Timeless Love

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

"I would prefer to stay in and think this over. And you are right. He could do that to me tonight. And as for a replacement.. I dont find that even remotely possible. There isn't many females who could resemble me." She stepped away from him, her mind working in over time.
"Call Sofia for me please? I need a long hot bath, It will help me think..."
Sofia was called and water brought it. The tub behind the changing screen filled full enough for her. She walked behind the low wall and turned as Sofia undressed her. She watched Alcander from behind. "Perhaps I can find someone to pretend to be my intended? But who? Someone I could make up an excuse that he left and will return later to wed... It is a masquerade, the mask would hide his face..." then she eyed Alcander.
"Ooh yes.. perfect! You got to help me Alcander? Please? You could dress up in a costume and play the part. It would be perfect!" She smiled brightly, "I love how your mind works. This will work perfectly. And once this annoucement is made, I can suddenly be 'called' to his side. I just need to think of a family that is known for their royal line, but not known. Know what i mean? One not well known enough they could cry falsehood on my claims to being engaged to this man.." She was stripped finally and she sank behind the screen into the water. Sofia lit a lamp beside the tub and handed her the cloth and soap.
"Thank you Sofia, that will be all. please go get some food from the kitchen, I will dine here tonight before the masquerade."
Sofia left the room and it was silent for a moment.
Alcander must be thinking, or he ran away with her idea.
"Alcander?"

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander had to agree that finding a look alike was not within the realm of possibility but his eyes opened wide as she zoomed in on him as someone pretending to be her intended. He had not meant himself to be that target but was thinking perhaps she knew of someone of royal lineage who would play the part for her. He cleared his throat trying to come up with something to say even as she was chattering away about what a good idea it was.

He could see all the holes in the idea. First, though he would be off duty for the night because only the most chosen of guards would be guarding those at the party he was still taking a large chance if he agreed to the deception. If he got caught he would be thrown into fighting in the arena and the chance of him being caught was greater than his chance of getting away with it.

Still something inside of him could not allow him to desert her even for his own safety. There was something about her, about the way she looked at him and deep inside he felt that somehow he owed this to her. In fact he almost had the feeling that he had somehow failed her before even though he knew they had just met.

When she called out to him it took a minute for him to answer. "Yes, lady," He said after getting his voice back, "I don't know if it would work. I am new to the palace so I wouldn't be easily recognized by the guards but I would have to make an excuse to leave before midnight and the time of the unmasking."

Sitting down on a chair he ran a hand through his hair. He must be crazy and yet he couldn't let her down. "I know of a noble family whose son was very impulsive and, in fact, ran off some years ago and no one has heard of him since. His parents died and the estate has enough money to keep it well run but they are still waiting for him to claim it. The town he lived in is my own home town and quite close to the one you were raised in. You may know his name. It is Damitri. He ran off in search of adventure while still quite young and no one would know exactly what he would look like. It would be plausible that you might have met him on his journeys as he traveled through your town."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She washes behind the screen, listening intently for him to speak up. Finally she heard him, though he sounded withdrawn.
"I can get you a costume, I can get the things you need to wear and join me there tonight. Just pretend to be this man and stick with me the entire night. By dinner I will tell my uncle I have found the one I wish to marry, He'll annouce it, and before dinner and the unmasking you are free to leave. I will tell my Uncle something serious came up..Alright? I amr eally grateful for all your help Alcander, it means alot to me. And I will repay your kindness.." She washed, lifting her arm hig into the air to scrub. She hummed a little tune to herself once Alcander was silent long enough. He didn't say much, but he was very kind.

She rinsed her hair and stepped from the tub, steamy water ran down her skin and pooled on the carpet below her feet. Wrapping her white satin robe around herself, she walked out from behind the divider. She glanced up at Alcander as she walked around. She smiled at him, water running down her cheeks from her soaked hair. She giggled and wiped it off.
"I think you are the first man to see me in such a disarayed mess. And as for Dimitri, No. I heard the story, but I did not know the man. As a small child I remember him, just a little. I used to sit in the grove and watch him ride by with all his carriages and horusemen following behind. Well I wasn't a small child at the time, He is barely 4 years older than I am. But I felt like a child, and my mother would dress me as one. Telling me not to appear to grown up before I should be grown up." She sat onto the near by stool and started to comb through her hair. She secured the robe around her small waist, then used both hands to get through her mess of a head.
"I know I ask alot of you Alcander, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you are never caught. Because for one, I never let a friend down. And for two If you are caught, so am I." She turned to face him, "Come.. Sit down here. I get a stiff neck looking up at you. Come, Alcander." She patted the ottoman beside her vanity table. Hopefully the small carved legs would hold his weight. He was no small man.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander watched her shadow through the screen as she bathed and he felt something that he could not explain. It was as if a sense of protectiveness towards her had settled on him and not from his assignment. Again he felt as if he had once failed her and must not do so again and it was not easy to shake the feeling.

The feeling of protectiveness was replaced by a feeling that a man normally has when faced with a beautiful woman wet from a bath and with only a satin robe that clung to her form and outlined every curve. He swallowed a lump that was rising in his throat and had to listen hard to hear what she was saying. Sitting on the ottoman he heard it creak under his weight and took a good look at her.

Smiling at her he said, "I never had friends in such high places before. But seriously if we do get caught than it will mean our lives though in different ways. I will be consigned to the arena and he will use the knowledge to pressure you into the marriage that he desires. I don't know which would be worse. I messy death or a long one with such as Maximus."

