Magic's Reluctant Bride (closed for maurader13

[marauder13]

The ride back to Noden was painfully quiet for Lentharian. He was battling his emotions at what he saw Jeral doing to Melisandra, while at the same time knowing that she was under the effects of an enchantment of some kind. That inner turmoil stopped him from being able to think about his next steps in sorting out the still complicated mess. He made sure that he checked on Melisandra from time to time to ensure that she was ok. But for the rest of the time, he was in his own world.

When Jeral rode up beside him, Lentharian managed to drag himself back into the real world.

"Whatever he's done to her, we cannot go back to Brask until she is herself. Her father would have my head and quite possibly yours for returning her as such. Should his hold on her ended when you broke the spell upon me? Or even when he was entombed?"

Lentharian sighed. "I agree with you. I fear that there is still an enchantment on her that is affecting her, or the enchantment that had been laid on her may still have some life in it and it will take some time for it to finally pass. When we get back to Noden, I will see if there are any other enchantments still active, and see what can be done to break them."

Once more, Lentharian lapsed into silence as he was drawn back into his inner turmoil again. His attention returned when the City of Noden came into view. Along with Jeral, the men flanked Mel. Lentharian was readying himself to pull the blanket back up in case she decided to show off to the common people of Noden. They were joined shortly after by members of the Royal Guard, and they were escorted to the Palace.

Once they arrived in the Keep's courtyard, Lentharian quickly escorted the two Brask countrymen into the palace proper. His expression told the commoners and courtiers alike that he was not wanting to be disturbed or interrupted. He led the two into a suite of rooms where Melisandra was going to stay while in the Noden Palace. He led the younger woman into the bedroom, and laid her down on the soft bed.

"Jeral, there is a servant's room that you can use as your bedroom. It is easily enough secured. In fact, let me help you set the lock for it." He led the man out to the room. There was a door into the suite, and one into the hallway. "There are enchantments placed on the doors that will allow them to be opened by a voice. I can make sure that these doors will only open for you. Just in case Mel gets any ideas." Lentharian worked the enchantment to ready the door for Jeral's voice, indicating for the man to speak.

"My... name is Jeral. I am captain of the Brask Royal Guards and -"

Lentharian finished the enchantment, feeling it go into effect, allowing only Jeral and Lentharian to open the door. The same was done for the other door to the room that led into the man's room.

"I am going to go and check on Melisandra before I go and break the news to the King."

 

[AngelofDeath]

Jeral gave Lentharian a curt nod. He gave one short glance towards the door of Melissandra's room and shook his head slowly. There was only so much a man could take. Never once had such treason crossed his mind. The princess was indeed lovely and the feel of her body against his. The heat of her body...Jeral gave his head another shake. No he could not think of her like that. Not now and not ever again. "I think I shall take this time to rest and clear my head. While I have no wish to stay away from Brask longer than needed there is no way she can go home as she is. The court would be in a utter uproar." With one more nod to Lentharian, the Captain of the Guard went into his rooms and closed the door behind him with a small sound.

In her own rooms Mel lay on the bed with a slight pout on her face. Her prince was not playing fair with her. First he had stopped her from playing with Jeral, then he had made sure none of the people were able to look upon her body. Now he had left her alone. Sighing she threw off the blanket and sat up. Combing through her hair with her hands, Mel's tongue wet her lips. Once that was done she got to her feet and fixed her dress. For a second she stopped to think.

"Maybe I should just strip down. Len would have to be a fool to turn me away, after seeing me like that."

Deep in the heart of her soul, what little part of Mel that was still truly her and not the...toy Luc had turned her into was struggling to swim free of all that he had done to her, made her do. It was like she was caught in thick and heavy black web. Where was Len? Why hadn't he saved her yet? Set her free?

Mel's hand had still at the small buttons that were holding her dress closed. After several breaths and blinks she continued to undo the buttons until the fabric became loose and then slipped out of the soft fabric and let it fall to the floor. Stepping out of it she stood at the foot of the bed, her feet spread a part just so. One hand stroked up and down the front and left side of her body while the other was braced on the bedpost. Eyes glowing with lust and anticipation she waited for her love to come to her. To loose himself in her arms and body.

///Jeral's Room///

The Guard stood at the window of his room overlooking the land of Noden. He had stripped out of his armor and their was goblet of water in his hand. His eyes saw nothing of the outside world. As hard as he was trying clearing his mind was proving difficult. It had been far too long since Jeral had spent time with a woman, high born or not. That rat bastard Luc had laid his planned well. Jeral could remember everything he had done and said, including challenging Lentharian for the right to Mel's body. Of course he also knew Mel would have gladly taken them both into her body. Let them use her as they wished and how they wished.

He took a long drag of water, emptying the goblet before tossing it onto the bed behind him. Had he been home Jeral would have more than likely tried smashing it into the wall. And if that hadn't worked to clear his head or redirect his lust then his hand. Jeral would have sparred until his bones ached and his muscles cried for mercy. And then dirty and sweaty found the nearest maid who looked his way and taken her wherever he found her. The hall, the stables, the kitchen it didn't matter. Anything would be better than the memories that were currently burned into his brain in clear and vivid color.

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian walked from Jeral's room straight into Melisandra's room. He stopped as he saw her standing naked near the bed, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. He took advantage of the moment to remove his armour. He closed his eyes, softly speaking the words of the invocation that would send the armour back to it's place in the armoury. He stood in the padded cloth that protected his skin from the armour, relaxing that he was freed of the armour's weight. Another few whispered words changed the fabric to ones more fitting in the company of royalty.

"Melisandra, are you well?" His eyes roamed slowly over her body, enjoying looking at her nakedness. When she turned to face him, he looked at her eyes after lingering on other parts of her body. The gaze he saw was different to the ones he shared with her in the camp and the inn room in Kraala. There was a confidence there that didn't exist, but also something else. Something a little predatory.

She walked over to him in a manner that reminded him of the large cats that would come into the Lower Valleys when food was scarce in their home ranges. The soft, slinky movements that both unnerved him and excited him at the same time. Her arms languidly surrounded his neck before her lips claimed his. His momentary shock allowed her tongue to seek out his. Recovering quickly, he responded to her passion with his own, forgetting that the guardsman was next door, and could hear everything that was going on within her chambers.

