “We’ve prepared a chamber for you. And we have a doctor aboard, should you have need of one.” She didn’t miss the significance of his words and they sparked her anger at him. He assumed that she had been ravished or maybe even treated poorly. Whatever the case, it wouldn’t have happened if he’d made any attempt at saving her sooner. She wondered why he had bothered coming at all. She buried her anger and confusion for the moment. She needed to concentrate on her family. It wasn’t until she was ensconced in the small chamber, hearing the quiet hum of the cruiser’s engines that she realized that she had not left any message for Gaedrian. He would have no idea what had become of her. She worried her bottom lip before she realized that she could simply contact him once she had reached C7. Gaedrian returned to his chambers early. He had been at a meeting with his elders. The entire meeting he had had nothing on his

mind but his Dessert. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms again, to steal her kisses and to explore her brown sugar curves. His disinterest soon became obvious when he could not seem to follow the conversation. They took pity on him and adjourned the meeting. He was very disappointed to enter their chambers and find the room empty. He had other duties to occupy his time, but he had hoped to spend some time with Whimsy before dinner. Sighing, he went out to the training grounds to oversee the new palace guard recruits. He saw a much potential in the men. Commander Sharpe noticed him and came over. They spoke for some moments about which men would be given positions within the palace and the few that he deemed unsuitable. By the time he left the training grounds, he had only enough time to bath and change for dinner. Once again their chambers were empty. This was odd since it usually took Whimsy some time to prepare for dinner. She complained that the servants slowed her down with their pampering but he suspected that she enjoyed their attentions to some degree. After all, she could simply order them not to come. In the dining hall, his mother was already seated. Chaldor had returned home as his father was ill. Dark was in attendance. His mother was one of the few people who were not afraid of the boy. She said his lack of emotional outbursts was refreshing in one so young. He frowned. Whimsy was absent. “Where is Gaedriana?” “She was not with you?” Editha asked. He looked to Dark. “Where did she go today?” “She found the library and then she went out to the gardens. She requested that I leave her alone.” “It is dark out now. She cannot still be in the gardens,” he said, feeling his heart pound with growing dread. “Use your gift. Where is she?” Dark’s pale eyes left his for a several seconds. When they met his again, he said, “She is on a cruiser headed for Colony 7. She is being rescued.” Editha expelled an outraged gasp. “How could she? It seems my initial impressions of her were correct. She is an irresponsible little––“

He gripped the back of his chair until the wood creaked. “Shut up, Mother!” He had no patience for her petty behavior when Whimsy was missing. “She has every reason to hate you yet she has never spoken an ill word to me about you. I can only assume it is out of respect to me. Can you not return the courtesy?” She pressed her lips together but nodded. She was not happy and at the moment, he did not care. He turned to Dark. “We have a trip to plan. We leave in the morning.” Gaedrian stormed out of the room without waiting for his reply. Had they taken her by force? Whimsy would not have left him voluntarily. She loved him. He knew it. She had yet to admit her love for him the manner he had declared his for her, but he could feel it in the way she touched him and in the manner she gave herself to him so freely.

Chapter Seventeen Serri hesitated at the door to Whimsy’s chamber. He had to play this just so. If there was any misstep, he was done for. Approaching her in secret was something he never would have considered prior to her disappearance. It was inappropriate, but then she was no longer pure. She had no call to object. He knocked. She seemed surprised to see him. “Is everything…?” “Everything’s fine,” he assured her hurriedly with a quick glance around to be sure the corridor remained empty. “Um, do you think I might speak with you privately for a moment?” She frowned but stepped backwards to allow him entry. He closed the door behind him. Because the cruiser was built for speed and not comfort, there was very little space in the chamber. There was only a simple bed and a chair. She perched on the edge of the bed, clearly uncomfortable. Much as she should be, he thought. Considering her indiscretions, he couldn’t fathom how she was able to even look him in the eye. “I wish to beg your forgiveness,” he said humbly. Her eyes widened. To hide his smile, he turned away to pace the small room, exaggerating his agitation. “These past few weeks have been torture for me. I have barely been able to live with myself. Leaving you there like that was the height of cowardice.” He threw himself at her feet, gripping her legs. “Please, can you find it in your heart to forgive me for not saving you right away?” She pushed him away and stood. Gazing up at her, he realized for the first time how beautiful she was. He’d always accepted their eventual marriage but he’d never thought much of her. She was a certainty and therefore boring. He liked his women petite. It made him feel strong to be with a smaller woman. But Whimsy was the same height as he, with full, dangerous curves. “I don’t know, Serri. I really can’t think about this right now. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that True is g-gone.” She bit her lip. “Of course,” he said agreeably. He stood and took her hands in his. “I’m here for you if you need me. I truly did not realize the depth of danger you were in. If it would help, you could tell me about