Trying to smile reassuringly at Cara he said, "So we will both have to make sure that neither of us gets caught which means our timing will have to be perfect and we will have to stick together very closely so that any story we give will match. We will also have to play the part of lovers. I hope your acting skills are quite good, my lady and that you do not mind playing the part with a mere guard."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She halted brushing her hair in mid stroke.
"Yes, sounds perfect. We must remain with each other until you leave early. And If possible I should accompany you. Acting skills? I am not sure. I have never tried deceit before. It could prove to be impossible. Should we practice? Get used to each other?" She eyed him, her brush gently set down on the vanity table as she turned fully towards him. Her eyes held his for a moment, waiting for his descision. Could she do it? COuld she act loving with him enough to convince her Uncle? She had to, there was no other way out of this mess.
"I can do it Alcander. Anything required of me to make them believe me. But? How loving should I act? I am not familiar with love, nor the small things that go with it. It is true I could have many lovers, it is allowed... But I haven't done that before. I can be forward, always have been. Just need a little direction?" She stood up and moved the two feet to where he was sitting.
"Stand up Alcander, and show me what or how I should act?"

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander stood and looked down at Cara. Practice being in love? Though he had bedded women in his life he had never been in love before. He had seen the courting rituals of the royalty but they were seldom in love. Reaching up to take off his helmet and armor he placed them on the ottoman before saying, "I am not an expert at things like this myself but we should get used to each other before taking it to the public."

Going to the door he said, "Lets take it from when I enter the room." Walking over to her he put on a cocky smile he had seen many royals wear and took her hand firmly in his. "I will be introduced to you and will begin my pursuit of the young royal at that moment. You must pretend to fall for the dashing young noble as soon as you see me." Bending to kiss her hand gently he said, "Ah, so you are the beautiful niece of our ruler. The stories of your beauty do not do you justice. I do not see how I could possibly tear myself from such radiance. I would love to hear of your life in a town so close to my own. It would be my pleasure to talk further with you, my dear."

Placing an arm around her waist he drew her close pausing a moment at the sudden warmth he experienced at the closeness. "I will then draw you immediately to walk the hall and so keep you to myself for the evening. That will give us time to substantiate that we are indeed in love. We will have to watch your cousin very close and preempt any move he might make. This may make him react quicker than he would otherwise but we will have to take that chance."

Alcander suddenly realized he had been holding Cara close the whole time and let his arm slip from about her. He cleared his throat and said, "Sorry, I got caught up in the practice. Do you think you will have any problems with the pretense? If you have anything you think we need to work on let me know now."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She smiled as he pretended to walk up to her, introducing 'himself' to her and kissing her hand. She felt heat spreading up her arm where his lips grazed her knuckles, Her eyes darkened a little as the warmth spread. She bowed and said "So nice to meet you Dimitri, I have heard many legends and stories of your travels. And thank you for those kind words."
He pulled her close and all her thoughts scattered into the winds. His body was lean and hard everywhere, his size not intimidating, but very nice.
She thought for a moment, "If we are to be convincing enough we should be seen together as often as possible by someone at least. I will have to work on flirting.." her words trailed off, he let her go appologizing for holding her too long.

"No, its alright Alcander. If we are to be convincing we can't really worry about closeness." She stepped up to him again, this time she ran her hand down his chest, her eyes holding his. "This is where I pretend you are saying something fascinating and laugh lightly at your words.." She smiled and stepped closer to him.
"Perhaps a dance? A reason to be against each other?" She stepped up and bowed before him, her eyes sparkling with the merriment of the moment. She held her arms just so and waited for him to join her.

She couldn't tear herself from his eyes, she lost her smile slowly, her eyes searching his face, confusion clearly in her gaze.
"You ever felt as if you have known someone for your entire life, but havent? Why is it when I look at you.. Never mind I am being silly. You do know how to dance do you not?"

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander almost lost his breath at the feel of her hand gliding down his chest. As she got closer he found it almost impossible to speak. What was wrong with him? He was a big tough guard in Ceasar's service and yet this small, though admitidly beautiful, woman was making him tremble at her presence.

Their eyes met and for a very long time the world seemed to stop. Her words struck a cord in him and he reached up to brush the hair from her shoulder in a gentle gesture he did not understand himself. "Don't sell yourself short," He said and could hear a raspiness in his voice that wasn't there a moment ago,"Being a soldier I have found it best to go with your intuition. It can save your life." Smiling down at her he took her hand and said,"Yes, I can dance. It is one of the things my mother insisted I learn."

Bringing Cara in close to him he began to whirl her about the room in a graceful circle. There was no music but somehow he seemed to hear it just the same. The moonlight glinted through the window and bathed them in it's glow as the candles began to burn low. The air about them seemed to take on an almost magical quality as he pulled her ever closer to him during the dance. Finally he stopped and looked down at her upturned face. Not once during the whole thing had they looked away from each other's gaze. Bending his head low he held his breath as their faces came closer to each other and at the last moment he moved his head so that his lips only grazed her cheek before he whispered into her ear,"Thank you for the dance, lady Cara. We seem to have that part down and now I must get ready for the ball if you are to have any chance of outwitting your cousin."

As if on a cue the doors opened and Sofia entered with a costume she had taken the liberty of securing for Alcander. It was wrapped in a cloak and so would not be seen when he carried it down the corridors. Releasing Cara Alcander stepped back and accepted the bundle picking up his armor. "Until tonight, my lady," He said in hushed tones and then strode from the room his thoughts in a jumble as he made his way to a friend's house to change and make his appearance later that night.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

Her gaze never left his as he danced her around the room. Her heart caught in her throat as she stared up at him. There was something in his eyes, something she couldnt place. but felt deep down inside. And when he stopped their movements, his face came down towards hers, her whole body felt as if it was flying through the air. She sucked in a breath, and when his lips touched her cheek, she let it out. So close to kissing her, but he didn't do it. He stepped back and she looked away, her racing heart only adding to her confusion.

