Into His Claws- 1x1

[Artemidorus]

Amora brushed a strand of white hair behind her ear. Arrow had his foot on the dragons snout. "Just as you said, my love. The wizards spell worked. It incapacitated him, and we dragged him here."

"Great." She said. "Well done. And none of your men will speak to bringing him here?" She asked, an edge to her tone.

"No. And besides, none of them know of your involvement." He said. "Now..." Arrow said, sliding his hands on her waist. "Lets talk about your payment to me."

Princess Amora froze, then batted his fingers away. "Not until everything is said and done. Now go, leave me."

Arrow froze. "Are you sure? You'll be okay here, alone with this beast?"

"He's sedated. I will be fine. Thank you for your service." Amora dismissed him, and finally, reluctantly, Arrow left.

Amora turned back to the downed dragon. His eyes rolled towards her. He was unable to move, but he was conscious enough to hear him. She kneeled down by his head.

"I apologize for the rough treatment, but I have a job for you, and I will reward you richly. My father, King Aven, has insisted I marry Duke Vernon. It's not the first thing he has... Forced me to do against my will." She flinched. "I beseech you to kill him. I would poison him, but that might cause unrest in the kingdom as they speculate and investigate and accuse other kingdoms. But this would be apparent and public. A dragon attack? There would be no investigation. And I will award you 250000 gold pieces for your hoard."

She stood up. "I know you cannot answer, so I will leave you to dwell on it. I'm sure you'll know where to find the king. Its a pretty large castle."

Amora bowed before turning away and mounting her horse, riding off back to the castle, and leaving the dragon hidden in the woods.

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora brushed her hair, and sat in front of her mirror. Her room was large, with a four poster bed that was big enough for 5 men... even if it had never even held one. She braided the long white locks, then twisted it into a bun atop her head. She stood, and with a flourish, dropped her robes to the ground. Naked, she walked to the corner of her room that held a large tile pool.

Long legs, curves, and creamy skin, she stepped into the cool water. Using a large shell, she cupped some, and spilled it over her breasts. She leaned back, and let the cool water refresh her on this hot day. But her relaxing soak was interrupted by the door opening, and in barging Vernon. Amora sat up and scowled.

"My hand maid must have assured you that I was indisposed." she remarked, with a glare.

"Ah yes, but indisposed is exactly as I would wish to find you, my beloved." His rounded stomach shook as he chuckled to himself, his grey eyes devouring every inch of her.

Amora stood up, the water running down her skin and leaving her slick, and bared to his view. She grabbed her robes and pulled them back on, keeping her eyes locked on him in pure defiance. If he wanted to to be coy, to shy away from his gaze, she wouldn't grant him that pleasure.

"Why are you here?" She asked, sitting at her mirror again, so she could unravel her hair.

"Originally to ask you to accompany me to the masquerade tonight, but now that I've seen you're alone with me... I must admit, my mind wishes to engage in other activities." He sauntered over, and ran his hands down her shoulders, shoving her robe down in the motion.

"I'm sorry, Duke, but as per our arrangement, and per the customs of the kingdom, a woman isn't to give herself away until her wedding night. Especially a princess." she said, with a coy grin, knowing there would be no wedding. She straightened her robe back up, and batted his hands away.

"As for the masquerade, I must ready myself. I should look my best if I'm going with such an illustrious guest, should I not?"

"Ah, yes, very well." He leaned down and kissed her shoulder. Amora tried not to groan. "I will see you there, my little song bird."

She rolled her eyes as he left.

Hours passed, and with her hair in an elegant bun that left white curls cascading down her shoulders, her handmaids helped her into a flowing black gown. It was long and stitched with pearls and gold flowers. They pinned more pearls and matching gold flowers into her hair.

Amora nodded, and thanked them, then headed out her room and down the stairs. She could hear music playing and and guests chattering. For a brief moment, her thoughts flickered to the dragon. His amber eyes, clear in her head.

She donned her mask and stepped into the ballroom, and everyone went quiet, turning their attention to the princess.

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora was in bed the best morning when he handmaid awoke her to tell her the news.

