Bound by Choice (Closed)

[Kaena]

(Part one)

Ever since Kaelira had been young she had been taught a sense of duty to her pack. Her father was Garrick Frostbane, Alpha of the Frostclaw pack and Kaelira had known from an early age that anything she said or did could affect her father's reputation. As her father's only child she had started training early to eventually take over. She learned to ride at the age of five and was better than most of her father's warriors when it came to hunting and fighting by the time she was fifteen. Much to the dismay of her mother, she had no interest in household duties that would normally be fitting of a woman. Her body was marked with the scars of her several battles and her tough and resilient nature was respected by all that knew her. The only thing that surpassed her fierceness was her beauty. Her body was lean and muscular but still held it feminism. Her long silver blonde hair fell almost to her knees when not bound tightly in is usual braid. Her blue grey eyes were sparkled when she was happy and deepened to a hard gray when she was angry. Everyone knew if her eyes changed they needed to get out of her way or face the consequences.

Kaelira was eight when Rowan arrived at Frostclaw Keep after his people had been defeated. Kaelira stood watching the group of prisoners being marched into the courtyard, her young, intelligent eyes falling on the boy that looked no older than herself, standing defiant though his eyes glistened as he fought back tears. Others mocked the prisoners as they passed by but Kaelira could not tear her eyes away from him. There was something to him that called her and she felt her wolf stir in her chest.

"Mother, I want him," she said softly, tugging at her mother's skirt. Elara, the Luna of the pack looked down at Kaelira in shock, her smile softening at the determined look in Kaelira's eyes. As much as Garrick and Elara ruled their pack, they always had a soft spot for their daughter and more often than not relented to anything she wanted. Elara motioned at the guard to bring the boy forward. The guard was not gentle as he dragged Rowan forward and pushed him to his knees before Kaelira and her mother. Rowan remained on his knees, his eyes focused on the ground before him, his young body trembling.

"That was not necessary," Kaelira said, her young eyes blazing at the guard enough to make him retreat quickly. All of Garrick's men knew if they angered the young princess they may have as well of angered the Garrick himself. Kaelira pushed away from her mother's side and knelt before Rowan before putting her small hand under his chin to raise his eyes to meet hers.

"Don't be afraid," she said softly, her eyes as warm as her smile. "I am not going to hurt you. Tell me, what is your name?"

Rowan stared into Kaelira's warm blue grey eyes, wiping his tears from his cheek with a dirty hand before he spoke. "I am Rowan."

"Rowan," Kaelira said softly, testing the name on her tongue before repeating it again before standing up and dusting the dirt from her knees. "Rowan," she repeated, looking down at him and offering him her hand. "As of today, you belong to me. You are under my protection and nobody will hurt you ever again. Do you understand?" A look of shock flashed across Rowan's face. He knew who Kaelira was, having been told by the guards to behave himself as they passed by the Luna and the princess. He had not expected her to pick him out of the group and claim her as his own, never mind offering him her protection.

"Yyyes my Lady," he stammered, his steel grey eyes casting downwards once again. "I understand." He gasped as he felt her strong, small hand grip his and he was forcefully pulled to his feet. He stumbled for a moment before crashing into her and knocking her back off her feet. He stood in frozen in horror as her guards surrounded him. In seconds he felt a heavy boot crash into the back of his knees and he was forced back down onto his knees.

"How dare you attack the princess," a voice seethed in his ear, the sharp coldness of metal suddenly appearing against his throat. "Say the word and I will end his miserable life right here princess."

Kaelira jumped swiftly to her feet, her young eyes seething with fury which made Rowan whimper, sure that the brief hope he had of being hers and protected by her was over before it had even started. But Kaelira didn't even look at him, instead her dark gray eyes focused on the man who had forced Rowan to his knees."

"Who gave you permission to touch him," she said, her tiny body seething with the rage of a full grown adult. Startled the guard dropped his sword and stumbled back from Rowan and dropped to his knees. Stepping forward she once again reached down to pull Rowan to his feet. "He kneels for no one but me," she said, her eyes scanning the crowd, daring anyone to object. Her eyes once again fell on the guard who knelt silently awaiting for her judgement. "As for you, you will spend the next month cleaning out the stables. It will give you time to dwell upon what you did wrong today."

The guards eyes shifted towards where Elara stood watching. "My Lady, I only meant to protect the princess. Are you going to allow her to punish me over a slave? "

"You dare to question her?" Elara said quietly, her soft voice tinged with enough anger it made the guard pale. "Kaelira does not need my permission to punish you. Kaelira is the future Alpha of this pack. Her word is law just as much as mine or your Alpha's. You dared to attack Rowan seconds after Kaelira offered him her protection. What did you expect her to do? If you ask me she was too lenient in her punishment. If it had been me, I would have ordered 5 lashes in addition to mucking out the stables."

"But it looked like he was attacking the Princess. I only acted out of instinct." he stammered, a sheen of sweat appearing on his brow. Turning his eyes back to Kaelira, he lowered his head to the ground. "Please Princess forgive me. I meant no disrespect."

"It is not because you acted to protect me," Kaelira said, her young voice strong with authority. "It was how you went about it. If you had being paying attention, as you should have been, you would have seen it was my fault that Rowan ran into me and knocked me to the ground. I pulled him too hard to his feet and he was not able to get his footing properly. Putting that aside, you have twice forced him to his knees when I told you the first time it had not been necessary to do so. These are the reasons you are being punished, not because you acted out of duty. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind and take my mother's recommendation for your punishment."

"Yes Princess," the guard replied, getting to his feet and bowing low. "Thank you for your mercy." With those words he scrambled away towards the stables, not daring to veer off course, knowing she was watching him retreat. Kaelira's mother who had stood silent this whole time smiled and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder causing her remaining anger to drain from her body.

"It's time to return to the castle Kaelira," she said, her voice gentle but leaving no room for argument. Other than her father, Kaelira's mother was the only other one Kaelira listened to without question. "Bring the boy with you. You have claimed him so he is now your responsibility." Smiling at Rowan, Kaelira reached out and took his hand, her steely gaze silencing the disapproving chatter from the crowd. The warmth of her hand in his calmed him instantly and the first time in a long time he felt safe. He quietly matched her pace as they made their way back to the castle. As they reached they castle Garrick came out to meet them, his eyes instantly falling on Rowan and his hand in Kaelira's, his gaze not entirely friendly. Rowan quickly pulled his hand from Kaelira's and put his hands behind his back, stepping back to stand partially behind her, his head bowed.

"Who is this?" he asked, his voice booming. Elara crossed the distance between them and put her hand on her husband's arm. "Kaelira picked out this boy from the prisoners from the Shadow Pack. She has placed her protection on him. You know how she is. There was no use arguing with her." Garrick's eyes softened as he looked down at his mate and then hardened once again as he look back at Rowan.

"So he is nothing more than a servant," Garrick said, descending the stairs towards where Kaelira and Rowan stood. "It looks like he needs to learn how to greet his Alpha properly. Looking at Rowan he growled softly. "Kneel." The command held a power that would make even a grown man fall to his knees. Rowan quickly moved to obey him, starting to fall to his knees but he felt Kaelira's hand on his arm pulling him back to his feet. He looked up at her startled and then his eyes looked at her father in fear.

"He kneels for no one but me," Kaelira said defiantly, her young voice holding a power that almost matched her father's. "He is mine." Her voice held a challenge to her father to say otherwise. For a moment the air felt electric as Garrick gaze went from his daughter to Rowan and back again. Elara walked over to him and pulled him down to whisper something in his ear. His face softened into a smile, his laugh booming as he shook his head in amusement. Rowan let a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his body shaking beneath Kaelira's hand on his arm.

 

[Kaena]

(Part two)

"Well then," he said, continuing to chuckle. "I better watch myself. I wouldn't want my princess to sentence me to clean her horse's stables for the month like the last man who made her boy kneel." Crossing the rest of the distance to where Kaelira and Rowan stood, he looked down at his daughter, a look of adoration of his face. As hardened of a man that Garrick was, his weakness was his daughter. He raised a hand and ruffled it through her hair. Looking at Rowan his face went serious once again.

"You now belong to Kaelira," he said, his voice not as foreboding as before but enough to make Rowan keep his head bowed in submission. "If she wishes you to kneel to nobody but her then I will not force you to kneel to me, but, you will still be expected to obey me otherwise as the Alpha."

"Yes Alpha," Rowan's voice came out quietly as he continued to look down at his feet, not daring to raise his eyes to meet Garrick's. "I understand my place."

"Well that settles it," Garrick said, turning back to his mate's side and giving Rowan another up and down look. He frowned at his dirty and torn clothing. "Kaelira, if he is to be your boy he cannot continue to look like he crawled out of the swamp. I will have the tailor make him some clothes worthy of a slave of the future Alpha. Until then, take him to get cleaned up and give him some of your training clothes to wear. You look to be a similar size and your training clothes are suitable for either a boy or a girl to wear." With those words, Garrick slid his arm around his mate's waist and led her back into the castle, leaving Kaelira alone with Rowan and the remainder of her personal guard who had been standing silently near by.

From that day forward, Rowan became part of Kaelira's household. Everywhere Kaelira went, Rowan went as well. He trained along side her during the day and slept at her feet on a mat on the floor at night. When she had first claimed him, neither of them knew he would still be by her side many years later. Their relationship changed as they grew. Childish games disappeared, arguments between them became sharper and her commands to him became more serious. He became the only one who dared question her, yet his obedience to her became something nobody dared question. Somewhere along the way, Rowan stopped being the boy Kaelira claimed and he became the person she expected to find whenever she turned around.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

(Part One)

The cart ride had been a long and brutal one for Rowan, no matter how numb to the world he'd become after watching his village burn. He'd not said so much as a word on this trip to anyone, including one of his fellow prisoners, or made eye contact with anyone, since they'd departed. A couple of the guards had wondered if he were deaf until he followed every command they gave. Then they just mocked him for being simple. Their mockery didn't matter to him though, nothing did. His entire world had been shattered into a million pieces.

Rowan was jerked awake by the hard thump of a club against the side of the cart right next to his head. "Rise and shine!" Came the jeering shout from the offending guard as the cart came to a halt. Steel grey eyes looked out the window of the slave cart before turning his head, following the guard's movements as he headed for the rear of it and unlocked it. "Everybody out! Don't even THINK about running. There's nowhere to run. You'll only make things worse for yourself."

One-by-one, the prisoners stepped out of the cart. When it was Rowan's turn though, the jump seemed so large for his small size that he moved to sit down so that he could ease himself down before one of the guards, not wanting to wait, just stepped forward, put a hand on his hand, and pushed him so that he landed face first in the dirt. This of got a round of laughter from every guard present before a couple of them stepped forward to pull him to his feet. Rowan fought the tears, but couldn't hold back a couple that slid down his face. He didn't give them the satisfaction of seeing him wipe his tears away.

"Everyone listen up!" One of the guards called, stepping forward once the entire cart had been unloaded. "You are going to be paraded before Queen Luna and the princess now in case they think any of you are worthy of their household, grounds, or stables. Stand tall, walk straight, and above all else behave yourselves! They do NOT take kindly to disobedience."

Then, almost before Rowan knew it, he was no longer standing in the shade, but walking through the bright light. His eyes glistened with tears, be it from the pain of the fall, the loss of his village and family, or just the sudden brightness, but there was nothing to be done about it. If anything, he knew that wiping his tears away would only fuel the mocking and jeering that could be heard from some of the onlookers. All he could do was walk and hope that this was over and done with as soon as possible, even if he had no idea what was going to happen to him.

Rowan was so focused on just keeping his head up and back straight that he didn't even notice the guard approaching him until the man grabbed him by the arm. He desperately wanted to fight the man, but the man had caught him so thoroughly by surprise that by the time he would have even thought to fight, he was being literally dragged through the dirt, hauled to his feet, pulled forward, and finally shoved violently to his knees. He had no idea what he'd done wrong, and his little body trembled as he knelt there before the queen and princess, his eyes just staring at the ground.

The first words that Rowan heard were truly surprising, and not just because of the words themselves, but because of the young voice they came from. He heard footsteps coming near him, but found himself surprised once more when he saw somebody kneel down in front of him. He heard the voice again, promising not to hurt him, and saw a hand rise before he felt it's softness on his chin. He didn't fight it's pull when it pulled his chin up, nor did he look away when his steel grey gaze met the blue grey one of the princess. The most surprising thing of all though, was the smile. When she asked him his name, he answered without hesitation, finally daring to lift one of his dirty hands to wipe away his tears, and then listened as she repeated it for accuracy and to see how it felt on her tongue.