His arms encircled her waist, drawing her body closer to his, pressing it firmly against him as be continued their passionate kiss. His relief that she was back safe blinded him to the problems he knew existed. He was glad that she was safe at last, and she was wanting to share her love with him.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel stroked her tongue against his as they kissed. Her fingers combing through his dark locks slowly as she began to walk backwards, pulling him with her back towards the bed. When they were close to it however Mel turned them. Drawing her mouth from his the princess gave him a seductive smirk as her hands found his chest and then pushed him back upon the bed. Her nude silken body draped itself over him like a blanket. Wanton lust shown from her eyes, but none of the fire that normally was there as well. Another small reminder that she was herself and yet not at the same time. With a soft purr her warm tongue traced the shell of his ear before even white teeth sunk into the flesh of his lobe. "I have missed your touch, something awful Len. You have no idea of the need for you inside of me." As she said this Mel ground herself against his clothed body.

Before he could respond, her mouth left his ear and she began to slide down. Deft fingers slowly began to reveal his body to her lips as they blazed a path downwards. Hands smoothed down his hips as Mel brushed her cheek and lips over the rise of his cock through his breeches. The tip of her pink tongue traced her lips as she watched his cock, jump in response beneath the fabric. "Do you know how many times I have wondered about how you would taste? How the weight of your cock would fee between my silken lips?" Before there might have been a shy blush upon her face, now there was nothing but the flush of need. Nuzzling his cock again, Mel's fingers began to work open the laces of his pants. Once done, her right hand slid beneath the now loose fabric and freed his cock from its silky prison.

Her body lifted to her elbows, eyes moving from the pulsing flesh within her grasp to his face. Wet and warm lips made their descent, her eyes never leaving his. The look on his face as his cock entered her mouth, rocked her to her already wet and heated core. Letting her eyes fall close, Mel stroked the flat of her tongue over the head of his cock. They both moaned in unison from that. Another swipe of her tongue and Mel began to take more of him between her lips. It soon became obvious , when she took him to the hilt, throat milking the head of him, that Luc had taught her many things. Not just pain. Mel started a slow and steady rhythm of licking and sucking. Her right hand was splayed over his torso, fingertips tracing over his scar. Wet heat straddled his left leg as Mel shifted her body. Thighs framing legs. As her mouth moved so did her hips. Her left hand came up to sweep her hair back as those deep and alluring eyes of her opened and found his once more, making sure he had a clear view of what she was doing.

 

[marauder13]

All higher level thoughts vanished into thin air as Mel kissed him. He couldn't resist her motions towards the bed, as his entire focus was on trying to catch her tongue with his. He fell to the bed, stunned. He was starting to regather his thoughts when she draped herself over him. His need for her enveloped him, trying to push him in several directions at once.

Every touch, every kiss brought a fire to his soul. He was amazed at her boldness. The adrenaline of the fight to save her still flowed in his system. All he could do was try and watch what she was doing. His breathing was laboured as he fought to do something but found he was incapable. Her hand around his shaft was a delight beyond imagining, but when her mouth took him, he was lost to carnal bliss. His head dropped and his eyes rolled back as he was carried to planes of existance he never knew existed. He had know that some people did those things together, but he never thought that Mel would be interested in it. How she had learned it, he didn't care. The warmth surrounding him reminded him of the other part of her she had shared with him, but it was also different.

But he felt the change in his body, one that he had only started to recognize at the approach of his climax. He lifted his head. He looked down at her as she pleased him with her mouth. The enjoyment she was getting from it made his words come out as moans and other inarticulate sounds. His eyes widened as his climax struck. He gaped, slack jawed as he watched himself pump Mel's mouth full of his seed. His only thoughts were how she would react to that. He feared that she would hate him for do such to her. He also feared that she might not ever want to do that again.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Len's moans and inarticulate groans set her body aflame. Not once did she let up in her pleasure of him though. No instead she put all of her skill and soul into driving him towards climax. It didn't take long for his body to show signs of being ready and for his seed to flood her mouth. Rather than pulling away though, the still be-spelled princess drank every last drop of him down as if it was fresh cool water and she thirsty from crossing the desert. There was a slight salty taste to him, but it was otherwise not unpleasant. She did not let him fall from her mouth until his body had given her all that it could at that moment.

Licking her lips, Mel looked up at Len. "My love tastes quite delightful," her tongue catching the small drop of his seed that clung to her full bottom lip. Slowly she slid her body back up his, the heat of her making itself known as one of his thighs slid between hers. "Did you enjoy yourself my lord?" It was almost a question worth laughing at considering his seed now filled her stomach. Her right hand came up to stroke another his still flushed cheek, while the left splayed itself over the pounding pulse of his heart. He was still hard, though not fully against her hip. Mel ached deeply for him. The princess wanted him to touch her in ways that he never had before, to explore and use her body as he saw fit.

Planting kisses along his jaw, Mel began to grind and undulate against Len. "I ache for you love, can you not tell? I've missed the feel of your body within me." Pert nipples dragged against his chest.

 

[marauder13]

Len couldn't believe what he witnessed. It was the most amazing thing he had ever felt, and that Mel not only willingly did it, but she took his seed into her mouth too. His lust hazed mind was trying to scream to him that something was wrong, but the way Mel was acting, it was making it difficult to focus on anything apart from enjoying her company.

"My love tastes quite delightful." He didn't know what she was referring to and he didn't care either. She seemed so happy with herself for what she had done for him. As she slid her hot, luscious body across his, his thoughts remained purely carnal. His body temperature went higher and his heart raced faster. She came to a stop, covering him like a blanket, and keeping him warmer than any he ever had.

Mel started to kiss him in a way that set him on fire. Her slow movements and grinding of her sex against him fanned the flames more. He barely heard her declaration, but he was already acting on it. His hands took her hips, guiding her down as he impaled her on his cock. A loud groan filled the room as he felt her enclose his manhood. He fucked her hard, his lust, love and passion all mixed together and backed by a large dose of fear that he would never see her again. His thrusts took on an almost frantic quality as he worked his shaft in her body as fast as he could. His feeling for her already had him on a high, along with what she had done for him moments before. The fact that he was able to demonstrate his affection for her physically drove him higher quicker than he thought he would go.

