Ascension (Royals of Aeterna Book 1) Read online

  Her touch is enough to send an electric shock all through me. The heat of her hand, combined with the slight quiver in her bottom lip, solidifies it. I may have been pushed into being her protector by a blood oath, but I also want the role. No matter how high up these castle walls, her rebellious nature may send me, I will take whatever may come. I’ll be fine. After all, I am a Vēsṭigara, and like any cat, we always land on our feet.

  ***

  Lady Adria was none too pleased with the growing situation, though she managed to keep her venomous tongue in her mouth. Upon the announcement of Lord Wasi, I was asked to escort Princess Maya to her quarters so that she may bathe and prepare to meet with the Lesser Kings, who were already assembling. They would not wait for the funeral, they were here to pay respects and lay claims, of that I was sure. When King Wrynard, Maya’s Grandfather, died, and the crown passed to her father Maynard, there had been a civil war. I can only hope that this does not happen again. Maynard was barely equipped for it, and he had years of advanced training. Prince- Queen Maya is not ready to ride into battle.

  We step onto the elevator that only a select few have access to. Queen Maya lets the machine run the retinal scan, and it accepts her, letting the mechanism rise. I stay silent but gently rub my exposed arm in thought. Can I truly be an advisor to my Queen? I have had many more years in this world than she, but does that make me a good choice? I hate the tech of this time. Hate the way we are treated by the Normals and hate the way many of us are treated by our own. King Maynard had machinations, had hopes. Things we would talk of in private. Am I to share those things with her? Will she believe as he did, or will she be the end of all that we know? Queen Maya clears her throat.

  "I'm sorry for being such a bitch to you. I'm glad you're here to help me understand the things I do not. Understand daddy, maybe."

  “As your new advisor, it is my duty to council you in whatever you may need. If I do not have an answer, I will find one that does. This, I swear.” My hand crosses my chest, a sign of my fealty to her. “Use me; however, you have a need to.” Before she can speak, the elevator doors open, and standing before us is the Countess Valaria Cosumos, only she is wearing the head covering of a Lady in Attending. This would mean she had lost her title and was now also in service to our Queen. Interesting.

  8

  I place my hand over Zane’s. “Thank you. Please go clean yourself up. I wish not to be left alone with the Kings.” I turn my look on one of my dearest friends, Valaria Cosumos. “What on earth are you doing in such dressing? Come on, you can tell me while you help me out of this horrid dress.”

  Valaria dips her head as Zane passes us, headed to the Royal Guard quarters on the opposite side of this floor. I keep private quarters here on the third. There is a common area where I have often entertained friends with a fully serviced kitchen and lounge space. It connects to my private chambers and to the hallway that goes to the attending Lady and other staff rooms. I typically do not take on any attendings. I hate the idea, but Valeria and I go back far enough that I am at least curious about her new lower station.

  “Spill it, Val,” I command as we’re in my chambers, and I’m slipping off my jacket.

  “My Queen, what-”

  “Please- don’t call me that. Just call me May, please?”

  I watch as her stiff demeanor shifts, and she seems to exhale as she pulls the little white cloth from her head. “It was my father.” She says softly. Her father is Lesser King Usar Cosumos, ruler of the Mechka, a notorious womanizer and gambler. Valeria is his youngest and least legitimate child, but in claiming her, he gave her properties, and daddy bestowed titles. She sniffles.

  I pull her into me. “You don’t have to talk about it. I know he was a right prick. I’m so sorry, love. I’m here now.” I pull back, lifting her face to look at me. “I just want to know one thing. Did he catch you?”

  She shakes her head violently in the negative. “He borrowed a King’s ransom from your father’s coffers, then reneged. I was payment. My service to you. I was all set to come to Rhode Island, then this happened.” Her voice is so tiny, stunted. Not at all like the boisterous fast-talking Mechkan I have always known. These people are vibrant, crafty, and always finding new schemes to get us all into.

  “I’m here now, I won’t let anyone hurt you. We’ll figure something out. I will somehow get your title back if that is what you want. You tell me.” I run my thumbs over her cheeks. Looking at my watch, I sigh. “I need to get cleaned up and meet these Lesser Kings, but I’ll be back for you.”