Rowan wasn't quite sure what to make of things when the princess stood up, but when she said his name and offered him a hand, he quite literally thought he was dreaming. This was the first time that he hesitated, fearing that it was a cruel joke. He heard her words, but it somehow didn't feel real that she'd pick him of all people. What could she possibly see in him?

"Y-y-yes m'lady." Rowan finally managed to stammer once he realized that this wasn't a dream. He lowered his gaze from hers once more, out of respect. "I understand." He then lifted his hand and moved to grasp hers.

The second Rowan placed his hand in Kaelira's, he felt her slightly smaller hand close around his. Next came a pull so fast and strong that it pulled him not only to his feet, but forward as well, straight into the princess, knocking her to the ground. The motion had left him a bit unbalanced, but bumping into her had given him enough time to catch his own balance. He stood frozen in horror, looking down at her for what felt like an eternity before the nearby guards erupted with anger and surged into motion, surrounding him. He felt the pain of a steel booted kick behind his knees, and fell heavily to his knees in the dirt once more. He felt the hard grip of a hand in his dark brown hair and the cold press of a blade against his throat.

Rowan heard the hissed words in his ear, and he desperately wanted to say something on his own behalf, to tell them that it was an accident, but before he even got a chance, Kaelira was on her feet once more, her young eyes seething with so much fury that it all but silenced him. He couldn't muster any more than a whimper in his own defense as he waited for the pain that he knew was coming.

When she spoke though, while her words were aimed at the guard behind him, they weren't at order to kill, but a question of all things. She questioned why he'd...touched Rowan? The fist in his hair disappeared, as did the sword at his throat, and when Rowan heard the sound of something hitting the dirt, he didn't have to guess what it was. The man soon stumbled backwards and fell heavily to his knees as Kaelira stepped forward and once more pulled Rowan to his feet. He was more prepared this time, and didn't stumble, least of all into her. Her words came next, and a challenging stare to the whole crowd, telling them all that he knelt to nobody but her.

Rowan stood beside Kaelira as she gave the guard his punishment, his gaze lowered with deference. Yes, she had claimed him, and even given him the right to stand beside her, but he wasn't going to push things by meeting the gaze of someone who was his better, even while they were getting a dressing down. When Queen Elara told Kaelira that it was time to return to the castle, Rowan was glad that she listened. He didn't want to get caught up in a royal scuffle. His brain was already on overdrive from everything that had happened. Despite that though, when Kaelira walked over to him and took his hand, it helped put his mind at ease. Somehow, it helped him feel safe, something he hadn't felt since before his village had burned.

As the trio walked, Rowan found himself naturally matching Kaelira's pace rather than forcing her to match his. Even as young as he was, he did still understand that he was a slave, but that she had saved him from a much worse life. Any sense of peace and safety he felt immediately vanished when he saw the king though, more specifically the look in the king's eye. He immediately dropped her hand, dropped back a pace, put his hands behind his back, and respectfully lowered his gaze.

Just as he'd done and said nothing as Kaelira disciplined the guard, he did the same as the queen explained the situation to King Garrick. He seemed to take it well enough, not immediately dismissing Rowan's presence or ordering his removal. When the order to kneel came though, backed by a powerful and commanding presence, he moved to comply without hesitation and was genuinely confused when Kaelira stopped him halfway through the motion. His eyes looked at her for a second, but then they looked at the king, fearful of what he might do.

Kaelira's words explained her actions, but Rowan kept his gaze lowered as she followed it up with a three word sentence claiming ownership of him. The air in the room felt electric as the 2 royals almost seemed to face off. When the king let out a booming laugh though, Rowan let out a breath that he hadn't even been aware he'd been holding. He wasn't sure how much more of this his young heart could take.

The sight of the king approaching certainly didn't make things any easier, but at least his posture seemed more relaxed than it had been during the standoff. Rowan heard his words, both serious and joking to Kaelira, and they made him smile. When the king turned his attention to Rowan though, that smile disappeared. His gaze was lowered, because he dared not meet the gaze of the king, which ended up being a good thing based on what the king said.

"Yes Alpha...I understand my place."

This answer seemed to satisfy the king, because he turned back to the queen. What came next was also music to his ears, a bath and clean clothes, and even the promise of custom-tailored clothes!

From that day forward, Rowan became part of Kaelira's household. Everywhere Kaelira went, Rowan went as well. He trained along side her during the day and slept at her feet on a mat on the floor at night. When she had first claimed him, pretty much everyone expected that she'd grow bored of him within a week. The servants talked about it openly when Kaelira wasn't around, but Rowan paid it no mind. A single day in the palace was another day that he wasn't in a slave cart or doing god knows what else. Soon though, a week became a month, became a year, and finally a decade.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

(Part Two)

Their relationship changed as they grew. Childish games disappeared, and their arguments between them became sharper. Her commands to him became more serious. He became the only one who dared question her, yet his obedience to her became something nobody dared question. Somewhere along the way, Rowan stopped being the boy Kaelira claimed and he became the person she expected to find whenever she turned around. For he was always the first one she'd see when she woke up and the last one she'd see before she went to sleep.

The sound of practice sticks striking each other rang out sharply in the crisp morning air. The practice rings were full of nobles, all hoping to make their families proud, but in one ring the center-most of them, a long silver blonde braid whipped through the air as it's owner darted and twisted, slashed and spun. Her opponent had hair so dark that only the direct sunlight showed that it was actually just dark brown. His steel grey eyes darted as fast as his hands did, the stick within them moving with a near-blinding speed, matching her movements blow for blow until finally his stick flicked out to catch one of her gloved hands, he spun in a quick movement to use his heel to kick her legs from under her, and spin back around as though he were bringing the stick down in a killing arc before halting it an inch from her delicate and flawlessly smooth neck.

"You are distracted, Mistress."

Rowan said, withdrawing his stick and reaching his free hand down to help her up.

"What is on your mind?"

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira had been in a foul mood since the morning. Her father has asked for her to come alone to his study before she trained for the day. Sending Rowan ahead to the training grounds, she had made her way to his study. His deep voice beckoned to her to enter when she knocked and the look on his face told her right away that he was about to tell her something he knew she was not going to like.

“You asked for me father?” she said guardedly, searching her father's face to determine what this could possible be about. Her face's face looked guilty as he tried to look away from her inquiring gaze.

“Have a seat,” he replied, motioning to the chair in front of his desk.. Kaelira crossed her arms across her chest and shook her head.

“I will stand thanks,” she said. “I am expected to be at the training grounds in 10 minutes so make it quick.” The clerk who had been sitting at the end of his father's desk sorting through a stack of papers gasped sharply. They had only been with her father a short time and had never heard anyone dare to speak to the Alpha in that tone. He looked nervously between Kaelira and Garrick, not sure what was going to happen next.

The uncomfortable silence that followed didn't last long before Garrick laughed, shaking his head.

“Must you be so difficult Kaelira,” he teased. The clerk visibly relaxed and went back to his tasks. Garrick smiled and then his expression turned serious again.

“Kaelira,” he started, pausing as if he was weighing carefully what he was going to say next. “You have just turned 19 and awakened your wolf. As future Alpha of this pack, it is time for your to find a mate.” Kaelira's expression visibily cooled at these words and Garrick braced himself for her response.

“I am not interested in finding a mate yet,” she replied, her gray eyes darkening as she stared at her father across the desk, knowing she was not going to like what he said next.

“There will be a banquet tonight,” he said, pausing as if he was weighing carefully if he wanted to say what he was about to. “Eligible bachelors from the neighbouring packs will be there. You will be present and at least look like you are entertaining the thought of choosing one of them as your mate.”

“But father,” she started but fell silent as he raised his hand.

“This is not up for argument,” Garrick replied, taking a deep breath before continuing. “And you will go alone. Rowan is not to attend with you.”

“Absolutely not,” Kaelira replied, her voice dangerously calm. “If anyone wishes to even think of becoming my mate, they need to realize that Rowan comes with me. He is part of the package. How a potential make treats my servant will tell me alot about what kind of man he is and whether I want him in my life.”

“Fine,” Garrick conceded. “Rowan can attend with you. I expect you to be on time. The banquet starts at sunset.

“If you insist,” Kaelira replied turning on her heels to leave the room.

“And wear something nice,” was the last thing she heard before slamming the door behind her.

She was still fuming when she found Rowan where he was waiting for her in training yard. He gave her a questioning look at which she just shook her head and held her hand out for the wooden practice sword he was holding. Taking a breath, she took the sword and stepped into the middle of the ring, waiting for him. As she did, she glanced at the crowd gathered to watch, her eyes falling on Lucian, one of the young warriors from her father's fighting unit. She felt uneasy at the dark look on his face as he watched Rowan approach her in the ring. Lucian had been relentlessly pursuing Kaelira the last few weeks and was being consistently resistant to her refusal. It had come to the point where she had had to ask her father to step in and tell him to leave her alone. After that Lucian had stopped asking her out, but the way he was looking at Rowan was making her uneasy. Swallowing down the uneasiness, looked over at Rowan, lifted her sword and nodded at him to begin.

Kaelira usually had no problems defeating Rowan in the ring. Years of training, along with the recent awakening of her wolf, made her quick on her feet and her reflexes sharp. She made the first move, thrusting the wooden sword towards Rowan, only for it to be blocked by his own sword. She grinned and took a step back for coming at him again. Once again he blocked it and delivered his own blow to her sword sending her sliding back into the dust. His moves and speed were almost a match for her own, having trained alongside her through the years. The only advantage she had was that his wolf had yet to awaken, which gave her the one up on him. As she fought him, her mind played through the scene with her father from earlier. How dare he tell her he had to find a mate and on top of that arrange for her to meat a bunch of strangers and determine if one of them is suitable to be her mate. The mere thought of it made her angry.

She had always told Rowan that anger can be a tool, but, it can also be a distraction. In that moment her owns word s came back to haunt her. While she was so busy dwelling on her anger at her father she had not been paying attention to Rowan moving in on her and before she realized her mistake he had knocked her sword from her hand and had swept her feet out from under. Now she lay on the ground with his practise sword at her throat.

She shook her head at herself and accepted his hand to help her to her feet. As she did she glanced at the crown again, catching Lucian just as he turned to leave, the dark look still on his face.

“Distracted or not you still beat me,” she said smiling as she handed him her wooden sword to put away. Then she took a deep breath and looked at Rowan.

“Its my father,” she finally said quietly so the others round them could not hear. “He is after me to find a mate again. And he has had the audacity to arrange a banquet tonight for me to meet potential suitors.” She sighed and reached out and brushed away the hair that fallen across Rowan's eyes during their match and fought the urge to kiss him. Over the years their relationship had grown and they both knew they loved each other, but, they also knew she had a duty to the pack to marry within her station. The pack would never accept for her to marry a servant, so their relationship had never gone beyond their affection for each other.

“Father tried to restrict you from joining me at the banquet,” she said next, her eyes searching his face for a reaction to what she had told him so far. “But, I told him that I would not attend without you. I told him any potential mate of mine will have to accept that you come with me and how they treat you will say alot about whether they are worthy to become may mate.”

“So that's it,” she lied, not wanting to tell Rowan about Lucian watching them earlier. “That's why I was distracted. Don't worry, I won't be so easy on you next time.” Her smile returned to her eyes as she punched his arm lightly.

“I am going to head back to get ready for the banquet, “ she said, turning to leave. “Come find me when you are done here.” As she walked away the thought of the look Lucian had given Rowan earlier came to mind and with it an uneasy feeling. She almost turned around to wait for him to finish his training but instead shook the feeling away and continued down the path.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Many a noble, much less a royal, would be embarrassed to no end at having been beaten in the ring by a mere slave, especially one whose wolf hadn't even awoken yet, and Rowan feared to think what might have happened to such a slave in such a situation, especially given the other rings around them, and the small crowd of onlookers as well. In all honesty, a beating would be expected, with a public lashing not far beyond the realm of possibility. They would have to strike said noble or royal in order to best them after all. Yet Rowan had no such feats with Kaelira. If anything, he feared her wrath more if he held back, let her win, and she found out. Thankfully though, that was never necessary. She'd had years of practice and training under her belt when she'd claimed him as her own, and he'd been playing catch up ever since. So, he had no qualms about reaching down to help her up, and thus she clearly had none about accepting the help. They both knew that he would not let this singular win go to his head or effect their relationship, or it's dynamic, in any way. Just as he'd told her father the day they'd first met, he understood his place. He understood it then, and he still understood it now, even with how their relationship had grown and evolved as they'd aged.