His hands released her hips, circling up to her shoulders, dragging her down for a raw kiss as he exploded within her. His cries were muffled by her mouth as he kept himself as deeply within her as he could while he came. He kept kissing her strongly, passionately. He was so caught up with the kiss that everything else fades from his mind.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Next door Jeral had finally given in and simply stretched out on the bed in just his undergarments. The Capt. of the guard was close to simply falling asleep until he heard the first impassioned sounds coming from Len and Mel's room. At first he had simply rolled over and began to work out battle strategies in his head. That worked until he heard Mel's voice as she cried out for more from her lover. His body responded instantly and the still lingering memory of the feel of her body pressed to his, of her welcoming body, flooded his mind's eye.

Despite all that Jeral tried to picture his favorite serving wench at the local tavern, as his hand curled about his turgid shaft. Within a few strokes though, the curvy form of the blonde was replaced by the lithe form of Mel as she rode him. The look on her face, the bounce of her breasts. Harder and faster he stroked, for the moment not caring how treasonous his thoughts were.

His body exploded, seed coating his hand just as Mel's scream of completion seeped through the door.

~o~​

Mel moaned loudly into Len's mouth. Her body trembling hard against his as her cunt continued to milk him of every last drop he had to give at the moment. Both their skin was flush with their activity and light scratches marred his chest from her nails. Rolling her hips Mel let out a soft coo as her lips trailed over his neck and she nuzzled him. Her heart was racing as fast as his was.

Laying atop him, Mel let out a content sigh, happy that she had pleased her lover. Turning her head Mel nipped at his ear with a soft growl, "Whenever you are ready for more, my love, my body is yours to do as you wish."

 

[marauder13]

Len had the feeling that something was not quite right with what was happening. Mel never shied away from them having sex, and he could tell that she enjoyed it. But what they just did was something more. Their sex was much better than before, and his lust befuddled brain put it down to her joy at being free. He hadn't completely forgotten about Luc's spells on Mel, but the voice that was telling him to be concerned was lost in the joys of their recent sex.

The warm, sexy covering that Mel made compounded his mental clarity issues. He knew that there were pressing matters he needed to attend to, all of them concerning Mel. But her warm breath, and offers of more pleasures tempted him greatly. But he remembered his responsibilities to his realm, and to his fiance.

Even then, he found it difficult to extract himself from the lovely living blanket draped over him. Mel didn't resist his efforts, but she didn't help him either. As he slid out of the bed, he heard the low moan of disappointment. Len gathered his clothes, and dressed, looking back at Mel as she lay on the bed. Whether she knew it or not, she took a pose that was very alluring, showing off her luscious curves to best effect. Len's eyes roamed freely and openly, enjoying the display immensely. His resuming getting dressed took longer than planned due to the very attractive display before him. But he quickly rallied and strode purposefully to the Throne Room.

When he entered, the King's voice boomed through the room. "How dare you even think to defy the word of your King!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I am well, thank you for asking. Furthermore, I have found the one that has been responsible for the trouble that has been afflicting Brask and Noden."

There was a cautious silence in the room as both monarchs looked down on their son. Lentharian spoke softly, and a small pin point of green light appeared. The ball of light grew brighter and larger until it illuminated the entire hall in an emerald light. When the light vanished, a large crystal block was visible beside him, encasing Luc Karda within.

The King of Noden stood slowly, his shock evident in how he moved as well as with his facial expression. The monarch slowly walked down the steps until he was level with his son, gazing at the figure within the green crystal. He proceeded to look at Len, the question telegraphed clearly.

"Father, I present to you the Royal Advisor to the King of Brask, Luc Karda. This is the man that prompted the King of Brask to make the offer of marriage between our kingdoms. It was he who called the Demon, as well as others that I shall not name publicly. It was he who bespelled Princess Melisandra.

Lentharian ensured that Luc heard the following.

"Father, before I hand the criminal over to the Court of Brask for them to deal with for his crimes against the Crown Princess, I am going to ensure that his soul is captured and imprisoned upon his inevitable death. It will be a prison where he will sense absolutely nothing for the duration of his stay."

Lentharian steeled himself for the confrontation he was sure to occur.

"Father, once Melisandra is fit enough to travel, I will escort her back to her father, and formally request his permission to pay court to his daughter. The last I spoke to her before she was kidnapped, Princess Melisandra was favourable towards our eventual marriage. We have made it very clear to each other how we feel, and this marriage will occur. Whether it is a wedding between two royals is yet to be seen."

"What if her father refused to grant you your request?"

"Well, at least one father will be upset when his child weds."

Lentharian's father, turned his head slightly, his gaze taking a more distant look. He was certain that his parents were conversing. His father's barely perceptible nod was masked by his return to looking at Len.

"Is this what you really want, my son?" The voice was low, cold and flat.

"Father, after all I have been through, you should know the answer to that question already. I have fought, literally, for her. I will fight for her again, if there is a need. She is my fiance, my love, and my bride to be. Even if it means renouncing my claim to the throne of Noden, I will have her for my wife if she so desires to be my wife."

The silence continued, all three looking like statues waiting for someone to break the silence. Lentharian simply turned and left, heading back to the room where Jeral was quartered. He had more pressing matters to attend to than arguing futile points with his parents.

As he left the room, both of his parents smiled softly, proud of the strength of will their son was showing.

 

[AngelofDeath]

She pouted, she begged, pleaded with and tempted Len to the best of her abilities and yet Len still left her. Mel lay upon the bed for several minutes after he left until she finally sat up. Taken the time to clean up, Mel tousled her hair with her hands before putting her dress back on. Once she was dressed and presentable Mel left the bedroom.

Unsurprisingly the nature her dress and the looks she gave those who did look, drew much attention. As much as she was looking for her prince she was looking for something...no someone else as well. Had she thought to look in the next room, what was to occur might have happened with Jeral involved as well.

It took some time and much wandering but finally Melissandra found what and who she was looking for. Someone to ease the ache that Len had left untended. The hall was empty save for herself and a lone servant carrying linen. Old enough to be to her liking, but also still with a touch babyish good luck about him, Mel stepped into his path and let him bump into her. The linen fell to the floor with a soft thump as the servant stammered out, "Excuse me my lady I did not see you there."

"Its ok, there was no harm done," Mel stepped over the fallen sheets and pressed her body against his. "I'm perfectly fine, see?" Taking a hold of his left hand, Mel stroked it over her body, making him cup her breast.

