Dare to Defy Read online

  “Your Highness?” the guard bowed respectfully. “Is all well?”

  “It will be. She was punished; yet, it feels as though I was as well. Do not allow her leave. Were all informed that only the showing of my signet ring would alter my orders?”

  “Yes, Prince Günter.”

  “Very well. I will send a maid here with food. Please…” Günter glanced at the door and lowered his voice. “Come for me if her tears do not stop in a reasonable amount of time. She has suffered enough today.”

  The guard nodded his understanding. Günter patted his shoulder and left with a heavy heart. He ventured to his chambers on the far wing of the castle and quietly pushed open the thick wooden door.

  “My darling? What ails you this fine night?” the stunning, violet-eyed woman asked from the bed where she sat brushing out waist-long, raven black hair.

  “‘Tis Daynel again. Father had me punish her this eve,” Günter sighed, taking the brush from his wife’s hair and running it through her long, silky locks.

  “She has the spirit of a Night Hawk. She cannot be caged,” came the response.

  Günter kissed her neck. “You said that of yourself the day I captured you, my priestess. Ilesbet? Have you been happy these years?”

  “You know that I grow happier each passing day since I permitted you access to my heart,” Ilesbet smiled, tracing her finger across his frowning lips. “I loved you the moment you rode into my village and arrogantly demanded water for your horse.”

  “Yes, and you smiled as you picked up the bucket and threw the water in my face. I recall it felt like newly melted ice,” Günter grinned, nuzzling her throat.

  “It was!” she laughed gleefully. “I feared you would beat me thoroughly for that unruly act. What a foolish girl I was!”

  “And one to whom I have given my heart. Would you, mayhap, like to practice creating another heir for our king?” he smirked as he slowly peeled the gown from her shoulders.

  “I have yielded five boys for you, my prince. Are you not tired of this old used body?” Ilesbet asked as he bared her to his eyes. Hunger grew in them.

  “Your body grows more beautiful to me each passing day, and is never more lovely than when heavy with child. Should we try for a daughter?”

  Ilesbet giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Aye, and have her be just as your darling Daynel.”

  “Hmmm, on second thought…another son would be acceptable,” Günter laughed, scooping her into his arms and tossing her upon the fur-laden bed.

  “I heard the maids speaking of a secret way to spark the interest of man,” Ilesbet said seductively as she slowly and deliberately untied his stays. She looked up into his rugged face and licked her lips daintily. “Might I make the attempt at the same?”

  Günter nodded, his eyebrow raised. His shaft was already straining against the fabric, quivering with the brush of her fingers through the breeches as she teased him. He groaned when she finally granted his cock release from the confines of the cloth, feeling it burst forth with intent on seeking pleasure. He watched with wide eyes as Ilesbet touched the tip of her pink tongue to the swollen head, tracing the tiny, glistening opening before running it around the swollen ridge. He swallowed visibly as she opened her sweet lips and placed them over the twitching bulb.

  A loud groan escaped him as she took him deep into her mouth, her throat vibrating as she released a purr of delight. Günter resisted the urge to grab her hair and draw himself deeper within her hot recesses. He closed his eyes, relishing the sensation of her tongue running over the underside of his cock and the pressure as she embraced him again in her mouth. She began to suckle upon him, writhing her body in want as she tasted him deep with her throat. She withdrew with care and pressed him down upon the bed. Her mouth found his cock once again and she mounted his torso, offering her ample bottom and moist charms to his fingers and lips.