  “May, I-” She goes silent, looking at the floor, a soft blush fills her cheeks. “I am here to attend to you. Your bath is drawn, you are expected to pamper after all. Go shower, and then we can begin.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah, you can attend me by unbuttoning this dress, and just so I don’t smell like sex now, you can be in my bed tonight.” I kiss her quickly before turning so she can help me out of my dress.

  I feel her long slender fingers as they work at the buttons, then smell her sweet berry breath on my neck. “My Queen, you needn’t worry about smelling like sex, that is why we invented milk and honey baths.” She whispers, suddenly bold. I feel her hands as they brazenly cup my now exposed breasts.

  My body falls back against her. “Oh, that feels nice.”

  The dress slips from my body as Val comes to stand in front of me. Her tongue connects with my erect nipple as her slender fingers move my panties to the side. I want her to make me come so hard. She sucks on my breast as she dips her finger into my hot wet slit. Yes, this is what I need to deal with people. Val loves taunting me. She fucks me in shallow thrusts. My fingers tangle in her hair as her sandpaper tongue licks and flicks my nipple.

  I chuckle. “That’s new.” I moan as she brings me to my knees.

  “I have a few new tricks, my Queen.” She purrs, and it’s like her entire body has become one big vibrator. My eyes go wide as she trails her tongue down my body, her fingers opening me so she may taste just what she’s done to me. I sit up on my elbows to watch her now, putting all of her sinfully delicious attention on my swelling clit. My hips lift with every lap at my aching core. My legs shake as my orgasm builds. She goes faster, harder. Tossing my head back, I let out a ravenous series of moans. My heart races as I come undone. Shaking and panting, I watch her come back up my body. Grasping the threads of her gown, she is soon naked with me.

  “Shall I make you come again?” She smiles, opening my legs again. “Or do you require the cock of a soldier?” She teases, knowing my taste for the guard. “I’m sure the newly appointed general down the hall should have enough cock to satisfy your aching needs.” Her fingers enter me again, filling and stretching me in mind-boggling and most pleasurable ways. I can’t help but imagine what Zane’s hands would feel like on me. How his cock might taste? Her wet honey pot and mine connect as our tongues mingle. Her clit to mine feels amazing, and we come in a sweaty and hazy mess right there on my childhood playroom floor. Seems even after nine years of neglect, it has not lost its usefulness or its title.

  I’m in a fog for the remainder of the late afternoon when next I regain my sense, I am being handed back to Zane, who is now in the more restrictive clothing of our Royal Guard.

  “My Queen, the Lesser Kings anxiously-” He pauses as I stand before him, Valeria at my side. “Perhaps the Lady Valeria would like to stay behind. After all, her hair is still wet, and we would not want her to catch a cold.”

  I bite my lip. “That would probably be best.” I look back at Val, running my fingers over her cheek. “You always make the best honey cream pie. Would you make one for me, please?”

  “It is already prepped, my Queen. It should be one of the sweetest and creamiest pies you have had in a good long while and most readily will satisfy your sweet tooth.” Val smirks, looking at Zane. “I do wonder, though, would you like that with or without nuts?”

  I put my fingers to my lips. “Hmm… We shall see if something pans
out.”

  9

  I may not smell it, but I can sense the newly relaxed state of my Queen. Seems she and the Lady Valeria made good use of their time. I wonder if it’s a taste for women or just Mechkan in General? I understand their broad snouts are rather useful. I can’t help but let a short chuckle escape my lips as we descend in the elevator to the main floor.

  My Queen looks at me. “Got a comment you’d like to share, Zane?”

  Fuck. “No, my Queen.” The harder I try to hide my fantasy induced smile, the worse it is becoming.

  She smacks the stop button on the elevator before turning her body my way. “Are you sure about that? You’ve got this thing showing that is usually very well hidden.” My Queen says. As she traces my lips, I am most grateful for the restrictiveness of my uniform. I swallow as my lips part, and I attempt to hide the mild shudder that passes through me.