"Your highness!" he tried to pull his hand back a flush creeping up his neck and over his cheeks.

"Shhh, you wouldn't want anyone to hear us would you?" Mel caught his gaze, the lingering effects of Luc's spell wrapping itself around the young man. "You wouldn't want to hurt my feelings either, now would you?" Her eyes flashed at him as she leaned in to stroke her lips over his. "This can be our little secret," a soft moan escaped her parted lips as his fingers flexed against her breasts. His other hand slid up the slit in her dress, cupping her ass and dragging him against her.

Whatever hesitation was gone, overwhelmed by lust and magic. The pair backing up against the wall. Moans and groans were muffled by their locked lips. They arched and ground together. She let him push the neckline of her dress to the side, baring her breast before he took his nipple between his lips and teeth. Mel rocked her hips against him harder drawing a groan from him. He dragged her leg around him, giving him more access to her body.

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian was furious with his parents, and even more with Luc. Things had been moving in the proper direction before his distant cousin interfered. All he wanted was to mend the relationship with Melisandra, and then settle everything else down enough to allow them to marry.

But his fury blanketed his thoughts about Mel's recent behaviour, and the oddities he observed. It also kept the memories of the visions Luc showed him from getting the attention that they needed and deserved. The guards and servants had the good sense to keep out of his way, as he was not taking much notice of who was in front of him.

That all changed when he walked into the hall where he saw Melisandra pinned to a wall by one of the castle's servants. One leg was wrapped around the young man lewdly while he had a good mouthful of her breast. Both were making sounds of joy. That Melisandra was finding joy in someone else turned his fury into a burning rage.

"Take your hands off my fiance right now!" Long powerful strides carried Len over the intervening distance as the lust laden servant turned his head to see who was approaching. Len grabbed the young man, tearing him away from Mel and throwing him down the hallway. He pounded his way back to where the prone man lay.

"Listen carefully. If you mention this to anyone, I will turn you into a newt and turn you loose in the High Valley river."

The spell's lingering effects wore off, letting the smug look sink until there was one of pure fear.

"I... I will not speak of it ever again. Sire." The young man scrambled backward on his hands and feet, trying to get away from the angry Prince. The Prince, in turn, was keeping with him.

"A very wise choice."

Len went back to where the mostly displayed Mel was standing, looking a little put out that her playmate was rudely taken away form her. She shivered slightly when Len stormed over to her, grabbing her firmly by an arm, and leading her back into her room.

"Melisandra of Brask, what were you doing?"

Mel lowered her head, and batted her lashes. "I was in need of a little entertainment, and you were busy, so I thought I would find some myself."

The full weight of the recent events hit Len. He slouched slightly then walked over to the bed, sitting on the side while he waited for the rush of the emotion to pass.

"Mel. Do you still love me?"

 

[AngelofDeath]

She had, had the start of a pout forming on her lips when Len had snatched the servant away from her. That had wilted under the weight and heat of his anger. Mel didn't fight him as he grabbed her arm and all but dragged her back to their rooms.

"Melisandra of Brask, what were you doing?" It was surprising that he wasn't yelling. Then again that would have been against Len's nature towards her.

Mel lowered her head, and batted her lashes. "I was in need of a little entertainment, and you were busy, so I thought I would find some myself."

Len's reaction was even more surprising. Her words seemed to have hit him fairly hard. He slouched slightly then walked over to the bed, sitting on the side while he waited for the rush of the emotion to pass.

"Mel. Do you still love me?" The question drew her to his side where she knelt down beside him and rested her hands on his leg.

"Of course I do Len. You will always be my love. No man will ever change that." As she spoke was moving between his legs, her hands stroking over his legs and crotch. Mel looked up at him as she licked her lips slowly, "Let me prove it to you, Len." Using her hands on his legs to brace herself Mel arched up and licked at his lips with a soft moan. As she sank back down Mel took his hands and pulled them to her breasts. Mel's eyes met his with an intense look of longing. "Let me show you just how much I love, need and desire you above all others my prince." While Len's magic protected him from the full force of the lingering enchantment it did not protect him completely. Once more he was caught up in the tide of her desire.

Returning to her feet, Mel slipped out of her dress. When she was naked she straddled his lap and pressed her lips to his, kissing him passionately. Mel took her time slowly stripping the clothing and resolve for the moment from Len. She did not stop there, though. As she had the night before Mel worked her hands mouth and body down his. This time however the princess took her time, stoking the fire inside of her lover. It was now that she used everything Luc had taught her to do. Demonstrating the sort of skill someone as new to it all as she was shouldn't have possessed. Pulling her mouth from his pulsing shaft, Mel rode Len through his climax, letting him pump his seed deep into welcoming body.

As she had before though Mel gave him no peace. The spell kept him at the ready as she lifted off his coated cock. Reaching down, Mel took a hold of his shaft and shifted her hips forward. The question on his lips died as hips moved and then she was lowering herself again. "I love you Lentharian, my body is yours for any desire any urge you have." Mel bit down on her lip as she took him to the hilt. And then she began to move. Keeping her pace she leaned over him and nipped at his neck and ear roughly, "Take me Len. Just let go and let all that desire all that darkness out."

 

[marauder13]

Len was pleased to know that Mel still loved him. The tone of her voice told him the truth of her words. He had plenty of practice at listening to untruths being told to be able to detect all but the most skilled of liars without resorting to arcane measures. And for him, her actions spoke even louder than words. She was not only his first, but his only, and it coloured his vision greatly. Her demonstration lulled him into the private world of passion that she easily drew from him. The feel of her body working his shaft still brought him great pleasure as she caressed and kissed him. He couldn't stop his hands caressing her alluring curves and delighting in the way that her body arched, curved and moved as they loved each other.

His body exalted within her once more, rejoicing at the way Melisandra seemed to fill the seeming chasm within him. The gap that he never knew existed prior to her arrival. Without her guidance, his attention would have never turned within to find out more about himself. More than anything else, that was the main reason to love the vibrant woman who lay above him on the bed.

He felt her shift, freeing him from her body, and allowing him the chance to get closer to her and enjoy being with her. He could enjoy her company, while rebuilding his energy. Just lying with Mel was good, even though the sex was even better.