it….” She said nothing and he continued, “You mean so much to me. I know now how much I love and adore you.” In the past, she would have probably echoed the empty sentiment. It was what was expected. Now she remained silent. What the hell had happened to her on C21? “Might I ask a favor of you?” “Yes.” “Please, I couldn’t bear it if anyone else knew about my cowardly behavior. May we keep that a secret between the two of us?” He squeezed her hands. “Why did it take so long for you to come for me?” This was the tricky part. Either she would believe him or she wouldn’t. “We were unable to establish your location. C21 is a large planet.” “Why were you there in the first place?” She was asking too many questions. She never had been meek enough for him. He would rectify that once he was her husband. “I was there for trade, darling,” he lied smoothly. Travel to C21 was too far to make trade there profitable. He’d gone there in search of sex and he’d found it. “I wasn’t aware that we did any trade that far out.” “Only occasionally,” he answered truthfully. But usually, like this last time, he went for the fucking. “It’s fortunate for you that I was there.” He could have bit his tongue. He’d just reminded her that he’d left her to her own resources. Scrambling to recover, he said, “I didn’t want to tell anyone what I had seen until I knew I could find you. Word came from a friend of mine reached me only a short time ago.” “You mean I’ve been assumed dead all this time?” At his nod, she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, no. Have you contacted my parents with the news that you found me?” “Yes. The moment we learned you were on the way, I contacted your father. Your parents will be awaiting your arrival.” “Thank you.” He took a deep breath. It was integral to his plan that she not speak of his being on that accursed planet. “You’re welcome.” He wet his full lips, a move that had never failed to attract the opposite sex. “And about that other matter?” He smiled gently. “Can we call it a secret between the two of us?” She nodded. “Certainly. It doesn’t matter now.”

“Thank you.” He enveloped her in a quick hug and kissed her cheek. He longed to kiss her mouth, to lay claim to her. He wondered anew what had happened to her. Did she enjoy it? Was she tortured? He couldn’t tell from her demeanor. She didn’t appear abused but they could have been careful not to mar her beauty. He left her feeling only slightly anxious at her withdrawn manner. He reminded himself that she had recently learned of the death of her brother. Still, he wished he could be certain of her. “We are not travelling nearly fast enough,” Gaedrian berated his ship’s captain. “Must I remind you that speed is essential to our mission?” “No, your majesty. We are travelling as fast as possible. If we push her too much, we risk damaging-” “Do not give me excuses! Just do as I ask,” he barked. The man nodded sharply and exited his quarters. He gritted his teeth, immediately regretting losing his temper. He closed his door, making a mental note to apologize later. “You are being a barrel of laughs,” Dark commented dryly, appearing at his side. He lounged by the doorway. “Much like you,” Gaedrian growled. “Yes, but people expect it of me.” He merely grunted in acknowledgement. He did not care for space travel and avoided it when at all possible. It helped that the behemoth vessel they rode in was swift and steady. It easily held the hundred warriors he had summoned and a number of smaller cruisers. Once they arrived at C7, he and Dark would leave in one of the smaller ships to locate Whimsy and negotiate her return. It had taken a day to gather his resources. A whole day wasted. He had resented every hour of it. Negotiate. Demand is more like it. They would give her back or they would die trying to keep her from him. She belonged with him. If negotiations broke down, then his warriors would sweep over the land like a scourge until she was returned. “Have you slept?” Gaedrian ran a hand through his untidy curls. “No.” He had been unable to sleep without Whimsy in his arms. His body was keyed up with the need of hers. He suspected because he had been under the effects of fate for such a long period that he might still have it in his system.

However, what he felt for her surpassed simple carnal needs. They had much left to share and learn about each other, but he knew the important aspects of her personality. She was brave, loyal, and honest. She made him laugh. Being in her presence was enough to make him happy. He could not lose her. He would not. “I promise you, Gaedrian, we will bring her back.” Midnight blue eyes met silver ones. No more words needed to be exchanged. The promise was made.

Chapter Eighteen Their little cruiser reached C7. They announced their arrival to security before they were allowed to enter the colony’s artificial atmosphere. And then they were landing. What remained of her family was there to meet her. Reporters and spectators were held back by barriers. She hung back nervously, unsure of her reception. Her father opened his arms to her. She smiled, tears gathering in her eyes. For now, publically, she would be accepted. Later she might be banished in privacy. Guards helped her those final steps down the landing gear and then she was in the embrace of her family. “We’re so glad to have you back,” Veracity sobbed. Reporters shouted questions at them as guards led them to the family vehicle. Their spokesperson, Valvi, informed the press that the family requested privacy at this time and they would release a statement later. “It’s so very good to have you back,” her mother said, sitting beside her in the back of the car. It was one of the newest models. It could be programmed with the destination and then convey its passengers without a driver. It had no wheels. It hovered above the roadway. However, her father always travelled with a driver who doubled as a security guard. Faith gripped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I began to despair of ever seeing you again.” Her green eyes filled with tears as she hugged her again. Whimsy had forgotten how beautiful her mother was. At fifty, her looks rivaled women half her age. Her skin was the color of milky coffee. In recent years, she’d begun keeping her soft curls cut short. But when she was younger, her hair was as long and Whimsy’s own, reaching the middle of her back. Whimsy glanced over her mother’s shoulder at her father. He was as dark as their mother was light with deep brown eyes. She and her sister had skin tones in between the color of their two parents. Their father was still handsome at sixty-four years. His hair was gray at the temples but showed no evidence of thinning. As she watched, her father wiped away a tear. “Tell us about your rescue,” Veracity said, practically bouncing in her seat. “Was there a fight?”