"That idiotic over grown lizard!" She exclaimed, palming her face with her hands.

"I know mistress. It's terribly upsetting. I'm here if you need me." The handmaid bowed her head. "By the way, Sit Arrow is here to see you."

"No- I- please, give me some time alone." Amora sighed. Her maid nodded, and left. Amora turned to her vanity, opening a drawer and fumbling for a hidden switch inside. This caused the mirror to swing open, revealing a spiral staircase. It was an emergency exit in case the castle was under siege, but Amira often used it to sneak out.

She retrieved her horse and rode out to where she had left the dragon one day prior, hoping he would return there for his reward. She hadn't brought a single coin for him though. Not with his massive mistake. She thought back to her words. Was she not clear?

No, she must not have been, for he had killed the wrong man. Not that she cared a lick over Lord Vernon's death, but it put her no closer to rule over the kingdom. She needed her wicked father dead so she could take the throne. She crossed her arms, and waited.

 

[Artemidorus]

As Amora's bravado faded, she chose her next words carefully. "Theres been a misunderstanding. While I appreciate you slaying my would be suitor, the head of the problem was my father. I wished for you to kill the king. Then I may take his crown and be queen."

As his eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared she held up a hand. "I'll double your reward." She stated, plainly.

She watched him continue to gnaw on his meal. "And think of how rich and marbled a fat king is. How delicious that would taste."

"My name is Amora, by the way. I will meet you back here when the deed is done."

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora bit her lip. "My father is evil. The kingdom has flourished under him, but only because he's bribed dignitaries from other kingdoms with... Me. He sold Vernon my chastity, but luckily you took care of him before he got his end of the deal. Others he had me pleasure in ways that didn't disrupt my maidenhood. He found out early that a princess was a tempting pawn he could play."

She couldnt bare to meet his eyes after the confession. "Killing Vernon was just a favor for him. He already had the dukes coin. Now he can sell me again, and I doubt very much it would be to my liking."

Amora met his eyes now, fear cleared out of them. "I'd rather die anyways, than be sold to the highest bidder." She pushed her hands against his grasp. "I cannot pay you now. When I offered you the money to slay the king, that meant that after he was dead, I would be crowned Queen. But since you killed the wrong man, I'm still just an heiress. I have no claim to the gold I promised to pay you with."

 

[Artemidorus]

"You lie, vile creature. My people love me. The king doesnt allow me to visit them, and yet I sneak out. I and my men, and my love, Arrow, have a guild that feeds those left homeless by dragon fire. We take in those whos homes have burnt in the countryside and find them a new life in the middle of town. I know what you speak is not true. While my father has made relations with other kingdoms, the people do not like him. He has done little to help the kingdom."

She squared her shoulders. She wouldn't let him bend the truth. She wouldn't let him get under her skin. "Just because he spends gold to bribe us out of wars does not mean he is a good leader. Without me the people would starve and sleep on the streets. The kingdom struggles, and sits away, fat in the castle. He hasn't been out of his chambers in 6 years. You are wrong. You know nothing."

She glared, but she looked away from him. "I don't think I'm better than my people. I AM my people. Either kill me, or hold your tongue. I'm not here to discuss politics with you. I've asked for your help. I'm sure I can find another dragon who would be more than happy to do the job I have offered."

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora helped as she felt the burning at her back. She had no idea what it was, or what it meant, but she wasn't backing down. He was challenging her. Still, she was wary of his offer. What was worth more than gold to a dragon?

She chewed her lip in thought. Then she nodded. She took his claw in her hands and shook. "It is done. You may have a favor in exchange for the kings death. I want you to make a display of it, so no one will question his death being an accident."

The things he said about her father were no surprise. She knew he was vile and she knew he took credit for her deeds. She had even suspected his tarnishing her name. But all of that would be over come morning.

She locked eyes with the dragon once more, before letting out a long shrill whistle. Her steed came to her, and she mounted, and without another word, headed home to the castle.

That night, Amora tossed and turned. She dreamt fitfully of dragon fire hot on her skin, of fangs piercing and pricking her body, and a long tongue that explored her so. She awoke several times in a needy pant, her back burning over her new mark.