"I love you Lentharian, my body is yours for any desire any urge you have." A slight frown emerged on his face as he felt her hand around his freshly dampened shaft. He felt the tip make contact with another part of her body, his eyes going wide when he realized what she was doing moments before it happened. He felt the tight ring of muscles squeeze his shaft as Mel slid herself down until he was fully encased. The look on her face was one of pleasure mixed with a small touch of pain. But any coherent thought was lost as she started to move. The pressure working his cock was doing wonders for him that he had never experienced so intensely. Mel leaned over him, kissing and biting him.

"Take me Len. Just let go and let all that desire, all that darkness, out."

Pure lust drowned instinct took over, and he fucked Mel in a way he never imagined he would take a woman. The fact that she was enjoying it, and initiated it were the only reasons he was continuing, and slowly starting to find pleasure in it as well. He moved in unison with Mel, as if they were having normal sex together. Soon, their voices were joined in the primal dong of carnal joy that ended in the crescendo of Len's climax within a different part of his love's body.

Unlike previous times, his after glow vanished in an instant. The overwhelmed part of his mind that had been trying to tell him of the inconsistencies of Mel's behaviour finally broke through. Images of what Luc showed him in the gem; the ways Mel seduced him into sex since he saved her; plus her behaviour in general finally hardened his resolve and willpower. He was shocked with her behaviour, and even more with his own.

His hands cupped Mel's face while he removed himself from her body once more. He stared deep into her eyes, holding her gaze locked on his. His focus narrowed to the very window to her mind and soul, ignoring the colour that attracted him so greatly. He felt himself start to sink into the night realm of her mind. For the barest moments he saw her locked within a cage. Mel was crying and screaming for help, calling his name over and over. Len's eyes closed. He felt almost crushed by what he saw. He opened his eyes to a blurred landscape of his love's face. Mel looked back at him, tears rolling down her cheeks, fear showing through her eyes.

"Help," she whispered before taking his lips in a tender kiss that slowly became more passionate and demanding. Len reacted immediately, rolling Mel off him, standing up and stepping back from her. They looked at each other for a few seconds before Lentharian walked out of the room. He paused outside the door, speaking in a long sonorous voice, invoking an enchantment that would ensure that only he would be able to open the door. Without second thought, nor consideration for his nakedness, he walked into the room that Jeral was staying in, and placed the same enchantment on the door that led from his rooms to Mel's.

"Don't ask." Len wasted little time in leaving the Brask guardsman as he went back to his own rooms. On the way, he summoned a rather surprised guard to fetch the king, and bring him to the prince's private quarters. The guardsman was too shocked to think through the nature of the command, and acted on it immediately.

Len only slowed down when he reached his rooms. While standing in the middle of the room, still slick with sweat and other fluids, Len made sure that Luc could hear his voice. "Luc, you have ensured that you will be punished harshly for the crimes you have committed. For centuries to come, men will shudder at what will happen to you. That is a promise."

 

[AngelofDeath]

Both Jeral and Mel sat on their respective beds staring at the doors in shock. Mel because Len had left her when they had been having so much fun and Jeral because of Len's appearance and the fact the Prince expected him to just sit there and wait for answers. He had heard the noises of passion coming from the other room so the guard knew very well what had been going on. That did not however explain why Len had come to his room and enchanted the door.

He sat on the bed silently thinking for a few minutes before he moved into action. Dressing completely the guard left his room and sought out Len. Something was wrong and if it involved Mel, there was no way he would simply wait to be told what the other man felt he needed to know. First and foremost, Jeral's loyalty was to Mel, Brask and the king. It didn't take long for him to find Len, still naked as he had just seen him standing in the middle of his private room. "I want to know what is going on. We may be in your Kingdom, but Mel is not your wife yet and still my responsibility. As Captain of the guard of Brask and her appointed guardian mine will be the blood her father screams for before yours Prince Lentharian."

Jeral's eyes and tone made it clear he would no be swayed in this matter. He also kept those eyes firmly on Len's face, because looking elsewhere would take his mind to places he did not wish to acknowledge.

Back in the other bedroom Mel had slipped from the bed and tried to open the main door. When it didn't open she went to the other door and found that it as well would not open for her. Panic and fear slowly crept into her mind. A mind that was already in turmoil. One part of her knew she needed Len, not for sex or pleasure, but needed him to help her. The other part was fearful that her lover was not pleased with her and was now planning to punish her. He wasn't Luc, but that didn't mean anything to her.

Pounding on the door and screaming had proved futile within a few moments Mel went back and forth from screaming to crying to pacing until her feet hurt. She eventually cleaned herself up in th nearby basin, rubbing her skin raw with the wash cloth. Her face was red and wet with tears and almost as if she had fallen into a fit of paranoia, her green eyes would dart tot he door as if Len would come through it at any second to vent his displeasure.

Eventually the princess curled up on the bed in a ball, her eyes glued to the door. Waiting. Everything was mixed up in her head, Mel didn't know what was going on, what was up what was down. All she knew was that she needed Len and he wasn't there.

 

[marauder13]

Len looked up at the angry Brask guard before standing up and walking to his wardrobe, grabbing a simple robe to don before his father arrived. Len walked over to the man who fought at his side against Luc and the terrors the traitor called forth.

"Jeral, Melisandra's father will most like spill you blood before mine, but his heart will be screaming to spill mine before yours. He wouldn't do it because he isn't foolish enough to start that kind of war with Noden.

"When my father arrives, then you will know what I did and why."

"Then start speaking, my son."

Lentharian and Jeral turned to see the King of Noden closing the door behind him. Unlike before, he was relaxed and looked more like a man than a king.

"Father, Jeral, Melisandra has been bespelled. Luc Karda has used some magics on her mind that has made her a different person. I am not sure exactly how, but she now has a strong desire for personal intimacy and is willing to let anyone fulfill that need if I am not available. Also," Lentharian blushed, "she has demonstrated certain actions that I do not believe are in her personality to do normally."

Jeral looked nervously at Lentharian as he spoke of his concerns. His imagination ran wild, picturing a range of lewd acts that Melisandra was performing with him. He closed his eyes, drawing forth images of the combats he had been in. He drowned the images of Mel's naked body with enemies dying on his blade, or running from his wrath.

Navren Selkor was troubled at the news. Mind magics were easily dispelled by the caster, but if done by another, there were risks of something going wrong and leaving the victim insane. He agreed with the unspoken need and desire to fix what Luc had done, but also feared for the outcome.