"Yes, I will see you tonight. And thank you Alcander." He walked out and Sofie looked at her a moment.
"Do not say it Sofie, This is my life here. And nothing improper is going on.." Sofie held her tongue.

There was a knock at the door, and Sofie ran to answer it. Cara sat down on her vanity chair again, her mind in a whirl. Not of the evening and challenge ahead. But of the thoughts of Alcander and his touch.

"M'lady? Wake up. Your costume has arrived." Sofie gave her a curious glance and started unwrapping her gown. Inside was a pure white Aphrodite costume. Complete with gold rope and a white full face mask. The mask itself was a light mertial of some sort, with golden feathers around the top that would lay back over her hair. She sucked in a breath, The costume would fit too closely to be able to wear anything underneath the costume. Sandals where in there too. A few bracelts for her upper arms, and a fan.

Sofie sat her into the vanity and brushed out her hair. Slowly she twined in silver and gold ribbon and chain as she braided Cara's hair down to her ass. Many braids intertwined into a large one, adding more golden ribbon to her hair. She looked into the mirror as Sofie powdered her face, making it look as white as the gown. Applying a little lip shade and pinching her cheeks, her face was ready.. To be covered up. She stood up and shed her silk robe. Slipping the dress over her feet she pulled it up. She got it over her naked form as sofie came behind her and wrapped the gold rope around her waist, crossing it below her breasts up and over her shoulders and back down to tie in the front of her at the waist once more. Sofie bent down and helped cara slip into the sandals, twining the small strings around her calfs until it tied off behind her knees.

The mask was slipped on carefully over her hair and secured with a tie and pins to her head. She turned and looked into the mirror. Her eyes clearly showing through the mask as did her mouth. She looked sinful. Beautiful, but in a forbidden way.

"Who chose this costume for me Sofie? Do you know?" She turned frmo the mirror, her heart beating in an erotic nature to the sight she seen in the mirror.
"The young heir did m'Lady. he dearly hoped you would approve and like it..?"
She nodded her head, she loved the costume. Though she did not feel anything for Max or his words, she loved how the costume made her appear. It hugged her body, showing off every curve and dip of her body. Her breathing grew a little as she noticed the top tied the material so close to her form her breasts pushed up high and was visable through the material.

"It is time, I wont be back until late Sofie, go to the servants quarters tonight to sleep. And come to me once I summon you tomorrow. It will be a long night, and no doubt I will be sleeping later than normal."

She bowed her head to Cara and left the room. Cara, followed a few seconds later. She walked out her doors and turned to looked around. The mask made it hard to see, but she could manage. Another guard was there to escort her to the right location in the Palace. But from all the music and laughter, Cara knew where to go.

She grew nervous as she walked to the ball room. Her mind in turmoil, hoping she could pull this off. It wouldn't be too hard to act the part, she had proven that. But hopefully they could escape before the unmasking.

She was shown to the door way, the room filled with people everywhere. mostly who she could not make out, but tried to anyways. Ceasar and Max were seated in their proper chairs, and one was left open for her. She walked down the stairs and through the crowd, all bowing to her as she moved. How did they know it was her? She did not know, but everyone knew who she was.

She stopped before her Uncle and Max. Bowing gracefully she was told to sit and greet before the dancing began. She took the seat and watched as people lined up to meet her.

Her uncle was dressed as a Lion, and Max as another greek god. Perhaps that is why she was Aphrodite? She turned to her Uncle, a smile lighting her lips, although a false one.

"I hope tonight to find the one Uncle." He smiled and squeezed her hand. "As you wish my dear. But have fun tonight, enjoy the party in your honor. do not worry your pretty head so about the nonsense of earlier." She smiled a real smile then and turned back to the line.

One by one Royal's came up and introduced themselves. Some with wives and most without. It was a parade of flesh before her, she knew that. Man after man came up to her, took her hand, placed a kiss apon it. Gave her their titled name and where they lived and asked for a dance later. She smiled and always answered perhaps.

The music was striking up, and only a few remained in the line for an introduction. Soon the dancing would begin, and she hoped Alcander showed himself soon. She was getting more nervous by the minute.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander rode through the night hoping the cool night air would clear his head. This was ridiculous. He was a guard. She was royalty. And these thoughts he was having of her would have to stop. He would help her out of this situation and then that would be it. He would go back to his own life as a guard and she would find her true love and live happily after ever.

He pulled at his costume and adjusted his mask suddenly irritated by the costume that had been chosen for him. It was a costume of Adonis the white tunic crossing over his shoulder and then across his chest while not covering it and then fastened at the waist. His sandals laced up his ankles and then his broad legs. His mask fit his face well and his hair was slicked back and out of the way of the eye holes in it.

He gave the horse it's head for a moment and arrived at the doors to the palace. Throwing the reins to the page boy there he dismounted and entered the guards stopping him for a moment to make sure he had been invited. Handing them the invitation he had found amid his costume he was admitted after only a brief moment when he thought they would question it and his real identity discovered.

Walking through the familiar halls of the palace he allowed himself to be lead by another boy because he knew that to act too familiar with his surrounds would look suspicious. As he approached the doors to the hall he could hear voices coming to him and the doors were opened the guards bowing to him. He smiled and wondered how mad his fellow guards would be if they knew they were bowing to a soldier of lesser rank.