  I step backward, parting her finger from my lips, and I hit the wall. Shit-Fuck-Damnit.

  “Do I scare you so easily, little tiger?” Queen Maya steps into my space and sniffs me. Her full and perky breasts press against my chest, the dress she wears, making them swell even higher.

  My eyes narrow at her stab at my manhood. “If I may be permitted to speak plainly,” I say with a husk.

  “Of course, please do. Always.”

  “My Queen plays a dangerous game. The Lady Valeria is no longer within your station. Should your private affairs be discovered, it may not appear as though you have taken your place quite as seriously as the position requires. Many of the Lesser Kings will see your- extracurriculars as self-serving rather than the model behavior of a High Queen.”

  She pulls back, crossing her arms over her ample chest. “I’m not my daddy. I won’t do things exactly- we won’t agree on some terms.” My Queen clicks her tongue. “Daddy and Lady Adria did not see eye to eye for most everything. Most did not agree that we should be brought anew. One thing Daddy didn’t change that I plan to is your attire. However, my affairs, no matter whom they are with, are kept to my chambers. Val and I have been messing around far longer than any would ever assume.”

  I clear my throat. “I did not mean to overstep. I simply have a duty to keep your best interests in mind. I will keep my unsolicited opinions to myself from now on.”

  My Queen grabs my shoulders and attempts to give me a firm shake. “I don’t want you to keep your opinions to yourself, but you should have all information before doing so. Fucking hell!”

  “My Queen, you are expected. They are trying to figure out why the elevator has ceased to function.” I need to get back on task, or I may break the law. Her shouting and constantly pawing at me is beginning to grate against my baser instincts, and the smell filling the small space is not helping. Apparently, frustrated is a trigger, causing a squishing between her thighs.

  “You’re infuriating!” My Queen turns from me and smacks the button once more as she moves as far away from me as possible.

  “Perhaps,” I say softly. I may be infuriating, but it appears my Queen may just like it.

  The elevator doors open, and I’m quite sure her aroused state does not go unnoticed. Heads lift as we step off the landing and make the walk to the throne room. I halt her with a hand splayed before her.

  “May I present the former Princess Maya Meleke. Stand and greet your true and future Queen.” I announce. The throne room is filled with people from all the lands.

  My Queen is bowed to as I lead her to the throne where her parents once sat. Lord Wasi stands at the left of the throne, and I, as her General stand to her right.

  The first of the group makes his approach.

  “Lesser King Usar Cosumos of Konargh Antarr.” A page announces.

  He steps forward, lowers his head, though not nearly as low as he should. “My Queen, I bring with me the condolences of all my people. Your people. We mourn as you most certainly do. In light of this devastating moment in our world, may we, the Mechkan, offer you the strength of our great woods so that the embers created may carry the souls of your parents to the loftiest of heights. The King is dead, all hail the Queen.”

  My Queen looks between Lord Wasi and myself. She’s conflicted. “Thank you, Lesser King Cosumos, that would be of much help.”

  He looks to me then back to her. With a nod, he backs away.

  Another page steps forward. Behind him is a tall, lean man. His hair is long, and while dark, streaks of silver and gold run through it. His eyes search the room, and I see the tell of the reptilian beast within. “Lesser King Feyer Charind of Arid dykuma.”

  Queen Maya looks at me, confused. I lean down to her ear. “The Chinyoka,” I whisper. “Desert Dragon,” I explain, further realizing her grasp of their language was not as strong as it needed to be.

  She nods curtly, her eyes falling upon him. He speaks, but the barrier of his clicking and hissing leaves her with growing anxiety.

  Lord Wasi beats me to her ear and grasps her hand lovingly. “He says that he is sorry for the great loss you are suffering, but that he would be honored to light the funeral pyre with his mighty flames.”

  Queen Maya nods. “Thank you, as soon as we retrieve them, I would greatly appreciate the gesture.”

  Mummers fill the room. The speculation was beginning. She did not have possession of the King and the Duchess. Something she should have not made so readily public. Realizing her mistake, she stands. This prompts me straight to my full height.