Whimsy smiled at the teen’s excitement. “No. They happened to find me alone in the garden.” Veracity frowned. “Then you weren’t held prisoner? We heard that you were captured and sold by the Gogath.” She noticed as her sister shuddered and Whimsy couldn’t help but join her sister with a shiver of her own. “Yes. That was particularly horrible.” “Then let’s not discuss it,” her father said smoothly. “There will be plenty of time for that later.” He gave her a meaningful look. There were topics that were not appropriate for young ladies and her abduction and possible disgrace were among them. She was not looking forward to the interrogation she would have to endure. It could end in her being banished. Until then, she hoped to spend as much time with her family as possible. “It must have been such a great adventure,” Veracity said, plopping down on Whimsy’s bed. Her bedroom was cozy and small. Even Gaedrian’s bathing pool was larger. But then, everything on C21 was bigger. They had an entire planet to spread out. On C7, space was at a premium. She was lucky to have this small bedroom of her own. Whimsy had spent the day with her family. Her father had actually taken the day off to be with them. They’d eaten together and sat around reminiscing. They’d mourned True and planned a memorial service for him. She didn’t reply to her sister’s comment. Veracity often voiced complaints about the restraints put on them by their society and by their status as royalty. She wanted to be able to travel to more, stay out late, in short, to behave like a hoyden unchecked. Even as a teen, Whimsy had never been overly adventurous. She’d been boring and content to be so. She didn’t mind the rules. Order protected them. “Would you like me to braid your hair?” She picked up a thick inky lock of her sister’s hair. It was soft and silky to the touch. Veracity wore her hair long like hers, but she often begged her mother to let her cut it. King Raul vetoed the idea each time. Veracity smiled. “Just like old times? Sure, why not. I’ll do yours next.” She located her comb and brush and began working her way from the bottom to the top of the lengthy curls. “I missed you all so much,” she said, meaning it. She’d had no idea how much until she

was in the arms of her family again. She’d tried not to dwell on them overly much when she thought she’d end up serving Editha forever. It would have only made her a crying pathetic mess. And Gaedrian had commanded a good deal of her attention. She would call him in the morning. She hoped he was not too worried. If the situation were reversed, she would be going out of her mind with worry about now. “We were so relieved when Serri received word about your whereabouts.” Veracity sighed. “It must have been so romantic. Handsome Serri coming to your rescue.” She wrinkled her nose. Serri had abandoned her. She could never forget that. She might be able to forgive him, but she would always be aware of the flaw in his character. “Yes, well.” “Are you terribly worried about tomorrow?” “Yes.” She was to be questioned in the morning. After the formal inquisition, she would be examined by a doctor. She’d waive the examination. There was no need. They would find she had lost her virginity. Her only hope was that she would be able to receive a temporary reprieve from banishment due to the extraordinary circumstances. And it wasn’t as though Gaedrian didn’t intend to marry her. She hoped. “Don’t be. Mother will never let Father get away with banishing you.” Her fingers working fast, she shook her head. “I don’t know. Father has always told us that the rules are there for everyone. And we must be held as examples to all the people.” “But we’ve already lost so much. Myrna, it’s still hard to believe True is gone. I keep expecting him to come striding in bragging about his driving skill.” “I know. I wish… If only I’d been here.” She’d parted her sister’s hair down the middle. Two fat braids now rested on each side of Veracity’s face. She looked very lovely and childlike. She sat so that she might have her hair done. Veracity bounced up and took the brush. Whimsy closed her eyes and tried to relax. “Well, sister, you look like you were well taken care of. I’ve never seen your hair so shiny.” She supposed it was whatever the bathing servants had been using. They’d wanted her to be at her best for their king.

“Whenever I say anything about your time away, you completely shut down. I can see you weren’t abused. Why won’t you say anything?” Whimsy bit her lip. “Father wouldn’t want you to know.” “I’m seventeen already!” Veracity yanked the brush through her hair viciously. “Ouch!” “Sorry. Didn’t mean to do that but you have to admit that it’s ridiculous the way I’m treated like a five year old. I’ve already begun training to become a wife. Trust me; I won’t faint if you tell me.” “I don’t know about that,” she muttered thinking of the night she’d met Gaedrian. “Stop nagging and finish my hair. I have to be up in early in the morning.” Veracity mumbled under her breath but finished up. She’d braided her hair in the same manner. The ends of her hair rested in her lap. She thanked her sister and kissed her on the cheek as they separated for the night. Deciding not to wait any longer, she went to the wall and touched the communications panel. Her personal portable communications device had been stolen by the Gogath when they’d kidnapped her. She bit her lip, hoping that she reached Gaedrian. The screen lit up, giving her a view of the inside of the palace. A servant stared back at her. He acknowledged her with a bow. “Hello? Can I speak with Gaedrian, please?” “He is unavailable.” The servant was nudged aside as Editha came into frame. Her eyes narrowed. “You! You abandoned my son and you have the audacity to call! How dare you? Do not try to contact my son ever again!” She reached forward and the link was abruptly broken. “Well that truce was short-lived,” she groused. She wondered where Gaedrian was. She bit her lip. How would she be able to contact him without Editha intercepting the call? She stifled a yawn. It had been a long day. She climbed into bed and fell instantly into a restless sleep.