"Ah, that old conversation again, eh?" Rowan asked both jokingly and sarcastically when Kaelira spoke about her father talking about her finding a mate. His brows furrowed when she mentioned a banquet with suitors. He knew how much she hated the more formal aspects of her life, but then he got distracted by her brushing a stray bit of hair out of his eyes, with the tips of her fingers grazing over his forehead in the process. His eyes drifted to half mast at that brief touch, but opened fully to focus on her once more when she started to speak again.

Rowan tried to remain stoic when Kaelira told him that her father tried to restrict him from joining her at the banquet, but couldn't keep his eyes from widening in surprise. He of course understood why his father wanted to do it. It wasn't the first time his constant presence around Kaelira had been noticed by others and caused...problems. It was more that he just wouldn't know what to do with himself if he wasn't looking after her. He knew every aspect of her schedule, could navigate the castle blindfolded, but the mere thought of being alone when not running some sort of errand for her was something he'd never even considered.

"Thank you for your consideration, Mistress." Rowan said softly, bowing his head. When he lifted it in response to Kaelira's next words though, there was a smile on his lips. "I would expect nothing less!" He took the good-natured punch on the arm as it was intended, just happy that she wasn't letting her meeting with her father effect her mood. He listened to her words, stating where she was going and why, and he patiently waited for her to tell him to put the practice swords away and join her, only to be surprised when she told him to come find her when he was done training. He of course wanted to accompany her but simply nodded and said, "Yes Mistress.".

With Kaelira gone, Rowan joined in with the rest of the trainees, rotating partners every so often. He was better than most of them, being as he'd trained side-by-side with Kaelira under her highly experienced, and even more skilled, tutors. With the way they were training and rotating though, it came as quite the shock to him when Lucian, of all people, stepped into the circle across from him. Rowan was so surprised that he did an actual double take, thinking that he must be seeing things.

When Lucian started to advance on Rowan though, he was confused on what exactly he was supposed to do. It was one thing for him to strike Kaelira, because she'd told him he could if he was able to, but Lucian was another story. So when the first swing came, a horizontal one aimed at his side, he made no attempt to defend himself and took it square in the arm. It landing with a sting that made him grit his teeth to hold back any sound of pain, and his reaction only seemed to made Lucian angrier. "Defend yourself!" The man cried, bringing the wooden weapon back up and around, aiming it at his face this time. Again though, Rowan did nothing, not even try to dodge the telegraphed attack before it landed with a sickening crack across his skull and sent him staggering.

The sound of a sword unsheathing caught Rowan's attention, making him turn his head back towards Lucian to see the man advancing on him once more. "I said defend yourself boy!" Lucian shouted, ignoring the looks from everyone around them, as all the other practice matches had stopped, and the few onlookers that were still around were of course looking as well. The next swing came down, a diagonal and lethal arc, but Rowan's acted this time, bringing his wooden sword up and around, knocking the metal sword harmlessly to the side as he stepped to the side as well.

"That's better. Now..." Lucian continued, pivoting to swing a backhand around to try and catch Rowan on the chin, which Rowan leaned his upper body back to evade. "I want you gone!" Another slash came, this time a horizontal one that Rowan had to leap backwards as he brought his weapon around to knock the weapon to the side once more. "I know you're a slave..." Lucian stepped forward, slashing again as Rowan dodged once more. It would become apparent to any onlooker that Rowan was not attacking, regardless of the opportunities to do so. "...I know who you belong to..." Another slash came, this time from the other direction. "...but she cares for you too..." Lucian snapped out a kick that Rowan spun to dodge. His body continued it's motion to be ready to try and kick Lucian's legs out from under him, again of it's own volition, but he stopped himself before the final motion came, an action that came with a consequence, a punch straight to the face. "...MUCH!" Rowan staggered back as Lucian pursued, lifting his blade in another lethal arc. Rowan stumbled to a knee though, and had no choice but to lift his weapon to block it. Metal met wood, and splinters flew everywhere as it cut through it.

Rowan cried out in pain when he felt the searing pain of the metal sword dig into his left shoulder. His wooden sword of course hadn't stopped the metal one, but it had at least helped divert it and take away some of it's sting, but it still hurt like hell. Both men were breathing heavily as Rowan's blood soaked the ground, but Lucian didn't raise his sword again. "She'll free you go if you ask her to, and you know it. Do yourself a favor...or else." Lucian let his words hang in the air for a moment before turning and walking away, leaving Rowan bruised and bleeding on the ground.

With a grunt, Rowan braced his good hand on the ground and pushed himself to his feet, not at all surprised that nobody had rushed to his aid. He cradled his left hand against his stomach as he walked towards the castle, paying no attention to the looks he got as he dripped blood the whole way to it and through it. When he finally reached the door that led to Kaelira's chambers, he knocked on it with his good hand, and waited.

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira had just finished bathing when the knock came. Something about the knock gave her a pause at the thought of ignoring it and continuing to get dressed. Pulling on her robe, she crossed the room and pulled it open. As soon as she did Rowan stumbled through the door and into her arms, blood from the cut on his shoulder instantly seeping into the expensive silk of her robe.

“Rowan,” she gasped, catching herself from falling under his weight and taking a step back from the door. She quickly moved to his uninjured side and slid his arm over her shoulder, using her body to hold him up as she led him over to the bed. The next actions were instinctual, having had tended to injured warriors on the battelfield before. She lay him back against the covers, giving him a stern look when he attempted to protest. She quickly assessed his injuries, feeling gently around his body for anything else other than the very obvious slash to his shoulder. Her eyes made quick inventory of the gash on his head, the bruising on his cheek and the way he winced when her fingers lightly felt along his left arm. Her anger burned hotter with each injury she found.

Moving to the cabinet beside the bed, she retrieved a small wooden box containing medicine and bandages that had been prepared for her by the pack healers. She had used the items many times before on small cuts and bruises she received during training and at times used it to patch up Rowan when she had been a little too aggressive with him in the training ring.

Sitting beside him on the bed she used her knife to cut away the fabric around his shoulder wound and inspected it closer. There were still splinters of wood from where the training sword had shattered embedded in the wound. The cut was deep but she was relieved to see that the damage wasn't as bad as it originally had looked. Still she knew it would have to be stitched up to avoid it from reopening and bleeding again. She carefully extracted the wooden splinters from the wound and cleaned away the blood.

“This is going to hurt,” she said, picking up a piece of wood from the wood box. “Open up,” she ordered, holding up the wood. Rowan once again started to protest.

“Rowan,” she said, her look sharpening. “I am not in the mood for you to argue with me right now.” Placing the wood between his teeth, she picked up a bottle of antiseptic and poured the liquid over his wound. Next she prepared a needle from the kit by sterilizing it over the flame in the hearth and stringing it through with thread. She could almost feel the pain from Rowan's body as she worked to quickly sew up the wound, only removing the wood between his teeth once she was done.

Inspecting her work, she nodded her head in satisfaction and placed a clean bandage over the wound, binding it in place. Next she took a wet wash cloth and cleaned the blood from Rowan's head before wrapping his injured arm in a bandage.

“Rowan,” was all she could say, anger and the sudden realization that she could have lost him that night making tears glisten in her eyes. She sat looking down at him, suddenly going still and silent, her eyes darkening even more. Anyone who knew Kaelira, Rowan especially knew once she went still and silent, her anger had reached a pinnacle.

“Rowan,” she said finally, her fingers lightly brushing his hair from his forehead. “What happened? Who did this?”

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Rowan had just enough wherewithal to see the door in front of him open and see Kaelira in front of him, which meant that his instincts had brought him where he'd been told to come, before the adrenaline within him finally wore off, resulting in him all but collapsing before and against her. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he felt her arms around him, recognized how heavy for her he was, and tried to bear more of his own weight as she guided them towards her bed. His instincts once again kicked in when she went to not only sit him down on the bed, but lay him back against the sheets. He knew that it wasn't his place, and tried to fight against her motions until she finally gave him a stern look. Only then did he finally relent and relax back against the sheets, at least as much as his wounds would allow him to.

The truly humiliating part for Rowan came next, and that was forcing himself to stay still as Kaelira, of all people, inspected him for injuries, barring the most obvious one of course. She was gentle, at least as gentle as she could be, but he still winced when she touched his bruised face, and grimaced when her fingers feathered over his left arm. Even when she tried to be gentle in removing the splinters of his broken training sword that had gotten stuck in or near his shoulder wound, he couldn't resist a grimace as the tender skin was forced to move against it's will. The worst was yet to come of course, the antiseptic, and his fight resurfaced when she tried to get him to bite down on a piece of wood. He wanted to be strong, both for and in front of her, and he felt that using such a thing to distract himself from the pain was a sign of weakness, not strength. She was of course not having it, and when her stern look sharpened and was reinforced with words, he had no choice but to relent and open his mouth. He took the wood between his teeth and bit down as she instructed, and braced himself before she poured the liquid over his wound, at least as best he could, because there was no way to truly prepare oneself for the searing hot pain or mask the scream that ripped from his throat. Yes, it was muffled by the wood between his teeth, but it still filled the room and echoed off the walls, despite how large it was. Despite the aftershocks of pain ripping through him, he watched as she prepared the needle she was going to use to sew up his wound, and even watched her work, something not all soldiers he could do. The pain eased with each pass of the needle, but only when the last pass of the needle was done, and she had tied it off and bit threw the thread did she finally remove the wood from between his teeth, an action that came with a soft sigh of relief. A clean bandage came next, as well as one for his head where Lucian had broken his training sword over Rowan's head after she cleaned the blood away from it as well.

Rowan faintly heard his name once, but had found himself drifting off from the pain and adrenaline drop. When he heard it the second time though, his eyes opened fully from where they had drifted to half mast and looked up at Kaelira as her fingers lightly brushed the hair from his forehead and asked the all important questions. He swallowed hard, his gaze flitting from hers, just like he'd done when they done when he'd been bullied as a child. It had been easier then, because the boys had just moved what few belongings he had when nobody was looking, making him go looking for them, or leaving his cloak or coat out in the cold. Even the staff had done similar things, stepping in front of him when he'd been carrying a tray of food or drinks, hoping that he'd bump into them or spill some when he stopped suddenly. They'd never dared to do it in front of Kaelira or actually hurt him though, knowing that going that extra step and leaving a mark would ensure that she noticed, and once she noticed, all bets were off...like now.

"...Lucian..." Rowan said softly. "...I did as you instructed and continued training, and for a bit things were fine. I just joined the rotation like they normally do. Then Lucian stepped into my ring and demanded that I defend myself." He could see how dark Kaelira's eyes were, and he of all people knew what that meant, what the consequences would be for the man. Hell, he'd seen it the very first day he'd met her. "I have permission to strike you in the ring, but it would have been my word against his if I hit him. So I did nothing. He hit me twice with a practice sword, once in the arm and once in the head. When it broke, he drew his real sword, and only then did I defend myself, but ONLY defend. It went on for a bit, him attacking, me defending, he landed a punch, I stumbled, and then..." His face turned away from her in shame. "He said he..." His face twitched with disgust. "...wants me gone...that you care for me too much. He said that I should ask for my freedom, that you'll give it to me if I do..." He finally turned back to her, meeting her dark gaze with his steel grey one. "He said do myself a favor...or else."

Letting those words hang in the air between them, Rowan turned from Kaelira once more. It didn't truly matter what punishment she chose. It wasn't going to be good, and it had to spoil the moment of him finally being allowed into her bed for the first time, because of course it did. That was par for the course for his life though, wasn't it?

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira closed her eyes. Only for a moment. When she opened them again, the warmth had disappeared from them. Hearing the full extent of Lucian's actions sent a fury through her that she struggled to contain. It wasn't simply that Lucian had struck Rowan. He had deliberately sought him out, used the training ring as an excuse to hurt him, and then threatened him with a real blade.