"Do you know what spells were used?" Lentharian shook his head. "Then trying any of the standard spell breakers will not be advisable. The only option that I can think of is to go and find her."

"I had thought so too, Father. But, if I do that, there is a risk to myself too. Father, Jeral, I am willing to go, find her and lead her back to where she needs to be. But I will only do so with the permission of both of you. Father, you know the risks better than I do, and I wish your input and blessings before I proceed.

"Jeral, I would ask Mel's father, but we do not have the time. I also do not want to tell him for fear he might refuse to allow her to be healed due to not understanding."

"What makes you think I will answer differently?"

"Because you can separate your feelings for her from your duty to her."

"What is it that you will do?"

"I will enter her mind, and find the place where Luc has imprisoned Mel, and release her. The other 'Mel' will not be able to stand up to the real Mel, and will fade when the prison is opened. But if I am not careful enough, I could make a mistake that could damage her mind, maybe even destroy it. And my own mind will be at risk too."

"There is no other way to do it?"

"No, Jeral, not if we want Melisandra back the way she was." Lentharian looked over at his father, the barely noticeable question lingering on his face.

"If this is what you want, my son, then I will not stop you."

Lentharian turned back to Jeral. The older man stared back at Lentharian, his mind going through his memories of Melisandra, from the child to the woman who raced the Prince and won. He looked on the young woman as the daughter he never had. He loved her as much as her father did, and in the same manner as well. His jaw clenched tightly, he nodded. Lentharian sagged for a moment in relief.

"Thank you. Now, I must go and undo the final piece of work of Luc so we can return Melisandra to her home and father." Len walked out of the room, heading for Melisandra's rooms.

 

[AngelofDeath]

~o~ Melissandra's mind ~o~​

Gods she was losing her mind, between the noise and smells the filled the near complete blackness, Mel had nothing to occupy her time other than screaming and crying for Len. This time it had been different though, this time she could have sworn that she felt Len's presence. The sensation had faded all too quickly though and it sent her into a rage. Mel had beaten on the bars of her "cage" until her hands ached and hurt in a way that caused them to cramp up. Where was Len? Why hadn't he come for her?

Wiping her face with her sleeve Mel tried to block out the noise around her. Other than he own screams and tears, moans, grunts and other noises of pleasure were all she ever heard. Noise could be blocked out, smell on the other hand. First was the scent that wafted up from the pseudo ground beneath the bars. The faint curling mist carried the scent of tears and of sweat. Above that and pretty much encircling the area she was in was the heavier scent of musk and of sex. All of it disturbed her deeply because while she has the scent memory of all of it, Mel had no visual memory to go along with it.

She sighed heavily and let her head fall back against the bars. The last thing she remembered was that...thing carrying her off. The curling black mist has distorted her view but in her heart she knew most if not all of the guards were dead. Fear for Jeral and Len sat like cold iron in the pit of her stomach. They couldn't be dead, she refused to even consider the idea of it without proof of it. What she did know though was that if Len didn't come for her soon she would go mad.

~o~ The Waking World ~o~​

When the door began to open Mel sat up on the bed, quickly wiping at her face clear of the fresh tears that had fallen while she waited. She had no clue the mood Len would be in when he came to her again, but it was best that she look her best, or damn near close to it, if he didn't intend to punish her completely. Fear still gnawed at the princess though and she found herself jumping as Len closed the door behind her. She licked her dry lips as she slipped off the bed and walked over to him.

What had once been the sultry and seductive walk of an enchantress was now an unsure and slightly fearful scamper of a young woman as she dropped to her knees before him. Eyes down cast, her hair spilling over her shoulder Mel rested her head against his legs. "Please my love I didn't mean to displease you. I thought you wanted me to prove that I loved you still." She didn't dare raise her head, her memory clear on the heavy weight of Luc's hand upon her face, the burning of her scalp as he had dragged her up to her feet and everything he had done to her when angry.

 

[marauder13]

Len watched in disbelief. The woman who approached him seemed totally different to the one that he left less than an hour before. This woman scared him more than the lusty woman who showed him things he never knew of. She was low on her knees before him, looking at the floor.

"Please my love I didn't mean to displease you. I thought you wanted me to prove that I loved you still."

"You did, just in a way I hadn't expected, and in a way that I never thought men and women showed their affections. Mel, please stand up." When she failed to move, Len bent down and took a grip of her arm, and guided her to her feet. The hand then moved to her chin, lifting her head until she looked at him. "Melisandra of Brask, you are under a spell. A compulsion placed on you by Luc Karda. I am going to remove it from you, but my love, I need you to trust me."

The slightest of nods, what looked like a mere tremble at first, slowly grew into a near hysterical shaking of agreement. He saw her, the real Mel, staring back at him wide eyed and nearing panic before the seductress returned with a vengeance. She grabbed his head, almost lunging forward into a passionate kiss, with her body pressed firmly against him. He felt the subtle shifts of her body to promote his arousal, but he was ready and he didn't succumb to her efforts.

"Mel," Len said as he pulled Mel's head away from his, "I need you to go and lie down on the bed for me." Her eyes bright with unshed tears, she raced to the bed, removing her clothing in a careless hurry. With almost unladylike enthusiasm, Mel threw herself onto the bed, draping herself seductively across the bed.

Len summoned every scrap of willpower to not take her again. His love for her made the difference. Once she was freed of her bonds, then he would seek to love her again. He peeled off his robe, dropping it to the floor. He walked to the bed, laying himself down beside her, but not touching her. Without saying a word, he invited her into his arms. Mel shuffled over quickly, again pressing herself against him and giving him another fiery kiss. He returned the kiss, remembering everything about it in case of the worst. His attempts the break off the kiss failed, until he took a handful of her hair, and pulled her back.

Lentharian closed his eyes, preparing the spell he would need to enter Mel's mind. He recalled the words he would need to speak, going over the pronunciation time and time again to make sure that he got nothing wrong. Len's eyes snapped open, his eyes pure emerald green as he locked his gaze on Mel. He spoke the soft words that would remind anyone of a child's lullaby. Mel's gaze was trapped by the spell. The eyes were the pathway to the soul, but the traveler had to traverse the mind first. That was where Lentharian found himself going.

He started to feel light headed as all else shrank from view, and only the shifting field of blue and green dominated his view of the world. Even that was challenged by the increasing field of sable that soon overwhelmed everything else. His own heartbeat softened and grew further away from him as he felt himself fall deeper into the soft night like realm that he knew to be Melisandra's mind.