  Gunther ran his finger along her slit, which was already covered with her womanly dew. He inhaled deeply, the scent of her desire making him want to abandon the foreplay and plunge his rod deeply within her body. He stilled his urges and lifted his mouth to taste her sweet offerings. As Ilesbet milked his organ, suckling upon him like a baby to a breast, Günter flicked her swollen red knob with his tongue. Her moan excited him and he ventured further, tasting and drinking of her deeply. Her buttocks tightened under his hands as his lips latched upon the tiny beacon. He mimicked her motions, licking, suckling, and nibbling. He felt her direct him with her lips as she paid homage to his manhood, and returned the same. The pressure within him began to build and he fought not to surrender to her demands until she, too, was ready. Her hips squirmed with need as his mouth feasted upon her, demanding that she submit to the pleasure he brought her. Her body trembled under his hands as he grew more aggressive, biting the thickening lips of her sex before dipping his tongue within her. A muffled cry of desire was heard in her throat and she pressed her mound against his mouth, her convulsions only equaled by the copious fluid that followed. She sucked upon him as she climaxed, swallowing him in one starving motion. A cry was heard, unknown from whom it had come, as Günter lunged his thick cock to the depth of her throat and showered it with his hot, salty seed.

  The sound of heavy breathing breached the silence of the room as the couple slowly eased next to one another on the bed. Günter kissed his wife’s lips, tasting himself upon her. “You are my heart. I will never tire of you,” he whispered into her soft, fragrant neck.

  “And you are my breath. I will never live without you,” Ilesbet whispered back.

  “What say you of another round? Perhaps try for a daughter that will be more of her mother than my sister?”

  “You are as frisky as a colt on a spring day,” came the happy twitter. “Aye, show me that you can make a daughter as well as a son. As for her being like her mother, I urge you care in what you wish for…”

  Chapter Two

  Daynel sniffed painfully as she lay upon her bed, staring blankly out the large stone window. The heavy curtain had been pulled aside, revealing a picturesque landscape of rolling green hills studded in large, stark white boulders. Günter used to tell her that the giant rocks were part of a game of stones and that the young gods had abandoned them as they scurried to celebrate a feast day meal. A tiny smile crossed her face as she recalled leaving her own toys in such disarray in many occasions upon the ringing of the mealtime bell. Like the young gods, her stomach was more concerned with being filled than with playing.

  She watched miserably as the silent maid gathered her leather breeches and vests, her bow and quiver filled with arrows that she had fletched herself, and the soft deerskin bindings that she used to confine her breasts and hair. A single hot tear caressed her cheek as the maid returned for the final items. Into a large bag went her favorite riding boots, scabbard, sword, belt, and dagger harness. Günter had shaped the leatherwork himself for her last name day, in honor of a dragon he had claimed to slay while protecting the realm. Daynel had listened in raptured bliss as he wove a glorious tale. His eyes had twinkled as he brandished his long sword, describing the imaginary battle between him and the mythical beast, his work-hardened muscles rippling as he ripped the heavy sword through the air, reenacting the battle for his life. His ability to spin a web of adventure and mesmerize the listeners would have made any court bard proud. With a flourish of his arm, he sang of the magical powers held by the deep indigo faceted stone “eye” that was embedded in the pommel of the broad short-sword, promising that it would always help her to see the truth and protect her from the destruction of evil. The scabbard, rendered from the skin of the dragon’s throat, would ensure that her blade stay sharp and unblemished and, finally, in a single hearty gesture as the tip of his sword pointed to the long ruby teardrop embedded in the silver casing that she wore around her throat…the fang. As long as she wore it, her aim would be just and true, and it would guard her as strongly as he did. She had laughed, clapping in childish delight, as she
did all his adventures. She had been as enthralled by his tale as by the magnificent gifts he had showered upon her. Gifts that were now being taken away, for she had used them to shame him, their father, and their kingdom.

  “Must you remove them?” she asked tearfully.

  “I am truly sorry, Princess. Truly I am. His Highness demanded I do so, for your safety. Please, miss….Do not cry.” The chambermaid looked sad as she encircled her arms around her young mistress. “Prince Günter promised that if you were ever in need, he would see a way for you to have them again.”

  “By then, it might be too late. Care well for these things. Please?”

  “I will guard them with my life, milady. You have my word. They will be delivered to the priestess Ilesbet by my own hand.”

  * * *

  One week later, Günter frowned as the southern prince sauntered around the throne room, commenting on the lack of luster and color. He had arrived unannounced, storming into the castle without ceremony.