"Look at me Rowan," she commanded softly, the authority in her voice unmistakeable. She waited until his eyes raised to meet hers before continuing. "You did exactly as you should have. You defended yourself when you had no choice and showed restraint when Lucian had none.

She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm the anger simmering beneath her skin. She had no desire to make Rowan think her fury at Lucian was displeasure with him.

"As for what he said about your freedom," she continued, her voice softening. "You know I would never deny you it if you ask, but, I will not have another man frightening you into asking for it or let anyone decide whether you belong at my side."

She leaned down to kiss him softly, realizing as she pulled away that it was the first time since having Rowan by her side that she had ever kissed him, other than perhaps a quick kiss on the cheek. The thought made something stir inside her. She always knew Rowan belonged to her, but their relationship had never gone beyond a servant and his Mistress. Having almost lost him that night, she realized that was no longer enough.

"Lucian doesn't get to decide how much I care for you," she said softly, moving to run her hand slowly through his hair. She was about to lean down and kiss him again when there was a loud knock on the door and her father's voice came booming from the hallway.

"Kaelira," her father's voice was decidedly angry. "Open this door." Kaelira pulled away from Rowan, her eyes widening. In all the chaos she had forgotten about the banquet. She looked down at her robe stained with Rowan's blood and then at Rowan lying on her bed. How was she going to explain this to her father?

Slipping off the bed, she made her way across the room, opening the door just a crack to peer out at Garrick.

"You promised to attend the banquet," Garrick fumed, his eyes studying what he could see of his daughter that wasn't hidden behind the door. His eyes quickly noticed the blood on her cheek where she had brushed away an errant hair while stitching Rowan up. His eyes filled with concern, his anger at her instantly disappearing. "What happened? Who's blood is that? Are you hurt?"

Kaelira took a deep breath before answering her father. She knew if she told him everything he would take it upon himself to punish Lucian and she wanted that for herself.

"It's not mine," she replied truthfully, not offering any further explanation. "I am sorry I am missing the banquet father, but, it is not a good time. Please trust me on this. I will explain more tomorrow." She waited with baited breath for her father's response.

Garrick stared at her for a moment before nodding his head. He knew his daughter well enough to know that she would not go back on her word unless there was a good reason. He also knew that pressing her for answers now would only get her back up and gain him nothing.

"Fine," he finally answered, turning away from the door. "I will tell those present that you are not feeling well and are not able to attend. But, I expect an explanation in the morning."

"Yes father," Kaelira replied, closing the door once again as he made his way down the hallway. Leaning back against the door, she took a deep breath before looking back at the bed where Rowan still lay. Untying her robe, she let it fall to the floor as she made her way back over to him.

She stood at the side of the bed looking down at him for a moment, before leaning down to kiss him again. Her kiss was hungrier this time, her tongue sliding between their lips to dance against his. She was breathless when she pulled away again.

"I almost lost you tonight Rowan," she said quietly, her fingers brushing lightly down the side of his neck. "I don't know how I would have lived without you." She climbed onto the bed and settled on her side beside him. Her eyes studied his as she leaned in to kiss along his neck where her fingers had trailed moments earlier. Her hand moved down to slide up his leg, her fingers brushing lightly over the front of his pants before moving to undo them.

"Lucian's punishment can wait until morning," she said breathlessly as she slid her hand into his pants. "I want you Rowan. Are you willing?" Kaelira was not about to force Rowan into something he may not want, even if he was her servant. She leaned her head against his chest, careful not to disturb his wound as she waited for his reply.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

When Kaelira's command came, the authority in her voice was as absolute as it was unmistakable, Rowan had no choice but to turn his head once more. When his gaze found hers, he wasn't surprised to see the darkness that filled hers, and sadly he knew what that meant. There was no help for it though. He'd made his choice, be it through action or inaction, and would accept any consequences if there were in fact consequences in store for him. When she spoke again though, she assured him that he had done nothing wrong. He let a small smile come to his lips then, smiling up at her.

"Thank you, Mistress." Rowan said simply, even though the words weren't truly expected of him. It was just good to know that he hadn't done anything wrong, good to know that there wasn't going to be a punishment waiting for him for when his body healed and he could fully take it.

Rowan watched as Kaelira took a slow and deep breath before she spoke again, be it to calm herself, consider her words, or a combination of the two. He then listened to her as she spoke about his freedom. Truthfully, he did appreciate the sentiment, but he saw that particular situation differently. He opened his mouth to reply, but was completely off guard when she leaned down and kissed him! She didn't even "just" kiss him on the cheek either, but kissed him fully on the mouth! He was so surprised by the kiss, that he didn't even get to properly kiss her back before her lips, as soft as they were, were pulling away. Thankfully her hand was still in his hair, and not just brushing it away from his face like she often did, but actually continually moving slowly through it as she told him that Lucian didn't get to decide how much she cared for him, or likely how much was too much.

A loud knocking at Kaelira's door broke through the atmosphere that surrounded the pair of them, and Rowan turned his head towards the door as she carefully slid off of the bed, so as to disturb him as little as possible, and moved towards it. It wasn't until that exact moment, when he heard Garrick's voice that he remembered that she was supposed to be at a banquet entertaining suitors.

Rowan swallowed hard as he looked at the door when Kaelira opened it barely a crack. Garrick wasted no time in reminding his daughter of her agreed upon obligation, his anger quite evident by the tone of his voice. There was a short pause then before Garrick asked a question about some blood that he saw, his voice lower and tinged with concern. That was definitely a good sign, and Rowan let himself breathe a small sigh of relief as she managed to negotiate her own freedom for the night. It did come with a condition of course, that she explain the situation the following day, but that was comparatively easy, given that he would also be present.

When Kaelira closed the door and turned back around, Rowan watched her as she leaned back against it, taking a deep breath before looking back over at him. Even with the kiss that had happened before though, he never would have expected to see her fingers to drop to the tie of her robe, for her to loose it, and for her to let it fall to the floor when she could see he was looking at her. Despite that though, he couldn't help but wonder what she would think as his gaze never wavered, but rather held hers through the entirety of her walk back across the room towards the bed, never once looking down at the body that she'd intentionally exposed to him. When she stood at the side of the bed once more, he watched as she leaned over the bed and kissed him once more. Her kiss was hungrier this time though, needier, and he ever felt her tongue slipping from between her lips to dance along his own. He gladly returned her kiss this time, at least as much as he dared. He wished he had the courage to stroke her hair, to open his lips, to let his tongue dance with hers...

Kaelira was breathless when she pulled away again, and Rowan's breaths were coming a bit quicker in their own right. He heard her quiet words, as though she was afraid to speak too loudly, lest she somehow ruin the moment they were having...felt her fingers brushing lightly down his neck, an action that pulled another soft sigh from him, and heard her speak once more, wondering aloud how she would live without him, a question he'd asked himself about her on numerous occasions. Before he had any chance to respond though, she was already moving, climbing back up onto the bed, but this time settling on her side beside him. Their eyes met once more, hers seeming to study him and his reactions as he just enjoyed everything she did to him. He held her gaze as she leaned down, only breaking it when she got so close to his neck that he could no longer hold her gaze. He then turned his head to give her better access to his neck, an action that was rewarded with the feeling of her lips kissing a trail of kisses to said neck, pulling a series of low moans from him that only got louder when her other hand moved down to slide up his leg, over the front of his pants, and the obvious bulge that was waiting for her, and slowly undid his pants.

Hearing that Lucian's punishment could wait until morning was music to Rowan's ears, especially in that breathless tone of Kaelira's, and ESPECIALLY spoken heatedly against his neck. Her hand then slid into the pants that she'd opened, and he let out a loud and guttural groan when her questing fingers found his throbbing length, already hard and ready for her. He let out a soft sigh of dismay when her lips abandoned his neck, but smiled when her head found it's way to his chest, especially after she declared her desire for him, but only if he was willing.

"It was never a question of desire, Mistress..." Rowan started softly, lifting his one good arm to do the thing he'd always wished he could do, stroke his fingers through her impossibly long, smooth, and beautiful hair. "It has only ever been a question of my worthiness." He lifted his head up off the bed and pressed the tenderest of kisses to the top of her head as he continued to stroke his hand through her hair, alternating now with massaging rubs of her back as well, enjoying the smooth softness of her skin beneath the pads of his fingers. "I am yours to enjoy as you wish, whenever you wish, and I am happy to learn to please and pleasure you if you can be patient with me."

 

[Kaena]

Rowan's soft moans and subtle shifts to give her more access told her everything she needed to know. Still she waited until she heard it from his lips before she continued. She listened with a smile against his chest as he spoke of his worthiness, shivering lightly at the touch of his hand against her hair. She looked up at him at the feel of his hand on her back, his finger tips feeling like electricity against her skin. She smiled before lowering her head to kiss the base of his throat. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her lips and wondered if it beat quickly in fear or excitement of what was to come.

Kaelira had been with men before Rowan, even if she had no interest in becoming their mate, but she knew that Rowan had never been with a woman. Still with those other men, she hadn't felt anything even close to the desire she had for Rowan in that moment. She had known for a long time that she loved Rowan and he loved her, but she had tried to deny to herself that she felt anything beyond that out of sense of duty to the pack as the future Alpha. Her future mate was expected to be someone of noble status, someone who could strengthen her position. No matter how much she loved Rowan, the pack would never accept a bondservant as her mate. Still, in that moment, duty to the pack, expectations of her, all of it, none of it mattered. She wanted him and he wanted her and she was going to take what she wanted.

"You have always been worthy to warm my bed Rowan," Kaelira finally said, raising her head to look up at him, the fingers of her hand inside his pants playfully teasing along the length of his shaft. "It's just complicated." She stopped and thought for a moment before shrugging. "But, to be honest, I do not care anymore. Maybe I cannot make you my mate but you are mine and people are just going to have to accept that."

Taking an aroused breath, she drew up on her knees beside him on the bed, her firm breasts pale in the dim light of the room. She looked at his pants and his injured arm and made the decision to rid him of his clothing herself. Grabbing his pants she pulled them off with one swift tug, leaving him naked from the waist down. Her eyes devoured his body before moving up to meet his again.

"You will learn to please me Rowan," she said, leaning down to kiss him again as she straddled his waist, his cock trapped beneath her warmth. "But for tonight I am taking what I want." Her hand tangled in his hair and she pulled his head to the side to expose his neck to her. Breaking their kiss, she moved to trail her lips down his neck, having made a mental note of his reaction to her lips there before. Her lips stopped at the base of his neck and she sucked the skin there into her mouth, her breath hot against his skin. She resisted the urge to bite him and mark him, even though every ounce of her body was screaming to do so.

She could feel his cock pulsing beneath her but she stayed where she was. As much as she wanted to pin him down and fuck him until he begged her to stop, she also had to keep in mind of his injuries. Pulling back from his neck, she looked down at him with a devious smile before slowly sliding her body back onto his legs.

"Stay still," she ordered, her eyes dark with desire. Leaning down again she slowly kissed down his chest and across his stomach before reaching the small trail of hair just above his cock. Licking her lips, she moved off him again and continued her lips trail down his body, past his throbbing cock and down his thigh, her hair brushing against him as she passed by. She looked up at him, once more before lowering her hot mouth down over the head of his cock, her tongue exploring him as she slid him deeper into her mouth. She smiled as her mouth explored him, waiting to see how long it would take before he begged her for more.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Feeling the slight shiver of Kaelira's skin beneath his fingers made Rowan smile. His eyes drifted to half mast. He almost wondered if he'd died and gone to heaven at this point, because that was about all that could explain why she was suddenly naked, curled up next to him, with her head on his chest. He felt her head move forward, but he remained still, not wanting to disturb whatever she had planned. The feeling of her lips on his throat pulled a groan from him, low, deep, and rumbling like it was from his very soul.

Kaelira's words, spoken as her fingers teased along the length of his still-concealed cock made it jerk and twitch as much as it was able. "I know it is, Mistress, and I understand, truly." Rowan said when she spoke of how complicated their relationship was in the public eye, and he did truly mean it. He'd known, even as they'd grown up and their feelings had grown from youthful attraction to love, that there would always be a part of her that would be uniquely his. At the same time though, there would always be a part of her that he would never be allowed to have. He never resented her for that though. He was hers after all, and she'd rescued him from...god knows what really.

Hearing Kaelira say that she didn't care about societal decorum anymore was one thing, but watching her take that steadying breath before rising up to her knees, her pale breasts bouncing briefly before settling back in place, high and firm on her chest, almost seeming to call out to him for attention.