 

[AngelofDeath]

The only thing worse that the constant distractions was the lack of sleep. Not being able to sleep made judging just how long she had been held captive impossible. Mentally she was simply worn down and drained. Mel had closed her eyes and was trying to block it all out when Len's presence came again. At first she ignored it, there was no point on jumping up at what was more than likely a figment of her own overworked mind.

It didn't go away like it had the last time though. If fact it actually seemed to grow stronger, "Len?" Mel slowly got to her feet, it was still there, "LEN!" Gods if he was there Mel silently hoped he could hear and find her. "LEN!" The idea that it might go away was something she refused to acknowledge. Mel knew if Len was alive he would do everything he could to find her, take her from this forsaken place.

The more she screamed the closer he seemed to get, at the same time the background noise that had filled her ears all the time seemed to grow louder as well as if to drown her out. She was determined though and if it meant screaming until her throat was raw and useless, Mel would do just that. Along the ground the mist grew thicker and higher. Not that her view was all that pleasant to begin with. Inky blackness was now growing foggy and thick, like the harbors and ports at dawn after a storm. Through the growing din, she could also hear what sounded like her own voice, coming from another direction, away from her. Len was moving towards it now

"No dammit! LEN! I'm over here!!" Again her hands slapped the bars of her cage, her heart racing frantically. She couldn't loose him again. "LENTHARIAN DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE ME HERE YOU FORSAKEN MAGIC USER!!!"

 

[marauder13]

The darkness started to lift and he found himself walking on grass. It was a lawn from the way the grass was cut in a maintained manner. Soon, the air around him was more twilight than night. With it came a cacophony of scents and fragrances of various flowers. The mix was very pleasing, and he found himself starting to relax. His tense muscles eased up and the pain he felt drifted away. As the sky brightened, the garden itself became more visible. The mix of colours of not just the flowers by some of the plants themselves made for a wondrous sight.

Ahead, he saw the crown of blonde hair ease out from behind a manicured hedge. Len knew it was Melisandra, and his heart eased a little. When she finally saw it was him, she raced over and threw herself into his arms. She was dressed regally, radiant in her overall beauty.

"Len, I thought you would never get here. I missed you so much. Please, my love, take me away from all of this." Her words were slurred by crying and his shoulder grew wet from tears. He held her trembling body close to him. He felt the best he had since saving Mel, knowing he had his beloved once more. All he needed to do was take her back with him, and the other Mel would vanish, never to be seen ever again.

"My love," he whispered into her ear, "that is why I am here. To save Melisandra from what Luc created."

Without warning, he threw Melisandra aside, letting her tumble to the ground. He turned a hard gaze at the creature that wore his love's shape.

"I am not so foolish to think Melisandra would be found so quickly and easily. Melisandra would not have greeted me garbed as such, which marked you as the thing that Luc's magics brought to life. Your time is nigh. Begone now, lest I make thee suffer greater than needs be."

Lentharian bent his will, reshaping the nebulous clothing about him into pure emerald plate mail, along with helmet, visor and shield.

"Decide your fate now, lest I decide it for you."

 

[AngelofDeath]

The double laughed though what came out of her mouth wasn't Mel's voice. It was a man's. Luc's to be exact. Slowly she rose to her feet with sinewy grace, "No cousin I didn't think you that foolish. I dig however expect you to do as you have decided, to arm yourself and stand at the ready rather than simply charging for to save that oh so lovely princess of yours."

Overhead the sky began to grow dark as thick ominous clouds rolled in like a wall of smoke. "You didn't think I would simply leave some mindless double in here to tempt you, did you? No cousin I decided that should anything happen I was going to make sure I took her if not both you down with me. Even if you manage to make it out alive without her, we both know what peace there is will come crumbling down. There is only so much a father can forgive after all."

Luc/Mel laughed again as vapor started to swallow her form, "Far well cousin, see you in the underworld." With those last words what had once been the form of his love started to grow and distort as the monstrous trap Luc had left began to take form and escape its fleshy cage.

~o~​

Mel had screamed until she started to cough, her mouth had run dry and there was no relief insight. She could still feel Len, but they was something else there. Something that made her blood run cold. In front of her some of the mist began to swirl in an oval and glow. Her feet were moving and before she knew it she had run into the other wall of the cage. Puzzled she watched as the center of the oval started to fade and she could see a clearing. That didn't hold her attention though, it was when Len's form appeared; she knew it was him that Mel stepped forward. Of course the view quickly changed to the thing standing before him.

"No, gods no." Mel had seen her love fight, she knew he could handle himself but at the same time worry and fear ate at her. He couldn't die, not when he was this close to freeing her.

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian was not at all surprised to hear Luc's voice uttered from the fake Mel. He smiled as he heard the threats leveled against him. The twisted monstrosity that was breaking free of the body before him caught him off guard slightly, and roused a small spark of fear. Not for himself but for Melisandra. Anything he did there had the risk of hurting her in a way she would not recover from.

But then he remembered where he was. Neither he nor Luc could set the rules. Only Mel could. The fear slipped away from him and he turned his back on the nightmare creation. Len focused on Melisandra, calling forth every memory, feeling and thought he had of her.

"My love, hear my voice. I am coming for you. Let nothing stand in my way. Let nothing harm me. Gather your trust, will and love for me to guide me and protect me. Do this, my love, and I will be able to free you."

The roar of anger and frustration echoed behind him. An enormous shadow loomed, almost making him walk in total darkness. The whistling sound rent the air before he was struck hard on his back. Len was thrown to the ground, the emerald breast plate cracking under the impact. Winded, he started to rise when another ear shattering blow struck, splitting pieces of the armour and again smashing him to the ground.

"Melisandra, please help me my love. Believe that he cannot strike me. That his blows will pass through me."

The monster laughed maniacally as Lentharian was struck yet again, this time puncturing the armour enough to draw blood.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel was trying to focus on what Len had said when the monster sent him flying through the air with a hard blow. Her screamed denial turned into a worried gasp as Len nearly bounced from the force in which he hit the ground. The next blow came before he could regain his footing. The sound of his armor starting to give under the onslaught filled her ears. "Len, not get up." She was not going to watch him die, they had already done this with the eelsnake.

