The Duke of Tremont II - Bloodspell

Chapter 18

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“So this is the powerful mage you are so excited about?” Duke James asked, his voice filled with disdain, as he peered through the small window of Justin’s cell. He had come down to the dungeon where Kipton’s workroom was located. “He looks to be no more than a scrap.”

“Trust me, my lord, this man is no scrap.” Kipton stood beside the duke, staring through the window at the blond man who lay asleep on a cot.

James turned to Kipton. “Again, I feel the need to remind you to think with your brain and not your cock. Any fool can see how you want this boy, but I do not like how he just happened to show up here so soon after our attack on Pennington’s king. Find out who he is by any means possible and do not trust him even for an instant. We are too close to our goals to let your attraction to some young whelp destroy our plans.”

“Yes, my lord,” answered Kipton icily, stinging from the duke’s comment. He was not some idiot who was led around by his cock. And he resented the duke’s inference that he was. He knew of the persecutions that the duke was masterminding across Maynor against fey men and women in order to create more chaos and distrust amongst the citizens. James knew of Kipton’s own preferences and it rankled the mage to think that the only reason he was tolerated because of his powers.

Duke James turned away from the window briskly. “Now tell me more about those new meldlings you have created.”

Kipton knew that the duke, while mildly concerned about the stranger, did not see the slight blond man as any sort of threat. Duke James could be short sighted that way. The beginnings of a plan began to formulate in Kipton’s mind, where the duke’s fault may be worked to his own advantage. He glanced at the prisoner one more time before turning his attention back to the impatient duke. “Yes, come right this way, highness.”

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“How do I look?” Michael spread his arms open wide. He was wearing a ragtag ensemble of armor, courtesy of Blake’s storage room, to compliment his unruly hair and dirty face.

“Like a savage mercenary,” replied Ben.

Michael snorted. “I’m not so sure about that, but you certainly do,” he told his husband, who was similarly decked out. “I probably look like a child playing war compared to you.” Ben wore a tight sleeveless shirt, and Michael was admiring his well muscled arms, which Ben had accentuated by tying leather strips around them.

“That’s not true. You make a very imposing figure.” Ben took Michael into his arms. “I kind of like you all scruffy like this.” He kissed his husband soundly on the lips.

Michael ran a hand over one of Ben’s biceps. “I really like you like this,” he replied a little breathlessly.

“Should we leave you two alone?” Tim teased as he approached the couple.

“No, I think we can control ourselves for now.” Ben smiled. “And look at you. Your Ethan wouldn’t even recognize you.”

Tim smiled, his white teeth shining through the grime on his face. “I think it is a good thing he cannot see me right now. He prefers me to be a bit tidier.”

“Well, then it’s probably best…

“Let’s get going,” Brian interrupted Michael with a grim expression on his face as he strode by, heading to his horse. Blake, Jamie, and Therese were trailing in his wake.

The other three fell into place behind. “Has he said anything to you?” Tim asked the other two.

Michael shook his head. “Just what he told all of us last night: that Justin is alive, but being held captive.”

“You know how closed off he can be emotionally,” Ben added. “Especially when it comes to anything happening to Justin.”

They abruptly ended their conversation when they caught up with the rest of the party. Brian was already mounted and ready to go. Jamie helped his mother up onto Justin’s horse and then hopped up behind her. When they were all ready Blake led them out of the clearing.

“How far to the village we’ll be leaving Jamie and Therese at?” asked Michael into the silence.

“Should only be a few hours, “ replied, Blake, flipping his long, scraggly hair over one shoulder. His disguise was a little more elaborate than the rest, since he would be easily recognized when they got closer to the capitol.

“You really think they’ll believe we’re mercenaries and hire us for their army?”

Blake nodded. “If they’re kidnapping farmers, then they’ll want all the bodies they can get, especially skilled fighters, and I’m sure Duke James has access to al the kingdom’s coffers . Believe me, we will not be the only swords for hire there.”

“And you and Brian can keep your magic hidden?” Tim asked, thinking of how Justin had been literally ripped from them.

“Yes, we can,” Brian answered quietly, his mouth set in a grim line.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Brian, I didn’t mean…”

Brian held up a hand. “It’s all right, Tim. Justin lost his head and forgot to shield himself in the heat of the moment. That’s how Kipton caught him. We were both well trained by the fairies and I won’t make the same mistake. I know Blake will protect himself as well. We won’t be caught.”

Tim nodded solemnly and then spoke again. “Uncle, is Justin truly all right?”