  “Where is the gold? Your father is a king, not a pauper! This,” he gestured to the hides mounting the walls, “looks like a hunting lodge. The only things pretty in here are the guards standing watch.”

  Günter held his temper in check, wondering what had happened to the quiet, unobtrusive boy he had met many years before. Ethan stood before him, barely reaching his shoulder and wanting of exercise and fresh air. His bright yellow robe barely covered his round abdomen, causing his pale, fleshy face to appear sickly. Günter grunted, noting that although he still had all his teeth, they were horribly stained by excess wine and poor hygiene. Shuddering, Günter tried to put aside his distaste and look for positive evidence that the prince would be a good husband for his sister.

  Unfortunately, as time slowly passed, no redeeming quality was discovered. Ethan offered a perfunctory bow to King Rufus as he entered, not even bothering to lower his eyes in respect. King Rufus bristled, glancing at his son’s frowning face.

  “How was your journey, Ethan?” Rufus asked, gesturing for a guard to bring the younger man a chair, hiding a grin as the item placed was the plainest in the chamber, lacking even a cushion. Ethan plopped down distastefully, his loose thighs slapping the wood loudly. He snapped his fingers as he demanded wine, and then called for sweets to refresh himself. Once again, Rufus glanced up at Günter’s face and offered a slight nod, reading the younger man’s angry and defensive posture. The decision had been made, communicated in the gesture. Rufus would not subject his daughter to the likes of Ethan, not even in the name of peace. The slight movement of his hand sent the crown prince silently from the room to ensure Daynel’s safety. Ethan, in the midst of his pompous bluster, failed to notice Günter’s absence.

  “Where is my bride, Rufus?” Ethan demanded, kicking his filthy boots onto a table. “She had best be as beautiful as promised. I took a very long and unpleasant trip to claim her.”

  “How is your king father, Prince Ethan?” Rufus asked, emphasizing the title as he lifted his hand to stop the guards from advancing upon the rude man.

  “His health is declining rapidly, if that is what you are inquiring. I think the old man is just waiting to see if I can produce a whelp before he drops off.”

  “That is a concern of a king for his realm. You have no other brothers or sisters?”

  “None that survived. They all met with…unfortunate accidents,” Ethan chuckled. “I have a half-sister from one of my father’s trysts, but she is of no concern. This news should please you that your daughter is being wed to the strongest survivor of my father’s loins, does it not? Now, where is the princess?”

  “Günter has gone to retrieve her. We were not expecting to see you so soon. At least, not until another season.”

  “She will have to learn quickly to adjust to my needs. I often go where and when I please and I will not have a whining wench holding me back.”

  “That whining wench is the princess of my realm and my only daughter, Ethan,” Rufus said with a warning in his tone. “I demand that you speak of her with respect.”

  “Very well, until she becomes mine. Then you have no further say. I will not stand to have a disobedient female in my presence. Or one with an ill temper. I would have you know that her reputation is poor and that I agreed to wed her out of compliance to my father’s demands. Other than that, I have no interest in females.”

  “He probably prefers goats,” one guard whispered, reddening as both his king and the “guest” looked sharply in his direction.

  “How dare you!” Ethan stood, placing his hand upon his sword hilt.

  “Stand down, boy. My guards, although uncouth, will gut you before you take a single step. Guard, go check on the prince’s search. I suspect he is needing help in finding his sister’s whereabouts. She is often away on a ride this time of day.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” the man bowed, hurriedly leaving the room. He raced up to Daynel’s chambers, finding them empty. The chambermaid redirected him to Ilesbet’s rooms. He entered to find Daynel weeping in the arms of her sister-in-law as she hummed an ancient lullaby, and Günter standing close by with a sickened look upon his face.

  “Pardon, Your Highnesses. The king sent me here to assist. Please,” he looked pleadingly at Günter, “do not allow this. He is not for her. He will destroy her. There is much evil within him.”