 

[Artemidorus]

As Amora watxhed Mesreth fly away, she felt the oddest sensation, like a caress. She jolted, and her maid caught her. "It's okay princess, we wont let anything hurt you."

But truth was she wasn't upset, she was anxious. Relieved. But not sad.

"Ready the kingdom. I'm giving a speech at dawn." Amora said, steadying herself.

---

Amora was back in the castle, in her bedroom. It was after the ceremony, which had gone better than planned at least. The people weren't pleased that Amora was going to be their new queen, but they didn't boo her, or throw things. Her hand maiden had come to inform her she had a visitor. Intrigued, she allowed it.

It was Arrow. He rushed forward to embrace her, but Amora froze up. The simple motion of a hug felt... Unbelievably wrong. Just days ago she had payed for the murder of her father so she could wed Arrow instead of Vernon, and today she was repulsed at the idea of contact with her. Arrow lowered his head into a kiss, but it was one sided. He pulled away and looked into her eyes. "What's wrong, my love?"

"I'm- just in shock. Everything is happening so fast. I need time to catch my breath." Amora stammered, all excuses.

"But I thought tonight could be the night we could finally be together. With your father gone-"

Amora interupted him. "Am I just some conquest you were waiting to claim?" She asked indignantly.

"No, my love I simply-"

"Begone from my chambers. I do not wish for company tonight, especially not the kind you're interested in." Amora crossed her arms. Bewildered, Arrow saw himself out.

 

[Artemidorus]

"Lord... Franks?" Amora asked, half curious and half exasperated. His name rang a bell, but she couldn't put a face to it. Surely it was another suitor. "The kings been dead not even a day and already so many are pining for his crown."

She opened her mouth to tell him to send the man on his way, that she didn't wish for company tonight, but something stopped her.

Amora brushed passed the guard and peered down the stairs, and saw a man who took her breath away. Green eyes and a waterfall of soft looking auburn locks. She composed herself, but a warm feeling spread from her chest across her body, and she yearned for this man in the way she used to yearn for Arrow.

"Allow him to come in." She said.

The Queen turned and headed to the bed, adjusting her white linen gown so she could sit. Lord Franks entered her door, and against the guards wishes, closed it behind him. "I do not think we have been introduced before." Amora said, sure she had seen him before, but now seeing him was like seeing him for the first time. "What business do you come to my chambers for? My father has just passed and I require ample time alone to grieve. I do hope you understand."

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora's fingers brushed the stone, and she felt a shiver of energy and excitement. "It's... lovely." she said softly. Guilt bubbled beneath the surface, but she knew her father. If he had commissioned this, it was little more than a collar for his favorite pet.

His image flashed in her mind, the king putting her tiara on her before kissing her forehead and ushering her into the chamber of a visiting dignitary saying "Don't worry, little love, a guard will be in with you the whole time to make sure he only uses your mouth."

All the guilt evaporated. She was just a kid, and he used her like a pawn. Like a bargaining chip. A pet.

"I appreciate you beautiful craftsmanship." She said, choking a little bit from the memory. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.

"Would you, uh, put it on me?" she asked, unable to refute the call of the necklace to her.

 

[Artemidorus]

"Luck has limits, lord Franks. And I'm starting to fear I've pushed mine." She said, looking down. Dread edged at her heart, as she feared she was toying with fate, and teetering on the edge of her own demise.

"Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for this amazing work. I'll treasure it always, as a final memento from my father." The last words tasted bitter in her mouth.

Amora turned to bid him one final look before he left, but her eyes lingered on his lips. His hair. How she longed to thread her fingers in it and hold his mouth to her- She shoved the thought out of her mind.

One thing was clear, though. He intrigued her, and she wished to get to know him, and as luck would have it, he was stuck in the castle because of the dragon attacks.

"Good night and may luck smile on you as well." Amora said, gesturing for the guards to follow her out so she could be alone for the night.

After he left, she grabbed a quill and parchment. Amora slipped the note into an envelope and sealed it with wax, summoning her most trusted maid to deliver it.