Rowan's attention was pulled from Kaelira's lovely body to his own pants as she took hold of them and quite literally pulled them off with one swift tug. His eight inch cock gladly jumped free of said confines and flopped heavily against his stomach, achingly hard and throbbing. He of course blushed at his being exposed before her for the first time, even though she was even more exposed than he was. When her eyes finished appraising him and found his once more though, he relaxed a bit as she spoke. "Yes Mistre..." He started to say before she interrupted him by leaning down to kiss him and moving to straddle his waist. He let out a moan as she kissed him, and another groan as he felt her warm wetness against his cock.

Mid attempt to properly kiss her back once more, and lift his good hand to stroke through her hair when Rowan felt Kaelira's lips disappear from his once more. He let out a groan of dismay, but it quickly changed in tone to one of lust and wanting as he heard her words, felt her hand in her hair, relented to her pull, and felt the kisses trail down the side of his neck. He panted through each kiss before finally letting out a soft gasp when her lips hit the base of his neck where it met the shoulder, feeling her suck the tender flesh into her mouth. His hand finally dared to lift to her head then, but not to pull her closer or pull her away, simply to massage her scalp as he continued to relent to her every whim, his body literally writhing beneath her.

Rowan let out another louder groan of dismay when Kaelira's lips abandoned him once more. When he looked up at her though, gasping for breath, he saw the devious smile on her face and genuinely worried about what she had in store for him. He swallowed hard when he heard her command, especially paired with her eyes, so dark with desire. "Y-yes Mistress." He said, stammering at first before managing the words. He then watched her slowly slide down his legs, a shiver shooting up his body at the thoughts running through his brain at what she might be planning to do. His bottom lip quivered when he felt the first kiss on his chest, and he actually clenched his good hand in the bedding when they feathered across his stomach. Nothing could have prepared him for how good it would feel for when she teased the small hairs leading down to the cock that desperately craved her attention. He gasped with his need when her lips brushed past it and moved down his thigh, her soft and smooth hair brushing against it's length on the way by.

When Kaelira looked up at him once more, Rowan was a panting mess, desperate for her attention, but forcing himself to stay still for her, or at least as still as he possibly could in that moment. When her mouth slid down over the head of his cock though, there was no stopping the slight arch of his back that brought his head off the bed, the groan of pain and pleasure that came with it, and then him getting himself under control, all in a matter of seconds. His gasps came faster and faster, especially when her tongue started to explode his length, flicking under the defined ridge of the head, swirling around the head, and even flitting against and teasing the tiny hole, which set every nerve ending within him on fire. "I...uh..." He started to say before she slid her mouth further down onto his length. "I...can't...too...muuuugh..."

Rowan had felt the tingling feeling in his belly, and yes he knew what it meant when it started to surge down to his balls. He tried to clench every muscle he had, and tried to speak up to tell Kaelira that it was too much, that she needed to stop. Unfortunately for him though, being not just any woman for the first time, but Kaelira the woman he loved most, was too much for his inexperienced body. The tingling feeling surged up his cock, despite his best efforts, and his cum erupted from his cock. The first surge went straight down her throat only to be followed by several more powerful bursts as his cock jerked and throbbed within her mouth, and his entire body quaked with the power of his release. The long and deep groan lasted through the entirety of his release, and it was only when it was over that he was finally able to process what had truly happened.

"My god, Mistress! I am so sorry! I tried to hold back, tried to tell you to stop, but it just felt too good, came on too fast. I couldn't hold back!" The words poured out of Rowan's mouth as he tried frantically to apologize or at least somehow make up for the grievous mistake that he'd just made!

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira smiled around his cock as she felt his body trembling beneath her. She knew it was taking everything he had to obey her order to stay still and she knew it was a battle he wasn't going to completely win. Though she did recognize that he was doing the best he could. Her tongue danced lightly on his cock as one hand encircled his cock. For the moment she continued the exploration of his cock, enjoying the sounds of pleasure he was not even trying to suppress.

She knew since it was his first time he was not going to last long so it didn't surprise her when she felt his cock begin to swell in her mouth. She could have pulled back and given him time to control himself but instead she continued to play his body like a well tuned violin. At his strangled attempt to tell her it was too much she laughed softly, her tongue swirling along the underside of his cock. When she felt him finally start to come she held him tightly in her mouth, her hand stroking him through each burst until he let out a guttural moan and collapsed back onto the bed.

Feeling his seed slide down her throat she slowly pulled her mouth off his cock and looked up at him, wiping some of his cum from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes darkened with her desire as his words of apology fell desperately from his mouth. She devoured him with her eyes as her smile twisted into a devious grin.

"It was expected," she said, slowly kissing her way back up his body before she was once again straddling his waist, his spent cock trapped beneath her. "You have nothing to apologize for this time." Grabbing his good arm she pinned his hand above his head and leaned down to nibble gently on his ear, her breath hot against his skin. "This is your one and only freebie. From now one you will ask for permission before you come and if you fail to you will face the consequences." As she spoke she pressed herself against him, her wetness passing over his cock. She knew it would be a little while before he would be ready for her again, but it didn't mean she couldn't tease him in the mean time.

The feel of him beneath her drew a lustful moan from her lips and she captured his lips with hers again, devouring his mouth with her searing kiss. Her kiss spoke of her need but even more than that it was a physical manifestation of her claiming him. The were both breathless when she finally broke away from the kiss, her eyes shining with a dangerous look. "Mine," she growled softly, trailing her lips along his neck before releasing her grip on his arm and sliding off him to move beside him on the bed, lying back against the pillows, her silver blonde hair fanned out beneath her.

Licking her lips she looked back at him, her eyes travelling along his young body and settling on his semi hard cock. She smiled before raising her eyes back to evaluate if his injuries would hinder him from what she wanted next. She didn't know if she was truly thinking straight when she decided it would be ok.

Running her fingers lightly along his stomach, she reached across him and grabbed his good right hand and pulled him towards her gently. Parting her legs, she flashed him a lustful smile.

"Come here," her voice was filled with need, as she placed his hand against the wet mound between her legs. "Show me how much you want to please your mistress."

 

[Lucian_Devine]

If Rowan had had any doubts about whether or not he was going to win the struggle against his battle against Kaelira's mouth, they were cleared up when the soft skin of her hand joined in his sweet torture, encircling his iron-cored cock. She'd already told him to remain still and was on top of him to boot, meaning that his cock was well and truly trapped within the sensation heaven of her mouth. Things only escalated after the first burst of his cum shot down her throat, because then her hand started to stroke, literally milking his cock of his seed.

While he'd naturally apologized in every way he knew how, hoping desperately that she understood, Rowan had no way of knowing what was going on behind Kaelira's dark gaze as she all but devoured him with it, at least not until it twisted upwards into a devious grin. He let out a desperate sigh of relief at her first words, realization finally hitting him that she'd done it on purpose, knowing what would happen. He then watched as she kissed her way back up his body, her pace agonizingly slow, especially when he could feel the wetness between her thighs dragging it's way up his thigh before she finally straddled him once more, settling that hot wetness over his spent cock. He heard her speak again, and as he was about to nod, he felt her grab his good arm and drag it over his head until she could pin his wrist in place with her own strength and leverage. He gasped in surprise at the move, the adrenaline likely being sky high in her system, while trying to taper off in his. The combination made the move so fast that he barely registered it before his arm was pinned. What he did register though, were the words that she spoke against his ear as she leaned down and nibbled on it. He tried in vain to swallow the lump in his throat before almost croaking out the words, "Yes...Mistress." Even as he did so though, he felt her press herself down on him, dragging her wetness along his soft wet cock, making him shiver all over again, despite the hold she had on him. He couldn't help but wonder what the consequences were, even if he swore to himself that he would never find out. He never wanted to disappoint her like that, not if it meant that he'd be able to have another chance to be with her like this.

The lustful moan that her own actions pulled from Kaelira only served to make Rowan want her all the more. So when she went to kiss him, he didn't balk or hesitate in any way, despite where her mouth had just been. He gladly accepted her kiss, and kissed her back with an equal amount of passion, even if he couldn't physically do anything else to show her how much he was appreciating her attention. The room was filled with the lustful smacking of their lips, and he was lost in the feel of it, almost drowning in their combined passion before she finally pulled away and let them both gasp for air. Her eyes were shining as she spoke a single lustful word, and even his were dark with his desire for her. "Always." He responded back, once again without hesitation, and not just because this was a place that he had always wished to be with the person that he had always wished it to be with, but because his loyalty to her was just that true, and would have been regardless.

When Kaelira growled with her lust and rolled off of him, her lips trailing along his neck once more, Rowan had to fight against his own instincts not to roll with her, wanting so desperately to do so, even if his body still couldn't be ready to perform again. He didn't want to lose the intimate distance they'd shared, ever-fearful that she might somehow come to her senses and realize that she was making a mistake. He did let his head turn to follow her though, curious what she was thinking as she appraised him once more. Her smile once more had him both curious and a little worried for himself, but never worried enough to call a halt to things. So, when she reached over and across his body, her fingers trailing teasingly along his stomach, to take his right hand, he didn't fight her. When she pulled on it to make him roll over, he didn't fight her. When she pulled him to his knees and his hand to her almost steaming hot and soaking wet mound between her thighs, he didn't fight her.

Kaelira's first 2 words were filled with need, a need that Rowan could well and truly understand. Her next words were less a statement than a command, and he looked briefly from his hand to her eyes before leaning down to kiss her, just as she'd done him. When he broke the kiss, he let his cheek feather against hers as his fingers started to move, sliding down between her legs, a gentle touch to start as he gauged her reactions. "Yes...Missssstresssss..." He whispered heatedly against her ear, dragging out the s' in the word like a hissing snake as he let his index and middle finger slide along either side of her sopping wet slit. He let them slide down all the way before pulling them back up and gauging her reaction. He then slid them back down once more and pulled them back up once more, this time clamping them together at the top, unknowingly giving her moist pearl a squeeze in the process. With his third motion, he slid the same two fingers down, but when they came up, he used his index and ring finger to spread her for him as he let his middle finger slide all the way up her dripping wet slit, from the opening he teased to the moist pearl that he felt his finger flick against at the very top, gauging every one of her reactions before settling on exactly what he wanted to do. He ran his hand up and down between her legs, all the way down to her opening, and all the way up past her pearl, letting the pad of his middle finger flick over it with each pass. He used her breathing as a guide going faster and slower as necessary, focused on a singular goal, returning the favor that she'd done for him.

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira hadn't expected Rowan to kiss her, but she was a little disappointed when he finally pulled away. That disappointment quickly disappeared as she felt his hand start to explore between her legs. A soft moan escaped her lips as he slid his fingers along her wet slit, her body trembling beneath his touch. The feel of his fingers on her clit on his second pass instantly set her body on fire. She moaned loudly, her body arching off the bed to meet his hand. Each pass of his hand pushed her higher and higher and before long her moans were echoing wildly through the room. For someone who had no experience with a woman, he seemed to learn very quickly what to do to push her closer and closer to the edge.

Her breath quickened as she felt the delicious pressure start to build. She squirmed beneath his touch, her skin flush with her desire. It didn't take long for her to reach the point of no return and she came hard, her juices flowing down over his still exploring fingers. She moaned loudly and arched off the bed riding through her orgasm before she finally collapsed back against the bed. Reaching out she grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand away as she tried to catch her breath.

"If I didn't know you I would think you knew what you were doing," she teased, smiling at him. Sitting up, she pulled him down to kiss her again, her hand trailing along his bare stomach to find his cock hard again. She pulled away breathless from the kiss and allowed him to see her eyes move down to his cock. "Looks like you enjoyed it almost as much as I did."

Having experienced such an intense orgasm from just his fingers alone, she could only imagine what it would be like when they finally came together as one. Sliding to the side to give him more room, she guided him back down to lay on the bed. Her lips returned to her favourite spot along the side of his neck, his erratically beating pulse beneath her lips sending delightful shivers down her spine. As she continued her slow torment of his neck, she moved to once again straddle him. The feel of his cock hard beneath her drew another moan from her lips.

"Now I am going to take what is mine," she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. "Remember what I said."