Chapter Nineteen Whimsy wasn’t quite sure what to expect of this meeting. Her father had met her at her bedroom. He’d embraced her and walked her to the meeting room. Their home was larger than other homes because of the hall that was used for public meetings and the occasional ball. The inquiries about her abduction would be private, but if she were found to be impure, her shame would become public knowledge. King Raul squeezed her hand before placing his hand on the panel beside the wide metal doors. They opened obediently with a quiet swoosh. Her father took his seat in the middle of a curved table. To his left and to his right, he was flanked by his advisors. She was led to a chair behind a smaller table opposite the larger one. All the chairs and tables were made of metal. They could grow trees but only in limited quantities. Wood was expensive and considered extravagant. She thought back on the thick intricately carved doors that led to Gaedrian’s chambers. They would be worth a fortune here. “Princess Whimsical,” began Advisor Temple, the only other female in the room, “we all sympathize with the horrors you must have experienced while away and we will try to keep this as brief and as relatively pain free as possible. Why don’t you start by telling us about your initial abduction from Colony 13? We understand you were there shopping for your trousseau?” Whimsy took a deep breath and told them about the terrifying experience of being there during the Gogath raid. She ended her tale at the moment she was purchased at the flesh bazaar by Chaldor and Editha. She bit her lip, unsure of how to go on. She looked up and could see the fury in her father’s gaze. He asked in a tight voice, “And why did these people wish to purchase you?” She lowered her gaze. “I was purchased for their king, as a carnal gift.” There were gasps of outrage and exclamations of anger. Finally her father banged his hand on the table. “Did they not realize who you were? That they could have ransomed you?” “No. It did not matter who I was.” “Were you….” He broke off, his lips trembling. He cleared his throat. “Were you defiled by their king?”

Defiled did not describe the beauty of what transpired between her and Gaedrian, but she knew they would not see it that way. So she simply nodded. “Were you forced? Threatened?” “Not by Gaedrian.” She couldn’t let them think that of him. He was almost as innocent in this as she. “But you were forced?” “They would not allow me to leave his chambers until…” “I’ve heard enough,” her father declared. “I have made my decision.” Whimsy stared up at the metal grating of the ceiling above her bed and sighed. Soft artificial light poured in through her window. She should be happy. Instead she was plagued with melancholy. She had been unable to reach Gaedrian. Editha had intercepted each of her calls and had since blocked any further communications from her. That last morning she had awakened enfolded in his warmth. He’d kissed her ear and whispered how beautiful she was in that deep voice of his that never failed to make her shiver with desire. His hard chest was molded to her back, his rigid length pressed against her buttocks. He’d stroked her from her neck to between her thighs, arousing her passions leisurely. The way he’d taken her had been slow and sweet. It was nothing like what her father was convinced had happened to her. He thought that she’d been raped. He’d ruled that though she could not be considered pure she would not be banished or shunned due to the circumstances. After the hearing, they’d sent her to the doctor to tend to any injuries she may have suffered. The physician had been confused to find she had no bruises and was in good condition. She’d been too embarrassed to explain the pheromones and how very much she had wanted Gaedrian. They’d also drawn her blood for testing. Though sexually transmitted disease was a thing of the past on C7, they were unsure if the same could be said of C21. Tonight they would hold a ball in her honor to welcome her back. It was a far cry from what she’d expected. She was grateful but felt guilty and undeserving. She loved Gaedrian and would give herself to him again given the chance. She bit her lip. She was unsure

if she could find her way back to him alone. Her father would have an apoplexy if she suggested she’d like to return. She also doubted Serri wouldn’t help her on that front. He’d been waiting for her when she exited the hearing. His words had been kind and supportive. She couldn’t recall him being so tactile before. She didn’t like the change. Whimsy blinked away tears, wondering where Gaedrian was right now and what he was doing. **** The people here were of many hues, some as light as he and others very dark. Gaedrian saw that some were the rich caramel tone of his Whimsy. He and Dark had no hopes of blending in whatsoever. It was not only their skin tones that declared them to be foreigners. They were taller and broader than most of the inhabitants, too. Everywhere they went they had to duck beneath low door frames or turn sideways to sidle their way into a room. Once inside an establishment, he felt as though he were being enclosed in a metal box. “You look uneasy,” Dark noted. “They may stare but we are safe enough.” His silver gaze flashed around at the other patrons of the restaurant. Many openly gawked at them. Gaedrian smiled at his young charge. Dark was perfectly capable of reading his mind but he refrained from doing so. “I know.” He shifted in a futile attempt to become more comfortable on the thin metal chair. “I am worried that if I take a deep breath, I will inadvertently tear down a wall.” “Just be careful when you stand.” He guffawed. His hair did brush the ceiling when he was standing. “So what is our plan of action?” They had stopped specifically to eat and to go over his plan. But he was no longer hungry. He simply wanted to get Whimsy and go home. He stated as much to Dark. “That may not be so easy.” He nodded his head to a screen built into the wall opposite them. He narrowed his eyes as he watched what appeared to be a news program. The sound was muted but captions crawled across the lower half. “Princess Whimsical found to be innocent by her father King Raul.” Gaedrian scowled. As he read on he finally began to understand why Whimsy had been a virgin. She’d risked banishment

by giving herself to him. He was awed anew at the gift she had given him. The news showed film of her homecoming. He watched as her family embraced her. It looked to be a joyous family reunion. He ached at the sight of her. “This changes nothing. She is mine. But this information is helpful. It may not be as easy to see her as I first anticipated, but I will bring her home.” “King Raul has announced a ball to held in honor of Princess Whimsical’s homecoming,” the announcer continued. “I think we can all agree….” Gaedrian tuned out the rest of the man’s words as he turned and grinned at Dark. “Looks as though fate is on our side.”