Entering the hall he looked about his eyes falling on Cara where she sat with Ceasar and his son. His breath was taken away when he saw her and how beautiful she looked and for a moment he could not move. It was only when he heard the guard standing beside him clear his throat that he was able to break what seemed like a spell over himself and approached the throne area. Cara was almost done with greeting the eligible bachelors that had been presented to her and by the time he arrived he was next to be greeted.

Alcander could feel Maximus' eyes on him as he moved to kneel before Cara. "Your name and the place where you reside?" Maximus' voice came to him and he thought there was an edge of annoyance in it. Maximus would have been sure that he had not invited so dashing a stranger to woe his cousin and from the sound of it he was not happy with the change of his plans.

Ignoring Max, something he was sure would make the young heir furious but which he found he enjoyed doing, he approached Cara and took her hand in his own bringing it to his lips. "The name is Damitri," Alcander said to Cara speaking to her as if she was the only one in the world and no one else existed. "I live in the village just a few miles from your own I believe. I have heard of your mother and father and it is a pleasure to see that their daughter is even more beautiful a lady than rumors in those cities would have us believe."

He slowly drew her to her feet and said,"It seems I am the last of your admirers this evening. Would you honor me with the first dance this evening." He could sense Maximus rising in protest. More than likely he had planned to monopolize her time this evening insuring his plan. Sweeping her out onto the dance floor before she could answer he pulled her to him and began to move over the floor to the music. "Forgive the rudeness," He said in a low voice,"But I was afraid your cousin was about to lay claim to the most beautiful woman here this evening."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She seen the tall distinguished man walk her way, and her heart skipped a beat. Who was he? She did not know, but her eyes followed him to her. She smiled as he came up, taking her hand in his. He bowed to her, then his eyes met hers. She felt a tingling deep down inside, and her smile broadened.

Then he gave his name, and she realized.. This was Alcander before her. She felt her face heat up, blushing for her mistake. But was thankful the mask hid her features.

"A pleasure Demitri. I am Lady Cara." She spoke up as he whisked her to the dance floor. Her eyes held his as they danced. From couple to couple until they met again in the middle. Dipping and turning, she kept her eyes on him. This was Alcander? She was amazed at the dashing site he displayed. He was made perfectly, his costume hiding none of his Physic. She caught sight of Max once, saw his fuming gaze settled on Alcander. She would have to get Alcander alone before Max could corner him once again.

"I do believe my dear cousin is upset at something. Did you notice all the men he presented me tonight were old enough to be my father?" She laughed, a light lifting melody.

The dance ended and she fanned herself with her hand held fan.
"Shall we walk a bit Demitri? I would like to get to know you better. Tell me of home?" She said it loud enough for it to reach her Uncle and Cousin. Her uncle gave her an encouraging smile while Max fumed.

She held out her hand waiting for him to give her his arm, escort her to a visable corner, where they could talk and be overheard. She laughed again, letting everyone know she found her company to her liking.

They made it to a corner where there were two chairs, He seated her and then joined her. She turned towards him, letting body language speak for itself. She was very convincing. More so than she thought she would be. But she couldnt take her eyes off of his lips. His smile was like opium, and she couldn't draw away.

"It is going well, dont you think?" She asked softly.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander moved along the dance floor trading partners until he again reached Cara. His arms went around her and he pulled her close knowing that Maximus would be past the point of irrate.

"I noticed the age of the men here," He said to her smiling at her light hearted tone just as the dance ended. "It seems that he is determined to keep you available until he wishes otherwise."

Wrapping one arm around her waist before taking her arm in his hand he looked back to the vision of a fuming Maximus and winked at Cara through the mask. A bold move but she let everyone know that she did not mind at all and Alcander liked the looks of envy he was getting from the other males almost as much as he was enjoying the feel of his arm around her.

Seating her in one of the chairs overlooking the garden and then sat down beside her. Taking her hand in his he smiled at her as he answered, "Yes, it is going well but we must be careful. One slip up and your cousin will have all of the nobles on his side for they will feel that we have made a fool of them. They will applaud his marrying you as a generous act for such a poor deluded woman and it will give validity to anything he does after that." And draw suspicion away from him if Ceasar dies Alcander said to himself but not wanting to voice that to her.

He squeezed her hand and was about to say something else when a shadow fell over them. Looking up Alcander saw Maximus standing over them. Rising to his feet but not letting go of her hand. "Ah yes, the young heir Maximus," He said in an aloof voice his irritation at the man's treatment of Cara lending him strength in his voice.

"I see you have taken favor to my cousin," He said the anger lying like an open wound between them,"And she to you it seems."

"Yes, it seems that we have much in common including the proximity of our birth places." Alcander said his voice hard and weary.

"But I do not remember inviting you to the party," Max gritted out coming to the point,"And I made sure to only invite those that I felt were worthy of her hand. There was to be no one except..."

"Except by invitation," Alcander said to him drawing Cara to her feet and placing an arm around her. "I have my invitation. Do you really think your guards would let me in if I did not? And your cousin seems to think me worthy enough to woe her and so I see no more problems. Now, if you will excuse me we were just about to take a walk in the garden and continue our discussion...alone."

Drawing Cara down the path towards the garden Alcander bent low and whispered in her ear,"I wonder how long it will take before young Maximus burns up from the inside out." He chuckled low and brushed her ear with his lips lingering for a moment enjoying the smell of her hair before straightening up and moving toward the hedge maze.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

"He may wish me to be unavailable until he desires it, but I have other ideas in my mind as to stop him in his tracks.." She smiled at him. Her eyes glanced up and spotted Max, her heart hammered hard in her breast, she almost jerked in reaction to him being so close to her. She felt her skin crawl, and gripped Alcander's hands tighter. Unaware she had a death grip on him until he rubbed her knuckles.