Reaching between them she grabbed his cock and guided it between her enflamed pussy lips. Moaning loudly she impaled herself on his cock, her lust filled eyes moving down to meet his. Grabbing his hand she moved it behind her to rest on her firm ass as she slowly started to ride him, her pace slow and calculated as she took her pleasure from his body. Having just come down from her previous orgasm there was no longer a sense of urgency so she took her time, allowing herself to enjoy the feel of him beneath her and his cock buried deep inside her. As she leaned down to kiss his neck again she shifted her position slightly on his cock to allow her to move slowly in circles, taking her pleasure from him, but knowing she was also reciprocating it back to him as well. Smiling against the skin of his neck she wondered to herself just how long he would last before he was either asking to cum or giving into his release without obeying what she had demanded of him earlier.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Rowan couldn't truly describe what it was about being with Kaelira that helped him figure out what to do to please her, but it just felt so natural. He watched and listened to her reactions to his ministrations, her gasps, moans, or when her breath hitched, and focused on that spot, used that pressure, or repeated that particular thing that he'd been doing. It was true that this was his first time with a woman, but something about being with Kaelira just felt so...natural. He truly delighted in performing the task that had been appointed to him, enjoyed watching her squirm before him, seeing her skin slowly flush with her arousal, hear her cries of pleasure fill the room. He'd heard men talk of taking what they wanted from a woman and leaving it at that, he couldn't understand why any man wouldn't want to make their woman feel this good every time.

Being as it was his first time, Rowan wasn't truly sure what to expect, or how he would know when the end was. It was easy for a man, even a first timer knew that, but it wasn't until he felt her juices erupting onto his hand as she moaned loudly and arched off the bed that he truly knew he'd done well. He smiled down at her as she collapsed onto the bed, and didn't fight her when she grabbed his wrist and pulled it from between her thighs as she tried to catch her breath.

Kaelira's words first made Rowan blush, and then made him smile. He then watched as she sat up and reached for him before happily relenting to her pull, kissing her with the same fiery passion with which she kissed him. He was as breathless as she was, their foreheads pressed against each other as she spoke, her hand trailing down his stomach to his hard again cock. Her words made him chuckle and then smile as he gently rubber her back.

"How could I not have when I am with the woman I have always dreamed of being with, Mistress, and not by force or obligation, but choice on both sides?"

As much as he was enjoying the intimacy of the moment, and the feeling of her soft skin beneath his fingers, Rowan still didn't fight Kaelira when she made to slide to the side to give him more room before helping lay back down on the bed. The movement sent a spike of pain through his shoulder, making him lament for what felt like the thousandth time that his wolf had not yet activated. He would have taken less damage from the sword, as it wasn't made of silver, and he would be healing much faster.

The feeling of Kaelira lips returning to his neck brought Rowan's nerve endings back to life, pulling a sharp gasp from him. His heart was racing even faster than normal for their species, his flesh burning like a furnace from his arousal, and all of that was before he felt her straddle him once more. Her words told him what was coming, but he never could have prepared for it, even when he'd felt the heat of her core and it's wetness pinning his cock to his belly earlier. First it was the feeling of her hand fisting his cock as she spoke those words, her breath hot on his ear. Then came that first feel of the sensitive tip of his cock against the searing heat of her core, followed by that first push, the tightness around his inch and a half diameter, and the realization of just how wet she was for him. When her eyes, black with lust, met his, darkened with the same, and she moved his hand to rest on her firm ass, he found himself squeezing it as he fought desperately for control. God, she was so wet, so tight, and her core was almost scorching hot, but all the money in the world couldn't have bribed him to pull out of her, even if he'd been on top.

Rowan's jaw quivered with each movement of Kaelira's hips, each lift and push, all while he watched those lovely firm breasts of hers move with her, move with in a dance all their own. Then, suddenly her lips were on his neck again, right where he liked it, and her hips were rolling on his cock, especially when she had him buried to the hilt inside her. Almost as good though, was the feeling of her diamond hard nipples grinding against his chest with every movement and motion, leading to him moving to wrap his good arm around her, alternating between stroking his fingers down through her hair and rubbing the pads of said fingers up her back, with his thumb and index finger on either side of his thumb, both rubbing and massaging the whole way. It was his turn to sound off now, grunting, groaning, and panting without a care in the world for decorum as she took what she wanted, nay what she deserved from him. As tempted as he was, at so many times, to use his arm around her to roll her over and take what he wanted, he kept his control, at least until he felt that building sensation in his belly once more, the type of sensation that made his jaw quake anew and his toes curl. His lips pressed into her neck as he fought against the sensation, knowing what was coming. His hand on her back moved faster, his fingers pressed deeper into the muscles that he could feel worked as she fucked herself on him. The single kiss turned into a second, and then many as the building sensation surged down to his balls.

"P-please Mistress!" Rowan screamed at last, knowing that if he waited much longer, it was going to be too late. "Please may I cum?" He lost any and all sense of motion then, just clasping his arm around her body, holding on for dear life as he clenched every other muscle in his body, begging silently for the strength to hold on long enough, and that she would say yes.

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira could feel him fighting for control of his body within minutes of her starting to ride him. She felt his muscles tense beneath her as his hand squeezed her ass where she had placed it. As she continued to kiss his neck, his tormented breath was hot against her ear causing her to emit a low moan. It wasn't long before she felt his hand move from her ass to slide through her hair. His warm fingers trailing along her back sent shivers down her spine as her body continued to move above him. The sound of his moans of pleasure were matched with those of her own as felt her body start to awaken. She was taking what she wanted from him, but there was no denying that he was definitely enjoying the experiencing right along side of her.

Kaelira once again captured his lips in a fervent kiss, her moans muffled against his mouth as she took her fill of his body. As she rode his hard cock, she could feel her wolf begin to stir inside her. This was not the first time her wolf had reacted to Rowan, the earliest time being the first day she had met him and had claimed her as her own. He is ours she could her wolf as clearly as if she was standing right in front of her. She shook her head, trying to ignore her inner self as she took her fill of him.

Her lips trailed down his neck to the base and in her heightened state it was as if she could actually hear how fast his pulse was. Sucking the skin at the nape of his neck she moaned again as another wave of pleasure washed over him. Even in her elated state, she was completely aware that he was just as vocal about his enjoyment of her fucking him. He is ours she heard again, becoming undeniably aware of his pulse beneath her lips. Mark him, make him our mate. It took all her strength to pull her mouth away from his neck. She had dreamed of this moment for years and she couldn't deny that she wanted Rowan, hell her wolf was practically screaming at her to claim him completely, but she had a duty to her pack and in reality that was not something she could take lightly.

The feel of his mouth on her neck sent her body into a frenzy and she began to ride him faster, her orgasm rising in her once again. His hands felt almost desperate against her back as kisses rained down at her neck. She knew he was close. The further tensing of his muscles beneath her and his ragged breath against her ear told her everything she needed to know. When he finally practically screamed out his request she was more than willing to allow it, her own body ready for a release of its own.

"Come with me," she said breathlessly moving her hips faster as she rode him, her desire filled eyes meeting his just was the waves of her own pleasure started to wash over her. She cried out loudly as she came, her body moving in an almost desperation with his, taking its fill and more. Wave after wave of pleasure surged through her body as she experienced the most intense orgasm she had ever had and when it was all over all she could manage was to collapse against his chest, her heart racing as she fought to catch her breath. Even though she had not marked him to make her his mate, in that moment she had claimed him completely and there was nobody that would ever be able to deny her that. Not her father. Not her future mate. Nobody. He was hers.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Kaelira's kiss in that moment felt absolutely electric! Rowan couldn't even count how many times he'd thought, hoped, and dreamed about kissing her, but now she'd kissed him AND he'd kissed her in the same night. It once again made him wonder if he'd somehow died in that training ring, and this was all just his mind giving him the most satisfying dream as he soared off to meet his maker.

The feeling of Kaelira sucking at the nape of his neck once again pulled Rowan back into the present, the sweet and delirious present. He felt her lips, her teeth, and even her desires, and even her raw NEED in that moment, like they were somehow even more connected. That seemed impossible though, as she was already impaling herself on her cock again and again, grinding her hips against his while he was balls deep in her. How much more connected could two people be?

When Kaelira did pull back, Rowan found himself wailing in protest, his hands desperately squeezing against her hips and back. Wait! His hands?! It took a moment for him to realize that he'd brought his left hand and arm into the fray, and in the heat of the moment, he hadn't even felt any pain. Between the adrenaline and everything else coursing through his young body, there wasn't room for anything else, and he was okay with that. He showered her with kisses, held her close as he felt her tense and hoped the permission could come in time, and then...it came.

The words were but a formality, breathlessly spoken as her pure black eyes met his darkened ones. Her hips ramped up to a level that he would have thought impossible as he was both brought to the edge of control and shoved over it within the same moment, his scorching hot seed erupting from his cock and splashing against her cervix. He could only grunt and groan as she cried out in desperation. Then her body was clenching and spasming, milking him for more, and his body was responding, giving her more and more with fresh burst of cum with every flex of her powerful inner muscles.

Time was lost to the rutting pair, with their joint orgasm lasting anywhere from minutes to hours. Who could tell when they were lost in the throes of love? When it was over, and his seed was spilt and their strength was gone, there could be but one result. Kaelira collapsed against his chest, and Rowan was there for her, wrapping his arms around her sweaty form as their hearts pounded and they both fought to catch their breath. Meanwhile, while he had free reign with her body, to do literally anything he wanted, he just stroked her hair and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

"I've got you, Mistress." Rowan whispered softly, his softening cock still nestled within her tight folds. "I've...got......you..."

 

[Kaena]

For a moment the only sound in the room was the sound of both of them struggling to catch their breath. Kaelira remained lying against Rowan's chest as she recovered. Though she had not marked him as her mate, and wouldn't be able to, lying here with him, her body pressed against his just felt right. She smiled softly at his words, words that before had always been unspoken between them. She always knew he had her and her him. But still she was not adverse to hearing it once and awhile.

It took her a few minutes to realize that Rowan had both of his arms wrapped her, not just his uninjured one. Slowly she pushed herself up from his chest and away from his body, shivering at the feel of his now flaccid cock sliding out of her. Moving off him, she looked at his injured shoulder and frowned, noticing that the bandage she has put there earlier was once again stained with his blood. Sliding out of the bed, she retrieved another bandage and set to work redressing his wound, painfully aware of his naked body stretched out beside her. Once she was done, she leaned down and kissed him softly before settling back on the pillow beside him and drawing the blanket up over them.

"You need to be more careful," she chastised him softly, her voice showing genuine concern along with her reprimand. "It is never going to heal properly if you keep opening it back up." Turning on her side she draped her leg over his and took his hand in hers, interlacing her fingers with his. She lay there enjoying the moment before turning serious once again.

"Rowan," she said softly, looking at him. "We need to talk about Lucian. You know I cannot let this go. He has to face the consequences of his actions. I want you to tell me what you want done. What punishment do you want Lucian to face?" Cuddling into his warm body, she could feel the exhaustion of the day finally taking a toll on her body and it took everything to fight her eyes from drifting closed while she waited to see if he would answer her.

"You don't have to answer me tonight," she said softly, slowly losing the battle to stay awake. "Think about it and you can tell me your answer in the morning." She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. The feel of his heartbeat against his cheek lulling her into a deep sleep.

The sun was shining brightly through the window when she finally awoke the next morning with Rowan's arm wrapped around her. Gently lifting his hand she slid out from beneath it and off the bed. Naked, she crossed the room to her wardrobe, studying its contents for a moment before selecting her usual leather trousers and cotton shirt. She dressed quickly, then reached for the leather corset she normally reserved for battle, fastening it securely over her shirt. Finally, she draped her cloak over her shoulders, the crest of House Frostbane proudly displayed upon it.

Her choice of clothing was deliberate. She wanted Lucian to understand that when she confronted him, she would not be doing so merely as the woman whose servant he had harmed, but as the daughter of Alpha Garrick and the future ruler of Frostclaw. She intended to make her authority unmistakably clear before she spoke a single word. She pulled on a pair of knee high leather boots before completing by buckling on her sword and tying her whip to her belt. Reaching for her brush, she brushed her long hair and braided it in place before turning back to the bed to see if Rowan was awake.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Rowan didn't know why he's said the words, said them out loud at least. They were words whose meaning had always been unspoken but understood between the two of them, ever since their bond had started to move beyond Mistress and mere bondservant, or even just friends. Their relationship was a unique one, and had been even before Kaelira had claimed him in bed. Her protectiveness over him, and thus the special rules and treatment that he was allowed were very unusual, and not just in the castle or kingdom, but the world as a whole.