Chapter Twenty Whimsy smoothed the skirt of her cream gown and stared at her reflection in her mother’s mirror. The full skirt had an overlay of shimmering gold roses and vines. Her hair was piled upon her head in an intricate pattern of braids. It had taken their stylist an hour to complete it. “You’re beautiful,” her mother said coming up to stand beside her. Faith was breathtaking in a pastel pink gown and a matching faux fur wrap. A glittering diamond necklace graced her neck. “Thank you. You look wonderful.” She touched the wrap. It was as soft and lush as it appeared. “How about me?” Veracity said, pushing her way to the front of the mirror. Her long hair was styled in a long braid down her back with lavender flowers interwoven to match her dress, a fluffy tulle creation. Whimsy’s eyes met her mother’s and they smiled. “Gorgeous,” they intoned together and then burst into giggles. They’d been getting ready in her parent’s bedroom to save the hairdresser the trouble of rushing from room to room. Plus they could spend the time together gossiping. King Raul entered his bedroom. “I’ve come to pick up my beautiful dates. I’ll be the most envied man there to have the three most beautiful women in the colony on my arm.” They giggled. “Raul, that’s what you always say,” Faith pointed out, taking his elbow. Whimsy took his other arm and Veracity linked arms with her. They entered the ball as a family. Their arrival was announced at the door. Whimsy had been nervous about her reception. She felt sure everyone would think that she had benefited from nepotism. Anyone else in her position would have been banished. Her situation was unique. Nothing like this had happened in the past. Most banished or shunned individuals had willingly committed carnal acts. However, whatever anyone thought, they treated her with the same respect. When the time came, her parents led off the dancing. Serri, dressed formally in a black suit, asked for her to partner him. Veracity gave her an excited smile as she was led off.

“You look beautiful this evening, Princess Whimsical,” Serri said as he pulled her into his arms. She shifted to place some distance between them. “Thank you. You look very dashing yourself,” she said and meant it. He nodded in acknowledgement of her compliment. “I envision you wearing a very similar gown on our wedding day.” Her steps faltered. “Excuse me?” He laughed. “Well, you’ve got to be thinking of it as well. Your time as a single woman is almost at an end. Of course, I understand if you want to postpone due to all the traumatic events of late.” “Serri, you can’t want to continue the betrothal?” “Of course I do.” He glanced down at her and then guided her to the edge of the floor. “Need I tell you again how much I love and admire you?” He held her hand in his and pressed it to his chest. She tugged to free her hand. “I can’t marry you.” Anger contorted his features for a second. He turned from her, his head held down. “Is it because you consider yourself sullied? Because if that’s the case, I assure you, I don’t care that you’re not a virgin. I still want you.” The thought that she wasn’t good enough for him hadn’t occurred to her, but she knew that it would to him. She didn’t want to live with a man that she didn’t love first and foremost. But even if she never saw Gaedrian again, she would not marry a man who considered her to be beneath him. Serri continued, “Or is it because of what that animal did to you?” He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Sex doesn’t have to be that way.” His lips twisted. “Violent and ugly. It can be beautiful.” She wouldn’t comment on Gaedrian’s lovemaking. She only knew she never wanted to share herself with Serri or any other man. It was Gaedrian or no one for her. “I can’t be a wife to you.” He whipped back around. “Don’t say things you may later regret. No other man will want you. Just think about it before you do anything drastic.” She swallowed. She couldn’t brush off the feeling that Serri had just threatened her. What was going on with him? Why was he suddenly declaring his love for her when they’d never had anything but friendship between them?

Needing a moment alone to compose herself, she exited a side door. This hallway led to her bedroom. If this ball weren’t in her honor, she’d retire for the night. She knew it wouldn’t be long before her parents retreated to their bedroom. She turned the corner and thought she heard a noise behind her. She increased her pace, hoping Serri had not followed her. “Whimsy!” Her knees grew weak and she drew to a halt. She knew that deep voice. Her heart was beating so fast she could feel it. She pivoted, moving slowly, almost afraid this was another of her dreams. “Gaedrian,” she whispered. “You forgot to mention that you were a princess,” he said before grabbing her up in a hug that lifted her off her feet. She buried her face in his neck and inhaled his scent. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call but your mother blocked me.” “I have been on a ship on my way to you. Why did you leave me?” She withdrew enough so that she could look him in the eye. She disliked the hint of vulnerability she heard in his voice. She brushed his hair back from his handsome face. “They came for me and when they told me that my brother died, I knew I was needed at home. I planned to call you as soon as I arrived.” “Oh, Dessert, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.” “Thank you. I was too stunned from the news to think straight. I should have gotten off the ship to tell you where I was going.” “I understand.” “I’ve missed you so much.” She rained kisses over his face. He captured her lips. She would have gone on kissing him but she had an important task to complete. She grasped his hand in hers. She wanted to introduce him to her parents. There were still some points that she needed to straighten out with her father, but she was sure everything would work out. Her parents were reasonable people. “Come with me.” They entered the ballroom. She scanned the room for her parents. The first thing she spotted was Dark, lounging against a wall. He had a grouping of young women surrounding him. None of them were tall enough to reach his shoulders. She was dismayed to note