  “Fear not, my friend,” Günter said calmly, patting the man’s shoulders, “This wedding will not happen. The princess’ tears are of relief, not sadness. However, we must find a means to hide her until we can dissuade him.”

  “We could dress up a goat and pretend it is she,” Ilesbet said bitterly, rocking the young woman in her arms.

  The guard chuckled, sharing his overheard comment and the lack of humor accompanying it. Günter shook his head again.

  “Do we dare defy the agreement made by the kings? I know my father does not want this coupling. I had not seen that expression before upon his face and was eager to comply when he waved his hand to dismiss me.” Günter’s concern was clearly heard in his voice.

  “Perhaps the priestess Ilesbet has a direction given by the gods?” the guard asked hopefully, looking at the woman.

  “Perhaps,” Ilesbet responded thoughtfully. “Husband? What if she goes by way of the hunting lodge in the northern woods? We can tell him that she is in her moon cycle and left early this morn to offer prayers to the gods for her fertility.”

  “I can accompany her,” the guard offered, “and ensure her safety.”

  “Yes, but that would only hold him off one week. No, we need something more extreme.”

  “I could run away again,” Daynel said quietly. “I know every inch of these woods and all of the villages for leagues. I can care for myself, Günter. I do not need a guard nor will I place risk upon anyone because of me. Also, I will move faster on my own.”

  “She is correct,” Ilesbet said softly before Günter had the opportunity to lift argument. “You taught her all she needs to care for herself. And she is protected…”

  “Stories aren’t going to protect me, Ilesbet, but my skill will,” Daynel said confidently.

  “There are more than just stories, child, they…”

  “Sister, you forget that Ilesbet has faith in the dragon gods,” Günter said affectionately, noting the pained tone in his wife’s voice. “You must always respect those whose beliefs run different from your own, if that faith is just and true.”

  “I apologize, Ilesbet,” Daynel said sincerely. “My heart wishes it believed such as you. A faithful dragon protector would be greatly appreciated at this time.”

  “Your Highness? I do not know how much longer your father can hold off this man,” the guard gently reminded. “Your instructions?”

  “Yes, thank you. Take this,” Günter slid off his signet ring, “and use only if questioned.”

  The women listened carefully to the guard’s orders and watched as the anxious man left with a quick bow. Günter turned to Daynel and repeated hi
mself, ignoring as she rolled her eyes in exasperation. Ilesbet patted the younger woman’s shoulder with sympathy for she, too, had been privy to the same repetitive instructions on multiple occasions.

  “Günter, I heard you the first time. I will be safe, have no fear. I understand and am prepared for the risks. My armor, though…”

  “I will retrieve that for you,” Ilesbet said, rising to her feet. “I had your chambermaid hand them over to me upon the gathering and I locked them in a cabinet to which only I hold the key.”

  Günter waited until his wife left the chambers to sit next to his sister and take her hands in his. “Firestar will see you safe. Whistle as I have taught you once you are in the woods and he will come. I will have him saddled to jump after spreading the word that you have run away. He is the fastest horse in the realm and will quickly outrun any who try to find you.”

  “Please be rid of Ethan for all our sake. I do not want that evil man causing anyone harm on my account. How I wish that a true source of magic really existed. As I shared with Ilesbet, a dragon protector would be most welcome right now. Not just for me, but for all of us. I sense that Ethan will destroy everything in his path if he can.”

  “Sister, I do believe you. I, too, sense darkness in that man. I also have faith that true magic exists, but we must seek it out. Please, you must trust me. Now, I will follow the wise advice of my wife. I will explain to him that the maids reported you leaving early this morning for your moon cycle and are expecting you back in five days. They were uncertain as to which temple you attend, only knowing it was outside of the city. I pray that he accepts this excuse and does not attempt to follow you immediately. This is our goodbye, sister. Please…”

  “I will be careful. Tell Father goodbye for me…and thank him for showing his love,” Daynel said, embracing her brother.

  * * *