~~"Melisandra, please help me my love. Believe that he cannot strike me. That his blows will pass through me."~~

This time when he was hit blood began to show through the armor. Mel had a death grip on the bars of her cage. Her knuckles were white, and the pain was secondary. Closing her eyes, simply because she couldn't stand to watch another one, Mel did what Len had said. She believed, the crushing sound of a fourth blow and Len's groan nearly ruined her concentration, but Mel strengthened her resolve. "Please be ok Len. Gods I can't live without you. No more, no more hurting, no more pain." Mel chewed her lip hoping he was right, that her thoughts, her will could prevent him from being killed.

There was silence, well the sound of armor being destroyed had stopped but she could still hear Len's pained and heavy breathing. Slowly she opened her eyes to see what had happened. The monster was still there its roars and screams muted as it swung madly at her fallen love. Its blows were ineffective, each one passing harmlessly through him.

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian struggled through the pain to stand up. He had to believe that Melisandra would believe him and aid him. A powerful blow struck him, but instead of more pain and damage, the blow pushed him, knocking him over again. But it worked! Confidence grew in him again. He made it to his hands and knees before the next blow struck. The push was weaker, but the blow delivered no damage.

Lentharian laughed loudly. He slowly stood up and the monster flailed at him impotently. He sheathed his sword and concentrated on Melisandra once more. He could feel her reaching out, changing the laws of the world they existed in. He turned in the direction she was, and he walked towards her. He passed through hedges like they were paper, after a while not bothering to try pushing them aside. Statues, fountains and other elements all faded from his sight as he closed on where Melisandra lay trapped.

It was a literal ear piercing scream that brought Len to a halt. His hands could not stop the agonizing tone of the cry as the creature changed itself. The amorphous mass sped past him heading for Melisandra. He took a gamble, and willed himself to travel the distance to be with his love, rather than just walk it. He felt a slight tug that made him stumble. He tried again only to be pulled off his feet. He started to run across the dark sandy surface. He tried again, feeling himself fly a short distance. He formulated something akin to a flight spell, casting it as he ran. He felt himself catapulted forward. He also felt the effect of Melisandra's alteration getting stronger.

*****​

Melisandra felt herself starting to rejoice that Len was going to save her. But that feeling didn't last long as she felt a dread starting to fill her to almost overflowing. She stepped back from the edge of the cage just as the large, slick, globular mass struck the bars with a loud splat.

"Well done, Princess. But know this," Luc's voice hissed from deep within the black mass, "since I cant touch him, neither can he touch me. But I can still do many horrible things to you before he gets here. And if you allow him to touch me, I will be able to touch him too. Touch him enough to kill him."

A tendril formed, reaching out with a slow, sinuous action like a snake in mid air. The end of the tendril sought out Mel's face covering it whole. The slimy substance forced itself into her nose, and forced her lips apart enough to start filling her mouth.

"But then, if you're dead, you can't help him, can you?"

 

[AngelofDeath]

Len was getting closer, Mel could feel it and knew for sure this hadn't been some hallucination that she had slipped into. The sooner he got to her the better. At the same time she felt something else coming her way. Something that made the princess' skin crawl. Something evil. And sadly for her, she had been right.

The slimy tendril slammed into her face, filling her nose and mouth before she could scream for Len, wherever he was. It had been Luc's voice that had emanated from the blob that was trying to kill her. Her fractured memory was trying to tell her something, but she couldn't think as the ooze continued to choke off her breathing. The slime was acrid and foul tasting.

~LEN! Len where are you?~/I] Her mind screamed as her lungs began to scream for much needed air. Her hands clawed and scraped to the much that covered her face and the either ever bit she seemed to remove more was there to take it's place. Mel dropped to her knees as her vision began to dim. ~I don't want to die, Len.~ Her eyes were uncovered though the slime was still creeping over her face. Dimly she though she saw the mists parting before she collapsed all together.

 

[marauder13]

Len arrived to find the amorphous mass slowly stealing the life from Mel. In a fit of rage he swung his blade at the mass. He was stunned as the blade sailed through without doing anything to it. He tried again a few more times, growing more panicked as each blow was as useless as the last. The blade was thrown to the ground, and he pulled together his arcane reserves and blasted it with fire. The flames passed through it as if it wasn't there.

"No! Mel!"

The black creature laughed hideously. Len felt it turn it's attention to him.

"I'm so sorry, Prince of Noden. Your lovely fiance will not be able to make it to your wedding. Well, what's left of her will be able to make it, but her mind will be completely dead. Pity. But, she will be such a compliant one in the bedroom for you."

Lentharian forced himself to calm down as he watched Mel die. There was an answer to stopping him from killing the woman he loved. He would only be able to do that if he was calm, and thought clearly. He was one of the most powerful men in Noden. He was capable of doing things that other spellcasters thought were myths. This last remnant of a failed magicuser would not kill someone who loved him as much as he loved her.

The answer struck so softly he would have missed it if he was not pursuing it so hard. He stuck his hands into the black blob, pushing his arms up to his elbows.

"There is one thing you overlooked, Luc. That I am willing to do anything for Mel, the woman I love. Why? Because she loves me. And our love for each other will be the end of you."

Lentharian called on every feeling he had for Mel. Every memory of the pleasant times together. How they shared themselves in each other's arms and grew to know each other as well as anyone else knew them. He left all of that flow into his arms, down to his hands where it coalesced into a ball of brilliant light.

"Love? LOVE?!? Love can't -" Luc's voice transformed into a scream as the ball of light buried deep within burned him. Black, oily smoke billowed off the creature that flailed about wildly in an attempt to escape. But the ball had anchored it as it wrought its damage on it. Lentharian held onto the thoughts and feelings, his eyes closed to avoid the acrid sting of the smoke. He was struck at repeatedly, Melisandra forgotten in the agony of its demise.

The final screech of the beast ended with a detonation as the spell's energies were released. Lentharian fell on his back under the force of the blow. He quickly raised himself up onto hie elbows, looking at Melisandra. He was relieved to see her breathing. He clambered to his feet, staggering over to be beside her. He took the gauntlets off, stroking the matted blonde hair away from her face.

"Mel. I'm here, Mel. You're safe now." His eyes filled with tears as he waited for her to awaken. His hands continued to soothe and caress her while he hoped that she had not suffered to greatly.