that her sister was among them. She shook her head. Her parents were on the opposite side of the room speaking with friends. Heads turned as they made their way across the floor. She waited patiently for her parent’s conversation to end. Her father’s speech trailed off and stopped when he caught sight of them. “Father, Mother, I’d like to introduce you to King Gaedrian of C21.” They gawked up at him. Her father’s gaze swept him from his feet to the top of his head. Fortunately, the ceiling in this room was higher than most, but she suspected Gaedrian could still touch it with his fingertips if he tried. King Raul started to speak, cleared his throat and started again. “Are you saying this is the man who defiled you?” Whimsy winced. “It wasn’t that way…“ “Guards!” Her eyes widened. “Daddy, no!” Guards showed up immediately. “Seize him,” Raul ordered. The security officers stared at Gaedrian, obviously unsure of how to approach a man of his size, before taking hold of his wrists. He shook them off easily. Two more guards raced over, weapons drawn and ready. Before they could assist in detaining Gaedrian, Dark was suddenly there, materializing out of thin air in his usual manner. He stood before Gaedrian. He held his palms up and out to his sides. White light flamed from his hands. “Please, do,” he said to the guards, his lips curving upward. The smile did not reach his eyes where the unnatural fire was reflected. His incisors were abnormally sharp. Whimsy recalled Gaedrian’s warning about Dark’s smile. “No, please, Dark. Don’t hurt anyone.” He arched a perfect brow at her, but he didn’t back down. “Gaedrian, do something!” He rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Dark, we will handle this with words.” “I didn’t hear any talking,” he said but relaxed his stance. The light in his hands vanished. “Guards, seize him. Take him to the dungeon. We will transfer him to the prison tomorrow after his trial.” This was out of control. Her father’s words left no doubt to the fact that he would find Gaedrian guilty. Gaedrian allowed himself to be led away. “I will fix this,” she called after him. She was dragged from the room by her parents. Veracity trailed them at a run. “Oh, my! What was he, Whimsy?”

She whipped her head around to glare at her sister. She would focus on the most unimportant matter. They led her to their bedroom. Faith ordered Veracity to return to her own bedroom. Veracity groused but closed her mouth after one look at her mother’s serious expression. “Whimsical, what were you thinking? This is what you do after I took a stance to keep you from being banished? If I hadn’t had him hauled away, it would bring your innocence into question.” “You wouldn’t listen. I tried telling you that Gaedrian wasn’t responsible for what happened. He was unaware that they purchased me until later. He let me go.” “He let you go? Then how is it that you lost your virginity?” “Tradition demanded that they bring me back. He didn’t hurt me. For weeks, I waited for rescue, but no one came. He loves me and I love him.” “He loves you, does he? Has he offered to marry you?” “N-not yet, but he will.” Her father sneered. “Why should he?” She glanced at her mother before explaining fate and how Gaedrian came to choose her. Her parents seemed no more understanding than before. Instead, they seemed appalled. “And this is the type of man you would wish us to give you to in marriage? Supposing he ever proposes, that is. They are little more than barbarians,” her mother said. She shook her head. “No. We’ve heard you out on this one, Whimsical, but I agree with your father in this matter. He should be imprisoned for what he did to you.” Her cheeks burned as she said, “He didn’t hurt me. Every moment in his arms was bliss.” “You said he was drugged. How do you know you weren’t drugged also?” Raul shook his head. “No. We cannot allow his actions to go unpunished. You are too important to the colony now with True gone. I cannot allow you to continue this dalliance. Serri has made me aware that he would not object to continuing the betrothal.” “No! I will not marry that tiny coward.” “You’ve always liked Serri,” her mother pointed out. “I love Gaedrian and I will have no other!” Both of her parents were looking at her like she was crazy. She couldn’t blame them. She’d never defied them, never given them

cause to worry. She tried to calm her breathing so that she would sound convincing. “You are obviously suffering from Stockholm Syndrome,” Raul stated calmly. “In the morning, you will begin to see a therapist. In the meantime, you should return to your room. We will see to our guests.” “About Gaedrian––“ “We are finished discussing this.” He opened the door and called to one of the guards. “Please escort Princess Whimsical to her bedroom. I want someone posted at her door until I come for her in the morning.” Whimsy ground her teeth together in frustration. She knew they were doing this because they loved her and believed themselves to be protecting her. But she was an adult. She didn’t need or want anyone making her decisions for her. She would try again in the morning at Gaedrian’s “trial.” They weren’t willing to listen to her tonight but they would have to in the morning. She followed the guard to her room. Once there, she paced the small confines. She was far too keyed up to sleep. Her third go around the chamber and she slammed into the hard wall of Dark’s chest. She squeaked. “Stop doing that!” “You have to help me free him.” “I will, but at the moment I can’t even free myself. If you’d use a door, you’d know I have security keeping me here.” “I can handle that.” “No!” She grabbed his arm. “We handle this my way with no bloodshed. I will speak at Gaedrian’s trial tomorrow. I need to plan my speech.” “No offense, but your parents are beyond listening to pretty speeches. If we don’t get Gaedrian out now, tonight, there’s going to be an apocalypse tomorrow.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand.” “Let me tell you a little story about a planet called Dark Sphere.” “Your home world? Is this really the time for stories?” He continued as if she had not interrupted. “The ruling family has long been the Dark family, thus the name Dark Sphere. Many of this planet’s inhabitants are known to have special talents. Some can