Bondservants were not a rare thing, neither was a bondservant becoming a close friend and confidant to their master or mistress. It was expected in fact, given that a bondservant followed the person they served everywhere they went unless told otherwise. As such, they knew things that few others did, but could be trusted to keep secrets. Another thing that tended to make that easier though, was that most bondservants were the same gender as those they served. This allowed such friendships to come easier, as men tended to talk more freely with another man around than with a female around, even if she was just a servant, with the same holding true for women. There were certain conversations that were just easier to be had when it was all girls around instead of all girls and a pesky manservant. Then there was this new aspect of their own relationship, intimacy. With most bondservants sharing the same gender as their master or mistress, they didn't really have to worry about such things, but those feeling had been blooming with Kaelira and Rowan for a long time, only finally being expressed when she'd almost lost him. People had likely been assuming that this had been going on for quite some time, if for no other reason than how protective she was of him, but also because of how easily she rejected suitors and even the mere thought of marriage. Most princesses dreamed of the day they got married and spent the majority of their young lives planning and preparing for it, and yet...here they were side-by-side always. It used to be that where she went, he followed, but not he was right there with her, as fearless as she was. He still showed her every bit of respect she was owed, but he had grown to become confident in himself thanks to her.

The feel of Kaelira pushing herself up and away from him sent a cold shiver through Rowan, not the least of which was caused by the feel of his cock slipping free of her warm embrace. He quickly realized what she was doing, fetching another bandage to redress his reopened wound, and did his best to remain still to help make her work easier. His reward, be it for his efforts, or just because she could, was another soft kiss on the lips. He smiled at that and watched her as she walked back around the bed to climb back in on his good side, rested her head on the pillow, pulled the blankets up over them, and snuggled close. Every bit of what she did showed how much she cared and how she wanted to be about as close as possible, and he couldn't help the small but genuine smile that came to his face at that though.

Kaelira's admonishment was understandable, but offered up in a serious but gentle tone of voice that he could tell reflected her genuine concern for him. Rowan in turn, turned towards her as best he could, seeing as they were lying on a bed right now, and humbly bowed his head. "Yes, Mistress. I understand and will do my best. Truthfully though, I don't even remember moving it. One moment it was one hand, and the next moment it was two. From there...I couldn't just let you go, even with one hand. I wanted to hold you as you finished...truly hold you."

Though Kaelira's words could have ruined the moment with their seriousness, he ensured that that didn't happen by focusing on her shifting to her side beside him, interlacing her fingers with his, and draping her leg possessively over one of his. God he loved those little things that she did to show how protective and possessive she was of him. Again, he could have focused on the negative aspect of it, in that he was a slave and had been since he was a child, but he would MUCH rather think of the positive aspects of it.

The sound of his name pulled Rowan out of his own head, especially with it being spoken as softly as it had been by Kaelira. He turned his steel grey gaze to look at her, and he listened to her words. He had known that this was coming, maybe not tonight, but eventually. Though he hadn't expected that she would give the choice of punishment to him, and the weight of that actually had him lowering his gaze from hers as she finished speaking, telling him that he didn't have to decide tonight. Her words were soft and slow, her eyes drifting to half mast again and again as she clearly fought to stay awake. "Thank you, Mistress..." He said at last, relaxing back against the bed so that she could and did move to rest her head on his chest. He then responded out of instinct, draping his good arm over her and gently stroking her shoulder. "I will sleep on it, and let you know my decision in the morning." With that said, he leaned forward far enough to press a gentle kiss to her hair before relaxing back once more, taking a deep breath, and then trying to steady his breathing so as not to disturb her.

Kaelira fell asleep first, her breathing becoming slow and steady on his chest as he held her and periodically looked down at her. Rowan couldn't help but appreciate how beautiful she looked sleeping like that, wishing he could make this moment last forever. He'd of course been tired after his ordeals and their activities, but her words had given him something to think about. He didn't know how long he stayed awake like that, looking at the ceiling and periodically glancing back down at Kaelira before finally falling asleep, but at least he had his decision when it was all said and done.

The bed was cold when Rowan finally woke up, or at least colder than it had been. So he knew immediately that Kaelira was already awake, and found himself genuinely surprised that she'd been able to remove herself from it without waking him up. He must have been all but dead to the world for that to happen, because he normally alerted to the first sounds she made when he was sleeping on his mat at the foot of her bed. He opened his eyes and slowly looked around the room, looking for Kaelira until he saw her sitting in front of her vanity, dressed in her battle gear, looking back at him. The sight of her alone, dressed as she was, told him what to expect for today, and he couldn't help but bow his head, both in a bit of deference to her, and resignation of what was going to happen. He then slowly slid out of bed, paying no attention to his hard cock as he walked towards his Mistress and slowly lowered himself to his knees before her. "Good morning, Mistress." He said in a soft and uncharacteristically timid voice.

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira watched as Rowan rose from the bed, her eyes hungrily devouring his naked body. Everything that happened the night before had happened so fast and in the evening light so she didn't have the time to truly savour him like she did now. Her eyes travelled down his chest, across his toned stomach and finally settled on his hard cock, a blush appearing across her cheeks. Clearing her throat, she looked away for a second to compose herself before turning back towards him watching as he finished making his way to her and dropped to his knees before her.

She felt something stir deep in her core at the sight of him on his knees before and she had to take a deep breath shaking her head. What was wrong with her? Its not like had had never been on his knees before her before, albeit he was always fully clothed before, but this felt different, like his submission to her had hit an entirely new dynamic.

"Good morning my love," she said softly, reaching down to run her fingers along his cheek. Leaning down she grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet and into her. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pulled him close, fully aware of his naked body pressed against her fully clothed one. Dipping her head she kissed the base of his throat before leaning her head against his chest, savouring the feel of his warmth close to her for a moment before pulling away, her eyes going serious.

"Today is not going to be an easy day for either of us I fear," she finally said after taking a deep breath. "Tell me, what have you decided you would like to happen to Lucian?" Taking a step back her eyes studied his face, waiting for his reply.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

Yes, Rowan had seen Kaelira's hand reaching down to him, but he never would have expected what happened next, be it in word or in action. He expected to feel her fingers brush the hair from his forehead. Even after last night, how could he ever have expected the word love to pass her lips, at least in reference to him? Then the brush of her fingers along his cheek made him release the breath that he hadn't even been aware that he'd been holding.

Kaelira pulling Rowan from his knees to his feet was so reminiscent of when they were kids, right up until she used her hold on his hand to pull him into her, wrapping her arms around his waist. His erect cock was of course digging into her belly, but she didn't flinch or react at all, simply ignoring it as she dipped her head down to kiss the base of his throat before leaning her head against his chest. He, out of instinct, lifted his good arm to let his hand gently trace it's way down and around her braid savoring it's smooth softness.

"I feared that it was all just a dream at first..." Rowan started, his fingers still playing with Kaelira's hair. "...especially when I woke up and saw you like this...so formal..."

As much as he didn't want her to pull away, when Kaelira moved to separate herself from him, Rowan did allow it. The look that came to her eyes then, told him everything he needed to know about the tone of this conversation. It was going to be a serious one. He listened to her speak, confirming his suspicions before taking a deep breath and asking the question that he knew was coming and even taking a step back to study him as she waited for his reply.

Rowan took his own long and deep breath. He then opened his mouth to try and talk, but couldn't get a word out. So he closed it and swallowed hard before trying again.

"First and foremost..." Rowan started, finally lifting his gaze to meet Kaelira's. "...I want an apology. I want him to kneel down in front of you, your parents, and every soldier we can spare for it, admit what he did, and apologize. Then I want him to beg for MY forgiveness, not yours, even though I know I belong to you, Mistress." His gaze had gone steely hard now as his confidence slowly grew as he spoke. He then rose up to his full height as he prepared to say the last part, wondering if she'd allow it or push back. "The last thing I want, is a servant standing by, out of sight of Lucian, but ready to come to me at a moment's notice...holding a silver sword in a sheathe..."

 

[Kaena]

Kaelira was silent as she waited for Rowan to give her his answer, her gaze holding his once he raised his head and looked at her. When Rowan spoke of the apology he wanted from Lucian Kaelira nodded her head. She had somewhat expected this answer from Rowan, knowing that Rowan would want Lucian to face consequences for his actions. Having him apologize publicly made him take responsibility for his actions in the most humbling way possible.

"If that is what you wish..." she started to say when the look in his eyes made her pause and fall silent again. She watched as he straightened up and stood tall, his body holding a confidence he didn't have when she had first asked him the question. She could tell he was carefully considering if he really wanted to say what came next. Her brow furrowed in concern when he finally asked for the silver sword. If Rowan were to strike Lucian with a silver sword it would be a far more serious wound than the one Rowan received from him. Since Lucian's wolf had already awakened, his body would not be able to heal from the silver for a long time and it could potentially damage Lucian's wolf permanently.

"Rowan, I... " she started to say before taking a deep breath. She was about to tell him that she would not allow the silver sword due to its danger but something gave her pause. She had known Rowan for most of her life and she had never known him to be one to act rashly or lash out in anger. That was more like something she would do. It made her curious what Rowan really had in mind. "Ok, if you wish to have a sword present I will allow it, but, I will carry it in my sword sheath. I cannot take the chance of someone accidentally being hurt by it. I know you know what that sword can do but I trust you."

Moving to her side cabinet, Kaelira took out her silver battle sword, holding the blade across both of her hands she looked down at it for a moment, contemplating once again denying Rowan's request. She swallowed down her apprehension and slid her original sword out of it sheath at her waist and replaced it with the silver sword. The handles of both of the swords were similiar so at quick glance it would not be noticed that she carried anything out of the ordinary.

"Get dressed. I will send a messenger to my father to gather his warriors and meet us at the training grounds where I am sure Lucian will be training this morning," Kaelira said, moving towards the door. Opening it, she called to one of her guards standing in the hallway.

"Tell my father to gather his men and meet me at the training grounds in twenty minutes," Kaelira ordered. The look on Kaelira's face and her battle clothes made the guard know not to question her why. "Tell father justice will be served this morning and I will fill him in on what happened when he gets there. Oh, and have him bring my mother as well." The guard gave her a questioning look at her orders but didn't say anything. Instead he bowed to her and scurried off down the hall towards Garrick and Elara's chambers.

When Kaelira turned from the door, she found that Rowan was fully dressed and waiting for her. She couldn't lie, she missed seeing his naked body, but she pushed that thought aside as she walked up to him, taking his hands in hers and leaning in and kissing him softly. Her eyes softened at the nervousness she saw in his and she pulled him close hugging him tightly. The stood there in silence for a moment before she pulled back, reaching up to straighten the bondservant token that Rowan wore around his neck. "Are you ready?" she asked. She didn't wait for his full answer before turning towards the door. "Lets go," she said. "I want to get there before everyone else arrives."

Taking Rowan's hand she walked with him down the hallway and out into yard. The sky above them was a steel grey, as if it was mirroring the storm that was brewing inside Kaelira. They arrived at the training yard a few minutes later and Kaelira quickly found Lucian standing with a group of younger warriors laughing at some joke he made. That angered Kaelira even more. How could he be joking after what he had done last night. When Lucian saw her approaching the smile disappeared from his face and he stiffened. His eyes fell on the clothes Kaelira wore, his face paling for a moment before mask of cockiness fell in place. Kaelira squeezed Rowan's hand and let it drop from hers before her gaze fell back on Lucian.

"Lucian," Kaelira said, her voice echoing across the yard. The air around them suddenly felt like it was alive.

"What do I owe the honour of this visit My Lady," Lucian said, his eyes moving between Rowan and Kaelira.

"You know why I am here Lucian," Kaelira replied, her voice impatient. "Did you think you could attack Rowan and get away with it."

"I didn't attack him," Lucian lied, hiding behind his bravado. "We were sparring. It's not my fault that a bondservant can't keep up with me."

"Enough," Kaelira said, her eyes suddenly turning dark, the pressure in the air deepening. "You will be punished for touching what is mine."

"Punished?" Lucian scoffed. "He is just a slave. What authority do you have to punish me? You are not the Alpha yet Kaelira."