"Meet me in the library at dusk tomorrow. ~A"

 

[Artemidorus]

As the dragon got further and further from the castle Amora felt her mark ache, and her chest grow empty. Something- no, the dragon called to her. She donned a light blue silk robe that had black embroidery. She opened the secret hatch, and headed out of the castle and down to the stables.

She didn't bother with a saddle, just laid down the blanket for the short ride to the forest.

When she saw him, the pain in her mark eased, and she swung her legs off her horse, walking gentle, barefoot on the soft grass. She knelt before him, something her body told her to do, but also as a sign of gratitude.

"Thank you. I've come to make good on our deal." She looked up, her ice blue eyes meeting his. Green and amber, just like Lord Franks. No wonder she was drawn to him. "If I may ask, what is this mark you gave me? What does it mean?"

 

[Artemidorus]

She stood as told, a bit puzzled by the dragon's calm demeanor. She wondered absently for a second about Arrow, and even Lord Franks. It seemed the dragon had marked her as his- what would that mean when she tried to take a king? She thought of Lord Franks again, in a crown and by her side. Her nipples prickled, a combination of the cold night air hitting them, and the thought of Lord Franks nipping at her skin.

No man had ever awakened any of this desire in her. Not even Arrow, whom she thought she loved. Her father had broken her, assured that sex would never be anything other than submitting and being used. Yet Franks stirred a feeling in her she thought was dead.

She could feel the dragon's hot breath on her, and the shivering faded.

"I'll follow your advice, and begin meeting with other countries tomorrow. I fear, however, that the way the other kings wish to make alliances with me is not the way I wish to align with them." She paused.

"Why do you put so much stock in what I do with my kingdom? Surely human monarchy can't be of that much interest to you." She asked curiously. "And you never told me what your favor is."

She brushed her fingers over the necklace as he mentioned it. "Supposedly its a gift my father had made for me. It's too beautiful not to wear, no matter who its from and no matter the meaning."

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora almost palmed her face from her 'would be suitor's moronic statement. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. She felt a wave of warmth as the dragon moved her closer to his chest, and she could hear the thrum of his giant heart pulsing through her body.

She pushed at his paw, but it didn't budge, so she climbed over, scaling his claws like a ladder. But she didn't get any closer to her former love. She stayed right in front of the dragon.

"Arrow, don't be a fucking idiot. I had you track and tranquilize this dragon. What in all the green earth did you think I wanted it for? A garden party?!" She put her hands up. "Stand down, Arrow. You're going to get yourself killed. I have everything handled."

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora chewed her lip in thought. Killing him was not even an idea in her head, but stopping him certainly was. She had really been set on marrying Arrow. He was kind, and handsome, and not smart enough to interfere with her plans. She knew he wouldn't get power hungry, he just wasn't intellectually capable of it.

"Well, I suppose you could kill him, but despite my actions so far, I'm not a fan of violence. I could rough myself up a bit, take his horse and ride to the castle. Claim he attempted to kidnap me, maybe cry in front of the guards? He's going to sound stark raving mad when he tells them I'm conspiring with dragons." She sat on his hand, smirking a bit.

Amora yawned. "But if would be simpler if you ate him. He's crossed me, and I'm not a big fan of disloyalty. Then I can go to bed and get some rest." She pondered, the words were mostly sarcasm. As much as her idiotic ex-beau had irritated her tonight, she didn't want to see him deeply fried.

"No, I don't want any more blood on my hands. If I leave now, I can beat him back to the castle, and with the secret entrance to my chambers, no one will think I have been out of my room. I'll have him thrown in the dungeon."

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora shook her head and stammered "N-no. I don't want- no!" She protested, but as Mesreth explained, she steeled herself. He had a point. Arrow was a paladin, head of the paladins. He was loved by the city. He kept them safe. Having him by her side would gain favor, and assurance. It was a smart move.

Bur Amora didn't want Arrow. She had wabted him, for a while now, and her mind had been made up. But then she got the mark, and then she met the red haired Lord. She was overwhelmed. All these things had happened faster than she expected.