tell the future. At the birth of any child into the royal family, a fortune teller is brought in to read their aura and foretell their future. The last family, before the planet…disappeared, had two sons and a daughter. The oldest boy was called Parker, the middle son was Raven, and the youngest, the girl, was Symphony. The night Raven was born there was a horrible storm and the fortune teller almost died in her attempt to make it to the palace for the birth. “But make it she did. Her prediction, when it came, was not the usual benign affair about fortune and love. She said that Prince Raven would one day bring about the ruin of Dark Sphere. Well, of course, the king and queen did not care for her prediction and had her thrown out of the palace. This offended the fortune teller and she spread her tale far and wide. “Those who would have sought to take the place of the royal family pounced upon this chance to overtake the crown. The king thought to protect his son and sent him away to another planet where he could be raised as a warrior. He thought this would end the matter. “He was wrong. The people were terrified that one day the prediction would come true. And so they slaughtered the king, the queen, Prince Parker and even little Princess Symphony. “Only Prince Raven was spared as he was unreachable. They sent an envoy to capture the boy, but he was protected by the warriors. When word reached the boy, his pain and anger were immeasurable. “Never mentioned before was the fact that Prince Raven was…very talented. The king feared it would only make matters worse. Perhaps he was quite right.” Dark shrugged. “In any event, in his rage the young prince cursed his home world. And overnight, it disappeared.” Whimsy gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. Dark reached into his shirt and pulled out a necklace. The pendant was faintly oblong and flat. It appeared to be made of gold. The surface was etched with cloud shapes. As she watched, the clouds scudded over the oval. She swallowed as she realized what she was looking at. This was what was left of Dark Sphere. His cold eyes met hers over the pendant. “So you see, the fortune teller was right. And now you know why the foretelling of the future can be dangerous.” He returned the necklace so that it was hidden beneath his collar. “I consider Gaedrian to be family. If I

would do this to my home world, what do you think I will do to yours?” She shivered. He was basically only a boy. To wield such power was a great responsibility. He had also suffered so much loss at his young age. “I-I won’t let you kill anyone.” “Can you stop me?” A knock interrupted them. Veracity entered. Her mouth formed an “O” when she saw that she was not alone. “Maybe,” Whimsy said in response to Dark’s question, reaching up to undo her hair. “Veracity, I’m going to need to borrow your dress. I’ll explain, but please hurry. Dark, I know you’ve seen it all before, but could you turn to face the wall.”

Chapter Twenty-One “I prefer the other one.” Whimsy halted outside of the glass and steel cell where they had housed Gaedrian. The ceiling was so low that when he stood he was slightly hunched. She glanced down at the puffy lavender dress she wore. The guard had barely glanced at her. He’d seen the dress and assumed she was Veracity. “I’ll change once we get you out of here.” Dark appeared at her side. “How do these doors work?” “They open with a card key or with-“ He placed his hand over the lock and the door swung open. She glared at him. “Why did you need me?” “Do you think he would leave without you?” Gaedrian crushed her to his chest and kissed the top of her head. When he held out his hand, she took it. She was ambivalent about leaving while there was this fission between her and her parents. But she knew if she didn’t leave right now, she’d never get another chance. “I’m sorry Whimsical, but I can’t let you leave.” “Serri? What are you doing here?” Her eyes dropped to his hand. He was holding a laser gun. “I suspected you might try something like this and I just couldn’t risk it. Now come to me so that I don’t have to hurt your big friend here.” He gestured towards the gun. “I assure you, it’s set to kill and not stun.” Dark stepped in front of her. “Please say I can kill him?” “I don’t know who and what you are, but I will kill you if you interfere. This is between me and Whimsy. I’m her betrothed and she belongs to me.” Gaedrian growled. “I do not know what the fuck that means, but Gaedrianna belongs to me. She is my wife.” She jerked at the lie. “If I believed you, it would mean I would have to kill you. Whimsy will marry me and then I will become ruler of C7.” It finally clicked with her why he had been proclaiming his love for her. He wanted to be king. She shifted from behind Dark so