He stood and exchanged words with Max, then pulled her up with him. She watched with a weary set of eyes until they were outside the palace. The maze looming ahead, she eagerly picked up her pace to get away from Max.

"Thank you Alcander.. For everything." He whispered in her ear, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke. She felt heated instantly, from her head to her toes. Within seconds they were encased inside the maze, but she did not pull away from him. Allowing him to lead her through the twisting path ways. Somewhere this maze came out by her rooms, but she wasn't sure which dirrection that was.

"It is peaceful out here. Serene." They walked til they found the center of the maze. Seating herself down on the swing, she looked up at the night sky.
"I think all is going well, and possibly I might be able to convince my Uncle I have found the one I wish to marry, and put off Max." She turned to look at him, her mask covering her face still, and his.. But she could see his eyes. She smiled at him, waiting for him to say something.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

He nodded at her thanks and lead her through the maze. He knew it well as he had patrolled it many times before. She was right it was calm and peaceful and it almost seemed as if they were the only two people on earth. Alcander grimaced and pushed that thought away. Foolishness he thought to himself going behind her and beginning to push her on the swing.

"I am sure your uncle will not question you have found the man of your dreams," He said his voice tinged with irony and a twist in his stomach as he said those words,"But we are going to have to have Damitri disappear before midnight and then you will have to make up something about his absences until you can really find a man to wed. I am sure no one will question it if you break it off later. Damitri is not known for his stability."

His mouth twisted in a wry grin as he spoke and said,"Do I get to hear what your grand plans for your cousin are? Or are they to be a secret from even me?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She smiled at his words as he pushed her on the swing.
"Sure I will share them with you. It is simple really. One way to stop him from succeeding. Engage myself to Demitri, and become pregnant. Then the wedding will have to happen.. I will just pay someone to play my intended and escape back to the country." She sighed, it was a perfect plan. Well it had flaws, but it was an idea.
"All I need to do is find someone to get me pregnant, and find someone to play Demitri. Simple, but complicated. Max won't have me with another's child growing inside me. I know Max well enough to know he would not like to wed someone who had been with another. He is and always has been selfish and stingy.." She did not know yet what Max's reaction would be to the news, but she was certain it would save her from marriage to him. She was royalty, they would not harm her. Maybe banish her to the country. But as a 'married' woman, she would be free. And she did not want to remain in the palace anyways. She wanted far away from her cousins evil mind and sceams.
"Shortly I will make my way to the ballroom, excusing myself for the night to my uncle. And tell him I found my intended, and can not live without him. The hopelessly in love thing should work nicely. Then I will go back to my room. You can exit this hedge somewhere and get back into my room and change back into your guard uniform. It should work. What do you think of my plan Alcander?" She turned her head to look at him, cursing the mask in her view. Stopping the swing, she stood up and walked around to face him. He stood silent for a moment, just looking at her.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

As her plan unfolded he stood there stunned. Was she this desperate to get away from her cousin that she would make herself an outcast? He did not know what was worse to have a life without love or one as an outcast.

Alcander let her finish her speech and stood there as she came up to him. Looking down on her for a long time he finally reached up and removed his mask letting the cool air caress his face. Dropping it to the ground he lifted her's gently from her own and dropped it on the ground next to his. Sweeping her up in his arms he covered her lips with his kissing her with all the passion he had held back feeling her own lips open to accept the kiss. It was a very long time before he lifted his head and looked down at her in his arms.

"I think that I would break the neck of any man who would agree to take money in order to implant his child within you," Alcander said a bit of passion as well as anger as he cupped her chin in his hand and turned her to look at him his feelings for her no longer hidden. "And I would die a thousand deaths before I let you leave with a child you do not really want from a man you barely know and in shame and exile."

He drew the ribbons from her hair and let it fall about her shoulders. "I wish I could think of another plan but I know that Maximus will hunt down Damitri a soon as this night is over. Once he has made it known that Damitri is nowhere to be found he will make his move. And it would be some time before the mid wives would be able to tell you were with child."

Alcander let his fingers trail along her cheek as he searched how to say what he had to say. "Do you trust me, Cara? More importantly do you trust me enough to be the man that you take to your bed? Without money. I don't want to hear of payment. I do it for my own reasons."

His hand drifted down to her neck where he traced the soft skin there. "If you were to have me to your bed tonight and proclaimed in front of the whole court that you were no longer a virgin, had betrayed your bloodline by your actions, that the man had seduced you and now you felt you must be placed away in case you were with child than Maximus could do nothing but agree. I am sure that Ceasar would see the logic in stopping a scandal before it started. He would set you up somewhere outside the city and I could come for you. Take you away and they would not chase you for they would be happy to get rid of a potential embarassement."

Alcander knew his plan had flaws also but if they waited for her pregnancy to show Maximus could have her wed and claim the child as his own before it could be established otherwise. He also knew he was being impulsive but he could not let her do this alone. In the short time he had known her she had come to mean too much to him.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She looked up at him in amazement as he shed his mask and hers. Then without any words scooped her up and kissed her deeply. Her body melted instantly into his, heat radiated from every pore of her skin. Her naked body was barely covered by the costume, and his the same. His body heat seeped into her smaller frame and her mind whirled. She didn't know how long he held her and kissed her thusly, but it didnt feel long enough to appease her desire.