"Fine." She spit, arms crossed. "If he will be bound to my will, then so be it. We will wed. For the kingdom."

She gestured for Arrow to stand up. She tuened to Mesreth. "Is there anything else you need, or may I be going?"

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora glared at him as she stared at her chest. She fixed her robe, then turned towards her horse. "My father let his friends rape me. Lord Vernon paid to deflower me. Dragon fire was too quick a death for either of them. This was the only way to gain my freedom." She said over her shoulder.

She swung her long legs up onto the horse, giving him a whole show of her hips and ass.

She ignored his looks, and even his attempts at answering her. She rode towards the castle, into the night.

The next day, Amora wore her hair up, and her most profesional gown. It was green silk and hugged her curves. She wore her crown, and her necklace, and she was meeting with dignitaries from other kingdoms. She satvat the head of the table, but Arrow hung back with the guards.

Mostly she sat while they snickered ammoungst their selves. Finally, Amora stood. "I'm here today to rebuild ties my father may have cut. To strengthen ties he made. And to make new ties, ones we didnt have before. My kingdom is going to be the strongest its ever been. It will be one you want on your side."

Yra, king of the neighboring realm of Razyyn stood and sneered. "Why should we take your side when a man won't even take your side to be king?"

"Actually, Arrow- my head paladin- will be taking my side. And the crown." Amora said.

The crowded oohed and aahed. Everyone eyed Arrow and say what Amora once saw. He was young and handsome and steong and strapping. Soon papers passed around, and treaties and trade routes were signed. The damn dragon was right.

But all Amora could think about was dusk, and the library.

She went there straight after the meeting. She was early, but the library was empty. She settle into the plush chair with a book. One on philosophy. And then she waited.

 

[Artemidorus]

Nestled in a nook of the library, out of sight- even though at this time of night, the library was empty, Amora felt most at home. No guards, no Arrow, no pressure from the kingdom. Just a large ottoman, a ton of pillows, and a crackling lamp. As the hour latened, the room grew dim. Peaceful.

"Ah, yes." The reason she had summoned him... well it was purely a social call. She wanted to get to know him more, to learn why she was so drawn to him. But instead of saying that, she stammered for a reason.

"You were an advisor to my father, correct? A strategist? I could use as much help as I can get learning the ins and outs of this continent, and how my kingdom will effect it, and vice versa. I want Avendale to grow, and prosper, and for once I want to share that wealth with the people. I want us to be a fierce ally, and an even fiercer adversary."

She put her book down, and leaned forward to catch a glimpse of his green eyes. She had craved them since last seeing them.

 

[Artemidorus]

The queen nodded. "I need you- I mean, I need your help. Making Allies." She cleared her throat, but Lord Franks wasn't about to let her slip up go. He leaned forward, and asked her about her true intentions. He was so close now, and she could smell his clean masculine scent, and it made her ache. He smelled so good, it was almost over powering. She wanted to bury her face in his hair as he-

Amora attempted to lie, but with his green eyes pouring into hers she found herself answering his question with the truth. "I'm drawn to you. I find myself wanting you like I have wanted no other man."

She blushed, looking away and breaking the spell. "I apologize for being so forward. I cannot stop thinking about you since we met."

 

[Artemidorus]

"My relationship with Arrow is arranged. It is what is best with the kingdom. He is liked. He is trusted. He is... A good man." She said, displeased at how the words tasted in her mouth. She was also displeased with Lord Franks reaction. She had confessed her attraction to him and he practiaclly rebuffed it. Not that she could fully place the blame on him. He knew she was to wed another.

"This is silly. I'm sorry for wasting your time. I hope you will still consider being my advisor." She said plainly, settling back in the chair, and shifting her weight away from him. She felt foolish, like a school girl with a crush on her teacher.

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora narrowed her eyes at his sudden change in demeanor, but did as told. "Boregard, I am fine. I do not need your assitance. I just wish to be alone."