that she could see him. Gaedrian growled and pulled her back. “Serri. That will never happen. I refuse to marry you.” “What part of the fact that I have a gun don’t you people understand? I am in control of this situation.” She heard Serri’s scream and then heard the clatter of metal hitting metal. The gun came clattering her way. It was red and glowing. It disappeared seconds later. Serri was gripping his hand. Blood dripped from his curled palm. “Dark, can you heal him?” “I don’t want to. He’ll heal on his own and the scar will serve as a reminder.” “We have no more time to waste,” Gaedrian said. “Dark, lead us out of here.” As he passed Serri, he casually flung his fist out, hitting the other man squarely in the jaw and sending him crashing unconscious to the floor. “Sorry. Could not resist,” he muttered. Gaedrian didn’t relax until they were safely in the larger ship and headed on their way back to C21. Whimsy could see the tension visibly drain from him. He didn’t want a violent confrontation any more than she did. They’d stayed at the helm of the ship and watched it pull away, Whimsy sitting in Gaedrian’s lap the entire time. She could feel his arousal but he said nothing. When he led her back to his chamber, he backed her against the wall and covered her mouth with his, his tongue plunging deep. She moaned and wrapped her arms around him, her fingers burying themselves in the thick black waves of his hair. Oh, how she loved him. He trailed kisses down her neck even as he lifted her skirt. “How do I get you out of this contraption?” “Zipper at the back,” she gasped. She reached behind her and undid the fastening. It dropped to her feet and she kicked it aside. She was bare except for her panties. Gaedrian kissed her tight nipples before moving lower. He ran his tongue over the seam of her pussy. His breathing was harsh. “Smell so good,” he groaned. “I have missed you so much, my sweet, Dessert.” He glanced up at her, his midnight blue eyes aglow with love and lust. He grinned at her. “Did I ever tell you that I hate panties? They keep me from that which I desire most.” He gripped the scrap of material and pushed them down her legs. “When I ordered your wardrobe, I requested that there be no panties.” He nudged the inside of her thighs until she spread them for him.

Her breath left her in a hiss as he traced her clit with the tip of his tongue before coming back for more. He kissed her flesh softly before circling it, flicking it, and eventually drawing it into his mouth to suck. Her knees nearly buckled. She gasped and braced herself on his broad shoulders. Her hands bunched in his shirt. She wanted to touch skin. “You’re wearing too many clothes,” she panted. Groaning, he stood and whipped his shirt over his head. His pants quickly followed. He picked her up and carried her to his bed. She bit her lip to hold in a moan as he lined up their bodies so that his erection slid over her wet pussy. Her legs tightened on him. She was eager for the feel of him filling her. He kissed her again, his tongue entering her body even as his cock penetrated her pussy. She whimpered into his mouth as he stretched her. He withdrew, surging deeper with each thrust. Her nails dug into his sweat slicked back as his muscles there flexed with his movements. His strokes in and out were slow and methodical. She met him for each thrust, her hips dancing with his to create the maximum amount of pleasure. “So hot, so tight,” he groaned into her neck before rearing back to his knees. He placed her legs over his elbows. At this angle, he was impossibly deeper. She cried out as his cock kissed her womb. The pace increased. She lifted herself and parted her legs as wide as possible to be open to him. He rode her fiercely, each thrust causing her breasts to bounce. Her cunt began to spasm suddenly, seizing over his turgid member. “Oh, Gaedrian, I love you,” she cried. “Dessert,” he ground out, stilling above her. His cock thickened within her and then she felt his seed flooding her in hot bursts. She rested her head on Gaedrian’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. She ran her fingertips over his biceps. “About what you said to Serri, about me belonging to you?” “Explain betrothal to me. You mentioned it once. What does it mean?” She sighed at the distraction. “It means our parents signed a contract saying that we would marry one day. That contract could

have been broken by him once I gave my virginity to you. Obviously, he had reason to want to marry me. Without True, I’m next in line. Well, I would be, but I’m sure my parents will disown me once they discover that I ran off with you.” “You are my wife. You belong with me.” She frowned. “You said that earlier. When are you going to make it true?” “What do you mean? You were there for the ceremony.” Expelling an exasperated breath she sat up to glare down at him. He looked glorious with his hair spread out over the pillow. “What ceremony?” “When I introduced you to our elders, my advisors, my friends and my family. I thought you understood.” “Why would I? That’s not the way we do it at home. We have a wedding ceremony with a dress and flowers and stuff!” He arched a brow. “You received a dress, did you not? Anyway, your way of marrying sounds very unstable. Allowing fate to choose ensures you will have a suitable mate.” “My parents were betrothed and they love each other very much.” He grunted. “And the weasel who tried to kill us is the man you would have married. Good thing you were abducted.” He pulled her down for a quick kiss. “I’m married,” she whispered, letting it sink in. She’d actually been married for some time now. She sighed. “Only one more thing would make this absolutely perfect.” “What would that be?” “For you to tell me that you love me as much as I love you. I mean, I know that you do, but to hear the words….” “Oh, Dessert, I love you more than life. But you do know I have already declared my love for you at our wedding ceremony?” She threw her hands up. “When?” He grinned. “When I introduced you as Gaedriana, it told everyone in the room that not only had fate chosen you for me, but that I loved you as well. Kings only rename their brides after themselves when it is a love match.” Curiosity made her ask, “And was your mother named after your father?”

“No. I think she envies you. Please go easy on her when we return.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I have everything I could have ever wanted. I can afford to be generous.” She kissed him, and as his arms closed around her she knew she was the happiest woman in any world. The End

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