He set her down on her feet, but his arms stayed wrapped around her. His words shocking her as he spoke up, giving his opinion of the whole thing. He cupped her face, raising her eyes to meet his. He wouldn't let her leave with shame? She was stunned, the look in his eyes had to match her own. For she seen in their deep pools the same desire she felt inside. Her heart skipped a beat and thumped hard the next second. She grew heated just looking up at him..

Could she? Did she dare take him to her bed? Who cared about the consequences! She wanted him, no other would do.

"Do you trust me, Cara? More importantly do you trust me enough to be the man that you take to your bed? Without money. I don't want to hear of payment. I do it for my own reasons."

"Reasons?" She could not think clearly with him gazing upon her so. What reasons would he have? She didn't really need to ask, it was written on his face. But did she dare? She was going to anyways, this would be with someone who actually cared for her, and she for him. She felt weak a second, the thoughts making her shiver of his body pressing against her.. Imagine with nothing between them? She drew in a shakey breath, her eyes locking with his once more.

"I trust you." She meant it, and did feel it. But why? She did not know him more than this day. It did not make sense. Did the god's enjoy toying with her? She felt as if this man was part of her, and did not know why.

She let out a deep breath of air, her skin tingling into awareness with the desire to know him, and only him in this sense. His plan could work, work perfectly. If she declared it publicly, they would have no choice but to send her on her way.

"Yes Alcander. I...I desire you also.." She felt nervous, but wouldn't let it stop her. She wanted to feel him against her just this once.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

"Yes Alcander. I...I desire you also.." He heard her say and he pulled her to him for another passionate kiss this one longer than the last. He was breathing hard when he finally released her to sit in the swing once again. Bending down he picked up their masks and handed her hers.

"Go and make your excuses to your uncle and cousin," He said his voice raspy with his emotions,"I will not take you here but in your room where we can draw the curtains from prying eyes and lock the doors from intruders."

Kneeling before her he ran a thumb over her trembling lips as he said,"You are a lady and will be treated as one through this whole thing. I plan on spending this night teaching you about love as gentle and sweet as yourself." His lips brushed hers again before he drew her to her feet. "It is time for Damitri to disappear. He has been called away but not before he declared his love for you and you for him. Tell them that you have chosen your future husband and you are now fatigued and wish to retire. I will wait for you within your chambers. I am not expected to be back on duty until daylight so I will not get in trouble for your lost virginity." He smiled at the irony of that. "But we must hurry before Maximus find some way of preventing this."

Drawing her close he gave her a soft kiss and then steered her toward the exit of the maze. Once they were in the garden again he left after giving her hand a quick squeeze for courage and diappeared into the pathways surrounding the palace.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She tremored as he set her down, giving her hand a quick sqeeze then leaving. She put her mask on and walked slowly and lady like into the ballroom. She found her uncle, an instant smile alighting her face.
"Oh uncle! I met the one.. demitri.. He has asked for my hand, and I have accepted!"
He hugged her, "That is wonderful my dear! Great news!" She pulled back.
"He was unexpectedly called away, but promises to return within a month's time for me. And to speak with you.."
"Good, all settled then. It is almost dinner time Cara, we should proceed."
"I am sorry Uncle, I am so worn out, from the trip here. I feel not so well this eve.. I hate to leave a ball in my honor, but I need to rest. Wedding plans to make and such.."
"Yes.. yes true. You have been going everywhere since you got here. I understand. Sweet dreams Niece."
He kissed her cheeks and then patted her hand, "I can not wait to meet your intended. I will inform Max. He will be delighted also. You did it my girl, I am proud of you." He bid her goodnight and she bowed gracefully to her Uncle. Quickly making her exit.
Her heart hammered loudly in her ears as she made her way down the corridoors of the Palace.
It seemed to take forever to reach her rooms, but she made it. Inside Alcander would be waiting for her. She sucked in a breath and felt her insides melt with desire.
Suddenly her arm was in a vise grip and she was swung around to meet Max's eyes.
"Hello cousin."
She tensed, "Hello Max?"
"A word of caution, before accepting a proposal it must be approved my dear."
She jerked her arm out of his hand, glaring up at him, "I have it. From Ceasar."
"The Ceasar of the moment. In a month's time I take the throne. If your Fiance doesn't have an unfortunate accident between now and then. Good night Cousin."
He walked off, she shivered slightly. She had to get out of here and soon. But how?
Her only hope was Alcander's idea. She sucked in a breath to calm her nerves and to forget Max. She closed her eyes a moment, his face appearing before her. She smiled to herself, Yes that would do nicely.
She entered her rooms, but did not see Alcander within? Where was he? She moved inside and bolted her door shut. Walking inside she seen candles lit everywhere in the room. The scent of lavender wafting in the air. She felt a familiar rush come over her, as if she had done this before?
But she hadn't, never had any thing in the like. She walked further in, her skin tingling with anticipation. She stopped when she felt hands come up behind her, untying her golden rope. She closed her eyes as the hands undid it and released her body from its tight hold. Her mask was removed next and her hair undone.
She trembled a little as his hands moved to unhook the shoulder straps of her costume. Once those were released she would be bare from head to toe. Except for the sandals. But she did not care to remember them right this minute.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander had made his way into Cara's room and spoken to Sofia who was not happy about the idea but loyal to her mistress. Eliciting a promise from Alcander that he would be gentle and would not desert her mistress once this night was over she set about making the room presentable and Alcander as well. Insisting that he bath and make himself ready for the night he did so quickly emerging in a robe Sofia had brought in to look in awe at the way the woman had readied the room before she left. There was a feeling of being here before but he couldn't put his finger on why.