She moved away from the door, stalking back to her corner and her cushions. "You'll address me as queen, or Amora. Not woman." She said, sitting straight, and eyeing him. She crossed her legs, suddenly not fond of how he looked at her. She remembered him putting the necklace on. He looked at her in reverence. This was very different. Animalistic. Hungry.

"What do you want of me?"

 

[Artemidorus]

"I already told you how I feel about you. I will not repeat it." She refused to meet his eyes. Last time she had looked into them she had been unable to refute her feelings, and she spilled the truth like a guilty child.

But the truth was she wanted him. Badly. She tried to fight it, he acted so pompous, so insufferable. But whenever she thought of him her skin grew hot, her mouth wet and her heart needy.

And now she was trapped in here with him.

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora felt flushed, from her cheeks to her toes. She sat for a while, collecting herself. Breathing. He... Felt the same way. Yet he knew about her passed, and didn't think any less of her. Didn't think of her as unclean, defiled, ruined. Not how her father made her feel. Even Arrow looked at her different now that he knew.

Of course he would know. He was an advisor to her father. So why didn't he stop it? Deep red blush found its way to her cheeks again, but she fought it down. What would he have done? Spoke out against the beloved king? No. That would have been foolish.

He had offered to take care of her needs. Be her advisor, and her consort. It was an offer she knew she couldn't refuse, no matter if she wanted to or not. She needed release. She was resdy to finally give herself to someone.

That relization made her heart beat faster. Her father had kept her virginity intact to sell, to use as a wager. A dowry. And now she was going to give it away, of her own free will, because she wanted to. She had never thought it possible, to be with a man of her choosing and not her father's. And she found it exhilarating.

She gathered her book and headed to her chambers for the night, nodding to Boregard and thanking him for his concern.

 

[Artemidorus]

Princess Amora looked at her reflection. All the hand maids gushed about her gown and her hair and how beautiful she looked, but Amora felt empty. Sure, she had Lord Franks to look forward to, and the promise to control her. To want her.

But this decision to marry Arrow wasn't hers. Again she had her choice taken from her. She shook off the thoughts. At least she no longer had her father looming over her. At least she was no longer for sale to the richest ruler. And at least for once in her life she felt something for someone. Even if he was not the one she was wedding today.

With her hair pinned up and her necklace donned, she had a maid bring her crown and gently position it on her head. She looked in the mirror again, hardly recognizing herself. She saw only her mother, sad eyes and white locks, looking so beauriful and so trapped. Like a dove in a cage.

The bells tolled again and her maidens excitedly grabbed her arms, chattering that it was time. Amora nodded, following them from her quarters to the courtyard. It was time.

Arrow waited for her at the alter, looking as dashing as she'd ever seen him. The haindmaidens moaned whispers of "so handsome!" And "what a dream!" Amora agreed. He was pleasing to look at, blue eyes and dark brown hair. Freckles splattered his nose just faintly. And he beamed at her, taking in a sharp inhale of breath. The crowd followed suit as they saw their queen.

Amora smiled at them. Then at Arrow. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad.

She took his hands, and they exchanged words. Amora stepped back, grabbing his crown and placing it on him. Then he leaned in, and his mouth was on hers. Her eyes widened in shock, and she resisted at first, but she knew what the people needed to see. She softened into the kiss, and fluttered her eyes shut.

Arrow was her husband, and her king.

 

[Artemidorus]

Amora smiled and waved and gushed and chatted, but mostly she ground her teeth. She was seething at Arrow, and the first second she got him alone was as the took the dance floor. She smiled and followed his movements, hands in his, and waited till other people joined in and eyes were off her.

"What the FUCK Arrow?! Did you not think to consult me before making such a decision? Lord Franks was a very good advisor to my father, and he will be a good choice for the kingdom. Did you think maybe appointing your father might piss him off? I need him to make our kingdom more powerful, and I need YOU to be forthcoming. I was raised to be royalty. You were not. You were a commonor like all them before today. You will not make any more decisions without me. I have the royal blood. I can find a new king."

She whisked away to dance with another, and another, till she found herself in the arms of Lord Franks.

"Oh." She gasped, "Greetings my Lord."