  “This is of the most unorthodox of times. My parents, your King, and Duchess did not die here. They passed on earth. That being the case, we must understand the realm has different ways than Aeterna. We must let them do what is necessary in finding out the proper cause of death. In their passing, I am now your High Queen. I will do what is necessary for Aeterna in all things. You stood behind the King, my father, now I ask you to stand behind me.”

  The murmurs stop as she speaks. I’m not sure where she picked up diplomacy skills, but she may just be her father’s daughter, after all. Maybe she will be good for the people, good for the land. What the Gods have in store for her is anyone’s guess, but if she keeps this up, she will quickly win their hearts, just as she is winning mine.

  10

  I wake. Stretching to wrap my arms around a beautiful brunette, I find I’ve been left alone. The bed has grown cold. I ravaged Val until I was so exhausted that I had to sleep. Dealing with the Lesser Kings took a lot out of me, but I couldn’t shut off my thoughts. I grab my silk robe from the chaise lounge, wrapping it around myself. After a quick stop to the bathroom, I walk through my playroom and out into the entertaining area. The light in the kitchen is on. Coming through the living room, I spy Zane, who I shall add is just in pajama pants and a white wife-beater. I can see ink popping through. It looks to be his entire back. If I’m right, it is a tiger, the direct semblance of his tiger. The members of the Royal Guard who have seen battle each have a tiger on them someplace. As I had been told once, each stripe represents a life taken. Though they were enemies, all life is sacred and should be remembered, so they add the stripes. Even from here, I can see there are many.

  I must have made a sound because he turns his head to the side. “Yes, my Queen?” He asks, followed by a chopping sound.

  “Nothing, I was just looking for a snack. I’m sorry if I bothered you.”

  “Don’t do that.” He says facing me, in his hand is a piled-high sandwich. I mean, this thing has to have like two inches of meat, then another inch of veggies!

  “Don’t do what?” I ask, confused.

  “Apologize. You are the High Queen, while you may have much to learn about that title, you must always remember that you answer to none but your conscience, and even at times, you may have to set that aside. You apologize to none. Certainly not the likes of me.” He looks down at the sandwich, the smell has me absolutely salivating. While we don’t have turkeys, we do have a poultry type, and when roasted and sliced, it is fucking delicious. “Would you care for half? I ma
ke my own peppered mustard.”

  I lick my lips but shake my head no. “You haven’t eaten. There’s a pie.” I walk past him to the refrigerator. “I can’t help apologizing. It's in my nature. All of you are used to this way of living, and sure I should be, but I’m not. I’m used to how things are done on earth. It’s going to take time to change.”

  “All that sugar is going to go straight to your hips and keep you up all night. A good dose of antioxidants and protein should level you off and help you sleep.” Zane says, putting the sandwich under my nose. “This first, pie later. If you have room to move after. Consider this sound council.”

  I look down at my hips, popping my ass in the air just a bit. “I think it could use a little more cushion.”

  “Let’s leave the cushions on the couch. I said your hips, not your ass. So please put that thing away before it becomes the elephant in the room.” With him this close, I can detect the slightest hint of wine on his breath. No wonder he’s relaxed and speaking freely.

  “Ah, so I have to get you drinking for you to not treat me like I may break.” I turn my finger in a circle to gesture the room. “In here I am Maya or May as Val calls me. I don’t want to be called Queen. Can you do that, or is it too much for you?” I poke him in the chest as I look up at him. I wonder if he can tell I’m naked under my robe?

  He takes a breath as though trying to suck all of the air out of the room, his chest expands as he looks down at me and my little finger still in his chest. “If you were this assertive with all, I would not need to advise you. As it stands.” He pauses, using his free hand to move mine. “I am your council, your protector by Blood Oath, and the new General to your armies. While this may be your sanctuary and a place I may freely enter, it is not without its constant eyes and ears. Therefore unless I somehow find myself in a place where we are fully without spies, you will always be addressed as my Queen.” He sets the plate on the counter. Taking half the sandwich, he nods to me. “Good night.” Sidestepping, he walks past.