"Kneel," Kaelira said, her voice full of authority. Lucian smirked and turned as if to walk away. "I said Kneel." Kaelira's voice seemed to echo in the yard, her wolf suddenly manifesting behind her, its beautiful silver fur and icy eyes focused on Lucian. Lucian felt his legs shaking but he held his ground. "Kneel" Kaelira said one more time and the air filled with a undeniable pressure as Kaelira's Alpha command power forced Lucian to his knees. His eyes filled with sudden fear as he struggled to get to his feet but couldn't. Kaelira was not yet Alpha, but through her wolf she still had command of the powers that came with being Alpha. She was about to address Lucian again when she heard her father's voice behind her.

"What is going on here," Garrick called out, looking between where Lucian knelt and Kaelira stood. He could feel Kaelira's power resonating in the air. Kaelira turned to face him.

"Father," Kaelira said respectfully, lowering her head to him for a moment. "I have called you here because of what happened last night." Garrick waited for her to continue. "Lucian attacked Rowan on the sparring field." Garrick eyes darkened as he looked back at Lucian. "Attacked him how?" he asked.

Kaelira took a deep breath before continuing. "He started with a wooden sword first and when Rowan wouldn't fight back he struck him with his real sword. Rowan was seriously injured. I have asked you here to witness Lucian's punishment." Garrick's face softened as he looked at his daughter. "Do what you see fit," Garrick replied, his eyes hardening as he looked at Lucian. "I will not interfere."

Nodding Kaelira turned back towards Lucian and addressed the crowd.

"I have asked Rowan what he wanted for Lucian's punishment," she said, her hard gaze falling on Lucian. "He has decided that Lucian will kneel before you all and admit what he has done and when he has done that he will beg Rowan for forgiveness."

Turning to Rowan she walked up to him and gave him a kiss drawing several murmurs from the crowd which were instantly silenced as she looked back around. "Go ahead my love," she said quietly. "It is time."

 

[Lucian_Devine]

(Part One)

Rowan heard Kaelira start to speak, and truthfully he expected her to object to the silver sword. He wouldn't blame her if she did, given the damage that it could cause, but he hoped that she would trust him. Then, when she hesitated and took that deep breath, she seemed to come to a decision, a decision that she voiced shortly afterward. She agreed to allow him the sword, but under the condition that she carry it instead of the servant that he'd suggested earlier. He couldn't deny that she was both a better and safer choice for it, but even when she'd given him the choice of how to punish Lucian, he wasn't brave or stupid enough to make that demand himself. "Yes Mistress, thank you. That is both acceptable and very much appreciated." He said in response, bowing his in deference, knowing that she didn't have to be allowing him these choices at all, even if some sort of punishment did have to happen.

with the decision about the sword made, Rowan watched as Kaelira moved to her side cabinet and withdrew her own personal silver battle sword. He remained still, knowing that even with the sword out and in her hands, she could withdraw her permission at any time. He let our a heavy sigh when she then withdrew her normal steel sword from it's sheath at her waist and slid the silver sword into that sheath to replace it. The hilts of the two swords were almost indiscernible if you didn't know to be looking for it, meaning that what he planned he had planned for the sword was likely to work.

With the issue of the sword settled, Rowan moved to get dressed when Kaelira told him to. He made sure that his pants were tight and secure, but he wore a loose-fitting shirt, which he knew wouldn't be held against him, given the location of his wound. It had another purpose of course, but like the sword, that would show in time.

As he was pulling his boots on, Rowan heard Kaelira moving towards the door and doing just as she'd promised, sending a messenger to her father to gather the men, as well as her father and mother. She told the man that she would also tell her father about the details of last night as well. When she turned around, he was dressed and ready. It was hard for him to not be at least a little apprehensive about what was about to happen, but it slowly faded as she approached him, took his hands in hers, pulled him close, and hugged him tightly. Time stood still for the pair then, or at least seemed to for him, because while it the hug lasted for only a few seconds, it was long enough for his confidence to return. When she stepped back, he stood up straight, with his head held high and shoulders squared, but allowed a small smile as she adjusted the bondservant token that he wore around his neck. When she asked her final question, his answer was as immediate as it was assumed by her, because as quickly as he even started to say, "Yes, Mistress.", she was already turning around, telling him to follow her, and telling him where they were going and why. He didn't question or refuse her, but simply walked with her, hand in hand like when they were children that first time.

Anybody that saw the bonded pair coming quickly made way when they saw how Kaelira was dressed, not even needing to get close enough to see the determined look in her eye. When the pair exited the castle, he couldn't help but notice the sky and the building storm clouds, as if it was the very weather was mirroring what was about to happen. The worst of it came when she saw Lucian though, standing with a group of younger warriors laughing at some joke he made. It likely still would have been bad for him if he'd been repentant for his actions, but the fact that he was just casually going about his day like nothing had happened showed an extra level of disrespect that just couldn't be tolerated. Rowan could almost feel the anger radiating off of Kaelira the closer to Lucian that they got. Lucian seemed to pick up on that too, because the second he saw the pair of them, the smile died on his face and his body stiffened. Rowan watched the way the man's eyes lowered, taking notice of Kaelira's outfit, and he saw the man's face go pale. The final nail in the man's coffin, was the sight of their joined hands and what it signified. It meant that she believed Rowan, despite the difference in his station and Lucian's. The squeeze of his hand that he felt from hers before she let it go was definitely appreciated, even if she did have to let his hand go immediately afterwards.

Kaelira's voice echoed across the yard as she called out Lucian's name, the air around them almost feeling alive in that moment. Lucian, to his credit, managed some bravado as he approached her, even if he was lying through his teeth, lies that Rowan made note of to address later. He showed more of his backbone when he was able to resist her command to kneel, even if it also showed a bit of arrogance that was likely to make his punishment worse. When the second command came though, complete with a manifestation of her wolf, it's beautiful silver fur shining and icy eyes focused solely on Lucian, his resistance faltered. His knees, which had been shaking before, gave out, leaving the man collapsing to his knees. It's power radiated outwards, despite being focused on Lucian though, and the knees of everyone around the training circles quaked so visibly that Rowan could see it. He though, somehow felt fine, despite his proximity to her, something that he wondered at. Bondservants weren't normally immune to the wolf of their alpha...

Garrick's voice pulled Rowan's thoughts out of his own head, and drew the gazes of everyone around. Nobody moved or spoke though, least of all Lucian, who seemed to finally understand that he was better off where he was, at least for the moment. Kaelira did finally speak up like she's said she would, speaking both on his behalf and explaining to her father what had happened the previous day to cause her to miss the banquet. The man's eyes darkened, much like hers did when she got angry, and focused on Lucian, whose confidence seemed to reach an all time low as he lowered his gaze in deference before his alpha. She then took a deep breath and explained further, going into more detail on what had happened. The man's face softened as he looked at his daughter and she explained before he finally gave her permission to carry on as she saw fit and said that he would not interfere.

With Garrick's permission secured, Rowan watched as Kaelira turned towards Lucian and addressed both him and the crowd, setting her hard gaze on Lucian as she outlined Rowan's demands for Lucian. With the stage set, and a slight chill running up his spine, Rowan watched as she turned, walked up to him, and leaned in to kiss him. She didn't kiss him on the cheek or the forehead like she often did. No, she kissed him full on the lips, in front of everyone, including her parents, an action that drew several murmurs from the crowd, but not nearly as many as the words she spoke, or rather one specific word, "love". The murmur in the crowd from those that heard it quickly became a wave as it spread from person to person until the entire crowd was watching Rowan step forward to replace Kaelira in front of Lucian.

Lucian showed none of the deference that he'd offered to Kaelira or Garrick, lifting his gaze to stare straight into Rowan's eyes. "So..." Rowan started, staring straight back into Lucian's eyes. "...we were sparring? That is the story you sticking with?

"Yes." Came Lucian's immediate and emotionless reply.

"Fair enough..." Rowan followed up, lifting his good hand over to grab the back of the neckline of his tunic and effortlessly pulling it over his head, off, and discarding it onto the ground in a single motion that barely disturbed his injured shoulder. "...but do these look like the injuries one might incur during a sparring session?" He asked, carefully extending his bad arm down and out, as well as his good arm so that everyone could see the giant bruise on his left arm, the cut on his left shoulder, the bruise on his chin, and of course the remnants of the wound from the blow to the head.

"It's..." Lucian started before Rowan cut him off.

"If we asked everyone that was surrounding the ring yesterday, do you think they would say it looked like a spar?" While Rowan's confidence grew, it was at that exact moment that Lucian realized his mistake. It would only be his word against Rowan's if the two had been alone, but dozens of people had seen yesterday's events, and even if it had actually started as a spar, all semblance of sparring would have gone out the window the moment he drew his real sword.

"No." Lucian said after several seconds of internal debate.

"Why?" Rowan asked, pushing the subject without giving Lucian a second to breathe after having finally broken his resolve.

"Because I sparred you and only you, knowing that with our difference in station, you wouldn't hit me back even if I told you to, I waited until well after Kaelira had left to do it, ensuring that you were well and truly alone, and...because I drew a proper sword after I broke my training sword over your head in frustration."

"That's the first thing I asked for, Lucian. Now, how about the second?" Rowan asked, his gaze unflinching as he all but demanded it.

"Y-you can't be..." Lucian started, some of his bravado returning before Rowan cut him off once more.

"Do I look like I'm joking?!" Rowan shouted back to the man, silencing his complaints at the same time. Lucian looked to the side, all but cursing to himself for what he knew he had to do.

"I'msrry..." Lucian said at last, trying to mumble his way through the apology that he clearly loathed having to make.

"Louder!" Rowan demanded, not letting him get away with it, his shout drawing the man's gaze and making him adjust his posture before speaking once more.

 

[Lucian_Devine]

(Part Two)

"I...am...truly...and...deeply...sorry...for...attacking...you...Rowan...and...I...humbly...beg...for...your...forgiveness..." Lucian spoke slowly and clearly, accentuating every single word, and Rowan did have to give him credit. He even combined his second and third request into a single statement, clearly in the hopes of getting this over as soon as possible, knowing that the third was going to come immediately after the second.

"Very good..." Rowan started, taking another step closer and turning his head back to look at Kaelira. "There's just one thing left, and we're all done here."

"But you said...!" Lucian cried out once more in protest as Kaelira started to walk forward, her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"Yes, I did. Those were just the things I wanted from you. The fourth thing is something I am going to do to you." Rowan said calmly, and while Lucian looked to Garrick for support, there was no support to be had, even when Kaelira moved to grab the hilt of her sword and withdrew it.

If there had been a murmur from the crowd each of the previous times, there was an uproar as everyone saw the shining silver blade at the same time. Lucian's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of it, and he again looked to Garrick as he saw her pass the blade to Rowan, but again, no help came. "Thank you, Mistress." Rowan said softly, bowing his head in deference to her. He remained facing her, his head bowed as she walked back to her position beside her father before he finally turned back to Lucian, the silver sword in his right hand at his side. Then, and only then did he lift the sword and place the flat of the blade on Lucian's left shoulder, with the blade resting against the man's neck in preparation for what was to come. Lucian's bravery faltered then. His head bowed as he started to whisper prayers to the moon goddess. Rowan didn't silence the man or cut him off like he'd done so many times, but rather took a long and deep breath before quickly lifting the blade and...

Rowan brought the blade over and around, bringing the flat of the blade under the Lucian's chin and forcing it upwards as he first met the man's gaze and then looked around at the assembled crowd, which had grown over it's short duration. "When I first met my mistress..." Rowan started, speaking loudly and clearly for everyone to hear. "...she granted me her protection and some special privileges, and by this point, everyone in this castle, and a fair percentage of the people in the kingdom know who I am, the protections I bear..." He looked down at Lucian. "...and the penalty for violating them. What she also did that day, was show mercy, sparing the lash for a man that made a mistake. As such, I will emulate her mercy, and spare the sword that this man has earned. Remember this though! To strike a blow against a bondservant, is to strike a blow against their master or Mistress, and to strike a blow against the bondservant of your princess...is to strike a blow against not only your princess, but your alpha!"

With his words spoken and justice had, Rowan lowered the blade of the silver sword from Lucian's chin, but took a step forward and spoke once more, so that only they could hear. "I want you to remember this moment for what it could have been, but wasn't." He then took a step back, turned around, and walked towards Kaelira, knelt before her, and offered her silver sword up to her in both hands.