Hearing the door open he pressed himself back into the shadows by the door not wanting to be found in this state in Cara's room if it was anyone else besides her. He smiled as he saw it was her and paused only to lock the door before coming up behind her his hands undoing the golden rope that held her costume and letting it fall to the ground. Gently he took the mask from her and then undid her hair still not speaking just lost in the feeling that this was supposed to happen as if something that had been started long ago was finally coming to a head. He could feel his own anticipation stirring in his groin and he groaned softly fighting the urge to rush this and satisfy his own needs.

He reached for her straps but instead of releasing them he pushed them from her shoulders and began to kiss them in soft caresses. Working his way up to her neck he licked and sucked on the creamy skin there sending as many pleasurable sensations through her as he could. His hands moved around to cup her breasts holding them and squeezing gently as his thumbs ran across the nipples circling them as they hardened under his hands.

Pulling her close to him he let her feel the reaction his own body was having at her closeness as he kissed up to her ear nipping the lobe lightly before whispering to her,"My beautiful Aphrodite I promise this will be a night to remember."

His hands left her breasts and moved to undo the straps behind her and let the costume fall to the floor baring her to his eyes as well as his touch.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She felt a little nervous as he touched her, she hadn't done this before, and the sensations rippling down her petite frame was mind boggling. But it felt heavenly, and she did not want to stop. She felt the cooler air brush over her body as he slid the straps down, her arms staright at her sides the gown fell soundlessly to the floor. She stood there bare except for her sandals. His body pressing behind her, keeping her warm, made her tingle even more. She closed her eyes, her lips parting as she slowly released her held breath. Her head rested against his shoulder as his hands roamed the contours of her body.
She lifted her head up and looked down at his large hands encasing her smaller breasts. Her breath stilled once more in her chest. She let it out loudly with a moan of desire. She turned to face him, her eyes slowly moving up his robe covered form to meet his eyes. She reached out slowly, her hands moving to the tie of his robe. Did she dare? Would it be too forward? She did not know for sure, but she wanted to. She longed to see him as he could see her. Her hands shook a little, she bit on her bottom lip partially. She gently untied his robe, her eyes moving down to where her hand rested against his exsposed chest. The tie gave way and her other hand came up to join its mate.
She parted the robe, watching her hands slide outwards across her wide chest. She finally pushed it off of him, but did not look lower than the bare skin before her face. She gulped down a nervous lump. The desire coursing through her now like a flooding river, she looked back up into his face. She stepped closer to him, letting her eyes caress his features as she moved. She stopped once she felt the contact of her nipples on his bare skin. The heat was electrifying, she sucked in a deeper gasp of air.
She moaned softly, her eyes darkening as she gazed up at him,
"Now Alcander?" She wasn't sure what to do any longer, she just wanted to act apon the feelings she was experiencing inside. She stood up on tip toe and kissed him, closed mouth, but still a move towards what she wanted.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander looked down at this small woman as she turned in his arms. So trusting with something that was so precious. He would make it worthwhile to her. He heard her moans of desire and echoed it with one of her own. He closed his eyes as the robe parted and he felt her small hands on his chest intensifying the desire he was feeling. The robe fluttered to the ground and he looked at her amused and yet touched by the fact that even though she initiated this she was too shy to veiw his manhood as it stood out a symbol of his desire for her.

She came closer and he could feel her nipples against his own skin. He could also feel them tighten and harden as their bodies touched. "Now Alcander?" she said before kissing him shyly. Grasping her head between his hands he deepened the kiss running his tongue along her lips until they parted and submitted to his probing. He ran his hands from her face down her shoulders to caress her breasts for a short time before moving over her flat belly and sides. The thought that this woman may soon be carrying his child excited him all the more and his hands lingered warmly on her abdomen before moving around and grasping her firm buttocks and pulling her close to him.

Breaking off the kiss at last he said in a husky voice,"Now, my love." And picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed and laid her down. Stepping back his eyes roamed over every inch of her creamy flesh and he groaned as the desire for her ran deep. Streatching out beside her he took her into his arms and began to kiss along her neck and chest enjoying the taste of her. He snaked out his tongue and traced a circle around her hard nipples before taking them into his mouth and sucking on them greedily. His hand moved down her stomach to rest on her soft mound his fingers running up and down her untouched lips encouraging her to open her legs to him on her own.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She gasped out as his heated mouth came into contact for the first time on her skin. She never knew a mouth could feel so erotic on the skin. Moving a little closer, she instinctively put her hands on his shoulder. His tongue did wicked things to her body, which she never wanted to stop. Sensation after sensation rippled over her. Sighing with delight, she arched up against his mouth.
His hand slid down her body, lightly touching here and there. Her eyes fell closed as she stretched out. The heated touch centered where his fingertips were was driving her crazy. Slowly she let her legs part as his hand move down. She felt timid and a little tense, but she wasn't sure if that was normal.
She moaned out his name, urging him on. Whatever music he was strumming on her body was working. She started to ache everywhere at once.
"Oooh, dont stop." She parted her legs further lifting her hips up as his hand slid over her mound.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander raised his head and said,"Don't worry, my love, I won't stop. Not until your night has been filled with the ecstacy you so deserve." Nudging between her lips he searched for and found her pleasure center. Circling it with his finger, teasing it out of it's little hood he stroked it gently making it swell even as her body bucked under his hands.

He smiled down at her and covered her face in kisses as his finger continued their relentless onslaught of her clit. "Relax, love," He whispered into her ear,"Relax and enjoy. What you are feeling is natural. Let your body take over. Don't fight it."