Brian rubbed the back of his neck, realizing that he had been selfish in not keeping the others more informed. “So far he is fine from what I can tell. I’m sorry I have not been more informative but I’ve been pre-occupied with him. As I told you before, I can’t speak with him, but our emotional link is still intact. He is more frightened than hurt.”

“Why can’’ he just use his magic to talk to you, or escape?”

Blake looked to Brian who nodded his assent to answer the question. ”Brian and I believe that Kipton has developed some kind of drug or spell to block Justin’s powers. We can’t be sure, but Brian says if feels like there is some type of barrier there. It’s nothing like I’ve ever encountered before.”

“Yes, whatever Kipton has done, it has not affected the link as my shonauchar. I’m also fairly certain that Kipton does not know this, so I’m counting on having that to use to our advantage, assuming we can get close enough to rescue him with our disguises.”

“Beggin’ your pardons, my lords,” interjected Therese. “I don’t know much about soldierin’ and such, but you do all look very fearsome. I would be believing’ you was swords for hire with no question.”

Brian bowed over his saddle. “Why thank you, lady Therese. That is a true compliment coming from such a fine lady as yourself.’

Therese blushed, obviously flustered to be spoken to as if she was a lady of high station. “Oh, go on, you!” She waved a hand at the handsome man, who obviously was no simple soldier as they had told her they all were. She did not question any of them though. They had saved her Jamie, and sacrificed one of their own to do it. They would forever hold her allegiance no matter who they really were.

She smiled to hear her Jamie let out a long suffering sigh behind her. She knew her son had developed a sweet spot for Brian, and she just hoped that his poor young lover, Henry, could still compete when he and Jamie were reunited again.

Apparently Brian had noticed Jamie’s attention too. He caught Therese’s eye and winked at her with a small smile. She smiled back, rolling her eyes slightly.

Brian turned his attention from Therese and closed his eyes, reaching for Justin through his link. He felt Justin reach back and Brian let all the love and reassurance he could muster flow to his lover. We’re coming, he thought, and even thought he knew Justin couldn’t hear the actual words, he hoped he would get the message.

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“Oh, God, Kelton…yes…right there…” Daphne writhed under her lover as he drove into her again.

“Daphne…so good,” Kelton gasped. He felt her tense under him as she gripped his arms tightly and shuddered through her release. He thrust two more times and buried his face in her hair as his own orgasm overtook him.

Daphne reached up and gently pulled Kelton’s face to her own for a gentle, but passion filled kiss. “I love you, “ she whispered softly to him when their lips parted.

He looked into her chocolate brown eyes. “And I you.” he slowly pulled out of her, rolling onto his back and wrapping her in his arms. “I cannot believe I let you talk me into this. What would people say if they knew I was taking advantage of your virtue this way ?”

Daphne snorted. “Who cares about my virtue? It was very questionable to begin with . I love you and I want you. What else do I need?”

“Most people would say marriage vows would be a very big necessity before we even got to this point,” Kelton chuckled.

“Yes, well, I am not most people,” she retorted as she nuzzled his neck.

“Well, I know I should be well and truly horrified by your wanton behavior.” He moved a hand to cup one of her firm ass cheeks. “But somehow I can’t seem to resist, you harlot.”

Daphne scooted so she was straddling her lover. “A fact I am very grateful for,” she ground against his cock, which was slowly filling again.

“Oh, God, you are insatiable!” Kelton gasped.

“I can’t help it. You are so beautiful,” she replied softly. “I know we have not known each other for long, but I really do love you.”

He brushed an errant curl from her forehead. “I feel the same, Daphne. I have never felt this strongly for anyone before.”

Daphne leaned in for another kiss when suddenly a loud knock came at her door. “Lady Daphne?” called Libby, one of the queen’s young ladies in waiting.

Daphne crawled off of Kelton and scrambled to find a robe. She hurried through her sitting room and opened the door. “Yes?”

“My lady, you must come quickly. It is Prince Tristan. He has taken a turn for the worse, and the other healers want you!”

“Damn!” Daphne swore, much to Libby’s dismay. “All right, I’ll be right there!” She turned to go back into her room to dress.

“My lady, I must go. They wanted me to call for Healer Kelton as well.”

“Save yourself the trip,” Daphne called back over his shoulder. She turned back and called through her bedroom door, “Kelton! Get dressed! Prince Tristan is in trouble.” Daphne disappeared into her room. “Now where did you throw my dress?”

“Oh, here it is behind the chair,” Libby heard Kelton answer Daphne as they both shuffled around the room. “Have you seen my pants?”

“Oh dear,” a bright red Libby covered her mouth and let herself sink slowly into a nearby chair.

 

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