He chuckled a moment for he was not heeding his own advice. His need was plain to see and every time she brushed against his stiffness he felt it would drive him mad if he did not enter her. Still he would not take her until he knew she had gained pleasure from this, especially not being so inexperienced. She needed to be coaxed into responding so that she could enjoy even the small pain she would experience upon his entry to her virgin territory.

Brushing her hard nipples with his mouth he went back to nuzzling the flesh there sprinkling kisses all along her soft mounds even as he stroked her clit. He could feel the wetness building and slid two fingers inside and began to move them in and out of her in short, shallow strokes. "Thats it," He wispered to her as her body began to respond even more,"Let it take you away, my love." He could see her back arch as his fingers did their work and he marveled at the way her body looked in the candlelight glistening from a light sheen of persperation. He thought she had never looked so lovely before. He felt her shudder and knew that she was getting ready to climax. His fingers were wet with her sweet liquids and he knew that now was the time.

Moving on top of her he kissed her deeply guiding the head of his member to her swollen lips. Using the two fingers he had been stimulating her with he opened her lips and pushed in until he could not do so easily. "Cara, my love," He said to her as he continued to kiss her between words,"Now is the time. Remember, relax and let your body go."

Continuing to stroke her clit he moved his hips in slow strokes gaining more and more ground on each thrust of his hips. The whole time he mumured words of love and comfort to her, kissing her and stroking her body in order to keep the pleasant sensations going. He groaned as her soft passage began to allow him to enter. She was so very tight and warm it was hard not to take her then and there in a heated passion. Gritting his teeth he let the moment pass and then began his rythm again. In and out slowly in ever lengthening strokes until he could feel her orgasm peaking. Looking down at her he whispered,"I love you." And then took her lips in a possessive kiss just before he thrust forward hard ripping her maidenhood from her and burying himself deep at the same time as her orgasm reached it's climax.

He broke the kiss and let her adjust to him before beginning his long slow strokes again. His hands came up to stroke and caress her face and hair. "It's over now," He said to her his voice showing his concern for her,"It's over and there is only pleasure from now on, my love." Enfolding her in his arms he pressed her to him as he began to thrust back and forth in earnest feeling her warmth wrapped around him, the sensation driving him to the point of insanity and trying to give her as much pleasure as he could before he could no longer hold back his own release.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She moaned out again, his words meaning so much to her. She half smiled, until he found her sensitive nub. A gasp came from her lips as her hips jerked involuntaryily into his hand. She felt so many things, it was confusing to her. And yet at the same time desire was heightening too. She felt a little awkward with him touching her most private spot, but she wasn't nieve. She knew he had to inorder to lose her virginity.

She moved her head towards him, her eyes coming slightly open to look at him through the viel of desire. His look was intense, dark. He was concentrating everything on her, pleasing her first. She moaned again, her hands digging into the bedding as he began to stroke her in slow circles. Her hips wouldn't hold still, she kept moving under him.

His fingers moved further down, sliding just barely inside her body. She cried out as her back arched and her thighs spread wider. She felt as if she was melting all over, tingles of pleasure in every pore of her skin. Sweat broke out everywhere, and her breathing was shallow and panting. She was thrashing a little under his ministrations, a wild feeling coming over her with every thrust of his hand.

She grit her teeth a second, shaking all over as her inner walls became wetter. He kept whispering words to her, encouraging her to let go. She did not understand? Let what go? She kept tensing up, the shaking so bad her inner thighs shook with pleasure. She felt as if she was on some kind of drug, Her back arched again, her lips coming open to utter a groan. She came back to the bed, Alcander moving over her at the same time.

She opened her eyes and looked up at him, Her arms reaching for him as she lifted her thighs to cradle his body. Instincts were taking over at this point, she didnt know what she was doing. Only that it felt wonderful. His lips came down to kiss her, she moaned into his mouth, rocking her hips up and down under him.

She could feel his sex at her opening, the heat from the tip sending ripples down her spine. She moaned out his name as their lips parted. He slowly pushed into her, she stilled a second. Her eyes holding his, wide with wonderment. She glanced down, the sucked in a breath of shock and desire. Would he fit inside? She really did not think he would. But as he pulled back and pushed in again, just a little movement. She groaned out, her head falling back on the bed.

Her fingernails dug into his forearms, She started to finally move with him. Lifting and falling a little. Her breath caught in her throat again, "oh god! W-whats happening!" She arched further back, her chin jutting into the air. She couldnt breath, she couldnt get enough either. She kept moving, seeking something.

"Please? Alcander?" She cried out softly, she felt everything tensing up in her body. The pressure building inside her was unbareable. Then it happened, her walls started to rhythmicly pulsate around him, at first just a little, then it grew harder and deeper. She sucked in a breath through her clenched teeth, her thighs tightening on him like a vise. Yet he still could move, with one thrust he was inside her fully.

She cried out, her brows pulled together and her lips parted in a silent cry of pain and pleasure. It hurt for just a second before the intense pleasure came back full force. His lips met hers then he moved back a second. He started to move in her again, his arms wrapping around her, holding her to him. She reached around his neck, her one hand digging into the hair on the back of his head, the other gripping into his shoulder blade.

Her pleasure cries and little mewling sounds kept coming, she couldn't think, she couldnt speak. She just knew she didn't want to stop. She panted gently in his ear, "I.. just a little. .. more. Please love?" She still felt that wild urgency inside her. Almost an animalistic feeling to go and keep going. She didn't quite understand it, but she wanted it.